The Riverside Journals by The Riverside Journals

The Riverside Journals

Notting Hill edition

January/February 2018 • Edition 52 • Complimentary

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Features Lifestyle

Out with the old and in with the new, it’s time to embrace all that 2018 has to offer. If you feel that your resolve is already slipping, take a moment to read Claire Quirk’s advice on maintaining your motivation. You may also be planning ahead and thinking about the summer; if you’re looking for advice on summer camps for the kids we have some wise words to help you choose the right one for your little ones. This edition we were surprised to learn that you only need five key pieces of jewellery, obviously this is just a guide gentlemen! If you are considering a small purchase for this year’s Valentines could we suggest By Elise or Berry’s of Windsor?

Fashion & Beauty Never has there been so much choice in Lycra. Spring is the best time to retire that green leotard and the legwarmers and update your athletic wear. We share some expert advice on choosing your kit, whether you are looking for performance and style, or fit and flatter. Don’t forget the basics, choosing a sports bra is an essential part of the process – a good fitting sports bra could improve your performance and save you from an uncomfortable experience. Lisa de-la-Plain, co-founder and professional beauty therapist, Beauty Flash, has an essential Winter Beauty Survival Guide to help soothe your skin and maintain your glowing complexion.

Homes & Interiors Some of you may be thinking about upsizing your home in 2018, with the decision to stay and extend or move and refurbish seemingly a minefield. There are countless considerations including practicability and costs, time and energy, and it can be difficult to weigh up the pros and cons. Jayson Branch, Creative Director at Castrads, gives some sound advice on when it’s worth splashing the cash on renovations. If you’re not quite ready for a full refurb you could always opt to titivate – in which case check out the selection of sofas and chairs in our seating feature. Chaplins also share some Eastern promise with inspiring Japanese trends for your home, for contemporary and modern living, and Harrods help inspire your home interior with some of the finest on-trend bed linen by Roberto Cavalli.

Travel Let 2018 be the year you broaden your proverbial travel horizons. Take a trip to Lithuania, the southernmost Baltic state, and experience a walk around the largest medieval Old Town in central and eastern Europe, a UNESCO heritage coveting neo-classical and baroque churches. Or hire a car (a classic if you can) and wind your way around the Riviera, where you can refuel, both yourself and the car, in the most beautiful of locations. Sweep round the breezy, jasmine perfumed coast or climb a little higher to the lush hills, stopping to sample fougassette – the orange-scented pastry, one of the region’s specialities. The Riviera will not disappoint.

Weddings

Beaconsfield, Chelsea & Kensington, Westminster, Notting Hill, Mayfair, Henley & Marlow, Richmond and Windsor Journals are copyright and may not be reproduced in any form, either in part or whole without permission from Brook Media Limited. Whilst every reasonable precaution has been taken, no responsibility is taken for any service or product featured in these publications or any loss arising therefrom. Articles that have been individually authored may contain personal opinion, thus relevant to the piece, but not an opinion or belief shared by Brook Media Limited. The Publisher reserves the right to decline any advertisement or article which is deemed unsuitable, prior to publication.

the riverside journals

If the New Year brought with it a proposal, you may already be in wedding planning mode. Wedding shows are often invaluable, showcasing many designers, florists and accessories under one roof giving you an opportunity to chat through ideas and costs before committing to buying. It’s often worth visiting more than one if you can, and we have composed a list of some great shows this spring– don’t miss the Landmark Wedding Fair Sunday 4 February, one of our favourites, with unique hand-picked suppliers.

Relaxation is a Necessityâ&#x20AC;¦ not a Luxury Our country house retreat surrounded by its walled gardens, avenues of beautiful trees and manicured lawns is the perfect setting for our luxurious and rejuvenating spa. Tel: +44 (0)1225 742777 www.lucknampark.co.uk LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL & SPA, COLERNE, SN14 8AZ

Editor’s Letter Dear Reader

Th e T y t h e B a r n

A BEAUTIFUL 1 4 T H C E N T U R Y T H AT C H E D B A R N I N A P R I VAT E L O C AT I O N

I like to embrace a New Year, every year. However, on reflection it seems that I rarely approach the new 12 months with more than a hastily put together resolution at about five minutes to midnight, which is just as hastily dismissed five minutes after. It seems I might need a new approach and Claire Quirk shares the greatest 400 words of advice for An Optimistic Year in this packed issue. New years bring new beginnings, and these come in many guises; proposals, births, weddings, new homes, jobs and travel. We hope that our team have created an issue full of inspiration that can arm you with all you need for an enthusiastic new start. Our homes section features the latest in chairs and sofas and the secret to a good night’s sleep, showcasing some stunning beds. If you’re lucky enough to have had the proposal and need inspiration for all things wedding, then stop by our wedding show guide. Fear not if ‘popping the question’ seems a little premature, you can always sweep her off her feet with a stunning piece of statement jewellery – as featured in our guide. And if you’re planning a little getaway, or (she says optimistically) a honeymoon, think outside the proverbial Seychelles box and check out our guide to Lithuania or the French Riviera. Finally, as with all things new, this year will need breaking in. As Claire Quirk suggests, “Keeping going beyond January is usually the biggest challenge. We can help ourselves to overcome life’s everyday challenges by sharing our optimism and resolutions with our family and friends.” My best piece of advice for the new year is ‘don’t forget that family and friends are not just for Christmas!’ I look forward to sharing this new year with all of our readers.

Claire Matyus-Flynn Front cover: Photographer: Irena Eastington www.irenaphotos.com IG: happy_in_style Model: Rebecca Cordell IG: becalala Hair: Robert Masciave www.robertmasciave.com IG: robertmasciave

Make up: Isa_creative IG: @isa_creative Stylist: Ceri Cushen IG: @cericushenhair

Director – Michele Brooks michele@theriversidejournals.com

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Editorial Team Jill Menghetti, Claire Quirk, Sylvia Richards, Anne Noakes, Alex Bailey-Staines, Claire-Marie McDonnell, Adam Jacot de Boinod, Tim Allan, Lindsay Scott, Kerry Allan, Ruth Brindle, Jeannelise Edelsten, Steve Oliver, Grace Flynn Associate Publisher – Kay Woods kay@theriversidejournals.com Business Development Manager – Lynda Foskett lynda@theriversidejournals.com Design – John Dunne design@theriversidejournals.com Production Manager – Karen Rolfe production@theriversidejournals.com Social Media Manager – Susan Bosher social@theriversidejournals.com Brook Media Limited St Mary’s Court, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP7 0UT TeI: 03333130068 www.theriversidejournals.com

Twitter: @riversidej Facebook: riversidejournals Instagram: #riversidej

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Personal professional and flexible approach

Editorial – editorial@theriversidejournals.com

Breathtaking outdoor civil ceremonies

12 the riverside journals

Keen as... Storm Coat ÂŁ360 www.jigsaw-online.com

Trousers Warm Spice £140 www.jigsaw-online.com

Marilyn Pure Wool Gloves £16.50 www.cuckooland.com

Forest Hare Print Scarf £22 www.cockooland.com

Suede Chevron Grab Bag £149.99 www.tkmaxx.com

By Claire-Marie McDonnell

Velvet Block Heel Boots £29.99 www.newlook.co.uk

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Mustard – not quite orange, or yellow or even marigold, more a dull/dark yellow colour that resembles the culinary brand of English condiment we all know and love, aka Colman’s. Often described as similar to the colour Flax, the first recorded use of mustard as a colour name in English was in 1886. Thankfully some things are made to last, and it seems mustard is here to stay. Take a look at this season’s HOT wardrobe picks!

Empriente Melody

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s February and love is in the air and with that what better way to treat yourself or a partner than with some of the finest lace lingerie on the market at the moment. Think of lingerie and you would no doubt think of lace, the two have long been associated but beautiful lacy lingerie is particularly on trend at the moment and at this time of year. With the latest technologies, laces are becoming softer, smoother, more delicate and are now available in an array of colours. However, black lace remains a classic and is always a winner as a gift, especially for Valentines. Luxury lace for the lingerie industry is predominantly produced in France and is often referred to as Calais lace which is the historic centre of the lacemaking trade. Several top lingerie brands often use specific tags to show that the lace they are using is the finest Calais lace; look out for this on top quality lingerie. The two most well-known types of lace are Chantilly and Leavers lace. Chantilly is very delicate with intricate patterns whereas Leavers lace has a more defined threadwork. We used to have a thriving Leavers lace industry in the UK in Nottingham but sadly we have now lost almost all of the lace factories. The latest innovations in lace are now coming from highly technical laboratories in Japan and China. One of the current trends in lace recently is the emergence of metallic threads which give a very luxurious effect and are very eye catching, particularly in gold and even rose gold. Another of the latest innovations in lace has been the development of smoother, moulded laces so that the bra cup can be wholly and seamlessly made of lace but still holds its shape which is a welcome and prettier alternative to the traditional, moulded T-shirt bra. Stretch laces are also now very prevalent, they are highly technical and improve the comfort and fit of many lingerie styles. The images here show some of the best and most beautiful examples of the current lace lingerie trends available and long may this love affair between lingerie and lace continue, a match made in heaven! By Liz Brighton Odette Lingerie, Amersham

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Palindrome

Love Lace

Aubade Secret de Charme

Aubade Troublant

Blue Velvet Shoes

Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe, Always one step ahead, they have established

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themselves on their quality and first-rate service.

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ith the promise of springtime ahead, we can look forward to shrugging off those winter jumpers. Spring, with its cheerful colours, heralds a reawakening and makes everyone a little more cheerier, yes even in London! Our traditional family business, Blue Velvet London, runs from the heart of Chelsea – the King’s Road – where you can find the epitome of luxury all on one street in London’s not-so-secret lost village. Our store has everything you need from heels to loafers, espadrilles to wedges – we have something to suit every style for the well travelled lady planning her next adventure. Each pair of our shoes is handmade in the heart of Italy by our team of talented craftsmen and women. We believe things made with love are worth the wait, that’s why we invest in the highest quality materials and trimmings, hand sourced from across Italy, so that you are dressed head to toe in premium luxury and look fresh and sophisticated with every step. We have a wide range of styles and colours in stock so that you can shimmer and shine from morning till dusk and from party to party. Whether you’re on the lookout for something sleek and stylish for that evening cocktail party, or something with a little sparkle to outshine your friends at brunch, we have something for every woman. Pop by and visit us on Chelsea’s King’s Road to discover new styles and new colours. As a woman of the modern world it’s so important to be prepared for whatever the day throws at you. So whether you’re lunching or brunching, or running to the next meeting, our store is here for you to browse at your leisure. Our doors are open and our team of talented staff will help you sort your slingbacks from your sandals, and prepare you for your next engagement. Every woman deserves to look beautiful. So it’s only right you should have the perfect pair of shoes to match your amazing personality. Celebrate in pure Italian style, pour yourself a drink and toast to the new you, and your new pair of shoes, from Blue Velvet london!

Putting a Spring in your Step

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174 Kings Road, London SW3 4UP www.bluevelvetshoes.com

o t e d i u g s r e n n i g e b e Th

n o d k n e o L ion We h s Fa 8 1 0 2 y r a u r b e F h t 0 2 h t 16

“Fashion Week” basically refers to one four-week circuit: New York fashion week kicks things off, then London fashion week, then Milan fashion week, and then Paris fashion week.

hese are the fashion weeks where designers including Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Dior, Burberry, Valentino unveil their new seasonal collections. These are the fashion weeks that editors for the largest fashion magazines and buyers for the biggest stores attend. While there are other fashion weeks around the world that are gaining prominence — Sydney’s, Sao Paulo’s — the fashion weeks that aren’t the Big Four are basically considered regional affairs at worst, and potential feeder sources for raw design talent at best. Fashion is six months out of step with calendar seasons, winter collections are shown in February and March. The main collections in New York are shown at a corporate-sponsored event known as Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, which is managed by the entertainment conglomerate IMG. IMG runs many smaller fashion weeks around the world. Any designer can organize an off-schedule show without seeking the imprimatur of IMG. Designers showing off-site and off-schedule of course pay for (or seek corporate sponsorship to cover) their own venue costs and the costs of hair and makeup, casting, lighting, sound design, set, crowd control, and all other aspects of production. IMG, which centralizes certain expenses, like security, charges designers many tens of thousands of dollars to mount a show at one of its venue spaces in Lincoln Center. Fashion shows are not open to the public, and fashion week is not a public event. Designers, via their PR agencies, tend to invite members of the media, buyers who work for major boutiques and department stores around the world, and friends of the designers, plus their closest celebrity buddies. Whom they pay to show up. Seating at the venues is assigned in direct correlation to a guest’s position in the industry’s recondite and constantly shifting pecking order. The art of putting together a front row is said to be extremely complex. The runway is still where editors at influential magazines start noting which looks and garments they will give space to in their forthcoming issues. The runway is where bloggers look to identify key trends and colors for the coming season, and it is where new textiles are first seen. (A lot of textile design techniques that have come to be widely adopted, like digital printing, were first seen on the runway, because designers are more willing to support innovative, small-scale fashion R&D than mass retailers who are forced to be more cautious.) The runway is where editors, and the stylists who work on the shows, are exposed to new models and begin to consider those models for editorials and even brand campaigns.

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This season, more designers than ever before are broadcasting their shows live online to whichever fashion obsessives want to watch them.

Take a seat:

he word chair derives from the Latin cathedra, hence the name of a church that was the seat of a bishop as cathedral. Chairs from the medieval era were often rigid, uncomfortable affairs and mostly used for ceremonious occasions. Most folk generally sat on the floor, and this is still customary in many countries. The French are generally credited with having developed the first truly lightweight and comfortable chairs, from which a whole class of upholstered chairs has developed, including sleeping chairs, armchairs, wing chairs, and a variety of chairs characterized by seat heights more convenient for uses other than at a dining table or desk, such as slipper chairs and lounge chairs. Of all classes of furniture, the chair presents the greatest of structural challenges, which led to the wide variety of styles and designs on offer today. Take a look at a range of beautifully crafted and ergonomic designs that provide function over form and sometimes form over function.

By Claire-Marie McDonnell

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Tradition Mayor Sofa ÂŁ4,999 www.houseology.com

Albert Kuip Retro Moulded Dining Chair Powder Pink £298 (pair) www.cuckooland.com

Zuiver Velvet Look Arrmchair Blush Pink £498 www.cuckooland.com

Normann Copenhagen Circus Pouf Blush £340 www.amara.com

Muuto Nerd Chair Rose £299 www.houseology.com

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Isla Chair Blush Pink £129 www.dunelm.com

Colour Trends from Harrods Claire-Marie McDonnell

hen you visit the interiors departments at Harrods you are filled with a desire to update your home. Boasting knowledgeable teams working behind the scenes to help inspire your home design, and to ensure you are on the right colour path, their textile and soft furnishing buyers have sourced the finest key colour stories for 2018 which break free from traditional thinking. Colours are revitalized, hues are mixed in novel combinations, and new colour directions express a fresh approach that satisfies the consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; need for newness. Pallets of vivid colour are appearing on everything from wallpaper to fabrics this season which are perfect for uplifting any interior. Classic patterns including butterflies, orchard fruit and vintage florals are blended with motifs of ornate flowers and foliage with a quality that can enhance your mood; great for refreshing your home and giving it a quick revamp. Discover an exotic pastiche of opulent prints, including Monarch butterflies, flowers, fruit and baroque swirls winding their way across the smooth cotton sateen and complement the full set with velvet cushions for a regal finish. Crafted from sublimely soft 100% cotton sateen, it has a delightfully high 300 thread count and the set includes a duvet cover, flat sheet and two pillowcases.

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To invest or not to invest?

When it’s worth splashing the cash on renovations 28 the riverside journals

by Jayson Branch, Creative Director, Castrads In 2018, people renovating their homes will spend, on average £23,100 – no small sum, so it’s important to spend wisely and decide priorities as soon as possible. Taking a sledgehammer to your outdated kitchen might sound like fun, but realistically, renovating your home requires a lot of time and planning.

Castrads has come up with some top tips on what’s worth spending money on when it comes to updating your home… Trusted tradesmen While the cheapest quote may look attractive, shoddy workmanship could end up costing more if the work needs re-doing. Always get at least three quotes, check references and make sure the person you’re considering is a current member of relevant trade associations. Registered builders can be found through the Federation of Master Builders and National House-Building Council. Agree a fixed price so you don’t end up paying extra if the build takes longer than expected. You’ll need to keep guarantees, warranties and certificates for all work completed to pass on if you decide to sell.

The heart of the home A quality kitchen everyone can enjoy will be worth the investment. While a new kitchen can add as much value as 4.6 percent, always keep expense in proportion to your property. If your current kitchen layout works, only change it if you see a real benefit. There’s little chance of adding value (or recouping costs) if you add an expensive bespoke kitchen to a semi-detached house valued at £100,000. It’s also not advisable to add a basic kitchen to a multi-millionpound house.

Move up - not out Converting the loft is one of the most cost-effective ways to add extra living space to a home and can take as little as six weeks to complete. Unlike most extensions, a loft conversion adds space without building over the garden. Additions up to 50m³ (40m³ for terraces) to the side or rear of the roof, including dormers, are classed as Permitted Development, so planning permission is not usually needed. However, permission is required where you extend or alter the roof space and it exceeds specified limits and conditions, so always check before starting any work.

Restore period features Restoring period features is a great way to preserve history, add character and can increase your property’s value by up to five percent . When renovating, look for period features that can be uncovered such as a fireplace, ceiling rose or other architectural details. Original floors can often be rediscovered after taking up old carpets and linoleum. Once uncovered, check for signs of damage first if you’re considering keeping the floors like this. If rot or woodworm is detected in wooden floors it’s important to treat the affected area or replace the damaged area with a reproduction floorboard.

Think about the essentials

29 the riverside journals

Radiators have improved over the years, so you could look to replace yours with more energy efficient models. If choosing a new radiator system, it is useful to calculate exactly how much heat you are going to need for your home. The easiest way to calculate this is to use a heat requirement calculator. Thinking carefully about insulation will also be cost-efficient. For example; laying loft insulation to a thickness of 270mm in a typical, non-insulated three-bedroom semi could trim £175 a year from energy bills. Insulating the cavity walls could save around £140 a year, equating to £315 in total financial savings.

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Heavenly Cooking Located on a leafy street in West London, Leiths School of Food and Wine is a real Mecca for foodies.

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Founded by The Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith CBE and Caroline Waldegrave OBE in 1975, the School offers a world class professional chef’s diploma alongside the widest selection of amateur cooking classes of any cookery school in the UK.

From a one-off intimate dinner party to a sensational celebration; holiday catering or a live-in cook, Leiths’ trained chefs offer an unforgettable gourmet experience.

“The best week of my life, food wise.” – Giles Coren

To find out more about booking a private chef, please email info@leithslist.com mentioning The Riverside Journal.

Cookery Classes with Colleagues Leiths’ corporate cooking classes for groups of 8 – 32 are an innovative and exciting way to entertain clients, encourage team building or celebrate a special event.

Amelia Singer

To enquire, please email info@leiths.com mentioning The Riverside Journal.

Professional Courses Classes for Enthusiasts

“If ever anybody comes to me for a job and I hear they’ve trained at Leiths, I want them.” – Rick Stein

From Peruvian cuisine to authentic Italian cookery, and from cake-baking to smoking your own salmon, there are over 200 different one-day classes to choose from.

Described by Tim Hayward as ‘The Oxbridge of the Food World’, Leiths offers an exhilarating full-time cookery Diploma, respected throughout the food industry.

Beginners are welcome on many Leiths classes, whether you wish to learn to cook the perfect steak, or discover how to choose the right wines to compliment your supper.

The Leiths teachers taste and critique each student’s food every day, taking them from home cook to highly skilled professional in just nine months.

There are classes for vegans, those with food allergies, and those who wish to eat more healthily too, along with exclusive sessions with celebrity chefs like Norman Musa and wine experts like Amelia Singer.

With a student-teacher ratio of 1:8, and at least 30 contact hours each week, students leave equipped with a full range of marketable skills, allowing them to go straight into the workplace.

You can save 10% on all one day classes in April with code RIVER10.

And Leiths’ industry links are second to none, with work experience held everywhere from Glyndebourne to the Saturday Kitchen studios.

Media Courses

Leiths also offer a range of short and part-time professional courses:

Over the past few years, Leiths has responded to the explosion in food media by offering courses including Food Photography, Food Styling, Food Writing and How to be a Food Presenter. There’s even a Food Business course for budding entrepreneurs.

• Nutrition in Culinary Practice • The Evening Essential • The Essential Certificate • Essential Professional Patisserie Skills Open Evenings will be held on 19th February and 6th June. Book your spot by visiting www.leiths.com/openevenings.

If you would like to find out more about our Courses & Classes call 020 8749 6400, email info@leiths.com or visit leiths.com

Teenagers Youngsters are well catered for, with school holiday classes in Baking, Mexican, Japanese and Italian. Or try Kitchen Survival Skills, a one week course perfect for those heading to sixth form or into the working world. The School even offer private cookery courses for school groups, which can be arranged during the quiet period following GCSE exams. To enquire please email info@leiths.com.

An Italian heart beats in the heart of Kensington Quote “Riverside” to enjoy 10% off on reservations at Brunello Bar and Restaurant for “Afternoon Tea with an Italian twist” in January and February 2018 BRUNELLO BAR AND RESTAURANT For reservations and enquiries please contact: Tel. +44 2073685900 |brunellolondon@baglionihotels.com

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During the winter months cheese does come into its own, as there are many useful recipes to give mundane potatoes, or a vegetable soup a bit of a lift.

ne of our favourite cheeses is Raclette, sliced thinly over steamed or baked potatoes then flashed under the grill until bubbling and turning a golden brown; served with a little side ‘relish’ of finely chopped cornichons or gherkins, capers & onion mixed with a little Dijon mustard this transforms into a lovely supper dish or simply grill the cheese and have slices of toasted baguette to scoop up with the side relish . Baking the Mont d’Or boxed cheese couldn’t be simpler too, just lift off the lid and sprinkle over a little white wine and a grinding of black pepper before popping the lid back on and wrapping the box in foil. Place on the middle rack of a very hot oven and bake for around 25-30 mins or until the cheese is molten hot and rippling in its box. Serve as you would a fondue by dipping in cubes of bread (lightly baked to give them a little crispness) and steamed potatoes and broccoli. The bonus is that there is no washing up as you throw away the box when finished!

There’s nothing like the aroma of toasting cheese, its olfactory aromas make your mouth water instantly; and a really good toasted sandwich can be a meal in itself. We like to use sourdough bread to hold the cheese within – and to make it the La Fromagerie way you take one slice and brush over one side with a white wine, and on the other slice spread a thin slick of grain mustard. On top of the mustard slice pile generously your chosen cheese, it can be a strong Cheddar, or French Comte – don’t stint on the cheese please – place the other slice on top and press down. Butter over the outer top and bottom bread and place under a medium heated grill. Flip the sandwich over to evenly brown and melt the cheese within.

Patricia Michelson

There are many recipes in Patricia’s books The Cheese Room and CHEESE that are both practical and imaginative, available now at La Fromagerie or via their online shop. www.lafromagerie.co.uk

Cauliflower cheese is a lovely dish to use not only a traditional cheddar, but also hard or soft British goat cheeses as well as continental ones. And for souffles you needn’t feel they are difficult as the best way of doing these is to twice bake them – so easy and using soft, hard or even blue cheese in the mix uses up any little bits of leftover pieces too. There are many recipes in both The Cheese Room and CHEESE that are both practical and imaginative.

33 the riverside journals

Founder, Director La Fromagerie

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01874 754525 01874 754525 01874 754525 eventsmanager@llangoedhall.com eventsmanager@llangoedhall.com eventsmanager@llangoedhall.com

www.llangoedhall.com www.llangoedhall.com www.llangoedhall.com

Berry’s 18ct White Gold Millerighe Scattered Diamond Set Pendant, £5,395

Annoushka 18ct Yellow Gold, Diamond & Ruby Vine Bracelet, £1,400 Available at www.annoushka.com

Five pieces of Jewellery she can’t live without...

Links of London Diamond Studs £475

Links of London Diamond Chandeliers £475

Berry’s 18ct White Gold Diamond Feather Dress Ring £6,395

1. 2. 3.

The most important piece is a pair of earrings; the diamond stud is a timeless classic. The great thing about studs is their understated elegance and versatility.

Berry’s 18ct White Gold Millerighe Diamond Set Dress Ring, £4,895

Chandelier earrings would be the second item to invest in. More embellished, and usually worn as a statement to upscale any outfit day or night. Every woman needs a beautiful cocktail ring. This is the most standout item that will show your personal style. It does not have to be oversize, although most people think of cocktail rings as larger items.

Berry’s 18ct White & Rose Gold Diamond Knot Bangle £5,495

A bracelet. Important historical pieces. In India, for example, married women are expected to wear bracelets, which are associated with matrimony. And most cultures in the world associate bracelets for protection.

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Consider a long necklace. Long necklaces have replaced (sometimes complemented) the short pendant. The lariat necklace, one of the simple styles on offer, can be adorned with stones and jewels to create a stunning addition to your jewellery box.

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When it comes to weddings, there can be nothing finer than a romantic country house steeped in history. Morden Hall has been brought into the now with an eclectic mix of designs to create a calm, relaxing and inspiring environment.

Get in touch to find out more: 020 8102 0553

21 Morden Hall Road, London SM4 5JD www.mordenhall.com

Weddings at Shuttleworth Shuttleworth is a five thousand acre estate, situated in Old Warden, Bedfordshire. Offering a range of unique venues to host the perfect wedding. The 1872 Grade II* Jacobean style House with accommodation set in historic parkland. The Collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hangar 3, an aircraft hangar housing historic aircraft and vehicles alongside a traditional grass aerodrome and The Swiss Garden, a peaceful and tranquil Regency style space with new vistas revealed at every turn, 13 listed structures and resident peacocks. All weddings at Shuttleworth are offered with the close assistance of an experienced Wedding Planner. To book a private tour of our venues with a member of our weddings team please contact us using the details below. 01767 627917 weddings@shuttleworth.org

www.shuttleworth.org/weddings Old Warden Park, Near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EA

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Designing

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a wedding gown is like creating magic-every bride ends up looking absolutely beautifulâ&#x20AC;?

urit Hen, a well-known Israeli designer, spent her career at the forefront of fashion and started designing wedding gowns and evening dresses in 1980, at the age of 22. After twenty years of designing and manufacturing for different leading brands in Israel, Nurit Hen decided to open her own flagship boutique and cater her unique designs to brides. Nurit Hen showcases her collections world-wide they are well known for their sophisticated look and detailing, giving an exotic, modern look to bridal design. Her new collections come out 2-3 times a year as she feels inspired with new visions she wants to bring to life. She can see the entire picture from head to toe. Nurit explains that she designs each gown for a bride not only for her body, but also for her heart and her soul. Nurit Hen is highly regarded as one of the top haute couture luxury brands in Israel. In the last few years, her collections have spread and grown rapidly world-wide. Today, Nurit Hen is in high demand in countries all over the world! At Nurit Hen, the design process begins at the foundation. Each and every gown is an art creation that is handmade by precise measurements. Each dress is beautifully beaded and well-constructed with luxurious fabrics and lace, which are imported from fashion capitals from around the world, ensuring every bride will walk down the aisle feeling beautiful, confident, and comfortable.

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We are featuring The NEW Nurit Hen 2018 collection- â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Golden Touchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; For more information visit Nurit Hen at www.nurit-hen.com

thetanningshop.co.uk

www.byelise.com 01653 694932

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*Terms and Conditions: Subject to registration and consultation. Over-18â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only. Discounts can only be used on UV equipment & bottles of lotion. Discount cannot be used on Unlimited Memberships or in conjunction with any other offer. Discounts only valid for 7 days from registration. Free session length is determinded by skin type and tanning history. Offer excludes Lakeside and Enfield. Student discount valid on packages only. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

Iconic bridal and eveningwear designer Caroline Castigliano has enjoyed a 27-year career at the heart of the design industry. Known for her corsetry and beautifully tailored wedding dresses, Castigliano is a designer who really understands the needs of brides. Her most recent collection, available in her Knightsbridge store, is just as stylish and chic as anticipated. Tell us about your latest bridal collection The collection has the classic fifties sense that I take through my designs. It has a freshness, a soft femininity; I’ve used beautiful laces, lots of appliqué and layering for a 3D effect. I’ve added cap sleeves and sleeves, and there are off-the-shoulder dresses. I’ve designed dresses which go from day to night. So you’ve one complete look in the day and then you make a few changes to the outfit, whether it’s taking off a jacket or an over skirt, and revealing a super slinky gown underneath – there are lots of combinations. What makes a Caroline Castigliano gown special? I think our designs are usually a year or two ahead of the industry, I like to bring elements of fashion and fusing them with classic design and couture techniques. Our gowns are handcrafted in the United Kingdom and I cut to create beautiful movement, everything is made in luxurious fabrics and that just really brings the designs to life. You also offer customised and couture gowns at your Knightsbridge boutique. What do you love about creating a unique design? I love creating individual gowns because the process is so specific to the bride’s personality and style. The creative part is all about realising the bride’s dream and being able to achieve that, which creates an enormous amount of excitement and satisfaction. You are particularly well-known for your expert corsetry and perfect fit. Why are these so important? The fit is everything. A gown has to fit amazingly and balance a person’s figure. The key is to bring out all the fantastic elements and play down the things they don’t like so much. The simplest design comes to life as soon as the foundation and structure are right – this comes from under-pinning, a great cut and of course our corset.

Caroline Castigliano, 154 Brompton Road, SW3 1HX London www.carolinecastigliano.com 0207 590 9120

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What’s next for the brand? We are about to launch our bridal collection in China which is very exciting as this is a totally new market for us. We also have a new event wear collection, aimed at mothers of the bride, launching in our Knightsbridge store this spring. In February we will be having our yearly fashion show in conjunction with Brides Magazine, which is being held at Goodwood House this year – we will be showcasing our latest bridal and eveningwear collections .

Â© Bridgewood Wedding Photography

OPEN DAY

Sunday 18th February 11am to 4pm

DISCOVER OUR SECRET GARDEN FOR YOUR MAGICAL WEDDING DAY 01621 770855 | braxtedparkweddings.co.uk

BRAXTED PARK WEDDINGS

Unmissable wedding shows Exclusive Wedding Show Kew Gardens, London Sunday 28th January 2018 Xclusive Lounge, 0 - 25 exhibitors You are cordially invited to the Prestigious Exclusive Wedding Show on Sunday, 28th January 2018 from 11.00am – 16.00pm at the newly opened Xclusive Lounge, a 350-capacity venue with over 150 parking space, located 5 minutes from Kew Gardens.

The Landmark Arts Centre Teddington Wedding Fair Sunday 4th February 2018 Landmark Arts Centre, 25 - 50 exhibitors An essential date in the diary for Brides and Grooms-to-be seeking inspiration for their perfect day, the Landmark Spring Wedding Fair brings together a hand-picked selection of the area’s finest wedding experts.

Chelsea’s Secret Wedding Fair Sunday 18th March 2018 Kensington Town Hall, 25 - 50 exhibitors The Chelsea’s Secret Wedding Fair will take place on Sunday 18th March 2018 (11:00am - 3:30pm). Chelsea secret wedding fair is back due to popular demand – the magnificent centre of London nuptials is known for providing a breath-taking backdrop for numerous ‘happily ever after’ stories every year.

Sunday 25th March 2018 Islington Assembly Hall, 25 - 50 exhibitors Bringing a fresh stance to ye olde wedding fair, Chosen is returning to the fabulous Islington Assembly Hall in London once again with our award-winning showcase of the most utterly unique, bespoke and creative talent the UK wedding industry.

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Chosen Wedding Fair London

The London luxury gift service that is making its mark “Hitting on an idea for the perfect present is the best feeling.”

www.wrightsonandplatt.com tel: 020 7639 9085

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ondon-based sculptors and jewellers Wrightson and Platt have been creating bespoke gifts for some of the most discerning clients for the past 20 years including A-list celebrities, the world’s super-rich and royalty from across the globe. Here, Creative Director Anna Harrold explains what makes their service so special. “Often our clients are looking for something both meaningful and unique, but don’t know where to begin. We help them to come up with gifts that are truly extraordinary, including pieces that we design together with our clients to add that genuinely personal touch.” Examples include a bronze sculpture of all of the children’s hands cast in secret as a surprise anniversary gift for Mum; and the dried rose from a wedding bouquet that the company turned into a beautiful pendant. “We crushed the petals and suspended them in a resin orb which we set in a white gold engraved cup with a diamond encrusted bail. Our customer’s wife was absolutely over the moon that he had thought of something so special and had gone to so much trouble.” The company is perhaps best known for its exquisite life cast sculpture service which is offered to new parents at London’s Portland Hospital. “Capturing that magical time when your baby first arrives is so precious. We can cast in bronze, silver or glass and can even miniaturise into precious pieces of jewellery. The pendants and cufflinks are a particularly popular choice for new parents, with pairs of little bronze feet first choice gifts for new grandparents.” The pieces are all created by a small team of artists in the company’s foundry in southeast London but they also have agents in New York, The Bahamas, Hong Kong and Dubai and can fly teams out to take casts anywhere in the world. “Some of our Middle Eastern families in particular have really taken lifecasting to another level – with the whole family’s hands cast into supersized bronze sculptures for the garden, and we’ve even created a full-sized horse sculpture for the grounds of a palace!” Wrightson and Platt take real pleasure in coming up with the perfect solution for that special occasion: “We can take a simple fingerprint and turn it into a hand engraved piece of jewellery. It’s a subtle but deeply personal way to keep a loved one close at all times.” “Hitting on an idea for the perfect present is the best feeling! We get almost as excited as our clients when we know that we’ve come up with the perfect gift combination; thoughtful, personal and beautiful.”

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Discover Teesdale

Follow in the footsteps of Turner, Dickens and Sir Walter Scott to find inspiration for your next break.

e had no sooner boxed up the Christmas lights before driving with haste to the North to wish the New Year in. Enthusiastically chasing the cold crisp fresh air of a real winter, to clear away the cobwebs and Christmas excesses. We were not disappointed when it snowed. In Teesdale we found the perfect mix of peaceful open spaces, majestic waterfalls, adventure, culture, shopping and local food. We experienced the vibrant market towns of Barnard Castle and Middleton in Teesdale and discovered many pretty villages, to rival any of those in the Cotswolds. Imagine the views, with the fresh exciting walks over waterfalls and rivers, imagine the bright clear sky peppered with ancient castles, imagine seeing a Van Dyke, imagine finding an antiques treasure to take home and finally imagine a pint in the pub Dickens once frequented. The sweep of the moors and crags of upper Teesdale will have you in awe too. A weekend here left us feeling refreshed and alive. The locals were the warmest and most engaging people we had the pleasure to spend time with, with ‘nowt’ ever a bother. Teesdale is a big draw for botanists with some of England’s rarest upland plants found here. Heritage fans are spoiled for choice with its impressive medieval castles and the exquisite Bowes Museum which is home to a wonderful collection of fine and decorative art. Some of the most impressive sections of the Pennine Way National Trail are found in Teesdale and there are numerous excellent circular walks. Bowlees Visitor Centre is a great place to start your discovery, with access to the impressive waterfalls of High and Low Force. One of the most unique aspects of Bowes village is the location. So close to many places of interest, Bowes is located just of the A66 near Penrith, Kendal and the coast. Here too you will find the most charming cottage, traditionally stone built, nestled beside a medieval castle with its back door on the Pennine Way. The cottage has been beautifully restored by its present owners and has a stunning interior with a couple of log burners and bath big enough for two! If you are looking for a great adventure in an unrivalled landscape with a place to cosy up in after a day exploring, then give Hylton House in Bowes village a try.

by Grace Flynn

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Bookings with www.airbnb.co.uk/s/Barnard-Castle From £60 per night

There is a lot to do in Lithuania...

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Yasemen Kaner-White

However, Lithuania will remain in my memories as one of the greenest places I have visited to date, a thoroughly enjoyable country to discover…

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ush Lithuania, the southernmost Baltic state, is every nature lover’s dream whilst catering for ultra-modern urbanites too – a magical medley. Ten euros and 10 minutes from Vilnius airport and you’re right into the capital’s city centre, via a drive through the swanky upcoming hipster ‘New Town’. Vilnius is very foodie, and kept me on my toes. Just when I thought I’d visited the best restaurant the capital could offer, subsequent eateries continued to surprise and please. If you are a gourmand with an interest in history, you’ll lap up Ertilo Namas, a modern restaurant with an ‘old’ menu featuring ancient Lithuanian fare. Try a very reasonable tasting menu including the 19th century dish of venison, young carrot purée, asparagus and caramelised onion, nodding to the past when chefs finally persuaded the Duke it was okay to eat wild meat. Previously it had been held that you are what you eat – literally – so wild meat would make you wild and only eaten by peasants! Follow with fried pike, favoured by the Duke and seen as a sign of Jesus (they say the bones form the shape of a cross) served with asparagus and almond milk purée. Wash it all down with the famous Lithuanian mead, a strong but sweet fermented honey alcoholic beverage, one of the oldest alcohols in the world. Have lunch in the fabulous eaterie, Joy, headed by Martynas Praskevicius – the best chef in Lithuania, where everything apart from the olive oil is locally sourced and delicious, so much so that only three to five ingredients are needed per dish and even the complimentary homemade bouncy soft bread, with traditional piglet lard dotted with sunflower seeds, will make you melt. Have a glass of Kvass, a virtually non-alcoholic drink made from fermented black bread and raisins; I was hooked, a local malty mind-blowing beverage not to be missed. Sweetroot makes a good choice for dinner pre-concert at the quirkily designed rather beautiful National Opera House. I knew I was in for a tantalising meal when the amuse bouche of lovage infused keffir served in an empty quail egg, with quail egg cheesy omelette topped toast, was put in front of me, and I was right. Post performance, for those who enjoy bar hopping, you’ll be shocked at how little it is to buy a round; the huge variety of top quality craft beers is noteworthy. After a walk around the largest medieval Old Town in central and eastern Europe, a UNESCO heritage coveting neo-classical and baroque churches, climb to the top of the bell tower for a panoramic view. Artsy folk should check out the street art littered neighbourhood of Uzupis, which boasts its own anthem, constitution, President and bishop. Here you’ll find Museum Gallery of Blacksmith’s Craft, where you can see bygone traditional Lithuanian signs being beaten out of iron on demonstration days. Pick up a pagan sun cross as a memento, interestingly Lithuania was the last country in Europe to convert from paganism to Christianity in 1387 and even now a pagan festival is celebrated annually on the 24th of June. Drive east from the capital towards the flat, green plains stuffed with conifer, pine, maple, spruce, birch and linden trees. Quaint empty old wooden houses painted in blue or green are a common sight, as many people have fled either to the capital or, when joining the EU in 2004, abroad for work. The countryside is where around 400 mushroom varieties grow, with the 100 edible ones often winding up in the local delicacy called cepelinai, yummy dumplings with various fillings smothered in sour cream. Leafy romantic Kernave, the first capital city of Lithuania, is home to the Archaeology and History Museum showcasing ancient forts, burial sites and cultural monuments hailing from the late Paleolithic period to the Middle Ages, showing off with stunning views as it’s nestled by Neris River. Attila the Hun was filmed here. Nearby is one of my favourite parts of Lithuania, Trakai, another former capital city. Highlights include the Uztrakis Manor and the famous 14th century castle in the middle of Lake Galve, which can be seen from a leisurely boat tour – highly recommended. Part of the Trakai Historical National Park, the town has a unique character in that it is the home of the Karaims; 400 families from Crimea came to Vilnius, put there by the Grand Duke as prisoners of war initially, but ending up working for him as staff. They brought with them cucumbers and tomatoes and entrenched their rich heritage, a mixture of Hebrew and Islam. You can tell a Karaim house from the outside, if there are only three street-facing windows it belongs to them; one for God, one for the Duke and one for their family. You must eat at Kybynlar and sample the pastry after which the restaurant is named, a delectable dough half-moon pastry with a lamb filling. Yet another former capital, and Lithuania’s second largest city is Kaunas, famed for its street art and unusual modernist architecture of the inter-war era. After eating, walking and museum exploring, some relaxation is called for and beautiful Birstonas spa town is just the place. Situated within the loops of Nemunas, the largest river in Lithuania, I implore you to check into the deluxe Vytautas Spa to be pampered with the mighty curative mud and mineral water used for hundreds of years by doctors to heal. The lucky locals have such an abundance of the water they even shower in it. It is from here that you can book a place in a hot air balloon to fly above the green-laced country with the wind blowing in your hair, and a glass of champagne included in the price, along with a bizarre ‘initiation’ ceremony marking your trip involving burning a piece of your hair and a swipe of wet mud on your forehead when you hit ground! (You can opt out of that bit, as I did – call me a party pooper!)

Off Season on the French Riviera It’s true, if you go to the Riviera off-season, you don’t get to lie necessarily on a beach. But there are no queues and tourists are a rarity. Often I was the only tourist giving me the chance to get fully immersed in the French vernacular especially as the locals were free from the constraints of the tourist trade. And I was lucky enough to experience five different wonderful restaurants.

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irst to La Colle sur Loup for lunch at Alain Llorca’s eponymous restaurant (www.alainllorca.com). He certainly pushes the boat out though hopefully not the belly! With sea bass and then roasted deer, pan-fried scallops, then thyme sorbet, I certainly fed well. He is a renowned chef who spent nine years at the Negresco, Nice’s famous hotel and he very much has his own approach. Up I went to the old town of Mougins where I had dinner at L’Amandier (www.amandier.fr), a choice restaurant, full of character and authenticity. The restaurant has an historic reputation, the home of the former chef Roger Vergé and now under the watchful eye of Denis Fétisson. I had a spider crab remoulade, with cream of cauliflower, quinoa and fish soup jelly, a delicious black Angus rib steak, then some goat cheese from Mr Monteiro all accompanied by a white wine called Domaine des Quatre Vents à Cassis. I stayed just outside Mougins at the Le Manoir de l’Etang (www.manoir-de-letang. com). It’s a tasteful, homely farmhouse, designed by Maurice Gridaine and converted into an hotel the 1950s. The shutters afford views of the municipal park where the evergreens are enhanced by the clear blue sky and belie the winter season. Sandy colours abound amongst the green and aqua. All is serene and calming. It is set in four hectares of land where five horses roam near to the pond where lily pads from Tokyo turn fuschiacoloured in the summer. From every level the view is wonderful.

Adam Jacot de Boinod

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More information at Classic Collection Holidays (0800 047 1064; classic-collection. co.uk) who offer 3 nights at Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo from £795 to £1530 per person, depending on season. Prices based on 2 adults sharing on a bed & breakfast basis and include return flights from London Gatwick (flights available from a further 12 UK airports) to Nice and private transfers.

My next lunch was just outside Mougins at Les Rosées (www. lesrosees.com). I felt very much at home in this hidden treasure of a restaurant. Romantic and discrete it was full of character and charming. It only has five tables and so felt perfect in the offseason. My dinnerware consisted of Astier de Villatte ceramics as I sat and ate in the drawing room beside the grand piano in sight of the cooking. It offered a confident rustic menu with Italian veal and organic vegetables from its garden. Fruits came from the Cozie Alps and the local white wine, called Jas d’Esclans (Côtes de Provence) Cru Classe, was both light and a delight. I began with a terrine amuse-bouche followed by creamy zucchini and pumpkin soup. Another day I ate right in the heart of Antibes at La Closerie (www. patisserie-cottard-antibes.fr), a family-run patisserie cum restaurant. It’s perfect for a light lunch of vegetable soup and salmon and is popular with locals which gives it an automatic seal of approval. For pudding I stood up to inspect the cake counter, a veritable spoiling choice from the ‘laboratory’ downstairs of the pastry school of Christian Cottard. For dinner I went right to the coast still in Antibes at Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit (www.restaurant-figuier-saint-esprit.com), the family-run gourmet restaurant on the coast alongside the Picasso museum. I had a glass of Drappier Brut Nature (sans ajout de soufre) which, I learnt, denotes the very driest style of champagne (with less than three grams of residual sugar per litre of wine). From amongst the covered courtyard and its large central tree I watched the food being prepared and cooked on a live-streamed television and the service was a performance as waiters appeared in pairs to serve simultaneously. Through the tunnels to Monaco and on to stay at the Hotel Hermitage. This twoparted hotel is bang in the middle between the casino and marina and has a circular dome built by Gustave Eiffel, famous for Paris’s Tower, and while the iron grilles are familiar the feminine, floral, romantic stained glass is an exciting departure. My room was decorated with monochrome printed landscape wallpaper and the lavish lavender colour scheme blended well with the grey and white marble bathroom. My ‘seaview balcony’ was even better than it sounded as it overlooked the busiest of jigsaw-box views: namely the marina, along with the castle and the old parts of the town. One day perhaps the glory days may come back to the Riviera, this time in style and comfort and off-season. Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of the BBC panel game QI for Stephen Fry. He is a British author having written three books about unusual words with Penguin Press.

Creating lives. Changing lives.

Helping patients in Oxford for over 30 years - and now also delivering dreams at Thames Valley Fertility in Maidenhead.

Find out more about our services and treatments:

Call us: 01628 882 400 www.thamesvalleyfertility.co.uk

Call us: 01865 782 800 www.oxfordfertility.co.uk

Thames Valley Fertility and Oxford Fertility are part of The Fertility Partnership, a group of national and international clinics specialising in IVF treatment.

For many, New Year resolutions feature starting a family. Yet without realising it, lifestyle choices could be holding you back. Tim Child, Medical Director at Oxford Fertility, shares the lifestyle choices that most influence fertility and names those that don’t:

Weight

– For women, weight has a significant role to play in fertility. Aim for a Body Mass Index of ideally between 19-25, but certainly less than 30. For men, weight has less of an effect, though sperm quality does decrease as the weight increases.

Stress

– We are often told to relax when trying for a baby. Actually you can relax…or worry, as it doesn’t appear to make a difference to your chances of conception.

Smoking – Nicotine reduces fertility in both men and women. If either partner smokes, it can take longer to conceive and doubles the chances of suffering a miscarriage.

Alcohol

– Research hasn’t yet found a strong link between moderate alcohol intake and infertility, although heavier drinking is associated with a decrease in fertility. So if a glass of wine helps you to relax and importantly spend quality time with your partner then go ahead…but keep it in moderation.

Sport

– Participating in a sport you enjoy is a great way to relax and stay healthy, but no sport will make you more fertile. We know it can be hard to make changes to your lifestyle. If you need help, please do get it touch with us. We can help you achieve your 2018 goals. Professor Tim Child is Director at The Fertility Partnership, the largest provider of fertility care in the UK, with clinics along the Thames in Marylebone, Maidenhead and Oxford. Boston Place: bostonplace.co.uk Thames Valley Fertility: thamesvalleyfertility.co.uk Oxford Fertility: oxfordfertility.co.uk

Why Does My Back Pain Keep Coming Back?

ower back pain (LBP) is an extremely common problem which can affect one-third of the UK adult population each year. It can be characterised by sudden attacks; when the pain has the potential to stop people in their tracks followed by a period of recovery back to normal activities. In most cases, LBP is usually self-limiting, meaning that it can improve on its own within 4-8 weeks. However, the likelihood of LBP recurring in those with a previous history can be as high as 85%. Although the cause of LBP can be multi-factorial and unique in each individual case it is common for LBP to reduce the fitness of the important muscles that stabilise your spine. LBP can also lead to delays in your brain’s ability to successfully co-ordinate the muscles responsible for keeping your spine strong. This has the potential to result in a vicious cycle of LBP, recovery and LBP where people can find that the most mundane activities aggravate their backs. If you are experiencing lower back pain you may find these suggestions help reduce your symptoms and quicken your recovery: Stay active – although it can be hard to at times, it is important to avoid long periods of inactivity as this is likely to make the pain worse. Move a little and often Use a hot or cold pack for 10 minutes at a time throughout the day for short- term relief Speak to your GP or Pharmacist to discuss how medication could help improve your symptoms and enable you to keep active At Breaking Barriers, we are passionate about maximising people’s physical potential and enabling them to lead more active and fulfilling lives. We do this by offering physiotherapy, specialist personal training and sports massage to bring about short-term improvements and longer lasting change. We can help address the difficulties from LBP though helping you to stay active, as well as through providing management of LBP with timely assessment and interventions e.g. rehabilitation exercises or sports massage to help reduce pain and increase movement and flexibility. If you are suffering with LBP do seek help and support from your GP or an appropriately trained professional. If you would like to discuss your individual needs with Breaking Barriers we would be happy to offer you a free telephone consultation to see if we would be right for you.

Akshay Patel, Breaking Barriers Neurophysiotherapist, 07581 039611, contact@breakingbarriers.fitness

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Top 5 tips for a fertile 2018

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Contact us for your complimentary consultation and receive £25 off your first HydraFacial treatment Marlborough House, 45 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LZ P. 01494 670 990 E. info@sthetics.co.uk www.sthetics.co.uk

S-Thetics Medical Aesthetic Clinic beat nine other finalists in South England to take home the iS Clinical Award for ‘Best Clinic South England’ at the renowned Aesthetics Awards 2017 on December 2nd.

About S-Thetics Clinic S-Thetics is a multi award winning state-of-the-art medical aesthetic clinic located in the heart of Beaconsfield Old Town in Buckinghamshire, specialising in advanced non-surgical treatments for the face and body. Founded by surgeon and cosmetic doctor, Miss Sherina Balaratnam, S-Thetics offer a broad range of treatments within our menu – from advanced skincare products and facial treatments, to cosmetic injectables, non-surgical skin rejuvenation using lasers and energy-based devices, and body contouring treatments, all using medical grade technology. The clinic has previously been awarded ‘Best New Clinic, South England and Wales’ at the 2016/2017 MyFaceMyBody awards and ‘Reception Team of the Year, UK & Ireland’ at the 2016/2017 Aesthetics Awards. We would like to invite all Riverside Journals readers for a complimentary VISIA skin analysis and £25 off your first HydraFacial treatment until 28th February 2018* Please contact S-Thetics Clinic on 01494 670990 or info@sthetics.co.uk and quote Riverside Journals *This offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions * Fully refundable deposit required to secure appointment

S-Thetics Medical Aesthetic Clinic Marlborough House, 45 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LZ P. 01494 670 990 E. info@sthetics.co.uk www.sthetics.co.uk

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Beaconsfield aesthetic clinic wins prestigious National Award

he highly sought-after trophy was presented to the team in front of more than 800 guests in the ballroom of the glamorous Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel in central London. S-Thetics Clinic was chosen by a judging panel, which consisted of industry leaders from across the aesthetics specialty. It was awarded thanks to the clinic’s commitment to excellence in customer service, patient care and patient safety, as well as evidence of good feedback from patients. Clinic founder and medical director, Miss Balaratnam, MBBS, MRCS, MSc (UCL), said of the win, “It feels incredible, absolutely incredible. I feel so proud of my team and so happy for them. It is such a privilege to be given this award, among so many deserving finalists too.”

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Sassoon launches winter Colour Prestige Service Cold winds and indoor heating all wreak havoc on your hair. So, this winter Sassoon Salon are offering a Colour Prestige Service which allows guests to enjoy a holistic three tier colour experience, including a bespoke colour, seal colour treatment, and £20 saving on two recommended take home products and that’s not all! Guests will also receive a gift with purchase containing five mini Sassoon products. Enhance your mood by enhancing your hair. The experts at Sassoon are on hand to ensure you receive a glossy salon finish that’s perfectly tailored to you and your lifestyle.

To book visit www.sassoonsalon.co.uk to find your nearest salon.

Develop a Plan and Goals One important consideration is the addition of short-term goals over the holidays. This can include choosing one party or event per week or considering when to arrive and leave at events. By planning in advance and, whenever possible, having a trusted friend to help you to stay on plan, you can enjoy the parties, gatherings and events with a support system in place. Talk about when you want to leave and the options you have to ensure you are safe, within your limits and prepared to overcome any obstacles.

Set Limits During the festive season, it may seem that excess is the norm. There are a few strategies that anyone can use to avoid common mistakes that lead to over-consumption. Have a healthy snack – before going to an event, always have a healthy snack. This will help eliminate overeating on snacks and unhealthy treats. Count your drinks – keep a close count on the number of drinks you have during the evening. Consider avoiding alcohol completely or choosing a wine spritzer or alternating a drink and a large glass of water or sparkling water. Focus on your goals – it can be easy to get caught up in the holiday atmosphere, but keeping your own personal goals in mind can help to avoid excesses. Making a choice to limit food and alcohol consumption over the holidays puts you in control, giving you the option to make the choices that are best for your unique situation.

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We all do it – we are our own worst enemy! Understanding why can help us combat this negative behaviour. Here are the four most common self-sabotaging mantras and how we can combat them. “I’m not worth it” I hear this so often, but instead of saying, “I’m not worth it”, try being more positive and saying, “I have worked hard and I’ve earned this so I’m going to enjoy the fruits of my success”. By changing this emphasis you will give yourself greater value and build your self worth. “Everyone thinks I’m a failure” Let’s qualify this… who is everyone? You wouldn’t think that about friends and colleagues, so why would they think that about you? Far more likely that they think you are actually doing pretty well. Believe them! They are right! “I’m a fraud” It seems that the more successful a person is the greater a fraud they think they are. It is so common it has a name – Imposter Syndrome – described as where an individual believes their success is down to luck rather than their effort and hard work. And it’s true, sometimes we can indeed be lucky, but without accompanying drive, focus and commitment no one will enjoy sustained success. “It’s not my fault” Victims are people who have been neglected, abused, ignored, or exploited, and sometimes, yes, bad things do happen but why would you allow this to define who you are? Even the worst experiences can be recovered from with will and determination. If you think about it, some of the world’s most successful people have been victims of tragedy and trauma. Anything is possible; sometimes it just needs a mind shift to make it happen.

If you need more help, Coach on the Couch, Alex Bailey Staines, is available by appointment for private consultations and motivational meetings.

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he festive time of year, which tends to run from about the middle of December to the first week in January, is a time of celebration for people in the United Kingdom and abroad. For some, it is more of a traditional or religious holiday, while for others it is a time to celebrate the secular end of a year and the beginning of the new. Regardless of the nature of the celebrations, this is a time with traditional food and drink, and one that can be problematic for many people. Walling oneself off and eliminating celebrations is not the answer as this only leads to isolation, depression and a sense of loneliness that is antithetical to the season and emotional well-being. The key for anyone is to reduce the risk of excesses throughout the festive season. This is not as difficult as you may think, particularly if you plan ahead and build in ways to set reasonable limits for enjoying the special celebrations of the holidays.

Stop the Self-Sabotage

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Excessive Food and Alcohol over the Festive Time

Coach on the Couch

10 secrets to a good great night’s sleep

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Barouge Kind Bed Frame £1399 www.harvey-norman.co.uk

n occasional night without sleep makes you feel tired and irritable the next day, but it won’t harm your health. If it continues, lack of sleep can affect your overall health and make you prone to serious medical conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. If you’re tired (excuse the pun) of counting sheep, and staring at the clock, then check out these top 10 tips recommended by experts for getting the best sleep. Simple lifestyle changes can make a world of difference to your quality of sleep.

1. Keep regular sleep hours Going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time every day will programme your body to sleep better. Choose a time when you’re likely to feel tired and sleepy.

2. Create a restful sleeping environment Your bedroom should be a peaceful place for rest and sleep. Temperature, lighting and noise should be controlled so that your bedroom environment helps you to fall (and stay) asleep. If you have a pet that sleeps in the room with you, consider moving it somewhere else if it often disturbs you in the night.

3. Exercise regularly Moderate exercise on a regular basis, such as swimming or walking, can help relieve some of the tension built up over the day. Make sure that you don’t do vigorous exercise, such as running or the gym, too close to bedtime, though, as it may keep you awake. Duval Double Bedbase £400 www.harvey-norman.co.uk

4. Cut down on caffeine Cut down on caffeine in tea, coffee, energy drinks or colas, especially in the evening. Caffeine interferes with the process of falling asleep, and also prevents deep sleep. Instead, have a warm, milky drink or herbal tea.

5. Don’t over-indulge Too much food or alcohol, especially late at night, can interrupt your sleep patterns. Alcohol may help you to fall asleep initially, but it will disrupt your sleep later on in the night.

6. Don’t smoke Nicotine is a stimulant. Smokers take longer to fall asleep, they wake up more frequently, and they often have more disrupted sleep.

7. Try to relax before going to bed Have a warm bath, listen to quiet music or do some gentle yoga to relax the mind and body. Your doctor may be able to recommend a helpful relaxation CD.

8. Write away your worries If you tend to lie in bed thinking about everything you have to do tomorrow, set aside time before bedtime to make plans for the next day. The aim is to avoid doing these things when you’re in bed, trying to sleep.

By Claire-Marie McDonnell

9. If you can’t sleep, get up If you can’t sleep, don’t lie there worrying about it. Get up and do something you find relaxing until you feel sleepy again, then go back to bed.

10. Make sure your bed is comfortable It’s difficult to get restful sleep on a mattress that’s too soft or too hard, or a bed that’s too small or old.

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As we spend over a third of our time in bed, choosing your bed and mattress is vital. It is recommended that you try before you buy. Don’t forget to create a good ambience in your bedroom. Keep furnishings simple and comfortable and colours calm and neutral, this will encourage a tranquil state of mind.

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Prepare your skin All the cold weather, hot showers and cranked-up heating can suck moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry, rough and flaky. Counteract this by applying a primer before your makeup base. Whether you wear a full face every day or you prefer to keep it simple, we promise it’s a godsend for creating a smooth base and can even have anti-ageing properties. Amazing Cosmetics anti-ageing face primer is perfect for blurring fine lines, hydrating and brightening – the ideal multi-tasker.

Counteract overindulgence

Winter beauty survival guide

If like us, you’ve over-indulged just a little on the alcohol and foodfront, make sure to drink your recommended 6-8 glasses of water a day to counteract the damage. This will combat dry skin, flush out toxins and give you a healthier and more youthful glow.

Get your beauty sleep Sleep may be the closest thing there is to the fountain of youth as your body repairs itself and recovers while you snooze. Your body boosts blood flow to the skin during sleep, which means you wake to a healthy glow. Skimp on sleep and your complexion can look drab, ashen, or lifeless. The key is to get enough shut-eye -- 7 to 9 quality hours each night. If you want to give your skin an extra boost, use Dermalogica’s Age Smart Overnight Retinol Repair night cream. It accelerates skin renewal and reduces the appearance of ageing overnight.

Put down the makeup If you can give yourself a break - DO! Allow yourself at least a day each week to wear no makeup. This will help de-clog pores, reduce breakouts and even skin tone. It’s important to consider the ingredients in your products too. Consensus is forming it’s best to avoid makeup containing formaldehyderelated preservatives and benzene.

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It’s not only your skin affected by winter - your lips are constantly battling against the cold too. There is nothing worse than sore, split lips and the inability to wear your favourite lipstick. Avoid lip balms containing petroleum jelly as these tend to make your lips drier. Stick to formulas which encourage hydration and promote skin elasticity like Dermalogica Age Smart Nightly Lip Treatment.

Healthy hair Your hair will feel like it’s gone through the wars as it’s subjected to harsh winds, repeated blow drying and straightening throughout the winter months. Look for products containing ingredients to strengthen, condition and restore shine to get your hair back to its former glory. Moroccan Oil’s Restorative Hair Mask is great to help prevent damage caused by chemicals and weather. As an extra treat, try swapping to a silk pillow case the night before an event. Silk’s natural properties can help reduce friction on your hair, which causes damage like split ends.

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inter is now truly upon us! It’s that time of year when the weather is cold and miserable and hibernating indoors is the only activity that sounds tempting. Maintaining a radiant complexion, soft skin and healthy hair can seem like a mission in the colder months, but Beauty Flash has put together their top tips to keep you glowing in the blustering months still to come.

Regular exercise and stretching are some of the best solutions and relieves muscle tension too. Meditation and yoga can also be highly beneficial.

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Choosing a Sports Bra Understanding the Differences

Sports Bras are labelled differently to regular underwear and as a result some women have become confused about which type/ style they should be purchasing. They will often be labelled as low, medium or high impact which speaks directly to the level of exercise that you are planning to undertake. The levels of ‘impact’ relate to the intensity of the exercise and the breasts movement during the sporting activity. So basically high impact activity requires a high level of support and so on.

70AZ Grey Magic Bodyfashion Front Closing Bra £20

Examples of exercises that are high, medium and low impact include:

High - Running, Tennis, Zumba, Horse riding, Medium - Skiing, Hiking, Cycling/Spinning, Low - Thai Chi, Pilates, Rollerblading.

Stockists Anita Active – www.boobydoo.co.uk www.figleaves.co.uk MAGIC Bodyfashion – www.magicbodyfashion.com ACAI – www.acaiactivewear.com

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hoosing your level of support has nothing to do with your cup size however, for instance the idea that ladies with a smaller bust can get away with low impact bras for every kind of sport is simply not true. Similarly the idea that a larger cup size lady shouldn’t use a low impact sports bra is also inaccurate. This is because breast damage is caused by breast movement, not size. If the body is moving up and down then so is the breast - with a delay. All good bra manufacturers construct bras for smaller or larger sizes in a different way, for larger sizes there will be features such as extra lining in the cup, side supports, reinforced wider straps etc. If the bra is well constructed with the right fabrics they will still have the choice of impact level. Some full breasted ladies are self conscious and prefer to wear the highest level of support for confidence and if they are more comfortable doing this, that’s fine. It can be worth buying a second bra in a larger size to accommodate for fluctuation in breast size caused by hormonal cycle. As sports bras are made of strong fabrics with minimal stretch it can be very uncomfortable to force swollen, tender breasts into a bra made of a rigid fabric. Since Sports bras are designed for performance - aesthetics are a secondary consideration however some bras suit different body shapes by design. Smaller shoulders often prefer racer backs, fuller busts - regular straps. The best advice is to try it on, jump around and make sure you feel comfortable and confident. Perspiration affects a bras comfort; therefore sports bras should have a sweat management system. Cups lined with soft, absorbent fabrics to wick moisture away from the breast, if there is no cup lining you risk exposed seams rubbing on a sweaty breast which can lead to soreness and discomfort. Generally speaking non padded bras are more supportive - a pad is pre formed and unless the breast fits perfectly within it, the breast will move around inside it. The pad also creates a barrier between the breast and compression fabric on the exterior which reduces support. However new innovations such as the patented Anita delta pad are designed in a triangular form to ensure the benefit of padding for preventing nipple show and giving shape, but removing the ability for the breast to move in the pad. This means support is not reduced as compression can still be applied all over the breast. Whatever your sport there will a bra out there for you, from Anita Active’s award winning high impact bras to specific yoga front-closing bras from MAGIC Bodyfashion you can choose your style and colour with confidence once you understand the role they all play.

ELITE BODY SOLUTIONS RESTORING YOU TO OPTIMAL HEALTH FIX YOUR GUT – FIX YOUR WEIGHT AND OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS

We have always blamed our genes for our weight issues. Now Microbiome science is showing a clear link between the bacteria in your Gut Microbiome and whether you are lean or fat. The make up of your Microbiome, gut and skin, significantly if not entirely impacts your health and wellness to the point where every major disease and illness today has a link back to your microbiome: Depression, Anxiety, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Crohn’s Disease, IBS, and Ageing and Skin disorders and many more.

PROGRAMMES FOR 2018: Gut Microbiome Purify Programme 21-day body reset with a 7-day intensive detox embedded in the programme.

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Elite Body Solutions

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n the 1980s when Jane Fonda, aerobics and the health industry were birthing globally, in a small exercise studio in Radlett in Hertfordshire another birth was taking place. Swept along in the headiness of the promise of abundant health at the end of strenuous workouts, with questions like “can you feel it?” (yes we most certainly could!), I opened my first business ‘Stretchers’ where I taught groups of wonderful people to engage in Lotte Berk Exercises and reshape their bodies. Every day I saw transformations in people’s lives just by virtue of the fact that they felt and looked so much better. My desire to learn as much as I could, to pass on that knowledge, to empower people to be able to make the right choices for their health, and work to transform people’s lives to better health, was born. Over the next couple of decades I studied many complimentary and alternative therapies, energy and vibrational medicine and Reiki, and became a practitioner and teacher of several of these arts. Then, in the new millennium, along with many therapists I discovered that what held our bodies and our alignment together were our ‘soft tissues’ and not our bones. Fascia was the new word, re-alignment was the message and Deep Tissue Massage was the order of the day. I learnt about the importance to health of a structurally aligned body, a fully functional spine which allowed all the body organs to function properly. This work completely resonated with my desire to bring the best of health to my clients, because I now could do so much more for them. And alongside that came the understanding that your internal biology, how you nourish your body, impacts every part of your being. Your structure, your movement, your mind, moods – everything. To be honest, my interest in health was born out of necessity. Although I was healthy as a child, my health had deteriorated due (as I found out 40 years later) to taking antibiotics on and off for some 12 years. And this had decimated my Gut Microbiome. This in turn caused me to become very ill and have cardiovascular disease at 19. My journey ignited in me a desire not only to heal myself but also to help others to do the same. Elite Body Solutions is about listening to you, understanding what your problem is and helping you to resolve your issue with the most effective treatments, programmes and products. The journey to wellness begins with rebalancing your Gut Microbiome, because the make-up of your Microbiome significantly, if not entirely, impacts your health and wellness to the point where every major disease and illness today has a link back to your Microbiome. Hitherto people have blamed their genes for being overweight, and because of this have felt powerless to change their physical appearance. But science in the area of the Microbiome clearly shows that it plays a far greater role in determining whether you are lean or fat. The Microbiome even impacts your ageing process. At first hand I have seen a dramatic improvement in my overall health, my vitality and stamina and my skin after doing the Purify Programme. I look and feel years younger. Combining the Purify Programme with Trulum, which is the skin care range for the skin Microbiome, has improved my skin to the point where I am mistaken for my grandchildren’s mother! My mission in 2018 is to help you to change your internal Gut Microbiome, to maximise your health outcomes and, once and for all, to rediscover and settle your weight issues. Annie Holmes at Elite Body Solutions www.elitebodysolutions.co.uk Instagram: elite_body_solutions Email: annie@elitebodysolutions.co.uk +447811181916

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Whether you choose to work out in the comfort of your home or head to a gym you need the right activewear to both look and feel good when you are burning all that fat! So, take your time when choosing the right activewear. Whether you are updating your old leotard or buying gym gear for the first time, there are some important considerations to help you choose wisely.

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Every Second Counts Strike Running Collection ÂŁ70.00

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1. List the kind of workouts you participate in. If you

2. Take note of the activewear you have in your

closet. Make as list of them. It is important to have a wide variety of pants, shorts, tops, and athletic bras.

3. Take a measuring tape and make a note of the

following: The size of your bust and hips Your upper and lower arms Muscles that you could have developed because of your working out regularly The size of your feet (if you are a runner, there will be marked change in the shape of our toes and feet, you need to buy proper socks that fit) If you have been a recent mother and are going back to exercise measure your feet as pregnancy makes your feet grow

4. Choose clothes made from fabrics that wick

away heat and keep you cool as you exercise intensely. Online retail stores keep stock of all kinds of clothes that suit every workout. The best clothes always come with a price, but they are worth investing as they last for a long time.

5. If you prefer walking into a shop and trying out

the clothes and other supporting wear, make sure you take your time and try moving around when trying out the clothes or shoes. Stretch and bend in your clothes, run in your shoes and make note of the changes when doing them. See if the item is aiding your working out or is tightening in certain places. Remember the clothing/shoes that you try out should fit snugly but should not be tight enough to hinder your movements, your running or with any of your motions.

Every Second Counts Downtime Shirt Long Sleeve Top £98.00

Every Second Counts Strike Running Collection £70.00

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Every Second Counts Strike Through Performance Jacket £178.00

are a runner and have targeted a certain number of miles every week, then your activewear will have to be vastly different than those who do simple light exercises. You will also have to keep in mind these factors when choosing: the number of hours you exercise the number of days you work outdoors or indoors seasonal clothes the seasons and weather where you live

Mind your A manners

few days ago a friend and I went out for early evening cocktails and some light tapas in a nearby family friendly bar. The food was great and the company good fun but sadly I just couldn’t enjoy the evening. The reason I couldn’t relax and enjoy myself was because there was a group of five children who were constantly running around while the two mums took some time out of parenting to enjoy their own evening out. Now please don’t get me wrong, I have my own children and really appreciate family friendly restaurants, bars and cafés and, in fact, I am becoming somewhat of a regular at my local tapas bar, knowing that there are usually families with young children early in the evening. But what spoilt it for me on this occasion was the lack of manners the children displayed or, more importantly, the lack of manners their mums displayed.

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Teaching your children manners is something that we are all aware of. However, how we do this and what we think are good manners varies so much between different families. Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is the most obvious sign of good manners and can never be overrated but they are just the tip of the iceberg of real manners. I see real manners as the ability to recognise that other people’s needs, comfort and well-being can rely on how we interact with them and the environment around us. For example, it’s not the act of holding a door open that is really good manners but more the fact that your child has recognised that it is helping someone else. It’s good manners not to eat with your mouth open because it’s unpleasant for other people. So teaching our children good manners is really about helping them to see and recognise the needs of other people and the effect their behaviour can have on others so that they can respond considerately. Children have an innate desire to make people happy from a very early age. If you smile and laugh at them when they are babies they will repeat their behaviour to try and make you smile and laugh again. However, as they grow into toddlers and get to school age, they can also be very self-centred with a lack of understanding. This can have an effect on others around them. It’s the adults in their lives who need to teach them and help them to understand how to behave and interact with others. So the children running around my tapas bar were just being themselves and although it was annoying for other guests it wasn’t really their fault. They hadn’t yet learnt or been taught well enough about the impact of their behaviour. Or rather it was their parents’ bad manners for not recognising how annoying it was for the other customers. So if you really want your children to have good manners they need your time and support to help them understand, consider and appreciate other people and how we all need to share our environments.

by Clare Quirk

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anuary, the start to a new year and for many of us the start of a new challenge. Setting ourselves a New Year’s Resolution, a new challenge in life, has become as much an annual tradition as decorating the Christmas tree. However for many of us the challenge only lasts for about the same time as the tree. As January draws to an end most of us will have given up on our challenges and by February normal life is resumed. But why is this, and what it is that makes some resolutions more successful than others? I often hear people say that setting a New Year’s Resolution is a waste of time and if you really want to achieve something you shouldn’t have to wait until the New Year. I’m not sure I agree with this, although I have been guilty of setting myself challenges at the start of January that don’t succeed into February. However, I think New Year Resolutions are positive and built on a sense of optimism. Following a period of Christmas celebrations, time spent with family and friends, presents to enjoy and good food and drink, we start the New Year with a sense of well-being, drive and ambition and a desire to fulfil ourselves as we start the next phase of our lives. We often translate this feeling of well-being into a personal challenge, something to make us feel even better. The most usual resolutions are around our health – to lose weight, get fit or eat more healthily. This is understandable after the period of excess and indulgence. Sometimes it can be a different challenge such as start a new career, enjoy a new hobby, learn an instrument or even as practical as leaving work earlier and spending more time with family and friends. Whatever the resolution, the most important thing is the sense of optimism that we are experiencing that drives our ambition forward and makes the first few days and weeks successful. Keeping going beyond January is usually the biggest challenge. That’s not because we no longer feel the desire and ambition to succeed but January is usually long and hard and we can lose our sense of optimism as the darker, wetter and colder days of winter drag on. We can help ourselves to overcome life’s everyday challenges by sharing our optimism and resolutions with our family and friends. Research has shown that people who share their challenges are usually more successful as they have help and support networks to bolster them through the more difficult days and weeks. People who join in with group activities are also generally more successful than people who try and go it alone. If your ambition is to get fit, joining group classes such as spinning , can be more sustainable than an individual work-out on an exercise bike in the gym. If group classes are not really your thing then a personal trainer once a week will really help keep you going and motivated. Dieters may find that weekly meetings help inspire and maintain your initial sense of optimism as the pounds take longer to creep off after the first few weeks. Being realistic with our expectations is also really important in being successful. If you have a clear goal, such as to be a certain weight or to run a certain distance, then it’s important to have an achievable plan on how to get there. Break the challenge down into achievable steps and celebrate achieving each individual target. Remember that to run a marathon we have to be able to run half a marathon first. Don’t forget the Bigger Picture but just focussing on the end result can make us lose hope and become less optimistic. Whatever New Year’s Resolution you set for yourself this year, enjoy the new experiences and challenges that lay ahead. Don’t feel guilty for slipping up along the way and remember that your family and friends, old and new, will be there to help and support you. And remember, if setting new resolutions is all about being optimistic for the future, everyone loves an optimistic person and that person could be you.

An Optimistic Year

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by Clare Quirk

Classical One to One

Demystifying Classical Music through music appreciation sessions The world of classical music can appear daunting and intimidating if you don’t know much about it. From sonatas to concertos through symphonies to operas and chamber music, and with eight hundred years and hundreds of composers to choose from, it is not surprising that most people just don’t know where to start.

What to listen to first? What to listen to next? What am I listening for? If ever you’ve wondered about the mysteries of music, and asked yourself any of these questions – help is now at hand.

Classical One to One

provides personal training in music-appreciation, in a non-academic way. The emphasis is on how to set about listening to the music itself, but every aspect of this fascinating world is covered. Founder Philip Hyman has loved music since childhood, and has spent a lifetime listening, researching, writing, collecting recordings, and giving talks about music; and he spent more than 30 years as a scheduler for BBC Radio 3. Philip’s aim is to pass-on to others his insight and his passion for music. “The rewards are enormous, and the more you listen the bigger your reward. My aim is to facilitate the clients’ listening ability. I do this in a non-technical way, helping them enrich their lives, and enabling them to confidently enjoy their own personal musical journey.” www.classical121.co.uk Tel: 020 8368-7555 Philip@classical121.co.uk

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It’s my year!

Summer camps

Bruton, Somerset BA10 0BA 01749 812 307 www.millonthebrue.co.uk

Fun Week One:

the summer holidays are finally here, six glorious weeks of sunshine, relaxation, no teachers telling me what to do, visiting friends and hanging out together – absolutely brilliant!

Week Two:

reality kicks in. It’s raining, friends are grounded or away on holiday, mum and dad keep nagging me to get up, do this, do that, tidy up, help with the chores, there’s nothing to do, boredom, another five weeks of this – help!

by Clare Quirk

The summer holidays can be an extremely stressful and difficult time for families. Six weeks at home are not always an easy time for our children, especially when good quality child care can prove to be so difficult. It is all too easy to offer up iPads, television and other electrical gadgets to take over parenting while we are busy managing our work/life balance. However there are some solutions and children’s summer camps are becoming increasingly popular, growing in the range of activities offered and the quality of provision. Most of us may think of summer camps as being outdoor adventure centres and predominantly you’d be right. There are a number of really good quality summer camps offering a range of outdoor activities, including canoeing and water sports, rock climbing and caving, high wire and zip wire activities alongside the more traditional camp fires, den building and sporting activities. The amount of adventurous activities can vary from camp to camp and it’s worth investigating what different companies are offering but they will all involve an element of fun and adventure. There are, however, other types of summer camps that are well worth investigating. Not all children want to be outside all day or physically challenging themselves. There are a number of excellent Performing Arts summer camps that offer children the chance to be part of a production, whether that is acting, singing, set design, make-up or costume design. Aspiring actors, singers and dancers will have the opportunity to improve their skills as well as work alongside more experienced artists and explore new performing arts disciplines. Newer types of summer camps that have really started to grow over the last few years are computing and tech camps. Children are offered tuition in computing, programming, gaming and coding. Design and electronics, model making and robotics are just a few of the activities on offer. There is a real opportunity for like-minded youngsters to get together and develop their creativity with other children from all over the world. All our children are different and there are a host of different summer camps ready and waiting to welcome your child. Whatever their interests the overall aim of the camps is to offer the opportunity to have an enormous amount of fun, to learn new skills and to make great friends in a challenging and safe environment. If you want to get started on researching summer camps for 2018, Mill on the Brue in Somerset is a good example of a fun packed adventure summer camp and well worth exploring.

75 the riverside journals

Does this sound familiar?

CADOGAN CONTEMPORARY Deborah Tarr

Highlights at Cadogan Hall THURSDAY 1 MARCH, 7.30PM

Russian State Philharmonic with Valentina Lisitsa, piano ‘Portscatho’, oil on canvas, 50cm x 58cm

CADOGAN CONTEMPORARY 87 Old Brompton Road London SW7 3LD Telephone: +44 (0)20 7581 5451 www.cadogancontemporary.com info@cadogancontemporary.com

Tchaikovsky Romeo & Juliet Overture | Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3 | Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 FRIDAY 16 MARCH, 7.30PM

SWR Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart with Francesco Piemontesi, piano

Beethoven The Creatures of Prometheus Overture | Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 | Beethoven Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH, 7.30PM

Choir of King’s College, Cambridge

Two great Stabat Mater settings, by Palestrina and Lassus, are performed alongside Thomas Tallis’ Lamentations and motets by Brahms and Poulenc.

Chinese New Year 17th & 18 Feb Art Workshops & Food Tastes

THURSDAY 17 MAY, 7.30PM

Flanders Symphony Orchestra with Pavel Kolesnikov, piano

Dvořák Two Slavonic Dances | Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 | Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela | Grieg Peer Gynt Suites TUESDAY 22 MAY, 7.30PM

Dresden Philharmonic

with Arabella Steinbacher, violin

12 noon Sat 10th & Tue 13th February

Weber Euryanthe Overture | Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto | Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 THURSDAY 7 JUNE, 7.30PM

The Tallis Scholars Tallis’ astonishing 40-part motet Spem in alium alongside other masterpieces: Sheppard’s Missa Cantate, White’s glorious Magnificat, and Sutton’s Salve Regina.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Weekends

MARKET

ARTS&CRAFTS MARKET ANTIQUES&COLLECTABLES Nearest Station DLR Cutty Sark

#GREENWICHMARKET

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

GREENWICHMARKET.LONDON

See all our events & book online at: www.cadoganhall.com Cadogan Hall, Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ

Winnie the Pooh: Exploring a Classic On now until Sunday 8 April Victoria and Albert Museum London

Winnie the Pooh: Line block print, hand coloured by E.H.Shepard, 1970 © Egmont, reproduced with permission from the Shepard Trust

What to see Where to go 78 the riverside journals

selected by Jill Menghetti

Grown-ups and children alike are bound to be enchanted by the V&A’s playful exhibition that explores the magical world of one of the most adored fictional characters of all time. Experience again the timeless and universal appeal of this much-loved bear and discover the story behind the creative partnership of A A Milne and his illustrator, E H Shepard. This is brought to life through sketches, letters, photographs, cartoons, ceramics and even fashion. There are also free half-hour storytelling performances throughout the galleries on Saturdays during March, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm: can you help Eeyore find his tail? Cromwell Road SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000, vam.ac.uk

Lady Windermere’s Fan On now until Saturday 7 April Vaudeville Theatre London

Jennifer Saunders, back on the West End stage for the first time in more than 20 years, guest stars as the Duchess of Berwick in this major Oscar Wilde comedy directed by the award-winning Kathy Burke. On the day of Lady Windermere’s birthday party a seed of suspicion is planted by her friend Lord Darlington. Is her husband having an affair? And will the other woman really attend the party? “You gave me this fan today; it was your birthday present. If that woman crosses my threshold, I shall strike her across the face with it.” 404 Strand WC2R 0NH 0330 333 4814, classicspring.co.uk

Long Day’s Journey Into Night Saturday 27 January-Saturday 7 April Wyndham’s Theatre London

Jeremy Irons and Lesley Manville star in one of the most powerful American plays of the 20th century, showing for a limited season. They are reprising their roles in Richard Eyre’s acclaimed intense and moving production that enjoyed a sold-out run during Bristol Old Vic’s 250th anniversary season. Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer prize-winning masterpiece is set in August 1912 at the Tyrones’ summer home. Haunted by the past but unable to face the truth of the present, Mary and James and their two sons test the bonds of a family caught in a cycle of love and resentment. Charing Cross Road WC2H 0DA 0844 482 5120, wyndhamstheatre.co.uk

The Jungle Book Tuesday 6-Saturday 10 February, Richmond Theatre Tuesday 20-Saturday 24 February, Wycombe Swan

This colourful new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic is brought to life by the team behind Goodnight Mister Tom and Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild. Telling the coming-of-age story of Mowgli the man cub, a boy raised by wolves in the jungle, it’s packed with memorable characters, new songs and live music on stage. As Mowgli battles for survival, he needs the help of his animal friends to learn the law of the jungle. The adventure sees Bagheera the panther, Baloo the bear and Kaa the python help him outwit the cruel and powerful tiger, Shere Khan. Suitable for ages six-plus. Little Green TW9 1QJ; 0844 871 7651, atgtickets.com/richmond St Mary Street HP11 2XE; 01494 512 000, wycombeswan.co.uk

All Or Nothing – The Mod Musical Tuesday 6 February-Saturday 11 March Arts Theatre London

In the early 1960s a new phenomenon erupted out of London’s East End. It was the essence of all that was cool. It was Mod. This entertaining musical – which has played to packed houses on tour – is based on the story of the Small Faces, the band who encapsulated all that was Mod: clothes-obsessed, streetwise, but above all dedicated to rhythm and blues. These four charismatic workingclass youngsters had humour, attitude, passion and talent. They were rocketed into the big time and even knocked the Beatles off their perch but discovered that the path to success was paved with exploitation and betrayal. 6-7 Great Newport Street WC2H 7JB 020 7836 8463, allornothingmusical.com

London Classic Car Show Thursday 15-Sunday 18 February ExCeL Centre London

Royal Victoria Dock E16 1DR 0844 871 8805, thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk

Tango After Dark Wednesday 28 February-Saturday 17 March Peacock Theatre London

Something to warm us up after winter: Sadler’s Wells welcomes international tango star Germán Cornejo back to London with his company for the world premiere of a new sophisticated and sensual show. With his long-term dance partner and collaborator Gisela Galeassi, he will lead his cast of 10 world-class Argentinian dancers in what promises to be a thrilling performance of tango in its most authentic and pure form. Accompanied by two singers and seven musicians playing tango classics, you can expect exciting, passionate choreography set to the wonderful rhythms of the celebrated composer Astor Piazzolla. Portugal Street WC2A 2HT 020 7863 8222, peacocktheatre.com

The Bold Knights Of Britain Tuesday 6-Saturday 10 March Greenwich Theatre

How far would you go to protect your way of life? This raucous new black comedy about what it means to be British is by the award-winning Joseph Wilde (Casualty, Cuddles) and charts one family’s journey to the dark side of extremism. It is presented by Silent Uproar, a Hull-based company commissioning writers to create playful and provocative work. Unemployed teenager Jayne sets out to join The Glorious Knights of Britain. They say the UK’s rulers are powerless to stop the immigrant “invasion” and are taking matters into their own hands. Can she become the knight that Britain truly needs? Crooms Hill SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755, greenwichtheatre.org.uk

The Ideal Home Show Saturday 17 March-Monday 2 April Olympia London

Incredibly, it’s the 110th anniversary of this iconic show which continues to draw in the crowds. It has everything you need, whether you have a substantial home project or want to add those finishing touches that make a house a home. From kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and basements, from fixtures and fittings to fine food, gardens and the latest gadgets, plus fashion, beauty and gifts, you’ll find it all here. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can take a wander through some magnificent show homes, watch celebrity and industry experts in action or pick up some exclusive show offers. Hammersmith Road W14 8UX 0844 858 6763, idealhomeshow.co.uk

79 the riverside journals

Nigel Mansell takes pole position at this year’s event where his remarkable motor racing career will be celebrated with a special display of his cars, trophies and other memorabilia. A further showcase is dedicated to notorious getaway cars as used by criminals in the movies. Meanwhile parades on the central Grand Avenue, an indoor driving runway, will once again give visitors the chance to see and hear many of their favourite classic cars in action. There will be more than 800 stunning cars on display, and all tickets also include entry to the event’s sister show Historic Motorsport International.

The Script To Screen February March

80 the riverside journals

By Stephen Oliver

I Tonya

The Mercy

Roman J.Israel, Esq.

2nd February

16th February

Director: Saul Dibb Writer: Simon Reade. Based on the play by Rc Sherriff and the novel by Rc Sherriff & Vernon Bartlett March, 1918. C-company arrives to take its turn in the front-line trenches in northern France led by the warweary Captain Stanhope (Sam Claflin). A German offensive is imminent, and the officers (Paul Bettany, Stephen Graham Tom Sturridge) and their cook (Toby Jones) distract themselves in their dugout with talk of food and their past lives. Stanhope, meanwhile, soaks his fear in whisky, unable to deal with his dread of the inevitable. A young new officer, Raleigh (Asa Butterfield), has just arrived, fresh out of training and abuzz with the excitement of his first real posting – not least because he is to serve under Stanhope, his former school house monitor and the object of his sister’s affections. Each man is trapped, the days ticking by, the tension rising and the attack drawing ever closer…

Written and Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson Set in the glamour of 1950’s postwar London, renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel DayLewis) and his sister Cyril (Lesley Manville) are at the centre of British fashion, dressing royalty, movie stars, heiresses, socialites, debutants and dames with the distinct style of The House Woodcock. Women come and go through Woodcock’s life, providing the confirmed bachelor with inspiration and companionship, until he comes across a young, strongwilled woman, Alma (Vicky Krieps), who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover. Once controlled and planned, he finds his carefully tailored life disrupted by love. With his latest film, Paul Thomas Anderson paints an illuminating portrait both of an artist on a creative journey, and the women who keep his world running.

Director: Craig Gillespie Writer: Steven Rogers Based on sensational true events, I, TONYA is a darkly comedic tale of American figure skater, Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple-axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her association with an infamous, ill-conceived, and even more poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan. Featuring an iconic turn by Margot Robbie as the fiery Harding, a moustachioed Sebastian Stan as her impetuous ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, and a tour-de-force performance from Allison Janney as her acid-tongued mother, LaVona Golden. This is an absurd, irreverent, and piercing portrayal of Harding’s life and career in all its glory.

9th February

16th February

Director: James Marsh Writer: Scott Z.Burns This tells the true story of Donald Crowhurst, (Colin Firth) an amateur British sailor who attempted to win the first non-stop single-handed round-theworld yacht race in 1968, only to realise he was out of his depth. After attempts to cheat, via falsified navigation logs and then, it is believed, commit suicide by throwing himself overboard, his boat was found abandoned and adrift more than seven months after he set off. The story of Crowhurst’s dangerous solo voyage and the struggles he confronted on the epic journey while his wife Claire (Rachel Weisz) and children waited for his return at home, is one of the most enduring mysteries of recent times.

Written and Directed by Greta Gerwig Saoirse Ronan plays Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, who fights against, but is exactly like, her wildly loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed mother Marion (Laurie Metcalf), a nurse working tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird’s father Larry (Tracy Letts) loses his job. Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, the story sees Lady Bird forced to confront a new dynamic even as she struggles to find her own identity.

Journey’s End

2nd February

Roman J.Israel, Esq. Written and Directed by Dan Gilroy Roman J.Israel, Esq. is set in the underbelly of the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as a driven, idealistic defence attorney whose life is upended when his mentor, a civil rights icon, dies. When he is recruited to join a firm led by one of the legendary man’s former students – the ambitious lawyer George Pierce (Colin Farrell) – and begins a friendship with a young champion of equal rights (Carmen Ejogo), a turbulent series of events ensue that will put the activism that has defined Roman’s career to the test.

Phantom Thread

The Mercy

I Tonya

Lady Bird

16th February

9th March

The Shape of Water

Walk Like A Panther

Wonder Wheel

Director: Guillermo del Toro Writer: Vanessa Taylor The Shape of Water is an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment and forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.

Written and Directed by Dan Cadan From the mid 70’s to the late 80’s, at four o’ clock each Saturday afternoon, every class of great British household would come together as one. The nation unified in their support of great and fearsome warriors. Many were loved, few were loathed – all were heroes. British wrestling took place in a world where only the strongest survived, and to survive you had to ‘Walk Like A Panther’. In the much-loved traditions of ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Billy Elliot’, ‘Walk Like A Panther’ is a classic everyman underdog story, blending comedy and heartfelt drama with ill-fitting Lycra. Set in present day Yorkshire, 30 years after the plug was pulled on British wrestling on TV, a band of brothers and sisters will squeeze into their leotards for one final rumble. Dealing with the highs and lows of life through the Boston Crab and Half Nelson, the wrestlers will fight to find themselves, one another and save their community.

Written and Directed by Woody Allen Four peoples’ lives intertwine amid the hustle and bustle of the Coney Island amusement park in the 1950s: Ginny, (Kate Winslet) an emotionally volatile former actress now working as a waitress in a clam house; Humpty (Jim Belushi), Ginny’s rough-hewn carousel operator husband; Mickey (Justin Timberlake), a handsome young lifeguard who dreams of becoming a playwright; and Carolina (Juno Temple), Humpty’s longestranged daughter, who is now hiding out from gangsters at her father’s apartment.

23rd February

Finding Your Feet Director: Richard Loncraine Writers: Nick Moorcroft & Meg Leonard When ‘Lady’ Sandra Abbott (Imelda Staunton) discovers that her husband of forty years is having an affair with her best friend, she seeks refuge with her estranged, bohemian, older sister Bif (Celia Imrie). Sandra couldn’t be more different to her outspoken, serial dating, free spirited sibling, however it turns out different is just what Sandra needs and she reluctantly lets Bif drag her along to her community dance class, where gradually she starts finding her feet... and romance, proving that it’s never too late to start again. 2nd March

Red Sparrow Director: Francis Lawrence Writer: Justin Haythe based on the novel by Jason Matthews Dominika Egorova is many things. A devoted daughter determined to protect her mother at all costs. A prima ballerina whose ferocity has pushed her body and mind to the absolute limit. A master of seductive and manipulative combat. When she suffers a career-ending injury, Dominika (Jennifer Lawrence) and her mother are facing a bleak and uncertain future. That is why she finds herself manipulated into becoming the newest recruit for Sparrow School, a secret intelligence service that trains exceptional young people like her to use their bodies and minds as weapons. After enduring the perverse and sadistic training process, she emerges as the most dangerous Sparrow the program has ever produced. Dominika must now reconcile the person she was with the power she now commands, with her own life and everyone she cares about at risk, including an American CIA agent (Joel Edgerton) who tries to convince her he is the only person she can trust.

9th March

Sweet Country Director: Warwick Thornton Writer: Steven McGregor, David Tranter A sweeping, historical epic set against the brutal backdrop of a stunning Australian landscape, “Sweet Country” follows the story of Sam (Hamilton Morris), a middle-aged Aboriginal man, working for a preacher in the outback of Australia’s Northern Territory. When Harry, a bitter war veteran, moves into a neighbouring outpost, Sam and his family are sent to help Harry renovate his cattle yards. But Sam’s relationship with the cruel, ill-tempered Harry quickly deteriorates, culminating in a violent shootout. Sam becomes a wanted criminal for the murder of a white man, and is forced to flee with his wife across the deadly outback, through glorious but harsh desert country. A hunting party led by the local lawman Sergeant Fletcher (Bryan Brown) is formed to track Sam down. But as the true details of the killing start to surface, the community begins to question whether justice is really being served.

16th March

Mary Magdalene Director: Garth Davis Writer: Helen Edmundson, Philippa Goslett MARY MAGDALENE is an authentic and humanistic portrait of one of the most enigmatic and misunderstood spiritual figures in history. The biblical biopic tells the story of Mary (Rooney Mara), a young woman in search of a new way of living. Constricted by the hierarchies of the day, Mary defies her traditional family to join a new social movement led by the charismatic Jesus of Nazareth (Joaquin Phoenix). She soon finds a place for herself within the movement and at the heart of a journey that will lead to Jerusalem. 30th March

Isle Of Dogs Written and Directed by Wes Anderson In the unique Wes Anderson style of “The Fantastic Mr Fox”, ISLE OF DOGS tells the story of Atari Kobayashi, 12-year-old ward to corrupt Mayor Kobayashi. When, by executive decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage dump called Trash Island, Atari sets off alone in a miniature junior-turbo prop and flies across the river in search of his bodyguarddog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture. Sweet Country

Walk Like A Panther

Isle Of Dogs

81 the riverside journals

Red Sparrow

GHOST DANCES Christopher Bruce’s masterpiece plus other works

Thursday 15 – Saturday 17 March 0844 871 7607* (bkg fee) atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee) *Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

Why Home Owners Need to be Wary of “Quick-Fit Fitters”

ailor-made bespoke windows and doors are just that, made to measure products in terms of design, colour and size. Fenestration products not designed, measured, fabricated or installed correctly can lead to unwanted long-term aggravation and disappointment for property owners. If a double glazing supplier has a surveyor, fabricator and/or fitters sitting around waiting on your order, ask yourself why? It is better to have really good quality, well-made windows and doors which are fitted a couple of weeks later than one might ideally want, rather than to have poorly designed or defective or badly fitted products installed in a hurry. It is easy to understand why customers are tempted to rush things along wanting their project completed as fast as possible, or customers who get pressurised to buy windows and doors from a firm that their builder “recommends”. Builders are often keen to suggest buying windows and door products where they can get them fast and as cheap as possible, which by default are not likely to be high quality products that are what is best for the property owner. To undertake a replacement window project properly, a professional surveyor should take careful accurate measurements (so they end up fitting properly), then bespoke raw materials have to be ordered along with sealed units from the glass suppliers to ensure these will fit into the frames that are being specially made. Next, the products need to be scheduled for production, as most double glazing manufacturers will not have skilled workers standing around. Once the products have been fabricated the installations department will need to confirm the fitting date. Understanding the above process for bespoke fenestration products should set off alarm bells if a double glazing installer says they can supply and fit within a few weeks. Ask yourself, why have they not got a waiting list? It is wise to be wary of any double glazing company “promising” a quick delivery in order to get you to sign up with them, as the last thing you want is to regret handing over a large deposit to the wrong company for the sake of a few weeks’ wait. So beware the quick fit window or door fitter! The danger of paying over a sizeable deposit is that once it is paid a supplier can take as long as they want as most customers will not want to lose the money already paid. So before ordering ensure (1) you partner with a firm who does not require a deposit, (2) you’ve done enough research so you can be confident your chosen partner will still be around in 10 years’ time! (3) you’ve read recent satisfactory customer reviews, (4) you’ve seen the products first hand they will be supplying so you know for certain what to expect, and (5) that they are Which? Trusted Traders.

83 the riverside journals

If you’d like any free help or expert advice on a no obligation basis from local independent double glazing manufacturers and installers Hazlemere Window Company Ltd on any double glazing project you are considering, contact them on 01628 879244 or visit www. hazlemere.co.uk

gardentrading.co.uk | 01993 845559

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For more information and to arrange a visit please contact Angela on 01895 837138 or email sales@tendercare.co.uk.

01895 835544

sales@tendercare.co.uk

Preparing the Garden for Entertaining! 85 the riverside journals

e evolved to live most of our lives outside and in recognition of that, our internal time-clock is still activated by natural light. Just having 5 to 10 minutes of light outdoors, first thing in the morning, has a mood boosting effect. Creating spaces which encourage us to take a step outside with our first cup of the day can have great health benefits! With the busy lives we all lead, a creatively planned, engaging garden can become a place that offers such attraction. Comfortable outdoor spaces make for relaxed entertaining too. When planning an outdoor event in the garden, investing wisely, to refocus or refurbish parts of the gardens, can transform an uninspiring space into somewhere charming, in which to spend time with friends and family. Terraces can be re-planned, provided with cover from showers and furnished, lawns re-shaped and in highly trafficked or shady areas, artificial lawns are a practical solution for creating a year round, great looking entertaining area. Transforming plant borders with fragrant plant forms and textures, highlighted by lighting, will add a magical ambience to the space. Well designed planting is easier and more enjoyable to care for in the long run. If you have a garden style event in mind this summer, we invite you to view our glamourous Licensed Garden Event Space at Tendercare. Newly available for hire, it comes complete with heated Crown Garden Pavilions, spacious covered lawns and social spaces which can be tailored to meet the individual needs of your event.

Southlands Road Denham Middlesex UB9 4HD Mon to Fri 8am - 5pm See website for weekend hours

A Winter Garden 86 the riverside journals

Whatever your choice, with a little planning and the placement of some carefully chosen evergreen shrubs to accentuate your colour scheme, winter need never be boring in the garden.

inter is often seen as a dull season when there is not much to look at. Conversely though, it is also a time when you can see those plants that choose to shine at this time of year in much greater detail without the buzz of the summer garden surrounding them. Winter plants are not as showy as a summer herbaceous border but they make up for it with interesting foliage and often scent. Strong architectural shapes hold frost beautifully and provide interest through this rather bleak season. Mahonia are stalwart back of the border plants where in summer they provide an architectural green backdrop. In winter their racemes of yellow flowers shine in the cool light and their lily of the valley scent can be appreciated from several meters away. Mahonia are large plants and Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ is one of the best, combining well with other plants that will add interest to your winter garden it will be in flower from November to March attracting winter insects and adding to the diversity of your garden.

Other plants to try:

Edgeworthia chrysantha is a much smaller shrub than the Mahonia, growing to about 1.5m in height and spread. In London it will be fine where temperatures rarely get down to -5° but if you garden in a cold spot plant it in as sheltered a position as possible. Flowering from February to April its pretty cream and yellow flowers are also highly scented. It would work well with a lower storey of Helleborus x hybridus or an under-planting of spring flowering Crocus. No winter garden should be complete without a Sarcococca. There are several different varieties to try all of which prefer some shade and a moist but well drained soil. Their glossy leaves act as a simple foil to summer colour but in the winter from December to March it is their tiny white flowers that you appreciate, perhaps not for their look as they are quite tiny, but for the spicy scent that they produce. They are often very successful in pots and can be moved outside the back door when they are in flower to appreciate the scent at close hand. For something a little showier then Camellia sasanqua varieties are well worth growing. Although fully hardy a sheltered spot is preferred to keep the blooms looking perfect. Harsh east winds and frosts will damage the soft edge of the petals. As with all Camellia, acidic soil and a site in partial shade is required. They aren’t the fastest growers in the world but their beautiful compact blooms from October to December are always well worth the wait. Autumn flowering Cyclamen would be a lovely underplanting. If flowers aren’t your thing though, then there are a multitude of plants with fabulous winter stems and bark, all of which look beautiful backlit on a crisp sunny day:

Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ – as its name suggests a fiery copper set of stems. Prunus serrula – one of the less blousy Cherries when in bloom this tree makes up for it with shiny dark burgundy bark. Acer griseum – one of the loveliest of trees with fantastic autumn coloured leaves but also cinnamon coloured peeling bark.

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Kate Gould is an award winning garden designer for London and the Home Counties. With twenty years hands on experience Kate is regularly commissioned by home-owners, architects and interior designers as well as property developers and commercial clients to transform gardens of all sizes. In addition to her secular work Kate is regularly seen at the RHS Chelsea Flower show where she has been awarded four gold and one silver gilt medals as well as the highly coveted ‘best in show’ for her inspirational designs. For more information please visit www.kategouldgardens.com

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CAMILLABELLORDINTERIORS.COM

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Specialising in a wide selection of new, old and new Persian, Turkish, Caucasian and Turkmen carpets. Various antique, old and new Kilims available. Professional hand-cleaning and restoration service. We buy old and antique carpets – even damaged rugs. Part-exchange and evaluations. 312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN, LONDON SW14 7JN TEL & FAX: 0208 876 0070 info@rugstoreonline.co.uk www.rugstoreonline.co.uk

TEL: +44 (0)1403 732452 www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk CheekyMonkeyWT173.indd 1

13/06/2016 17:13

Tell us about Camilla, her initial training and how your interior design company was subsequently set up Camilla trained at the prestigious KLC School of Design in Chelsea, graduating with Honours in 2002. The course provided an invaluable foundation to the world of interiors and her graduation portfolio led to Camilla being snapped up by Lifestyles Interiors, part of the exclusive Northacre Property Development Group. Camilla then went on to work with Fox Linton Associates in London, and most recently, seven years with Federica Palacios Design in Geneva. Camilla was incredibly privileged to work at these renowned studios and work on a number of high-end residential and commercial projects. Projects have included show apartments at Kings Chelsea, a town house in Cadogan Square, the Grand Park Hotel and ski chalets in Gstaad, as well as a family house overlooking Lake Geneva. Each project is truly unique and individually tailored to specific project parameters and clients’ specific requirements including the surrounding landscape, existing architectural features, lifestyle and so on… With over 15 years experience in the design industry, returning to live in the UK provided the catalyst to set up Camilla Bellord Interiors.

Can you give us a short description of your company and its aims

The interior design studio specialises in luxury residential projects both locally and internationally. It aims to create timeless interiors, which redefine spaces aesthetically but always with functionality in mind. The company prides itself on meticulous attention to detail and the utmost of discretion, leading to many clients coming back.

We see that you have recently launched an online shop, offering a unique collection of accessories, artwork and furniture

There are some high-profile interior designers in London and the Home Counties – how do these influence/impact on your business?

London and the surrounding counties are a hub of interior design and it is an inspiration to work alongside others in this extraordinary industry. The recent Holiday House London exemplified this unique community as it came together to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and it was an enormous pleasure to loan some of our tribal shell sculptures to Laura Hammett Interiors for her Aegean inspired bedroom.

Where do you see Camilla Bellord Interiors in the future?

With business thriving for both the studio and online shop, Camilla’s husband, Tom, joined the team in 2017. With over 20 years of commercial and property experience behind him, he brings a wealth of invaluable knowledge to the company and ensures it continues to operate with exacting standards, whilst Camilla focuses on the design. With a number of projects in the pipeline, both Tom and Camilla look forward to an exciting year ahead. camillabellordinteriors.com studio@camillabellordinteriors.com +44 7584 044 052

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Camilla Bellord Interiors business interview

In addition to the design studio, an exclusive online shop was launched in 2017. The pieces are personally selected from the finest and most trusted artisans from all over the globe and offer a unique access to Camilla’s little black book of interior design. It continues to grow from strength to strength and is used by discerning private clients, as well as other design professionals.

Discover how we can help you buy a new home for a new year

asheriDge grove Skylark HouSe, aSHeridge road, CHeSHam, BuCkingHamSHire, HP5 2nT

Image from a previous Hightown Homes development

1, 2 & 3 bedroom homes available for shared ownershiP, in the market town of Chesham, Buckinghamshire, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Price

£120,000*

*Based on 50% share of £240,000

These contemporary homes have excellent transport links with Asheridge Grove located approximately 1 mile from Chesham underground station on the Metropolitan Line, providing a regular service to London, Baker Street in 58 minutes†.

Visit www.hightownhomes.com to discover more call now to arrange a viewing 01442 292381 sales@hightownha.org.uk

www.hightownhomes.com HightownHomes

Eligibility criteria apply. Please register with Help to Buy East and South East www.helptobuyese.org.uk † Source:www.tfl.gov.uk. Prices are subject to change and are correct at time of going to press.

thr Sal ou e c gh on ou tin t F ue eb s rua ry

18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF - 01628 624 546 18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF - 01628 624 546 1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 8JR - 01895 621 651 1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 8JR - 01895 621 651

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215 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London, SW14 8QT Tel: 020 7723 2925

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For 25 years, Gregory Phillips Architects have designed beautiful houses that people are proud to call home. From contemporary interiors to new-build architecture, renovation and landscape design, our firm specialises in award-winning residential projects that are refined, considered and of the highest quality. Our process is simple. We help clients form a vision of how they would like to live. Then we make it happen.

www.gregoryphillips.com +44 (0)20 7724 3040

Half-page advert-2_Layout 1 08/04/2014 17:31 Page 1 Photography by Simon Kennedy

NEW SHOWROOM OPEN

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Led by design, Whether you are looking for a simple set of folding or sliding doors, or a complete bespoke wintergarden construction. New showroom open at our Hampton riverside office, please call or email to book an appointment.

Telephone: 020 8979 6367 Email: info@urbanandgrey.co.uk Web: www.urbanandgrey.co.uk Follow us on:

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Perch Table Lamp by Moooi

Tobi Ishi Dining Table by B&B Italia

To discover more inspiring designs, head over to the Chaplins website at www.chaplins.co.uk, or take a visit to our 25,000 sq ft showroom in Hatch End.

t is often said that Sayonara (‘since it must be so’) is the most beautiful goodbye. It does not attempt to cheat or obscure a departure with bravado; it simply expresses the pathos of a bittersweet farewell. Japanese is a language with an innate lyricism and rhythm. It is the birthplace of the Haiku, a tiny poem that in just 17 syllables promises to break your heart or instill some universal truth. And just as the Haiku is soulful and sweet, so are the Japanese design philosophies that are captivating the imaginations of designers and homeowners in 2018. Split into seven distinct parts, Japanese aesthetics can be best understood through the gorgeous creations of contemporary designers. While verbal translations can often lead to slippages in meaning, design manages to distill what words cannot, thus offering an artistic way in. First up is the principle of Fukinsei, captured effortlessly by B&B Italia’s Tobi Ishi Dining Table. Fukinsei highlights the flawed, asymmetric beauty of the natural world, which itself is full of harmonious relationships that are paradoxical yet balanced. The asymmetric proportions of this stylish dining table establish an arresting focal point, a moment of synchrony in a hectic world. It’s calming appearance inspires us to get back to the dining table with family and connect in whatever way we can, shunning dinners spent in silence in front of the TV. The takeaway here is that complementary things are rarely identical, and through the meeting of different, disparate parts, true harmony can be found. Echoes of the Japanese principle of Datsuzoku reverberate in the eponymous Noguchi Coffee Table. Datsuzoku asks us to transcend convention, claiming that only when a well-worn pattern is broken can true creativity and resourcefulness emerge. Designed by the Japanese sculptor, Isamu Noguchi, in 1947, this amazing piece of furniture eschewed traditional templates, uniting a sinuous wooden base with a freeform glass top. The Noguchi Coffee Table has since gone on to become an icon of 20th century design, gifting style and sinuosity to homes all over the world. One way to live out this teaching is to surround ourselves with people and things that surprise and delight, so we can be encouraged to design our own success. While each of the seven teachings offer a new lesson, they often overlap and interconnect, revealing a peaceful way of being that is in stark contrast to our breathless Western lifestyle. Shizen contemplates nature as an act of deliberate design, devoid of pretense and charged full of creative intent. This notion is of particular interest to designers, as it concludes that no act of design is accidental, not even the spontaneous beauty of the Japanese garden. The appraising eye of the designer lives on in every creation, and in the Japanese pantheon of aesthetic, Shizen defines the grace that comes with age. Antonio Citterio’s SAKé sofa exemplifies this principle, a modern lounger that became “a platform on which to float in peace”. Delicately suspended off the floor, this elegant sofa is enclosed by a luxurious border of leather cushions that only become more beautiful with the patina of use. Its pared back form is stylish without being flashy, understated yet inspiring, a timeless design to last the ages. Shizen also translates to a desire to be ‘of nature’ yet somehow distinct from it, a concept that is eloquently expressed in Umut Yamac’s Perch Collection for Moooi. In a wonderful display of contemporary lighting design, several birds balance on a metal perch, free to swing when touched or blown. Their moving joints allow for a joyful interaction between user and object, one that is fleeting yet sweet. Each carefully crafted bird emits a serene gush of illumination, powered by ecologically efficient LED bulbs. In a world intent on moving ever faster, these Japanese philosophies ask us to rediscover a gentle joyfulness in our physical environment, trusting in the power of good design to dissolve into our everyday behaviour. Contemporary furniture that soothes and inspires is a necessary antidote to modern living, and revitalising your physical environment is one of the best ways to kick-start new routines. Anna Howell - Interiors Editor

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Eloquent Eastern Interiors

Sake Sofa by B&B Italia

TREEHOUSE HARDWOOD FLOORING

QUALITY ENVIRONMENT FOR QUALITY OF LIFE Specialists in high quality solid and sustainable hardwood flooring We carry a huge range of woods from around the world, displayed at our Notting Hill showroom in large sample boards to assist clients, designers and architects, in planning interiors. Board and strip flooring wood block and decking, bespoke floor production. Other services, special project installation, wall panelling, staircases, doors, worktops, cabinetry, natural stone & many other interior related products. Exceptional value, experienced craftsmen, quality installation.

Showroom : 116 Talbot Rd, Notting Hill, London, W11 1JR E-mail sales@treehouseflooring.co.uk Tel: 020 7460 0376 www.treehouseflooring.co.uk

If you think your land or property has development potential, why not give us a call without obligation and in confidence.

SJD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Developing potential

Many of our clients retain our services and, in the majority of cases, pay our fees saving property owners significant costs.

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For regular updates, visit us at twitter.com/projects Contact Stephen Donnelly on 07739 514350 or 0845 456 8969 w sjd-projects.com e steve@sjd-projects.com Commercial buildings for residential conversion, former public houses, redundant buildings for redevelopment, buildings for conversion or replacement, houses for improvement, large sites on the edge of town, barn conversions, large gardens in residential areas and major regeneration projects

We are alWayS on the lookout for lanD anD property With Development potential

he jewel in the Northern Irish golfing crown is undoubtedly The Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush, which will once again host the Open Championship in 2019 and is still the only course outside England and Scotland to do so. It is a brutal but magnificent links, made still tougher by two new holes which have been built especially for the return of the Open, when the likes of Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell will attempt to win the title on home soil. One of the new holes, the seventh, is a fearsome uphill par five played straight into the prevailing wind. It features a re-creation of Big Nellie, the monstrous bunker which guarded the old 17th, and is described by a member as ‘a par seven, and you’re happy with a bogey’. Royal Portrush stands in the shadow of the Giant’s Causeway high on the exposed North Antrim coast and provides a great test for all golfers. One of the great joys of Irish golf courses is that, because they get so much weather, they hardly ever have to shut because of what Mother Nature throws at them. When I last played Portrush, the wind was howling at 50mph and the rain was horizontal but that didn’t stop it being a hugely enjoyable round. To be honest, if the weather gets really wild, it can prove too tough for even the best golfers but if that happens at Portrush, then play their second and slightly more gentle course, the Valley, which regularly features in Northern Ireland’s top 10. On either side of Portrush are the links of Portstewart and Castlerock, both great golf courses but perhaps a little more playable than their more famous neighbour. To play all four of those courses on the same trip is the stuff golfing dreams are made of. At the other end of Northern Ireland, about 35 miles south of Belfast, lies another golfing gem – the links of Royal County Down, or RCD as everyone calls it. This wonderful Championship course skirts Dundrum Bay and lies in the very shadow of the Mountains of Mourne, which form a stunning backdrop to some of the finest holes in world golf. The course hosted the 2016 Irish Open and there are few finer sights than sending your drive straight down the eighth, with the clubhouse and mountains behind. On the other side of Northern Ireland, near the town of Enniskillen, is one of its newer courses, Lough Erne, which was designed by six-times Major winner Nick Faldo and opened in 2009. The par 72 layout feels more American than its older counterparts and the fact that the course record is just 68 – and that by Rory McIlroy – tells you how tough it is. The second course at Lough Erne – Castle Hume – is well worth a visit, having hosted the Ulster PGA Championship and featuring some spectacular views. Again, a package involving both courses would be ideal. There are courses to suit all budgets in Northern Ireland. Portrush and RCD are unashamedly high end, increasingly looking to the American market. But if you’re prepared to go slightly out of season, then the prices fall and there are still some bargains to be had. Belvoir Park, for example, is a Harry Colt classic in the heart of Belfast and visitors can play for just £30 from November to the end of March. To play Templepatrick, designed by David Jones and David Feherty, will cost you just £25 on a weekend afternoon from November to the end of February. The key with Northern Ireland golf is never to worry about the weather. You cannot control it and you know the rain and wind will not last for ever. The sun will soon come out, a warm Irish welcome awaits you in the clubhouse and you’ll have a store of golfing memories that will never fade.

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Royal County Down

For more information about golf in Northern Ireland visit discovernorthernireland.com

The Emerald Isles Green Jewels Tim Allan Any trip to Northern Ireland is likely to feature plenty of weather, but don’t let that spoil your enjoyment of its worldclass golf courses. One certainty about your trip will be the warmth of the welcome at any of its more than 100 courses, which range from the simple parkland to some of the most challenging you’ll ever play.

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