St Albans Life Magazine February 2014

ST ALBANS LIFE

ST ALBANS LIFE ISSUE 89

FEBRUARY 2014

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

WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2014

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LOCAL LIFE | HISTORY | EVENTS | BEAUTY | HOME & GARDEN | PROPERTY

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Welcome to our February issue...

The independent school system in the UK is one of the finest in the world, and you are fortunate to have some of the best schools in the country right on your doorstep. In today’s economic climate, making the right choice for your child’s education is of paramount importance.

Sometimes every parent needs a helping hand in deciding what is best for their children.

For the past seven years Kerry Darlington has steadily built a reputation as a leading British artist. Her work is highly expressive and readily recognisable for the use of raised relief elements, sealed with resin producing a contemporary finish easily mistaken for glass or ceramic tile. Darlington has been at the forefront in the use of the material, and is acknowledged as the inspiration behind other artist’s creations. New works, as well as some outstanding originals, will be arriving shortly at Gallery Rouge. As one of her key representatives in the UK, Gallery Rouge have a longstanding relationship with Kerry Darlington and are proud to be able to showcase her work in both their St Albans and Harpenden galleries.

e of colours ic o h C t a e r G ge of styles Widest ran e tomer ser vic Superb Cus - NO cords Child Safe

Plan the day of your dreams at the UK’s biggest wedding show this spring. With over 250 wedding experts, you are sure to find everything you need to plan your big day at The National Wedding Show.

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

GET THIS EDITION ONLINE

Faye Manning Faye Manning Editor

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

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www.thelifemagazines.com EDITOR Faye Manning EDITOR’S ASSISTANT Katie Miller SUB EDITOR Alex Lux SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Jade Hughes DESIGN & PRODUCTION Toni Perry ACCOUNT MANAGERS Sinead Sheil, Anita Hill SALES James Marshall DIRECTORS Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

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F E AT U R E

McMullen invests £90,000 in The Steamer, Welwyn McMullen, the family brewer based in Hertford, has invested over £90,000 in an extensive refurbishment of The Steamer, a community pub occupying a prominent position on the main road through the village in the south of Old Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

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he Steamer has undergone a full interior and exterior refurbishment, creating a warm and inviting yet professional atmosphere with a food and drink offer that appeals to local residents and visitors alike. Inside, the previously separate restaurant and bar areas have been opened up into one larger space, which has created seating for 30 more people. Central heating has been installed, alongside new flooring, soft furnishings, lighting and seating.

Outside, The Steamer has benefitted from new signage to attract passers-by, while patio areas have been opened up to create attractive outside dining sections. The Steamer now has an emphasis on quality ales and wines and simple traditional pub food. The new food offering consists of a breakfast menu, daytime meals with key pub favourites followed by authentic Indian cuisine served every evening The Steamer also welcomes Dan Tubbs, who has previously managed pubs for JD Wetherspoon for nine years, as its new landlord. Dan

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comments: “I’m really enjoying running my own pub, particularly one that has the potential to become a true cornerstone of the community.

The Steamer has been given a new lease of life thanks to its extensive refurbishments, and the feedback we’ve received from customers to date has been incredibly positive.”

Gavin Mansfield, Tenant Operations Manager at McMullen, comments: “The Steamer needed considerable renovations to give it the welcoming and comfortable feel that we wanted, and is already proving well worth the investment. Dan is a great landlord, very professional, and exactly the type of person we like to partner with at McMullen. We are always looking for talented and driven entrepreneurs, though not necessarily experienced operators, who would enjoy the rewarding challenge of running their own pub.”

The Steamer, 22 London Road, Welwyn, Herts, AL6 9DL Telephone: 01438 715933 www.thesteamerwelwyn.co.uk

A whole new look

It’s now even easier to bring a whole new look to your home with ideas and inspiration at Homebase Following an extensive 10 week refit, your local Homebase at the Apsley Mills Retail Park, Hemel Hempstead has a whole new look and is brimming with ideas, inspiration and exclusive brands to help transform your home. From the moment you walk in the differences are visible, from the brand new Decorating Ideas & Advice Centre to the Mini Habitat with its innovative products and iconic designs, the newly styled Homebase store has everything you need to bring your ideas to life.

The Decorating Ideas & Advice Centre offers customers somewhere to browse the latest home magazines and has a range of Create-the-Look tools for you to create personalised mood boards using real paint swatches and samples.

A new interactive design tool also allows you to upload images of your own home and see how your new colour scheme could look. You can change everything from paint and wallpaper, to the floor and even the accessories.

The new showrooms on the upper floors have an array of kitchens, from the timeless elegance of Schreiber to the modern clean lines of Odina, along with gorgeous bathrooms and stylish furniture for your living or dining rooms.

Fitted bedrooms from Schreiber are now in store and offer a wide range of clever storage options for your bedroom, with accessories for everything from built-in shoe or trouser racks to a dedicated tie-rail.

Plus there’s a new bespoke carpet range, with over 1,000 styles to choose from.

From mid January a fresh new look garden centre will open with plant zones to help you find the right plants for your garden, based on a combination of growing habit, scent, sunshine and soil.

“A new interactive design tool allows you to upload images of your own home and see how your new colour scheme could look”.

And there has also been investment in and training for the store team so they’ll always be on hand to help you. From garden advice to City & Guilds certified interior design consultations; whether you are making a little tweak to a really big change.

Visit your new look Homebase today and bring your ideas to life Homebase Hemel Hempstead Apsley Mills Retail Park, London Road, HP3 9QN homebase.co.uk/hemelhempstead

WIN a £500 decorating makeover Homebase are pleased to offer readers the chance to win a decorating makeover worth £500. For your chance to win please answer the following question correctly: What is the colour of the sign above the Decorating Ideas & Advice Centre in the new look Hemel Hempstead store?

A) Orange

B) Pink

C) Purple

Enter in store at your new look Hemel Hempstead Homebase only by midday on Friday 31st January 2014. Alternatively, you can post your answer and full contact details to the store address given above, addressed to “FAO: £500 Makeover Competition” to arrive before the deadline. Full terms and conditions apply, please ask in store for details.

F E AT U R E

Garden Re-Leaf Day Coming to garden centres UK-wide on Friday 14th March 2014

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eel like getting back into the gardening groove after the winter months? Garden centres across the UK will have lots to tempt you on Friday 14th March 2014 and across the weekend, when hundreds of special events will be on offer to help get the nation gardening again, whilst raising money for an inspirational charity that creates gardens in children’s hospices. The events are part of Garden Re-Leaf Day – the annual, national gardening industry initiative that brings garden centres, suppliers and gardeners together in a fun, fund-raising weekend.

All proceeds will go to Greenfingers, Garden Re-Leaf Day’s nominated charity for 2014. Greenfingers are currently running a major appeal – the ‘Rosy Cheeks’ appeal – which aims to raise £750,000 over two years to fund the creation of at least ten more, beautiful children’s hospice gardens; giving children and families who use the hospices a chance to spend precious time together in a natural environment, away from the bedside.

From celebrity gardener talks, quizzes and treasure hunts to competitions, planting lessons and sponsored challenges, Garden Re-Leaf Day promises plenty to get involved in. Highlights include a star-studded, once-ina-lifetime Garden Re-Leaf Day Gardening Quiz event that will be run by dozens of garden centres across the country.

Featuring questions specially pre-recorded by celebrities including Hollywood star Jude Law, Dr Who actor David Tennant, Skyfall actress Naomie Harris, EastEnders stars Danny Dyer and Patsy Palmer, and impressionist Alistair McGowan, the proceeds of quiz ticket sales will go towards the cause.

Expert ITV gardener David Domoney and BBC science presenter and botanist James Wong will be making personal appearances at garden centres as part of the Garden Re-Leaf Day weekend. QVC viewers can also tune in to gardening guru Richard Jackson’s popular gardening product shows on 15th and 16th March, to help raise money for the charity with every item sold.

Many garden product and plant brands are also offering special offers and promotions at garden centres nationwide to help raise further funds – look out for the special Garden Re-Leaf Day packs and displays in-store.

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Greenfingers is a small, nationwide charity dedicated to building gardens in children’s hospices around the UK. It has created 42 magical hospice gardens since its inception and has more children’s hospices who need its help. Since the first Garden Re-Leaf Day in March 2012, the volunteer-organised event has raised more than £116,000 for Greenfingers; enabling several life-enhancing hospice gardens to be created.

Gardening broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh was one of the first to support Garden Re-Leaf Day before its launch in 2012. “You’ve heard of Comic Relief and Sports Relief... now the garden industry has its own version, Garden Re-Leaf,” he said. “It could become the biggest event in the gardening calendar.”

Organisations such as The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) and The Garden Centre Association (GCA) are also active supporters of the day. “Whether you’re a gardening novice or an expert, young or old, there’ll be something for you to enjoy on Garden Re-Leaf Day 2014,” confirmed Garden Re-Leaf Day’s founder and garden centre manager Boyd Douglas-Davies. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to get fresh gardening inspiration this spring, and a chance to help a really worthwhile cause along the way!”

Find out more Wherever you live, there should be a Garden Re-Leaf event near you.

For details visit www.gardenreleaf.co.uk, follow @GardenReLeaf on Twitter, or find it on Facebook and Pinterest Garden retailers, allotment societies and gardening associations interested in running the Garden Re-Leaf Day Celebrity Gardening Quiz can order an organiser’s pack (£100) from 0118 930 8918 or email pat@gca.org.uk To register an event for Garden Re-Leaf Day visit www.gardenreleaf.co.uk To find out more about Greenfingers visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

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LO CA L H I S TO RY

A HISTORY OF

HANBURY MANOR

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he beautiful historic Hanbury Manor became part of the Marriott group in March 1996 known today as Hanbury Manor, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club. Its story dates back to the 1800 where the Hanbury name occupied the house for 113 years where Sampson and Agatha Hanbury came to live at Poles in 1800. In 1847, the Poles estate was passed onto their nephew, Robert Hanbury who further extended the house and gardens. Being a keen horticulturalist, he employed over twenty gardeners and built the Walled Garden where the greenhouses became famous for their orchards.

The Poles estate passed to his grandson Edmund and Amy Hanbury.

In 1889, the old house was pulled down and construction began for the new Poles, which was completed in 1892 designed by Ernest George the celebrated architect who was joined

by Harold Peto, son of Sir Morton Peto, the great railway builder.

classrooms, dormitories and a gymnasium was made around the courtyard. A large chapel was erected next to Henry King’s stable block.

After sixty three years, Poles convent closed in July 1986.

It was then announced that the new owners had gained planning permission for a hotel and work began in 1988 converting the house of 1890 and the 1930 school block into a hotel.

New furniture, wallpapers, carpets and curtains were all put in place. Artist Tony Raymond painted the beautiful cerulean ceiling in the cocktail bar and among all the improvements Amy Hanbury’s bedroom, dressing room and bathroom remained almost unchanged. Marble. The chapel, now deconsecrated was converted into the Poles Hall banqueting room.

In 1913 the estate was sold to the King family and with his keen interest in horse racing he immediately went to work on building stables for his race horses. At this time King also had a private 9 hole golf course laid out in the park under the direction of well known golfer Harry Vardon.

Architect Nicklaus II re-designed the 18-hole golf course alongside Harry Vardons original 9 hole design. As the building had a grade 2 listing, work was carried out in close conjunction with the English heritage. Hanbury Manor has recently had a refresh with newly decorated banqueting suites and dining areas with vibrant carpets and fresh wallpaper along with elegant furniture, the hotel will continue to offer its heritage in a contemporary yet traditional fashion.

In 1923 it was sold to the Faithful companions of Jesus who turned it into a convert school that initially had six students and by 1928 it gained up to fifty students and a new block was added for the expanding school. In this time the hockey field was made into four tennis courts,

Hanbury Manor A Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD. Telephone: 01920 487 722 www.MarriottHanburyManor.co.uk

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EV E N TS

NICHOLAS BAGSHAWE PORTRAIT OF GENERAL SIR THOMAS BOWSER 1749-1833 BY THOMAS HICKEY

PETER BUNTING VENETIAN WOOD CARVING OF AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND C 18C, £2650

The Chelsea Antiques

SPRING FAIR WEDNESDAY, 19th TO SUNDAY, 23rd MARCH 2014. CHELSEA OLD TOWN HALL, KING’S ROAD, CHELSEA SW3

After last year’s successful re-launch, The Chelsea Antiques Fair will return to the Chelsea Old Town Hall twice in 2014.

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ne of the highlights in every antiques lover’s diary, the Fair, which was established in 1950, prides itself on its boutique style set up with a great variety of traditional art & antiques and a time line up to mid 20th Century.

Around 35 specialist dealers have been chosen for their expertise in each field and will bring exquisite highlights to the Fair, as well as objects with more affordable price tags from £100. The friendly Fair is known as the perfect place to chat to dealers and learn more about their specialities and collecting art and antiques in general.

Works of Art dealers, specialising in glass, ceramics, silver and textiles.

There will also be a more active angle to the fair, with some live demonstrations of carpet restoration on the Pars Rug Gallery stand and talks by antiques and art specialists and interior experts.

This year’s Fair will again support the Hearing Dogs charity, with a percentage of sales from selected objects going directly to the charity.

The Autumn Chelsea Antiques Fair will take place from 17-21 September, 2014.

PARS RUGS ANT IQUE PERSIAN HERIZ CARPET, £7000 L MADE IN 1881 MONTEITH BOW PAUL BENNETT ER £8750 WINKLE AND SLAT IN LONDON BY ALD

This year’s Fair promises some great discoveries for collectors, investors and anyone decorating their home. Generalists like Mark Stacey, known for his appearances on BBC Antiques programmes, will exhibit next to British paintings specialists, jewellery dealers, oak furniture experts and 1 2 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

Venue: Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, London SW3 5EE

Open: Wednesday 2-8pm, Thursday 11am – 8pm, Friday - Sunday 11am-5.30pm Admission: £5, but E-Tickets & details on: www.penman-fairs.co.uk T: 01825 744074

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F E AT U R E

Over 200 years since its colours and decoration disappeared from view, English Heritage has restored the library at Kenwood House in London to its original glory.

One of the great rooms of 18th-century Britain can now be enjoyed as its famous Scottish architect Robert Adam intended. As well as the library, the Caring for Kenwood programme sees three other Robert Adam-designed rooms restored to their original glory, the redecoration of four rooms in the 18th century style, and the repair of the house’s slate roof to protect not only the interiors but the internationally important collection of paintings by among others, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner and Gainsborough.

As part of the Caring for Kenwood project, Kenwood House closed to the public at the end of March 2012. The house has not only been restored and repaired – it feels more like a home. English Heritage has dispensed with the usual paraphernalia of ticket desks and rope barriers, replacing these institutional trappings with an open fire, warm rugs and leather sofas on which guests can relax, enjoy the paintings and discover the many stories of family life in Kenwood.

This national treasure in more than 70 acres of sweeping parkland was restored by English Heritage for £6 million, including £4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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Curators traced missing furniture and used old bills and drawings to have other pieces copied. New paint colours were hand-mixed to match the originals. Joiners, gilders and other craftspeople worked round the clock to finish on time.

Where two years ago there were striplights, fitted carpet, and an echoing entrance hall with a desk and ropes, now there are hand-made carpets on old pine boards, a roaring fire, chandeliers, and sofas and chairs where you are encouraged to sit, to gaze perhaps at a landscape designed by Humphry Repton in the late 18th century for the second Lord Mansfield.

This stunning Georgian villa, houses one of the finest private collections of Old Master paintings amassed, including works by Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Vermeer, Reynolds and Turner — built up by brewing magnate Edward Guinness, Lord Iveagh, who bought the empty house after a contents sale in 1925 to hold his collection, but died before it was installed and bequeathed it all to the nation.

As English Heritage’s Head of Properties, Jeremy Ashbee, says: “The Iveagh Bequest said we were to create a generic feel of an 18thcentury gentleman’s home, so that is what we have done.”

When you enter the house, the fire in the big hall is immediately welcoming, as is a new

Kenwood House Restored hand-knotted rug. Delicate plasterwork has been repainted in the original blue and white century in style, but fresh and springy. In Mansfield’s day, the hall doubled as a dining room, with tables carried in and out as required.

You then pass the newly blue staircase, lit by a specially made lantern in the spirit of an Adam lantern at Osterley, into the Library anteroom. Either side of the door, in niches, stand Flora and a Muse. The original statues, bought in 1771, were lost, so these two beauties have been cast from sculptures owned by the Duke of Northumberland, at Syon. Nearby are two seats with leather tops, carved for Robert Adam by Sefferin Nelson in 1773. Sold in the 1922 contents sale, they were spotted by a dealer who had seen them in a Country Life photo from 1913. Now, incredibly, they have returned home.

Like a sleeping beauty coming to life again, Kenwood has many more such stories to share.

For more information on Kenwood House, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

F E AT U R E

Get Involved at Kenwood Volunteers are an essential part of the team at Kenwood. English Heritage is always looking for enthusiastic, reliable people who are interested in helping all our visitors enjoy Kenwood. You don’t need to have any particular experience or qualifications to volunteer.

There are many different opportunities - whoever you are and whatever you do there will be a role that is right for you.

Volunteers will receive full training, access to facilities at the restored Kenwood dairy and opportunities to develop skills which can help in all aspects of your life. There will also be interesting workshops and social events throughout the year.

Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk/volunteering or email our volunteer.enquiries@english-heritage.org.uk if you have any other questions.

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LO CA L A RTS

Kerry Darlington TREE OF LIFE - GOLD £895

Announcing the new collection of works from the UK’s original 3D resin artist

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or the past seven years Kerry Darlington has steadily built a reputation as a leading British artist. Her work is highly expressive and readily recognisable for the use of raised relief elements, sealed with resin producing a contemporary finish easily mistaken for glass or ceramic tile. Darlington has been at the forefront in the use of the material, and is acknowledged as the inspiration behind other artist’s creations.

Darlington first shot to attention with her symbolic ‘Tree of Life’ series, which became an instant success. A hugely creative and diverse individual, her worked developed to include stunning abstracts, playful animals alongside detailed portraiture work. In recognition of her growth and success, Darlington was awarded ‘Artist of the Year 2012’ by the Fine Art Trade Guild.

Such is her breadth, many find it inconceivable to imagine that this shy and reserved woman from North Wales could be responsible for so many wonderful styles. Often mimicked but never bettered, Kerry’s abundant talent appears to have no bounds.

Through her latest collection of desirable Unique Editions Kerry

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has brought to life some of her most favourite depictions, as well as exploring deeper into her newer figurative approach. Commenting on this transition, Kerry says “My figurative painting is a combination of pattern, nature, the colour of energy and an ephemeral, nostalgic subject matter. I cannot offer a more detailed explanation for these paintings, they have a title and they have a ‘feeling’. The feeling I give to the painting and that which the painting gives back to me as I paint it, can be its’ only explanation” These new works, as well as some outstanding originals, will be arriving shortly at Gallery Rouge. As one of her key representatives in the UK, Gallery Rouge have a longstanding relationship with Kerry Darlington and are proud to be able to showcase her work in both their St Albans and Harpenden galleries.

Works from Kerry typically sell out very quickly, so be sure not to miss out! Contact Gallery Rouge on 01727 860401 to reserves your piece now. The full collection can be viewed on their website at www.galleryrouge.co.uk.

LO CA L A RTS

THE FALL £895

For the Tree of Life Collection, I wanted to create a sophisticated theme and so I decided to explore the idea of precious metals. The Tree of Life design is based on the piece by Gustav Klimt - The trees feel solid, powerful and strong and are full of noise and bright creatures.

I love to draw inspiration from books, legends and myths, so have introduced ‘Undine’ to my figurative collection. She is a water nymph, a subject often painted in the Pre-Raphaelite years. This Unique Edition is heavily embellished with sea-jewels and linear sections to accentuate the movement and power of the water.

KOHALA £750

I have also re-visited Peter Pan with a little study of Wendy, and a new project with the lesser known book ‘Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens’. This book is the story by Barrie in which he first introduces little Peter, who has flown away from his mother to live with the fairies and birds in Kensington Gardens. It has been a challenge to paint as not many know of this story but the book is so beautiful and I think everybody identifies with ‘the boy who would never grow up’.

UNDINE £1350 PEACOCK FEATHERS £795 WENDY £595

27 Chequer St, St Albans, AL1 3YJ 01727 860401 stalbans@galleryrouge.co.uk

78 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP 01582 760332 harpenden@galleryrouge.co.uk F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4 1 9

EV E N TS

THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW Spring 2014 Ticket Offer

21st -23rd FEBRUARY 2014, OLYMPIA LONDON

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ake a front row seat at the unmissable Catwalk Show, which presents the latest bridal trends and wedding themes from the hottest designers, boutiques and high street brands. A colourful array of bridesmaid dresses, groomswear, flower girl, page boy and mother of the bride outfits, make the Catwalk Show an unforgettable experience for the entire wedding party. The National Wedding Show features the largest collection of wedding dresses under one roof, browse over 1,000 styles and try on dream dresses in the Boutique and Designer Areas, in spacious changing rooms with no appointments neccessary. There is something to suit every style, shape and budget.

Make the most of the show’s exciting live features, where a host of industry experts share their top tips on hair, beauty and styling, as well as practical advice to make your big day perfect in every way.

Whether you are looking for a theme for your wedding flowers or a breathtaking centrepiece, the Designer Flower Market brings together the best in designer floristry. Discover a rainbow of colours and beautiful blooms, together with expert advice and demonstrations from a host of top florists.

Meet experts from the nation’s favourite high street brands including John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, Slaters, Virgin, Sandals, Thomas Cook, and Moss Bros, who will all be on hand to help with everything from gift lists and suit hire to planning a destination wedding and booking a honeymoon hideaway.

Round off an exciting day in the Afternoon Tea Room in the Vintage Area, where you can treat yourself and your bridal party to tea and cake, or The Champagne Bar, where with a glass of bubbly in hand, you can relax and raise a toast to your future happiness.

Or you could enjoy the A-list treatment by bagging yourself VIP tickets.

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Plan the day of your dreams at the UK’s biggest wedding show this spring. With over 250 wedding experts, you are sure to find everything you need to plan your big day at The National Wedding Show.

This luxury experience includes fast track entrance, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, unlimited access to the stylish VIP Lounge, a complimentary glass of bubbly and an exclusive box full of luxe beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day.

Life Magazines have teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer FIVE lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend 2014’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free!

To be in with a chance, email your answer to the following question to nationalweddingshow@oceanmedia.co.uk quoting LIFE MAGAZINES COMPETITION with your name and address.

How many wedding experts will be at The National Wedding Show? a)Over 150 b)Over 250 c)Over 350 If you are picked you will receive a FREE pair of tickets.

Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner.

Special Offer Don’t worry, if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save £2.50 off the door price*.

To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 8740 486. Bring a group of four or more and take advantage on our fantastic group savings. *Advance ticket prices revert to the on the door price of £18.50 at midnight the day before opening

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F E AT U R E

Victoria Beckham’s first designer store in Mayfair Opening Autumn 2014

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he already boasts an e-boutique and sells in luxury stores all over the world but it seems that’s not enough for Victoria Beckham. The designer has announced that she is to launch her first standalone store, which will open in London’s Dover Street, just a short walk from Old Bond Street, in the autumn.

The store will be situated at number 36 which is currently occupied by sporting store Orvis. This places Victoria at the heart of the capital’s fashion district.

Along with her main collection, the new boutique will also house sister range Victoria Victoria Beckham, as well as accessories and denim.

Her designs have proved popular with the likes of Beyonce and Gwyneth Paltrow. Up until now, Victoria’s chic clothing line and handbags have only been available online, in fashion outlets and department stores, but now her fans will only have to take a trip to Dover Street in order to browse her latest collections.

This latest move in her fashion career comes as no surprise, as the 39-year-old star has made no secret of her desire to set up shop.

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“I think the time is now because I know my customer,” Victoria Beckham says. “It will be the first time that the people will really be able to see the brand through my eyes. It’s young and cool. There are great galleries in the area. There’s Dover Street Market directly opposite of us, which is not a bad thing.”

Spanning 7,000 sq ft over three floors, the superstar has enlisted architect Farshid Moussavi, who worked on the 2012 London Olympic Park, to renovate the building.

Plans include drilling a hole through the middle of the building to link the boutique’s three floors and creating a conceptual interior.

Moussavi is a woman who loves fashion as well,” Beckham said “She has quite a conceptual eye, which I like. We want to make something different without making it overly complicated. I just want it to feel real for me.”

Beckham has also revealed that Britain is her strongest market, followed by America - where she is set to open an office, in New York this month. www.victoriabeckham.com

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F E AT U R E

David Beckham buys £600,000 Damien Hirst painting… for his daughter’s new bedroom She may be just two years old but celebrity tot Harper Beckham is already on her way to developing a refined eye for art and fashion.

M

overs were spotted carrying a Damien Hirst painting into the Beckham’s new mansion in Kensington, London.

The seven foot painting of a pink heart embellished with butterflies is aptly titled “Daddy’s Girl” and is valued at £600,000., dwarfing a similar artwork commissioned by them for daughter Harper’s first birthday in July 2012.

Hirst, who recently painted a minimal Mickey Mouse for charity, is a friend of David Beckham and the Beckham residence is home to many of his works.

A source was quoted as saying, “The removal firm was extra careful with the Damien Hirst. It was packaged up and no-one wanted to drop it and put a hole in such a valuable work of art.”

This isn’t the first time that the Beckhams have splashed out for their only daughter. Harper’s legendary wardrobe includes outfits and accessories by top designers including Marc Jacobs, Chloé, Burberry and Stella McCartney.

The couple, who are estimated to earn around £100,000 a day, paid £31.5million for the Grade II-listed property – and did not need a mortgage. The purchase went through in September, but was officially recorded only last month.

2 4 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 4

Apparently, their new home has seven bathrooms for its eight bedrooms and more than 9,000 sq ft of floor space, not including a 100ft Oriental garden. Interior designer Kelly Hoppen is believed to have been drafted in to help with plans to completely revamp the property.

The couple will sleep in a huge master bedroom, there are three guest rooms, and the kitchen will be fitted to restaurant standards. As well as a large walk-in wardrobe/dressing room, Mrs Beckham, 39, will have a personalised manicure and hairdressing room which will have four nail bars, hairdressing chairs and mirrors surrounded with bulbs.

There will be a playroom for the couple’s children – Brooklyn, 14, Romeo, 11, and Cruz, eight, and daughter Harper, now two – who will each have their own bedroom.

Beckham, 38, has a personal ‘snug’ in the roof of the house which will be equipped with a bar and a pool table.

The couple have a range of business ventures that have allowed them to buy their new home without the need for a loan. His company, Footwork Productions, showed a profit for 2012 of £14.7million, up from £13.4million. Beckham Ventures, which handles Victoria’s fashion business, posted a profit of £2million.

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EDUCATION LIFE T H E

Q U A L I T Y

E D U C AT I O N

S U P P L E M E N T

F E B R U A R Y

2 0 1 4

Welcome...

The independent school system in the UK is one of the finest in the world and you are fortunate to have some of the best schools in the country right on your doorstep. In today’s economic climate, making the right choice for your child’s education is of paramount importance.

Sometimes every parent needs a helping hand in deciding what is best for their children.

Our Education Life series is an invaluable resource for any parent considering private education.

Many schools will be holding open days during the course of 2014.

Encourage your children to come with you and get their feedback after each visit. Take a notebook with you and write down the positive or negative things your child discovers from each school. This will be a useful tool when you are comparing notes! It also provides an insight into the way a child sees a prospective future school.

This month sees the first of our three part Education Life Guides which next appear in the April & September 2014 issues.

If you would like your school to appear in our stunning guides, please email Corinne Sugar on Corinne@fishmediagroup.co.uk.

THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN HERTFORDSHIRE & LONDON

E DUCAT I O N

An educated choice T

here are 2,500+ independent schools in the uK off ering a wealth of facilities and high teaching standards that enable students achieve great results year after year. independent schools are in the unique position to provide a truly bespoke education for your child. Choosing the right school is an important decision that takes time and research, with each school specialising in different age groups and needs.

Pre-Preparatory Schools (Ages 2 Years - 7 Years) Preparatory Schools (Ages 7 Years -11+ Or 13 Years) Senior Schools (Ages 11 Years -18 Years) Special Educational Needs Boarding Schools Visiting The Independent Schools Of Your Choice Most private schools have open days but do ask to make an appointment to visit on a normal working day.

Amongst the important things you should look out for are...

The children How do they behave and interact with one another, with their teachers, and with you?

2 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

The head How does the head deal with your questions? Does he or she show an interest in your child?

P astoral care Do the arrangements for looking after your child’s health and welfare satisfy you?

D iscipline Is discipline stricter or more relaxed than you would expect?

C urriculum Is it broad and balanced? Will your child have an adequate range of options?

E xtra activities Does the school off er an extra-curricular activities programme that will stimulate your child’s interest?

E xam results Although academic success is important, don’t be tempted to go just for schools high in the “league tables”.

Education isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair and thankfully independent schools come in all shapes and sizes.

The independent sector gives parents the opportunity to choose a school that is right for their child. Whether it is the breadth and flexibility of the curriculum that appeals or perhaps the extra curricular activities, you can be assured that your child will receive a well rounded education helping them to achieve their full potential.

A community coming together

E DUCAT I O N

One of the remarkable things about a good school is the way in which it can engender tremendous community spirit. Such spirit was really evident at Aldenham in their response to the tragic events of the Philippines Typhoon in November.

The result was a 24 hour Music ‘Play In’ organised at short notice during which pupils, parents, staff, former pupils and friends of the school were able to offer a continual programme of performance all day and all night.

Every pupil in the Senior School and in the Prep School, plus 40 pupils from their sister school, St Hilda’s Bushey were able to take part.

There were operatic performances, rock bands, nursery school choirs and many talented soloists. They also took the opportunity to mark the 100th birthday of Benjamin Britten with performances of three of his choral works at midnight.

The culmination was an extremely powerful service in the School Chapel where the 560 students in the Senior School sang ‘Amazing Grace’ and prayed for the people from The Philippines. Audiences and all those connected with the event responded in a most generous way with over £13,500 being raised for the DEC Typhoon Hayan appeal.

All those involved will remember this as a very special event indeed – a really appropriate response to tragic events.

125 x 185 Life Magazines1:Layout 1 30/01/2014 14:00 Page 1

Headmaster will speak at 10.15am and 11.15am Head of Prep School speaks at 11.00am Last tour in the Senior School is 12.00 noon

Open Morning

Saturday 14 June 2014 10.00am-12.30pm

Outstanding Boarding / Day options for boys & girls within the M25 An excellent all round education Aldenham School, Elstree, Herts WD6 3AJ Tel: 01923 858122 www.aldenham.com

E DUCAT I O N

The role of the Head Teacher

I

BY SIMON EVERSON, HEAD MASTER OF MERCHANT TAYLORS’ SCHOOL

am now six months into my second headship. It seems a good point to pause and reflect on the experiences of being a Head. As a group, we Heads suffer more than most from a misleading popular perception of our role. Despite being almost 100 years out of date, for many the image that most closely describes a Head Teacher is taken from the Bash Street Kids stories in the Beano. They summon up a picture of an antique, rake-thin, remote and tweedy old man, clad in a black academic gown.

This perception is unfair to Heads – but what are we really like? What should parents and pupils understand of this important figure in their child’s education? We should start by debunking a few myths.

The most common myth of headship is that it is a lonely job. The perception is of crushing solitude, of an isolated person who – whilst brooding at an Olympian height – bears the weight of the whole school upon his or her shoulders: just this morning I opened the Times Educational Supplement to see that the lead article bore the headline ‘The Loneliness of Leadership.’ The image beside the headline was a marble statue holding his face in his hands with a rather mischievous pigeon perched on his head. After more than eight years of headship I beg to differ. Yes, the final decision lies with the Head but each of us is surrounded by teams and innumerable supportive groups of colleagues.

We share the discussion, collectively develop the vision and rarely act without agreement and mutual support. More widely, every Head is linked to other Head Teachers through professional bodies and circles of friendship. If all that fails, buy a dog. Ask most Head Teachers whether they are afflicted by loneliness and they will reply that they would cheerfully welcome a bit of solitude to get some thinking done.

The second myth is that the role is stressful. Setting aside the fact that not all stress is bad and that it is a balance of stresses that keeps cathedral walls standing for innumerable centuries, in fact the role is not stressful in the true sense of the word. It is pressured, often hectic, busy and (in modern parlance) full on – but not stressful. Stress arises from feeling of lack of control. Stress arises from uncertainty. Heads suffer from many things but they benefit from being the one in charge. Arguably, Deputy Heads - with significant responsibility but no full ownership of the direction of the school - are more prone to stress.

The third common misperception is that headship is primarily about administration and paperwork. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that, particularly in state schools, the compliance culture requires that paperwork be undertaken and that records be in order. However, this is ‘grunt work’ and will largely be completed by support staff, overseen by 4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

a Deputy. Rather than a paper shuffling role, headship is almost entirely focused on people, whether it is supporting a Rugby XV on the touchline or taking lunch with pupils new to the school. As a Head, your attention will be almost exclusively given to the needs of your pupils and working with colleagues (both teaching and support staff). The few minutes of any day not given to encouraging, collaborating with, inspiring, admonishing, cajoling and acknowledging those two key groups will be spent working with others. Heads also work closely with governors, parents, the press, people of local significance, former pupils and innumerable others. The primary tools of headship are communication and persuasion, whether delivered one-to-one or to a larger group.

Our final myth is that each Head is, at least on some level, a Machiavellian mastermind. Much as some of us might enjoy it if we were, this description does not stick either. In fact, schools are now so complex that it would be almost impossible to mastermind all activities people and processes involved. Again, the opposite of that myth is true. It is vital for every Head to be as open and transparent as possible. No Head wants to be in possession of information about a pupil unknown to that the child’s parents. Teachers look to Heads for inspiration – but they are highly intelligent and do not take kindly to the feeling of being manipulated.

Head Teachers have to be moral leaders as well as professional leaders. An essential part of this is to prove beyond doubt to others that we are not in it for ourselves, but have a wider perspective and a clear moral compass.

So what is true about the role? The reality is both simpler and more fulfilling than any of these myths. The busyness of the role is a given.

Besides that, a key ingredient of the role is variety. Headship will involve you in all aspects of the life of a school and the experiences of those who work and learn there. The only certainty is surprise; it is not uncommon to go from a financial strategy meeting to one offering comfort to a distressed pupil or colleague. The working day of the Head is also full of humour. Not a day goes by without laughter and celebration of achievement. It is inherently joyful to work with children – never boring, always surprising and often humbling.

After eight years, I can honestly say that I am still learning. I doubt I will ever reach the point where the day ahead is fully mapped and without surprises. And that’s why I enjoy the role so much!

Simon Everson was Head of the Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells for eight years before becoming Head of Merchant Taylors’, Northwoood in September 2013.

MTS

Merchant Taylors’ School Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561 1561

Open Morning

May 10th 2014 10.00 - 12.30

Why not choose the best for your son?

• A traditional boys’ education for your son at a ‘Top Ten’ boys’ school • ‘Outstanding’ - 2008 School Inspection • Inspirational teaching • Unique tutorial system • Civilized, friendly & unpressured • Small class sizes • Magnificent sports fields • Superb facilities set in 250 acres

• 2014 Registration: 16+ December 31 2013 • 2015 Registration: 13+ June 30 2014 11+ November 30 2014 • Bursaries • Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships

Getting here • Car • Coaches • Transit

MTS is 15 minutes from the M1, the M25 and the A40 Beaconsfield, Ealing, Harpenden, Harrow, Highgate, Mill Hill, Radlett, Stanmore MTS is adjacent to Moor Park (Metropolitan Line) Chiltern line trains change at Rickmansworth From Marylebone: Chiltern Line trains change at Harrow Travelling time from WC1/W1 is 40 minutes

Guided tours (last tour 11.30) The Head Master speaks at 11.15 and 12.15

www.mtsn.org.uk

Please contact Gregg McCann, Admissions Officer admissions@mtsn.org.uk +44(0)1923 845514 Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT

Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561.

For boys 11 - 18

E DUCAT I O N

It has been a busy and exciting 18 months at Edge Grove since the arrival of the new Headmaster, Ben Evans.

H

e is committed to the pursuit of excellence at Edge Grove and this is particularly evident by his implementation of the Independent Curriculum. It is a fresh approach designed specifically for Prep schools, with academic rigour at its heart, enhanced by creativity in every discipline. Through active learning it develops problem-solving skills and prepares pupils naturally for the 11+ and 13+ exams. Ben Evans strongly believes that a broad curriculum, inspirational teaching, the highest expectations and superb pastoral support combine to ensure outstanding academic achievement and develop a love of learning that equips pupils for life.

To underpin this new curriculum, Edge Grove has introduced numerous innovative resources and facilities to further enhance its pupils’ educational experience. In addition to interactive whiteboards in all the classrooms and a dedicated cross-curricular computer suite, iPads have been introduced in the Pre-Prep and Lowers School this academic year. The Art centre now incorporates dedicated facilities for Textiles technology, and the Music school has been enlarged and fitted with iMac technology for musical composition

in the Upper School. Home Economics has been included in pupils’ weekly curriculum and is taught in a state of the art purpose-built facility, equipping them with essential life skills as well as developing their independent thinking and cross-curricular skills in subjects such as maths and science.

Taking full advantage of Edge Grove’s setting amid 28 acres of beautiful parkland, creating an outdoor learning environment has been another focus under Ben Evans’ leadership. All pupils enjoy playing in a new adventure playground and Nursery pupils’ education has been enriched by the Forest School curriculum. A weeping willow arbour has been constructed along with other outdoor child-friendly areas.

As the Good Schools Guide recently observed, “…it is a world apart from many of its concrete clad urban rivals.”

To find out more about Edge Grove, meet Ben Evans and tour the school, visit www.edgegrove.com

Edge Grove is a leading independent day and boarding preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3 -13, set in 28 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.

• Excellent academic performance with many pupils gaining places at Habs, Merchant Taylors’, North London Collegiate, Harrow and Haileybury • First-class facilities including a new purpose-built Home Economics building, fully-equipped Textiles room and adventure playground • Full, weekly or flexi boarding available from age 7 • After-school Activities Programme every day until 6pm

‘School in Action’ Open Morning Friday 14th March 2014, 10am - 12pm No pre-booking necessary Edge Grove, Aldenham Village, Hertfordshire WD25 8NL 01923 855724 admissions@edgegrove.com www.edgegrove.com

E DUCAT I O N

The power of praise and encouragement

L

ochinver is a purposefully warm and caring school which believes in the power of praise and encouragement. Set in 8.5 acres, comprising playing fields, an all-weather pitch, Sports Hall and specialist Theatre, it offers a full and rounded education, encompassing challenge and opportunity. A newly built extension to the ICT and Design Technology suites is currently being completed.

The ability profile of the school is above the national average and, following an ISI Inspection in February 2013, all areas of the school were judged as ‘Excellent’. The School’s aims are to provide the pupils with the tools to succeed and persevere, with particular emphasis on spiritual, moral, social and cultural development - the curriculum is stimulating and of a high quality which effectively covers all the requisite areas of learning. The school values its pupils’ achievement of excellence in a

broad range of skills. The quality of music and sport is particularly strong and boys gain Scholarships to their chosen senior Schools in these specialised subjects, alongside Academic scholarships.

Beyond the classroom, boys improve their spoken French on a residential visit to Burgundy, enjoy outdoor adventure trips and sail on the Isle of Wight. The biennial Rugby Tour to South Africa is always a favourite. A comprehensive after school Activities programme including cookery, swimming, play writing, golf, photography and much more, encourages boys to widen their experiences.

For more information about Lochinver House School, Heath Road Little Heath Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 1LW Telephone: 01707 653064 www.lochinverhouse.herts.sch.uk

LOCHINVER HOUSE SCHOOL

Heath Road Little Heath Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 1LW Telephone: 01707 653064 Fax: 01707 620030 Independent Prep School for Boys (Aged 4 - 13) www.lochinverhouse.herts.sch.uk Headmaster: Ben Walker B.Ed (Hons) PGCE CELTA

OPEN MORNINGS WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY and

WEDNESDAY 21 MAY A tour of the school at 10.15 am will be followed at 11.00 am by an address from the Headmaster A Crèche will be available for toddlers and babies over four months Please contact the Registrar, Mrs Anne Meir, for more details and a copy of our Prospectus Telephone: 01707 620036 e-mail: registrar@lochinverhouse.herts.sch.uk

Judged as ‘EXCELLENT’ in all areas following ISI Inspection in February 2013

Lochinver House School: a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England: Company Number 4374254: Registered Office: as above. Registered Charity Number: 1091045

MUSIC AT HABS The Haberdashers’ style is to love learning and to enjoy the academic opportunities alongside a huge wealth of extra-curricular activity. In both schools the range of the non-academic curriculum is enormous and the level of participation by pupils is high.

The Music season is very strong this year, culminating on March 31st with the biennial Barbican concert. Both schools are participating in this prestigious event, which will feature a Combined Symphony Orchestra, Combined Choral Society, Senior Choirs and combined Boys’ Prep and Girls’ Junior School Choirs. Also included in the evening’s entertainment are the amazing Boys’ Big Band and the St Catherine Singers.

Current music research suggests that regularly playing an instrument changes the shape and power of the brain; improving hand-eye coordination, memory, mathematical ability, reading and comprehension, concentration, selfexpression and relieving stress, thus potentially making you brainier.

‘

Learning to play a musical instrument has definite benefits and can increase IQ by seven points.

’

Lutz Jäncke, psychologist University of Zurich

Music is an important part of both schools’ academic and extra-curricular programmes. With a strong emphasis on personal creativity, it offers students an opportunity to build something together as a team. Both schools foster a welcoming, inclusive musical atmosphere that encourages and praises music at all levels. Opportunities for pupils at all levels to play in both large and small ensembles are plentiful. These opportunities are greatly appreciated by pupils, which is illustrated by the high participation.

Both schools have a long tradition of excellence in Music, aided by excellent purpose–built facilities that make the vibrant combination of large group rehearsals, concerts, small recitals, individual lessons and practice possible.

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk www.habsboys.org.uk Open Day: Sat 11th October, 2014 1-4pm Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls Aldenham Road, Elstree, Herts, WD6 3BT Tel: 020 8266 2330 admissions@habsgirls.org.uk www.habsgirls.org.uk Open Day: Sat 11 October, 2014, Junior School: 10am-12.30pm Senior School: 2pm-5pm

Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls

learning & independence Open Day 11 October 2014 Juniors 10am-12.30pm, Seniors 2pm-5pm Scholarships and Financial Assistance available from 11+

Independent Day School for Girls aged 4-18 Aldenham Road, Elstree, Herts, WD6 3BT e: admissions@habsgirls.org.uk t: 020 8266 2300 www.habsgirls.org.uk Registered Charity No. 313996

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Nurturing Excellence

An outstanding independent day school for boys aged between 5 and 18.

Open Day Saturday 11th October 2014, 1–4pm (no appointment necessary)

Headmaster Peter B Hamilton MA Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk

www.habsboys.org.uk

registered charity no: 313996

E DUCAT I O N

Enabling every girl to shine at Abbot’s Hill School Abbot’s Hill School is an independent day school for girls aged 3-16 and boys aged 3-5 situated in seventy acres of parkland on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead.

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he School has a strong record of academic success and in 2013 96.9% of GCSE passes were at A*-C and 54.5% at A* A. As well as ensuring girls reach their academic potential we encourage everyone to play an important role in the life of the school and develop their talents and abilities in music, drama and sport, by taking part in the many and varied extracurricular activities and as prefects. The recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report (January 2012) stated that “the quality of pupils’ personal development is outstanding.”

This term senior pupils are staging an ambitious production of Faustus, Year 9 will be presenting news live on BBC School Report and

Independent Day School for Girls 3-16 & Boys 3-5

OPEN DAY Open Day - Saturday 9 March 2013 10.00am - 12 noon (last tours begin at 11.30am) no appointment necessary • Excellent academic standards & results • Inspirational & happy learning environment • Wide range of extra-curricular activities

• Breakfast/after school care & school buses • Childcare vouchers accepted • Nursery offering flexible sessions 8am - 6pm

“The quality of pupils’ personal development is outstanding” “Small classes, in which pupils feel well-known and supported, enable them to fulfil their potential” ISI report January 2012

Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RP E: registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

T: 01442 240 333

there is great enthusiasm for our new ‘Young Engineers’ initiative. In the Prep School Year 6 are visiting the Houses of Parliament, our Early Years pupils took part in an exciting Maths Workshop at St Albans Abbey and Years 3 – 6 are busy preparing to join the senior girls for our bi-annual Gym and Dance Display.

The school offers before and after school care and transport from a variety of locations.

To find out more why not visit us. The next Whole School Open Day will take place on Saturday 8 March 2014, 10am-12pm. Visit abbotshill.herts.sch.uk or call 01442 240333 for more information.

LOCKERS PARK Bene agere ac Laetari: good results, good manners, good fun “A winning formula of security, activity and motivation designed to prepare to continue with confidence and success.” Good Schools Guide.

Day & Boarding Preparatory School for boys aged 5 - 13 years

OPEN MORNING Saturday 15th March 2014 at 10.30am www.lockerspark.herts.sch.uk

Telephone: 01442 251712

Bursaries are available to boys Years 3 to 6

Registered Charity Number 311061

THE COLUMBAN CODE

Courage, Courtesy and Compassion S

t Columba’s College provides an inspiring and challenging environment where boys from the age of four to 18 years old aspire to achieve their own best standard.

A Catholic school, St Columba’s is open to boys of wide variety of religious traditions, with learning underpinned by the Columban code of Courage, Courtesy and Compassion. While striving for academic excellence the College realises that it is whole-person education that best prepares boys for the world, recognising that moral and spiritual qualities are essential in achieving roundness of character.

In addition to the curriculum, there is an extensive Extra and Extended Curriculum ranging from the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Combined Cadet Force to Young Enterprise. These activities develop

qualities of self-knowledge, teamwork, leadership and resilience.

The College regularly wins trophies for Rugby, athletics, basketball and other sports. There is a strong tradition of music, drama and public speaking with regular concerts and drama productions.

The school’s strength lies in the combination of high expectations, a culture of mutual respect and care, creating a stimulating happy environment in which boys thrive and learn, building firm foundations for confident socially-skilled pupils. The community is vibrant and the students are the best evidence of what a Columban education can produce.

Browse the website and have an individual tour of the College with one of the boys. www.stcolumbascollege.org

E DUCAT I O N

Why pay for Primary education?

Although most people would say that you cannot put a price on a good education, this is particularly true in a child’s early years when habits of a lifetime are being formed.

normally significantly smaller than a State school, a programme can be offered which is tailored to the individual and will nurture every child to their full potential.

A recent report published by Save the Children has highlighted the fact that if children fall behind by the age of seven, they have no better than a one in four chance of achieving five good GCSEs, including English and Maths.

As a good Preparatory school (combined nursery, infant and middle school) is often a great deal cheaper than an independent secondary, the argument for paying for primary provision is compelling. In fact, it could be argued that it is far more important to pay for a child’s education in the early years than at any other stage. In this way you can ensure that your child has a solid foundation for their future education.

At a Prep school, such as Beechwood Park, where teaching groups are Education Life.pdf

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Put your child on the path to success Please visit our website for details of our next open morning • Montessori nursery for 3-4 year olds • Average teaching group of 15 • Breakfast and After School Clubs • Optional, flexible, weekly boarding from year 5 To find out how we create an environment where every child can fulfil their potential, call our Registrar Liz Graham on 01582 840333, or visit www.beechwoodpark.net/openday Beechwood Park School Markyate Hertfordshire AL3 8AW T: 01582 840333 www.beechwoodpark.net

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.

W

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.

CD_0652 FH IND School Guide Half Page 137mm x 210mm.indd 1

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E DUCAT I O N

North London Collegiate School

Excellence in Education

N

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

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 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 4 1 5

Summer courses for young people AT MOUNTVIEW INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA SCHOOL Two-week courses specifically designed for students aged 17+ who are planning on training in acting or musical theatre at drama school. Taught in groups of 14 to 16 they give a taste of the life of a Mountview student and prepare participants for the audition process.

28 JUL – 8 AUG | £725 ENGAGE! Week-long courses for young people aged 9 to 16 years old develop acting, singing or dance skills through fun and dynamic workshops.

Students work in small groups towards an end-of-course show for family and friends.

28 JUL – 1 AUG | 5 – 9 AUG | £175

Find out more and apply

MOUNTVIEW.ORG.UK/SHORTCOURSES · 020 8826 9217

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.

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28/06/2013 12:12

Introducing

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R ARRANGE YOUDAY ASSESSMENT TO

Lyric, the world’s first and only 100% invisible, 24/7 wearable, showerproof*, for-months-at-a-time hearing device.

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

T: 01582 767218 E: info@hearinghealthcare.co.uk W: www.hearinghealthcare.co.uk Hearing Healthcare Practice 26 The Foresters, High Street, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2FB

F E AT U R E

Planning for future career success In 2013, Ofsted reported on the effectiveness of careers services in schools and concluded that three quarters were not delivering adequate advice, nor were they engaging with external experts. Add to this a swathe of warnings that the quality of careers guidance in schools is “nothing less than appalling”, and “heading towards a cliff edge”, and warning sirens are likely to start sounding.

I

ndeed, the issues around delivering careers guidance are compounded by external factors. Simply, the world we live in is increasingly competitive and many young people and their parents are realising that top academic qualifications aren’t always enough to succeed. Evidence suggests that academic qualifications count for just 50% of a young person’s ability to do a job well. The remaining 50% is made up of that person’s character, focus, persistence, ability to cope with failure, to make connections and to think critically. But in a world where 40% of jobs weren’t even thought of 10 years ago, it can often be difficult to determine which skills are the key to success – especially if specialist support isn’t available.

Psychometric profiling is an excellent way to help young people identify and understand their strengths and weaknesses. It can help them better understand their passions and therefore choose further studies and career paths best suited to them as an individual.

Many leading independent schools have offered this support for years, and now The Inspiring Futures Foundation, which has a heritage of delivering careers guidance that spans over 70 years, has made its Futurewise programme available to parents to purchase directly for their children where perhaps sufficient provision isn’t made at school.

Futurewise offers contemporary online psychometric assessments, a personalised profile report, a one to one interview and access to a guidance helpline. It is designed for young people between 15 and 23 which makes it a vital resource not just through secondary school years, but on to college, training, university and beyond. For concerned parents, Futurewise can really help their children achieve a competitive edge just when it’s needed.

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But of course, parents can support their children to plan for their future study and career paths on an on-going basis. Here, Inspiring Futures provides some guidance on what to remember: Keep an open mind: don’t settle on one career at an early age and then refuse to be swayed from it if it seems you aren’t going to get the grades or simply aren’t suited for it.

Research, research, research: don’t assume you know what a career or course entails without reading about it and finding out more from those in the industry. Don’t always rely on well intentioned parents and friends whose information may be out of date! Career insight events provide an opportunity to meet with and hear first-hand from professionals currently in those sectors.

Volunteer – helping out with any form of community, environmental or charitable cause equips you with lots of useful new skills and enhances your CV – something which could pique the interest of a potential employer or course tutor.

Get some experience: arranging work experience will not only provide invaluable career insight, but also valuable additions to your CV. Don’t forget to also include other achievements where the skills are transferrable to a work place scenario: babysitting shows responsibility; success in music exams shows persistence; and volunteering can demonstrate a commitment to a role regardless of financial reward.

To find out more about the Futurewise New Generation programme, visit: www.myfuturewise.org.uk/newgeneration/individuals

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

tick - tock transformations

TIMELY BEAUTY:

I

f the New Year year is already racing ahead at breakneck speed, adopt a beauty regime to keep up with your whirlwind lifestyle. The average woman spends just 18 minutes beautifying on a typical day, according to a recent survey by nice’n easy.

Those precious minutes are worth it, with 73% saying they feel much more confident after completing their regime. But for crazy days when even two minutes feels like a stretch, invest in time-conscious beauty.

These are products so confident about delivering results against the clock, they’re flaunting a time check on their packaging.

Start the egg timer and indulge in a spot of power-pampering.

Spare minutes :: Olay Regenerist 10 Minute Miracle Primer Countdown to youthful skin, anyone? Just 10 minutes is the exact time that science boffins at Olay have calculated it takes for this product’s optical-blurring particles to kick in and mimick younger, smoother skin, £29.99 (Boots). :: Crystal Clear 10 Minute Glow No need to waste time waiting for this peeloff mask to work radiant wonders. Glow on the go by applying a thin layer for 10 minutes.

While the active ingredients get to work deep cleansing and targeting problem areas, you can tackle your lengthy to-do list, £25 (Debenhams).

Decleor 3 Minute Flash Radiance Mask, £29 (www.decleor.co.uk) L’Oreal Paris 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil, £7.99 (Boots/Superdrug)

Set your stopwatch and reap the beauty rewards.

Lisa Haynes reveals the best in insta-glam products that promise results in minutes 66 0 FEBR RU UA ARRYY2 021041 4 4

Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur Smoothing Perfecting Primer, £12.99 (Boots/Superdrug) Crystal Clear 10 Minute Glow, £25 (Debenhams)

Buy IT now Bring some flair to your beauty haul. Marks & Spencer has collaborated with fashion illustrator Holly Sharpe for a limited edition cosmetics line. The 19-piece range includes make-up, fragrance and a wash bag featuring whimsical Exotic Girl illustration.

M&S Limited Collection Holly Sharpe Unite 7 Seconds Condition, £14.85 is available in stores and online now, :: Rimmel (www.urbanretreat.co.uk) from £5 (www.marksandspencer.

60 Seconds com).

If the idea of a 30-minute mani sounds implausible, reach for Rimmel 60 Seconds.

The nail polish is touch dry within one minute flat, and you can proceed with caution flaunting your pretty talons until they’re bone dry within the hour, £3.69 (Boots/Superdrug).

L’Occitane One Minute Hand Scrub, £13 (uk.loccitane.com)

:: Decleor 3 Minute Flash Radiance Mask Refresh dull skin with this lightweight express mask. Apply an even layer to cleansed skin, put your PJs on, brush your teeth and the quick-fix mask will be ready to rinse off for instant illumination, £29 (www.decleor. co.uk).

Spare seconds :: Lancome Visionnaire 1 Minute Blur If your skin isn’t fit for foundation coverage, prime first with this instant skin perfecter.

Creating a Photoshop effect in 60 seconds flat, the gel texture smoothes skin and blurs the appearance of imperfections and pores, £40 (www.lancome.co.uk). :: L’Occitane One Minute Hand Scrub Give glove-neglected hands a speedy makeover with this rich shea butter solution.

The organic brown exfoliating sugar gently scrubs while the shea, sweet almond and grapeseed oils softens for double productivity, £13 (uk.loccitane.com).

Spare milliseconds :: L’oreal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil What, no time to double cleanse, tone, serum and moisturise? Melt away the day’s grime and make-up with this non-greasy cleansing oil. Apply two to three drops onto dry skin with fingertips and massage over lashes, lids and lips, £7.99 (Boots/Superdrug). :: Unite 7 Seconds Condition If a quick shampoo is about all you can squeeze into your shower routine, condition hair with some speedy spritzing. Apply this leave-in detangler to towel dried hair and comb through without rinsing for instant spray ‘n’ go nourishment, £14.85 (www.urbanretreat.co.uk).

Tried & tested Hair deserves some extra TLC in the winter months. Our testers spend a little longer in the shower with these intensive conditioners: :: Charles Worthington Strength & Repair Longer & Stronger Hair Masque, £5.99 (Boots) My long hair has gone a bit texture two-tone over winter - greasy roots and dry, parched ends. I left this beautifully fragranced masque on for just two minutes and, after drying, my hair felt immediately softer and stronger and it even seemed to smooth split ends.

Model photos: PA Photo/Thinkstockphotos All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

4/5

:: L’Oreal Paris EverRiche Nourishing Intense Mask (for dry/ very dry hair), £6.99 (Boots) My highlights and chlorine-parched tresses have become very straw-like, especially at the ends. Despite the cheap and cheerful price tag, this mask made a noticeable difference after leaving it on for five minutes. My hair looked shinier and felt lovely and soft, and I didn’t need to coat it in serum after drying.

4/5

:: Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur Primer This diminutive tube is like carrying around your own flattering lighting system. In the five seconds it takes to smooth onto pre-moisturised skin, this primer blurs shine, wrinkles, open pores and fine lines for all-day perfection, £12.99 (Boots/Superdrug).

Beauty bulletin :: Supermodel secret Original Nineties supermodel Christy Turlington Burns has credited beauty supplements as one of her secrets to youthful skin. The iconic model, now 45 years old, has signed up as global brand ambassador for Imedeen and favours two daily doses of Time Perfection supplements. Christy says: “Caring for my skin on the inside is just as important as how I care for the outside, and I can count on Imedeen to deliver deep down nourishment where it matters most.” :: Recessionista alert Flash a whiter smile with Oral B Professional Care 600 Whitening Toothbrush With Paste. The kit, complete with toothpaste, is on offer at Boots for £28.99 (usual price £60) until January 23. Accessorise your smile with a new lipstick - you’ll also receive a £3 Max Factor voucher for use on Lipfinity lipstick, foundation or mascara (www.boots.com).

:: Pureology Precious Oil Softening Hair Masque (for brittle, dull, colour-treated hair), £24.65 (www. feelunique.com) With a silky and lightweight texture, this luxury masque is more creamy balm than intensive conditioner and scented with a sweet nutty smell. After leaving it on for three minutes, I was hoping it would leave my hair feeling nourished and smooth, but instead it felt soft and frizzy.

2/5

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Who wants a hottie tummy?

Do you have stubborn pockets of fat that just won’t disappear no matter how hard you exercise or diet? If so, the VASER Lipo may well be for you.

W

ith the likes of TOWIE’s Maria Fowler, and several other celebrities all benefiting from the amazing results of VASER Lipo, Dr Jain’s high definition body contouring practice is growing from strength to strength!

VASER Lipo uses revolutionary new ultrasound technology which removes stubborn pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise. The procedure has been hailed as ‘six pack surgery’ as it is even possible to reveal your hidden six pack with this revolutionary form of liposuction.

Dr Jain will not only get you looking fit, you’ll look younger, more energetic and in one word, fantastic. You’ll want to use that new body of yours. With no hospital stay, little bruising and minimal incisions VASER Lipo is the answer.

RESHAPE YOUR BODY AND INVIGORATE YOUR LIFE Traditional liposuction is like sculpting with a shop vac. Everything gets sucked and chipped away without any detail. VASER 4D liposculpture is like taking a fine chisel and tapering each and every curve; every angle is perfect and muscular.

ITS NOT JUST LIPOSUCTION. ITS VASER 4D SCULPT. VASER 4D Liposculpture is a revolution to the cosmetic surgery industry. At its inception, liposuction was designed just to remove fat.

Liposculpture is a whole new way of looking and designing the anatomy so that it fits you and your lifestyle like your body should. With the VASER technology, Dr Ravi Jain removes extra fat and tightens your skin around the new curves and muscles. He leaves certain deposits of fat to accentuate your muscles while removing others to create dips and valleys around them.

He sculpts your body into the ultimate harmony of art and science, talent and medicine WHO CAN HAVE VASER 4D? The VASER 4D procedure is meant for people who are already in good physical shape but have trouble achieving a defined ,athletic physique. Both 4 8 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

BEFORE TREATMENT

BEFORE TREATMENT

AFTER TREATMENT

AFTER TREATMENT

men & women can be treated. VASER 4D is not mean for people who are very overweight or obese. The procedure depends heavily on skin retraction to help define the anatomical results. For people who are overly heavy, the skin has stretch beyond where VASER could help it retract. Please ask Dr Ravi Jain what other cosmetic options you may have if this describes you.

HOW DOES VASER WORK? VASER is an advanced medical ultrasound technology (VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance). During surgery, the VASER probe emits sound energy that literally liquefies fat tissue before it is gently suctioned away. In traditional liposuction, the fat is just sucked away - taking blood vessels, nerves and important connective tissue with it - resulting in severe pain, a longer recovery and mediocre results. With VASER, the liquid fat is easier to suction away, far gentler on the body and can be sculpted to enhance muscle appearance.

CAN YOU SAY “CONFIDENCE BOOST” ?

Just imagine how you would feel without any extra fat, keeping you from your own carefree lifestyle. No more worrying about how that bikini will fit, or swimming with a T-shirt on. No more crash diets/ No more staring in the mirror, wishing you were slimmer.

Areas commonly treated: Double Chin & Jowls Bingo Wings (Upper arms) Saddle Bags / Love handles Upper / lower abdomen Inner / outer thighs

DR RAVI JAIN

Dr Ravi Jain is one of a few experts in VASER high definition liposculpture in the world. He practices from his Harpenden & Harley Street clinics. Please call Riverbanks Clinic on 01582762877 to book in for an exploratory consultation.

BECOME PART OF AN AWARD WINNING CLUB THE LABORATORY SPA AND HEALTH CLUB IS THE PROUD WINNER OF THE NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD. The Lab offers a calm, energising atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and superb facilities where you can escape the stresses and strains of modern day living and emerge refreshed, restored and energised.

MUSWELL HILL THE AVENUE N10 2QE CALL 020 8482 3000 MILL HILL HALL LANE NW4 4TJ CALL 020 8457 3300 LABSPA.CO.UK

H E A LT H & B E A I 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 5 0 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

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

Is your son or daughter aged between 15 and 18?

Are they making confident decisions about their future?

What type of career would suit me as a person?

How do I make sure I am studying the right subjects?

Where can I find out more about what employers want?

Futurewise New Generation is a comprehensive and progressive guidance programme for young people designed to support them up to the age of 23. The programme provides: • Online psychometric assessment • A helpline for subject, higher education and careers questions

• 2 one to one advice sessions • Discounts on career experience days and much more

Tel: 01276 687511 Email: helpline@inspiringfutures.org.uk www.myfuturewise.org.uk/newgeneration/individuals

The Home Care Specialists

Do you need a Helping Hand?

If you are looking for an alternative to residential care or extra support for those everyday tasks that are becoming difficult for you or a loved one – then we’re here to help - from 30 minutes per week to Live-in Care.

Our St. Albans care team has been providing award winning quality homecare since 1989 and can help with: personal care, housekeeping, help getting around or even to provide a break to an existing family member or care-giver.

To find out how we can help you, call: 01727 701 462 or visit: www.helpinghands.co.uk

dental& skinclinic

A new dental experience with your award winning team.

Voted finalists in this year’s prestigious Private Dentistry Awards (and 2010) honoring excellence in dentistry and facial aesthetics. A team of dentists offering an extraordinary new approach to maintaining your oral health. Azamay transcends the boundaries of traditional dentistry by leveraging a combination of state of - the - art dental technology and a soothing dental spa atmosphere.

Take a tour of our website and discover Azamay. Take advantage of our new patient offer of £50 for dental health exam and hygiene.

DENTAL MENU

FACIAL AESTHETICS

Dental check-ups Hygiene treatments Teeth whitening Crowns/bridges Veneers Dental implants Root canal Orthodontics

Anti-ageing injections Dermal fillers Vitamin face treatments RF8 Face lift Advanced facials Slimming treatments

Celebrate “Smile Detox” and have a hygiene treatment for £40. Add our professional airflow teeth brightening treatment for an additional £30 (usual price £95) to lift stubborn stains. This special one off promotion is only valid on a Tuesday. Late night’s available on request.

Our Hygienist Natalie Birkhead will be running a serious of PREVENTION THERAPY clinics for adults and children to make sure your smile is at a high standard.

For more information call us on 020 8449 6858

Runner Up: Best Dental Practice

Finalist: Best Dental Practice Best Facial Aesthetics Best Marketing

Finalist: Best Marketing Best Private Dentist

Organised by

Azamay is registered, and therefore licensed to provide services, by the Care Quality Commission (Provider ID: 1-205038092).

For more information, visit www.cqc.org.uk

Organised by

Organised by

This is to certify that

This is to certify that

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Azamay Dental Spa

Azamay Dental Spa

Azamay Dental Spa

is awarded Finalist in the category of

is awarded Finalist in the category of

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Beauty bulletin :: Metrosexual mania Make some room in your bathroom cabinet. The average male’s grooming regime costs three times as much as their gym membership. The average 30-something man admits to spending over £100 per month on pricey potions and spa trips, according to a recent survey by Debenhams.

Guys are willing to splurge up to £50 on a moisturiser and up to £40 on wrinkle-busting eye creams. Clinique’s Age Defence For Eyes, Elemis Deep Cleansing Facial Wash, Clarins Moisture Balm and YSL’s Touche Eclat were rated as the most wanted beauty products on ‘the man shelf’. :: Recessionista alert Supercharge your skincare regime with Champneys Facial Cleansing System.

The star gift is better than half price at £19.99 (was £49.99) for one week only until January 16, while stocks last (www.boots.com).

Beauty fit cluB

Give your face and body a home workout.

Lisa Haynes reveals the beauty product equivalents of pumping iron

G

o on, admit it, you’re already suffering from intense treadmill fatigue and talk of new fitness craze Tabata has gone right over your head. If you feel like a spare part in the gym, sprint back to the sanctuary of your bathroom. The beauty world has some seriously heavyweight products to keep your face and body fit for 2014 - no gym membership or sweat required.

And if you’re still bravely clinging on to the cross-trainer? Indulge in these products

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for your body, but don’t let your face miss out on the action. Invest in a firming potion for some facial fitness. Unlike the ‘real’ gym, when it comes to the face, encouraging plumpness is key to diminishing fine lines.

Give your complexion a bootcamp-style workout with Bliss’ Firm, Baby Firm. The dual-action serum gets to work firming up the delicate eye zone and improving elasticity in the chin area, £55 (www.blissworld.co.uk).

To encourage some youthful bounce, try Clinique’s Repairwear Uplifting Firming Cream. A skin personal trainer in a pot, it visibly tightens, lifts and firms the face and neck, £52 (0870 034 2566/www. clinique.co.uk).

Buy iT now

Sports massage Facial gyms haven’t been invented yet before or after so engage in the your workout as a next best thing changing room treat.

- massage. You Extend that lazy holiday feeling with Jo Whip slack skin and don’t need a sports Malone’s Just Like Sunday home candle lazy complexions physio to relax collection. Stoke the fire and kick back back into shape your muscles. with the fragrance of Sweet Almond with these beauty Self-massage in & Macaroon, Green Tomato Leaf, boosters. the mirror allows Lavender & Lovage or Incense & oxygenated blood to Embers, £39 each Face lifting flow freely, releasing (www.jomalone.co.uk).

There are plenty of toning toxins and alleviating and weight exercises designed festive puffiness. Celebrity

Tried & tested

Bliss Firm, Baby Firm Serum, £55 (www.blissworld.co.uk)

New Year, new hair colour? Stephanie Cockroft goes for half measures with a home dip-dye kit

Soap & Glory The Firminator Targeted Arm Firming & Toning Formula, £12 (Boots)

Mio Get Waisted Sculpting Body Shaper, £35 (www.mioskincare.co.uk)

Pupa Inner Arm Shaping Cream, £42 (www.escentual.com)

Sarah Chapman Facialift massager, £25 (www.sarahchapman.net)

facialist Sarah Chapman makes uplifting massages easier with her Facialift device. The massager features eight heads and 48 nodules to lift and sculpt the face and aid lymphatic drainage, £25 (www. sarahchapman.net).

Massage as you cleanse with Magnitone’s Pulsar Daily Skin Cleansing & Toning System For Face And Body. The 15,000 rotational oscillations per minute not only removes deep impurities but noticeably firms and tightens skin as it polishes, £129.99 (Boots).

Magnitone Pulsar Daily Skin Cleansing & Toning System, £129.99 (Boots)

the gym, try This Works’ Perfect Cleavage Firming Lotion. Boost your pecs minus the push-up bra, with this nourishing lotion that plumps and enhances your decolletage, £38 (www. thisworks.com).

Limb-er up Arms are the holy grail of a fit body, thanks Clinique Repairwear Uplifting to Mrs Obama’s toned Firming Cream, £52 (0870 034 triceps. Combine some 2566/www.clinique.co.uk) arm lifts - with dumbbells or baked bean cans (or failing that, shopping bags) - with a firming Body sculptors formula designed to Don’t get complacent just because combat bingo wings. Fear your skin is camouflaged by sleeveless tops no more, countless winter layers. Keep up your when armed with Soap & body skincare routine with high intensity Glory’s The Firminator Targeted toners, and you’ll be one step ahead the Arm Firming & Toning Formula. next time you have to strip down in front of It not only tones but exfoliates, to blur away an audience. Stay dedicated to a 30-second the imperfections we’ve been hiding away in massage routine for 30 days straight with woolly jumpers, £12 (Boots). Wave goodbye to Mio’s Get Waisted Sculpting Body Shaper. sagging skin for 2014 using Pupa’s Inner Arm Dubbed ‘rehab for abs’, it vows to increase Shaping Cream. To maximise results, apply natural fat burning for smoother, firmer, to the inner arms in an energetic massage tauter skin around the waist and tummy, motion from the elbow to the shoulder, twice £35 (www.mioskincare.co.uk). If you don’t a day for eight weeks to maximise tightening, fancy the scary chest press contraption at £42 (www.escentual.com).

I’m a self-confessed hair dye addict.

Blonde, red, even blue - you name it, I’ve tried it. So when I get the chance to use L’Oreal Paris Preference Wild Ombres, to give myself copper tips - minus the hefty salon price tag - I can’t resist. The range is designed to give your hair a two-tone effect, meaning you can dip-dye as much or as little of your locks as you want with a brush-on action. After mixing the colour and cream, I chose to apply the dye from below the earlobes. Then, I simply used the brush to swipe along to the ends of my hair. It’s easy to see where it’s been applied and, even with thick, long hair, there’s enough to ensure every strand’s covered. There’s no drip, no mess, and there’s even a nourishing conditioner to use afterwards. But once I wash off the dye, I have to admit, I’m pretty shocked - the copper’s extremely bright - not for wallflowers! But I love bright and bold, so I’m happy. Those expecting a more natural colour could be disappointed. You also won’t get the graduating ‘fade’ effect as shown on the box. To achieve that, you need to apply to ends for ten minutes first, and then progress upwards, so that the dye’s on some parts for longer. Overall though, it’s a great product which couldn’t be easier to use, and should appeal to anyone wanting to create a trendy, unique look for less than a tenner, without the worry of roots creeping through.

L’Oreal Paris Preference Wild Ombres in Copper, £6.99 (Boots/Superdrug nationwide)

Model photo: PA Photo/Thinkstockphotos All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

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H OUS E & GA R D E N

Light up your home B Lighting can make a huge difference to a room, affecting how we use a space and whether it feels roomy or cosy. Here’s how to get it right…

efore installing or updating lights, think about how you use each room during the day. A lounge may double-up as an office, the children might need to do their homework on the dining table in the evening or you might use the guest bedroom as a hobby space at night. Multi-functional rooms need to offer ambient as well as task lighting, while open plan living areas may even use pools of light as ‘zones’ in the absence of walls. A flexible scheme where the focus and light levels can be adjusted throughout the day is key - dimmers are ideal as they create mood and allow the room to work from day to night.

Kitchen lighting While a central pendant will provide general lighting, a kitchen requires good task lighting in work areas, especially where you’ll be cooking. Task lighting should be positioned to the side or behind where you’re working – not in front. Many modern kitchen cabinets and cooker hoods come with built-in lights but adding them to existing ones is relatively easy and needn’t be expensive. Mini fluorescent lights can be picked up at most DIY stores (an eight-watt bulb in warm white should work well) and look great when fitted underneath wall units. If you have a central pendant over a dining table, choose one with a flexible cord, which can be pulled down for task lighting when required. To avoid re-wiring, consider fitting a track system with directional lights to highlight the work surface and the sink. While they might take more work to install, ceiling downlights can be placed where needed and because they recessed won’t get covered in grease and dirt.

Bathroom lighting In a bathroom, task lighting is important where you need to see clearly, but think about adding feature lighting to create atmosphere. Consider adding recessed LED 1w Lucca spotlights into alcoves or back-lighting an opaque bath panel. Light behind the bath with waterproof LED 1w Lucca Exterior uplights or use an LED Contour strip under a basin so that it appears to float or use it to backlight shelves. Just take care that any fittings used are completely encased and never be tempted to use a conventional light fitting that’s not intended for bathroom use. With a little imagination, the right lighting really can transform every room in the house.

Living room lighting Background or ambient lighting plays the part of daylight and is most

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often provided by a central pendant light – but if used alone, can create a very flat effect. Think about layering the light. One ceiling light will cast shadows, whereas having lamps dotted around will highlight all areas and make the room more welcoming.” How to make a hallway warm. The lounge is where we’re most likely to use accent lighting - to show off an artwork, ornaments, or even a plant. Think carefully when positioning lights - don’t place downlighters at either end of a sofa if you may change the room layout. Similarly, wall lights are best positioned either side of a fixed feature, like a fireplace. A standing lamp can look good behind the sofa or next to an armchair. For reading, the light should be placed to one side, behind and above the chair and take a 60 watt bulb at least – remembering that a 60-year-old requires 15 times more light for reading than a teenager. Watching TV in total darkness can cause eye strain, so place a light behind or beside the television, avoiding anything too bright which could cause glare on the screen. To make a room appear larger, light all four corners with spotlights or table lamps, in addition to a main pendant light. Wall washers, which flood light on to the wall and ceiling, will make the room seem taller. To make a room feel longer place lights at one end, to attract the eye along it.”

Hallway Halls are often dark and lighting can be used to make a warm and welcoming entrance, as well as ensuring safety on the stairs. Create drama by over-scaling a decorative pendant and dimming this for mood, used in conjunction with Polespring LED downlights. Try lighting the stairs themselves using recessed spotlights and ensure the main overhead light is at the top of the stairs rather than the bottom to reduce the risk of accidents.

Bedroom lighting Most people like bedrooms to be bright in the morning and atmospheric in the evening. Use a High CRI Contour Strip to uplight above a wardrobe for a fresh bright effect that can be dimmed in the evening or use a run of Polespring LEDs to light the front of wardrobes or highlight the headboard. Don’t forget to have downlights on a separate control so you can turn them off from bed. Bedside table or wall lights are ideal for reading – choose shades that are white on the inside and a warm colour outside, and fit with a clear bulb to provide a warm glow.

H OUS E & GA R D E N Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill can create customers’ perfect automated home, incorporating both Bang & Olufsen and thirdparty products – all of which can be controlled via one remote or even a tablet

Get ready to experience the unimaginable Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill is inviting customers to enjoy a stunning audio-visual experience that is beyond their wildest dreams.

One of the first retailers to specialise in Bang & Olufsen in the UK and originating from a business that first opened in 1942, Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill has an passion for showing visitors exactly what they are missing.

With over 60 years of combined experience between its team, the award-winning retailer delights in demonstrating how the very latest technology in its extensive array of products can not only deliver an amazing sound and vision experience, but enhance how customers live.

The retailer’s showroom features the full range of Bang & Olufsen products spanning earphones to speaker docks to televisions to loudspeakers, but Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill believes in not just selling a product but a lifestyle choice.

Whether customers are choosing a new system for their existing home, developing a property or embarking on a new build, Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill can create the ideal bespoke installation. Incorporating not only Bang & Olufsen products, these tailor made systems often include third-party products such as Lutron lighting, Kaleidescape entertainment servers, and Control4 security systems.

“It’s possible to make any appliance or device in your home intelligently communicate with another and with just one remote you can control everything. What’s more, the system can even give you options that you may never have considered, from allowing you to turn down your thermostat from Thailand and even receive a text when your teenager comes home!”

Mick continued: “We’d love to share Home Control and all our other products with customers, so invite them to call in for a chat and a coffee. Alternatively, complimentary home demonstrations and surveys are also available by appointment.

“We want to make customers’ audio-visual experience the best it can possibly be and I’m sure that anyone who calls on us will be amazed at what we have to offer.”

Home Control Home Control is the epicentre of a Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill tailored system. The cutting-edge technology links and controls the electronics and systems in a customer’s home via BeoLink, Beo6 touch screen remote and the unique Master Link Gateway.

As Mick Caudle, Director of Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill, explains, the retailer is a firm believer that life’s better when everything works together.

“With Home Control there are no limits to how you can revolutionise your enjoyment of your home and its security and convenience.” said Mick.

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Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill is a able to demonstrate the possibilities of Home Control at its welcoming showroom

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**.

Please contact us to see how BeoVision 11 can change the way you view television forever.

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

Bang & Olufsen of Winchmore Hill 727 Green Lanes London N21 3RX Tel: 0208 360 5088 Email: winchmorehill@bang-olufsen.co.uk Website: www.bang-olufsen.com/winchmorehill

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Make an entrance!

How to create a welcoming hallway E

The hallway is the first room guests see in a house. Make yours warm and welcoming with our inspirational design tips and advice…

ntrance ways tend to be dark and narrow but painting them white isn’t necessarily the best option. “Hallways, especially busy family ones, can take a lot of wear of tear and white be very unforgiving, as well as cold, so a better option, is to choose a light, bright colour in a warm tone. Choose a colour that is a shade or two lighter than the main room the hallway leads to, and it will help create continuity between the two spaces. As this room is primarily a walk-through, you can afford to make a strong design statement and be bold with colour and pattern. Patterned wallpaper with a slight shine will help reflect the light, while vertical stripes can create the illusion of height. If you’re concerned about knocks and scratches, a practical option is to have painted wood panelling on the bottom of the wall, with statement wallpaper above.

Feature flooring Flooring in a hallway needs to be durable but choose wisely and you can create impact while being practical too. If you have a particularly long and narrow hallway, a chequerboard effect on the floor will create the impression of width - the wider the tiles, the wider it will look.

Hallway runners are a great way to inject colour, while colourful striped carpet will instantly enliven a stairway. If you have bare wooden stairs, consider painting each step a different shade of the same colour or have fun with stencils to create patterns or words.

Let the light in Hallways can often be dark, so getting the lighting right is essential. If you

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have a high ceiling, a large pendant light will act as a beautiful centrepiece and be the first thing that people see when they enter your home. If the ceiling is low, pendant lights will have the effect of making the room feel smaller, so wall lights are the better option.

Mirrors are a good way to reflect natural light and give the illusion of more space. A large mirror placed at the end of a hallway instantly provides depth, making a hallway feel larger.

Storage solutions Hallways can easily become cluttered so finding a space for coats, keys and shoes is a must. A wooden bench with storage If you have room, offers storage as well as a useful seating area. The more floor space you can see, the larger your hallway will seem and there are lots of great wall-hung cupboards available.

Make a feature Hallways may be small but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a stunning focal point. A narrow console table with a pair of lamps and mirror above makes a pretty focal point - while a vase of fresh flowers or a scented cinnamon candle will create an inviting aroma. A group of family portraits is another great way to add interest and personalise the space. Generally, it’s best to hang fewer, larger pictures as opposed to several smaller ones, as it can make the space seem more confined and cluttered. With a little imagination and the right colours, storage and lighting, you can create an inviting entrance you’ll love coming home to and will want to show off.

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Why choose The Wooden Floor Specialist this summer

W

ith the summer season upon us comes the motivation to make those home improvements that will rejuvenate your home.

One of the most effective and noticeable changes that you can make is by having high quality wooden flooring fitted.As their name suggests, The Wooden Floor Company are leading specialists in supplying, fitting and maintaining wooden flooring. As a reputable contractor, it is no surprise that they are the first choice for many as they look to reap the benefits of a quality wooden floor.

Since they established themselves in 1987, They have looked to light the way in terms of the quality craftsmanship of an extensive range of stylish woods complimented by a customer service that meets their clients every need.

Their services don’t just stop there. They understand the pride that many people have in the maintenance and upkeep of their wooden flooring, which is why they place a strong emphasis on their range of protective and

6 2 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

revitalising wooden floor products to ensure that your flooring looks as good as the day it was installed.

Chris Norris, The director of The Wooden Floor Specialists Ltd says, ‘’ We have an extensive range and as well as our unmatchable knowledge of wooden flooring and its maintenance, only fills our customers with the confidence they need to attain and retain our services. Whether you’re looking for a traditional and striking wooden floor or you are drawn towards a modern and sleek look, we will be able to help point you in the right direction’’ So if you’re looking for a new wooden floor, wooden floor treatment, floor sanding or simply some advice, give them a call today on 020 8675 2431 and let the team at The Wooden Floor Specialists Ltd make your wooden floor dreams a reality this new year. www.woodenfloors.co.uk

Your project.

From beginning to end...

Building perfect pools for over thirty years. Ring Origin on 01895 823366 or email for our information pack info@originleisure.com www.originleisure.com

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the original indoor outdoor pool company

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H OUS E & GA R D E N

A REPUTATION CARVED

E

nglish City Stone are specialists in the area of restoration of Victorian and Georgian stone steps. With over 25 years’ experience in the field they can return any worn out flight of leaking steps to its former glory, both transforming the entrance to the property and protecting it from the elements.

During the Victorian and Georgian eras the majority of townhouses were constructed with stone steps in either Portland limestone or Yorkshire sandstone (Yorkstone). These natural stones gave the entrance to homes and offices a bold elegance and were designed to withstand many decades of foot traffic and weather erosion. However, most of these original steps are now in a state of disrepair and many allow water to leak into the space beneath them. A quick look down any London street will demonstrate the way in which this problem has been tackled in the past: an ugly covering of bitumen or concrete.

English City Stone supply and fit both Yorkstone and Portland limestone to replace worn or leaking stone, concrete or tiled steps. They have a revolutionary waterproofing system combining several membranes which funnel water away from the property whilst retaining flexibility, so even if the building moves over time the waterproof barrier is not compromised.

For a genuine Victorian or Georgian finish a flight of steps may require a cast metal handrail or gate, often with ornate baluster panels. If there are already railings in place these can be removed and refitted and any damaged sections can be re-cast using traditional methods. Installing

6 4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

the railings usually involves diamond drilling the stone, a process which can easily damage the underlying stonework if the materials are not fully understood by the drill operator. English City Stone have their own in-house stonework and metalwork teams, so finishing work does not have to be subcontracted to other companies who may not have the same in depth knowledge of the base materials.

With this in mind, customers can be assured that the company take full responsibility for all of the work undertaken.

The scope of the works English City Stone will undertake does not stop at the steps. They will supply and fit all associated stone paving and other masonry items such as coping stones, pier caps, window sills and door surrounds. Again, all of this work is carried out by their in-house teams ensuring the highest quality of craftsmanship. They are members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen and are happy to provide references and addresses of where their work can be viewed.

Whether the work you require is purely cosmetic or a means to protect your home or office against water damage, English City Stone have the all the skill, experience and materials you’ll need.

For more information about English City Stone call 0208 673 8785 or email info@englishcitystone.co.uk www.englishcitystone.co.uk 74 Fernlea Road, London, SW12 9RW

H OUS E & GA R D E N

BEST KEPT SECRET Hazelwood has all the answers to your interior design needs

W

orking from a small, beautifully fitted shop in Loughton, Essex, they provide a full interior design service for a wide range of clients. From soft furnishings and fabric advice to a full refit, their team of professsionals is on hand to help and advise you on all aspects of design for your home, office or business.

Osbourne & Little, the range and extent of their knowledge and contact is impressive - and their enthusiasm for good design is infectious.

Co-managing directors Antonia Jack & Jadranka Nabi have built their business on a personal approach. From large West End clients including Kettners champagne bar, Berkeley Hotel and Mcqueens Flowers, it’s their friendly, open approach that has made a huge hit with a wide range of customers.

A TOUCH OF TEXTURE With the focus in design on layering and depth, texture is more key than ever. From fabrics and wall coverings to ceramics and flooring, it manifests in a variety of forms, including shallow relief tiles, chunky knits, bold tribal patterns and metallics. Shimmering materials such as silver, copper brass, steel and mirror bring new life to interiors.

‘I used to travel the world as a fashion designer’, explains Antonia, ‘but once I started a family I knew I wanted to focus on interior design for a small, select group of clients. But soon realised that to offer a full service, I couldn’t do it alone. That’s where Jadranka came in.’

‘We have a loyal band of clients who trust us’, explains Jadranka. ‘they know they could get a similar service in the West End or Chelsea area, but we’re down to earth and our prices reflect that too.’ Now with an expanded team, Hazelwood offers a full range of designer names in fabrics, soft furnishings, wall coverings and trimmings. From Andrew Martin, Zinc, Brian Yates, Romo and Nobilis to Designers Guild, Sahco, Jab, Casamance and

6 6 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

‘One of our customers told me the other day ’You’re Loughton’s best kept secret!’ says Antonia. ‘I like to think that’s true.’

SPECIAL OFFER

20% DISCOUNT on fabrics and wall coverings during February and March 2014.

For more information about Hazelwood Interiors, 4a Valley Hill, Loughton, Essex call 020 8508 7683 or email enquiries@hazelwoodint.com www.hazelwoodint.com

Kitchens - Bedrooms - Bathrooms - Furniture - Interior Design Reeva Design is part of the Glotech Group, 2 Soothouse Spring, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 6PF

020 8492 7531

info@reevadesign.com www.reevadesign.com

P E R S O NA L L AW

The Increasing Popularity of Life Interest Trusts Protecting the inheritance of immediate family members is becoming increasingly important in the context of second marriages following either divorce or the death of the first spouse.

Katie Khakpour-Smith, a solicitor in Taylor Walton’s Private Client team, considers how life interest trusts can help protect family wealth.

D

ivorce or the early death of a spouse often results in family wealth being quickly disseminated due to the pressure of conflicting loyalties on those who remarry or survive. As a result, family wealth, which would once have been kept within the tight nucleus of immediate family members, is suddenly spread across a more extended family.

For anyone involved in a second marriage or civil partnership it may be important for the person preparing a will to provide for their new spouse or partner and at the same time ensure that the children of their previous relationship(s) are still the main beneficiaries of their estate. Interestingly, the Office of National Statistics shows that the divorce rate of the over-60s is on the increase. Given this age group are more likely to be “cash-rich”, having had longer to pay off their mortgages and accumulate assets from their parents, it is even more important to ensure that their wills are drafted to ensure that the assets which they have spent a lifetime accumulating pass in the direction they would want them to on their death.

Where an early death has occurred, it may have been a concern of the deceased that their husband or wife would go on to remarry and have a second family. The deceased may have been worried that his or her estate would not be ring-fenced for the benefit of the surviving spouse and the children of their marriage and could in the future be used for the benefit of their widow or widower’s new family.

If you are concerned that your spouse could remarry in the future were you to die prematurely or that he or she may not be financially responsible by frittering away your assets so there is nothing left for your children, a life interest trust is a useful instrument to include in your will. A life interest trust will allow you to make provision for your surviving spouse but still ensure that the bulk of the estate is ring-fenced for the benefit of your children.

Under a life interest trust, any income generated by the trust assets is paid to the surviving spouse. The spouse therefore has an outright entitlement to the income but not to the capital of the trust fund. Consequently it needs to be considered if there is sufficient income for the surviving spouse to live on, if this is what is intended. If a property also forms part of the assets of the trust, the spouse is entitled to continue to occupy the property for the remainder of his or her lifetime (or, if the will is drafted in such a way, until remarriage or cohabitation with another person).

If desirable, powers can be granted to the trustees of the trust so that they can release capital sums to the spouse outright when deemed

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necessary. This means that the trustees have the flexibility to respond to unforeseen circumstances which require the surviving spouse to have access to capital sums. In hand with this, if these powers are included in the drafting of the life interest trust arrangement, it would be advisable for the person making the will to also prepare a “letter of wishes” setting out guidance to the trustees about the circumstances when they would want the trustees to consider releasing capital to the surviving spouse. Who you choose as trustees could be crucial; you need to ensure that you appoint individuals who you trust to follow your wishes.

Clearly life interest trusts are a useful way of retaining some control over your assets after death and ensuring that the bulk of the assets eventually pass outright to the beneficiaries that you wish to inherit them. There are however some disadvantages to their use.

Life interest trust without the inclusion of powers to appoint capital to the surviving spouse are inflexible and may result in harsh consequences for the surviving spouse. This is often seen as exerting control from beyond the grave.

Some surviving spouses may be very unhappy about only being entitled to income and a right to occupy the property. The spouse may resent the long-stop beneficiaries (most commonly the children of the deceased) who will eventually be entitled to the assets without restriction.

Nevertheless, in order to retain some control over the assets which you have spent a lifetime building up, the inclusion of a life interest trust within your will would be a sensible arrangement to consider. With the option of including powers to release capital to the surviving spouse, life interest trusts represent a good way of providing for a spouse whilst still ring-fencing assets for the benefit of your children.

Independent legal directory, The Legal 500, ranks Taylor Walton’s Private Client department as one of only four premier firms of solicitors in the Beds, Bucks, Herts and Middlesex region for wills, probate and tax saving strategies. We are particularly experienced in dealing with complex tax planning arrangements and family issues.

If you would like advice or assistance in relation to inheritance tax planning and will writing then please contact Katie Khakpour-Smith of Taylor Walton on 01582 714188 or email to katie.khakpour-smith@taylorwalton.co.uk

Harpenden Life 1/2 page

Your family wealth matters

For expert advice on conveyancing & everything you need to keep moving house simple

Our experience in the use of wills and trusts can help protect your family wealth for future generations.

Effective Solutions for Individuals Call 01582 765111 or visit www.taylorwalton.co.uk Offices at: Luton, Harpenden & St Albans

See us at:

• EXCEL

STAND B209

ADVERT 69

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

DINING AT HANBURY MANOR AFTERNOON TEA IN OAK HALL This Winter, why not indulge with our quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. Enjoy finely cut sandwiches, homemade, freshly baked scones and dainty pastries from £25.00 per person. Why not add a chilled glass of Champagne for an additional £6.50 per person?

SUNDAY LUNCH IN OAKES GRILL Enjoy a three course Sunday buffet lunch in our contemporary Oakes Grill overlooking the PGA Championship golf course for £26.50 per person*.

Conservation by design 020 8695 0055

sales@thwc.co.uk

www.thwc.co.uk

*Children under 10 years dine for £10; Children under 5 years dine for £5, Children under 2 years dine free of charge.

To make a booking, please call: 01920 487 722

Showrooms at: Sevenoaks Dorking Beaconsfield (Lunch and dinner reservations are also available in Oakes Grill as well as our fine dining restaurant, Zodiac. Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability. Pre-booking required. Golf and Leisure Memberships are also currently available. Please contact the Membership Manager on +44 (0) 1920 885 015 for further details.)

Hanbury Manor, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD. Telephone: 01920 487 722; Website: MarriottHanburyManor.co.uk

PROPERTY LIFE T H E

L A T E S T

A N D

B E S T

S P O N S O R E D

P R O P E R T I E S

O N

T H E

M A R K E T

B Y

CAMLET WAY HADLEY WOOD EN4

A stylish new development consisting of a charming mews house, stunning two bedroom conversion apartments, new two and three bedroom apartments and an exceptionally spacious four storey, six bedroom house.

PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ2,975,000 FREEHOLD F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4 7 1

The Pheasantry Home Farm, North Mymms, Hertfordshire.

Set in this secluded, desirable gated development with commanding undisturbed views over the countryside, this 9 year old FULLY DETACHED residence offers 5 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms ( 3 en-suite), country style kitchen/breakfast room, superb reception/dining area, heated outdoor swimming pool, double garage, substantial parking and beautifully set in approx ž acre. Rarely do properties of this calibre appear on the open market. Internal viewing of this unique property is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

ÂŁ1.395m

O H . BARTS . .

Viewing strictly by appointment

estate agents

surveyors

valuers

020 8342 9000. hobarts.co.uk

From Cottages to Country Estates

FOR OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.STATONS.COM

HADLEY WOOD

£5,000,000

Substantial Georgian-Style Detached Residence 6 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 5 Receptions 260ft Garden With Heated Swimming Pool Tennis Court Sweeping Carriage Drive

HADLEY WOOD OFFICE 020 8440 9797

ARKLEY

£1,695,000

Stunning Detached Family Home Set Behind Electronic Gates 5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Receptions South Facing Rear Garden Tiled Heated Swimming Pool Double Garage

BARNET OFFICE 020 8449 3383

HIGH BARNET

£1,395,000

RADLETT

£1,995,000

Substantial Family Home 6 Bedrooms 5 Receptions 4 Bathrooms (3 En Suites) Set Behind Electric Gates Expansive Driveway and Front Garden Garage

RADLETT OFFICE 01923 604 321

TOTTERIDGE

£1,500,000

Detached Family Home 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Receptions South Facing Rear Garden Garage/Driveway Accessed From The Rear Walking Distance To Transport Links

TOTTERIDGE OFFICE 020 8445 3694

TOTTERIDGE

£1,295,000

Set on a Corner Plot of Approx. 1/3 acre 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Double Aspect Reception Integral Double Garage Landscaped Front and Rear Gardens Off Street Parking

Quiet Cul De Sac In The Heart Of Totteridge Village 5 Bedrooms 4 Receptions 3 Bathrooms Planning Consent Granted For Double Garage (Plans Available For Inspection)

BARNET OFFICE 020 8449 3383

TOTTERIDGE OFFICE 020 8445 3694

HADLEY WOOD

£1,950,000

Detached Family Residence Of Just Under 4000 Sq Ft 5 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms (All En Suites) 4 Receptions Carriage Driveway Integral Double Garage

HADLEY WOOD OFFICE 020 8440 9797

SOUTH MIMMS

£1,475,000

Delightful Detached Family Home That Has Recently Been Extended And Modernised 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Reception South Facing Rear Garden Garage Off Street Parking

BROOKMANS PARK OFFICE 01707 661144

POTTERS BAR

£935,000

Spacious Detached Family Home Situated On A Popular Premier Residential Tree Lined Road 4 Bedrooms 3 Receptions 3 Bathrooms Garage Off Street Parking

BROOKMANS PARK OFFICE 01707 661144

SALES OFFICES AT: BARNET 020 8449 3383 TOTTERIDGE 020 8445 3694 HADLEY WOOD 020 8440 9797 BROOKMANS PARK 01707 661144 RADLETT 01923 604321 NEW HOMES SHOWCASE HADLEY GREEN 020 8441 9555 PREMIER LETTINGS HADLEY GREEN 020 8441 9796

www.statons.com

Associated Offices in Mayfair, Moscow, China, USA & Monaco

P R O P E RT Y

COCKFOSTERS ROAD HADLEY WOOD, HERTFORDSHIRE A

character Tudor style family home set in secluded landscaped gardens that adjoin Hadley Wood golf course. The charming interior has a wealth of oak features complemented by modern bathrooms and traditional farmhouse kitchen.

The property comprises of Reception room dining room kitchen study master suite with dressing area and en suite bathroom 3 further bedrooms 3 en suite 1 family bathroom

7 4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

heated swimming pool double garage

STPP

EPC Rating = E

Guide Price ÂŁ2,350,000 Freehold For further details please contact Savills Barnet on 020 8447 4400 or email barnet@savills.com savills.co.uk

Savills Barnet 143 High Street Barnet EN5 5UZ

020 8447 4400 barnet@savills.com

savills.co.uk

HADLEY GREEN, hertfordshire

ARKLEY, hertfordshire

Grade II Listed ø drawing room ø dining room ø 6/7 bedrooms ø library 4 reception rooms ø kitchen/dining room ø 7 bedrooms ø 6 bathrooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø conservatory ø utility room ø gardens ø study ø seperate annexe ø garden ø garage ø EPC Rating = C Guide £2.775 million Freehold

Guide £2.675 million Freehold

POTTERS BAR, hertfordshire

HADLEY WOOD, barnet

4 reception rooms ø 6 bedrooms ø 2 bathroom (1 en suite) ø kitchen ø study area ø garden ø garage ø locally listed ø EPC Rating = F

2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø bathroom ø cellar ø car port ø garden ø EPC rating = D

Guide £1.1 million Freehold

Guide £675,000 Freehold

Savills only concentrates on one type of house. Yours.

If it's time to sell, talk to Savills.

MILL HILL OFFICE 109 The Broadway, Mill Hill NW7 3TG SALES: 020 8906 0660 LETTINGS: 020 8906 0660 E: NW7@martyngerrard.co.uk www.martyngerrard.co.uk

FLOWER LANE, NW7 £1,775,000 FREEHOLD

A recently refurbished double fronted, five bed, four bath detached family home situated within close proximity to Mill Hill Broadway’s shops and Thames Link Station.

THE OWNERS LOVE “The bright and spacious open plan living is ideal for dinner parties and entertaining family and friends” “We are walking distance to our GP, Mathilda Marks, shops, cafes and transport, the location really is ideal” “Our patio area, we enjoy relaxing in the sunshine and are not overlooked by anybody”

5 Bedrooms 2 Receptions Open plan kitchen/diner 4 Bathrooms Utility room Under floor heating throughout Self contained annexe Off street parking

WE’VE NOTICED The property has a separate self contained annex to the rear of the property with modern fitted kitchen and bathroom.

The property benefits from having under floor heating in every room including the self contained annex.

EPC Rating : B Please contact Jamie McIver at MILL HILL OFFICE on 020 8906 0660

Martyn Gerrard is the trading name for the North London Network Ltd. Registered in England No. 2441809.

Registered Office: 5th Floor, 7/10 Chandos Street, London W1G 9DQ. Company Secretary: B. Peters Directors: M. Gerrard MRICS FNAEA, S.E. Gerrard MNAEA MARLA, D.H. Smith FNAEA MARLA, W.A. Price MNAEA, S.M. Gerrard MA MRICS FICBA, G. Tsuman MARLA

Regulated by RICS

BARNET • CROUCH END • EAST FINCHLEY • FINCHLEY CENTRAL • NORTH FINCHLEY • HENDON • KENTISH TOWN • MILL HILL • MUSWELL HILL • WHETSTONE

BARNET OFFICE 4 Exchange Buildings, High Street, Barnet EN5 5SY SALES: 020 8440 2444 LETTINGS: 020 8440 4222 E: EN5@martyngerrard.co.uk www.martyngerrard.co.uk

GRIMSDYKE CRESCENT, ARKLEY EN5 £750,000

Three bedroom chalet style bungalow with extensive gardens and detached garage.

THE OWNERS LOVE “We have enjoyed putting all our touches and imagination into our enchanted house” “We have had a lot of luck, happiness & joy in this home” “My late Mother always said as you enter the door it was her touch of paradise”

3 Bedrooms 1 Reception room Fully integrated kitchen diner 2 Bathrooms with additional en suite Detached garage with off street parking Georgian style double glazing Quiet green belt location Short walk to High Barnet amenities

WE’VE NOTICED This is a very social house; with the reception opening onto the decked area extending the living space.

This property is well presented with the loft extended just 3 years ago.

EPC Rating: C

Please contact Susan Bradford at BARNET OFFICE on 020 8440 2444

Martyn Gerrard is the trading name for the North London Network Ltd. Registered in England No. 2441809.

Registered Office: 5th Floor, 7/10 Chandos Street, London W1G 9DQ. Company Secretary: B. Peters Directors: M. Gerrard MRICS FNAEA, S.E. Gerrard MNAEA MARLA, D.H. Smith FNAEA MARLA, W.A. Price MNAEA, S.M. Gerrard MA MRICS FICBA, G. Tsuman MARLA

Regulated by RICS

BARNET • CROUCH END • EAST FINCHLEY • FINCHLEY CENTRAL • NORTH FINCHLEY • HENDON • KENTISH TOWN • MILL HILL • MUSWELL HILL • WHETSTONE

FINCHLEY OFFICE 365 Regents Park Road, Finchley Central, London, N3 1DE SALES: 020 8346 0102 LETTINGS: 020 8346 0102 E: N3@martyngerrard.co.uk www.martyngerrard.co.uk

HOLLY PARK GARDENS, N3 £1,200,000 FREEHOLD

A four double bedroom corner semi-detached property located off Holly Park.

THE OWNERS LOVE “The house has served as a great family home for more than 40 years” “We have superb neighbours with a real sense of community in the Road” “All forms of transport are close by with strong Road links, several bus routes nearby and tube station at Finchley Central”

4 Double bedrooms 3 Separate receptions 2 Bathrooms Fitted kitchen Utility room Entrance hallway Downstairs WC Located within the ‘Eruv’

WE’VE NOTICED The garden is set at the front, side and rear of the property.

There is scope for a loft conversion (subject to necessary consents).

EPC Rating: E Please contact Sophie Henry at FINCHLEY OFFICE on 020 8346 0102

Martyn Gerrard is the trading name for the North London Network Ltd. Registered in England No. 2441809.

Registered Office: 5th Floor, 7/10 Chandos Street, London W1G 9DQ. Company Secretary: B. Peters Directors: M. Gerrard MRICS FNAEA, S.E. Gerrard MNAEA MARLA, D.H. Smith FNAEA MARLA, W.A. Price MNAEA, S.M. Gerrard MA MRICS FICBA, G. Tsuman MARLA

Regulated by RICS

BARNET • CROUCH END • EAST FINCHLEY • FINCHLEY CENTRAL • NORTH FINCHLEY • HENDON • KENTISH TOWN • MILL HILL • MUSWELL HILL • WHETSTONE

50 years of

fulfilling dreams ...for all generations

moving families and creating homes. mill hill whetstone

020 8906 0660 020 8446 2111

Barnet North finchley

020 8440 2444 020 8445 2222

BARNET • cRouch ENd • EAsT fiNchlEy • fiNchlEy cENTRAl • NoRTh fiNchlEy • hENdoN • kENTish TowN • mill hill • muswEll hill • whETsToNE

CONTEMPORARY. STYLISH. SPACIOUS. Luxury lateral living

Beautifully landscaped gardens

2 & 3 bedroom apartments with private balconies or terraces

Direct lift access from secure underground car park

24-hour concierge/security and gym

20 minutes to Central London

Contact us 020 8421 9139 sales@millhillplace.com

millhillplace.com

50% SOLD

Joint Sole Agents:

newhomes@prestonbennett.co.uk 020 8954 8626

Prices from ÂŁ1,050,000 subject to contract

Visit our show apartments 10am – 5pm, 7 days a week Hammers Lane, Mill Hill, London NW7 4AQ

Development by:

newhomes@glentree.com 020 8731 9500

heronslea-group.co.uk

020 8954 0060 finehomes@prestonbennett.co.uk FINE HOMES S LO EC C LU AT D IO ED N

A SO G LE EN T

STANMORE HALL, STANMORE

£1,450,000

This beautifully presented 3 bedroom penthouse apartment is one of the largest flats in Stanmore Hall and has not come to the market previously. The apartment boasts 3 bedrooms, a well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room, a grand and beautifully proportioned drawing room with incredible views extending towards London and beyond, a spacious entrance hall, a delightful and sizable private roof garden, two parking spaces (one underground), a storage room in the basement, visitors parking, and access to the communal leisure complex including a pool and gym.

IN

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£1,995,000

In excess of 4,300 sq. ft., this beautiful newly built 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom home is perfectly suited to family life with the inclusion of a large kitchen breakfast room, a family/TV room, and a separate formal reception room, all of which open directly onto a manicured garden. Additional features include a delightful master bedroom suite, 3 further double bedrooms all en-suite, a utility room and a study/bedroom 5 with an en-suite bathroom, underfloor heating throughout, and a carriage driveway. EPC Rating B.

FAIRSEAT CLOSE, BUSHEY HEATH £1,725,000 This substantial 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom detached family residence is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac and offers spacious reception rooms including a double aspect lounge, dining room, kitchen breakfast room, and study. Planning Permission has been granted to extend it to a 7 bedroom, 5 bathroom property with an annex. EPC Rating D.

A SO G LE EN T

PADELFORD LANE, STANMORE £1,125,000 This stunning 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,490 sq. ft. detached house benefits from a large reception room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room with separate utility area, and a conservatory.

This property is located moments away from shopping facilities of Stanmore and Bushey Heath.

EPC Rating B.

A SO G LE EN T

A SO G LE EN T

WOOD LANE, STANMORE £1,350,000 Forming part of the Stanmore Hall Estate, this family home overlooks Little Common’s famous landscaping and mature pond. Features include 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 guest WC’s, underfloor heating, motion sensors for bathroom lighting, double glazing, and a large forecourt drive providing parking for 4 - 5 cars. EPC Rating D.

FALLOWFIELD, STANMORE £1,295,000 This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom detached bungalow is located in a sought-after turning off Stanmore Hill. Features include 2 reception rooms, 3 double bedrooms, master suite with dressing area and en-suite bathroom, a driveway which accommodates 4 cars, and a mature, wellsized garden. EPC Rating D.

A SO G LE EN T

A SO G LE EN T

HATHAWAY CLOSE, STANMORE £1,100,000 The spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom property is presented in excellent condition throughout.

Features include an extensive principal bedroom suite, a bright kitchen breakfast room, a separate utility room, 2 large interconnecting wellproportioned reception rooms, a study, and a large conservatory which overlooks a lovely garden.

£1,195,000

This attractive detached 4 bedroom Tudor-style family home is nestled in a quiet, leafy street and is set behind a deep carriage driveway. Presented in superb condition throughout, the property features 4 separate reception rooms, a double width integral garage, off street parking for up to 5 cars, and a delightful secluded rear garden. Located in the heart of Bushey Heath this home lies within walking distance of Hartsbourne Country Club, local schools, places of worship, and various transport links.

EPC Rating D.

A SO G LE EN T

ST N RU EW C TI O

HOMEFIELD ROAD, RADLETT

CALIFORNIA LANE, BUSHEY HEATH

A SO G LE EN T

PORTMAN HALL, OLD REDDING £1,100,000 This well-planned 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,490 sq. ft. detached house benefits from a large reception room, dining room, study, kitchen/ breakfast room with separate utility area, and a conservatory. This property is located moments away from shopping facilities of Stanmore and Bushey Heath. EPC Rating B.

HARTSBOURNE PARK, BUSHEY HEATH £849,950 This delightful 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom ground floor apartment benefits from direct access onto its own private terrace and communal gardens.

The perfect pied-à-terre or retirement flat, features include a parking space, visitors parking, garage, and concierge service. EPC Rating C.

www.prestonbennett.co.uk RESIDENTIAL

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NEW HOMES

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FINE HOMES

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LETTINGS & MANAGEMENT

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PLANNING

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LAND & DEVELOPMENT

UPHILL ROAD MILL HILL NW7

ÂŁ4,950,000 freehold

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane,Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

A magnificent rarely available large double fronted detached 6/7 bedroom home set back from the road behind a carriage driveway on a large plot discretely located behind security gates in Mill Hill’s most prestigious turning. Offering in excess of 6500 sq ft of accommodation, this fantastic property offers the ultimate in family living.

Features include a gorgeous large master suite, huge 31ft x 30ft kitchen/breakfast room, 5/ 6 further reception rooms, galleried entrance hall, double garage & carriage driveway with parking for 6/7 cars.

To the rear is an incredible landscaped 240 ft rear garden with evergreen lawn leading to a separate secluded area with heated swimming pool with electric safety cover and large decked sun terrace.

There is also a detached summer house / den with changing room and kitchenette.

Uphill Road is a highly sought after location offering convenient access to the wide choice of amenities in Mill Hill Broadway. Rail and road links provide easy access to central London, the City, all major airports.

6/7 bedrooms

Utility Room

5 Bathrooms (4 en suite)

Double Garage

Reception hall

240 ft garden with

Drawing Room

heated pool and summer

Dining Room

house / changing room

Study

Driveway with parking

Tv Room / Den

for 5/6 cars

Playroom

Gated

UPHILL ROAD MILL HILL NW7

£3,950,000 freehold Set back from the road behind security gates, a magnificent Georgian 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom luxury home, built only 3 years ago in Mill Hill’s most prestigious turning. Offering fantastic accommodation over 4 floors, this stunning house looks out over a beautifully landscaped 120 ft garden. The house offers 6500 sq ft of bright and spacious contemporary accommodation over 4 floors, with numerous features

including a magnificent galleried quadruple volume staircase, a stunning bespoke kitchen/diner opening to a family room / TV room, superb home cinema, gym, games room and open entertaining area/bar on the garden level.

A high specification has been used throughout and the house benefits from air conditioning to principal

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane,Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

rooms, underfloor heating, Control 4 system , HD matrix , Rako mood control lighting, full Cat 5 Cabling throughout and flush mounted plasma screens in principal rooms. Uphill Road is within close proximity of Mill Hill Thameslink providing direct links to the City in approx 20 minutes, as well as easy access to the M1. There are also a number of good schools in the area, including the renowned Mill Hill School.

bedrooms 6 6 Bathrooms (all en suite) Kitchen Diner Family room / Den Study Library Cinema Gym Games room

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

Open plan bar / entertaining area Utility room Garage Under floor heating Air conditioning Multi room sound 7 years NHBC remaining Sole agents

godfreyandbarr.com

FAIRHOLME GARDENS FINCHLEY N3

£2,500,000 FREEHOLD A stunning 6 bedroom double fronted detached family house located just off Chessington Avenue on the Chessington Estate. Refurbished and interior designed by the current owners, providing over 4000 sq ft of bright contemporary accommodation arranged over 3 floors. Features include a huge 56” open plan reception leading to a superb kitchen/ breakfast room/ family room with bi-folding doors leading to a landscaped south-westerly facing rear garden, master bedroom suite with dressing area, bathroom and access to a large terrace, 5 further bedrooms, under floor and partial air conditioning . Located within ½ a mile of the shopping and transport facilities of both Temple Fortune and Finchley Central.

Hampstead Mill Hill Office Garden Suburb Office 59 Daws 20 MarketLane,Mill Place, Hampstead Hill Garden Suburb London NW7 NW114SE 6JJ

T +44 (0) 20 8959 8458 9000 9119

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

godfreyandbarr.com

WISE LANE MILL HILL NW7

SEBERGHAM GROVE MILL HILL NW7

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £625,000

£595,000 FREEHOLD

A substantial 3 bedroom unmodernised semi-detached family house, offering enormous scope and potential to extend and improve subject to planning permission. The house benefits from a gorgeous 130ft garden backing directly on to Arrandene open space.

A delightful modern 4 bedroom semi detached house built in 2000, offered in immaculate decorative order with the benefit of the integral garage having been incorporated into living space to provide a very large open plan lounge and dining room. Located within a mile of the transport and shopping facilities of Mill Hill Broadway, the Copthall Leisure Centre and Saracens Allianz Park

ST VINCENTS LANE

HILLSIDE GROVE

£935,000 FREEHOLD

£945,000 FREEHOLD

A magnificent recently refurbished and interior designed large 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom top flor apartment in this gorgeous Victorian conversion, located in the heart of Mill Hill Village.

Within close proximity to open countryside, yet close to the underground and Mill Hill Thames Link. The property offers fantastic space including a stunning large double reception room with amazing double volume vaulted ceilings and high windows, a large kitchen/breakfast room, as well as 2 reserved parking spaces.

A pretty 4 bedroom detached family house situated in this tree lined turning, being a continuation of Parkside, within easy access of both Mill Hill Park and Arrandene open space and approximately a mile from Mill Hill Broadway.

The property has great scope to extend and improve and benefits include 3 separate reception rooms, a large south facing garden in excess of 100ft, as well as off street parking for 3/4 cars.

MILL HILL NW7

Mill Hill Office

59 Daws Lane,Mill Hill London NW7 4SE

MILL HILL NW7

T +44 (0) 20 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com godfreyandbarr.com

P R O P E RT Y

BARHAM AVENUE ELSTREE WD6

A

stunning individually designed family home finished to the highest specification, offering luxurious and spacious living accommodation with a wealth of features and period character, situated in Elstree’s premier location with direct access into London Kings Cross via the Thameslink (20 minutes to St.Pancras).

Extraordinary attention to detail Bespoke handmade kitchen Remote controlled feature mood lighting 4 person steam room 6 person Canadian spa/hot tub Underfloor heating Cat 5 cabling throughout Wired for internal sound systems Intruder alarm system Internal vacuum system Elstree benefits from excellent local schooling both in the state and private sector, most notably the highly regarded Haberdashers Aske’s schools, whilst Aldenham, Edge Grove and Radlett Prep are also close by.

Asking Price £3,350,000 Freehold

Features

ntrance Hall E Drawing Room Family Room Kitchen TV Room Sitting Room Study Spa Room Shower Room Utility Room Steam Room Landing Bedroom 2 with En Suite Bathroom

edroom 3 with En Suite Bathroom B Bedroom 4 with En Suite Bathroom Bedroom 5 with En Suite Shower Room Bedroom 6 with En Suite Shower Room Landing Master Bedroom with Bathroom Suite and Dressing Room Boiler Room Exterior Expansive Carriage Driveway Garage Large Rear Garden

For more information about this property please contact Statons Radlett office on 01923 604 321 or email radlett@statons.com.

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P R O P E RT Y

CAMLET WAY HADLEY WOOD EN4 Plot 3, Eastgate House is now available. This stylish home offers Approximately 5247 sq ft Approached via two individual set of security gates A professionally designed kitchen/breakfast room Separate sitting room Separate dining room Family room Master bedroom En-suite to master bedroom Dressing room to master bedroom Five further bedrooms Games room TV room Separate study Store room Gymnasium Patio Detached double garage Imperial Grove A stylish new development consisting of a charming mews house, stunning two bedroom conversion apartments, new two and three bedroom apartments and an exceptionally spacious four storey, six bedroom house.

A superb selection of newly built homes has been traditionally styled to blend with the original architecture of two stunning refurbished apartments, yet each of these outstanding residences offer all the comforts of a modern and demanding lifestyle. Myriad little touches come together to make this gated development truly special; the refurbished apartments and mews house benefit from a basement car park topped with a green roof style park, the detached house has a laundry chute for ultimate convenience and the mews apartments brim with convenient storage spaces.

Stylish and refined, the interiors have been designed to complement a sophisticated lifestyle with time and energy saving features, flexible accommodation, generous storage space and exceptional finishes. These are homes to be lived in and loved.

Hadley Wood has roots dating back to the fourteenth century and the aura of an upmarket and cosmopolitan village. This is a community of choice for celebrities and sports personalities, drawn to its rural seclusion, exclusive atmosphere and the ease of access to central London. Hadley Wood Station is just half a mile from the new homes and provides regular services to

SHOW HOME OP EN

Thursday Monday fr to 10am - 5p om mo appointm r by ent

Moorgate and King’s Cross in less than half an hour, whilst both Cockfosters and High Barnet Underground Stations are conveniently close, allowing alternative routes into central London.

The superb range of local schooling options has long been another enticement with the area regularly featuring in the Sunday Times Schools Guide. A highly respected primary and an independent day school are within a few minute’s walk while St John’s Preparatory School does consistently well in the borough’s league tables and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar in Barnet is one of the best state schools in the country.

Asking Price Offers Over £2,975,000 Freehold

Features ntrance Hall E Downstairs Cloakroom Sitting Room Family Room Dining Room Kitchen/Breakfast Room Lower Ground Floor Study Lower Ground Cloakroom Steam Room and Shower Room Gymnasium TV Room Laundry Room Bedroom 6/Staff Accommodation with En Suite Shower Room

First Floor Master Bedroom with 2 En Suite Dressing Rooms and En Suite Bathroom Bedroom 2 with En Suite Shower Room Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Family Bathroom Second Floor Games Room Bedroom 5 with En Suite Bathroom Exterior Rear Garden Double Garage

For more information about this property please contact Statons Hadley Wood office on 020 8440 9797 or email hadley@statons.com.

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A STUN NIN G PENTHOUSE OVERLOOKI NG H AD L EY WOOD GOLF COURSE WITH CO N CI ERG E L L E NE Q UI N I R I 2013-2014 E S P L E A S E C OUK N T APROPERT CT THE JUDGES CAHOIC Y AWAR DS DEBBIE WILLIAMS - 01923 216 535

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£2.65M

fusionresidential.co.uk

A L L E N Q U I R I E S P L E A S E C O N TA C T Q3U I2R1I 6E S5 P3 L5E A SS ET ACTO D E B B I E W I L L I A M SA L- L0 E1N 92 ON NTSA -C T 020 8440 9797 D E B B I E W I L L I A M S - 0fusionresidential.co.uk 1923 2 1 6 5 3 5 S T A T O N S - 0 2 0 8 4 4 0 9 7 9 7 fusionresidential.co.uk

P R O P E RT Y

Soak up the style with four spectacular developments from Fusion Residential

F

orget the floods of January and February, because the team at Fusion Residential, luxury developer and design house to the rich, famous and influential, are currently working their alchemy on four spectacular and quite diverse projects which are set to take the high-end London property scene by a very different sort of storm.

Design and build experts from Fusion Residential are creating twelve super concierge-serviced apartments to award-winning specifications in Dollis Avenue, Finchley, N3 and Beech Hill, Hadley Wood; a super contemporary trophy home in Oaklands Lane, Arkley, and an ambitious mix of 31 luxury homes – seven houses and 24 apartments - in Parsons Green, Fulham, close to the river.

All have been conceived and planned to push the boundaries in terms of imagination, innovation, elegance, practicality and Fusion’s customary attention to detail.

The first thing you notice about every Fusion Residential development is the fabulous setting and this holds true with each of these ambitious projects.

Dollis Avenue is fantastically placed just 20 minutes by road from the centre of London and close to the tube. Equinox at Arkley has an acre of landscaped gardens and overlooks the luscious rolling Hertfordshire Green Belt; and Parsons Green is a short walk from the River Thames and overlooks the exclusive and quintessentially English Hurlingham Club.

Each property boasts what has become Fusion Residential’s trademark “Smart Home” technology allowing programming and control of lighting, heating, sound, vision and security via wall-mounted iPads.

You can even control settings remotely through your mobile phone.

Work has already started at Dollis Avenue and it is due to complete in 2015.

The development - The Collection – which will boast secure underground parking, comprises one garden apartment, two apartments each on the first and second floors and for those really set on hitting the heights, a prodigious and extravagantly appointed penthouse with direct lift access.

Dollis Avenue is already a dream destination, but The Collection promises to become the jewel in the star-studded crown.

Built in the mould of the company’s Amara Lodge and Murano House developments in Hadley Wood, both award winners in the UK Property Awards, the apartments will enjoy the highest specification with the most sought after materials, furnishings, white goods and sanitary ware; qualities echoed in all Fusion Residential homes.

Outside the apartments will feature extensive terracing, cleverly crafted to ensure complete discretion while the al fresco space is enjoyed to the max.

It is no surprise there is already interest in The Collection, apartments at Murano House were bought off plan, and Fusion Residential anticipates even more interest this time round.

The exquisite Equinox at Arkley will be little short of a fantasy home. With construction already started it will boast five double bedrooms, and such luxuries as a gym and double height vaulted atrium – these are just some of the life enhancing extras that seem to be “standard” with Fusion Residential.

This summer promises to be a busy time for Fusion Residential as Phase 1 of the Parsons Green project named Hurlingham Terrace is destined for completion at the same time.

Again hunters of bespoke homes can anticipate the Fusion pedigree of high-end specification and layout, rich in creature comforts and oozing sophistication, splendour and superlative style.

If you have never enjoyed the Fusion Residential experience, experience The Collection, Palazzo and Hurlingham Terrace, you will not be disappointed.

For details of all Fusion Residential’s treasures, contact Debbie Williams on 01923 216535.

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dreampad

where beautiful homes live

A Selection Of Hertfordshire Homes Sold By DreamPad In 2013

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SELLING Hertfordshire’s Finest Homes Since 2006 Contact Us For A Free, No-Obligation Valuation

www.dreampad.com

0333 772 9775 Herts@dreampad.com

where beautiful homes live

dreampad

Essendon - Detached Period Property Set Within 1 Acre Grounds

Asking Price: £1,175,000

For Further Details:

4 Bedrooms|En-Suite To Master|1 Acre Grounds|Double Garage, Store & Stables

Search Our Website For Homes In‘Essendon’

A delightful detached period house standing in its own grounds of approximately 1 acre located in a prestigious country lane between Essendon and Brookmans Park offering an idyllic country lifestyle whilst being conveniently placed for commuters. The generous reception rooms are tastefully decorated and the hand-built ‘Shaker’ style kitchen is fitted with solid oak units complimented by granite work tops. To the first floor there are 4 double bedrooms and the master bedroom incorporates a generous walk-in cupboard and a full en-suite bathroom. An ancillary building includes a detached garage, a large store and single stable. The sweeping driveway leads to a large parking area which in turn leads to the beautiful, secluded formal gardens and paddock.

0333 772 9775 Herts@dreampad.com

www.dreampad.com

F E AT U R E

CEDARWOOD

N

estled deep within the established plot the simple series of refined linear buildings blend seamlessly and capture the innate natural beauty of their setting.

Strategically positioned the buildings provide an array of landscaped courtyards each with its own distinct character.

Constructed from the highest quality natural materials the buildings are designed to provide a healthy and sustainable living environment, highly insulated and filled with light. The large panels of recessed glazing which adorn the elevations provide panoramic views across the site whilst creating a series of bright internal living spaces. The glazing itself is highly thermally efficient allowing energy from the sun to enter the building whilst limiting heat loss during winter.

9 6 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4

The natural slate roof lines, which float effortlessly over the buildings, provide shelter and protection from the elements.

The purity of the roof forms are further enhanced by the use of recessed guttering and concealed down-pipes. Constructed from a rigid steel frame the buildings are clad externally in Western Red Cedar, which has a superior natural durability and resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. Selected for its warm textured grain and rich colour Cedar has an inherent quality that has been proven to retain its appearance for several decades. The use of Cedar provides a strong visual connection and roots the buildings within its landscape.

The buildings themselves are highly thermally insulated using

F E AT U R E

‘Set within a generous mature landscaped plot with views across the open Cheshire countryside Cedarwood offers a contemporary rural residence completed to the highest possible specification.

The brief was to create a timeless yet elegant design, which connected with the surrounding landscape.’ t: 01525 406677

nicolas tye architects

e: info@nicolastyearchitects.co.uk

sustainable wood-fibre board that not only reduces heat loss but also gives protection from overheating in the summer months.

The building construction is highly breathable and vapor permeable protecting the building fabric and providing a naturally healthy living environment. Heating is provided via underfloor heating linked to a highly efficient gas-condensing boiler.

The internal layout supplies a sequence of open interlinked spaces, the ever-changing requirements and progression of a modern family have been taken into consideration; the design of the interior reflects this. Each area has it’s own distinct character and style, however the spaces flow together seamlessly to create a house and home that works effectively. A palette of robust, hard wearing

w: www.nicolastyearchitects.co.uk

natural materials have been used which will age gracefully and withstand everyday knocks and scrapes. Key features of the interior include a freestanding slate open fire, open tread oak staircase, concealed built-in cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, recessed roller blinds and high specification lighting, audio and media specification.

The kitchen, which is centrally located has been completed to an exceptional quality with bespoke handmade cabinetry, moulded Corian work surfaces and sink and Wolf appliances.

This high specification is followed throughout the build with an exceptional level of attention to detail that continues in the bathrooms. Frame-less walk in shower enclosures, moulded Corian basins with Vola taps and showers.’

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 4 9 7

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