Weybridge Life Magazine December 2013

weybridge LIFE & st george’s hill

issue 4 8

d ec E M B E R 2 0 1 3

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

BUTTERFLIES AT RHS GARDEN WISLEY CHRISTMAS CONCERTS & CAROLS ESHER GOLDEN LIONS THE PORSCHE TURBO 911 S

The Deer of Richmond Park Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and Deer Park with 630 Red and Fallow Deer roaming freely since 1529.

LOCAL LIFE | HISTORY | EVENTS | WALKS | BEAUTY | HOME INTEREST

Welcome to our December issue...

Local boys, Paul Martin and Jem Sharples along with the cheeky American, Scott Ciscon, together make up the internationally renowned group Tenors Un Limited, the ‘Rat Pack of Opera’.

Cobham has a very special place in the boys’ hearts as they all live nearby and they have had the pleasure of performing at many local venues over the years and regularly appear at sellout evening concerts at ‘La Capanna’ in the High Street.

After the huge success of last year, the guys are delighted to be returning to the beautiful St. Andrew’s Church, Cobham for a candle lit Christmas Concert on Saturday 14th December at 7pm.

Butterflies are back at RHS Garden, Wisley. Set family hearts a-flutter this winter with this great event that is perfect for people of all ages.

Hundreds of exotic butterflies will be released into the tropical zones of the Glasshouse to create a tropical paradise this winter.

Butterflies such as striking Blue Morphos, Giant Owls and red & black Big Billys will settle among the tropical planting of the spectacular Glasshouse to give visitors a rare opportunity to see butterflies from the tropics in their natural habitat.

Faye Manning

get this edition online

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD, The Ridings, Woodfield Lane, Essendon, Herts , AL9 6JJ.

0844 800 8439 www.lifemagazines.com Editor Faye Manning Editor Assistant Katie Miller Sub Editor Alex Lux Fashion Editor Hazel Englander account Manager Anita Hill Design & Production Emma Andrews Accounts/Admin Kathy Manning, Ken Fleet Sales Tracy Musgrove Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

DECEMBER 2013 9

LO F E AT CAUL RWA E LKS

10 D NE OCVEEM MBBEERR 22001133

F E AT U R E

Ashtead Village CHRISTMAS PARTY

Late night shopping evening – Tues Dec 10th

10th

dec

2013

A

shtead Village Traders is an association of business owners concentrated around “The Street” in Ashtead Village. For nearly 20 years the AVT has promoted the local shops, held regular events and liaised with local authorities/organisations regarding matters concerning the main shopping area of Ashtead.

For the last 15 years the AVT has been led by Bryan Elphick who has also been selling houses in Ashtead since 1968.

This year Bryan retired as Chairman and was succeeded by his son Richard Elphick, not that it is a hereditary position! Simply that Richard has undertaken most of the practical arrangements for the last few years and it was decided that this way the most seamless way for the association to continue serving the community.

The AVT’s main annual event is the Christmas Late Night Shopping 12 DECEMBER 2013

Evening which this year is being held on Tuesday 10th December. The Traders welcome customers into their shops for FREE seasonal hospitality . Milners will again be welcoming Father Chistmas to their store to meet all the children to find out what they want for Christmas. He always brings his presents along with him and it’s all free!

Parents can enjoy wine and nibbles while the kids enjoy themselves.

Outside The Street is buzzing with activities such as Street Performers, Fun Fair Rides, Carol Singers, Choirs, food stalls and more! And you can warm up with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie at Cairds Estate agents. This is an extremely popular night and serves as a very pleasant start to the festive period. The Council have agreed to free parking in the village in the afternoon to support the event and there’s

extra parking spaces in the car park behind Elphicks Estate Agents and Bicknell Interiors.

The Ashtead Village Traders also organise the Christmas decorations in The Street which are the envy of other local Villages because these areas are not catered for by the Council but organised and paid for by the association. Flags are also erected at relevant times of year to decorate the Street including recently for the “Tour of Britain” cycle race that came through the Village.

Other things such as supporting the Rotary Club of Ashtead with its superbly popular Village Day and talking to the council and other interested parties about important issues such as the proposed new Tesco retail unit all come under the auspices of the Ashtead Village Traders and are undertaken by volunteers dedicated to keeping our Village lively and relevant for the future!

Further information please call Richard Elphick on 01372 272321.

HEEAT F A LT UR HE& B E AU T Y

14 DECEMBER 2013

EV E N TS

A CANDLE LIT CONCERT WITH THE ‘RAT PACK OF OPERA The Internationally renowned Tenors Un Limited come to St Andrew’s Church Cobham on December 14th

L

ocal boys, Paul Martin and Jem Sharples along with the cheeky American, Scott Ciscon, together make up the internationally renowned group Tenors Un Limited, the ‘Rat Pack of Opera’.

missed and they are proud to once again be supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Paul says ‘It’s wonderful to be performing at my local Church where we’re so warmly welcomed

by Reverends Robert Jenkins, Renos Pittarides and their amazing team.’

Cobham has a very special place in the boys’ hearts as they all live nearby and they have had the pleasure of performing at many local venues over the years and regularly appear at sell-out evening concerts at ‘La Capanna’ in the High Street.

Jem continues ‘It’s great to be on our home patch around Christmas time. The local community really makes an effort, the high street looks lovely and there are so many festive events taking place, we feel our concert is a great way to start off what Christmas is about.’

After the huge success of last year, the guys are delighted to be returning to the beautiful St. Andrew’s Church, Cobham for a candle lit Christmas Concert on Saturday 14th December at 7pm. This is an evening not to be

very supportive of us over the years, going right back to when we first set up the group in 2002. In fact although Jem is the old boy, I was lucky enough to be made an honorary ‘Reed’s boy’ by Richard Garrett the School Development Director 14th because we’ve been proud sponsors of the Reed’s School Foundation for many years.’

DEC

2013

Scott chips in ‘Cobham is like a home from home for me especially because of the strong links with the U.S. Reed’s School has been

Jem says ‘and interestingly Reed’s School celebrates its bicentenary in 2014. We’re delighted to be a part of it, the highlight for us of these celebrations will be singing alongside Jeff Wayne, of ‘War of the Worlds’ fame, at the Royal Festival Hall in March 2014 and we hope to keep entertaining Cobham for many years to come.’

Tenors Un Limited will be on tour in the USA in January 2014, then they will be hitting the road in the UK with their new show ‘Show the Suit Who’s Boss’, which comes to the Epsom Playhouse on the 25th March and Richmond Theatre in the Autumn 2014.

Image: St Andrew’s Church, Cobham (Photo: Colin Smith, via Wikimedia Commons)

16 DECEMBER 2013

Tickets for the St Andrew’s Church Christmas Concert on the 14th December are available direct from the Church or via www.tenorsunlimited.com/tickets; and tickets for their upcoming 2014 tour dates please visit www.tenorsunlimited.com and follow them on facebook and twitter.

F E AT U R E

For One Night Only

Dröm UK’s beautiful Surrey Showroom was the venue for an exclusive selection of luxury brands to all come together ‘For One Night Only’.

Dröm UK’s Erin and Sarah with Ashley Bryant – No 1 GB decathalete

G

uests arriving by train were chauffeured to the Event in luxury Bentley’s provided by Bentley Surrey (part of the HR Owen Group) who also provided the eye catching cars on display outside the Showroom. The Continental GT Coupe and the GT Convertible certainly added to the glamour and grandeur of the evening.

Once inside, guests could taste a selection of canapés and wander through Dröm UK’s atmospheric, beautifully lit, saunas, steam rooms and wellness areas with a glass, or two, of Prosecco. They were also able to treat themselves to a lie down on a heated ceramic clay lounger and enjoy a hand massage from the therapist at Coworth Park Spa. Team GB’s number one decathalete, Ashley Bryant, was very interested in the mirrored Kinesis Personal Heritage wall on display, with a Technogym personal trainer demonstrating how best to use it.

The sense of indulgence continued with James Shipton Bespoke, Nota Bene Jewellery and Blowers Watches showcasing elegant bespoke suits

18 DECEMBER 2013

alongside, glamorous jewellery and exclusive, branded watches.

Alexander James Interiors gave a sneak preview of their Art Deco inspired bespoke furniture range and Pedini London exhibited a kitchen island from their Dune collection which included a corian worktop with a hob and sink made exclusively for them by Barazza.

Three charities, Help for Heroes, Oasis Childcare and Breakthrough Breast Cancer all benefited from the proceeds of the raffle.

Erin Lee, Project Manager at Dröm UK, said “it was a fantastic evening with so many luxury brands on offer in one place. We all agreed that it was a hugely successful event whereby each company benefited from showcasing to a wider audience. There was a great buzz from our guests and we are looking forward to next year’s event already!”

For more information on Dröm UK please visit www.dromuk.com or call 01932 355655. Showroom open Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 p.m. Weekends by appointment.

F E AT U R E

20 DECEMBER 2013

F E AT U R E

The Butterflies are back

at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey 18 January – 9 March 2014

S

et family hearts a-flutter this winter with this great event that is perfect for people of all ages. Hundreds of exotic butterflies will be released into the tropical zones of the Glasshouse to create a tropical paradise this winter. Butterflies such as striking Blue Morphos, Giant Owls and red & black Big Billys will settle among the tropical planting of the spectacular Glasshouse to give visitors a rare opportunity to see butterflies from the tropics in their natural habitat. Visitors will also be able to watch butterflies feeding at special feeding stations, and learn about the life cycle of butterflies in the puparium.

Butterflies that haven’t before been seen in the glasshouse will include the The Brown or Scarlet Peacock Butterfly, The Mexican Blue Wing and Yellow Helen – so make sure you get a spotter guide and make a note of the ones you find. If you stay still for long enough one may even land on you!

For those coming on the opening weekend children can help create a giant butterfly

22 DECEMBER 2013

willow sculpture & get their face painted.

A new addition for 2014 will be giant chrysalis sculptures by Oxford artist Jane Wafer, known as the ‘Not-Doings’, which have been inspired by the lives of insects and will be on display in the Glasshouse at Wisley. These massive sculptures are perfect to keep you inspired as you make your way through the glasshouse.

the Clore Learning Centre where refreshments will be served and you are free to visit and photograph the glasshouse and butterflies as you please. Check the website for dates and prices.

For the photographer within there are a series of tutored and untutored photography mornings which you can attend. With the tutored mornings discover how to capture beautiful images of the tropical butterflies with expert advice from Adrian Davies. Learn about techniques, equipment and image processing while enjoying exclusive access to the Glasshouse before it opens to the public at 10am. For those looking to go it alone there is a chance to visit the Butterflies in the Glasshouse before opening hours; you will have a base in

Catering is putting on a treat as well during this event: every day a ‘Flight of Fancy’ afternoon will be served in the Restaurant (from 2pm). A selection of classic finger sandwiches is followed by our butterfly-decorated red velvet cream cake and caterpillar chocolate choux bun. They will also be serving violet macarons and, of course, freshly baked scones with Wisley fruit field jam and Cornish clotted cream. You can either have it with a pot of tea, or for a little bit extra with a blood orange Bellini cocktail.

F E AT U R E

The fun continues into February Half Term where children can discover the world of the Butterfly; learning about its ‘super skills’ and special senses. Kids can take part in the dance of the butterfly, create their own butterflies out of colour tissues or plant butterfly-friendly plants. (All activities are free with normal garden entry.)

It really is the event of the season with something for everyone. So if you are part of a family, a photography enthusiast or for just looking for a great day out, Butterflies in the Glasshouse is a must.

For more information including, prices & times please visit www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

Join us in festive Christmas celebrations across our RHS Gardens!

From The Enchanted Christmas Trail, 21 Dec – 5 Jan at RHS Garden Wisley, Christmas Stories with Santa, 14 - 15 and 20 - 24 Dec at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Children’s Christmas Trail until 5 Jan at RHS Garden Hyde Hall and a Winter Sculpture Exhibition, until 23 Feb at RHS Garden Rosemoor.

RHS Flower Show tickets are now on sale! Book yours today, visit rhs.org.uk/shows.

Looking for a Christmas gift? Buy our NEW RHS gift membership pack.

Get involved: Sign up for our e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Anyone with an interest in gardening can enjoy the benefits of RHS Membership and help us to secure a healthy future for gardening. For more information call: 0845 130 4646, or visit www.rhs.org.uk.

DECEMBER 2013 23

F E AT U R E

Get your skates on this winter

DECEMBER 2013 25

F E AT U R E

A guide to London’s coolest ice rinks

26 DECEMBER 2013

F E AT U R E

DECEMBER 2013 27

F E AT U R E

Denbies Wine Estate Denbies Wine Estate, 265 acres of vines, working winery, set in the heart of the Surrey Hills, near Dorking, Surrey is England’s largest vineyard and just over 40 minutes from the centre of Woking.

D

enbies is one of the first wine estates in the world to give visitors of all ages a unique and fascinating insight into all aspects of the wine producing process. Indoor Wine tour experiences are available all year round; 360⁰ cinema detailing the history and geology of the estate, tour through the working winery and cellar wine tasting makes Denbies an all year all weather destination. The seasonal outdoor vineyard tour (March – November) takes visitors at a leisurely pace to the highest point of the vineyard, overlooking Box Hill and the North Downs, perfect for photo opportunities.

almost 360 views of the vineyard. The restaurant has a warm contemporary look offering a unique dining experience. Denbies mission is to provide delicious food and local products sourced primarily from the southeast region. The Gallery Restaurant is open daily for lunch and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Key Card Holders will benefit from a 20% discount off their total bill (subject to terms & conditions).

The flint-clad Chateau-style Visitor Centre hosts two restaurants; the indoor self service Conservatory and the third floor a la carte Gallery Restaurant, together with a diversely stocked wine and gift shop. The mezzanine Art Gallery features local artists and exhibits change on a monthly basis.

Village Greens Farm Shop and Surrey Hills micro brewery are also on-site.

Denbies Wine Estate currently has a range of 14 wines and produces over 450,000 bottles of wine per annum. Denbies is located in Dorking, Surrey with direct rail access from London Waterloo and Victoria mainline stations.

Denbies Gallery Restaurant offers possibly the best restaurant views in Surrey with

28 DECEMBER 2013

Denbies Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, ETB ‘4 Stars silver’ is located in the centre of the vineyard with stunning views.

For reservations and enquiries, please contact: Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk

F E AT U R E

K

i

t

c

h

e

n

s

s

i

n

c

e

1

9

8

1

120 Wigmore street, London, W1U 3Ls 509 Uxbridge Road, hatch end, Pinner, Middlesex hA5 4Js 77-79 Wycombe end, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire hP9 1LX telephone: 020 7486 3080 email: info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk | www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk

DECEMBER 2013 29

F E AT U R E

TOBAGO WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL TEAMS FOR 2013 RUGBY 7S TOURNAMENT

Esher Golden Lions represents the UK in the Men’s Division with Scotland’s Rugby Ecosse representing for Women’s rugby

T

he island of Tobago is delighted to announce the fixtures for its 2013 International Rugby 7s Tournament.

Taking place at the Black Rock Playground on 7th and 8th December 2013, Tobago welcomes an impressive line-up of teams from the UK, USA, Mexico, Canada and a number of Caribbean islands who will all compete for their place in the final.

Representing the UK, Surrey’s Esher Golden Lions joins the Men’s Division and Scotland’s Rugby Ecosse will be doing it for the girls in the Women’s Division.

With a greater focus on women in sport for the 2013 event, the competition is fierce and this two day event sees returning champions, Scotland’s Rugby Ecosse, defend their title. They will battle it out against 15 other women’s teams including the national representatives from Mexico and the Cayman Islands, the Canadian Maple Leafs and the Atlanta Harlequins for their chance to take home the winning trophy and prize money of $5000 US dollars. Newcomers to the event, the Esher Golden Lions, who compete for the first time this year thanks to sponsorship

30 DECEMBER 2013

from Golden Holidays, will also face 15 male teams including the reigning champions, Canada’s Dog River Howlers, the New York City 7s and the national team of Barbados.

Brian Stollmeyer, Founder and Organiser of the Tobago Rugby 7s event: ‘We are delighted to welcome 32 teams and their supporters to the island for this year’s international tournament – it’s a record number and we have representation from 12 countries. We are delighted to welcome teams from the UK in the form of Esher Golden Lions, who are competing for the first time, and of course reigning Women’s Division champions, Rugby Ecosse from Scotland.

‘From conception the aim of this event has been to showcase Rugby talent and promote sports tourism on the island of Tobago. We want to highlight our world class facilities to a global audience and the growing popularity of our 7s tournament is certainly testament to our continued success in this area.’

The twin nation of Trinidad and Tobago has a firm focus on sports for 2014 with

a tourism strategy that aims to promote messages that go beyond the stereotypical image of a traditional Caribbean beach destination. The islands already host many recognized sports events across areas such as cycling, football, cricket and of course rugby. Offering excellent facilities for professional sports tournaments and training tours, the islands of Trinidad and Tobago will feature firmly on the map for sporting excellence and development in 2014.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on the International Rugby Sevens Tournament visit www.tobago7s.com. Visit www. gotrinidadandtobago.com for insights and information on a true Caribbean experience. Trinidad and Tobago offers travellers a unique opportunity to explore a rich history, a captivating culture and a biodiversity like no other.

F E AT U R E

DECEMBER 2013 31

F E AT U R E

Festive fun at Wisley

C

hristmas is arguably the most magical time of the year and at Wisley we have a happy mix of stress-free shopping and acres of beautiful garden for you to enjoy the serenity of a cold, crisp winter’s day. You can warm up in one of our cafes with a steaming cup of coffee and slice of cake.

Christmas Glasshouse Display: 7th December – 5th January Enjoy a fantastic array of Christmas plants, all sitting in the warmth of our Glasshouse.

Festive Lunches: 6th – 22nd December Enjoy a delicious festive lunch from our tantalising seasonal menu in the Restaurant, the perfect treat after a fresh winter’s walk in the garden. Our restaurant vouchers make wonderful Christmas gifts, too.

The Enchanted Story Trail: 21 December - 5 January (excl. 25 & 31 Dec) Come and join a magical quest this winter, as the Enchanted Story Trail returns to Wisley! Enjoy the amazing tales and silly songs of a host of curious characters. With your own special map, discover their secret hideouts and burrows dotted around the gardens, hidden from prying eyes for the rest of the year. From tropical treasures to plantloving pirates, this is festive magic at its most charming, perfect for intrepid children and mischievous grown-ups alike.

Meet our curious cast Delia Akeley, explorer As a sickly young child, Delia pinned a map of Africa to her wall, determined to discover new lands and species. Now she’s going to take you on a journey through deepest jungle, negotiating man32 DECEMBER 2013

eating plants and prehistoric birds to meet the reclusive forest tribes and learn their magical songs.

Ana, the secret gardener In a long-lost Persian spice store, meet Ana, a secret gardener who has in her possession a pouch of magic seeds. Harbouring untold power, these seeds need particular care and attention, the clues for which are hidden in Ana’s story. Solve the riddle and plant the seeds.

If you get it right, the results could be spectacular!

William Dampier, the plant-loving pirate Join William for an adventure on the high-seas! This fearsome marauder just can’t stop swiping people’s bullion, but he is also passionate about avocado pears. Help him give up his wicked ways and fulfil his dream of becoming a gardener. With tales of derring-do, plank-walking and misunderstood monsters, Dampier is the world’s only buccaneer botanist.

Plan your visit Trail open 10am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm).

Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years.

Normal garden admission prices apply; booking not required.

Please note: trail closed 25 & 31 December. Last entry to the Garden is at 3.30pm; if you want to get around the Trail we advise you to arrive no later than 2pm. www.rhs.org.uk

F E AT U R E

Carols for Charity at Guildford Cathedral

T

his year Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People’s annual carol service will be a very special evening as it will see Guildford Cathedral ringing with the voices of soloists Natalie Coyle, Kathy Taylor Jones, vocal harmony group Salvacosta and the Belmont Preparatory School choir.

Additionally, readings will be given by actress Penelope Keith, broadcaster Nicholas Witchell and other special guests.

Taking place on Thursday the 19th of December, all are invited to come along, and the event is free to attend with a collection for Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF). After the service QEF and the special guests will be hosting a mulled wine and mince pie reception in the refectory, for which places will need to be booked in advance.

This occasion is not to be missed as it will see soprano Natalie Coyle, who grew up in Little Bookham, give her final performance of an outstanding year that has seen her enthral audiences around the world, including three times at football cup finals at Wembley, at the Rugby League World Cup final at Hull’s KC Stadium, touring with Classic BRIT award winners BLAKE and singing live on the final of Britain’s Got Talent. Adding an operatic touch to the event, Kathy Taylor-Jones, has sung with some of the UK’s major opera

34 DECEMBER 2013

companies, including the D’Oyly Carte and the English National Opera and appeared in numerous concerts and oratorios. Keeping with the local feel, Salvacosta’s performance will see this group, which is made up of church members from along the south coast sharing their singing talents with the community. Representing the younger generation will be the Belmont Preparatory School choir from Holmbury St. Mary.

Hardly needing any introduction, Penelope Keith’s esteemed career on television and in theatre and film makes her a national treasure, and she is a long time supporter of QEF and one of the charity’s vice presidents.

Her reading is sure to be a highlight of the carol service. Natalie Coyle also has strong links with the charity and she commented: “I have been working with QEF for many years and worked for the college there during my summer holidays. It’s great knowing how the charity works, and having the opportunity to support them is an honour.”

To reserve a place at the carol service or book for the reception, which has a suggested donation of £10 per person, please contact Jen Hopkins at jen.hopkins@qef.org.uk or call 01372 841121 or online at www.qef.org.uk.

QEF’s work is practical and life changing. To find out more, visit www.qef.org.uk or @QEF1 on Twitter.

About Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People With more than 80 years experience of developing innovative services, every year QEF works with around 4000 people with physical or learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries.

Whether it’s learning everyday life skills, rebuilding a life affected by injury, providing equipment or skills to increase independence or training for employment, QEF helps disabled children and adults to achieve their goals in life and realise their potential.

The QEF family of charities includes VASD, which provides mobility and care aids as well as wheelchair accessible holiday homes, MERU, which designs and builds specialised equipment for children with disabilities and Sutton Shopmobility, providing wheelchair and scooter access for shoppers. QEF also runs retail outlets around Surrey that support these services.

F E AT U R E

Too much time on your hands?

O

nce upon a time a man would own one watch. It would be cared for, maintained and possibly only worn on special occasions rather than every day – especially if the owner worked in manual labour. I say ‘own’ rather than buy because this watch may have been passed down from father to son or bought as a gift for a significant birthday. Ladies often went without a watch altogether and if they wore one, the same rules applied as for men.

Back then, watches were an important and relatively expensive purchase and the idea of a collection or ‘wardrobe’ of watches would have been out of the question.

Things have changed and, despite the fact that the correct time is displayed all around us on computer monitors, mobile phones and even microwave ovens, watch ownership continues to rise. Whether they are Swatches or the finest haute – horology

36 DECEMBER 2013

more of us have an increasing number of watches. Not that these are curated collections, carefully built up after careful consideration of each purchase – rather we accumulate watches, as gifts, pieces bought in our youth that we would never wear now, family bequests as well as current favourites. Our tastes evolve over time and the watches that fall out of favour end up at the back of the drawer gathering dust.

What better way to offset the cost of the festive season than by having a little clear-out? While a drawer full of cheap and cheerful quartz may not pay off the bills – you never know what you might find.

That watch you inherited but never wear may be a vintage classic. You might find that you only wear white metal now, leaving a collection of gold or gold-plated pieces bereft and ignored. What may be a dated and ugly watch to you may be a retro

gem to a collector – or maybe not.

Fellows Auctioneers handle more watches per year than any other UK auction house and offer watches for sale at a wide range of values. Valuations for auction are free and can be requested through the Fellows website very easily. With over 35 watch and watch-related auctions per year you never have long to wait for your items to sell. The auction process is an increasingly popular way to sell watches and jewellery. The worldwide exposure of the sales through the development of online bidding means that your goods achieve their true market value while the auction charges are often much lower than the margin a dealer or retail shop would hope to make.

If you think you might have some unloved watches in the back of a drawer or the bottom of a jewellery box, get in touch with Fellows. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will let you know whether it would be suitable for auction and how much you might expect to make.

For more information please visit www.fellows.co.uk

F E AT U R E

What’s on: Claremont Christmas Trail Saturday 14 December - Sunday 5 January 2014, 10am-3pm Normal admission rates, plus 50p Christmas Wish List Monday 16 December - Tuesday 24 December, 10am-3pm Normal admission rates Fairytale Christmas Cottage Monday 16 December - Sunday 5 January 2014, 10am-3pm Normal admission rates

A winter wander

With beautiful winter views, a traditional children’s trail and a cosy fairytale cottage, Christmas is a very special time at Claremont Landscape Garden in Esher. by David McClenaghan Photographs above and left: Sue Judd

38 DECEMBER 2013

F E AT U R E

T

he tranquil retreat of Claremont is a wonderful place to relax at any time of year, but when winter arrives the garden undergoes a magical transformation. As the leaves thin the low winter sun opens up views across the pleasure grounds, creating the perfect picturesque landscape to get you into the seasonal spirit.

Claremont is open every day except Christmas day, so it’s an ideal place for the family to walk off the excesses of the holidays. Enjoy a gentle stroll around the lake, or if you’re feeling more energetic (or want the children to run off steam) collect a trail sheet from the entrance kiosk as you arrive and see if you can hunt down all the clues to claim your prize.

Nestled in a secret woodland glade not far from the edge of the lake you’ll discover the Fairytale Christmas Cottage, charmingly decorated for the duration of the festive period. Young and young at heart alike will enjoy the fun selection of traditional toys and games to play with inside, as well as an enchanted post box for sending letters to the North Pole. Take along your wish list or write one on the day using the pens and paper provided, then post your letter to make sure it reaches Father Christmas in time.

Photo: Sue Judd

Photographs above, and right: Michelle Kent

After you’ve explored, why not indulge all over again by sampling the mouth-watering new winter menu in the recently renovated café? Tuck into delicious seasonal treats such as venison stew or warm mince pies and wash it all down with a refreshing glass of mulled wine. If you need to pick up a few last minute stocking fillers then you’ll find a small range of gift ideas dotted around the café too.

Colder weather doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up indoors, so throw on your coats and scarves and discover a great place to visit on your doorstep this winter.

More information Claremont is open daily, 10am-4pm in winter (closed on Christmas Day)

Photo: David McClenaghan

Entrance to the garden is free for National Trust members or £7.50 for adults, £3.75 for children aged 5 and over, and £18.75 for a family ticket.

To find out more about Claremont Landscape Garden, phone 01372 467806 or visit the National Trust website at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont Photographs above and right: David McClenaghan

DECEMBER 2013 39

F E AT U R E

40 DECEMBER 2013

DECEMBER 2013 41

F E AT U R E

Last minute goodies for Christmas Dinner with the Farmers’ Markets at The Heart

C

hristmas is right around the corner, and The Heart Shopping Centre, Walton-on-Thames, is hosting a Farmers’ Market for those last minute shoppers to grab some festive goodies and treats for all the family, to make sure you are fully prepared for the festive season

“With most your Christmas shopping done, except those last minute gifts, the Farmers’ Market is great to grab both those final presents along with some specialist trimmings for your Christmas Dinner. It offers a great opportunity to add a special The upcoming Farmers’ Market will take flare to your meals with some of the place on Monday 23rd December outside in unique fresh and homemade options the main plaza of The Heart. Over 40 stalls available’’, says Tony Whitehorn, Operations will be on hand and shoppers will have the Manager. The Farmers’ Market stalls offer chance to meet local butchers, bakers a mixture of goods including; meats, and wine makers for expert advice fresh fruit and vegetables, jams and on how to make the most of this sauces, breads, sweets, flowers, mon Christmas. Find the perfect spices, cooking utensils, and arts rd 23 pairing of wines, cheeses and and crafts. There is something desserts, as well as a wide available for everyone’s taste, and range of tasty treats to suite any with Christmas fast approaching appetite. Choose from a selection and the holidays already geared up, of homemade jams and chutneys, bring down the whole family to make it delicious cakes and freshly baked breads, a festive family outing. all with authentic quality and flavors that you can’t get anywhere else.

General Manager, Mark Middleton said,

dec

2013

42 DECEMBER 2013

“Christmas is now in full swing and with families coming together for the festive season, now is a great time to visit our Farmers’ Market and get some Christmas treats for the family. With our friendly atmosphere and expert advice from local farmers, the Farmers’ Market is a great opportunity to make this Christmas a perfect one, we look forward to seeing you here.”

The Heart Shopping Centre, Walton-onThames, will also be continuing to host the monthly Farmers’ Market from February in the New Year. Please visit heartshopping. co.uk for more information on future dates.

For more information please contact Jayne Ashby on 01707 275050

F E AT U R E

SANTA IS COMING TO WEYBRIDGE

…and he’s made of chocolate!

“C

hristmas is a magical time at Bachmanns,” says Chris Bachmann of award-winning Bachmanns’ Patisserie.

“It’s the only time of year we get to make our favourite seasonal specialities, fresh baked mince pies, Stollen, Christmas puddings and our Swiss Christmas ‘guetzlis’. All are made to my Dad’s recipes and take me instantly back to my childhood.”

‘Dad’ is legendary Swiss pastry chef, Ernst Bachmann, and the recipes have been developed and perfected over a 45 year career that spans The Dorchester, The Swiss Centre in Leicester square, and the Intercontinental on Park Lane before opening the first Bachmanns’ Patisserie at Thames Ditton in 1989.

We are sitting in Bachmanns second patisserie and chocolaterie on Church Street, Weybridge. Celebrating its first anniversary, the shop exudes the elegance of Switzerland’s finest patisseries with beautiful counters filled with gateaux, pastries and chocolates, made by Bachmanns’ brigade of first class patissiers. You can enjoy a coffee and cake in the café area, with a window onto the kitchen where pastry chef Wayne Harris and his team are hard at work to Bachmanns’ very exacting standards.

“We opened quietly in November 2012, after an intense 3 months redevelopment and I am very pleased to say that we have been busy ever since. “ explains Wayne. “It has been a really exciting year for the team and the people of Weybridge have been very welcoming.

We’ve taken on two more apprentices taking our staff to twenty between here and our Thames Ditton shop. We’re expanding our chocolate production and development kitchen, so we’re really looking forward to 2014.”

44 NOVEMBER 2013

My tour continues upstairs as I follow Chris to the first floor and the Chocolate laboratory. The warm, rich aroma of chocolate and the soft, mesmerising hum of machines continually stirring and agitating the chocolate fill the room. Chocolatier Dan Ellis is putting finishing touches to a batch of handmade chocolate couverture Santas. “Each batch is painstakingly hand painted, hand brushed and then multi-layered, which improves the snap of the chocolate so it is lovely to eat,” explains Dan. “It is exacting work, but our customers really notice the difference in the eating.” I try a piece and he’s right - the chocolate breaks crisply before it melts in the mouth. It’s very fine chocolate and each Santa is slightly different, handcrafted with real personality that is the Bachmanns’ hallmark.

In another corner, Bachmanns’ latest product is ready to be photographed: finest chocolate and almond Rocher Christmas trees, dusted with icing sugar. Absolutely exquisite and delicious, these are surely the perfect Christmas gift and guaranteed to fly off the shelf.

“We have the classic recipes,” says Chris, “But the beauty of chocolate is that you can always keep things fresh. Our last Christmas creation was our award-winning Chocolate Christmas Pudding, a chocolate shell filled with our handmade chocolate truffles – much imitated, never bettered!” The chocolate laboratory is designed with the flexibility to run a range of chocolate masterclasses. ‘We held our first class last month, and it something we hope to develop further in the future.’ says Chris. Please form an orderly queue! Refreshingly, Bachmanns limits its festive period to Advent, so its fabulous Christmas range is available from 30th November.

Bachmanns Patisserie 32 Church St, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8DX 01932 820247 www.bachmanns.co.uk

&

Luxury Brands Personal Service

Situated in central Guildford, Surrey, we are the region’s largest Independent luxury showroom. A main dealer for Villeroy & Boch, we also supply Makti, Hansgrohe, Kohler, Keuco and many more premium brands.

T: 01483 537131 info@cplbathrooms.co.uk www.facebook.com/CPLBathrooms www.cplbathrooms.co.uk

Showroom Open Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm CPL BATHROOMS, PEMBROKE HOUSE, MARY ROAD, GUILDFORD, SURREY, GUI 4QA

F E AT U R E

46 DECEMBER 2013

F E AT U R E

DECEMBER 2013 47

LO CA L WA L K S

48 DECEMBER 2013

LO CA L WA L K S

DECEMBER 2013 49

F E AT U R E

50 DECEMBER 2013

F E AT U R E

DECEMBER 2013 51

F E AT U R E

Across the Pond The jewel-like bronze sculptures of ‘Frogman’ Tim Cotterill

B

orn in England in 1950 and now based in California, artist Tim Cotterill recalls a childhood enriched by the flora and fauna of an idyllic English country landscape. “We lost ourselves in the woods all day, damming streams and collecting tadpoles, frogs, newts, toads and birds’ eggs. I knew the song of every bird.”

Adventures into the secluded woods close to his home, combined with ‘patient parents’ who encouraged interest in ornithology and a backyard menagerie of pets, instilled in Tim a true love and grasp of nature.

Another crucial ingredient that contributed to Tim becoming the world-renowned sculptor he is today was a six-year engineering apprenticeship followed by a job in the auto repair business and an interest in motorbikes. This experience gave him the practical skill and knowledge to make things to an expert level – creativity and inspiration are vital, but the sheer quality

52 DECEMBER 2013

and technical complexity of Tim’s work shines out.

Tim then spent several successful years as a landscaper and stonemason. One rainy day, the usual English drizzle turned to a downpour, and Tim sought shelter in a building hosting a city art exhibition – another pivotal moment. “I was attracted immediately by a group of abstract metal sculptures, with striking forms and contours that had been created with the same techniques and materials that my motorbike projects required. I was deeply inspired, realizing that I could explore an entirely new realm of creative expression with my skills. Soon I was totally absorbed in the creation of my first metal sculpture. The random pieces of scrap metal that had fallen unnoticed to the floor of the garage became a source from which my imagination soared. A large owl took form in the metal and I was very pleased when it later sold for five pounds. Although a day’s work, it felt like easy money because, for the first time, someone placed value on something that I had made.”

F E AT U R E

It was his passion for motorbikes during this period that first triggered Tim’s interest in the USA: “It was a very exciting time for me. It was a monumental day when I bought my first acetylene welding equipment, allowing me to join metal together without nuts, bolts or cost. I loved making things and put a lot of creative energy into everything I did. At this time, the American Hells Angels motorcycle club and the 1969 film ‘Easy Rider’ were influencing the British motorbike scene. I envied their custom chopped motorcycles and freewheeling lifestyles, and became absorbed in American chopper magazines. The locale was as mesmerizing as the bikes: the sharp, bright light of the desert, ocean and palm trees. Few days in England are as vivid as most days in California.”

The frogs are made using the labour-intensive lost wax bronze casting process. Once cast, each frog is meticulously cleaned and polished before being patinated to achieve dramatic and brilliant colours. So unusually lustrous and vibrant is the finish on the frogs that people often think that they are made of glass – one hold of a frog, however, reveals the surprisingly heavy and pleasing weight of solid bronze. Tim’s patinas are the envy of metal artists worldwide, and he wisely keeps that part of the making process a secret.

Tim Cotterill’s frogs are exhibited in selected art galleries around the world. Fire and Iron Gallery in Leatherhead, Surrey, exhibits and sells the bronze sculptures to a growing group of admirers and collectors. A large selection is always on display, and Tim is also due to visit the gallery for a special show of his work in 2014.

The captivating settings in the photographs drew Tim to visit America, as his artistic vision and sense of purpose simultaneously unfolded. As an artist, he felt hugely inspired

by America, and started to sell and exhibit there, establishing new contacts in the art world. He was invited to assist the artist John Jagger, who became a great friend and mentor, on a major puddled bronze sculpture project.

Back at his home in England, Tim felt charged with creative energy and full of ideas. Owls and hawks were his favourite sculptural subjects, and by the late 1980s Tim had created hundreds of bird sculptures – often sold through Sotheby’s in London. Tim built a pond in his garden, and enjoyed leisure time spent observing the colour markings and characters of frogs.

In 1988, Tim returned to help John Jagger again, this time with some stonework at John’s new home and studio on a 25-acre mountaintop in California, called Frog Pond Mountain.

Back in England five months later, Tim felt restless and unstimulated, and joined John again to exhibit together at eight street art shows in Florida. Staying with John, Tim was struck by “the most comforting element in that isolated environment”; “the symphony of croaking frogs that echoed though the canyon from the large ponds at the base of our Frog Pond Mountain. The frog chorus brought back pleasant memories from my childhood.”

“I had the desire to explore a new form for meaningful creative expression. Soon, strong memories of the form and movements of frogs grew into a desire to create them in sculpture. I was intrigued by the challenge of capturing their personalities. Some of the elements of a frog’s shape melded in my mind, inspired by the delightful chubbiness of a baby or the grace and beauty of a wellshaped human leg. This perspective, combined with what I imagine as an almost cartoon-like quality of a frog’s expression, engaged my imagination. The frogs I sculpted seemed to offer something intrinsically appealing to many people. I had a few cast in bronze and began to display them at shows. They held a fascination and charm that captured the interest of others.”

Tim moved in to his own studio at Venice Beach, California, and put all his energy into his frog sculptures. The response of the American people was “uplifting and euphoric”, and Tim is now famously and affectionately known as ‘Frogman’.

Fire and Iron Gallery, Rowhurst Forge, Oxshott Road Leatherhead Surrey KT22 0EN Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm www.fireandiron.co.uk Facebook: Fire and Iron Gallery Telephone: 01372 386453 E-mail: lucy@fireandiron.co.uk DECEMBER 2013 53

F E AT U R E

54 DECEMBER 2013

F E AT U R E

DECEMBER 2013 55

A brilliant book that captures your imagination‌.

The Adventures of Jamie Heslop

by Brian Robinson Published by

Order today!

Order online at: www.xlibrispublishing.co.uk www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com or visit your local book store ISBN13 Softcover: ISBN13 Ebook:

978-1-4836-9636-2 978-1-4836-9637-9

F E AT U R E

DECEMBER 2013 57

F E AT U R E

58 DECEMBER 2013

F E AT U R E

DECEMBER 2013 59

F E AT U R E

ADVENTURES OF JAMIE HESLOP

T

he story that I have written is very unusual in that I have intertwined the true history of that time by enlightening the segregation and injustice people had to endure around this period. It all began to develop in my mind one day whilst walking across the hills in a Spanish village; I started thinking how wonderful it would be to write a fantastic story that no one has ever thought off. I wanted the story to be a charming romantic funny and a magical adventure but without using magic, I wanted these youngsters to grow older in the story and be influential in life instead of being nobody’s.

I was born disabled and had to adapt through life using my imagination trying to be the same as my fellow men, I would use this ability to write this story. Over the next few weeks I began to think how I could create a group of deprived young teenagers to sail a ship half way around the world. Having been brought up on a farm and worked like a man at the age of thirteen I knew that young people can do the same as their elders.

The only problem was I hadn’t read many books which is unusual for someone wanting to write one, I experience many difficulties as a child and was often discriminated against due to my disability, this impaired my education and I felt that my grammar

60 DECEMBER 2013

wasn’t particularly good in order to write the book, but I learnt to overcome this from the help of my computer and friends. I am 76 years old but I was sure I could achieve this; even now some people told me that I could not do this because of my lack of education and only have one arm and one eye.

I started thinking about the words I had been told about the famous Albert Einstein who said: “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination”, with this in mind I started gathering information and Jamie Heslop was born.

The story is told around the year 1790, a young Jamie Heslop sets sails across the oceans when trading was at it poignant. It offers adventure, deceit, corruption, murder, acts of piracy and romance. The journey Jamie undertakes is truly spectacular and the people he meets along the way magically bring the story to life, Jamie ability to adapt to new situations and teach others is remarkable something I wanted to capture in a realistic way throughout the story. I have been told that it reads like a film and that you can imagine yourself on the ships as part of the crew.

I enjoyed writing this book, which I hope you enjoy reading. More people should follow their dreams and know that if you put your mind to things despite all struggles

and difficulties in life you can accomplish anything even when people say you cant.. look at me!!!

Published by Xlibris Publishing Order online at: www.xlibrispyblishing.co.uk www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com

F E AT U R E

GUILDFORD BOOK FESTIVAL 2013 HAILED A SUCCESS

Festival patrom Michael Buerk with his wife Christine and Nigel Roby, MD of the Bookseller Group

Elizabeth Buchan, Penny Vincenzi, Fanny Blake and Cathy Kelly

Crime night part one with Mark Billingham and Chris Brookmyre

This year’s Guildford Book Festival, which launched with much loved comedienne Jennifer Saunders and closed with best-selling author Sebastian Faulks, was a great success.

D

uring the twelve days, thirteen venues in the town hosted 50 events which featured authors from a range of genres including fiction, wartime and social history, interiors, comedy, sport, food and biography. Much loved children’s authors also featured in the star line-up including Darren Shan and Marianne Levy. The buzz it generated was palpable and audiences were thrilled to be able to meet and hear their favourite authors.

The runaway successes were events with Matt Dawson, Eric Lanlard, Ian Botham, Rachel Joyce, Pam Ayres and Joanne Harris, as well as The Coffee Shop Book Club, Readers’ Day, Decorating with Colour and the Literary Lunch. Other great ‘hits’ were Austentatious and The Wimpy Kid Show. However there was also much praise for some of the other speakers who captivated their audiences such as Judith Flanders who talked about Victorian London and Harriet Tuckey who spoke of her father’s role in the first successful ascent of Mount Everest.

A key highlight of the Festival was witnessing the launch of The Mistletoe Bride and Other Haunting Tales by multi million

62 NOVEMBER 2013

Reader’s day

international best-selling author Kate Mosse. A packed Guildhall saw a silhouetted Mosse reading an excerpt from the book to start the event, followed by a very lucid hour-long introduction to the inspiration behind her first short story collection.

In addition to the public events, there were two longstanding initiatives which again proved very successful – the Prison and Schools Programmes, both aimed at encouraging reading and writing. Martina Cole, who has worldwide sales in excess of 10 million copies to her credit, spent an afternoon with inmates at HMP Send discussing her work and promoting writing and reading as a means of expression and enjoyment. This theme continued in the vibrant Schools Programme which saw some 1500 children engage with authors in classrooms in Guildford and beyond.

French and Saunders as Menopazzi sisters

Photography by Rachael Lowndes)

Looking ahead, organisers are making plans for the celebration of the Festival’s 25th anniversary in 2014. For future Festival news and updates, log on to www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk and sign up to the Festival newsletter.

Twitter: @gfordbookfest Facebook: facebook.com/guildfordbookfestival

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

From Surrey

to Marrakesh A journeyman’s tale

“U

nknown quantity is something which I really love.”

Craftsman Mark Prouse grew up in Peaslake, Surrey.

His early interest in making, art and technology led him to become an apprentice blacksmith, first at a forge close to home in Abinger Hammer, and then just a little further up the road in Woking.

The best training a blacksmith can get is known as a ‘journeymanship’, when a trainee smith travels from forge to forge, helping and working with diverse master blacksmiths, often internationally and frequently just for bed and board.

Mark took to the road, leaving rural Surrey for adventures abroad. He travelled across Europe and then to Australia, working with eminent blacksmiths. In Germany, he worked with renowned smith Paul Zimmermann for two and a half years. The Zimmermann name is familiar to leading metalworkers all over the world, and Mark is still good friends with the family; Paul’s son Heiner is a Professor teaching art metalwork in Germany, Sweden and the UK. Mark’s broad experience and exposure over many years to the best names in the business, coupled with the cultural influences of various European countries and Australia, led him to become one of the most admired, versatile and successful metal artists working today. Based in Germany, his sculptures of flora, fauna and people reflect his global travels – a fabulous bronze pangolin sits comfortably beside a gold and platinum lionfish, a forged iron gull beside an Aboriginal dreamer.

His fascination with complex techniques and a passion for challenging projects bring Mark ambitious clients with unique requests. When fashion designer Jessica Tiegel sent him drawings of a potential project involving bronze and gold, “of course I said ‘Yes!’ The challenge appealed to me, the technical difficulty.”

Jessica had explored numerous ways of producing her vision of a metal corset, including modern technologies such as 3-D body scanning, 3-D laser cutting and 3-D printing. With the deadline of a fashion shoot in Marrakesh looming, and concerned about how elements of the design might be joined together, hand-making won the day and Jessica commissioned Mark to produce the corset.

Mark had one month to finish the piece. With no time to spare, he embarked on a task that would have terrified many professional makers. As he says, “Sometimes it’s good when you don’t have time to contemplate.”

The flat 2-D designs were painstakingly adapted to suit a 3-D human body. Four or five fittings enabled Mark and Jessica to work out a 3-D design that was true to the original concept. Elements were cut from flat sheets of brass and copper. Each piece was individually cut with very fine bandsaws and fretsaws and filed with fine needle files, before being formed and joined with silver solder to gradually build the corset.

So many hours of manual work take their toll - Mark describes how the

64 DECEMBER 2013

skin on his left thumb “took about two months to grow back.”

Once the desired shape was achieved, the corset was cleaned, heavily copperplated, brushed, polished again, nickel-plated, brushed in a vertical direction on the outside, gold-plated and finally vertically brushed again to give it a soft satin finish.

Mark is full of praise for Jessica’s determination to turn her impressive design into a tangible, wearable creation. “It is an amazing piece.

With the gold, it is really stunning. It was a great journey for me – shame it was so short!”

The corset was modelled by Barbara Tous of Elite Barcelona, and photographed on location in Marrakesh by Patrick Styrnol.

The project has re-connected Mark to his English roots – the corset is touring, and is currently on display at Fire and Iron Gallery in Leatherhead, Surrey.

Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Website: www.fireandiron.co.uk Facebook: Fire and Iron Gallery Telephone: 01372 386453

sale now on Up to 50% off Matthew Willliamson Fabiana Filippi Diane Von Furstenberg Marc Cain Velvet Mabrun 360 sweater Duffy DL1961 Hotel Particulier Anton and Moda Mercy Delta Lily and Lionel Guildford’s premier designer store for women www.courtyarduk.co.uk Available in store and online.

Angel Gate, Guildford 01483 452825 julia@courtyarduk.co.uk follow us @courtyardsurrey

SIGN UP ONLINE & IN STORE AS A VIP FOR SALE PREVIEWS, EXTRA DISCOUNTS & SPECIAL INVITES

F E AT U R E

COURTYARD Where exclusive designer brands blend

with an elegant and friendly atmosphere Nestled in the cobbled streets of Guildford’s historic Angel Gate, mingling with eclectic boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants, is one of the UK’s chicest women’s designer stores.

C

ourtyard has been the essence of Angel Gate since 1996 and was voted by The Telegraph as one of the best designer boutiques for women in the UK. Experienced and enthusiastic staff take pride in presenting the carefully chosen clothing and consulting with their clientele, so the store has become a favourite shopping destination amongst discerning Surrey women - of all ages. “I am dedicated to finding unique, stylish and wearable clothes for our customers” says owner & buyer - Julia Jaconelli.

“Chichi Italian brand Fabiana Filippi uses exquisite fabrics to define understated elegance, with Diane Von Furstenberg continuing to produce great dresses & accessories while 360 Sweater, Duffy and Hunky Dory provide sumptuous knitwear collections. But, my favourite right now is the brilliant jean brand DL1961; unbelievably comfortable but, more importantly, very flattering - due to their unique 4 way stretch.”

“As always, we have a terrific range of resort collections in December, for our many customers who want something a bit special for their exotic winter holidays. 120% Lino have a marvellous linen collection alongside gorgeous kaftans and dresses by Anjuna, pre-collections from both Diane Von Furstenberg and Marc Cain with pretty cashmere from 360 Sweater and Duffy.”

66 DECEMBER 2013

“And of course, we still have an outstanding range of winter coats, including luxury puffas by Mabrun & Cinelli Studio, together with gorgeous knitted cashmere dresses by Dom Goor and Semon (perfect for pulling those crackers on Christmas Day) and plenty of stocking fillers including fur snoods and hats, scarves, gloves and bags, all of which are discounted now, for our amazing PRE CHRISTMAS SALE - with some items discounted by up to 50%.”

It really is the season to be jolly at Courtyard.

SIGN UP ONLINE & IN STORE AS A VIP FOR SALE PREVIEWS, EXTRA DISCOUNTS & SPECIAL INVITES.

ANGEL GATE, Guildford, GU1 4AE (Next to The Angel Hotel) 01483 453825 julia@courtyarduk.co.uk Mon to Sat: 9.30 - 5.30 Sun: 11 - 4 or shop online at courtyarduk.co.uk follow us @courtyardsurrey

Special Offers for Christmas

THE LEATHER CENTRE

SEE: OUR GREAT RANGE OF LEATHER, SUEDE AND SHEEPSKIN COATS 145 Clarence Street Kingston KT1 1QT

Tel: 020 8546 5880 (Opposite Wilkinsons)

‘Made to Measure, alterations and repairs’

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

SHEEPSKIN AND LEATHER3.indd 1

14/11/2013 17:07

F E AT U R E

Exquisite Lingerie from Petits Bisous

- a present for you and for her on Christmas Day

Left to right: Fred & Ginger Romance half cup bra, £114; Fred & Ginger Romance thong, £87; Chantal Thomass Demasque blue noir bra, £181; Chantal Thomass Demasque blue noir thong, £125; Mimi Holiday Strawberry Bomb padded bra £81; Mimi Holiday Strawberry Bomb brief, £57

F

ollowing its successful launch last month, Petits Bisous continues to bring Couture to Cobham with their gorgeous range of luxurious lingerie, made-to-measure corsetry, sleepwear, swimwear and bridal trousseau. Their collections range from simply gorgeous everyday essentials to the ultimate fantasy outfit; with every kind of seductive lingerie you can imagine in-between. Since its opening, the original Petits Bisous boutique based on the Kings Road Chelsea has quickly gained recognition within the media, with Kate Moss recently wearing one of their corsets in British Vogue. On top of this, well known Chelsea socialites have already become regular clients, appreciating their attentive and discreet service. The same attentive and discreet service has now arrived in Cobham.

Finding her the perfect gift Petits Bisous’ newly-opened boutique on Cobham High Street is home to Surrey’s first personal lingerie styling service. Petits Bisous welcomes gentlemen into their boutiques every day, and their trained advisors are happy to help you choose the right gift for her. They know you appreciate the way her body looks, but you also need to understand what works for her body shape and what she is going to look and feel best

68 DECEMBER 2013

in. The Petits Bisous experts will be able to help you make the perfect choice.

She’ll be unwrapping her present in the morning and you’ll be unwrapping her at night.

by the classic and chic designs embodied by the French Riviera, SUMARIE strives to offer timeless swimwear and beachwear for all body types and shapes. With an emphasis on bespoke tailoring and attention to detail, the sophisticated SUMARIE collections will ensure that you always feel chic, confident and at your very best on the beach. For those travelling to tropical locations this Christmas for some Winter Sun, book an appointment at the boutique with the founder of SUMARIE, Marie Su, and let her create an exquisite piece of couture swimwear for you.

Winter Sun Resort Wear at Petits Bisous This month sees the launch of SUMARIE swimwear in the Cobham boutique. Inspired

www.petitsbisous.com 51 High Street Cobham, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DP

If you are unable to visit the boutique, the fantastic online styling service will get the beautifully gift wrapped goods to you in time for Christmas. Each item chosen, in store and online, will be beautifully gift wrapped in a signature Petits Bisous black and gold box and finished with a perfect bow.

SuMarie prices range from £95 to £543

What are you unwrapping this Christmas?

For the ultimate gift this Christmas visit Petits Bisous’ pop-up luxury lingerie boutique.

Shop simply gorgeous everyday essentials to exclusive lingerie gift boxes, exquisite sleepwear, bespoke corsetry and accessories in-boutique or online.

51 High Street, Cobham, Surrey. KT11 3DP 187 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 5EB | 020 7352 7044 www.petitsbisous.com

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Look Your Very Best in 2014 with

I

t’s a brand new year, why not make it a brand new you – look your very best with The Cosmetic Doctors Company. We offer the very best treatments to get you feeling and looking gorgeous. With over 20 years experience in cosmetic medicine, Dr Peter Forrester has an integrated approach to facial rejuvenation using a combination of therapies.

These include anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, precision peels, LED light treatments, INTRAcel, ThermaVein® and state of the art skincare. After your consultation an individual treatment programme will be developed specifically for your needs.

Treatments are selected to produce the very best results with rapid recovery and minimal down time. All treatments are medically endorsed and based on proven scientific principles.

70 DECEMBER 2013

Anti-wrinkle injections reduce frown lines and crow’s feet. With rapid, predictable results.

Dermal Fillers – smooth deeper lines and furrows as well as returning lost volume to the face – the effect is immediate.

Facial Peels – help to return a healthy glow to dull, tired skin. Peels also reduce fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, acne and scarring.

LED Therapy – uses light to energise and rejuvenate and repair skin.

With no irritation or down time. It minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, firms skin, evens tone, soothes irritation and reduces acne outbreaks.

INTRAcel – is a more intensive treatment combining micro-needling

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

and radio-frequency to improve the tone and texture of skin, reduce wrinkles, tighten jowls and neck.

strengthen the natural skin barrier using carefully chosen skin products designed to restore healthy skin. This is best achieved through consultation with a medically qualified cosmetic doctor with an interest in skin health.

Dr Peter Forrester The Myth of Moisturisers Why moisturisers may be making your skin dry or sensitive.

Advanced Skin Care – Cut out the buzzwords, bogus claims and miracle ingredients – The Cosmetic Doctors Company has a very different approach to skincare. Using ZO Skin Health – scientific products offering rapid results – with concentrated formulas if you want something more than feel-good, smell-nice lotions – Dr Peter Forrester will formulate a unique skincare regime using prescription only products to ensure the best possible results.

The most significant function of skin is as a barrier. This works two ways; it keeps both bad things out and good things in.

When this barrier is working properly it will keep out damaging environment factors such as UV light, pollution and skin irritants. Equally importantly, it will maintain correct hydration by retaining your own skin moisture.

It is a surprising fact that most moisturising creams disrupt the healthy functioning of skin’s natural barrier. This means that although they add external moisture, as soon as you stop using them your skin will lose more of it’s own moisture. A vicious circle soon develops whereby you are committed to using your moisturising cream because if you stop your skin will feel dry. This fools you into believing that your skin is inherently dry and that your moisturiser is doing good when it is actually the root of the problem.

Disturbance of the skin barrier will also make the skin much more sensitive to external irritants and even many skin creams. If you have sensitive skin it is unlikely that this is your natural state of affairs; it is much more likely that you have acquired sensitive skin through long-term use of the wrong skin creams and moisturisers.

Micro-sclerotherapy – a technique used for the removal of surface and spider veins.

It involves injections with a very fine needle of a sclerosing drug which irritates the lining of the veins causing the walls to stick together. In most cases excellent results can be achieved.

ThermaVein® – A breakthrough process that seals threadvein walls causing them to permanently disappear. No risk of bruising, scarring or pigmentation.

Effective results are usually achieved in 20 minutes.

Zeltiq Coolsculpting – the NEW permanent fat-reducing treatment that’s taking the beauty world by storm! CoolSculpting is a ground-breaking treatment that reduces stubborn pockets of fat from the stomach, flanks and thighs by up to 40% PERMANTLY. No downtime, no scalpel, no suction hose, no scarring.

Treatment takes one hour.

The answer to this issue is simple. Don’t be tricked by skincare and cosmetic manufacturers into believing that you must moisturise to maintain healthy skin. That expensive cream may temporarily make your skin feel nice but it may be doing more harm than good. A good quality sunscreen will almost certainly be better than a moisturiser. The answer to dry or sensitive skin is to

INTRAcel can Improve the tone and texture of skin, producing a smoother and younger appearance.

Tighten the skin to reduce sagging, wrinkles and fine lines.

Improve stretch marks and scarring Improve acne scarring

ThermaVein

COOLSCULPTING

Walk in treatment

Non-invasive

No down time

Treatment takes one hour

Treats any skin type

Removes fat permanently

In most cases – only one treatment required

No downtime

No side effects

For your complimentary colsultation call 01372 890 890 6 Esher Park Avenue Esher, Surrey KT10 9NP www.drforrester.co.uk enquiries@drforrester.co.uk DECEMBER 2013 71

P R O P E RT&Y beauty health

72 DECEMBER 2013

Jingle belles Amp up the glamour via your make-up bag. Lisa Haynes reveals the shortcuts to dazzling party looks

Y

Givenchy Limited Edition Ondulations D’OR Palette, £38.50 (01932 233824)

ou don’t have to invest bags of time showpiece, look to matte, red lips that or money to look a million dollars take mistletoe kisses and canapes in their during party season. The sparkly stride. “There’s nothing more chic than and decadent beauty offerings a red lip with neutral eyes,” says Brown. illuminating shelves at this time of year, “Matte products are dense and last longest it the focus of your look and toning down make Operation Glam a breeze. Two-fifths - they contain less moisture than other blush and lips. “To nail the metallic trend, of women spend up to two hours preening products, so they adhere to the lips and don’t try using two shimmering shades,” advises before a big festive night, according to a fade as quickly.” Blot your lips and reapply Una Tynan, founder of Blank Canvas recent survey by Lambrini. But there are your red for extra longevity. Take the colour Brushes. “Sweep a deeper metallic shadow cracking shortcuts if you play up your up a notch with a gloss in the same colour on the lids, blending into the socket line best feature, whether it’s tinselas your lipstick, or pop a metallic and stay below the brow bones to create a inspired eyes or Santa-red gloss just to the centre of your halo effect on lids. Apply a lighter metallic lips. “The new rule in pout to give them an shadow on the inner corners to holiday make-up is instant plumping complete the look.” For extra razzleabout what makes boost. dazzle, adorn eyes with a sweep of you feel glamorous,” sparkling eyeliner as a finishing touch. says make-up artist Glitter bug Bobbi Brown. Give Like Christmas Angelic glow Feed your friends and family’s skin at pudding on You might be the devil of the office the Christmas table. Origins Surprise Estee Lauder Golden December 25, Christmas do but ensure your face Twist cracker set includes six decorated Luxuries limited edition set, metallic and says otherwise. Strategically placed crackers, each containing two 15ml £60 (www.esteelauder.co.uk) glitter eyes are highlighter can give you a wide-eyed skincare products, joke card, and Origins yourself the gift of a party season innocent look and lift your cheekbones mini-facial headband. Available from glam this party season. tradition you can’t to rival supermodel Kate Moss. MakeDecember 1 for £45 at Origins. avoid. Play up up artist Rae Morris says: “The co.uk and Selfridges.

Dolce & Gabbana Santa red molten metallic golden rule of highlighting is that Sicilian Jewels Intense If your pout’s your party eyeshadow by making the colour you choose must be the Nail Lacquer in

Buy it now

Ametista, £19 (www.harrods.com)

76 DECEMBER 2013

All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Tried & tested Lisa Haynes kicks back for an at-home spa experience ahead of party season

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Old Hollywood Eye Palette, £59 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk)

same as your skin tone or lighter, and must always have a shiny or shimmery finish.” Use a gold metallic cream or pencil in the inner corners of your eye, under the brows and on cheekbones to illuminate your face under the disco ball.

Lash decor Fluttery false eyelashes are ideal if you want an instant glam transformation. Forget the natural-look lashes and think showgirl eyes, with dazzling accents of bold colour.

“Popping on a pair of false lashes can instantly transform tired eyes and make them look brighter and sexier,” says Amanda Elias, facial Therapist and Bravura London founder.

“If you’ve never applied lashes then practice, practice, practice - five minutes before you’re due to leave the house is not the time to try false eyelashes for the first time.”

I always feel at my party season best when preened and pampered. But there are downsides to being a glamazon devotee. There’s that tacky feeling immediately after a spray tan, the hand waving for half an hour to speed up mani drying time, and then there’s the fear of putting your feet back into your shoes after a pedi. Smudge alert! Urban Retreat at Home eliminates the faff. Treatments take place on your sofa (or bed, if you’re feeling particularly lazy) and you don’t have to move an inch afterwards. With festive revelry ahead, I opt for the ‘Express Prep to Party’ package with home therapist Charlie.

She lands at my doorstep and practically unravels a pop-up spa from her pink luggage in my lounge, including a fluffy towels, silver bowl - which she fills with soapy suds - and a virtual candy shop of Leighton Denny and OPI nail colours. Charlie begins by prepping my feet, soaking my soles and exfoliating with a Leighton Denny Diamond Sole Mate scrub. Once my feet are dried, a Micropedi electric device is used to eliminate dead and hard skin and then my toenails are treated and cuticles removed. After a quick massage with Leighton Denny Sole Pleasure, my feet look more than ready for open-toe heels, even without the polish. My fingernails are then soaked, scrubbed and prepped with the same meticulous mani preperation. Meanwhile, the most I’ve done is pick up the remote to switch TV channels. With both sets of nails prepped, Charlie assembles a pop-up Sienna X tanning booth and mixes up a bronzing solution to suit my skin tone. I crank up my heating and de-robe then the tan is sprayed using a super-fine airbrush, as Charlie instructs me to stand in different poses for an all-over glow. Although it’s fast-drying, I’m given a disposable black kimono to sit in as Charlie paints my fingers and toes on my newly tanned limbs. I opt for Greycious (dark grey) on my fingers and Passion (dark red) on my toes, and smudge avoidance is made easy by chilling on the sofa for an hour.

Charlie even leaves me a cosy pair of Urban Retreat white slippers and cup of spa tea to continue the relaxation vibe. I’m glowing, polished and ready to party. Now I all have to do is swap my living room for a dancefloor.

Urban Retreat at Home Express Prep to Party package includes express manicure, express pedicure and spray tan, from £75 for one hour and 30 minutes. Available nationwide (0844 793 8344/www.urbanretreat.co.uk/at_home).

Festive fingers Aim for the best dressed hands on the dancefloor. Forget your party shoes and clutch, the matchy-matchy look is big in for a LBD. “Swap the beauty too. “Matching your lipstick to your traditional take on the grey nail lacquer is a hot make-up trend,” says smoky eye with a sultry yet Pat McGrath, Dolce & Gabbana creative subtle blend of purple and advisor. “Jewel-like colours are a perfect blue,” Kay Montano, make-up complement to any Christmas or New artist for M&S Beauty. “These Year outfit, just like a piece of jewellery.” shades really enhance the Add some razzle dazzle with a top coat of colour of the iris so play with shimmering gold glitter polish different shades this party Lancome L’Absolu Rouge for the ultimate festive mani. season.” For a subtle look, Christmas Limited Edition Lipstick, £25 avoid an eyelid wash and try (www.lancome.co.uk) Seasonal smoky a fine line close to the lash Ditch the monochromatics and take line or concentrate your your eyes up a notch with a showparty piece colour on the stopping colour; the perfect accessory inner corners of the eye.

Benefit Whole Lotta Lovin’ palette, £25 (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk)

Beauty bulletin :: Bedtime buddy It’s official, the majority of women would rather give up sex and Downton Abbey than moisturiser, according to a survey by Sanctuary Spa. While 55% revealed that they’d rather give up nooky than their daily moisturiser, 94% would ditch Downton to save their beauty potion. The average British woman spends £162 a year on skincare products alone but more than two-fifths (42%) admit to lying to their partner about money spent on beauty products. :: Recessionista alert Achieve an uplifted look for party season with Dr Lewinns. The Cosmetic Lift five-piece set is currently reduced from £115 to just £40. Available now, while stocks last (www. drlewinns.co.uk).

Ted Baker The Great and the Gorgeous set, £40 (www.boots.com)

DECEMBER 2013 77

F E AT U R E

Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere Make-up

What is Semi-Permanent Make-up?

Semi-Permanent Make-up is the application of coloured micro-pigments into the upper layers of the skin. The pigments are inserted with cosmetically graded needles.

Semi-permanent make-up application is a high-end form of cosmetic tattooing. The best alternative to traditional make-up is called permanent or semi-permanent make-up. Semi-permanent make-up lasts from between 1-3 years depending on the skin tone and thickness of application. Traditional make-up can take a long time to apply and keep looking good. Semi-permanent make-up is different. No matter what you do and where you go in life – for example the gym, the pool, the park or the beach – semi-permanent make-up stays on no matter where you go or what you do. It is anytime, anyplace and anywhere make-up.

What are the Most Popular SemiPermanent Make-up Treatments?

Eyebrows, eyeliner and lip treatments are the most popular ones we do, but there are many applications of semi-permanent make-up including cosmetic camouflage for scar tissue, adding beauty freckles or beauty spots, assisting alopecia sufferers, replacing hair loss for cancer patients and more. Semi-permanent make-up has wide ranging beauty benefits.

Why have your Semi Permanent Make up done with Mary-Anne Hunter at Pretty Permanent Make-Up in Felbridge?

When it comes to having your face tattooed you need someone you can REALLY trust. Your face, your looks, your future... it makes sense to have the best. You are definitely worth it!

78 DECEMBER 2013

Quality Matters at Pretty Permanent Make-up Mary-Anne Hunter has over 10 years experience as a Master Technician of Semi-Permanent Make-up. Mary-Anne trained at the prestigious world mecca of cosmetic tattooing in the USA at The American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics where she was awarded the coveted Master Technician and Instructors qualification. The quality of our pigments is much higher than the norm and we do not use Iron Oxide based pigments which can leave unsightly blue, pink or peach undertones as the enhancement fades.

Great Benefits of Semi-Permanent Make-up: Semi-permanent treatments help to frame your face and often take years off!

• Gives a more confident look.

• Stays on all day and all night.

• Saves you time in the morning for make-up application and at night there is less removal.

• Usually lasts between 2-3 years.

• Saves money on make-up purchases.

• Allows you to enjoy smudge-free sports.

• Look great before, during and after gym work-outs!

• Fills in your eyebrows for a more complete look.

• Reduces wear on your skin as there is less removal of make-up.

Call us on 01342 323554 to find out more about our semi-permanent make-up specialists.

Unhappy with Your Eyebrows?

Get Beautiful Lasting Brows to Boost Your Confidence?

Treatments include: ❤ Eyebrows Tattoo ❤ Eyeliner ❤ Lips ❤ Cosmetic Tattooing Look Glam All Day & Night!

Call the Specialists in Semi-Permanent Make-up on 01342 323554 E-mail: info@prettypermanentmakeup.com www.prettypermanentmakeup.com

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Gifts of beauty joy Indulge the beauty addict in your life with a pampering surprise.

Lisa Haynes plays Mrs Claus with a sack-load of seasonal beauties

W

hat’s a Christmas tree without the faint aroma of wrapped beauty goodies teasing under the twinkling lights?

Declare the festive holidays a time for manicured fingers, signature fragrances and bubble baths, with a pampering present for a loved one. From miniature treats to gargantuan sets, we’ve got your beauty shopping all wrapped up.

Stocking-thrillers Small but perfectly formed, these beauty miniatures make perfect little extras for stuffing in stockings. :: Breathe in the smell of Christmas with Aromatherapy Associates’ Little Bell.

The cute blue box includes a mini Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil, £10 (www. aromatherapyassociates.com). :: Fingernails get the festive touch with Mavala’s Cracking Duo set. The talon double acts are available in six Estee Lauder Fragrance Treasures, £32 (nationwide)

80 DECEMBER 2013

complementary colour ways, £9 each (www. lookfantastic.com). :: Get box clever with a fragrant surprise. Jo Malone’s Christmas Ornament opens up to reveal a mini Pomegranate Noir Cologne and English Pear & Freesia Body Creme, £20 (08700 342 411). :: Deck the tree with a beauty bauble. Origins’ decorative ball is packed with five skincare best-sellers in miniature size, £12, from December 1 (www.selfridges.co.uk).

Multi miracles Ideal for the indecisive, festive beauty packages come in glorious multiples for every day of the week. :: When one luxury lipstick just isn’t enough...

Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Lipstick Collection set includes four shades, housed

Buy it now Celebrate the tradition of giving with Rituals’ limited edition winter collection.

From the Scared Fire Candle (mum), to the Sandalwood ‘Life is a Journey’ car perfume (dad), there’s something for everyone on your Christmas list. Priced from £8.50-24.50 (uk.rituals.com).

in a sparkling evening purse, £35 (John Lewis). :: Leave a scent aficionado spoilt for choice on Christmas morning. Estee Lauder’s Fragrance Treasures includes four pursefriendly eau de parfum fragrances in a pretty gift box, £32 (nationwide). :: Designate a nail polish for every month of 2014. Worth £138, Nails Inc’s Nail Polish Diary includes 12 full-size new and best-seller nail polishes, £42 (www.nailsinc.com). :: Treat the Christmas Day chef to some postdinner hand pampering. L’Occitane’s bestselling Shea Butter Hand Cream comes ith two exclusive editions for fragranced fingers in the Hand Cream Collection box, £24 (uk. loccitane.com).

Scent saviours Make this Christmas a fragrant one by sniffing out a luxurious new signature scent for 2014. :: Add some decadence to a dressing table.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick Color Set, £35 (John Lewis)

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Tried & tested Meet the latest French beauty invasion; micellar water is a gentle, water-based cleanser that doesn’t require a toner. Our testers polish up their skin in time for party season: :: L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution, £4.99 (Boots) This felt gentle and soothing on the skin and effectively removed traces of mascara; I didn’t feel like I needed to use eye make-up remover afterwards to remove stubborn panda eyes.

Beauty bulletin :: Bad hair day Warning: Avoid making appointments and dates on the last Wednesday of the month - as that’s when bad hair days are most likely to strike, according to a survey by hair and beauty retailer, Xtras.co.uk. Frizz is the most common problem for women to encounter. One-in-seven have confessed to cancelling plans due to a bad hair day in the past, while 3% claimed they’d never experienced one. Lucky things! :: Recessionista alert The next best thing to a spa day? Sprint to Boots to pick up Sanctuary Spa’s Top to Toe Glow Pamper Tin. Usually priced £40, Boots’ star gift of the week is reduced to £19 for one week only from November 22, while stocks last.

4/5

:: Bioderma Hydrabio H20 Micelle Solution, £9.99 (www.escentual. com) My skin immediately felt calmer on application. It removed my make-up (including stubborn eye make-up) speedily and left my face feeling toned and hydrated. A new regular for my bathroom cabinet.

5/5

:: Melvita Cleansing Micellar Water, £16 (uk.melvita.com) This beautifully floral fragranced product is gentle on skin and leaves it feeling soft and clean. It’s a great timesaver when you’ve overslept - a few wipes with cotton wool removes any traces of last night’s mascara in a jiffy.

4/5

All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout

Michael Kors’ Glam Jasmine Set includes 50ml eau de parfum and 100ml Body Creme; perfect for revelling in some intensified fragrance layering, £55 (Debenhams). :: No wrapping required for Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb. The Christmas limited edition fragrance has been wrapped up in sparkling white crystals and topped off with a couture bow, £75 for 50ml EDP (www.harrods.com). :: Summer nautical has been given a surprise seasonal twist. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Classique starry sailor-themed coffret includes 50ml eau de toilette and matching Body Lotion

Mavala Cracking Duo, £9 (www.lookfantastic.com)

and Shower Gel, £49 (nationwide). :: Pile on the perfume glitz. Fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has decked out his Just Cavalli Eau de Toilette Gift Set with a gold sequin box that looks like a catwalk frock, £47.50 (nationwide).

Bubbly boxes Give bathing beauties a licence to put up the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign with these pampering sets. :: Guarantee a seasonal glow for skin. Soap & Glory’s bumper Bubble Barrelled bag is a 7-in-1 gift set featuring the best of the brand’s pink bodycare, £18 (Boots). :: After too many champagne bubbles, lather

up in soapy bubbles. Baylis & Harding’s Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit 750ml Body Wash comes in gold sequin bottle bag, £3 (Asda/Sainsbury’s). :: Sweeten someone up with a delicious gift set. Philosophy’s The Cookie Exchange tin includes mouth-watering Christmas Cookie Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, Sweet Creamy Frosting Body Lotion and Sugar Sprinkles lip gloss, £22 (www. philosophyskincare.co.uk). :: Gift your Christmas star with a magical selection of bath treats. Lush’s Stardust box set is packed with girly sparkly and sweet scented products, £25.95 (www.lush.co.uk).

Jo Malone Christmas Ornament, £20 (08700 342 411)

Aromatherapy Associates Little Bell, £10 (www.aromatherapyassociates.com)

Origins Christmas Bauble, £12 (www.selfridges.co.uk)

DECEMBER 2013 81

H OUS E & GA R D E N

RELAX AND ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROPRTY

W

ith the New Year fast approaching, you may be considering moving house next year, but have you considered extending or refurbishing your home?

Thousands of homeowners do this every year, whether it is a small bathroom or a complete refurbishment of the whole house. There are many advantages ofx upgrading the house you live in. It can add a huge amount of value to your property and can prove cheaper and less stressful than moving home. Upgrading your home also gives you an opportunity to truly put your own stamp on the property, making it exactly how you want it, with no areas that you have compromised on.

At Lifestyle they make it as relaxing as possible by completely organising everything from the planning stages, all the way to the build itself and the final finishes. They site manage all projects themselves with on site foremen, office staff and directors all being involved in the process. All trades men work for them and are professionals in their own trade. This way they know they are giving the highest standard of work in the quickest time possible.

Lifestyle have been established builders since 2001, so they know what goes into a high quality build. With a long list of extremely happy customers, you can visit their website to view previous jobs and testimonials.

82 DECEMBER 2013

NEW SHOWROOM With the new showroom in Epsom, Surrey now up and running, you can view all tiles and kitchen and bathroom products. There’s even a set of Shuco bi folding doors on display for customers to see and feel!

If you are working to a budget , Lifestyle can cater to your needs with a full range of bathroom & kitchen products from budget items to high quality products that really give your home that WOW factor.

Even better news , from the 16th of December until the end of January, they will be holding a huge 30% discount sale on all kitchen and bathroom products. To take advantage of this amazing sale, please pop down to the showroom in Epsom.

If you have any queries, please give them a call or send them an email, any questions will be answered within 24 hours.

If you are after a company that is big enough to cope but small enough to care, then Lifestyle is the company for you.

Visit the showroom at 17 Upper High Street, Epsom KT17 4QY 01372 727 386 www.lifestylesurrey.com

lifestyle

creating your perfect home a professional job from start to finish

kitchens - bathrooms - home remodelling - extensions - new builds Visit our showroom at: 17 Upper High Street, Epsom KT17 4QY German, handmade and bespoke kitchens

t. 01372 727 386

www.lifestylesurrey.com

30% CHriSTmaS & JanUarY SalE on KiTCHEn and baTHroom prodUCTS

H OUS E & GA R D E N

The barn showroom where specialist advice is key to a good night’s sleep

T

he historic converted barn known as ‘The Bed Centre’ may be a familiar landmark for regulars passing down the A281 through the village of Bramley, but the extensive range (and, more importantly knowledgeable advice) that lies within may come a surprise to most.

This family business has more than 75 years’ experience helping customers get that perfect nights sleep. Owner Gary Ewmett takes pride in only selling long lasting solid timber bedsteads, in oak, ash, mahogany and cherry wood. He says that the thing that sets the Bed Centre apart from others is the personal service it provides. “The one thing that is very apparent is that the general public get very little advice about buying the correct bed.

“We spend time talking about the individual requirements our

84 DECEMBER 2013

customers may have to make sure they purchase the right bed.”

Clearly that extra bit of effort has paid off.

The majority of the business is from recommendations from previous customers. The Bed Centre has built up a solid client base and offers a free delivery service and is also able to dispose of your old bed for you, which go to recycling. It specialises in individual pocket-sprung, memory foam and coil sprung beds and mattresses and also has a selection of children’s beds and bedroom furniture. Sofa beds, mattresses and pillows are also available.

The Bed Centre Old Barn, High Steet, Bramley, Surrey GU5 0HS 01483 898209 www.bramleybedcentre.co.uk

A family business providing exclusive valet parking at Gatwick Airport since 1992.

Try our hotel…

Our purpose built site only 3 minutes from both Terminals providing customised care for your valuable vehicles.

Very competitive prices.

Book online at: www.tudorrose.co.uk or telephone 01293 822844

10% Discount Code TRLM010

For that special Christmas gift…

urns • planters • birdbaths sundials • statuary • benches…

The Vintage Garden Company Vintage and Antique Garden Reclamation

Wednesdays to Fridays 9.30am to 3.30pm or by appointment 1 Priory Cottages, London Road, Hardham, near Pulborough West Sussex RN20 1LD Telephone: 07828 814522 Buy online and have delivered to your door www.vintagegardenco.com

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Brilliant for Bees and Butterflies At this time of year it is all too easy to put the garden out of your mind. Looking around deciduous trees have lost their leaves, herbaceous plants have mainly gone to sleep and although there are interesting things to discover, all in all, the garden is a bit drab.

N

ow is the opportune time to spend some of that free time planning what you are going to do in the garden in the year ahead!

One thing I would like you to think about is why we have such colourful flowers in the summer and why we are able to achieve such bountiful harvests from our small endeavours. We as gardeners and Mother Nature rely heavily on bees and other wildlife 86 DECEMBER 2013

to pollinate our plants, without which our gardens would take a totally different appearance. Excluding grasses, conifers and ferns the majority of our other flowering plants only exist due to pollinating insects.

These flowers have over time diversified to give us the huge range of colours, shapes and perfume that most of us so enjoy, although often taking them for granted.

What we now need to do is take seriously the

risk that through our activities, whether the use of chemicals or the planting of varieties which do not give these pollinators sufficient food, we could be putting this all at risk. In this country we are suffering a huge decline in bee populations. It is not unfeasible that if we do not become more environmentally aware our gardens could change forever.

The action that we need to take to avoid this is not that dramatic. The main thing that we can do to help pollinating insects

H OUS E & GA R D E N

flourish is the planting of more flowers, in particular concentrating on those that are single or semi double as these are usually good sources of pollen and nectar. Despite most of these single flowered varieties having been bred by gardeners over the years most have retained their natural production of pollen and nectar. In contrast many of the double blousy flowers have lost this ability along with their ability to produce seed; this is a direct result of plant breeders and seed producers trying to push nature ever further towards its extremes in the search for the most unnatural shape, colour or size. To give an example of this dahlias such as Bishop of Llandaff with its single flowers are excellent sources of food for insects whereas the large double flowered ones, as used in cut flowers, are largely an empty oasis promising so much but delivering little.

You do not need to set aside your entire garden to these type of plants, although the more the merrier, a small sunny corner of the garden or mixing them with your other plants is ideal. I would be happy to argue that most of these plants are equally able to perform as their more unusual looking barren cousins.

The use of wildflowers is one way to produce a crop of nectar rich flowers, using flowers such as poppies, alliums or primula. These days there is a wide range of wildflower seed available which is the least expensive way of growing them. You are not restricted to these, as there are an even wider range of bee friendly cultivated plants, which are more reliable performers than their wild relatives, which are also available to grow from seed.

Last year I discovered a new range of seeds from Johnson Seeds in conjunction with Sarah Raven called ‘Brilliant for Bees and Butterflies’, which brings together a good selection of varieties in an easy to understand collection. Without appearing to preach I would ask everyone interested in gardening to help by doing their little bit to maintain the diversity for future generations.

If you feel really generous you could even provide full board with a Wildlife World Bee or Butterfly habitat!

A selection of these products are available from: www.plantsforall.co.uk

DECEMBER 2013 87

H OUS E & GA R D E N

The warmth

and natural beauty of

wooden flooring

A

s another Autumn works its magic on the landscape, we cannot help but notice the beauty of the trees. Bringing the luster and loveliness of real wood into our homes not only connects us with Nature, but also adds real value and beauty to our environment. Wood is a traditional, practical, hardwearing and aesthetically pleasing material, and nowhere more so than underfoot, where the sheen of a polished wood floor is instantly inviting and attractive. Coming through your front door on a chilly evening, to step onto a gleaming hardwood surface, warmed from below, is an enormously comforting homecoming. No other flooring can beat timber for its timeless appeal. From the pleasing herringbone symmetry of parquet blocks, to hand finished plank floors or lovingly restored ancient oak, a home looks and feels loved and cared for with a natural wood finish.

Local company Grangewood Floors are specialists in all aspects of transforming dull and ordinary rooms into grand designs, by fitting and laying handsome wood floors. With over 200 styles in their showroom, the company offers the widest possible choice of beautiful woods from the latest European designs to reclaimed, antique and period parquets. From oak planks to Canadian maple, from recycled French railway oak to American cherry, the vast range encompasses all textures, colour gradations and natural tones.

Various techniques such as distressing, hand scraping and brushing can create character and distinction in new and unblemished stock.

Grangewood have a long history in sourcing and supplying vintage boards, and take a special delight in installing and hand-finishing these types of floors. The effect is beyond that of a mere revamp, as reclaimed flooring will create the impression of a floor that has been in the house for a very long time. As wood weathers and matures it does not lose character, it gains it, and an extremely ancient floor transmutes history, permanence and solidity. It is also, needless to say, an eco-friendly approach to home renovation and one that Grangewood take great pride in supplying.

88 DECEMBER 2013

Another ecologically sensitive side to Grangewood’s business model is their expertise in underfloor heating. Although the Romans were masters at this many centuries ago, we British have tended to heat our houses in impractical ways. From open fires where all the heat went up the chimney, to radiators that throw the warmth up to the ceiling, we have overlooked the good sense and satisfaction of creating heat at ground level. Opting for underfloor heating is a wise investment. Any fears of having to raise the heights of ground level fittings, can be put aside with the Thermonet brand of super slim electrical wiring recommended by Grangewood, who are more than happy to advise on this superior and cost-effective heating method .

The loss of obtrusive and often ugly radiators around the place is no great sacrifice. Padding around barefoot whilst there’s snow on the ground outside is ample reward.

For a local, sustainable and friendly team you cannot ask for more skilled craftsmanship and considerate service than that on offer from Grangewood Floors. Their proven ability to undercut on big brand prices as compared to those on the internet is yet another bonus.

To learn more, contact Richard Kidd at Grangewood Floors, 71 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 9UQ. Tel: 01932 846900 www.grangewoodfloors.co.uk

F E AT U R E

Road Test

Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG

T

he motor industry has come a long way in providing more choice than ever and it couldn’t be further away from Henry Ford’s original colour palette - anything, as long as it’s black. This diversity has allowed cars like the G 63 AMG to exist. If you’re not familiar with the G-Class, or G-Wagen as it is often called, a little history is required to fully understand the planet it has just arrived from.

Back in the 1970s Mercedes-Benz produced a utility vehicle for the German military, with serious off-road capability but with on-road comfort and room for a few people. Quite sensibly, Mercedes-Benz decided that the general public might like them for the same reasons that the soldiers did, and so it went on general sale.

In many ways not a great deal has happened in the intervening quarter

90 DECEMBER 2013

century. Take one look at the G-Class and you can see that the design involved plenty of set squares and few elipsses; it has a relatively short wheelbase and big overhangs, pretty much the opposite of most modern cars. It also has a relatively blunt approach to aerodynamics.

Yet that is part of its huge appeal. Granted some people would describe it as ugly, but I’d go completely the other way; there is a beauty in its simplicity, that it looks as tough as a bulldog and the antithesis of modern elegance. It’s turned up even more on this AMG version too, as this adds bigger wheels and a chunky bodykit. You couldn’t mistake it for anything else, perhaps apart from when it is finished in this matte black paint and looks like an entrant in Death Race .

The delicious lunacy doesn’t end there. You can have a semi-sensible G350 CDI diesel version, but it’s still not cheap to buy and won’t crack

F E AT U R E

30mpg even if you’re really careful. So you might as well go the whole hog and plump for the AMG. Here you get the sensational 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 that appears in the larger AMG models, and all the brilliance that goes with it.

You won’t miss the exhaust note, as the G 63 has quad exhaust pipes that exit just behind the front wheels to give you the full aural package. Start it up and there’s a rumble of thunder, and if you blip the throttle, such is the torque on offer, the whole car rocks from side to side. Clunk the transmission into D and you’re off.

Although the G-Class has been updated comprehensively over the years, some elements are still a reminder of its age. The flat, relatively small windows provide less light than you might be used to, while the steering is relatively slow and a little vague compared to a more conventional car.

But these are small details that don’t dilute the G 63’s appeal.

In fact, it only takes about five seconds to fall for it, which is slightly longer than it takes to get to 62mph from rest. Despite weighing over two tonnes, a prolonged squeeze of the G 63’s accelerator delivers a deep-chested and relentless shove of acceleration with a spectacular growl from the engine. It all seems so incongruous that a car of this shape and weight can leave sports cars choking on their reputation, and that makes it enormous fun.

It’s not quite as spectacular through the bends, although it certainly does a good job. Stiffer AMG-specification suspension curbs excessive body roll without ruining the ride, although it’s always worth remembering you’re in a tall and heavy vehicle.

The G-Wagen is a unique vehicle. There are faster (just), more spacious and more comfortable SUVs - Mercedes-Benz themselves sell two of them - but to judge it with such cold, hard criteria doesn’t do it justice.

It’s the small details that set it apart, like the way the heavy doors shut with an indestructible thump rather than a smooth thud.

You need a fair slice of cash to be able to afford one, but it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. Nothing short of an armoured personnel carrier even comes close.

Facts at a glance Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG Engine Transmission Performance Economy Emissions

£123,975 5.5-litre petrol unit producing 544bhp and 560lb.ft of torque Seven-speed automatic driving all four wheels Top speed 130mph, 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds 20.5mpg combined 322g/km of CO2

DECEMBER 2013 91

EV F E AT E NU TS RE

92 DECEMBER 2013

F E AT U R E

DECEMBER 2013 93

F E AT U R E

98 DECEMBER 2013

OUTSTANDING NEW ROYALTON PROPERTY The Crown Estate, Oxshott • New six-bedroom home comprising circa 8,000sqft • Triple garage with accommodation above • Extensive landscaped gardens • Exceptional specification by Royalton • Prestigious Crown Estate, Oxshott location • Due for completion Summer 2014 Price on application For more information please contact May Rahmani on 01372 460850, or email may.rahmani@royalton.co.uk

www.royalton.co.uk