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BRUNCH IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA ~
Especially with a glass of Prosecco or Wine
Open (Mon - Fri) 07:30 - 17:30, (Sat & Sun) 08:30 - 16:30 (Hot Food Served daily until 3pm)
FOOD
DRINK
W O R K S PA C E
MEETINGS
42 High Street, Royston, Herts, SG8 9AG hello@kookynohmad.com | 01763 258965
EVENTS
Luxury Handmade Aprons
Mini Me Apron Set The Perfect Gift for Mothers Day 10% Discount with code STONES10 mrpinny.com hello@mrpinny.com
S TON E S
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PEOPLE
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PLACES
p14. Elizebeth Dot Design
p60. The Maldives
We spoke with Elizabeth on her love of upcycling vintage statement furniture, to suit your unique home.
Dreaming of white, sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons to relax and unwind.
p18. Cocao & Bing
p64. No.41
Meet Tory, passionate upcycler, who can give a once tired and unloved piece of furniture a fresh new look and become a prized possession.
STONES visits No.41, a friendly relaxed restaurant in the heart of Royston, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.
III. PRESENT
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p06. New Year, New Stuff
p26. Move Or Improve
The new year provides the perfect platform for a fresh start, get organised and have a clear out. We have plenty of tips for you.
We explore the options for renovating or moving and speak with industry experts on their advice.
p08. Out With The Old Someone’s old is someone’s new! Have you thought about donating to charity shops? We spot some gems out and about.
p48. Too Much On Your Mind Do you ever feel like there’s so much to do, but so little time? You are not alone! Friends of STONES offer some tips on how to process and deal with this information overload.
p50. Make More Time
PROPERT Y
p36. How To Renovate Interior Stylist Celine Bridier answers our questions on renovating; imparting her advice, experience and top tips.
p42. Properties Preferring a new home, to updating your existing house? We have selected some of the latest properties available in our area.
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Guest writer Jayne Bratton from The Bratton Group, offers some ideas on how to feel like you have more time.
p70. Town Trail #05
p54. & Breathe
Throughout our issues we will guide you through Royston’s historical trail.
Becky Duncan from Chanting Stork provides some mediation and breathing tips to find that inner peace.
p70. Watch & Listen Stuck on what to watch and listen to next? Let us help!
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Y E A R
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new year new stuff The new year offers the perfect opportunity for organisation and a fresh start, especially after the Christmas intake. Whether it’s reducing the pile of toys, updating your technology or making space for your new look wardrobe after two years of making do, it feels good to sometimes reset the bar. Once you start digging deep, you are sure to come face-to-face with a few items that have had their day or you just don’t need anymore. For each item you will have to ask yourself; ‘Is this something that could go to charity, could it be recycled or is it too far gone?’ Most of all, remember not to be wasteful: there may be some diamonds lurking around. When putting yourself to task make sure that you are ready for it, you won’t get your whole house decluttered within a couple of hours. Try writing a list of the areas you want to cover and break them down into chunks, so you don’t end up at the bottom of the pile and in a worse state than when you started. There will be some things that you simply can’t let go, they may not seem special to others, but to you it could be a memory that you’re not willing to part with. A big clear out can seem like a lot of trouble, but getting started is half the battle, so roll up your sleeves and lets go!
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OU T
W I T H
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OL D
SOMEONE’S OLD…
Toy Cars - £1.00 Great place to find kids toys, old much loved toys become loved & played with once more.
Charity shops have become a familiar site in our high street landscape. We may be wanting more variety in alternative shops and amenities, but they provide our community with a lot we take for granted. Not only do they provide us with stability to the ailing high streets, but also huge environmental benefits where we are able to reuse and recycle our unwanted goods whilst supporting very worth while causes.
Vintage Birds Print & Frame - £8.00 Someones old art can fit nicely as a stylish piece in the right setting.
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IS SOMEONE’S NEW Cup & Saucers, Set of 4 - £15.00 An old tea set can become the perfect vintage & quirky addition to your kitchen.
Brown Glass Bottle - £5.00 Great as a contemporary vase.
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Five Top Tips
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Keep it & Upcycle
No Single Use Plastics
Keep things Organised
Use your imagination to find a new purpose for an old or unused item in your home. With a little bit of timeand affection you can transform something of ‘waste’ into something ‘useful’ with a whole new purpose. Be imaginative and if you have kids, they will love to join in, providing an opportunity for some fun time together.
Single-use plastics have significantly contributed to global climate change, and we need to put a stop to it altogether. As companies innovate, re-think their designs and start to source more sustainable materials, we can try to avoid single use plastics altogether, choosing more ethically packaged products.
Being organised in your approach to recycling will make it a lot easier to ensure that you keep it up and that nothing slips through the net due to inconvenience or laziness. You can have different labelled bins for different categories of recyclables and even hand-drawn pictures for fun, to keep the kids engaged.
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Break it down
The Next Generation
You can maximise your space and save your recycling bins from overflowing by flattening some of the bulkier items such as cardboard boxes and crushing cans. Not only will you get more in your bins, but you will in turn save money spent on community recycling collection, with less lorries, and time spent picking up and dropping off to the plants.
Turn the next generation into planet defenders, where you educate them on how they can do their part in reducing waste within the home. By showing our children how best, and what, to recycle, you will be amazed how quickly they become the recycling police and ensure you keep in check.
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Let’s be honest, it’s seen as pretty naff isn’t it? It conjures images of shabby chic, distressed, messy finishes that I wouldn’t want anywhere near my home. I want to change your view of painted furniture. If a piece is treated correctly, a painted finish can look entirely professional, no nasty brush marks. The right preparation and products also ensure a durable finish that will last for years. I’ve learnt the correct methods of refurbishment from family members in the wood-working trade. The process is meticulous, every item is thoroughly sanded to remove scratches, any damage is repaired to ensure a smooth surface. Quality products are used to achieve a finish that looks as good as new.
I want to change your view of painted furniture.
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U P C YC L I N G
From childhood, I’ve always been happiest when doing something creative. I went on to study Photography and Media which led to my degree in TV Production. After graduating with first class honours, I worked my way up to the position of TV Producer for an art and craft broadcasting company. Work involved meeting creative business owners and producing shows that demonstrated their craft. Though my job was considered a creative role, I yearned for the weekends where I spent my time making the craft projects I’d seen at work. I realised that being physically creative with my hands was what I enjoyed most. I became desperate to start my own business but knew that it needed to happen organically. I hadn’t long moved into a new home with my now husband. On a trip to drop things at the dump I saw some G Plan side tables being thrown away. I couldn’t believe anyone would chuck furniture like that, so I took them home. With family members in the woodwork trade, I took their advice (and tools!) to refurbish the tables. I was so pleased with the results and began looking for more items to restore. After filling our home with furniture. I realised that so many other people want their homes to be unique, but don’t have the time or tools to source and restore furniture themselves. That’s where the idea for my business began, back in 2016.
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I realised that being physically creative with my hands was what I enjoyed most.
www.elizabethdotdesign.com hello@elizabethdotdesign.com @elizabethdotdesign
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I have always enjoyed art & design after studying it at school & university and I was keen to get back into it. After my two young children started school, I found the days that were previously spent changing nappies and endlessly treading on Lego, were replaced with school drop off and pick up’s; I realised it was time for me to do something I really enjoyed and to find something creative that I am passionate about. I have always enjoyed art & design after studying it at school & university and I was keen to get back into it. I set up Cocoa & Bing in May 2020; in short - it is a furniture upcycling business, but focussed on creating unique and individual items of design.
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U P C YC L I N G
So often, the older pieces of furniture no longer fit in with our modern ways, styles or room design. The easy option is to throw out the old and replace with the new. The beauty of up cycling means you can retain the original piece but give it the modern twist adding a far more dynamic and exciting piece of furniture to your home, even more importantly, no one else will have a piece like it!!! I use chalk paint which lends itself perfectly to furniture and woods of all colours. It can be varnished or not and I always use a wax seal to ensure the refreshed items are protected against the general wear and tear of day to day life! Thus allowing the once tired and unloved pieces of furniture a fresh start in their position, with pride of place within the home. I enjoy the range of styles as well; working on briefs for adults or children, using multi-colours to more subtle pastel shades; anything goes and I think that is the pure beauty of being creative with art and design! hedders40@hotmail.com @cocoa_and_bing
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So often, the older pieces of furniture no longer fit in with our modern ways, styles or room design.
Creating unique events for your celebration. Sleepy Creations have a passion for creating unique events for your celebration. Whether it be an indoor Teepee Sleepover Party or a Luxe Bell Tent Picnic or outdoor Glamping Party, Sleepy Creations create unforgettable memories bringing friends and families together for a magical experience.
With an extensive choice of themes to choose from ranging from Football Crazy to Unicorn Dreams, Sleepy Creations offer a complete delivery, set up and collection service with the Royston and surrounding area leaving you to sit back and focus on enjoying your celebrations.
www.sleepycreations.co.uk . creationsgifty@gmail.com . 07725 92 72 85
Join us for Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Teas, Supper, Pida Offers, Live Music Nights, Retail Evenings, Artisan Ice Cream or our weekly delivery of Home Made Cakes and Tiffin.
~ A LW AY S A R E A S O N T O V I S I T N U M B E R 4 1 01763 244326 / Number41Royston@gmail.com / 41 Kneesworth St, Royston SG8 7AA
New Year…
STONES Magazine; Brand, Website, Editorial, Marketing
Meraki Renovations; Naming, Brand Identity, Website, Marketing
Ley Construction; Brand Identity, Website, Marketing
New You? Hertfordshire based Design and Marketing agency, provide creative design services to elevate your brand beyond the competition. We help businesses create big ideas that inspire people and engage their clients or consumers to buy into their product or service. We invest time in getting to know a business from the inside out, so that we completely understand your message and vision which allows us to deliver outstanding visuals.
B R A N D I N G
+
W E B S I T E S
+
M A R K E T I N G
www.sandersandjay.com | 01763 22 12 82
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Moving or Improving Moving home is no simple task and you are sure to incur some hefty fees and charges, but renovation work will require a huge outlay as well, so what is right for you? Not enough bedrooms for your growing family? Is the current space not working with your lifestyle requirements? Are things starting to fall apart around you? Before you decide to plunge into the big move, don’t forget to look at how you can unlock the potential of dead space in your existing home and you may want to start with the two biggest offenders, the loft and the garage. Often used for storage (most probably for things you haven’t used in years), it may give you the liveable space that you need and often at a lower cost.
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Improve your exisiting space
Sometimes the solution is right in front of you. Bradley Jackson – Meraki Renovations
Even more cost effective, you may be considering the use of your existing space without laying a brick, as you can dramatically change your home from clunky and disjointed, to freeflowing and inspiring, just by switching things up. Just by simply opening up a space or adding a divide, could have the desired effect of something new, such as an office area to accommodate home-working. “Sometimes the solution is right in front of you, but because you have been staring at the same walls for so long it becomes hard to see. That’s where we come in with visualisation and execution”. Bradley Jackson Meraki Renovations Before deciding one way or the other, you will want to ensure that you calculate the cost of doing so and weighing up whether you would be better off moving or if you have the flexibility in your existing home to create the perfect environment.
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Our Garden Rooms overcome the complication of creating outdoor space. Oliver White – INASPACE If you don’t have the space to play around with, or don’t quite have the budget to build a lavish extension, all is not lost. Why not consider a semipermanent solution that requires no planning permission and allows you the flexibility of space without astronomical costs and inconvenience of an extension? The concept of a garden room today is radically different to what it was just a few years ago, but today’s modern garden rooms are attractive, made from maintenance free and eco-friendly materials and come equipped with power and insulation included, making them an attractive addition for any outside space, for whatever the usage. “Our garden Rooms overcome the complication of creating outdoor space simply, quickly and affordably, providing an extra space for a huge range of uses.” Oliver White – INASPACE
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You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Andy Dye – Hatches Ltd.
Think Outside. Not going out as much and looking to entertain in the garden? It may not be the inside that you are looking into, but the outside appeal. Whether you are looking to landscape with a new patio, driveway, or the external of your house. You know what they say, ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’, therefore when you welcome guests or buyers to your humble abode, they will pull up to your house and view the front. With a world of quick clicks and instant decisions, you don’t have long before a judgement is made. Starting with a quick tidy up, to painting the house or investing in some stunning windows and doors, may just be all it needs to transform your house and set it apart from the rest.
“The curb appeal is such a huge part of a home and not only do timber windows and doors look beautiful, but they also offer exceptional performance against the Great British weather.” Andy Dye – Hatches, Timber Windows & Doors.
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Is 2022 a good year to move house? So, you have done your analysis and you have come to the conclusion you want ‘out’ of your existing home, but there are still many questions to answer. What can I afford? Where do I want to live? Town or village life? What schools are nearby... the list goes on. Whilst moving to a new home can feel like a new beginning, take your time and look for the right property, in the right area, with the right amenities nearby. Warning, you have to be in it to win it. If your house isn’t on the market or sold you will be at risk of missing out on the dream home. We asked local property expert Neil Wise, Ensum Brown for a market update. “The 2022 property market in the Royston area has continued at a pace. But, less homes are coming to the market than in the same period last year. This does mean it’s a time when
you can achieve a premium price for your property. With mortgage rates still low, it’s a perfect time to fix in a long term low rate, as they are expected to go up later this year, as early as March.” If you are thinking the timing could be now, you need to start thinking about what can give you the edge, how can I maximise the sale of the house. You will then start to go back around the process of improving, but with a slightly different lens where it’s more spending money in the right place rather than for your living comforts. Leaving can be tough - Even if you’re moving just a few streets away, sometimes leaving a place you’ve lived in for many years can be an ordeal. Lovely neighbours, close proximity to the station, shops, or school, can all make it hard to leave. Weigh everything up and go with what’s right for you and your family, right now.
This does mean it’s a time when you can achieve a premium price for your property. Neil Wise – Ensum Brown
M OV E
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Get Inspire
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Grand Design: House of the Year ALL 4 / SERIES 6 / 4 EPISODES
Creative Walls PUBLISHED BY: CICO BOOKS AUTHOR: GERALDINE JAMES
George Clarke’s Old House, New House ALL 4 / 7 SERIES
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George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations ALL 4 / 1 SERIES / 6 EPISODES
Elle Decoration Blog ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK/INSPIRATION
Your Home Made Perfect BBC IPLAYER / 3 SERIES
Bohemian Residence PUBLISHED BY: GESTALTEN
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Think Outside.
Make a great first impression
Windows
Doors
Special Products
Hatches offer a full design service for homeowners, housebuilders and architects. Supplying bespoke timber windows and doorset systems that will suit any modern or traditional home as well as conservation areas and sensitive listed properties.
SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR EXPERTS TODAY
01799 612 330 / 07464 329 409 / ENQUIRIES@HATCHESLTD.CO.UK Pictured: Timber high performance external entrance doorset and decoarative suround, fully factory finished RAL7016 Antracite Grey, pewter ironmongery and ‘Stanley’ the Hatches mascot.
Building amazing interiors, renovations and extensions with creativity and soul. 07853 965 229 hello@merakirenovations.com www.merakirenovations.com
THE VERSATILE , READY TO GO OUTDOOR GARDEN ROOM SOLUTION FOR YOU TO WORK, REL AX OR PL AY - AT H OME
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HOW
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How to renovate your house
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Céline Bridier is a local Interior Stylist & close friend of STONES, with experience of personal renovations, as well as working on client projects. We spoke to Céline and asked her advise when considering a renovation project and key questions she’s often asked. What’s the difference between Remodelling and Renovating? Remodelling and renovating means making improvements to an existing home. However, they refer to two slightly different types of constructions. Renovating means “restoring its original state”. In other words, dilapidated buildings or poorly maintained houses are sometimes considered to be in poor condition. Renovations improve the existing home. Remodelling means “changing the structure or shape of something.” If you want to remodel your bathroom, you want to change its appearance. If you want to renovate your bathroom, you want to repair or update it. Renovations usually have the effect of changing the appearance, structure or function of a room.
Why Renovate? To allow your home to gain in value, but also for you to create an interior in your image. A place that will be in correlation with your lifestyle and where you will share quality time and build memories. A space with soul. A well-decorated house bears your signature, a beautiful decorated house will give the impression that you have put your heart into every detail chosen.
Which rooms to renovate first?
Doing it yourself or recruit specialist?
It takes a lot of time, effort, and money — the cost of renovating a home is not minimal. If you renovate your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom it will be inconvenient for a few months. This lengthy process can lead you to wonder if you need to renovate your entire space at once or divide it room by room.
Either way, a home renovation project comes with additional expenses. Therefore, many owners are tempted to take care of the work themselves rather than calling on professionals.
Renovating a different room every few months or years will make your home feel like a never-ending project. Your home is made to be appreciated, not to feel like a building site.
How much does it cost? When it comes to estimating the budget for a home renovation, the additional costs are often forgotten. How will the project be financed, Equity Release? ReMortgaging could be considered. And yet, some aspects of the renovation such as the architecture, the different authorisations, etc. will necessarily inflate your bill. One of the things to also be considered is insurance. Renovation work is not always covered by simple home insurance. Especially if the renovation work in question is quite substantial. In this kind of situation, you must then find insurance dedicated to unoccupied buildings, or even opt for site insurance.
However, some home renovation projects are complex and could even pose a danger if not properly executed. These projects often require the services of an architect, interior designer, skilled plumber, electrician... Before you decide, ask yourself these questions: Do you have time? As it will take all your spare time. Do you have the right tools? Do you have enough experience? By answering these questions, you will be able to determine whether you need a professional.
Don’t forget to carefully plan and research and you will avoid the common pitfalls of renovations!
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What are your top tips when considering a renovation? Undertaking the work requires some preparation upstream & I’d like to share with you my thoughts on how to get organised.
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Create a calendar
What are your goals?
This is the first thing you should do. To properly prepare for a renovation, you should set up a schedule.
Carefully consider what you hope to get out of it. Is it more space, more light, add value to the property or just change the interior setting.
The timeline should highlight the dates and times when your renovation will take place. Keep in mind that deadlines may change due to weather conditions or unforeseen events.
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Be realistic Determine what is actually possible so that you don’t run into snags that could end the project halfway through. You should also know what local laws and regulations are; are you allowed to make the desired changes? Do you need to get permits?
Doing some research to find out if the renovations you’re considering will add value to your home, if that’s your goal. Also think upstream about what this or that renovation entails?
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Prepare your budget Define the value and get the budget for your renovation project. Always add a buffer too!
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Put a detailed plan in place Develop a detailed plan. Hire an Architect or Interior Design company with experience in renovation to work out every detail of the project, the timeline for each job to be done, and the materials you’ll need. If you have not yet requested the permissions, now is also the time to do so.
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Choose your company wisely Once you’ve decided about the renovations, the next imperative step will be to select the experts to work with. Many experienced builders can help you improve your renovation ideas and bring them to life. You will need the right contractors to carry out any construction. Ask for quotes on the cost of the work and try to get a commitment on the deadline. This allows you to make small changes to the plan if any of the materials cost more than you originally planned, before signing any construction contract. The cheapest quote is not always the best one! I prefer to choose on reputation. Select someone local and go and look at their previous work/portfolio. Be cautious of immediate availability of a builder, surely if they were any good, they would be actively working on projects?
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HOW
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Prepare the house to renovate Before doing the renovation, think about selling or getting rid of unnecessary furniture, take the opportunity to sort before starting the work.
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Think about the interior decor and finishing touches In parallel with the construction being completed you should be thinking about home interior decorations. Choose the right style that suits you best, if you’re unsure, appointing an experienced Interior Designer is a great investment as they will be able to provide you with guidance and recommendations.
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Free up space Remove all furniture, wall hangings, valuables, etc. from the renovation area. This will ensure that the items remain intact throughout the process. If for some objects, you have no choice but to leave them, remember to protect them! A renovation often involves a lot of dust, even with the most careful traders. Store all the items you don’t need outside the renovation area (ideally garage, shed…). This will prevent your living space from becoming too cluttered as you will have to live inside the property during the work.
10.
My interior stylist tips Think about creating a warm atmosphere, playing with light, marrying the right colours and choosing the right patterns and textures. Make a focal point in each room, decorating your walls with Art and choose stylish furniture. Remember less is more: play on simplicity and avoid exaggeration (quality over quantity!)
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Make a focal point in each room, decorating your walls with art and choose stylish furniture.
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This is where I add real value, as I have experience in harmoniously creating beautiful homes. I will make your Home a place that gives you the opportunity to express yourself or your family’s personality drawing out your desires in a unique environment. If you want a home that is functional and represents the best of you please get in touch as I would welcome the opportunity to work together with you, your architect and/or a contractor to design your entire interior space.
Céline x www.celinebridier.com / @celinebridier_stylist
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Station Road, Steeple Morden
Elbourn Way, Bassingbourn
The Milking Parlour, Meldreth
Situated in a sought after rural location with beautiful views, we are delighted to offer for sale this well presented four bedroom detached family home. The property offers good sized accommodation along with character features on a plot totalling approximately one third of an acre.
An attractive detached family home set in a generous secluded corner plot. The accommodation is arranged over two floors and comprises: entrance hallway, 20ft well appointed dual aspect kitchen/breakfast room, 20ft dual aspect lounge, dining room, study, conservatory, inner hallway and utility area. Whilst on the first floor there is a principal bedroom with an En suite shower room, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. This impressive home benefits from an expansive garden, detached double garage and ample driveway parking.
A recently converted barn situated in the centre of this sought after South Cambridgeshire village with pleasant gardens to side and rear, two car parking spaces. The property provides versatile living accommodation with the benefit of two shower rooms and completion will be end of Jan 2022.
Marshalls 01763 24 77 88
Archer Peers 01763 23 23 23
William H Brown 01763 24 29 88
£1,000,000
HOM E
£695,000
£625,000
S TON E S
High Street, Croydon, Royston
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£850,000
Offers over - £1,500,000
Ashwell
Kneesworth Street, Royston
A stunning unique development of two homes located in the sought-after village of Croydon. This beautiful contemporary home has been finished to an impeccable standard throughout. Entering through the spacious hallway with access to all of the ground floor accommodation and stairs up to the galleried landing. The bespoke stonework topped kitchen comes fully fitted with three high level ovens, microwave, six ring induction hob, American style fridge/ freezer, and dishwasher. The kitchen opens out into the dining area with a sky lantern above and bi-folding doors out to the garden.
Ensum Brown are delighted to offer for sale this individual architect designed home with exceptional quality of accommodation approaching 3500sq ft. Includes 4 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms & annexe. Located in a non-estate position surrounded by open countryside on a plot of over half an acre.
Abode are delighted to offer this stylish two bedroom penthouse apartment in the heart of the historic market town of Royston. The building has a luxury feel and the apartments have been specified to a very high standard with a stylish kitchen consisting of contrasting units and worktops, and striking bathrooms with beautiful herringbone tiled feature wall. Within walking distance to Royston’s train station, this generous sized apartment are ideal for commuters or locals who wish to enjoy Royston’s town centre with an array of Coffee Shops, Restaurants, shops and amenities - with the stunning Therfield Heath just a short walk away.
Thomas Morris 01763 24 33 31
Ensum Brown 01763 75 00 00
Abode 01763 25 98 88
£265,000
Just You & Your Bump Pregnancy Retreat Whole day of pampering and preparation for life with a newborn from local experts.*
Day Includes, Yoga for Pregnancy Taster, Understanding Newborn Sleep, Introduction to the 4th Trimester, Newborn First Aid and Hypnobirthing session as well as an opportunity for a massage or similar treatment. Food and drinks are all included. Saturday, 19 February 2022, 9:30am – 5pm at Elysium Well Being Centre, Bassingbourn. Limited Spaces Available - Book Now or register your interest for future retreats www.cambridgeshirepregnancyretreat.co.uk * Suitable from 12 weeks pregnant
Calling all landlords. Do you want an immediate tenant for your property? E N SUM
B ROW N
At Ensum Brown we will become your tenants from day 1, giving you a rental income guarantee for either a 12 or 24 month period, immediately. We’ll give you complete peace of mind about your rental income. You sit back, we’ll pay the rent and be the best tenants you could possibly have. • Guarenteed rent from day 1 • No gaps in letting • Complete peace of mind
01763 750 070 | lettings@ensumbrown.com | www.ensumbrown.com
Staff Wanted ~ Looking for talented and enthusiastic front of house staff Interested in joining our creative & friendly team please get in touch contact@foxandhoundsbarley.com
Have you tried our Sunday Roasts? Book your table to dine in or order as a ‘heat at home’ take away * contact@foxandhoundsbarley.com
High Street, Barley, Royston, SG8 8HY 01763 802 505, www.foxandhoundsbarley.com @foxhoundsbarley * Limited availability
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Too much on your mind. Do you have a moment when you’re stirring before you wake up in the morning, when it’s bliss... silence, for a moment and your mind is calm. Then you might hear the pitter patter of feet, or stirring from the other side of the bed, or the shrill of an alarm, or the little blessed cockerels shouting “Suns up!”. Or perhaps it is a more abrupt, physical wake up; being jumped on by the kids?!? However fleeting that blissful moment is, it’s there... just before it starts... that mental check... the gentle hum of noise... What day is it? What's on today? What do I need to do? Who's where? What drop offs am I doing? What meetings do I have? Did I put the washing machine on? Have I got milk for breakfast? Did I get dinner out the freezer? In todays society, we tend to wear so many hats and cram in so much, from being mum or dad, school drop offs,
nursery drop offs, work, errands, after school activities, dinner and fitness. Do we put too much pressure on ourselves? One thing the pandemic did teach us all to do, was slow down and make the most of a slower pace of life. Have we retained any of that now life has returned to ‘normality’? Or have we reverted back? There’s so much to do and so much to process and the world is our oyster, yet do you often stop to wonder...is there too much information? Too much to do? Too much to process? With Google, Siri or Alexa at our fingertips to answer our questions, social media at the helm of never ending information, groups, connections, news, not to even start with emails! There is so much information to consume and make sense of in our minds, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Remember, you are not alone and here we have spoken to some friends of STONES for some tips on how to process and deal with this information overload.
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HOW TO HAVE MORE TIME
Having too much to do can feel overwhelming. It can seem like other people are brilliantly organised and have much more time. In reality there is no more time, the secret is being organised and staying focused on what your priorities are. Words by: Jayne Bratton
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Write a To Do List It may feel like you have not got time to write a list, but it will probably only take ten minutes and has the added advantage of decluttering your mind. Next to each task write an A, B or C depending on how soon they need to be completed, you could even add a star to a few tasks which are urgent! Then start working through your To Do List in order.
Delegate, Diary, Ditch and Do Look through your To Do List and decide who else can do the task. E.g. Why are YOU going to the supermarket – who else in your home could you delegate to? Could you order online? Do you even need to go, or could you cope for another few days from the stocks you already have? If something does not need to be done now, then plan it into your diary for a future date. This takes the pressure off now and you have planned quality time to complete the task in the future. If you have had something on your To Do List for a long time, does it still need to be done – really? If not, then cross it off the list.
How much can you really achieve Be realistic with how much you can achieve in a day. On your To Do List, add the length of time each task will take and then decide which tasks are achievable today. Plan to fill a maximum of 80% of your time.
Bits hour Plan an hour a day where you do tasks which often do not make it to a To Do List but getting them done really helps us to feel more in control of our lives, e.g. book a medical appointment, chase an order, reschedule a lunch date. Or an alternative style of bits hour is to complete tasks from your To Do List which take no more than 10 minutes each and do these. This can give a strong sense of achievement and it can feel great to see things coming off the list. Consider setting a timer so that it really is only an hour.
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Batching When we make a dozen muffins, we don’t make them one at a time as that would be a really illogical and wasteful use of time, instead we make them all in one go. Plan tasks on your To Do List in batches. E.g. If you go out to the supermarket, also pop in to the bank and drop a card in to the post box. If you are buying birthday cards buy the next three months’ worth of cards in one go.
Prepare early Packing bags, sending meeting reminders and planning meals etc the day before helps you to feel ready and organised. It also gives time to remember items we need to take with us, batch tasks better and manage the expectations of others. Add a checklist to the door or on your phone which you can update as you remember things. If you have a busy day ahead, leave all the bags and items you need in the hall the night before. Try having a ‘shoes on time’ about ten minutes before you actually need to leave so that you do not need to rush when you suddenly remember things or get caught up. Also build in contingency to every journey to take the pressure off when you encounter the unexpected.
Complete what you start Whenever you can, ‘touch it once.’ When you pick something up, put it away, and when you start a task complete it before moving on to something else. This will save time and bring a bigger sense of satisfaction as you will complete your tasks quicker.
Procrastination Knowing you want to achieve something and completing it are often two different things. A common reason for this is that we procrastinate and find almost anything else to do. Common techniques to overcome procrastination include: • Decide when you are going to do the task and plan it in to your diary • Make a task you are avoiding your first task of the day • Focus on how amazing it will feel when the task is complete • Once the task is completed treat yourself. Ideas include lunch with a friend or 20 minutes of TV • Break the task down. E.g. doing a tax return can be a huge task but just finding your log in information is much easier to achieve.
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Meal plan Time suckers Social media is a massive time sucker, especially as the more we write comments the more others reply. Try turning off social media and email notifications, the constant pinging is distracting and can lead us away from our priorities. Television is a great way for many people to relax. It can also suck our time away so try limiting yourself to an episode, or to half an hour at a time. Turn the TV off and think what you would be able to achieve if you don’t watch it for the next hour. For both social media and watching TV, plan dedicated time slots e.g. half-an-hour over morning coffee and again when you are winding down in the evening.
Take breaks You will probably get more done if you take regular breaks as they enable us to re-energise and mentally process. Have a drink, take a walk, sit in the fresh air.
Say no - nicely It is so easy to take on tasks to help others because in the moment it seemed like a great idea, or it felt the right thing to do. Busy people tend to say yes to doing things for others which then leaves them under even more pressure. Consider why you are doing it and does this really fit with the rest of your own priorities. Saying no can be hard and so try using phrases such as ‘I don’t have capacity to take this on.’ It might be received with resistance to start with but then eventually people who regularly ask will find other ways to get the help they need.
Planning your key meals for the week can take just a few minutes including looking through the cupboards and adding items to a shopping list, but it can save a lot of time from wondering what to eat, improve the healthiness of the meals and also save money. A chalkboard can be a useful tool for writing your meal plan on.
Plan fun events into your diary Life can sometimes feel like an ongoing treadmill, so plan in some fun things. E.g. Book up to go away for a weekend or even a holiday. Plan a meal out with someone you have not seen for a long time. You can book months ahead and it is wonderful how quickly these events come around.
Choose the best time for you You may have noticed that you are better doing different things at different times of the day. You will achieve more by doing tasks when they best fit to your natural rhythm. – Though we cannot magic more actual time into our day, planning effectively gives the feeling of having more time. We have 24 hours each day, and it is up to us how we use them.
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& breathe…
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Meditation & Mindfulness Words by: Becky Duncan, Chanting Stork Photo: Garath Jones Photography
There is no denying it, things get busy at this time of the year and there’s just less hours to do everything, so how can we make the most of it whilst taking care of yourself and staying positive. When the world is spinning a million times an hour and all the external stimulants feel a little overwhelming, we don’t need to go away, we need to go in. A famous quote by Marcus Auerlius; “There is no greater retreat than within”. You don’t need to sit still for hours on a mountain top, but instead, you can close your eyes and picture the most beautiful mountain that you can envisage. You can notice the speed and depth at which you are breathing and slow the breath right down by lengthening your exhalations. When we exhale our heart rate decreases and internally everything slows. – Try this simple exercise wherever you may be, whether it be in the office, at home, in a shopping centre. 1. Close your eyes and place you hands on your heart. 2. Notice the flow of your breath. 3. Inhales for the count of 4 and exhale for the count of 4.
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Relax,Revive & Rejuvenate
Set in the beautiful countryside near Royston, Elysium Well Being Centre offers a wide range of relaxing luxury beauty treatments, pamper packages, along with yoga, pilates & meditation classes
– BOOK NOW –
www.elysiumsalonbeauty.co.uk – 01763 449 005 The Mews, Low Farm, Bassingbourn, Hertfordshire, SG8 5NT
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There is nothing better for your wellbeing than escaping the usual routine and exploring the world. With travel restrictions relaxing, now is the perfect time to start planning your next venture. How about a tropical paradise of white, sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons to find that inner peace? Laura Wood, Royston based independant travel agent, tells us more about the idyllic palm-fringed beaches. With flawless white sands, shimmering turquoise waters and encircling pristine coral reefs, the Maldives is truly an experience like no other. With a wide variety of resorts across the islands, there is something for every occasion and budget, whether that be a luxury romantic hideout, or a larger all inclusive resort with an abundance of facilities for all ages. Relaxing on the white sand and wallowing in the warm seas comes as standard, but if you’re worried there won’t be enough to do, don’t panic. Amongst the islands there are lots of exciting activities to keep you occupied such as; kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snorkelling and diving in the stunning coral gardens. For the less adventurous, you may want to select a house reef, accessible from the beach and within a few steps
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of the shore you can view the amazing marine life with just a snorkel and mask. You may like the idea of being stranded on a deserted island, but why not take it one step further. Many of the islands offer cruises to uninhabited islands for a true shipwrecked experience, where you can cast your fishing rod, in the hope of getting the catch of the day. The Maldives known for its peace and serenity away from urban life has an abundance of Spas to give a deeper sense of utter relaxation. After the last few years we are all in need of a little indulgence and in need of a little rejuvenation. Whilst most resorts have bars & live music the Maldives is not a destination for party animals, but to sit back and enjoy tropical cocktail and cuisine in an idyllic setting. Sound tempting?
I’m an independent travel agent, I work with leading tour operators and can help plan your perfect holiday. 01223 53 54 93 laura.wood@premier-travel.co.uk
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Luxury Sea Villas Komandoo Island Resort & Spa
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Beach Swing Komandoo Island Resort & Spa
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NUMBER FORTY ONE No. 41 is a friendly, relaxed restaurant in the centre of Royston, offering day to evening, breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Founders Stacey & Kadir have used their 30 years of hospitality experience, to offer a delicious menu of home-cooked, fresh dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients. ‘Thinking local’ is very important to their brand promise and even their alcoholic beverages are supplied by Royston’s local wine merchant, with cheese and meat coming from suppliers within a 10-mile radius. “Using local suppliers is important to us as we believe we should be supporting local businesses as much as possible and helping our community grow.” Stacey - Owner No.41
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Above: Inside is a quirky mix of historic features and vibrant wallpaper. The perfect setting for afternoon tea or a more intimate dinner date.
Left: No.41 curb appeal, a very historic building, with the large bay window almost touching the pavement outside. This row of cottages was occupied by the stable and kennel staff of King James.
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ALL HANDS ON DECK While some choose to stand back, Stacey and Kadir have an immense passion for food and cooking, where they put themselves at the heart of the business in the kitchen and front of house. Their passion truly comes across with its unique Turkish Puff Bread, Pida’s and seasonal menus changes. Like many, Number 41 was subject to the challenge of the pandemic, where they had to adapt to the ever changing restrictions. After only being open for a short time, prior to the original lockdown, they expertly delivered a tailored menu suitable for takeaway and felt the full support of the local community and their reputation blossomed. Our pick of the menu is the Turkish Plate for Two with a Pida of your choice served alongside Halloumi Skewers, Bulger & Lamb Kofte, Hummus, Mixed Salad Leaves and Rosemary Puff Bread. Don’t just take our word for it as the community has spoken.
Right: Authentic Turkish Rosemary Puff Bread, cooked fresh in our open flame stone oven
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01763 244326 Number41Royston@gmail.com www.number41royston.co.uk 41 Kneesworth Street, Royston, Herts SG8 5AN
Left: Perfect for date night. Take your special someone for a lovely evening meal. Below: Delicious pancakes with fresh fruit, butterscotch sauce and indulgent double cream.
“Delicious food, lovely atmosphere and great service. Highly recommend.” “Good, buzzy atmosphere especially at the weekends, wide choice of drinks and delicious food. Well worth a visit.” “Beautiful food, everything ordered was perfect! Coupled with great service and friendly staff we thoroughly enjoyed our meal.” “Great service and lovely food very cosy atmosphere”
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PRINCES MEWS KILN HOUSE YARD
From the Royse Stone carry along the road to the mini roundabout and you arrive at Princes Mews. This was named after Artic Prince, winner of the Derby in 1951. The horse was trained in W.Stephenson’s racing stable for many years, which was situated at the far end of the current road. The horses were trained on the Heath (just half a mile up the road). Cross over the road and head back on yourself towards the traffic lights. On route look to your left through the archway, this is ‘Kiln House Yard’ a former brewery which operated there until 1948.
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Dopesick
After Life
DISNEY+ / 1 SEASON / 8 EPSIDOES
NETFLIX / SEASON 3 / 6 EPISODES
This one-off drama is an award winner for sure. The story centres around the horrific and true events of the opioid crisis in America. The pain medication, Oxycoton, which was mis-sold and miss subscribed by doctors and the Pharma company making it, became an addictive drug and was so readily available that it destroyed so many lives. This story follows the lives of those not only affected by it but those trying to fight it and the drug company trying to push it. It is both harrowing that something like this can happen in our lifetime and also, with strong performances from Micheal Keaton (Bird Man, Spotlight), Will Poulter (We’re the Millers), it is a powerful story of hope and redemption.
The third and final series of After Life, another Ricky Gervais masterpiece, is the perfect balance of hilarous and emotional. If you haven’t already seen the first two seasons you are missing out (all available now on Netflix). After Life follows the ups and downs of Tony (Ricky Gervais), who’s life is turned upside down after losing his much loved wife and best friend to cancer. He decides to go about life with an attitude that life is just not worth living, doing and saying whatever he likes to whoever he wants. This leads to some laugh out loud moments and some serious heartbreaking issues, that will both leave you crying. As his journey unfolds he meets new people that change his life and ultimately make it worth sticking around for.
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BBC Session (Live) Green Day
Yesterday’s Gone Loyle Carner
ALTERNATIVE / 2021 / 16 TRACKS / 49MINS
HIP HOP / 2017 / 15 TRACKS / 43MINS
This is so nostalgic, all the old classics that made Green Day who they are today. Simple, live and briliant, these classics have not aged a day. The distinctive vocals of Billie Joe, soulful funk bass of Mike Dirn and rapid drums of Tré Cool, this punk-rock trio are as perfect today as they where when they hit the music scene back in 1991. With this live studio performance it takes us back to our youth and fond memories of playing these tunes loud in your bedroom.
Loyle Carners first studio album is an intelligent, story-telling and personal account of Loyle himself. Loyle has always been very open and honest in interviews with his up bringing and values. Keen to give back to the community and support young artists like himself. His soulful, distinct vocals flow through every song with effortless ease. This is old school hip-hop with a modern feel. Just beats and rhymes in its purest form. Partnering with his close friend and collaborator Tom Misch on a few tracks adds another level of soul to this amazing debut album.
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Josh Murphy Sophie Murphy Steve Eggs Izzy Dix
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At STONES, we are inspired to be part of the bigger picture. The last year has been tough on all businesses, so it’s important for us to support those that are local to us. So we are starting here, with our lifestyle magazine designed to draw readers to all the finer things in Royston. No matter what it is you have to offer Royston, whether it be big or small, you can be a part of Stones. Be part of the conversation, part of the journey. Get in touch with our STONES team today! @stonesmag
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