20 minute read
FLAME & FORTUNE Dorrington Hall
FLAME and FORTUNE
If overpriced candles get on your wick, worry not…! You can still enjoy the warm glow of a flickering flame and some wonderful fragrances this winter, all for a thoroughly reasonable price thanks to Victoria Boardman. Her artisan candle brand – named after her Edwardian country home, Dorrington Hall – is really glowing strong despite being a flicker over a year old…
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Words: Rob Davis.
The burning question is: ‘why are some scented candles so expensive?’ Of course it’s always a sound proposition to pay for quality, but even the most ordinary of mass-produced candles command £20 and some upmarket brands sell for up to £50. Paying for a name could get right on your wick. It certainly did for Victoria Boardman; that’s why the Sleaford artisan decided to create her own range of Natural Sustainable fragranced candles, diffusers, room mists and melts.
Nobody can hold a candle to Victoria’s products in terms of their quality or the fair price at which she’s selling them (£16.50/50hr burn; £10/25hr burn; £10/12melts). And her most successful range of melts is especially innovative, because their letterbox-friendly packaging enables you to send something thoughtful and beautifully scented right through the letterbox of your friend or relative.
It’s been a busy couple of years for Victoria, with 2018 seeing the birth of her daughter Beatrice, plus a move into the family’s Edwardian country home – Dorrington Hall, which she and husband Mark are in the process of renovating. Victoria is project managing the conversion of their Coach House into a stunning holiday retreat, and then, of course, there’s the creation of her new business. Life is a bit busy, to say the least, for Victoria who is also a hobby breeder of labradoodles and ragdoll cats. She also has sons Edward, aged nine and Brian, aged eight to look after, as well as Beatrice. Happily though, she’s still found the time to innovate with her scent-sational ranges.
“I’ve always loved being creative, and having tried the usual crafts, I found myself giving candlemaking a try in 2018, whilst I was on maternity leave,” says Victoria. “It was absolutely fascinating; something that seemed so simple, initially, actually turned out to be a real skill.”
“I persisted with each attempt I made and completed loads of research, eventually discovering some of the secrets of the craft. Christmas was coming up and I made a few gifts for family and friends. They absolutely loved them and convinced me others would love them too, I took a leap of faith and did my first Christmas market last year and started to develop a following online. I was then approached to wholesale in some of the counties finest shops. The belief people have shown in my products and myself who I haven’t even met online really helped me so much, and it made me believe I should turn a hobby into a business.
Victoria didn’t initially realise just how good her products were – let alone why – but as her experience of the craft has grown, she’s come to realise that not all candles are created equally and that, as with so many things in life, you really do get what you pay for when it comes to a candle, albeit when you pay for quality, not for a brand. >>
>> “Pretty early on I realised that there were two approaches to candle making; the cheap mass produced way or the quality way,” says Victoria. “Cheaper candles use paraffin wax, but it’s better to pay a little more for soy wax-based ones, which produce less soot –the reason cheap candles leave black marks on your walls. Nasty paraffin wax is also regarded as carcinogenic and can also irritate conditions like asthma. Soy wax originates from around 10 countries and Victoria’s candles are based on sustainably sourced soya bean-derived wax from Uruguay the Ukraine and Canada.”
And then there’s the scent itself. The source of the nice smell in a product like a candle is derived from a combination of essential oils – extracted and steam distilled from the botanical or flower itself – plus fragrance agents which are artificially created chemical compounds.
There are about 4,000 ‘stock’ fragrances which have been made by olfactory scientists, and it’s either impossible, impractical or just financially less viable to create a scent from essential oils alone. Fragrances, whilst synthetic, are more stable and more practical. Not all essential oils burn as well; some for instance can clog wicks. Speaking of which, did you know there are hundreds of different permutations of wicks, either cotton, paper, plastic or zinc with baffling designations from like HTP136 or CDN28?
Victoria’s candles utilise cotton wicks which burn better (softer) with soy wax. They can self-trim but Victoria always recommends trimming your wick to ensure an even burn.
The quantity of scent used also varies from product to product. Two of Victoria’s similarly-sized candles, for instance, can vary dramatically in the quantity of essential oil or fragrance used, according to their scent.
Victoria reckons that in the process of inventing a new product she has to make around 12 candles until she perfects the ‘recipe’ and the process for each individual scent. Each oil or fragrance has to be finetuned because each has a slightly different burn profile – known as the heat throw –and produces a different sized ‘burn pool.’
“I usually have around 16 different fragrances but this varies from season to season,” says Victoria. “Victoria Plum & Rhubarb, Noir and Fig & Berry are popular right now, and the wax melts have proved especially popular during lockdown as they come in boxes or six or 12, comprising of a single scent or a mixed selection. I’ve created a sharer box of 40 melts too, one or two of which have been sent to hospital wards to be shared among the staff following a patient’s stay in hospital.”
“Melts have been publicised quite heavily by the cleaning expert Mrs Hinch and my eco friendly packaging ensures they can be sent through a recipient’s letterbox. Each one burns for about 20 hours, so they’re quite economical, and they can be used with any wax burner.”
As well as her melts, Victoria also produces candles that burn for around 50 hours, plus reed diffusers and room mists, hand soaps and lotions. Creating around 1,500 wax melts and 100 candles a week takes considerable time and quite a bit of space too. Although it is Victoria’s business it’s also a family affair, with the children and Victoria’s 83 year old mum all helping out.
As soy wax is a natural product, every batch that is delivered is different and has to be thoroughly tested on its own, making candles and melts from each new batch. A bit like chocolate, wax must be melted gently and carefully. It turns to liquid at around 85° but must be cooled to the right temperature before essential oils and fragrances are added – sorry, but we’re not allowed to be too specific on the details as it’s quite the trade secret!
There’s also a secret to adding the wick in such a way as to ensure it’s central in the vessel, too, which isn’t simply a matter of aesthetics for the finished product, but also determines how evenly the burn pool melts the wax and how many hours use you’re able to derive from the candle. >>
Above: Dorrington Hall Estate’s wax melts can be posted though a loved one’s letterbox and each one burns for 20 hours. Right: Victoria typically produces 16 different fragrances and her votive based candles have a burn time of approximately 50 hours. There are a number of ‘trade secrets’ to producing a good candle... but Victoria is keeping quiet about them!
>> Adjusting and tightening the wick is a crucial if rarely-considered (at least by the consumer) part of getting a candle to look and burn correctly. This requires intervention from Victoria as each batch of candles cure. Initial setting occurs within three hours but Victoria intervenes within that time to ensure no air bubbles are present.
To complicate matters further Victoria likes to incorporate home-grown botanicals and foliage, from Pyracantha to Hydrangea, Roses or Lavender from her garden depending on the time of year.
Needles from the pine trees in her garden even end up in her Christmas melts, with her botanicals all harvested by hand and dried by the old boiler in the property’s outbuildings before being added at just the right time… another trade secret, I’m afraid.
“All of my products are created using sustainable ingredients and all are pet friendly, cruelty-free and vegan,” Victoria says. “I’m selling them online and I’ve been approached by a local farm shops and gift retailers across the whole of Lincolnshire. I’ve also created a bespoke branded line for one of our retailers. I’m also looking forward to starting a subscription box facility in 2021.”
“The wax melts are selling exceptionally well with customers at the minute. Being letterboxfriendly, customers are ordering them and having them delivered to friends and family this year instead of Christmas cards with handwritten personal messages.”
“There’s something nice about being a part of someone’s Christmas,” she adds. “Winter is seen by some as being a bit gloomy but actually the flicker of a candle or a tealight in a burner creates a really nice atmosphere and with a gentle scent. It can be a real source of comfort, which I think we all deserve after 2020!”
n Victoria Boardman is the creator of Dorrington Hall Estate home fragrances with Soy wax candles, wax melts, reed diffusers and room mists, plus luxury hand soap and hand lotions which can be purchased for yourself or sent to a loved one. See www.dorringtonhallestate.co.uk. 37
Schools & Education
Suthers School “Providing an inspiring education, for life...” St Hugh’s School “Business as usual at St Hugh’s School...”
The Suthers School is Newark’s newest secondary school, which was established in 2017 by the area’s Nova Education Trust.
The school is based in a brand new, purpose-built, state-ofthe-art building at Fernwood, just south of Newark. The building was completed in the summer of 2020 with pupils moving in for the start of the new academic year.
The school’s uniquely character-centred approach means that personal development is ranked alongside academic preparation and through its extended day the school guarantees access to a broad range of enrichment opportunities.
“The Suthers School has at its heart the absolute conviction that young people deserve an education that excites and enthuses,” says Head of School, Andrew Pettit.
“Our ‘work hard, be kind’ philosophy, together with our unique approach to character development means that there is something very special about The Suthers School.
In short, we aim to deliver a highly academic, enriching curriculum and to empower the young people of Newark to do more than they ever thought possible.”
The pupils moved into their newly-completed school building at Fernwood after the summer holidays.
n For further information about The Suthers School and to register your interest, visit www.suthersschool.co.uk or call 01636 957690 for a personal tour. It was business as usual during lockdown at St Hugh’s School, Woodhall Spa as pupils received lessons via Google Classroom and staff delivered live teaching via Google Meet. A new timetable for the school week was written which encompassed all the activities that take place in a typical week including all the academic subjects, PE, Music and Art. Pupils in the Prep School (Years 3-8) received five 1 hour lessons a day and there were four lessons in the PrePrep and EYFS. Delivering an entire curriculum was a huge challenge for everybody but we were thrilled with how the whole community embraced the online learning. The programme was structured and shaped in such a way as to give parents and families as much assistance as possible and to provide variety for our pupils, much in the same way as they experience in school. With wellbeing very much at the heart of a St Hugh’s education, pupils had two face to face online meetings with their Form Teachers and peers. Parents were also regularly asked to highlight any concerns they had and together with our Pastoral team we were able to offer the support and care our pupils needed. Looking forward, the online provision is ready to put in place as soon as a child needs to be absent from school or if the Government tells schools to close, thus ensuring that there is no disruption to learning for any pupil. n Visit www.st-hughs.lincs.sch.uk or call 01526 352169 for more.
Making Family Law Friendly with LINCOLNSHIRE’S WILKIN CHAPMAN
As a solicitor and mediator, Lisa Boileau thrives on making family law accessible and achieving good outcomes from her clients. With 28 years experience, Lisa reveals here the reasons that much of her work is gained through recommendation from others...
How did you get into your line of work, and your area of speciality? I began my legal training in 1992, qualified in 1994 then became a partner in 2000. I fell into family law purely by chance. It was not an area of law that I was particularly focused on when I was a law student, but I quickly discovered how rewarding it is to find respectful, supportive and cooperative solutions for couples and families needing resolution.
What have been the most significant developments in law you’ve witnessed? As the area of family law was developing, I took the opportunity to train as a Family Law Mediator in 2005, where I mediated separating couples as well as continuing to represent clients as a solicitor in court. In 2012, it became possible to arbitrate on family law issues. I applied to train as a Family Law Arbitrator and was one of the first solicitors in England and Wales able to sit and hear private family law financial disputes between couples and support and assist them to resolve their disputes on a binding basis, but away from the family law court.
One of the aspects of the legal profession I really do enjoy is the fact that the law evolves to help people; it’s like a mirror that reflects society. Civil Partnerships became permitted in law from 2004 and so in that relatively short space of time we’ve seen a significant shift towards equality for same-sex & civil partnerships as well as marriages.
What is your favourite thing about your job? I am also now responsible for Wilkin Chapman’s trainee solicitor recruitment programme and I am thoroughly enjoying meeting graduates and undergraduates who are setting out on their legal career path. Giving some of these young people the opportunity to train with us and become our lawyers of the future is hugely exciting and rewarding.
What qualities do you believe make you great at your job? Setting very high standards for myself, trying to do a really good job for my clients and truly caring about how they are and what outcome they get. Offering calm and pragmatic advice, being able to understand complex problems quickly and identify solutions for people who are often very upset or are feeling totally overwhelmed by their situation, is essential in what I do.
Traditionally people regarded aggressive lawyers as being strong, and though litigation or a robust approach is sometimes necessary, overwhelmingly it’s the case that respectful, supportive and cooperative ways of finding resolutions are best, where possible. Amicable and fair results create a calmer and better outcome for both parties. Family lawyers and children are not weapons by proxy, and I think the fact that my colleagues and I recognise this is a good example of how the family law profession has changed for the better over the past 28 years. I’m proud of the fact that we seek to find resolutions now, instead of exposing clients to an adversarial system.
What are some of your most memorable career moments? The first time I went to court as a trainee solicitor and obtained an injunction to protect a woman who had been seriously domestically abused by her partner. To then get her to a place of safety gave me a feeling of immense relief and satisfaction. The first multi-million pound divorce case I got instructed on was another big moment in my career, but my most memorable career moment would have to be the day that I was invited into partnership at Wilkin Chapman. 20 years on, women are well represented in our boardroom. The firm has 15 female partners which reflects the prominent role women now have in the legal sector.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given and why? Don’t forget to look after yourself; otherwise you cannot look after those who are around you. It’s very important when lots of people are relying upon you, to stay fit and healthy.
What are your hobbies outside of work? My husband and I are very keen hill walkers. We try to go up to Scotland every year on a walking holiday and can often be found climbing Mam Tor or Kinder Scout in the Peak District to blow the cobwebs away at the weekend. n
The NFU Mutual team pictured (pre-lockdown) at Bourne’s Grimsthorpe Estate Shooting Ground. Pictured are Alice Sumner, Alister Green, Frank Woolley and Anne Evans. Thanks to Sophie and the team for the use of their location, for more details on the site see www.grimsthorpeshootingground.co.uk.
Resolving to Achieve Peace of Mind
Make a new year’s resolution you’ll be very happy to keep this month. Promise to ensure you achieve protection and security for the finances of your family or your business, with NFU Mutual’s financial services
THINGS ARE A LITTLE DIFFERENT in the “Amazingly some people are still unaware that we mid-Lincolnshire agency office of NFU Mutual offer a whole host of financial service products. this year. Ordinarily the team would be pulling a But after the events of 2020, and at this time of cracker and enjoying a sherry to toast the festive the year when we’re all spending time around season. But for obvious reasons, instead of a friends & family, realising the importance of Christmas bash, the team are making do with protecting them, it’s more important than ever to an elbow bump and going off to spend a well- consider looking after what matters. And who earned Christmas and New Year break with their better to consider than NFU Mutual given the respective families. trust and respect we have in the industry?” Like the rest of us, Financial Planning Manager “We usually offer a face-to-face consultation but Mark Hatton-Smith, colleague David Richardson we can work via the phone or video chat in the and the rest of the team cherish time spent with current climate. It’s our job to understand your their families and work hard to support them. circumstances and provide good advice on issues But perhaps the best you can do for your family is not to ensure the turkey is adequately stuffed pertaining to life insurance and critical illness or income protection.” and the gifts under the tree have the biggest bows, “Sadly there have been too many occasions when but to ensure your loved ones are protected, come someone we’ve provided protection to has then what may. had to rely on that product. But the peace of mind they and their family have had has been “If 2020 has taught us anything,” say advisors priceless.” Mark and David, “It’s that having protection and savings both in your personal life and when you’re in business is essential for when things don’t go as smoothly as you hope.” “Likewise, we offer a range of pension and investment products to help you plan for your family’s future. As well as spending time around family –which makes us all realise how important “NFU Mutual is a separate entity to the protection is, the end of the year is also a time NFU and was established in 1910. We provide when you should consider investing in the health insurance and financial services not just to of your business and your financial future, so farmers or rural communities, but for everyone. we’re usually busy.” We now have 300 local offices, “Resolving to protect yourself looking after the needs of 900,000 whilst you’re healthy, taking people and underwriting £1.6bn sensible steps to protect your worth of premiums.” income and looking after your “But whilst we’re known for our future might not be the most insurance products, with trusted glamorous of new year’s resoluand specialist cover for your home, tion, but for those whose lives business and car, we also provide take an unexpected turn, it’s usua wealth of financial services with ally one of the purchases in the same philosophy of looking life you’re most glad to have after our customers.” Mark Hatton-Smith. made.” n
Find Out More: NFU Mutual’s Mid-Lincolnshire agency has offices in Bourne, Boston and Sleaford. For a no-obligation discussion of your circumstances, call 01529 302437 or see www.nfumutual.co.uk.
Please remember if we recommend any investments their value can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you have invested. NFU Mutual Financial Advisers advise on NFU Mutual products and selected products from specialist providers. When you contact us we'll explain the advice services we offer and the charges. Financial advice is provided by NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited. S M Green, A R Green & J R Musson is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No.111982). And an introducer to NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited, a member of the NFU Mutual group of companies.
Lamb steak, with twelve house braised lamb shoulder bon bon, dauphinoise potatoes, pancetta and spring cabbage, rosemary jus.
