Noticed Magazine Summer 2021 from School Notices

SUMMER 2021

Brought to you by schoolnotices.co.uk

SUSANNAH CONSTANTINE FASHIONABLY WILD AT HEART

Fire it up RUKMINI IYER SERVES US A BARBECUE FEAST

JAMIE LAING DANCING HIS WAY THROUGH LIFE

Anya Hindmarch OUR HANDBAG HEROINE ON CONQUERING SELF-DOUBT

WIN! An incredible

family holiday to St Lucia

Working closely with schools in association with

Let’s get The sun is out, we can hug our family, drink cocktails with our friends and watch our kids play in matches. The long awaited light at the end of the tunnel is now shining on our faces.

Our summer magazine is full of sunshine and hope. We catch up with Jamie Laing on dancing his way through life and his hopes for the future. Lucia Ferrari launches her new beauty consultancy with an amazing member offer. Susannah Constantine on her rise to fame, conquering alcohol addiction and the epiphany of wild swimming.

We also catch-up exclusively with the queen of handbags, Anya Hindmarch on her inspirational new book. Interior Designer, Charlotte Stuart extols the importance of colour and pattern while best-selling author Rukmini Iyer talks to us about her recently launched Green Barbecue cookbook. Finally, you can win a once in a lifetime holiday to Windjammer Landing, St Lucia. What’s not to love?

Our exciting partnership with My School Portal continues to help us to share our fabulous content directly with parents.

This will allow thousands more independent school parents to benefit from all that School Notices has to offer within the secure confines of their own school website.

School Notices continues to be the trusted network for schools, parents and alumni within the private school community. You can buy and sell on our fantastic Noticeboard, get the latest in education and lifestyle, explore our informative school reviews and video interviews as well as benefit from great offers and exclusive competitions, all designed with you in mind. There’s everything you need for independent school life and beyond.

The School Notices Team Visit: schoolnotices.co.uk Email: info@schoolnotices.co.uk

SUMMER 2021

Brought to you by schoolnotices.co.uk

SUSANNAH CONSTANTINE FASHIONABLY WILD AT HEART

Publisher and Editor Katie Wiggin • Artistic Director Ruth Ellis Founder and CEO Gordon Dawson • Head of Brand Partnerships Milly Steel Senior Designer Christina Gubbins • Contributor Amanda Morison Advertising Tania Buckley and Lisa Thornton • Head of Schools Tia May Brand Partnerships Henrietta Moyes • Social Media Manager Natasha Minto

Fire it up RUKMINI IYER SERVES US A BARBECUE FEAST

JAMIE LAING DANCING HIS WAY THROUGH LIFE

Anya Hindmarch OUR HANDBAG HEROINE ON CONQUERING SELF-DOUBT

WIN!

An incredible family holiday to St Lucia

Working closely with schools in association with

Cover image Millie Pilkington (milliepilkington.co.uk)

For advertising: advertising@schoolnotices.co.uk or call 07884 436210

Contents

31 4

38

25 12

This issue…

ALL PRICES SHOWN CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION (JUNE 2021)

18

04 10 12

Summer Buys The SN team’s top picks

Win a family holiday

Windjammer Landing, St Lucia awaits you

Wild about Fashion

Susannah Constantine on her life, conquering

18

her demons and wild swimming

Lucia Ferrari

Launches her new beauty consultancy and

25

31

reveals her summer essential beauty kit

Jamie Laing

Dancing his way through life, his hopes for the future and giving something back

Fire it up!

Rukmini Iyer on her Green BBQ cookbook

36

Win a bespoke garden design Make your garden gorgeous with

JamesonStamp – prize worth over £1,500

38

Handbag Heroine

Anya Hindmarch shares her life lessons

44

including overcoming self-doubt

51 57 58

Bridging the gap

Meet the gappers who have gone back to prep school

Notes from the Interior Designer

Charlotte Stuart explores colour and pattern

Book Club

Camilla Leask on her top summer picks

Fun Facts

Dazzle them with your trivia knowledge SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 3

Star BUY

A splash of Summer Let the shopping commence!

Ladies From top left clockwise: Yoga Mat £55, BODEN boden.co.uk • Personalised Party Basket £89, THE COLOURFUL GARDEN COMPANY thecolourfulgardencompany.co.uk • Denim Dress £280, WYSE LONDON wyselondon.co.uk • Rainbow Arcadia Necklace £990, ROBINSON PELHAM robinsonpelham.com • Orange Peel Cologne £55, JO MALONE jomalone.co.uk • Gola Badminton Low-Top Trainers £50, GOLA gola.co.uk • Nordic One Piece £120, PERFECT MOMENT perfectmoment.com • Fringed Circle Pendant Earrings £48, ANTHROPOLOGIE anthropologie.com • New Mother Set £30, COWSHED cowshed.com • Crystal Hobnail Jug £95, SO SOUK sosouk.co.uk • Picnic Household Tote £195, ANYA HINDMARCH anyahindmarch.com

4 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

Shopp ng

Star BUY

Girls

From top left clockwise: Sequin Unicorn Denim Bomber Jacket £32, MONSOON monsoon.co.uk • Fabric Friendship Bracelets £7.50, MILLIE PINK milliepink.com • Kids Plant Dyed Bandeau Dress £55, &OTHERSTORIES stories.com • Beige Pom-Pom Sun Hat £34, PETIT BATEAU melijoe.com • Charlotte’s Jewel Lips Opal Magic £22, CHARLOTTE TILBURY charlottetilbury.com • A5 Rainbow Glitter Notebook £15, TRULY truly.co.uk •Blue Multi Stars Denim Shorts £64, STELLA McCARTNEY KIDS alexandalexa.com • Old School Sneakers £245, GOLDEN GOOSE goldengoose.com • Angel’s Face Aviators £27, CHILDRENSALON childrensalon.com • Personalised Painted Kids Suitcase £15, NOT ANOTHER BILL notanotherbill.com • Hairclips 3 Pack - Multi Dogs £13, BODEN boden.co.uk

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 5

Promot on

LENDING YOUR HOLIDAY HOME? don’t invalidate your cover. See our FAQs for insurance when lending your holiday home to family and friends.

2

Create a quick guide A guide on where the stopcock and fuse box are, finding the WIFI code, when the bins go out and not walking muddy boots through the house are ways to provide helpful information and to set some expectations about looking after your bolthole.

Anyone with a second home or holiday property in the UK may feel like they want to treat family and friends to a change of scenery by offering them a staycation break in their home-from-home. Before you lay out the ‘welcome’ mat though, you may find it helpful to think about a few basics to avoid potential mishaps and to keep relationships sweet!

1

Safety checks and holiday home insurance implications Make sure your gas, electricity and boiler checks are up to date and that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working correctly. Check your insurance to see if there are any instructions or restrictions that you should draw to your guests’ attention, so you

3

Do a final sense-check If your space is usually occupied by adults only and you are considering lending it out to a family with children, take a look around and perhaps pack away any potentially hazardous or valuable items for peace of mind. Let anyone know, who needs to know, that you will be having guests; a designated key holder, concierge or just a friend or neighbour who keeps an eye on the place for you.

With just a bit of preparation you can keep your guests safe to enjoy a welcome break and your home-from-home in great shape for the next time you visit.

FOR LIFESTYLES WORTH PROTECTING The important things are intangible, and the right insurance cover can give peace of mind – giving you one less thing to worry about.

Towergate can help with your insurance needs. www.towergatepartners.co.uk/towergate | Telephone 0330 123 3593 | Email schoolnotices@towergate.co.uk Towergate is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England with company number 4043759.

Registered Address: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7PD. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Shopp ng

Star BUY

Men

From top left clockwise: Babolat Pure Strike Tennis Racket £162.99, TENNIS NUTS tennisnuts.com • Age Defender Cream Moisturiser £56, KIEHL’S kiehls.co.uk • Moto Jacket £350, HACKETT hackett.com • Personalised Barbecue Tool Set £49.95, ALL THINGS BRIGHTON BEAUTIFUL notonthehighstreet.com • Bose Sport Earbuds £159, BOSE currys.co.uk • Reigate Croquet Set With Wooden Box £349, JAQUES LONDON jaqueslondon.co.uk • Golf Buddy Aim W11 Smartwatch £249, GOLF BUDDY STORE amazon.co.uk • Personalised Hipflask £53, NOT ANOTHER BILL notanotherbill.com • Yamaha RDS 280 Underwater Scooter £664.62, AQUA TOYS aquatoys.co.uk • Contrast Espadrilles £29.99, ZARA zara.co.uk • Classic Swim Shorts Copacabana Print £155, FRESCOBOL CARIOCA frescobolcarioca.com The Juggling King Rum £39, THE JUGGLING KING masterofmalt.com

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 7

Promot on

HOW TO AVOID SOCIAL BURNOUT! away and consider being mindful of the following advice:

1

Cut yourself some conversational slack and remember that ‘everyone’s conversational skills are going to be rusty’.1 Don’t put pressure on yourself to be the funniest or most insightful person there – just relax.

After having mostly digital conversations with even our closest friends for the past year, it’s only natural that we want to make up for lost time. We want to see this friend and then that one, and then invite friends over and after that go and find a beer garden that isn’t completely packed and stay there until it gets dark! But we should take care that we’re not riding every social wave, or we run the risk of burning out.

Your social life isn’t running away According to the insurer Vitality, social burnout can be caused by ‘trying to do too much’ which may eventually lead to ‘seeing socialising as stressful rather than enjoyable.’

Try to make sure you don’t get too carried

2

Listen to your body.

Your body will tell you how it – and you – is feeling in any situation. If you’re in a social situation where you’re feeling dizzy or you can’t get your thoughts straight, you might be feeling socially anxious.

Have you thought about what you want?

In a way, we’re bombarded by ideas about what our social lives should look like.

But have you been paying attention to what socially fulfils you, and in what frequency?

3

By working in harmony with our emotions and taking good care of ourselves, we can enjoy our social lives to the fullest – whatever that might mean for you.

Source: 1. magazine.vitality.co.uk/how-to-avoid-post-lockdown-social-burnout/

FOR LIFESTYLES WORTH PROTECTING The important things are intangible, and the right insurance cover can give peace of mind – giving you one less thing to worry about.

Towergate can help with your insurance needs. www.towergatepartners.co.uk/towergate | Telephone 0330 123 3593 | Email schoolnotices@towergate.co.uk Towergate Health & Protection is a trading name of Health and Protection Solutions Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Registered in England and Wales number 4907859. Registered office: West Park House, 23 Cumberland Place, Southampton, SO15 2BB.

Shopp ng

Star BUY

Boys

From top left clockwise: Headphones £79.99, PURO SOUNDS amazon.co.uk • Perfect T-shirt £80, PERFECT MOMENT perfectmoment.com Sprayground Checkered Camo Shark Backpack £85, SPRAY GROUND sprayground.uk • Neon LED Light Up Glasses £12.00, ILLUMINATED APPAREL GB etsy.com • Monopoly Arcade Pac-Man Game £33, HAMLEYS hamleys.com • Spizzy Bouncing Colored Ball £20.55, JOOM joom.com • Boy Piqué Cap £19, JACADI PARIS jacadi.co.uk • Beach Flipflops £18, PINKHOUSE MUSTIQUE pinkhousemustique.com Portable Waterproof Speaker £25.99, GUZACK amazon.co.uk • Smart Water Bottle & Free Hydration Tracker App £59.99, HIDRATE SPARK hidratespark.co.uk • Classic Swim Shorts £125, ORELBAR BROWN orlebarbrown.com

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 9

WIN! A dream family holiday to Windjammer Landing, St Lucia Enter now to have the chance to win a seven-night stay at this luxurious resort with half board included*

Nestled into 60 acres of lush hillside on St Lucia’s north western coast, Windjammer Landing is an idyllic Mediterranean style resort set on a large crescentshaped stretch of powdery white sand beach and with unrivalled views of the surrounding tropical landscape.

Discover more at windjammer-landing.com

HIGHLIGHTS

Compet t on

ACCOMMODATION The resort’s 216 guest rooms and villas range from stylish and contemporary waterfront villas, to beachfront suites, each designed to offer beautiful views across Labrolette Bay and the Caribbean Sea.

The Pitons and flowers of St. Lucia.

THE PRIZE: ★

★

7-night stay in a Premium Two Bedroom Oceanview Villa for a family of four

DINING Choose from five restaurant and bars, with culinary choices ranging from friendly and casual to fine dining, all with the added flair of St Lucian hospitality.

Complimentary Half-board including daily breakfast buffet and dinner with soft drinks included* To be in with the chance to win this fantastic prize simply

PHOTOGRAPHY: ST LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY

ENTER HERE TERMS AND CONDITIONS Competition closes 6/8/2021. Prize includes a 7-night stay for 2 adults and 2 children (under 12 years). *Halfboard includes daily buffet breakfast and dinner with soft drinks including mealtime. Flights and airport transfer not included. Stay is based on the hotel’s availability; blackout dates do apply. The prize must be redeemed before 18/12/2022 For full terms and conditions visit blog.schoolnotices.co.uk/category/competitions

WATERSPORTS With a full programme of windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding, pedal boating, tennis and 24-hour fitness centre, guests are encouraged to be as busy or relaxed as they like.

KIDS CLUB For younger guests, the Jacquot Kids Club offers a funfilled daily programme of activities for children aged from four to 12, while teens can participate in escorted outings both at the resort and further afield.

WILD about fashion Susannah Constantine has always worn it well, as co-conspirator with Trinny Woodall in the early Noughties and now as presenter of the Wardrobe Malfunction podcast. She’s also the author of two novels and a keen proponent of the benefits of wild swimming.

Was fashion always the plan for Susannah Constantine? She describes attracting a certain kind of ‘fag hag’ label early in her career and believes it stuck. Peter Berthelsen, who owned the Armani franchise, got her started. She had a job in an Armani boutique, and Berthelsen asked her to work as a runaround for the designers he was working with: John Galliano, Savile Row tailor Richard James and shoe designer Patrick Cox. She loved sitting with the pattern cutters and seamstresses and got a real understanding of how clothes were made.

Trinny and Susannah presented the hugely successful BBC series ‘What Not to Wear’ in the early Noughties

12 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

It’s hard to imagine Constantine without What Not to Wear co-presenter and friend Trinny Woodall, but they didn’t initially get on and moved in parallel social circles.

“She was more Eurotrash to my Sloane”.

But Constantine had started writing for The Telegraph sports and motoring pages and was commissioned to do a fashion column.

Over lunch Trinny talked about wanting a column about ‘real’ High Street fashion. The Ready to Wear column was born in 1994 and ran for seven years. “We were looked down on by the fashion industry and never went to the shows because we were about clothes for ordinary woman like ourselves” (if you can count someone who dated Viscount Linley and Imran Khan as ordinary!). Constantine argues that what was different was the pair modelling the clothes themselves, and doing their own hair and make-up. “It was quite rough and ready but ultimately accessible.

This, of course, was a bit frowned upon.

Plus if there was a style coming out by Karl

Prof le

If there was a style coming out

by Karl Lagerfeld or whoever and we didn’t like it, we would say that in a forthright way.

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 13

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Prof le

Kids go to secondhand shops and eBay because they want one-offs… there’s a gap in the market because very little that’s innovative and interesting caters to young people.

Above: Susannah with husband Sten and their three children.

Below: The much loved ‘What Not to Wear’ book

Lagerfeld or whoever and we didn’t like it, we would say that in a forthright way”.

This brand of honesty was loved and the subsequent What Not to Wear book sold 2.5 million copies – 50,000 a week. The duo’s ‘rules’ – ‘Keep the girls locked and loaded’ and ‘Your clothes have to fit’ were repeated mantra-like. Constantine says the rules still apply, but change as you get older, admitting she’d never show so much cleavage today (she’s now 58).

The TV years entailed five months away from home every year travelling across multiple countries and Constantine remembers it fondly: “What a privilege to get to know people, the countries we travelled to, and to have women using our work with them as an exercise in enhancing their self-esteem”.

Constantine has two daughters and a son with husband of 25 years Sten Bertelsen, but doesn’t think any will follow in her footsteps. “They are kind of borderline feral. They love

clothes but it’s all about under – rather than overdressing, and they don’t wear make-up”.

She says her collection of beautiful designer clothes are archived in her filthy cellar.

As to advising the younger generation wanting to get into fashion? Constantine says she’s so out of the loop that she doesn’t know the answer. She also believes fashion has become homogenised, making “kids go to second-hand shops and eBay because they want one-offs. Social media plays a big role and there’s a gap in the market because very little that’s innovative and interesting caters to young people.”

Constantine describes writing as her first love and despite seeming the definition of an extrovert says it’s about, “the lifestyle of being a novelist and being alone”. She’s written two works of fiction, After the Snow and Summer in Mayfair. She presents My Wardrobe Malfunction, now in its 6th series. Constantine came up with the idea after reminiscing about her own malfunction and SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 15

Above: Susannah’s literary works After the Snow and Summer in Mayfair, enjoying the feeling of empowerment from her new found love: wild swimming.

one that could arguably only have happened to her. “I was wearing a Valentino dress at Windsor Castle and sitting between Prince Philip and Prince Edward. My straps broke and my tits were on display!” Apparently Prince Philip came to her rescue and “sweetly flipped up the front” before a butler pinned the strap back on.

Elizabeth Hurley, Tan France and Kristin Scott Thomas are just some of the celebrities who have featured and Constantine posits that famous people are relieved not to have to talk about the film, the movie, the book.

“Talking about clothes is a safe conduit that opens up amazing memories that might not be linked to fashion”. Favourite interviewees include Nile Rodgers, “He was wearing two silver chain necklaces and it turned out they were dog collars from beloved dogs he’d had. We reminisced about our favourite dogs, sobbing throughout”.

Constantine’s own comfort blankets are, “My father’s signet ring, my mother’s and my own wedding ring. I never take them off and it means my parents and husband are always with me. And I’d be buried in a pair of GAP Long & Lean jeans - really worn out – and a T-shirt of some kind”.

16 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

It’s elemental; you get in the water and are at one with nature.

Always known for a certain forthright sense of honesty, Constantine went public about her relationship with alcohol. “I was reading all these statistics about increased alcohol intake in lockdown when it has been so easy to reach for the bottle. There is so much shame around alcohol, especially with women. She says she wanted to help take away the shame. “An alcoholic is not someone who is a bad person; we’re ill people trying to get better”.

The response to her admittance that she was a high-functioning alcoholic was overwhelming and she discovered a lot of women running a family, a business and putting on this veneer of everything’s ok – just as she did. “It was so exhausting putting on that front and also very lonely. The relief when I sought help felt so immense. It was

Prof le

PHOTOGRAPHY: ©BBC, BRORA.CO.UK, @WILDSUSANNAH (INSTA), SUSANNAHCONSTANTINE.CO.UK, @SUSANNAHCONSTANTINE (INSTA)

liberating walking into an AA meeting and understanding that it wasn’t anyone else that needed to change, I was the problem.”

Constantine’s Instagram feed is full of the joys of wild swimming, something she first did in Shropshire when staying with friends. “On a walk we came across this lake. It had been frosty in the morning and I don’t know what possessed me – I just thought, I’m going in! I stripped off and was galvanized by the fact that no-one else was going to do it – I’m such a show off. I lasted about 30 seconds then felt on such a high for the rest of the day”. She then started hearing about Dutch journalist Wim Hof – known as The Iceman – and decided wild swimming was for her because of the feeling of empowerment.

TOP 5 FAVOURITE EPISODES

1.

Nile Rodgers

and his priceless dog chains

2.

Elizabeth Hurley and her stolen car

“It’s elemental; you get in the water and are at one with nature”. Before lockdown she swam with a group of women and found an immediate bond – “ You are all out of your comfort zone”. She believes the benefits are huge, for mental health, the immune system and blood health. “Studies reveal it’s good for dementia, something my mother died from”. Her advice is to get in with purpose.

You’ll feel on a high for the rest of the day.

Looking forward, Constantine would love to front a documentary on women and alcohol: “I miss making TV because I love the camaraderie”. She will continue with My Wardrobe Malfunction and anything else that appeals. “Stuff for women of my age, not in a ‘wellness’ way (I hate that), but short cuts to living your best life”. She says that last night she had a cheeseburger, chips and a coffee milkshake and watched the last series of Homeland. Heaven! “I encourage more people to do that. Don’t worry about what you can’t change, just let it go.”

3.

Tan France and his wedding day sacrifice

4.

Trinny Woodall and her pink suit farce

5.

Joe Sugg and his supermarket ID check

Available on Apple, Google and Spotify. mywardmal.com

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 17

LUCIA FERRARI the go-to beauty oracle

Want to update your skincare regime, try a brilliant new facialist or book in for the same ‘tweakments’ that Judy Murray had? Lucia Ferrari’s new beauty consultancy is here to help.

Last year, Beauty Journalist Lucia Ferrari realised that so much of her time was spent helping friends find the best person for Botox, or advising her mother’s friends on which face creams really work, she decided to begin a new business offering one-to-one consultations on just about everything to do with skincare and beauty.

Above: Lucia relaxing at home.

Below and right: Instagram posts sharing her beauty buys and experiences

Have you always been interested in beauty?

Yes! My mother remembers when I once got my head wedged in my pram at an Estée Lauder counter as I was craning my neck to look at a lipstick. I have since spent the past 20 years as a Beauty Editor writing mainly for Harpers Bazaar, the Evening Standard and the Daily Mail. Over the years I’ve tried a ridiculous number of products and treatments from jawline slimming to eyebrow lifting, from lasers to cryotherapy and I can honestly say what works and what doesn’t.

What made you decide to begin your new consultancy service?

For as long as I can remember friends have

18 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

Interv ew

I can cut through a lot of marketing hype and bring my clients the right solutions for their skin. always asked my advice on everything about beauty. During lockdown, a few friends (and several Instagram followers) started asking me for help with their skincare regimes as they were finding the huge selection now available just a bit confusing. I started creating bespoke regimes for them and the feedback was really good so I thought why not start doing this as a business as it’s something I am so passionate about and there seemed to be a demand for it.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ©LUCIAFERRARIBEAUTY (INSTA)

It’s so easy to be confused by all the hightech ingredients and treatments out there today – how they work and what makes some products more effective than others. I can cut through a lot of the marketing hype and bring my clients the right solutions to suit their skin and create a bespoke, easy to follow skincare regime for them that delivers results.

What else will your service do?

There are different packages you can choose from on my website. The most basic one is an hour-long skincare edit to overhaul your skincare regime. This is best done face-to-face but I can do Zoom video calls too. You can also add on a make-up bag update, where I can introduce you to new key products and learn a few tricks and techniques I’ve picked up from chatting to the world’s leading makeup artists. Examples include how to look like you’ve had a couple of extra hours’ sleep or how to slim down a double chin.

I also advise on the latest non-surgical cosmetic procedures and tweaks. I give you access to my little black book of the best people to consult for everything from the most realistic blonde highlights, to a body contouring massage session (the one Cameron Diaz used to book in for before going on the red carpet). A real plus about my service is that I’m not paid any commission from any practitioners or brands I recommend, so I can be completely honest and impartial and recommend things that I 100 percent believe in.

Are expensive products better?

Sometimes but not necessarily. The complexity of the ingredients (or product packaging) will elevate the price but after many years testing products (and many so called ‘miracles in a jar’) I can advise you on which ones are genuinely worth it, while also offering some terrific bargain alternatives which deliver a similar result. I’m also really excited by some cosmeceutical skincare brands which offer medical grade skincare in over the counter products. This area can

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 19

Promot on

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Interv ew

Lucia’s bedside table must-haves

+

+

Magnesium Citrate tablets

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Dr Sebagh Rose de Vie

to help me get a good

Every Beauty Editor’s fave – I use it day

Hydrating Mask for making

and night to boost hydration levels in my

me look like I’ve slept for a

skin to give it that lovely plump radiance.

little longer than I have!

night’s sleep

be confusing and the key is knowing what will work for you. I’ve seen incredible skin transformations from just tweaking your skincare regime and adding in a couple of key cosmeceuticals.

Skincare or tweakments?

Both, but I’m passionate about great skincare as it’s fundamental, so if I had to choose one it would be skincare. It’s no good having Botox injections if the actual quality of your skin is dehydrated. I think we all want to look the best possible version of ourselves – but natural. Those overfilled hamster cheeks and overly smooth foreheads look ridiculous, It’s all about subtle tweaks combined with great skincare.

Best beauty advice?

Don’t over do it! Go easy on the non-surgical treatments and also on complicated skincare regimes. Finding an effective regime can often just be about a few tweaks here and there and the results can be phenomenal.

Favourite treatment?

I still think a fabulous facial takes some beating to get that feeling when you emerge with lifted cheekbones and glowing skin.

Mind you there are also some amazing home devices available.

For more details or to get in touch, visit lucia-ferrari.com @luciaferraribeauty

Get 15% off your first consultation and an exclusive beauty goodie bag Packages include:

The Skincare Edit

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The first 10 lucky readers to book a consultation (quoting SCHOOL NOTICES) will receive a 15% discount and a beauty goodie bag. To find out more, simply visit lucia-ferrari.com/consultation-services

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 21

YOUR

summer essential

BEAUTY KIT Compiled by beauty guru Lucia Ferrari

22 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

1 2

Beauty

1

Exuviance Vitamin C Serum Capsules £56 Vitamin C when applied on the skin can have

5

Dr Sebagh Lip Balm £35 Most lip balms are petroleum based which just

a brightening effect as well as protecting from sun

work on the surface. This shea butter based balm is

damage (but you must also use a SPF). It can also

intensely nourishing and soothing for lips during and

help age spots and pigmentation caused by the sun

after sun exposure and has some skin benefits for fine

from getting worse. I love this brand as the vitamin C is

lines too. It took three years to formulate.

delivered in individual doses (so is kept perfectly fresh) and is more effective than other brands I’ve tried.

2

Kate Somerville Uncomplikated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray £34

A cooling mist spray which sets make-up, reduces shine and gives you sun protection. It includes clever light-diffusing powders, which also blur fine lines. It’s genius and I can see why it sells out at Space NK.

6

Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray SPF 50, £28.99 This spray is the Lamborghini of sun sprays

with both Vitamin C & E and excellent SPF. It also leaves a flattering sheen on the skin. I love their face sunscreens too.

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Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Nettare di Sole £69 My newest summer fragrance discovery

which smells of beachy, warm, summer skin with a

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hint of jasmine and bergamot - one spritz instantly

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transports me to a Tuscan villa even if I’m on the

With extra hair-washing during summer months,

Number 22 bus trundling down the Kings Road.

sulphate and silicone free shampoos and conditioners will keep the hair in much better condition. My highlighted blonde hair has been transformed. It’s in much better condition and the colour looks brighter for longer too.

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Tan-Luxe Super Glow Face Serum SPF30, £35 I love a self tan which gives a healthy glow as

opposed to an actual ‘tan’. This product delivers a beautiful golden glow (no hint of orange) and is the only self-tan I’ve tried that feels moisturising.

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Shiseido Sports BB Cream, SPF 50 £30 The super light consistency of this tinted SPF

gives lightweight to medium coverage (like a good

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By Terry Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder £38 The ONLY pressed powder I’ll use as all others

tinted moisturiser) with excellent sun protection. It

make my skin look dry and are a bit ageing. Its clever

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formula takes away shine and minimises pores while

look like you’re wearing any makeup. Perfect for

providing a soft focus glow. It’s genius. A little bit

looking good on a dog walk or at an al fresco lunch.

underneath the eyes can also stop mascara smudging.

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4

5 6

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Jamie’s

GR WN UP!

We all love Jamie Laing. From Made in Chelsea super stardom, to finalist in Strictly Come Dancing, Candy Kittens entrepreneur and podcaster- there’s not much he hasn’t done. School Notices chats exclusively to the ever enthusiastic Jamie about life, love and what the future holds.

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 25

Tell us about your school career I went to Hatherop Castle and then I went to Summer Fields. I loved school because I got to play sport and I loved being part of a community. I wasn’t particularly good at the academic side because I wasn’t interested!

I liked English but one of my school reports said “getting cross with Jamie is like drowning puppies – you really don’t want to do it!”

Were you into drama at a young age?

I did lots of drama at Radley. I was in Midsummer Night’s Dream , Lord of the Flies and I played Danny Zuko in Grease.

Made In Chelsea – how did that happen?

A TV show approached me and they wanted to do something called Chelsea Girls based on privileged people who grew up in the area

Above: Made in Chelsea stars relaxing on the beach in LA, 2015 Right: with girfriend Sophie Habboo.

and went to boarding school. At the time I thought ‘what a terrible idea I’ll never do that!’ Then lots of my friends started doing it and I thought actually that’s quite fun. I also had an idea to start a sweet business at the time called Candy Kittens and I thought all this could be quite fun for marketing the sweet company. Everyone told me not to do it which made me want to do it even more. So I thought I’ll have a go and see what happens.

Did you have a favourite series?

For me it was at the beginning as you forget how important naïvety is. When you are experienced at something you can change, adapt and work out the right way to do things. When you are naïve it’s wonderful because you don’t know what’s going on I had absolutely no idea. I was just hanging out with my mates and being paid to do it.

It was a hobby and so much fun.

How much of it is scripted?

Unfortunately it’s not scripted and everyone doesn’t believe me on that. What happens is you have the choice to give as much or as little as you want – it’s up to you. You can talk about relationships or push them forward and what happens is it becomes quite a competitive scenario. You want to be the one who is being talked about the most, so you possibly then go out with someone who you don’t fancy as much as they fancy you. Yes the production company have to make a TV show, but they’ve never said to me in 10 years ‘this is what you need to do’, although you feel obliged to do it because that’s your job.

Any times when you wanted out?

Yeah – lots of times and what you don’t realise is that when you’re in, it’s a heavy thing to do. When you are arguing and

26 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

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fighting and breaking up, it slowly breaks you down without you realising it and so you have to be pretty thick skinned to get through it.

Most people last three years - I lasted 10 – not sure what that says about me!

Best place you filmed in?

We did a series in Cape Town – it’s where I met my wonderful girlfriend and we became very close. I never thought that I would ever properly fall in love with someone from that show but I have. South Africa was wonderful!

Any more Made in Chelsea plans?

I think my time has come to an end for Made in Chelsea. It was an amazing time and it was so much fun but being 32 and still in a reality show, when some of the cast are 15 years younger than you, isn’t a very good look. At some point you’ve got to grow up right?!

For me it was the most incredible experience as it brought me back to my days of playing sport at school.

Tell us about Strictly Come Dancing was it the best thing you’ve done?

For me it was the most incredible experience as it brought me back to my days of playing sport at school. I loved being part of a team, building towards something and learning something new. It is tough – boy is it tough – it’s like learning a new language every single week to perform in front of 30 million people at the weekend. It was an amazing show but you have to really have your head screwed on to get through it.

How did you remember the routines?

The only thing I can put it down to is that I played a lot of sport when I was younger.

I was not always the biggest or the quickest but I was very good at remembering things.

The hardest thing Karen had to teach you?

Patience. I’m incredibly impatient. I want to SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 27

know everything straight away and now.

With Strictly you know nothing and you just have to trust the process that at some point you are going to pick it up and learn it, and slowly you do. I would describe it as if you lived in another country and you couldn’t speak the language, but eventually you get an understanding of what they are saying without realising it.

Favourite Dance?

The Street Dance was just the best but I still love the Salsa. You look sexy and it’s fun.

Latin is like snowboarding; it’s really hard to get but once you get it you kind of can do it, but with ballroom, it’s like skiing – much easier to get the footwork but really hard to perfect.

Are you dancing everywhere?

When I’m dancing down the supermarket aisles I’m doing Cuban Breaks but I haven’t been because of lockdown. Friday night I do a little dance in our flat, my girlfriend hates it!

Did you ever think you might win Strictly?

Honestly in my head, I always thought I was going to win it. It’s important to trust yourself and trust your gut. Believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter how big the dream is, just do it. What’s the worst that can happen?

Tell us about Candy Kittens I had this idea that I wanted to set up a sweet business. I’ve always loved sweets but was never allowed them as a kid because they made me hyper. When I was scared of the dark, my brother used to tell me stories about a sweet world – so I was always fascinated by them. I was also a great fan of Abercrombie and Fitch and the sexy way they had of selling clothes.

28 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

Above: Jamie with Strictly Come Dancing partner Karen Hauer.

I wanted to set up a sexy sweet company which was a mixture of Willy Wonka and Hugh Heffner!

I then met my business partner (we were both 21 at the time) Ed Williams who is much smarter, more streamlined and brings everything together. We are like a triangle with two different sides but we still meet at the same point. He’s all of the good things that I’m not plus more. Without each other there wouldn’t have been a business. We’ve built the business over the last eight years and we are proudly the fastest growing confectionary company in the UK. We’re working towards becoming a B Corp, which is all about people and the planet, not just profit.

Favourite Flavour?

It’s like asking which is your favourite child! (which I am my mother’s…) We’ve got these new sweets coming out soon – they are the best sweets I’ve ever had in my

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life. There might be a guava in there! The texture is unbelievable.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Be patient. Try and find out what you don’t want to do rather than what you do want to do. I had to go through lots of bumps to figure out what I was good at and what I wanted to do. I was always told that business is paid in two currencies – cash and experience. Take the experience first and the cash will come later. Don’t be obsessed with making money, focus on the experience and the process and do something that you really love. I know that sounds cheesy but you have to do it every day and you don’t want to be one of the 68% of Americans who just ‘sleep work’. You want to be in that percentage who are doing something that they want to do. If you can do that you are winning in life.

Views on Social Media and it’s impact I think that Social Media is tough on a lot of the younger generation because they get up every day and see beautiful people with six packs driving Lamborghinis and think ‘how am I ever going to do that?’. My advice would

be if you are feeling down it doesn’t last – talk to people – we’ve all been on our journeys and we all have our demons and if I can help one person get through whatever they are going through then I’ve done a good deed.

Most looking forward to post-lockdown?

Hugging people – I’m a tribal person – I just want to hug people and have fun and be around friends.

The Future?

There’s a technique people talk about which is jab, jab, jab, hook. Basically give, give, give and then take. I think I’ve probably taken more than I’ve given and I now want to be more philanthropic. I’m not saying that to be righteous – it’s really important to give back.

You are in a happy stage of your life, what’s next, a dog?

I think I’d much prefer to get a baby than a dog! A baby grows into something – a dog is always just a doggie – and won’t stay a puppy for long. I think baby first and then dog! @jaimelaing candykittens.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOSEPH SINCLAIR , @JAMIELAING (INSTA)

Jamie’s achievements; how it all happened…

Made in Chelsea 10 years of stardom in this hugely popular TV series

Candy Kittens Launched eight years ago and now the UK’s fastest growing confectionery business

Strictly Come Dancing Podcasts Dazzling finalist with Karen Hauer in the 2020 series

In Six Degrees of Separation, Jamie and Spencer Matthews continue to keep us entertained

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 29

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Interv ew

FIRE it up The Roasting Tin series sold over 950,000 copies and The Green Barbecue promises to spice up summer, whatever the weather. Their author Rukmini Iyer talks to Amanda Morison about packing in the flavour, and why washing up for a food stylist proved a better career fit for her than practicing law.

31

You’ve spent time on TV recently talking about your new book. Are you starting to get recognised when out and about?

We’ve had an offer accepted on a house, and when we looked around saw a copy of The Roasting Tin. It was quite a shock for me and for the house owner, who said they were cooking one of the recipes that evening! I was recently spotted while out walking my dog, who the person even knew was called Pepper.

I was with nice hair and make-up because I’d come from an audition. I bet she wouldn’t have recognised me in my usual scruffy dog walking clothes with my hair scraped back.

You seem very calm in front of the cameras.

The cameras feel as though they are miles away, maybe partly because of Covid, which makes an interview feel like having a conversation. I was worried I’d be nervous, so had a bit of media training. The trainer advised me to think about filming as having fun – if you are relaxed you’ll come across well. It would fill me with more horror if I had to do more of the organising. Everything is

laid out in little bowls ready to cook – there’s none of the usual scrabbling in cupboards looking for a spatula.

You started your food career as a stylist, after training as a lawyer. Quite a leap?

I did that thing you do if you don’t like your job and Googled things I could do instead. Food styling came up and with it the realisation that every picture I’ve ever loved in a cookbook or a Marks & Spencer food advert had been made by someone.

I contacted a few stylists in full Hugh Grant style – terribly sorry, do you mind awfully answering these five really very short questions… – and got the most lovely responses. One even had a fee structure which I ended up using.

How did you get started?

I went to cookery school, did a stint in a restaurant and then started assisting stylists.

It’s a bit like an apprenticeship, you learn by helping a senior stylist and become part of the equivalent of a Formula 1 team – washing

L-R: Rukmini and her sidekick collie Pepper. Crispy Barbeque Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Cashews, Carrots and Nuoc Cham

32 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

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There’s a Blackberry & Bay Jo Malone fragrance I love, so I made it into a cake.

Making it look easy – Rukmini with her barbeque

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID LOFTUS, @MISSMINIFER (INSTA)

up, chopping and noticing if the stylist has forgotten to take her tweezers on set.

Do you ever regret giving up the law?

It says a lot that washing up on set was more fun than working through legal documents.

I’ve never looked back, but my boyfriend and lots of my friends are lawyers and one thing you can always say about them is that they have good chat.

What was the first thing you remember cooking as a child?

Probably something like chocolate rice crispies or flapjacks. My mother was very chilled about my sister and I helping out in the kitchen.

You’re known for packing in lots of flavour.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Some are based on perfume. There’s a

Blackberry & Bay Jo Malone fragrance I love, so I made it into a cake. All food writers are indebted to Niki Segnit’s The Flavour Thesaurus. It gives flavour compounds written in a non-science way that have you laughing out loud. You might want to cook with broccoli and you’ll discover it goes with anchovies and bacon. If I’m stuck for inspiration and need three butternut squash recipes by Friday, I’ll go to her book.

Your advice to someone starting out?

Get as much experience as possible. Cookery school is a very helpful place to start because you’ll immerse yourself in techniques that are different to anything needed as a home cook. And when you work in a restaurant you discover that chefs work like lightening.

There’s so much learning in that environment – if you manage not to drop a knife on yourself it will really pay off.

Most helpful advice you’ve been given?

Don’t fake it. If you are genuinely interested in something, people respond really well and ask for advice. I’ve been astonished by how SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 33

Left to right: Crispy Gnocchi – on a Stick! (with Roasted Peppers and Basil Pesto). Rukmini with her mother.

Don’t fake it.

If you are genuinely interested in something, people respond really well. willing people are to help you. I approached a publisher at a party and she said she couldn’t publish my book but she would give me feedback. I think of it as a women’s network because publishing is so female dominated. It’s nice to think my career has been a series of older women taking the time to help me and now it’s my turn to do the same thing.

Do you have any mentors?

Pene Parker designs all my books and was the art director at BBC Books. It’s been incredibly helpful working with someone so 34 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

experienced and I’m so lucky to be able to get so involved with the design process.

The typical garden barbecue is pretty average, but your recipes include crispy gnocchi and gunpowder potatoes!

I ghost-wrote a barbecue book a while back and there was so much I wanted to do differently. Some of my recipes are big, like charred squash which you need to cook at different temperatures. Others like the Aubergine, Halloumi & Oregano Rolls take minutes. Thinly slice the aubergine and cook for a minute on each side. Take off and roll up bits of halloumi with lemon zest and oregano, and let the aubergine get crisp and the halloumi all melty. The Padron Peppers with Feta are easy and eye-catching too.

Do you have a motto for life?

It’s not the end of the world! There’s a minimal amount of things that can actually go wrong when you’re cooking. I’m lucky enough to work in a nice job that’s about sharing with family and friends.

Rec pe

Chipotle Mushroom & Black Bean Burgers with Peanuts & Lime These burgers are ridiculously moreish – I like to serve them in buns with mayonnaise and pickles.

VEGAN Serves: 4 Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 25 minutes

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID LOFTUS

Ingredients ● 50g smooth peanut butter ● 1 x 400g tin of black beans, drained, but not rinsed ● 2 small cloves of garlic, peeled ● 2 teaspoons chipotle chilli flakes ● 1 teaspoon ground cumin ● 1 tablespoon olive oil ● 1 heaped tablespoon rye flour ● 1 lime, zest only ● 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes ● 250g chestnut mushrooms To serve ● 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges ● A handful of chopped salted peanuts ● A handful of chopped fresh coriander ● 4 burger buns Method 1 Put the peanut butter into a food processor with 60g of the black beans, the garlic, chilli flakes, cumin, olive oil, rye flour, lime zest and sea salt flakes, and blitz until you have a very thick paste. Tip it into a large bowl and stir in the rest of the black beans.

2 Tip the mushrooms into the processor and pulse until you have a dry mushroom mince.

Stir this into the black bean mixture. With damp hands, form it into four thick burgers and arrange them on a lined baking sheet.

3 Bake in the oven at 180C fan/200C/gas 6 for 25–30 minutes. When they’ve got 10 minutes left, gently flip them over so they can crisp up on the other side.

4 They’re ready to serve straight from the oven, but for a nice bit of smokiness you can let them cool down, then finish them on a medium barbecue for a couple of minutes per side.

5 Squeeze over the lime wedges and top with a handful of chopped peanuts and coriander, then sandwich them into lightly grilled burger buns.

Recipe from The Green Barbecue

(Vegan & Vegetarian Recipes to Cook Outdoors & In) by Rukmini Iyer. £17.99. waterstones.co.uk

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 35

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THE HOUSE WITH THE PRAIRIE The client was inspired by the Oudolf Field at Durslade Farm and we relished the challenge of leaning towards this style whilst very much maintaining our own.

HANDBAG

e n i o r He

School Notices talks exclusively to the inspirational Anya Hindmarch about her new book, her life lessons and overcoming self-doubt.

If In Doubt Wash Your Hair – the title of Anya’s new book might sound like a slightly vacuous statement but break it down and actually its solid, sound advice. Wash your hair and you’ll feel better about yourself and if you feel good then it’s likely that your day will be better too. Also, with clean hair you’re prepared for what life throws at you and more importantly you won’t have that niggle – damn I wish I’d reached for the shampoo when you bump into the neighbour you fancy.

Outside the Anya Café – The Village, Pont Street, London

38 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

Similarly, on the surface Anya Hindmarch, doyenne of the handbag world and famous fashionista, might conjure up an image of glamourous frivolity, but she is in fact the complete opposite. Reading her book you are struck by her honesty, her kindness and her depth. The book also explores her battles with self-doubt and the life lessons learnt along the way. Battling middle age, I found this book both uplifting and inspiring.

If I had to choose a team mate to help me reach the summit of Everest, Anya would be that person.

Whilst everyone was living it up at Uni, Anya had been to Florence, sought out the factories and was designing handbags from her kitchen table. Yes – she was brought up in an entrepreneurial family where profit and loss accounts were Christmas lunch conversations, but she was also brave and never doubted her decision to follow her dream. Marrying a man 12 years older and with three young bereaved children is testament to her gutsy but determined character. Yet at the same time in her book

Prof le

Every day I doubt that I can do this – that’s the truth and point of the book.

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 39

Emotion is a female superpower.

L-R: Walkers Tote £895, the distinctive Neeson woven bag, chubby heart balloon in Wellington Arch, London

she talks at length about self-doubt, imposter syndrome and overcoming her crippling fear of public speaking. “Every day I doubt that I can do this – that’s the truth and point of the book.” This is a lady who may well own and run a multi-million dollar global business but who at heart is still fitting all the pieces together. Her self-doubt makes her human and approachable and her emotional intelligence is the bedrock of her success.

So why after 50 years has she decided to share her pearls of wisdom (and trust me they are pearls)? Having spent the last 50 years learning, she’d now like to share these valuable life lessons. And no one is more qualified: CBE, MBE, Ambassador for Greenpeace, and UK Trade, Trustee of the RA and Design Museum, Non-Exec Director of the British Fashion Council, Trustee of the Royal Marsden Cancer charity and Verve Cliquot Business Woman of the Year. She has a lot to talk about, but true to character, she approaches everything with both modesty and honesty.

Building a business legacy requires grit and determination and not being afraid of dipping your toe in the water. Anya believes that much of her business success and 40 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

acumen comes from her belief that “emotion is a female super power” and one that should be celebrated. A chapter from her book is titled “Anya, you have to take the emotion out of this”, a sage remark from a textbook business point of view but the polar opposite to how Anya runs her business.

“Running a business, you are dealing with people and that’s all about connections, relationships and emotions. The highs and the lows are the whole point, so I would pick EQ over IQ every time.”

As an entrepreneur, Anya is aware that you do need to be a risk taker. “I’m quite comfortable being uncomfortable if that makes sense. It’s scary but you need to be prepared to back yourself and go out on a limb for what you believe.” Having said that, self-doubt always lies in the background but “it’s learning to sit with it knowing you will find your way through”. Another important life lesson learnt whilst dealing with her phobia of public speaking was that “fear and excitement are the same emotion” and it’s all down to how you perceive and interpret things.

As well as running the business, Anya knows that “creativity feeds my soul” so makes sure

Prof le

Anya’s mantras

★ If you are happy, your children will be happy ★ Put your own oxygen mask on first

★ Fear and excitement are the same emotion ★ Creativity will eat strategy for breakfast ★ I would label my children if I could ★ Be yourself; everyone else is already taken ★ Life is just an ant wiggle ★ Silver linings – grab them with both hands Leatherwork dragonflies at London Fashion Week, debut book release

she has time to regularly visit museums and art galleries for inspiration. Her imagination is extraordinary and has taken the humble handbag to new heights through her inspirational marketing campaigns. Chubby Hearts saw key London landmarks emblazed with large inflatable hearts and Chubby Clouds did the same. Anya Hindmarch was also the first accessories company to have a scheduled show at London Fashion Week – testament to how respected the brand has become. Thanks to Anya the handbag is no longer a boring practical accessory but a fun statement with personality. Think the crisp and chocolate packet bag, bags with eyes, faces, characters and personal photographs.

For the more traditional customer, the exquisitely made bags are still available and are always celebrity favourites. Anya’s active imagination has never allowed the company to stand still and her current project sees Pont

We probably all need a re-think around expectations.

Street turned into a small village community where “stores will open to house all the ideas we have had over the years. It will be ever evolving and be a place where we pour all of our creative energy and collaborate on the subjects that interest us”. The perfect antidote to Covid lockdown. “It’s very exciting but also terrifying.”

But how does she juggle it all? Five children, a full time job as well as the many other charity and public positions she holds. For Anya, organisation is the bedrock of her ability to cope with life. “It’s essential, critical and key for me coping and also allowing me to be creative as well. People say creatives are disorganised but I will say that they’re often not”. Like her handbags, organisational thought has been given to every aspect of her life, while the handbags have pockets for just about everything, Anya would be happy to label her kids if she could!

Of huge importance to Anya is the environment and sustainability. Well before it became trendy she was “scrabbling around to find a way of communicating an important message” and developed the I’m NOT a Plastic Bag campaign (2007). With no idea that it was going to be the success story SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 41

Prof le

being kind”. Helping the next generation to reach for the stars is also something Anya believes in and when asked what advice she can give to aspiring entrepreneurs she is quick to state “Start young. Don’t wait for the perfect time and age to start a business, just start in a casual simple way and go with it”.

Above: The ‘I’m NOT a Plastic Bag’ tote that caused a stampede.

Right: new season ‘I AM a Plastic Bag’ tote, £695

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANYAHINDMARCH.COM , @ANYAHINDMARCH (INSTA)

that it was, she had already sourced a company to buy back the unused stock.

In contrast the canvas tote bag sold by Sainsbury’s went viral with 80,000 people queuing to buy one. While in Taiwan there was a stampede resulting in 33 people being injured. “It was quite overwhelming in many respects.”

In continuation of the campaign the I AM a Plastic Bag was born. Anya has spent years refining the material made from plastic bottles to create a luxurious bag that will last and be sustainable. The collection continues to grow and develop. “This is a forever thing for us – it’s taken so long to do the research and development and you can now buy a beautiful handbag in a lovely fabric knowing that you are helping the planet by using plastic bottles.”

Along with the environment, Anya sees the privilege of her position within the fashion world to champion other matters close to her heart such as “gender equality or just

Family is everything to Anya and lockdown has re-enforced just how important her husband and children are to her.

Watching her eldest, Hugo, battle cancer has reminded her what is important in life. Being able to spend more time with her family over lockdown has been a blessing and having a happy home life is probably, in her eyes, her biggest achievement. One chapter of her book is titled “If you are happy, your children will be happy” and she sees her life ambition “to be healthy and to be kind and to pass that baton well”.

Always looking for silver linings, Anya believes that lockdown has enabled people to re-evaluate what is important in life.

“We probably all need a re-think around expectations.” There is another mantra Anya has lived by since her school days from Sister Angela who declared “If you accept that you will never be fully satisfied, then you will be very happy indeed.”

If In Doubt Wash Your Hair: A Manual for Life (Bloomsbury) is available now. amazon.co.uk anyahindmarch.com

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 43

Bridging

THE

GAP

We meet the Gappers who have gone back to where it all began and are enjoying the halcyon and idyllic days’ of prep school life once more.

44 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

Interv ew

ISSY TODD

went back to Farleigh School Alumna of King Edward VI School (KES) What’s your average day?

I was employed as a PE assistant, however, due to the lockdown in January I worked as part of the key worker team with the other gap students. I’d supervise a class in the morning, helping with online lessons and homework.

Is it weird to see your teachers as peers?

Yes! Being able to walk into the staff room and help myself to a coffee and biscuit and calling my old teachers by their first names, took a while to get used to!

Any improvements since you left?

I used to play field hockey, which I loved, but there is now a great astro. There’s also an amazing new music block and the dining room has been expanded.

What type of child were you?

I was very sporty. I also read a lot and was constantly borrowing books from the library.

Favourite school lunch?

I looked forward to fish and chips the most, known as ‘Fishy Friday’. I loved trying all the food but

my favourite pudding was definitely the chocolate brownie.

What is the ‘in’ thing?

Apparently, untied shoelaces. When I told one pupil to tie them up because he was going to trip over, he said untied laces were the new thing!

Any funny experiences?

I got a lot of questions about whether I have any children.

After I said I don’t, I was told by one Year 5 that she did not recommend it!

Have you been given a nickname?

I got called Miss Toad once but I quickly ended that one.

What will you take away from this experience?

How lucky I was to go

to Farleigh. The teachers, the sport, the trips, the boarding.

Seeing how happy all the children are reminded me of how much I loved it there.

What advice would you give to your younger self going off to senior school?

Remember that there are lots of new kids joining with you and everyone will be a bit nervous, so be friendly and have fun.

What else have you done in your gap year?

I worked at The Orchards Cookery School in Evesham as a kitchen assistant in October.

Where are you off to next?

Bristol Uni in September to study Biology. I am hoping to be able to go travelling in Europe before then.

What will be your lasting memory?

Lots of fun! I spent ten years at Farleigh with amazing friends and great teachers. I had the best time being back.

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 45

EVIE JONES

went back to Cheam School Alumna of St Edward’s, Oxford What was your average day?

Waking up the pupils and making sure they made it down to breakfast, which at times could be challenging!

Throughout the day, lessons and sport, then in the evenings different activities ranging from arts and crafts, to football in the sports hall.

Was it weird to see your teachers as peers?

It’s bizarre having access to the staff room as it’s out of bounds to pupils and that some existing teachers used to teach me back in the day.

Any improvements since you left?

The new astro pitch! To be honest it was great to see that the majority of the school had not changed, so 46 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

I still remembered my way around!

Any quirky traditions still going?

At Christmas lunch there are still dares given out for those who find coins in their Christmas cake.

What type of child were you?

Far quieter and less confident than I am now. I spent my time rushing off to the computer room at any given opportunity.

Favourite school lunch?

Cheam grill, I was gutted to hear this had stopped when I returned as a gappy.

What was the ‘in’ thing?

When I was a pupil it was sticker trading. Nowadays there’s more of an interest in clothing and technology.

What did you take away from this experience?

That teaching is one of the most rewarding but also tiring experiences and there is never a dull moment!

What advice would you give to your younger self going off to senior school?

Don’t be scared because everyone you meet is in exactly the same boat!

What now?

I am currently in my second year studying Business Management at Edinburgh and have also been offered a place next year at the University of Sydney.

What will be your lasting memory?

The dedicated and enthusiastic nature of all the staff and how this translated into happy healthy students, who leave school prepared and excited for the future ahead of them.

Interv ew

ARTHUR DAVIES & TOM HOUSTON went back to Elstree School Alumni of Marlborough & Bradfield What’s your average day?

It starts by making toast at breakfast for the children.

During the day, we support in different lessons and in the afternoon, we help with sport. After supper, we get involved with the boarders’ activities – the highlight is the waterslide!

Is it weird to see your teachers as peers?

At the beginning it was definitely weird, but everyone has been friendly and welcoming.

Any improvements since you left?

The biggest change is the move to co-education, which we think is fantastic.

Any quirky traditions still going?

Bat room cricket is still a firm favourite – played by huge numbers of children during free time.

What type of child were you?

I was quite cheeky at Elstree!

However, Tom was Deputy Head Boy at Elstree and Head Boy at Bradfield! He was good at most things he tried his hand at.

Favourite school lunch?

That’s easy - the burritos at Elstree are the best!

Have you been given a nickname?

No thankfully, although one of the children calls Tom the ‘little gapper’ (6”2) and me the ‘tiny gapper’ (6”1).

What will you take away from this experience?

We’ve loved our time being back and getting involved with everything. Being a gapper will massively help us in the future, as it has taught us to be versatile.

Arthur (left) and Tom

What advice would you give to your younger self going off to senior school?

To understand that you are not the largest fish in the sea when you leave prep school.

What else have you done in your gap year?

Tom has been writing music and has released three songs. I’ve been lucky enough to be at university whilst also working at Elstree. Although it has been challenging, I get the best of both worlds.

Where are you off to next?

Tom is off to Manchester in September to study biochemistry. I am continuing my degree in international business and management at Reading.

What will be your lasting memory?

We’ve loved coming back to spend another chapter of our lives at Elstree. My lasting memory is the fun I had and the lifelong friends I made.

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 47

FLORRIE ANTONIOU

went back to Dragon School Alumna of Tring Park School

What’s your average day?

We hurry the boarders along to breakfast and talk to them about anything exciting they have coming up.

During the school day we do laundry, collect parcels and complete tasks. Tea is usually accompanied by updates, dancing and singing. Whilst the girls are at prep we plan fun evening activities. We try to make the house as homely and friendly as possible.

Is it weird to see your teachers as peers?

Not really, but it’s interesting to see all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes that I wasn’t aware of when I was a pupil here.

Any improvements since you left?

Teas and the amount of food the children get is much better. Also, boarders are allowed to go home or go out with their families at weekends now.

48 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

Any quirky traditions still going?

Eggy - the Dragons’ playground game! Pupils moaning about early morning music practice.

What type of child were you?

I was such a teacher’s pet!

I was always that person who’d get an extra page for my plusses – still one of my biggest achievements!

Favourite school lunch?

It would have to be the chicken schnitzel and chips at family suppers. I have loved the food as a gapper and it is also great to see the

children try so many new things.

What was the ‘in’ thing?

Food shaped erasers (sushi erasers were superior!). Now, it’s rings, stickers and sadly…

TikTok dances.

What will you take away from this experience?

I have loved learning about the impact we have on children’s growth and how you can psychologically help them develop. I think we can learn so much from children and the way they think.

Where did you go for senior school?

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. I could not have had a better senior school experience.

What advice would you give to your younger self going off to senior school?

Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Stay true to yourself – people respect that.

What will be your lasting memory?

Always being supported in whatever I wanted to do.

Interv ew

What’s your average day?

The morning starts with a 20 minute chapel service, where we get to sing all the best hymns! Then helping with lessons in the morning and sport in the afternoon.

Is it weird to see your teachers as peers?

Yes very! It doesn’t feel like that long ago I was learning about the wives of Henry VIII and now I sit in the staff room and drink tea with my history teacher!

Any improvements since you left?

Pre-Prep has changed a lot with a new building and a completely different playground. But to me everything seems quite similar (although a lot smaller!) and there are lots of familiar faces around school.

Any quirky traditions still going?

Yes, court cricket still gets played and all the silly rules still exist. I think this is a Twyford only game as I haven’t met anyone else who knows about it.

What type of child were you?

I loved prep school so was always very happy! My favourite bits were boarding and sport.

Do you think the pupils have it easier now?

Not really, I think I had it pretty easy

JESS REES

went back to Twyford School Alumna of Canford when I was here too. There are so many opportunities for the children and a lot of very hard working teachers who try to make time here as enjoyable and easy as possible.

Favourite school lunch?

Pizza Tuesdays were the best! And ‘bricks and cement’ is still my favourite pudding!!

What’s the ‘in’ thing?

For us it was all about loom bands, yo-yos and Jack Wills!

Now it’s TikTok dances and

the clothes are all baggy or ‘vintage’.

What will you take away?

Working in a school has made me realise I love being busy and enjoy working with lots of people. Teaching will be something I really consider after finishing Uni. What advice would you give to your younger self going off to senior school?

To get stuck in as much as possible and really make the most of your time at school, because it goes very quickly!

Where are you off to next?

Exeter to study Sports Science.

What will be your lasting memory?

I always remembered Twyford as such a happy, fun place and coming back has just reinforced those feelings.

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 49

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Prof le

Styling for a Farrow & Ball press event, working with Veevers Carter Floral Design

Notes from the INTERIOR DESIGNER Charlotte Stuart started her career with Farrow & Ball and has worked with some of the interior design world’s greats. She’s known for her keen eye for colour and pattern and helping clients feel comfortable pushing the boundaries, without losing the styles they love.

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 51

Where does your love of design come from?

My childhood. I credit my Grandmother for introducing me to leopard print and in the 80s I’d watch my mother rag-roll walls in warm peach. I found her black and white flagstone floor and dark raspberry drawing room magical and will always remember the effect of a designer fabric in pale blue squiggles that I’ve tried to recreate in my own study today. Through my mother I learned that no colour was off limits, you just have to work them.

What trends are prominent at the moment?

We are currently stepping away from the darks – the navy blues, blacks etc. More on trend are rusty reds, deep blush pinks, ochre yellow and earthy tones. I believe this is because we are living in a time when we want to feel cocooned and secure in our homes.

Social media means the interior world moves at a much faster pace and it’s almost caught up with fashion – there are clearly defined Spring and Autumn collections and a colour that dominates the runways will make it onto our walls very quickly. I remember a sell-out coat on the high street in blush pink and six months later the shade was all over our walls.

Which interior designers do you admire?

I am lucky to have worked with some of the greats, including former Director of Colefax & Fowler, Imogen Taylor and queen of fabric couture Kit Kemp, Co-founder of the Firmdale Hotels group. Imogen Taylor instilled the importance of understanding a client's style and to give them support and encouragement to push boundaries.

She told me firmly that you need to get to know your client’s taste and offer inspiration, encouragement and support – it’s not like buying a dress because you have to live with a paint colour for years. Ashley Hicks 52 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

Above: Sourcing suitable pieces from The Rug Company to fulfil a client’s brief

because he’s so hands on, always inventing, carving and creating specialist hand-painted finishes. Nicky Haslam isn’t afraid to rip up the rule book. In the fashion world, Tory Burch has helped change my approach to business by focusing on the importance of building a brand. And Charlotte Olympia was always my weakness in footwear.

What style rules do you share with clients?

You can be stylish without always having to spend lots of money. Social media has democratised everything and you can follow people whose style inspires you and recreate something similar, simply by being resourceful.

During lockdown the number of enquiries I got via Instagram increased hugely. And I’d advise anyone not to be intimidated by

Prof le

interior designers. We aren’t there to rip everything out. There is no such thing as bad taste; it’s every bit as subjective as art.

Which current trends do you believe will stand the test of time?

I am not sure that overall I buy into trends, but I do recognise the influence they bring.

From a personal view point, I believe that anything you truly love will stand the test of time. If I had to put my money on investing in anything it would be on classic ‘brown’ furniture. It’s made with skill and craftmanship and will always hold a story.

You can also get it very affordably at the moment.

Trends you’re glad history has forgotten?

The Victorians over-iced the cake with their claustrophobic heavy fabrics and by adding a skirt to everything. Jumping to the 70’s we have to be very grateful that not many are a fan of the aertex ceiling and woodchip wallpaper anymore.

Above: A bespoke family kitchen designed for a classical Georgian townhouse

How do you get started with clients?

Whether embarking on redecorating a room, a renovation project or a new build, I work with clients in two ways. Either by project, which is a full end-to-end interior design service tailored to the client, or by providing ad hoc consultancy. This is very popular for those who require guidance, editing and

Art is like taste – a connection means it can't be wrong to the person who cherishes it.

L-R: Enjoying a creation by The Rug Company while wearing her cherished Charlotte Olympia Kitty Shoes. A bespoke kitchen Charlotte designed with John Lewis of Hungerford. A leopard print chair captured for inspiration in Frou Frou Paris. Charlotte immersed working in colour and pattern.

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 53

Prof le

WORDS: AMANDA MORISON. PHOTOGRAPHY : @CHARLOTTE_STUART_INTERIORS (INSTA)

So much of a designer’s value is in the research they’ve put into every choice. It’s not as straightforward as coming in with a few cushions for your sofa…

Above: A Julian Chichester Countess mirror waiting to be hung in a client’s hallway.

Left: Mood boards are a tool of the trade. This one was created for an editorial feature while Charlotte was at Farrow & Ball

help to talk through their ideas and lead the project at their own pace and budget. Either way, before getting started I work through the client’s brief, budget, practicality and expectation of the finished look.

If you could save or install one piece in your own house what would it be?

Decoratively, it would have to be architectural mouldings. I’m a massive fan of doors, architraves and a good cornice – they are the bones and finishing details to a property that are so often overlooked. From a practical point of view I would be quite keen for a hands-free vacuum cleaner that runs around after you.

Do you have a life motto?

You’re only as good as your last job. Life is about learning, growing and expanding and designers are constantly pivoting to expand their repertoire. Before Covid I had done very few Zoom consultations and never a virtual visit with a fabric house. I’m very aware that many of the suppliers we work with have been hugely affected by Brexit and the current situation internationally is also going to have an effect. On the upside I think these issues will make us value our home-based craftspeople even more and I believe we should be looking after the incredible talent in the UK.

Get in touch for a friendly chat to discuss your project. charlottestuartinteriors.co.uk @charlotte_stuart_interiors thelist.houseandgarden.com

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 55

DREAMING OF YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY? DISCOVER QUINTA DO LAGO In Quinta do Lago, your family is invited to experience true quality of life on holiday in the Algarve.

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Books

Book CLUB Camilla Leask gives us her top summer picks…

This Book Is Feminist

by Jamia Wilson

There is a strong demand for activist titles as we seek to educate ourselves and our children about many issues, especially gender equality and narratives surrounding violence against women, consent and

Best for ADULTS

safety. This new book by 42-year old ‘icon’ Jamia Wilson is a really accessible look at what feminism Best for TEENS

means and how it benefits us all, our family and wider community. Chapters focus on social issues that inform feminism, such as race, justice, education, money, power, health, wellness, relationships and

media. Primarily written for a 12+ reader, This Book Is Feminism is just as interesting – if not important for older readers wanting to better understand endemic systems of discrimination. £8.99, Waterstones (out 29th June)

books, Hidden Valley Road is a heart-wrenching look at the lives of Don and Mimi Galvin and their twelve children, six of

War II, Don’s work with the Air Force took his burgeoning

Hilary McKay brings us the eagerly awaited companion novel to The Skylarks’ War, her stunning story of the Penrose family’s journey through the

ALL PRICES SHOWN CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION (JUNE 2021)

One of Obama’s favourite

with schizophrenia. After World

by Hilary McKay

the next generation of characters as they move

by Robert Kolker

whom go on to be diagnosed

The Swallows’ Flight

First World War. The Swallows’ Flight features

Hidden Valley Road

Best for PREP

from carefree childhoods to adulthood amid the chaos and conflict of the Second World War. Erik and Hans admire swallows over the rooftops of Berlin, never imagining that one day they will be flying above England in the war.

Ruby and Kate, great friends despite their differences, find themselves racing towards inconceivable danger, as older family members, ravaged by the Great War, look helplessly on. McKay’s extraordinary, unflinching storytelling weaves together characters from different countries and backgrounds, united by the chaos of the 1930s/1940s. £12.99, Bookshop.org

family to Colorado, apparently living the American Dream the oldest born in 1945, the youngest in 1965. The Galvins subscribed to the time’s middle class script of aspiration, hard work, upward mobility and domestic harmony. But behind the scenes, a terrible picture was playing out of psychological breakdown, shocking violence and hidden abuse. Kolker marries forensic story-telling with compassion, uncovering this gripping story

Freelance books publicist and mum of two, Camilla has worked predominantly with children’s authors for 14 years. She’s worked with literary giants including Cressida Cowell, Enid Blyton Entertainment and the Narnia Estate amongst others. @willowpublicity

of one family’s extraordinary legacy that became science’s great hope in the quest to understand schizophrenia. £9.99 (Paperback), hive.co.uk

SUMMER 2021 schoolnotices.co.uk 57

Fun facts

The first modern Olympic Games were held in the summer in 1896 in Athens, Greece.

ICE POPS were invented in 1905 by an 11 year old boy.

The first women’s BATHING SUIT was created in the 1800’s.

191,930 portions of STRAWBERRIES are served at WIMBLEDON every year.

The UK is home to 46 species of ladybird

Dolphins can dive 55 metres underwater. That’s the height of 11 DOUBLE- DECKER BUSES stacked on top of each other

The world’s tallest SANDCASTLE measures 17.65 m

Coca-Cola would be GREEN if colouring wasn’t added to it

You’ll NEVER guess what?

We’ve discovered some fascinating facts about summer for you to wow your friends

The World’s biggest BOUNCY CASTLE stands 12.8m tall making it taller than the Great Wall of China

The world’s longest barbecue was 80 HOURS

Groups of crabs living together are known as CASTS

A cricket can jump about THREE FEET

58 schoolnotices.co.uk SUMMER 2021

FRISBEES, invented in the 1870’s were originally used as A PIE PLATE

WATERMELONS are both a FRUIT and a

VEGETABLE.

July is national ICE CREAM month.

THE EIFFEL TOWER grows about 6 inches in the summer heat due to its iron expanding.

Release the flam ngo!

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