Absolutely Buckinghamshire April 2023

Buckinghamshire

PLUS

THE BOODLES

Why everyone is talking about tennis at Stoke Park

•

WORD PLAY

The best of World Book Day in Bucks schools

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EASTER HUNT

On the trail of the best events across the county

PINK Think

ADOPT THE SHADES OF SPRING THANKS TO JANE AT AMBERS OF AMERSHAM

Discover original and distinctive furniture designs with the latest Scandinavian styles. Customise our furniture to suit your lifestyle with the help of our interior designers and nd the perfect t for your home. Change the size, colour, nishes, con gurations and more. Book your free interior design consultation in-store or in the comfort of your own home. For further inspiration, explore our full collection online and in-store.

THE ART OF SCULPTING

Get summer body ready with Dr Nyla’s bespoke treatments

Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021.  With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the second largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 100,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks!

EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH

ABIGAIL GARDNER

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

LOUISE PEARSON, STELLA ADAMS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com

For advertising enquiries please call 07977 195732 or email: abi@zest-media.com

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Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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LETTER Editor’s

It is fair to say I was a slightly odd child. There were my early years being obsessed with eating only macaroni cheese – from the tin, not from one of Italy's finer establishments. Then there was my delight in playing out entire football seasons in my head, marking down the results and league tables. I shiver at the thought of how much paper I wasted. Then, into my teenage years, just as my older brother was forever in trouble (he says he was just interesting), I was in my room with my head stuck in a book. I have always loved reading. My earliest memories are being excited at visiting the library to read another Roald Dahl book, although I now think the themes may have a been a tad too much for my young mind to stomach back then. The interest has evolved from horror to comedy, to true crime and now sports autobiographies – but I still can't get enough of the written word. I also take great delight in being able to read to others – my nephew loved it when he was a toddler, but now he's 17 and 6 foot 3, so a tad overgrown for it.

It's why I will always signpost wonderful events like World Book Day, which happened in March. Inside we see how several of our schools marked the occasion and look at how they encourage pupils to read. It's quite the story.

Interiors Trend

The best ways to feature emerald in the home (p78)

Atul Kochhar

Why Easter in Bucks is a special time for the chef (p47)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Richard E. Grant

What to expect when he takes to the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre stage (p35)

The Shoot Spring blossom thanks to Jane's SS23 collection (p56)

Wish LIST

IT'S A WRAP

Amano's crochet pocket alpaca wrap is hand-knitted in the mountains of northern Ecuador and it's the ultimate in cosiness, £225. foreveramano.com

ON THE MOVE

Get ready to go glamping with a difference, with Art Bag Studio's The Camper Van, £3,500. artbagstudio.com

PEARLY WHITE

Carousel is an independent fi ne and demi-fi ne jewellery brand that takes inspiration from travel, romance and adventure in their timeless designs. Carousel Jewels uses ethically sourced gemstones and materials, ensuring that each stone is unique. carouseljewels.com

BEST OF FRIENDS

The Chloe Cardigan is fi ne knit and so touch, making it both an easy and comfortable wear, which can be worn effortlessly all year round, £89. mybestfriendswardrobe.co.uk

THE CREAM DREAM

Meet Lola, with a stunning crystal chain and super so leather, these gorgeous loafers are like clouds on your feet, £175. ceciliaquinn.co.uk

CREAM OF THE CROP

Modern and elegant these Shaun Leane hooked pearl talon earrings see the so ness of the Cherry Blossom Collection has been reimagined with a fierce edge to meet the iconic Tusk silhouette, £225. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

FEEL FRESH

If you favour a timeless style, then Nina is the beachwear option for you. Relaxed, yet refined, this beautiful design is cra ed in a premium, lightweight, jersey fabric offering a fresh take on a classic style, £135. naiabeach.com

JUST IN CASE

The Caroline collection by Wolf is a signature design, defined by its distinctive quilted exterior that gives each piece a sumptuous and indulgent style, £295. berrysjewellers.co.uk

SECOND HAND

Swiss brand Vacheron Constantin meticulously produces limited batches of its beautiful timepieces, £17,800. net-a-porter.com

TIE IN

Luxuriously so , with a ruffle trim and blouson sleeves, this cable knit dress is both cosy and stylish. somersetbyalice.com

SATURDAY 20 MAY

AFTERPARTY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

CULTURE

ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

1-16 APRIL, THE BASE, GREENHAM

Go and celebrate all things arts and crafts with The Base at their Festival of Arts & Crafts from 1-16 April, featuring a vibrant Arts & Craft Fair (1-2 April), creative Taster Workshops and a Festival of Art Exhibition featuring local artists’ work. Kick-starting the two-week festival, a craft fair featuring 50+ stalls will surround The Base building, creating a high street of high-quality crafters and artists. thebasegreenham.co.uk

The Agenda Simon Brodkin

EVENT

APRIL'S HOTTEST EVENTS

On Track

1-16 APRIL, SILVERSTONE MUSEUM

Silverstone Museum brings two of the most exciting British brands together this Easter with the launch of the ultimate Scalextric set. The world famous Silverstone Formula 1 Circuit has been recreated by the team at Scalextric for a brand new ‘On Track’ exhibit, which enables visitors to pick up a throttle and enjoy epic battles with iconic cars around the two lane Grand Prix circuit.

silverstonemuseum.co.uk

6 April

NORDEN FARM CENTRE

Fresh from his sold-out, criticallyacclaimed Edinburgh Fringe run, Simon Brodkin is back with an outrageous new stand-up show. In Screwed Up, Simon rips into celebrity culture, social media, the police, Putin, Prince Andrew and Jesus. Nothing is o limits in this hilarious show. norden.farm

COMEDY EVENT

Easter Trail

1-16 April

STONOR PARK

Stonor Park’s annual Easter Trail is returning to Tumblestone Hollow this spring, bringing friends and families together for some outdoor fun throughout the Easter school holidays. The nature themed clues lead visitors through Stonor’s beautiful gardens and parkland and the magical woodland play area of Tumblestone Hollow, near Henley-on-Thames, with a host of surprises in store. stonor.com/tumblestone-hollow

FAMILY

ALL ABOUT

DOGS SHOW

15-16 April

NEWBURY SHOWGROUND

Bring your dog for two days full of exciting arena displays, expert advice, shopping and lots of fun have-a-go activities including the popular Fun Dog Shows where you and your dog can win rosettes, competitions and more. There's something for dogs of all ages and breeds to enjoy – and if you don't have a dog, there's plenty of fun for humans too. allaboutdogsshow.co.uk

This Month’s Must See

2 April ASCOT

Ascot Racecourse concludes its 2022/23 Jumps Season with a celebration of the British countryside at the Spring Family Raceday. Featuring a varied card, including a popular Veterans Chase and a valuable two-mile juvenile hurdle that always attracts a competitive field, this year's Spring Family Raceday promises to be actionpacked on and o the track with countless fun-filled attractions for all family members to enjoy. ascot.co.uk

Spring Family Raceday MIDGE URE

29 APRIL, AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE

Following the overwhelming response to 2019’s ‘The 1980 Tour’, Midge Ure and Band Electronica return to the road in 2023 with the ‘Voice & Visions’ tour, celebrating 40 years since the release of Ultravox’s Rage

In Eden and Quartet albums. Second album, Rage in Eden, hit the Top 5 in the UK album charts, and Quartet, the band’s third album with Ure, came in quick succession in 1982 with production from legendary Beatles producer George Martin, becoming their third Top 10 album. midgeure.gigantic.com

FAIR GAME

Two of the best fairs over the Easter holidays

HENLEY DECOR FAIR

13-16 APRIL, THE HENLEY SHOWGROUND

Visit this popular festival of antiques and interiors and be inspired by 180 of the UK’s best decorative dealers. It’s a great day out: from decorative antiques, architectural salvage and reclaimed items for home and garden to vintage fashion, classic cars and boats – there’s something for everyone! You’re sure to find something unique for your home. Mingle with TV experts from Salvage Hunters and Restoration Workshop, then soak up the festival vibes with live music, bars and gastro food in beautiful surroundings. That’s not all, stay to enjoy the evening entertainment with music and bars open until late. henleydecorfair.com

EASTER ARTISAN FOOD AND CRAFT MARKET

8 APRIL, MAGNOLIA PARK, HIGH WYCOMBE

This Easter event is the first of the year in the acclaimed Markets series. They want both their guests and vendors to have a great experience at their events. They therefore try to not duplicate any stalls to keep items unique, meaning you are sure to uncover those extra special gems for yourself, your friends and family or the home. Magnolia Park is the perfect setting for such an event. ukcraftfairs.com

POETRY IN MOTION

By BETHAN ANDREWS

Currently on tour in Europe with Lewis Capaldi, it’s fair to say that Reading band Only the Poets are having a real moment, and one that looks set to continue long into the future. As I catch up with lead singer and founding member of the band, Tommy Longhurst, while he gears up for the evening performance in Frankfurt, I’m relieved to discover just how humble, grounded and down to earth he is. There’s no prima donna here, no taking anything for granted, and there’s a real sense that it’s important to Tommy to remain an ordinary lad from Reading.

In fact, it’s fitting that they are on tour with the king of remaining grounded despite international success. “It’s unbelievable. Firstly, he’s one of the loveliest people we’ve ever met, which is so nice on a tour of this size,” Tommy says on Lewis Capaldi. “We feel really welcome and a part of the

tour. It’s also incredibly inspiring. What you see is what you get with Lewis, he is so humble and down to earth. For someone who has been as successful as he is, it’s really refreshing to see and it’s a credit to him. We’re feeling very lucky to be given a platform to play in front of this many people.”

What has the journey been like to get to where Tommy is today? “I picked up the guitar at quite an early age and was always into music,” he says. “I think being from Reading and being immersed in things like the Reading Festival – I went every year from such a young age religiously – meant that I was watching bands and artists and falling in love with everything about it. I started as a solo artist, but I started to fall in love with the idea of being in a band. When I started doing gigs, I’d support bands and watch them having all this fun, support and camaraderie.”

From here, it all just fell into place. “Me and Roo, our bass player who is the original member along with me, we just started jamming together,” he says. “We went through quite a lot of members as many bands do,

but Marcus and Clem, who were in a band together before Only the Poets, joined us and now we’ve gone through a lot together –we’re four literal brothers and best mates.”

They may be charming and refreshingly humble, but that doesn’t mean they are not geared up for huge international success in 2023. Having recently signed a deal with EMI, the UK home of some of the world’s biggest and most innovative artists including Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Florence + The Machine, the boys are getting ready for their headline tour in spring, too. With original music that has undertones of Britpop influence, captivating harmonies, and incredibly impassioned vocals, Only the Poets often perform with a narrative style, with real honesty, openness and emotion, and it’s gained them an incredibly loyal fanbase.

It’s clear to see that, while establishing themselves over the last few years to become one of Britain’s most anticipated emerging bands, they’ve worked incredibly hard to reach this point. In fact, as I sit and chat with Tommy for this very feature before their show, he’s

As Reading band Only the Poets get signed to EMI and support Lewis Capaldi on his European tour, we catch up with the lead singer Tommy Longhurst to find out how the journey has been so far

“We are four literal brothers and best mates”

writing a song while waiting for soundcheck.

“When you’re on the road, you feel really inspired, so I thought I’d get my head down and do some songwriting,” he laughs, casually. While unsigned, they’ve played live in as many di erent scenarios as possible. Tommy tells me how, once they founded the band, they did a lot of the pub scene, shows in London and focused on trying to gain a fanbase early on by gigging as much as they could. “Our manager came on early and it was great to have that support from someone who got our vision,” he says. “We tried to out-do every song we wrote, tried to refine everything and played a lot of shows. We got on a support tour and played proper venues for the first time, so we saw it as a time to seize the opportunity. It’s kind of the old-school way that we’ve done it, instead of getting bogged down by numbers online – we focus on getting people in rooms.”

Immediately after signing with EMI, Only the Poets put their money where their mouth was by remaining true to their roots, and they headed back to Reading to perform two sold-out shows at Purple Turtle, where the band played their first-ever show. It sounds like returning to his hometown is something that Tommy will always prioritise, though. “I still live in Reading and I’m there a lot,”

he smiles. “I make sure I spend time there with my friends and family. Winding down is really important and being away can be tough, and touring can be quite tiring so it’s an escape from the madness. I love where I’m from, and all my friends are still there so even if I do end up moving, I’ll make sure I come back as often as I can. I’m a massive Reading FC fan, so that won’t go away! Woodley, where I’m from, I’ve lived there my whole life so it’s really important to me.”

So, what’s Tommy’s inspiration when it comes to his music and songwriting? “I write

in a really autobiographical way and writing honestly and openly is really important to me,” he says. “It’s all about how I’m feeling or about really specific moments in my life, so it’s very personal to me. Initially when we started to release songs that were really quite deep, the reactions were really positive, so I started to songwrite with a lot less fear. It can be scary to write personally about mental health awareness, but now it’s important to us to be really real. People seem to get a lot of comfort from our music. Writing from the heart gives us a really strong, emotional connection with our fans. We wanted to release Waking the Dark, which is about mental health awareness, because we felt it would help people know it’s okay to feel that way. The reaction when we play that song in particular is so special and so raw.”

When it comes to big goals and dreams, the boys want to continue doing what they’re doing. “To get to arenas and play bigger venues would be phenomenal,” smiles Tommy. “There’s bucket list moments we want to tick o , too, like obviously I want to play Reading main stage, that would be a dream coming from the area. And then Glastonbury, I mean who wouldn’t? But I just want us to keep growing and being able to do this as a job is the best feeling in the world, so the longer we can sustain it, the better.”

Keep track on Instagram @onlythepoets

TOMMY STILL LIVES IN READING

“To play Reading main stage would be a dream coming from the area”

TOMMY LOVES READING FC

ONLY THE POETS LIVE ON STAGE

THE BOODLES

WORLD CLASS TENNIS AND HOSPITALITY SET WITHIN THE GLORIOUS GROUNDS OF STOKE PARK!

Get to know… JAGROOP SAHI

CO-FOUNDER OF KIDDYKIND, DEDICATED TO MAKING CONSCIOUS SHOPPING FOR KIDS MORE CONVENIENT

Q What inspired you and your husband, Amar, to launch KIDDYKIND?

A After having children we became much more conscious about the products we were buying. I would spend a lot of time researching to find items that were natural, less toxic, eco-friendly and consciously manufactured. The trend I noticed was that most of the products that suited my checklist were created by small businesses that weren’t always so easy to find. KIDDYKIND was inspired based on this experience. Our mission at KIDDYKIND is to make conscious shopping for kids more convenient, so that inspiring planet-friendly brands can be found quickly and easily.

Q How do you want to be di erent?

A Our key platform ethos is natural, ethical, sustainable, so all items on KIDDYKIND have been vetted to ensure they are eco-friendly and produced consciously. The majority of the brands on KIDDYKIND are small, parent-led or family-run businesses who have created fantastic products based on their experience as parents and their needs. We will continue to support the small businesses as KIDDYKIND grows. We want to create a platform that works for our sellers, customers and KIDDYKIND as a business and so will continue to also keep investing in technology that provides benefits to all. Based on this, KIDDYKIND has been shortlisted as the Tech Start up of the Year for the Women in IT Awards.

Q Have you always been eco-conscious – and why is it so important today?

A We became more eco-conscious after falling

KIDDYKIND SELLS SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

pregnant with our first daughter in 2017. For us it started with the products our baby was being exposed to, and slowly spilled into other elements of our lifestyle. Becoming more sustainable and eco-conscious has been a journey where we have made small changes along the way so that they can be sustained, with some changes and swaps being easier than others. We have found that the number of products and eco-conscious brands available today is greater than what was available when we first started our journey in 2017. Being more eco-conscious and a more conscious consumer is so important due to the impact we could have on the climate crisis. We have seen a growing number of examples over the last few years of catastrophe caused by the climate crisis, and we have the ability to make a real change and start to reverse or at least halt further damage being made to earth.

Q What have been some of your most popular products?

A Some of our most popular products include indoor playroom items such as balance boards, ball pits, slides, bunting, bean bags and accessories; mindfulness items such as the yoga cards, breathing boards, and

breathing guides; activities such as playdough and activity cards, games and packs; weaning ranges, clothing, wooden education resources and natural play make up.

Q Do you have anything new for 2023?

A In 2023, we have launched three new brands including reusable nappies which we hadn’t listed previously and have confirmed many other brands including new products such as canopies, rocking horses, wrapping paper and gift cards. In 2023 we plan to expand not only the number of brands, but also our product o ering to cover a larger range of categories.

Q Where are you based in Buckinghamshire and why originally did you want to move there?

A We are currently based in Great Missenden. As a teenager, I grew up in Chalfont St Giles, so we both knew the area. After living in London during our university and early career years we decided to move to the more peaceful Chiltern Hills and surrounding area. We knew that in the next few years we would be looking to expand our family and so wanted to buy a house in a scenic, non-condensed area, with good schooling and the ability to easily commute to London when required for work. We are very happy with our decision to move to Great Missenden and raise our children here too.

Q Can you name some of your favourite places in Buckinghamshire?

A We like spending time outdoors when possible and enjoy walking around Shardeloes Lake in Old Amersham. Missenden Abbey is very local to us, and is a lovely place for afternoon tea and a stroll around their beautiful gardens. We enjoy spending time at Wendover Woods, there are so many things to do to keep the little ones busy and when we feel very adventurous we visit Go Ape.

The kids enjoy visiting the Roald Dahl Museum for a fun afternoon out or Playtrain (indoor soft play) to burn o some energy. We enjoy visiting di erent restaurants around Buckinghamshire with some of our favourites being The Polecat Inn, Pluma, The Grocer at 15, Koyo, Rex (café), and Lomito.

Q How do you like to get away from work and the pressures of running a business?

A Being parents of two young children (1 and 5-years-old), in the evenings we have dedicated time where we are completely switched o from work and spend quality family time, which we find really helps in the day to day. When we have a bit more time we love to be out in nature and particularly enjoy travelling to see and explore the world. The act of travelling has become more challenging after having children, but once we arrive at the destination it is so wonderful to see your children experience a di erent culture and environment.

kiddykind.com

THE SAHI FAMILY

MISSENDEN ABBEY IS CLOSE BY

ROAD DAHL MUSEUM IS A FAMILY FAVOURITE

GO APE OFFERS FAMILY FUN

Feast on FESTIVITIES

Easter is here, so we’ve picked our top spots in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to celebrate in style

By NATALIE LI

Amidst all the fun and frolics over the Easter holidays, it’s important to remember the meaning behind Good Friday, Easter Sunday and the story of rebirth and new beginnings. Not everyone, of course, is religious, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of some of the wonderful churches around Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Whether you’re there to ponder, pray or simply admire, have faith – there’s plenty of stunning ancient churches to visit across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire during the Easter break, with two in particular standing out for Absolutely.

Situated in the attractive Buckinghamshire village of Ivinghoe is St Mary's, a 13th-century church featuring carved angels on the roof, and the 14th-century e gy of a man thought to be Peter de Chaceport, rector from 1241. The e gy lies in a tomb recess that may have been used as an Easter sepulchre. The picturesque village is worth a visit to admire the pretty timberframed buildings and venture further afield to the surrounding counties.

Then, on the edge of the south bank of the Thames across from Marlow, lies the ancient church of All Saints. Bisham village is rich in history, first recorded in the Domesday book. A church was also recorded on the riverside site of the present building. In

ALL SAINTS CHURCH IN MARLOW

the 15th century the parapet, battlements and brick quoins were added and the tower contains three bells dating back to 1840. Outside, the churchyard features several beautifully carved tombstones, dating from the first half of the 19th century.

With the history bug sated, time for a refill. It’s the most sweet-toothed time of the year and the hunt is on to find sticky-fingered, mouth-watering confectionery. Pair a visit to Windsor Castle with a hands-on chocolatethemed workshop for the whole family at Dr Chocs, which also has a cafe on the site.

It’s ideal for younger children who can get gloriously messy, while serious chocolate lovers have the opportunity to design their own chocolate with organic ingredients and ethically sourced chocolate. Expert chocolatiers are on hand to help visitors make three bars of chocolate, decorate them with various toppings and infuse

them with essential oils and spices. Longer and more in-depth workshops o er the chance to dip tru es and candied fruits in chocolate, make hot chocolate on sticks and learn the art of making bon bons.

Fancy a taste of Paris in Buckinghamshire?

You’ll find just that at two independent, family-run chocolateries inspired by the film Chocolat. Rumsey’s of Wendover, and their branch in Thame, o ers an array of cakes, pastries, handmade chocolates, and ice cream, to eat in or takeaway.

Master chocolatier Nigel Rumsey started making chocolates in 1991 alongside his job as a pastry chef and opened the first Wendover Rumsey’s in 2004. Midsomer Murders’ fans will be delighted to visit Rumsey’s, which featured in an episode of ITV’s long-running detective series. Chocoholics, too, will revel at the beautifully curated boxes of handmade treats as well as the bespoke Easter eggs, chicks, and lollipops.

If the indulgence of Rumsey’s leaves you feeling guilty and eager to burn o calories, the nearby Phoenix trail is a flat, tra c-free route rich in wildlife and o ering magnificent views of the nearby Chiltern Hills, a perfect trail for a relaxed walk or bike ride.

Easter means, too, that it’s time to ditch the woollies and welcome lighter evenings, so why not embrace an Easter spring clean and update your wardrobe. But who says it needs to be brand new?

Pre-loved or second-hand clothes are on the rise and made a statement at London Fashion Week in February with the likes of supermodels Erin O’Connor taking to the catwalk. There’s never been a better time to do our bit for the planet and snap up secondhand fashion to reduce the need for brand-new items. What’s more, a plethora of independent vintage boutiques and high street charity shops can be found across the counties.

“Chocolate lovers will revel at the beautifully curated boxes of handmade treats”

IT'S TIME TO ENJOY DAFFODILS

ENJOY A WORKSHOP AT DR CHOCS

CHOCOLAT HAS INSPIRED LOCALS

Engage Inspire Challenge

A thriving independent preparatory school for boys aged 4-13 in Beaconsfield. Where our ethos of Engage, Inspire, Challenge puts each boy at the heart of our school.

Come and see for yourself. Weekly tours and termly Open Days available. Visit www.davenies.co.uk or email registrar@davenies.co.uk

After more than 25 years of trading at Spitalfields and Frock Me in Chelsea & Kensington, local Debbie Pettet has an eye for sourcing vintage pieces. Her showroom in Caversham, Reading, is a hidden gem and stocks anything from a 1970s Dior two-piece classic vintage suit to a 1960s Afghan patchwork coat.

The pretty market town of Stony Stratford in Buckinghamshire has plenty to o er when it comes to unique independent shops. Located on its high street is The Siren Vintage, which stocks a fine range of art nouveau jewellery and stunning 1940s, 1950s and 1960s one-o pieces.

If you love to rummage through the rails for a one-of-a-kind item, look no further than the Peascod Street branch of Thames Hospice. This awardwinning store specialises in fashion, accessories, homeware, and memorabilia – donated by local people, with profits going towards funding a hospice in Windsor. Many items are frequently purchased for films, TV shows and vintage fashion lovers and collectors.

There’s nothing more optimistic than the sight of da odils. It’s a sure sign that spring is here and warmer, longer days are on the way – and again, Bucks and Berks have plenty to o er in the form of beautiful, scenic walks. Pack a picnic and head to Basildon Park, an elegant 18th-century house purchased by Lord and Lady Ili e in the 1950s. Expect a spectacular seasonal array of da odils and spring buds appearing

throughout the 400 acres of historic parkland and gardens. There’s plenty of picturesque picnic spots to enjoy and views to the Thames Valley.

A visit to Cliveden is complete after seeing the show-stopping six-acre south parterre, which is planted with spring bedding plants and bulbs of pansies, wallflowers and heirloom da odils. A free spring trail runs until the end of May. An Easter mooch around the gardens paired with an afternoon of history and architecture at this National Trust property is just the ticket.

All this walking and shopping has left us hungry, so no better time to see what some of our finest dining establishments are serving up this Easter. Local legend maintains that Oliver Cromwell’s troops lodged at Villiers Hotel in Buckinghamshire during his visit to the town in 1643.

History fills its walls and if you’re seeking traditional fayre for the whole family this Easter, it’s worth heading to this inviting coaching inn for a roast lunch in the centre of Buckinghamshire.

If contemporary surroundings and seasonal dishes inspired by homegrown ingredients is your thing, The Woodspeen in Berkshire promises it all. Nestled in the West Berkshire countryside, on the outskirts of Newbury, this Michelin star eatery even produces its own gin using botanicals from the vegetable and herb garden beside the restaurant.

Whether you’re a budding chef or an absolute beginner, cookery courses in butchery to breadmaking are fun, hands-on experiences o ered at their cookery school on site.

“Bucks and Berks have plenty to o er in the form of beautiful, scenic walks”

THERE'S LOTS OF VINTAGE FASHION INSPIRATION

THE WOODSPEEN IS A TASTY STOP-OFF

CLIVEDEN'S GROUNDS COME ALIVE IN SPRING

HAPPY TIMES

Richard E. Grant is heading to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and is sure to put a smile on your face

An evening with a screen icon is coming to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Monday 15 May, as Richard E. Grant takes to the stage with a special one night only show. Since his breakout role in cult classic film Withnail and I in 1987, Richard E. Grant has become a much-loved fixture on our screens, starring in everything from Doctor Who to Downton Abbey via Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Spice World and Oscar-nominated for his 2018 role in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Now you can join him for this unique event as he tells stories from his life, entwining tales from his extraordinary time in showbiz with uplifting reflections on love and loss, to celebrate the publication of his new book, A Pocketful of Happiness. Live on stage, Richard will consider the inspiration behind the book – how, when his beloved wife Joan died in 2021 after almost 40 years together, she set him a challenge: to find a pocketful of happiness in every day. He found the instruction to be profoundly powerful, and this new book, drawing on both contemporary stories and recollections of his remarkable life and glittering career, is Richard’s way of honouring that challenge.

He said in an interview with The Guardian: “Despite the profound grief I’ve felt since my wife died, performing my tribute to her and celebrating our lives together (has) felt truly extraordinary. It’s one thing to dream of becoming an actor having grown up in one of the smallest countries in the southern hemisphere, but another thing entirely to have that fantasy become a reality, complete with standing ovation. Pocketfuls of happiness, beyond measure.”

Tender, moving, frequently hilarious, and with the chance to ask Richard your own questions, do not miss the opportunity to spend an evening with one of the great actors of our time, as he celebrates and cherishes life’s unexpected joys.

Book tickets via atgtickets.com/aylesbury

RICHARD E. GRANT ON STAGE

The LEHMAN TRILOGY

The National Theatre's award-winning production returns to the West End

By PENDLE HARTE

First seen at the Lyttleton in 2018, The Lehman Trilogy was the most awarded play on Broadway earlier this year, winning Best Play, Best Director, Best Set Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Actor at the 2022 Tony Awards®. It also won the Drama League Award for Best Play and six Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Play. Directed by Sam Mendes, it's an ambitious production, its story spanning more than 160 years and several generations of the Lehman family, all played by just three actors who remain on stage for the entirety of the three hour performance. It's the story of the Lehman brothers, but also of America, and its boom-and-bust trajectory. We meet Hayum Lehmann straight o the boat in 1844, arriving in the USA from Germany to make his fortune. Immediately rebranding himself as 'Henry Lehman' and soon joined by his two brothers, he

embarks on a business journey that takes him from a small shopkeeper to a founding member of the New York Stock exchange and then governor of New York, and head of a bank. We see him basically invent the concept of brokering, survive the Wall Street Crash and hand the family business over to his son, and the story continues until 2008... and we all know what happens next.

Brilliantly conceived by Es Devlin, the set is a rotating glass box that represents Lehman Brothers' Financial District o ce, complete with the cardboard boxes representative of the bank's collapse. A vast screen behind the stage sets the scene – burning cotton fields, the New York skyline, the Midwestern landscape – and a solo pianist accompanies the action from the side of the stage. Michael Balogun, Hadley Fraser and Nigel Lindsay play all parts, narrating the fast-paced saga with moments of great comedy. It's a gripping, groundbreaking production.

THE LEHMAN TRILOGY

To 20 April, Gillian Lynne Theatre barbican.org.uk

“The story continues until 2008... and we all know what happens next”

COWORTH PARK

There will be plenty to excite at Coworth Park over the Easter period, from afternoon tea to delectable delights from Woven by Adam Smith. On 20 April, Adam is offering the perfect opportunity for guests to experience his delicious food and sample a selection of wines, when the team will be partnering with Gusbourne. Time to indulge. dorchestercollection.com

FOOD & DRINK PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By HATTINGLEY VALLEY

The award-winning Blanc de Blancs 2014 is made using only the finest Chardonnay grapes. This deliciously fruity and honeyed wine, with its pastry and brioche notes, has well-balanced acidity and is perfect for enjoying with dishes including a charcuterie board and prosciutto.

Made from a blend of the finest Pinor Precoce, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this rosé is delicate and elegant, yet full of flavour. On the nose are vibrant notes of pomegranate, raspberries and strawberries, contrasted with a subtle savoury hint of freshly cut hay. On the palate, this wonderful wine provides a lovely light texture.

A very limited release, this new vintage of the award-winning King’s Cuvée is pale golden and made from a premium blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A soft, creamy and spicy wine, it is deep and rich, yet with a refreshing twist, with flavours of brioche, vanilla and creamy oak.

HATTINGLEY VALLEY

Hattingley Valley is one of the UK’s most successful wineries, winning over 100 medals, 13 trophies, and Best in Class for its English sparkling wines. It is recognised for its innovative approach to winemaking, with award-winning English sparkling wines exported internationally to 16 countries. hattingleyvalley.com

NOTES

The latest food and drink news from across the county

By MARK KEBBLE

TASTING Sunday Best

The Gri n is an independent restaurant in Old Amersham. Leading the team is Mikey Seferynski, the star Head Chef, who is known for his previous experience at Hind’s Head, Heston Blumenthal’s quintessentially English Inn. Their Sunday roasts get booked up months ahead of time due to popularity. Highlights on the menu include Roast Suckling Piglet chorizo and apple jam, and Slow Cooked Shoulder and Leg of Lamb with house mint sauce. gri namersham.co.uk

THE GRIFFIN

Blanc de Blancs  £41.50

Still Rose 2021  £17

2015 King's Cuvee  £85

Joys of the country

MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE

Monkey Island Estate o ers the ultimate dining experience, with cuisine that is a delectable modern take on British classics and produce freshly sourced from the surrounding countryside. Enjoy the delicious food in the elegant main dining room or on the terrace with views of the River Thames, before retreating to the beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites at this quintessentially English estate. monkeyislandestate.co.uk

FEAST FOR ALL

Easter isn’t just about chocolate, as these events with a foodie twist show

TAP INTO THIS

Baked goods

THE RUNNYMEDE ON THAMES

What makes Champagne afternoon tea at The Runnymede on Thames even more special is their picturesque riverside location. Crafted by Head Pastry Chef, Ahmet Korkut, and his team, afternoon tea at The Runnymede on Thames is a real treat. Expect finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries, plus freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. Afternoon tea also includes a crisp glass of A. Robert Rose Champagne. runnymedehotel.com

The Great Missenden Food Festival on 7-10 April celebrates its 20th birthday in 2023 and, this year, they are partnering with larger than life celebrity Rosemary Shrager, who is ready to meet audiences, along with some of her celebrity chef friends. greatmissendenfoodfestival.co.uk

Ringside views of the Brewery, fresher than fresh beer and locally sourced, freshly prepared food awaits you in Renegade’s fully accessible, dog and family friendly Taproom. Their menu includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options as standard alongside artisan soft drinks, wine and spirits. They’ve got plenty of space both inside and out, to cater for large parties and also o er beer tasting experiences and brewery tours. renegadebrewery.co.uk

STUBBINGS

A magical treat awaits ticket holders to Stubbings’ special Easter Breakfast with the Easter Bunny in their Glasshouse Café. Families can enjoy a Stubbings full English Breakfast (or Mini English Breakfast) and then meet the Easter Bunny. stubbingsnursery.co.uk

TOUCH OF CLASS

HOBBS OF HENLEY

This market’s aim is to enable people to buy direct from local farmers, growers and dedicated small artisan producers in order to benefit from fresh quality food, honestly produced with a known provenance. The next market is on 9 April. maidenheadfarmersmarket.org.uk

The Mr Hobbs Gin range of products is brought to you by the family pleasure boating business, Hobbs of Henley, who give you the most enjoyable way to “mess about on the river’’. They recently launched their award winning Mr Hobbs 150 London Dry Gin to mark their 150th anniversary of the business. This classic London Dry Gin is bursting with nine botanicals including lemon peel, black pepper and grapefruit with notes of elderflower and green cardamom finishing with refreshing lemon verbena. mrhobbsgin.co.uk

GREAT MISSENDEN FOOD FESTIVAL

RENEGADE BREWERY

MAIDENHEAD FARMERS' MARKET

CAFE

True to his ROOTS

Chef Johnnie Collins on a love for the countryside, working at Oakley Court and a passion for sustainability

OAKLEY COURT

With a focus on flavour, generosity and origin of produce, Johnnie Collins is a self taught chef who embraced his love for cooking and feeding people from an early age. Today, Johnnie has created an expansive vegetable garden, both at his home and at Oakley Court Hotel’s gardens, growing fruits, vegetables and herbs organically from seed to supply his cooking. Passionate about sustainability and provenance, Johnnie splits his time between the garden and the kitchen allowing him to explore how this translates to modern day dining.

Q Was cooking a real interest in your early years growing up?

A I grew up in the countryside and we were lucky enough to have parents who put a real value not only on good food, but also on sitting and eating together. My mum is a garden designer and my dad was a wine merchant, so having lunch

or dinner together with good food and wine was a big part of our upbringing.

Q What would you say was the first, big thing you learnt about cooking?

A You’ve got to go slow to go fast. If you take your time with things, even washing up as you go and clearing your counter, in the end you go faster.

Q When did cooking become a serious career consideration for you?

A I was working in business after university, but also working in restaurants to earn more and do other things, then I started doing supper clubs and pop-ups. In the end I knew where my heart lay.

Q What was your first job in the industry and how do you look back on it?

A I left university in 2007 and in 2008 after the financial crisis it was hard to get a job, so I worked in a friend’s restaurant, started at the bottom running food and then I was managing it within a year. It felt a natural thing to me.

Q What have been the highlights of your career to date?

A I’ve cooked for some amazing people and in some amazing places, but one of my favourite memories is cooking in Venice for the opening of the Biennale. We did it a few times and it just felt great to be in Italy cooking with Italian produce and a team of Italian chefs.

Q Would you say you have a particular style of cooking?

A I’d say it’s pretty fresh and light, even in winter months when I crave freshness. I like a lot of acidity, umami and texture. But in the end it’s all about origin of produce and in particular cooking things I have grown myself.

Q Is seasonal, local produce key for you?

A Yes, 100%. I grow a lot of things, in my garden, in my mum’s garden and in the gardens at Oakley Court. If you cook what you grow, it’s about as local as you can get and as seasonal as you can get.

Q Could you suggest three dishes that sum up your cooking right now?

A Right now, I’m impatiently waiting for spring and to start using things from the garden. It’s been very cold and we haven’t got much at the moment. But we are nearly there. Right now there’s great citrus from Italy and forced rhubarb from Yorkshire – I visited Tomlinson’s forced rhubarb farm in Yorkshire recently and have been using it a lot. We did a pork chop with pickled rhubarb for lunch today and it’s a beautiful combo.

Q How great is it to be working with Oakley Court?

A It’s a great setting on the river and the gardens are amazing. I’m very lucky to be able to grow the things we cook.

Q What menus can we expect there?

A I do a mix of things there. We’ll be doing some great events, some more intimate dinners on the river and some bigger things in the garden including produce sales and more, so watch this space.

Q What’s next for you?

A Spring! And all the amazing things we’ll get from the garden. We grow asparagus and I can’t wait to see them. For my recipe I’ve paired them with a beautiful whipped sesame dressing – give it a try and let me know how you find it.

Turn over the page to try out a special recipe from Johnnie. Find out more at johnniecollins.com

“If you cook what you grow, it’s about as local and seasonal as you can get”

JOHNNIE LOVES TO COOK WITH PRODUCE HE HAS GROWN HIMSELF

Seasonal gem

Johnnie Collins whips up a favourite recipe at this time of the year

Asparagus, whipped sesame

To me, there’s nothing more seasonal, and nothing that signifies the start of spring more, than the arrival of English green asparagus. Such a beautiful ingredient with a unique flavour that can be prepared so easily – simply grilled on the BBQ, dipped in melted butter or dipped into hollandaise. One thing – don’t buy them out of season, they will have travelled far and won’t taste of anything, so beware when you see them outside the spring months and check their origin.

Here I have paired them with a whipped sesame dressing. It’s a very versatile sauce and the recipe will make more than you need for the dish, you can keep it in the fridge and use it in many ways – with roasted beetroot, on a cold noodle salad or even dipped into with crudites and warm bread.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bunch of English green asparagus, the Wye Valley produce some lovely ones

• 100g sesame seeds, toasted

• Good sesame oil

• Splash of mirin

• Splash of rice vinegar

• Splash of tamari

• Iced water

• Drizzle of maple syrup

• Sea salt

METHOD

Whipped sesame

1 Toast the sesame seeds in a pan, until golden but not burnt.

2 Cool and add to a good blender with a pinch of sea salt.

3 Blitz until completely broken up, you may need to stop the blender and scrape the sides a few times, it should be like a paste.

4 Add the mirin, rice vinegar, tamari, a drizzle of sesame oil and blend again.

5 Now you need to add your iced water, bit by bit. You want enough to turn this

into a smooth sauce, but not too much that it gets runny. Just take your time and do it bit by bit, it won’t take long.

6 The recipe will make more than you need for the dish, you can keep it in the fridge and use it in many ways –with other vegetables like beetroot.

TO SERVE

1 Keep the tails on the asparagus and peel them from halfway down, keeping the tips green and exposing the white flesh below. Then cut at an angle to remove the hard lower stalk.

2 Add to boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes, they should be very crunchy for me, almost raw.

3 Remove and add to a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking, then drain and dress with sea salt and a dash of sesame oil.

4 To plate, add the dressing to a plate in the centre, top with toasted sesame seeds and then pile the asparagus on top facing the same direction, tips to the top. Always eat with your hands!

“Nothing signifies the start of spring more than the arrival of English green asparagus”

JOHNNIE’S ASPARAGUS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS AT THE READY

Afternoon Tea at Wokefield Estate

Served in a Grade II listed Mansion House, or outside on the terrace weather-permitting £22.00 per person

To book, scan the QR code below:

MASTER at WORK

Easter is a prime time to experience one of Atul Kochhar’s restaurants in Buckinghamshire - and there’s a chance to learn from the acclaimed chef too

Renowned for being one of the first British-based Indian chefs to receive a Michelin star, chef Atul Kochhar has a portfolio of outstanding modern Indian restaurants in London, Buckinghamshire and Kent, plus a bespoke catering company, Amod Events.

In Buckinghamshire, Atul’s award-winning restaurants include Sindhu, Vaasu, Hawkyns and Riwaz, all of which will be serving Easter menus to remember this year. “Easter is a very important time at my restaurants,” says Atul. “Not only is it a time for family and friends to come together and eat incredible

food, it’s also a signifier of the arrival of spring, which brings such great seasonal produce. It gives the chefs a great chance to truly show o the best of British produce in innovative, exciting ways.”

At the Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel in Marlow, Sindhu pays homage to Atul’s love of Southern India, with traditional Indian cuisine showcased in a contemporary way, using the finest British-sourced ingredients. For Easter, the restaurant will serve a three-course set menu for £29.95, featuring choices such as grilled freshwater prawn with coriander, chilli and vinegar; fiery chicken 65 fried with chilli and curry leaf; pan-seared sea bass with root vegetables and tomato tamarind sauce; and naturally sweet alphonso mango cheesecake to finish. Also in Marlow, Vaasu captures Atul’s spirit and passion for India, with menus taking inspiration from his intrepid travels. Quality British ingredients are also heavily showcased. Vaasu’s Easter o ering will comprise a three-course set menu for £35pp

with choices such as crispy fried cauliflower with tomato and jaggery relish; smoked lamb loin with stu ed morels and Rogan jus; or panfried monk tail with masala fries and moilee sauce; finished with indulgent chocolate and orange crème brûlée for dessert.

At The Crown Inn in Old Amersham, Hawkyns has a simple approach that’s executed with great attention to detail. Vibrant dishes boast incredible flavours, textures and outstanding produce mainly sourced from the UK. The Easter lunch menu at Hawkyns will include either two courses or three courses for £16.50/£21.50, with highlights set to include include classic tandoori chicken with kachumbar and makhani sauce; Lake District lamb rump with kohlrabi and spinach textures; and mango parfait with pistachio brittle and raspberry coulis.

The newest addition to the group, Riwaz, opened last year in the market town of Beaconsfield. Here a traditional fine dining

menu is served alongside incomparable set and tasting menus, including a sumptuous three-course Easter menu for £25. Guests will be able to choose from the likes of lamb seekh kebab with bell peppers, onion and mint sauce; baby jackfruit biryani with burani raita; lobster tail with prawn, seabass, mussels and Alleppey sauce; and desserts such as Montblanc and chocolate rasmalai with pistachio. Atul will host masterclasses at both Hawkyns and Riwaz. The masterclass at Hawkyns will take place on 16 April, while the Riwaz masterclass will take place on 11 June. Both are priced at £180pp, with Atul set to share an interactive demonstration on his interpretation of modern Indian cuisine, cooking his signature dishes and guiding guests through the recipes, concluding with a three-course lunch and glass of wine, also including a signed copy of Atul’s Curry Everyday book to take home.

On the masterclasses, Atul says: “These masterclasses will be my first since lockdown and I can’t wait to cook for guests, sharing insights into my signature dishes and sharing cooking tips. I hope participants will learn plenty of new skills and feel inspired to cook exquisite Indian food at home.”

atulkochhar.com

WOVEN BY ADAM SMITH

A fresh vision. A personal approach. A respect for nature’s calendar. A passion for stories. A sense of nostalgia.

Classical Makeover

There has been an estate at Wokefield since the first house was built in the 1560s for the wealthy Plowden family. Set in 250 acres of Berkshire countryside, its history is etched in the di erent architectural features throughout this beautiful building. Having spent most of the 20th century as a St Benedict’s Approved School, the Mansion House was Grade II listed in 1967 before starting to take guests in 1984 when it was converted to a hotel.

Following a £20 million refurbishment, De Vere Wokefield Estate has been transformed from top to toe with the Mansion House now boasting 87 luxury bedrooms, including 12 suites. The 1560 Restaurant & Bar has

also been refurbished, benefiting from a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the lawns, a lounge area and a bar serving everything from classic cocktails to wine and draught beers to delicious soft drinks.

The 1560 Restaurant & Bar is the place to enjoy menus that celebrate the best of British ingredients to produce classic and signature dishes from roast monkfish to Dukesmoor steak to acquerello carnarli risotto. Make sure you leave space for dessert as the menu features chocolate fondant served with co ee ice-cream and an artisanal cheese board serving fresh, local cheeses.

To complete the Mansion House picture, Afternoon Tea is served daily for just £22 per person. Add a glass of bubbles for an additional £9 per person.

For those looking to work o some of these goodies, outside you’ll find an 18-hole PGA-standard golf course in the grounds. There's also a fully equipped gym and indoor swimming pool available daily for guests to use.

There’s never been a better time to experience one of Berkshire’s most historic venues.

devere.co.uk

Absolutely takes a closer look at the fruits of a £20 million refurbishment of De Vere Wokefield Estate in Berkshire

“Following a £20m refurbishment, De Vere Wokefield Estate has been transformed”

THE MENU CELEBRATES THE BEST OF BRITISH INGREDIENTS

THE 1560 RESTAURANT & BAR

THE IMPRESSIVE MANSION HOUSE

FASHION

DAISY CHAIN

BERRY’S WINDSOR

Launched in the 1940s, Georg Jensen’s Daisy Jewellery Collection took inspiration from a brooch that was gifted to Her Majesty Margrethe II, the Queen of Denmark, on her birth. Following an exclusive collaboration with fashion designer Stine Goya, the collection now has a fresh colour palette and updated design that reimagines the collection in a contemporary way. Explore the collection at Berry’s Windsor and berrysjewellers.co.uk

A Forever Thing

These special pieces will last your loved one a lifetime

By CARLY GLENDINNING

LIBERTY

9k Gold and Diamond Initial Signet Ring, £510 libertylondon.com

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

18ct Yellow Gold & Diamond Circle Pendant, £5,195 berrysjewellers.co.uk

LISTER HORSFALL

18ct yellow gold “Move Uno Multi” link ring set with 0.09ct brilliant cut diamonds, £1,780 listerhorsfall.co.uk

ANNA SHEFFIELD

14k Gold Aries Charm Pendant With Bezel Set Charm, £763.25 annashe eld.com

DE BEERS

Aura Heart Platinum and 0.29ct Brilliant-Cut Diamond Ring, £3,200 selfridges.com

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

18ct White Gold & Diamond Infinity Pendant, £3,195 berrysjewellers.co.uk

JEMMA WYNNE

18k Yellow Gold Anniversary Diamond Bracelet, £14,000 jemmawynne.com

LISTER HORSFALL

18ct yellow gold “Endless Collection” circular pendant set with 2.51ct brilliant cut diamonds, £8,200 listerhorsfall.co.uk

JUDITH PETERHOFF

Vitium Single Bead Stack Ring with Diamond, £830 judithpeterho .com

blossoms

blossoms

The days are getting warmer, so you need a wardrobe to match the changing seasons – step forward Jane, stocked at Fluidity in Henley and Ambers of Amersham

PEONY, £560

PANSY, £595

KALISTA, £620

HEALTH & BEAUTY

HAIR STORY

ANTHONY LABAN HOME

Whether you’re after a completely new do, a little extra shape or simply a maintenance cut to keep your hair healthy - the team at Anthony Laban Home have got you covered. They offer a wide range of colour services as well as treatments to suit every clients hair and scalp needs too. anthonylabanhome.com

Modern Orthodontics provide patients with a range of benefits –and it’s not just about having a sparkling smile. Teeth straightening changes lives, improving people’s confidence and helping them both in their careers and socially. CrownWood Dental & MediSpa, located in Bracknell, is a leading provider of Invisalign in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and the wider Thames Valley area. The clinic is renowned as a ‘go to’ centre for Invisalign treatment as well as other advanced smile improvement solutions.

So what are the reasons to consider Invisalign? Here are ten of the best:

1. Invisalign has proven to be life changing for millions of people, your reassurance that it works.

2. As the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, patients can be confident that it is a clinical solution that can help them.

3. Engineered to treat a wide range of teeth straightening issues, from minor tooth movement to very ‘wonky’ teeth, Invisalign represents a versatile option.

4. It’s an alternative to fixed braces, with treatment involving the use of custom-made aligners made of smooth virtually invisible plastic.

5. The nearly invisible appearance is very discreet, which suits people who don’t want to make it obvious they are wearing

Ten reasons to SMILE

Looking at the many benefits of Invisalign at CrownWood

Dental & MediSpa in Bracknell

braces. Life can continue as normal.

6. People can go about their daily routine without feeling self-conscious.

7. Invisalign is very inclusive and designed to be suitable for both adults and teenagers.

8. Comfort is at the forefront. Each aligner is highly elastic for an improved fit and greater comfort, so you can comfortably wear your aligners for 22 hours a day.

9. The aligners are removable, which means it is easy to maintain your regular oral hygiene and enjoy your usual diet.

10. Ideal for people ‘on show’ including presenters, business professionals, teachers, lecturers, actors, beauty practitioners, salon and shop sta , airline employees and many other people in customer service roles to name but a few.

With all of these benefits in mind, it is of utmost importance to choose an experienced, highly skilled team. Dr Chi-Yuen Wong leads the widely respected team at CrownWood Dental & MediSpa, which continues to receive excellent reviews from delighted patients: “I have just completed my Invisalign treatment with Dr Wong. I am over the moon and couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Dr Wong has exceeded my expectations with Invisalign and made me feel extremely comfortable during all the appointments. I would highly recommend getting Invisalign done with Dr Wong to everyone!” E. Harper

As a special spring package, the clinic is hosting an Invisalign Open Day on Saturday 15 April (8am–5pm) where patients can enjoy over £1,500 in savings for Invisalign treatment if they book on the day.

The event enables people to meet the team and discuss treatment options in a relaxed and informal environment, and they can even see how their new smile would look following an initial free scan that uses clever ‘high tech’. To help patients budget for their Invisalign treatment, the clinic also o ers 0% finance (subject to status), with payments spread over several months.

The Open Day is being held at their premises at 10 Crown Row, Bracknell, RG12 0TH. To reserve a place and take advantage of this special o er, call Lisa Bonello, the Patient Care Co-Ordinator, on 01344 300 417 or 07765 333 768 or email her at pc@crownwooddental.co.uk

New medical Skin Clinic in West Berkshire

Trained at Kings College London and awarded a post-graduate diploma in clinical dermatology, Dr Louise Reed o ers expert dermatological advice and treatments including:

• Minor skin surgery service which includes removal of sebaceous cysts, lipomas, benign lumps and earlobe repair.

• All skin conditions

• Full body mole and blemish checks

• Wart treatment

Please visit www.thebraeclinic.co.uk to book online, or email hello@thebraeclinic.co.uk @thebraeclinic on &

TATA HARPER Rejuvenating Serum, £176 selfridges.com

ERE PEREZ

Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar, £35 naturisimo.com

EVOLVE BEAUTY Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner, £20 evolvebeauty.co.uk

LUXE BOTANICS Marula Hydrating Serum, £78 counterculturestore.co.uk

SPRING GLOW

By CARLY GLENDINNING

EDITOR’S PICK

OSKIA

Micro Exfoliating Balm, £56 oskiaskincare.com

ANOKHA Rosehip Replenishing Balm, £110 anokhaskincare.com

Q+A Super Greens Facial Oil, £8 qandaskin.com

AÉSOP Geranium Leaf Body Scrub, £29 net-a-porter.com

FAIS

Restore It Antioxidant Marula + Palmarosa Facial Oil, £25 counterculturestore.co.uk

LANCER

The Method: Cleanse, £37 net-a-porter.com

GUY MORGAN Dagger Rose Treatment Balm, £55 earlofeast.com

TOP PICKS

From Spanx Active’s recent collections

FITNESS NOTES

By RACHEL HOGG

BOOTY BOOST LEGGINGS

These leggings are made with the li and bum sculpting technology SPANX is famous for, and are built to support every workout, £88.

LONG LENGTH BRA

A medium-impact sports bra that is the best of both worlds, and combines the support of a bra, with the comfort of an everyday crop top, £58.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Three ways you can take your workout outside this spring

BE FEARSOME

SWIFT FITNESS

GO LIGHTLY TANK

This tank is made from a lightweight, breathable and sweat-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable during your workout, £48. Available for purchase at johnlewis.com

 Why toil away in a stu y gym, when you could be working up a sweat in one of our most beautiful parks? Whether you're looking to run faster, build your functional fitness, improve your general mobility, or just work up a good old-fashioned sweat, Be Fearsome has an outdoor class for any and every fitness need. befearsome.com

 If you’ve got energy to burn, you’ll love this outdoor bootcamp by Swift Fitness. Each session consists of a mixture of interval training, intense circuits and more targeted exercises designed to tone, shape and strengthen, interspersed with team games to keep things light. You're guaranteed to leave feeling good, albeit probably quite tired. swiftfitnessgroup.co.uk

PURESPORT RUNNING CLUB

 What started as a virtual event on Strava during lockdown has turned into one of the largest running clubs in the United Kingdom, and went on to build a community of hundreds. Every Wednesday evening in parks all across London, people of all ages and abilities gather to run together and work towards their fitness goals. puresport.co

PURESPORT MEMBERS ON THE RUN

A BE FEARSOME BOOTCAMP

INTERIORS

SPRING FORWARD

ORIGIN POOLS

As we move forward into the warmer months, a lot of us will be spending more time with family outside. Doesn’t it make sense to release the potential of unused parts of your garden and maximise the space you have? Learn how Origin Pools can transform your garden on page 93. originpools.co.uk

IN THE

NEWS

Updates from the industry

Compiled by PENDLE HARTE

CLEAR WINNER

DECO STEEL

Crittal-style windows offer a timeless, contemporary yet traditional design, the use of minimal sightlines ensures light floods throughout your home giving a feeling of space whilst adding character and a focal point. decosteel.co.uk

AN APFEL A DAY

RUGGABLE

Ruggable have revolutionised the rug with their clever machine-washable rug and underlay combinations that are as stylish as they are practical. There are multiple designs, including a collection designed by global design icon Iris Apfel. ruggable.co.uk

WIND UP

JOHN LEWIS

John Lewis's new season lamps are stylish and grown-up – we're particularly taken with this navy Bobbin Lamp, £80. johnlewis.com

AND REPEAT

COLEFAX & FOWLER

Colefax & Fowler's Bees

Aqua design comes as both wallpaper and fabric; we love the muted colours and simple repeat pattern. colefax.com

CREATURE COMFORTS

EMMA J SHIPLEY

The Lynx china collection was inspired by travels to South Africa. The enchanting, hand-drawn design features winged lynx leaping through a starry sky, soaring over a world of magic beneath them. emmajshipley.com

WHERE PAST MEETS

PRESENT

Absolutely takes a tour of a Marlow property full of history, but with no expense spared to celebrate 21st century design

In a prime position opposite the village hall, Bovingdon Cottage in Frieth Road dates from the early 1900s and was previously home to the Coster family who ran the tobacconist in Marlow. Commendably presented throughout and benefiting from underfloor heating in the kitchen, today it o ers a stunning example of modern life in a period property.

Behind the beautiful architecture of a quintessential double fronted facade, an outstanding central hall with a marvellous fireplace and log burner instantly sets the tone with its pared-back aesthetics and subtle palette. French doors to the rear lead directly out into the garden, while the accommodation unfolds around you. Two superb double aspect sitting rooms each have focal point fireplaces.

Supremely well-appointed, the exceptional kitchen/dining room is equally suited for family meals or entertaining, in addition to the cosy snug with log burner. The high sheen of its tiled floor subtly enhances the natural light from a wall of bi-fold doors that make it easy to step

outside and enjoy al fresco dining. Beneath high skylights, the superior kitchen is fitted with elegant Shaker cabinetry topped with granite countertops and housing a first class array of appliances. A matching central island with bar stool seating delineates the space, and the tastefully chosen heritage hues of a considered seating area adds a refined pop of colour. The considerable dimensions open into an adjoining boot room and utility room. An equally impressive o ce is a haven when working from home, and a hugely stylish cloakroom completes the ground floor.

The idyllic outlooks and cohesive design themes are echoed upstairs where five fantastic bedrooms all benefit from fitted storage and supply an ideal measure of flexible family accommodation. With a Juliet balcony, a graceful principal bedroom is filled with light and has a sumptuous en-suite bathroom with a contemporary bathtub and rainfall shower. A second bedroom has an en-suite shower room, and together the additional three bedrooms share a deluxe

family bathroom in a timeless metro tile setting.

At the front of the property, high evergreen hedging borders a substantial gravel frontage that together with the detached garaging provides o -road parking for several vehicles. The rusticated quoins and statuesque chimney stacks retain an abundance of charm and character.

Wrapping around from the sides to the rear, the large gardens have plentiful space for children to play on established lawns bordered by further hedgerows and fencing. Landscaped terracing and a patio add tranquil spots for al fresco entertaining.

Current owner Georgina Arnold has lived at the property for almost 12 years and said it has been a wonderful place to bring up her three now grown-up children – and here she gives a little more insight into this Marlow gem.

Q What appealed to you about Bovingdon Cottage when you bought it?

A First and foremost it was such a beautiful, pretty property in a wonderful

location. It did need quite a lot of work when we arrived, but we fell in love with it straight away and could definitely see the potential.

Q What was the house like when you moved in and how have you improved it?

A We undertook quite an extensive refurbishment. The windows for example were all lead lined, which I wasn’t a fan of, so we replaced all of those along with the doors. The house was completely rewired and new plumbing installed, as well as being replastered. We also extended at the back to create a wonderful open plan kitchen/dining area and snug with bifold doors leading to the garden. The extension includes a large master bedroom with an en-suite and another en-suite for the second bedroom. We’ve more or less completely rebuilt it. There’s actually planning permission in place for an annexe that has all gone through and been approved. It would enable someone to knock down the garage and join the annexe to the house.

Q What is your favourite room/ space in the house? And why?

A Definitely the kitchen/diner and snug. That’s where I spend most of my time. We have five working fireplaces with log burners in the house – and the one in the snug makes it incredibly cosy. There is a lovely warm ambience.

Q What do you think is Bovingdon Cottage’s best feature?

A Other than the snug, I think the hallway is very impressive. It’s quite a large space and we installed a marvellous limestone mantlepiece above the fireplace and log burner. When that’s lit it makes for a wonderful first impression. However, it’s very hard to pick just one feature to be honest. We also have a lovely purple wisteria that comes out along the whole length of the house. It’s all just so very pretty. It will be di cult to say goodbye.

Q What might people be surprised to know about the area?

A There is a wonderful sense of community and everyone is incredibly friendly. We hold BBQs on the green in the summer and also have a Winter Supper in the village hall when we have a quiz, food and games. The Royal Oak pub is within walking distance and is a real hub of activity. Whenever there is a national event or holiday we all come together. We held a party for the Queen’s Jubilee and will be celebrating the King’s Coronation later this year. It is really lovely – but without being in each other’s pockets. People are always there to help if you need them.

The property on Frieth Road in Marlow is on the market with Savills Marlow for £2,850,000. For more, visit savills.co.uk

“We have five working fireplaces with log burners in the house”

Add

GREEN HOUSE

10 of the best... emerald pieces

COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

COME ROUND

These beautiful Scallop Placemats in Moss Green have a wonderful handpainted centre giving depth and a unique twist to the design, £56. monicapepper.co.uk

PLANT LIFE

Divine Savages have teamed up with the Natural History Museum to create this beautiful Little Botanize wallpaper in a stylish Palm Green colourway, £150. divinesavages.com

PANE RELIEF

Bored of your plain windows? Add some instant colour and privacy with Purlfrost’s Green Flutterby Stained Glass Film, from £11.50. purlfrost.com

GREEN HOUSE

The Samara green glass table lamp is an elegant hand made glass table lamp with a heavy glass base. Finished with brushed gold metal work and twisted braided cable. rodgersofyork.co.uk

TROPICAL HEAT

Brighten up your living space with this highly durable, great quality Havana Rug. Inspired by ongoing tropical trends which are both relaxing and upli ing. ukhomeliving.co.uk

HOT POT

Procook’s casseroles come in all shapes and sizes, but for us the winner is shallow and green, £89. procook.co.uk

MINT OR SAGE?

Dream kitchens are all green these days and the best ones combine lots of shades. Mix sage, olive and mint for the fi nest culinary backdrops. Green shaker kitchen, from £10,000. oliveandbarr.com

SOLID COLOUR

Farrow & Ball’s new Beverley is a dependable, uncomplicated colour, with the ability to feel even greener in bright daylight or more conservative in lower light. farrow-ball.com

BRANCH OUT

Lucca 3-seater sofa in Olive Branch with luxurious high-cotton Elegance Velvet. Available instore at Browns. brownsyork.co.uk Available instore at Browns.

GREEN BOTTLE

This shapely green vase is part of a Bohemian Home collection and has a beautiful green fi nish and a stylish shape, £45. thewisteriatree.co.uk

PAINT ON PAPER

Floral patterns, fantastical motifs and imaginative worlds of colour characterise this collection from textile house

Christian Fischbacher

Words EVE HERBERT

Anew collaboration between Christian Fischbacher and Malaysian-British artist Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson explores their shared passion for design with a colourful and captivating capsule collection of decorative prints and embroideries alongside handmade cushions and rugs. Caught o -guard by the onset of the pandemic, Rebecca spent several months in Piedmont, Italy, where she set herself the creative goal of painting 100 patterns in 100 days. During this time, expressive works of art emerged inspired by her daily walks in the surrounding area capturing dream-like landscapes, the opulent colourfulness of seasonal change and the richness in detail of nature. At the peak of restrictions Rebecca could only venture 250m from home. As the surrounding area became more wild and overgrown, she found even more inspiration in aspects of nature she had previously not noticed. Rebecca also depicts from memory symbolic motifs including the cherry blossom and Malayan tiger, which features in the capsule collection’s hero design. The collection ‘100 Patterns in 100 Days’ sees textile house Christian Fischbacher bring to life a small snapshot of the 100 designs conceived by Rebecca. Together with long-time friend, Creative Director Camilla D. Fischbacher, Rebecca translated her poignant library of paint on paper designs into textile form and in her original colour palette. An inspiring story of creativity in a time of turmoil, Rebecca’s detailed floral patterns, fantastical motifs and imaginative worlds of colour will add a flourish of artistic and original design to any interior. Ikan is a cheerful fish motif digitally printed on a smooth medium-weight cotton ground. This characterful design captures the motion of energetic painterly brushstrokes and features a layered palette of colour and pattern. Blossom

“EXPRESSIVE WORKS OF ART EMERGED, INSPIRED BY HER DAILY WALKS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA”

REBECCA DUCKETT-WILKINSON’S HOME IN PIEDMONT

is a playful celebration of colour and pattern which sees a cheerful hot pink floral motif scattered across a geometric background. It is an exuberant design with an eclectic mix of colours that is digitally printed on a smooth, crisp cotton.

Pinkweed is a charming composition of weeds and fallen leaves digitally printed on a medium-weight cotton weave. An indulgent depth of colour is explored in this scene through a bold combination of rich, vibrant tones. Poppy is a medium-weight fabric featuring a bright and bold wildflower motif. Digitally printed to perfectly capture the bloom’s vibrant scarlet red petals on a vibrant background of cobalt blue, this uplifting design is printed on a smooth cotton weave that captures the detail of this striking print.

Dawon is a lustrous linen-cotton blend embroidery which features intricately embroidered Malayan tigers interspersed with stylised tropical banana leaves and flowers with an abundance of colour and vibrancy. The embroidered outlines of the design are combined with hand crewel work. For this centuries-old technique, originally from Kashmir, a particularly thick wool yarn is used, creating a design with a bold visual appeal, intriguing depth and soft handle.

Harimau, meaning tiger in Malay, is a hand-knotted rug depicting a Malayan tiger amongst stylised bamboo leaves and flowers. The finest New Zealand wool is tied in a Tibetan knot to create a deep pile and silky soft feel. A percentage of sales from the collection’s tiger designs will be donated to the charity initiative “Save Wild Tigers”.

“INTRICATELY EMBROIDERED MALAYAN TIGERS INTERSPERSED WITH STYLISED TROPICAL BANANA LEAVES AND FLOWERS”

CUSHIONS DISPLAYING THE PRINTS

PINKWEED

ENVY KITCHEN

Why green is the most sought-after colour in kitchen design

Words RICHARD DAVENPORT, DAVENPORT.COM

Green kitchens have been growing in popularity over the last couple of years, whether in paint, tiles or the kitchen itself. In fact, the use of green in a kitchen is now as popular as blue, which has been the reigning champion when it comes to colourful kitchens.

There is no hard and fast rule as to which shade of green to go for either, as both sage and dark earthy greens have been just as popular. The big di erence for 2023 will be the emergence of mint, which is fast gaining traction in kitchens.

If you do decide to go green, there are several ways to bring the colour to life, whether through just choosing it for a kitchen island, or the whole kitchen. There is also a growing trend for combining several shades of green in the same space in what is known as a monochromatic kitchen that has real standout – think lighter shade kitchen wall and base units, with a darker green for the kitchen island.

Q Why is green such a popular colour in the kitchen?

A After the pandemic, and now with so much economic and social uncertainty, we tend to design our homes with comfort in mind, creating cocoons where we can bunker down with family and friends. This means we turn to colours and textures that help us to create this, with much of it being routed in natural materials, forms and colours as a way of bringing a smoothing and grounding feel to our homes. For 2023, mint green is making its way into kitchens. It’s an uplifting, zingy yet calming and subtle shade, an evolution of the sage green that we’ve seen dominate over the last couple of years. Mint also works well alongside other green shades and contrasting with a forest green island can add more depth and a further dimension to the space.

Q How do you style green kitchens?

A As we’ve established that using the colour green is about bringing nature indoors, using similar materials for a cohesive look

“Mint green is making its way into kitchens

and it’s an uplifting, zingy shade”

is important. Choosing warm woods for your floor options, or a reclaimed wooden table for your seating area carries on this theme while also adding textural elements, both a visual and touch perspective.

When it comes to your hardware and brassware choices, green is a colour that works across pretty much the full spectrum of metallic finishes, giving you plenty of choice. In fact, another trend for 2023 is to mix metallics – no more than three though – so you can have some fun with your new green kitchen.

Q What about worktops?

A From our experience, most homeowners who decide to choose green cabinetry – no matter the shade – will choose a lighter

worktop. However, we have designed and fitted green kitchens with dark worktops, and this works just as well.

Q Is there a style of kitchen that works best with the colour green?

A Shaker cabinetry is by far the most popular; however, shaker doesn’t necessarily mean traditional. It can transcend across both modern and traditional kitchens, depending on how you style it; from door handles, taps, appliances and finishing touches.

Therefore, green is very much a colour that works in all shapes, sizes and style of kitchen, which is perhaps another reason why it is the most popular kitchen colour of 2023

“Another trend for 2023 is to mix metallics – but no more than three”

SIGNAL BOOST

Frustrated with your home internet?

A WiFi Mesh System could be the solution, says Gary Newson of NETGEAR

WiFi is a fundamental part of life, for both leisure and work. WiFi and internet are so closely related that many people don’t make the distinction between them. But you depend on your internet service provider's router to supply WiFi, and you may be disappointed with the signal strength. Especially if you have a larger home, or a garden which extends some distance from your house. Are you relying on the lagging router from your current internet provider to get strong WiFi everywhere? Have you tried wireless repeaters, but were dissatisfied with results?

WiFi Mesh systems are the solution to spread stronger signals throughout your

home and garden. Unlike WiFi repeaters, which only extend your main router's signal, Mesh systems create a new, boosted wireless network across your entire home.

Mesh systems give you the ability to fully enjoy the internet speeds you have subscribed for, thanks to a WiFi up to ten times faster. They are usually based on two or more units, which create a single, reliable WiFi network, expandable with additionional satellites. Connected devices are handed o seamlessly to the unit with the strongest signal, making Mesh WiFi ideal for large homes and businesses with WiFi 'dead spots'.

For today’s needs as well as tomorrow’s, premium WiFi products are easy to install and use; and they o er the speeds and capacity to support your family’s evolving needs. Premium WiFi upgrades your home, opening new possibilities,

and elevating the things you already love. Imagine your hobby, favourite activity, anything you’re passionate about, taken to the next level with high-speed WiFi. Netgear’s Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh Systems bring unparalleled performance based on cutting edge, patented technology. On top of that, the units are elegant enough to fit unobtrusively into your décor and secure enough to automatically shield your family from external threats such as hackers and identity thieves.

NETGEAR Orbi 960 series Mesh System: No-compromise, best-in-class performance, capacity and range

The Orbi RBKE963 Mesh system features best-in-class, lightning-fast WiFi Internet access to homes of up to 7,500 square feet, with packages available for further coverage of up to 15,500 sq. ft. The Orbi 960 is also available in stylish white or black designs, making it a welcome addition to any home, and with up to 200 devices even the most demanding smart homes are covered.

If you're tired of weak WiFi signals and slow internet speeds, consider a WiFi Mesh System like NETGEAR's Orbi 960 series. You'll enjoy lightning-fast, wall-to-wall WiFi access, seamless network operation, and the ability to expand coverage as needed. Shop online for the white or black edition today. Learn more at netgear.com/uk

STAYING in CONTROL

Why you should use parental controls (and how to make sure they work)

Nine out of ten children in the UK will own their own smartphone by the time they’re 11, according to a 2022 Ofcom study.

While this adoption of internet devices comes with many social and educational benefits, parents can be forgiven for wanting some sort of control over their kids’ digital lives. Despite this, Ofcom found that while 90% of parents are aware of internet safety controls, only 70% use them. As children’s lives become more entwined with the internet, it’s more important than ever for parents to understand exactly how parental controls work and how they protect kids.

SAFETY FIRST

More than a third of children have seen something ‘worrying or nasty’ online in the past 12 months, according to Ofcom.

Parental controls can help reduce this risk by limiting what kids see and who they speak to online, allowing parents to track their digital activity and keep an eye on what they’re exposed to. No more watching over shoulders when the kids are on their phones. You can get peace of mind and let them explore the world of the internet with your own boundaries in place.

HEALTHY ONLINE HABITS

The younger generation are often described as ‘digital natives’, but even natives can be naive. Ofcom found that while the majority of 12-17-year-olds were confident they could identify a fake site online, only 11 per cent correctly clicked on the genuine social media post in a test. Parental controls can block these kinds of suspicious posts or websites, giving children an ongoing lesson in what sort of websites, links and posts to avoid.

TIME LIMITS

Worried the kids are spending too much time on TikTok? Parental controls can let you set up time-restraints, helping reduce screen time and tackling unhealthy habits. You can also set access limits during certain hours of the day. This means you can prevent children from waking up in the middle of the night, grabbing their phone, and scrolling through social media until sunrise.

MAKING SURE CONTROLS WORK

Rather than setting up controls in every device and app your children use, one option to protect your family is to use parental controls that are set directly at your Wi-Fi router. There are a number of products that give you this control. Some broadband suppliers, like Swish Fibre, provide customers with routers featuring built-in parental controls which are managed with an app. This means that no matter what devices your children are using, you can be sure any parental controls you’ve set are keeping them safe. Visit

All statistics in this article were found in the following Ofcom report:

(ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/media-literacyresearch/childrens/children-and-parents-mediause-and-attitudes-report-2022)

PARENTS SHOULD BE AWARE OF WHAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE USING THE INTERNET FOR

Simple. Elegant. Modern.

In three words it is possible to enclose all the essence of this collection. Eight different shades of colour, from the most subtle and delicate such as Ivory and Powder to the stronger and more decisive ones like Blue and Jade.

A varied palette that will allow you to give the right style to each of your projects. Complete with four decorations and three 3D structures, Ludo gives you the opportunity to make it unique to every environment, customizing it as you like. A trendy series that will guarantee you that extra touch of colour.

ALL ROUND EXCELLENCE

Swimming ensures a whole host of physical and mental benefits for you - and Origin Pools are the company to bring it into your home

When it comes to swimming pools, Origin is a company that stands out from the rest.

With over 40 years of experience, Origin is able to provide their clients with exceptional service and innovative solutions in an ever-evolving industry. Their simple and e ective philosophy of ‘we do it all’, combined with a holistic approach and a passion for swimming, continues to set them apart. There are many reasons to have an indoor swimming pool, and even more for Origin to build it.

Origin believes that a successful project requires all the specialist areas to be integrated into a consolidated design from the start. They eliminate the need for you

to hire and manage separate companies for each element of the build, removing the potential risks and headache of liaising between architects, engineers and builders. The initial steps in creating the perfect swimming pool are planning and design. Origin works closely with you to understand your needs and preferences, and then creates a bespoke design that matches your lifestyle. During construction, only the highest quality materials and latest techniques are used to ensure the pool is built to last. Origin also o er a variety of energy-e cient and environmentallyconscious features that can be integrated from the start or upgraded later on.

Once the pool is built, the work doesn't stop there. Origin o ers on-going maintenance and pool valet services to ensure that the pool stays in top condition.

Origin are not only passionate about building indoor pools, but also about swimming itself. Swimming has been proven to be a great physical activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a great form of cardiovascular exercise that helps burn calories and improve overall fitness, it’s also a great way to build endurance and improve lung capacity. The benefits of swimming don’t stop there, it’s also great for your mental well-being. Swimming can be a relaxing and meditative activity which helps reduce stress and anxiety. The rhythmic movement of swimming can have a calming e ect on the body and mind, making it a great way to unwind after a long day.

Whether you swim for fun or as part of a fitness routine, swimming is a great way to improve your overall health and wellbeing. So, if you're looking for a company that can handle all your swimming pool needs, look no further than Origin.

originpools.co.uk

Adding COLOUR

Neptune’s new colour consultancy guides you in curating a cohesive paint palette that’s tailored to you and your home

One of the greatest joys of interior decorating is that no two homes are ever the same. Our individual approaches to colour and pattern and the stories we tell through our homes means that the opportunity for creativity is never-ending. How we use colour can say so much about us – from the fresh greys and whites of a kitchen to the lively ochres of a dining room. A room’s decor articulates the environment we want to create and live in, as well as our own histories.

Choosing paint colours is one of the most exciting and a ordable ways to transform your home, with the ability to create di erent moods and emotions. Yet, the intricate nuances and interactions between these colours, as well as their response to di erent types of lighting, can make the process daunting and time-consuming.

Neptune’s new colour consultancy demystifies this process, bringing you the unrivalled understanding of colour held by their own design experts. Neptune’s edited collection of interior paints includes over 50 shades, and they add a new seasonal colour twice a year. They believe that colour is the bedrock from which we weave our stories, whether that’s the enveloping richness of shades like Constable Green, the pale refinement of Salt, or the uplifting joy of their new shade, Rhubarb.

HOW IT WORKS

Book your consultation

A consultation can be arranged online, or by calling or visiting your nearest store.

Initial briefing

Your chance to share your vision with your consultant and give them an idea of the shades and combinations you’re drawn to.

At home visit

Your consultant will visit your home and, at the end, give you a wallet containing swatches of the proposed paint colours for each room.

A custom colour plan

You will then receive a detailed plan outlining the colours, finishes, areas of application, and quantities.

Cost

For £200, you’ll benefit from a one-hour consultation at home, and expertly-chosen palettes for four of your rooms.If you’re looking for help with more than four rooms, it’s an additional £50 for every hour thereafter.

To book a consultation, visit neptune.com/colour-consultancy or call or visit your local Neptune store

“How we use colour can say so much about us and the stories we tell through our homes”

Beautiful handmade kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture designed and created in Oxfordshire, covering neighbouring counties

Beautiful handmade kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and other bespoke furniture designed and created by craftsmen.

A COOK'S KIT

ESSENTIALS FOR A WELL-EQUIPPED KITCHEN

HEAT UP STAUB

Cast iron distributes heat evenly and holds it for a long time, while Staub's tight-fitting Cocotte lid makes sure all evaporating moisture is dripped back on the food, resulting in juicy meat and tender vegetables, £259. zwilling.com

KNIVES OUT STELLAR

Stellar has just launched Poise, its most precision-led range of knives to date. The Santoku Knife has a scalloped blade that creates air pockets allowing it to glide through meat, fish and vegetables for clean, precision cutting, £35. stellar.co.uk

IN THE BAG ZWILLING

Sous-vide cooking doesn't have to be complicated. The compact and handy ZwillingEnfinigy sous-vide stick not only takes control of the water temperature and cooking time, but is also easy to use, £129. zwilling.com

5

ZEST FOR LIFE MICROPLANE

The Microplane Premium Classic Zester is a cult classic and the latest limited series of handles includes this stylish Ombre design. Why not match your zester to your outfit? £24.95. hartsofstur.com

ON TAP PLANK

Armstrong is a dynamic, compact tap design for the modern home. Shorter than other taps and designed to save space, it has an angular crane shaped neck and a contemporary silhouette, £139.95. plankhardware.com

LIGHT SOURCE

HOW TO ILLUMINATE

HANG IT UP

DAVEY

The industrial style Tiled Diner incorporates geometric bone china tiles set within a sturdy weathered brass frame, providing a unique statement piece to hang above a dining table. lightandyou.com

STAR GAZER ORIGINAL BTC

Alma is a collaboration between Original BTC and Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman. The shade features 41 hand-made holes which when lit look like little glowing stars at night, £549. originalbtc.com

WARM FRONT BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

The Georg Jensen Koppel hurricane candleholder emits a beautiful warm light on a balcony, decking or garden whilst in itself being an object of beauty, £121. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

SCHOOL DAYS MULLAN

The Schoolhouse Pendant Light Fitting, with its simple form, is produced in Mullan, Northern Ireland, in the historic "Old Mill" shoe factory, £375. bildenhome.com

CRIMP AND CURL

DAVID HUNT

The new Finchley pendant light is a versatile and pretty design combining style and function with a crimped edge opal glass shade and a classic antique brass fi nish, £150. davidhuntlighting.co.uk

TRAVEL

TOUR TO TUCK INTO

LYMPSTONE MANOR

Lympstone Manor is an historic Grade II listed Georgian manor house, creatively and comprehensively transformed into a contemporary country house hotel. Situated overlooking the mouth of the Exe estuary in the heart of Devon, it's also home to amazing cooking from celebrated chef, Michael Caines. Turn over the page to find out more.

UK Culinary TOUR

COTSWOLDS

One of the UK's most beautiful locations, the Cotswolds has numerous pubs, restaurants, farm shops and cafes which make the ideal foodie getaway. Their hotels are also well-renowned when it comes to high end foodie fare.

Burleigh Court in Stroud's Golden Valley is such a hotel. Burleigh Court o ers guests the ideal country weekend away, thanks to cosy bedrooms featuring four poster beds, a wonderful 2 AA Rosette restaurant and glorious grounds to enjoy.

Burleigh Court was taken over by its current owners in 2019, when they undertook a timetable of extensive renovations. At the core of their activities has been turning the property into the ideal country retreat. Thanks to the hotel's location in the heart of Stroud's Golden Valley guests can enjoy stunning views, and there are acres of grounds to explore.

Absolutely heads to some of the finest places to indulge in food and drink across the country - and where to sleep everything o

Rooms have been sympathetically decorated, with some enjoying grand four poster beds. Food is a huge focus at Burleigh Court. Serving a seasonal menu which champions local produce, much of the food served is grown on-site in the hotel's kitchen gardens. In addition to this, the hotel has its own apiary – providing ample honey which the team go on to both serve and sell. burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk

DEVON

Exmouth is home to chef Michael Caines’ country house hotel, Lympstone Manor. At Lympstone Manor hotel guests and visitors can enjoy a meal at either the Michelin starred restaurant and a newly opened, more relaxed dining option, the pool house restaurant. Michael has long championed the outstanding larder of Southwest England. It is Michael’s brilliant creativity allied with his global taste and vision that allows him to transform the seasonal and regional into dishes of rare precision, focus and flavour. In addition, in 2021 Michael opened Mickey’s, a casual dining destination on the shoreside serving delicious locally sourced food.

Exmouth is also home to the River Exe Café, a custom-built barge that floats well o shore

in the Exe Estuary. The restaurant o ers a wide range of locally sourced food and drink and is surrounded by amazing views and Darts Farm, a farm shop hut that has evolved into the unique lifestyle shopping destination it is today, with a working farm at the heart. In the restaurant, the chefs use the food hall as their larder, creating delicious seasonal meals. lympstonemanor.co.uk

CUMBRIA

From Cumberland Sausage to Kendal Mint Cake, Sticky To ee Pudding to Salt Marsh Lamb, Cumbria is a foodie’s heaven. Luxury boutique, Grade II listed hotel Rothay Manor in Ambleside Lake District is the ultimate countryside retreat for foodie lovers. With endless adventures on your doorstep, guests can make the most of outdoor pursuits – from hiking to foraging, discover the lakes, forest, and fells – before returning to the hotel for decadent dining in the 3 AA Rosette restaurant, led by Head Chef Dan McGeorge (who was named the Champion of Champions of the 2021 series of the BBC's Great British Menu). Dan was also recently awarded ‘Restaurant Chef’ at this year’s coveted Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. rothaymanor.co.uk

WALES

Abergavenny is a must-visit for all foodies. Near to the English/ Welsh border, it’s a thriving foodie spot, home to the Abergavenny Food Festival each September, which features some of the biggest names in the food world, plus the legendary Michelin starred restaurant The Walnut Tree Inn, with its charming cottages. There are also many wonderful independent cafés, like the buzzing Art Shop & Chapel Kitchen and the superb Angel Bakery.

The Angel Hotel is a former coaching inn built in 1829, which was acquired by the Gri ths family in 2002 and transformed into a contemporary hotel o ering warm hospitality and special touches to make guests’ experiences extra special.

The 31 bedrooms and four self-contained cottages have sleek contemporary furnishings, and the public areas feature bespoke furniture and original local art. Seasonal modern British food is served

“Abergavenny is a must-visit for all foodies”

MICHAEL CAINES

LYMPSTONE MANOR

THE ANGEL HOTEL

ROTHAY MANOR

in the formal Oak Room dining room and Foxhunter Bar, and The Angel’s impressive Afternoon Tea holds an Award of Excellence from the prestigious UK Tea Guild, with a dedicated tea sommelier on hand to guide you through the vast selection of quality teas. angelabergavenny.com

BERKSHIRE

The village of Bray is home to an unusually high concentration of top class restaurants, so has to make this list. Located beside the River Thames between Windsor and Maidenhead, fine dining in and around the village is exceptional. Bray is the only village in the world with two, three Michelin Star restaurants – The Waterside Inn run by Alain Roux and The Fat Duck run by Heston Blumenthal, who also has The Hinds Head Bray with a Michelin Star menu.

There are AA rosettes at The Crown Bray and also fine dining at Caldesi in Campagna (the country restaurant of celebrity chef Giancarlo Caldesi) and nearby Monkey Island Brasserie.

Located not far from Bray, Cliveden House is a privately owned five AA Red Star awardwinning hotel. Their story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous a airs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress,

Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of intrigue and glamour for the elite. Now, the Grade I stately home set upon 376 acres of beautifully presented National Trust grounds is a luxurious five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa. There are di erent restaurant options, but in the Cliveden Dining Room expect innovative, modern British dishes, fastidious preparation by Executive Head Chef, Christopher Hannon and his brigade, which promises immaculate finishes that shine through in each exquisitely crafted creation. clivedenhouse.co.uk

DERBYSHIRE

The original home of the Bakewell pudding, Derbyshire has an enviable range of fabulous food spots to enjoy – and there are some equally stunning places to stay to make the most of it. Located in possibly the UK’s most enviable natural locations, spanning two of Britain’s

outstanding National Parks, and set within The Duke of Devonshire’s country estates at Chatsworth and Bolton Abbey, Devonshire Boltholes is a collection of individual country properties. This superb collection features a range of characterful residences, including pretty chocolate-box cottages, traditional stone farmhouses, elegant villas and even a Hunting Tower, dating back to Tudor England, with views over the Chatsworth estate.

As well as their sought-after rural locations and historic character, the cottages provide stylish interiors to rival that of any of the group’s luxurious hotels, influenced by traditional country lifestyle, and classic interiors with a contemporary design edge, bring the ultimate in guest comfort.

The Duke and the Duchess take a great personal interest in the planning and decoration of the holiday cottages, and as such they reflect the traditional country lifestyle and homely feel, with a mixture of antique and classical furniture, sumptuous soft furnishings, original and interesting artwork and book collections, giving a ‘home from home’ ambience. Practicalities and comfort reflect the immersion of guests in the outdoor settings, and include boot rooms, heated floors, and drying racks, with many of the boltholes enjoying the ultimate in country comforts – an AGA range cooker and wood burning stove. devonshiregroup.co.uk

ROTHAY MANOR

THE DEVONSHIRE GROUP

CLIVEDEN HOUSE

Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor

Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles

The Gleneagles experience is oneof a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. With prices starting from £3,680 for a 2 bed, £4,630 for a 3 bed and £5,080 for a 4 bed for 7 nights.

Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR + 44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM

The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneaglesto provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may beobtained by contacted us via the above methods.

DOUBLE VISION

Cornish Gems o ers a handpicked collection of over 200 beautifully appointed properties. Here are two to whet the appetite

Cornish Gems is a leading independent holiday home company, based in Cornwall, trusted to deliver memorable holidays, in quality properties and incredible locations.

Two elements of their business has caught our eye recently: Extraordinary Gems (the portfolio’s very best homes, perfect for group gatherings and celebratory stays) and Eco-conscious Gems (a new collection for 2023), and we decided to visit one of each.

Starting with the Extraordinary, Molesworth Manor, located near Padstow, welcomes guests following an extensive two-year restoration which transformed the 17th century manor house into a luxury Cornish hideaway. Nestled in the attractive hamlet of Little Petherick, close to the popular coastal town of Padstow, the property is a beautifully appointed retreat, with eclectic interiors (designed by Woodford Architects) o ering a blend of contemporary finishes with character features. Sleeping 14 guests in seven en-suite bedrooms, each with its own signature style, the Manor also o ers a luxurious wellness suite – complete with two cedar clad six-seater hot tubs, a Finnish sauna, cold bucket drench, fitness studio and

relaxation rooms, and an open-plan kitchen (with a beautiful De Vol Kitchen). Then there is Bosavallam, a beautiful new luxury eco-build that sleeps two and is designed for couples, set within a Cornish orchard – a rural hideaway with impressive sustainability credentials. Bosavallam, which means house in the orchard in Cornish, appears as though it’s perched between the trees. The low-carbon design has a green roof, solar panels, its own filtered water from an on-site bore hole, electric car-charging, and a clever water source heat pump that cools in the summer and heats in the winter. The property holds a Gold Green Tourism award, there are on-site Cornish bees (with the owners harvesting their own honey), and guests are greeted with all locally sourced Cornish goodies and wildflowers, grown on site in the owner’s flower garden.

Large glass panels let in natural light and views of nature flood into the inside space. The interiors are a hand-curated mix of reclaimed and refurbished oneof-a-kind furniture pieces (sourced from local antique shops, or salvaged), teamed with luxury amenities and all mod-cons. And Bosavallam comes complete with an outdoor nickel rolltop bath, so you can soak alfresco admiring the nature all around.

See more at cornishgems.com

MOLESWORTH MANOR IS A LUXURIOUS ESCAPE

BOSAVALLAM IS ECO-CONSCIOUS

ENJOY THE NATURE AROUND YOU AT BOSAVALLAM

“Bosavallam is a luxury eco-build, a rural hideaway with impressive sustainablity credentials”

PHOTO: ELLIOT WHITE

BEST of all WORLDS

How the Algarve’s Four Seasons

Fairway brings together all the elements of a luxurious getaway

Four Seasons Fairways in Quinta do Lago is a true hidden gem, exquisitely nestled within the Ria Formosa nature reserve. What makes it so special is that they have brilliantly and cleverly combined the best bits of a villa holiday with the amenities and conveniences of a hotel.

Open year round, this discreet and elegant villa resort is home to 132 newly refurbished traditional style villas and apartments set in verdant landscaped gardens. Each seamlessly blends authentic Portuguese style with a modern and vibrant interior plus their very own pool or jacuzzi, terrace or garden area and outdoor BBQ/cooking station.

The stylish villas complement the resort's Clubhouse area, which is home to stunning heated indoor and outdoor pools, Kids’ Club, wine cellar, fully equipped gym, treatment rooms and an ingeniously designed indooroutdoor bar that sits alongside cosy areas for relaxing along with a spectacular fireplace. Crittall doors and windows are in abundance and have been skillfully designed and finished with a brushed copper e ect to reflect the traditional Portuguese ‘Cataplana’, an item of cookware used to prepare Portuguese seafood dishes. Handmade pendant lights using linked copper rings to emulate beehives hang throughout and have been designed to reflect the local area’s sizeable production of honey. The Clubhouse is also home to VIVO Bistro & Cocktail Lounge and Amara, an intimate restaurant where they have twinned sophistication and Portuguese traditions with contemporary cuisine to give guests an unmistakable and memorable experience. This month will see the opening of a brand-new outdoor terrace dining area at Amara – the perfect spot to take advantage of the long, warm, and peaceful evenings.

The area surrounding the resort is home to numerous championship golf courses and is a haven for those into the game, but also caters to those who aren’t. The resort is just a stone’s throw from the stunning Ria Formosa nature reserve, making it the perfect setting for walking, running, and cycling.

Four Seasons Fairways e ortlessly manages to cater for couples and families alike with guests and sta greeting each other like long lost friends. The warmth on display is palpable and is no surprise that guests return year on year – the love and attachment to the resort is clear with memories made spanning generations. And with 3,000 hours of sunshine and just three hours flight from the UK, the Algarve really is unique in that it o ers a truly delightful year-round destination.

FOUR SEASONS FAIRWAYS

offer seven nights in a two or three-bed villa or apartment with swimming pool or Jacuzzi from £1,300 on a self-catering basis –  fourseasonsfairways.com

EDUCATION

LITERARY STARS

Schools across the county often pull out all the stops when it comes to celebrating World Book Day. Inside this month's section, we have a special feature on how our children are being encouraged to read, with Emma Adriano, Deputy Head and Head of Pre-Prep, St George’s School Windsor Castle, leading the way. Turn to page 119 to read more.

ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL WINDSOR CASTLE

LITTLE TREASURES

Judith Backhouse, from Jubilee Gems in Padworth, on those special early years

Q In a nutshell, what do you o er?

A Jubilee Gems o ers a happy and caring learning environment where children are encouraged to develop and achieve their full potential. We believe every child is unique, with their own likes and dislikes, and distinctive experiences that makes them the child they are and will become. We celebrate diversity and the freedom to develop ideas.

Q How would you describe where you are based?

A We are located in the countryside in West Berkshire, with access to a large garden and within easy walking distance of our working farm and forest.

Q How do you make full use of the countryside around you?

A We take groups of children out to the farm and the forest on a daily basis. There is a short country walk to get to the farm, once there the children have plenty of room to run and play in a safe environment. A little further on is our forest, where we have a seating area with benches and tables where the children stop for a drink and snack before the fun begins. A short walk from there is our stream, where the children can play in the water with toys that are always there.

Q How would you describe the educational ethos at Jubilee Gems?

A We are all about learning by doing through real experiences. Children are given the time and space to explore, discover and use their imagination both indoors and outdoors in a language-rich environment.

Q What do you o er for the very youngest children?

A Our Baby Room has recently been refurbished, it is a light and bright environment for the babies to be in. There are two rooms, Tiny Twinkles for the youngest babies and Dinky Diamonds for toddlers. Tiny Twinkles has lots of sensory toys, which are set in di erent areas for the children to explore and feel their way around, learning new textures as they go. There is also a black and white area where the children are visually stimulated. Our Practitioners take the children out to the farm for walks and to visit the animals that are cared for there.

“We celebrate diversity and the freedom to develop ideas”

FUN ON THE FARM

Q What is ‘Sapphires’?

A Sapphires is our Pre-School group. The transition to Primary School starts in Sapphires. The children learn self-confidence and independence in this group, they learn through play and discovery which is all in line with the EYFS framework. They are encouraged to freely develop their interests in readiness for school.

Q How do you set children up for what comes next in their educational journey?

A The children are gently transitioned into school readiness, whilst still being able to have fun and play. As well as being fully equipped with the skills they need to start school, we pride ourselves on the emotion preparation the children receive.

Q Can you sum up a typical classroom?

A The classrooms are divided into di erent areas for each age and stage of development. Our learning experiences are engaging, led by children, and sprinkled with imagination and magic!

Q What have been the highlights for you in the school year to date?

A We have had many highlights, from World Book Day where we all dressed up as our favourite book characters, to celebrating Halloween and our Winter Wonder Walk, which is always a firm favourite with families. We also achieved a Review Score of 10 with daynurseries. co.uk, which was amazing for everyone here at Jubilee Gems. We strive to be the best.

Q And what’s still to come?

A Our Easter Bonnet Parade! We will be displaying our hats on 6 April, with gifts for every child and a special gift for the winners of the Parades. In May we have our King’s Coronation Party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, the final details of the party are yet to be decided, but we can assure a very happy party full of all kinds of fun things to do. In the next few weeks our forest will be filled with a carpet of bluebells, this is a spectacle that happens every year, the children love to see them and have their pictures taken sitting amongst them.

jubileegems.co.uk

“Our learning experiences are engaging and sprinkled with magic”

JUBILEE GEMS MAKE FULL USE OF THE OUTDOORS

WELL READ

Q Does your school normally mark World Book Day?

A World Book Day is one of many international events in our calendar. As a school that creates time each day for reading and a fantastic library, this day is a big feature for all the children at Horris Hill.

Q Do the children love these events?

A School celebrations are a much-loved feature on our calendar. On World Book Day this year, there was an impressive display of literary characters fromthe BFG, to witches and wizards on display. The sta were also dressed up, including myself who conducted ‘business as usual’ dressed as Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz! It was endearing to see the e ort that the entire community had made to create costumes for the day.

Q How important do you think reading awareness days are?

A As educators, it is our responsibility to encourage curiosity and instil a love of learning in our pupils. We aim to inspire

children by giving them freedom to explore their passions through reading a variety of media. A child who has a love for super-heroes may wish to read a comic, whereas a child impassioned by ponies may wish to lose themselves in a novel. The point is, encouraging children to read words in a variety of forms can help them to develop their vocabulary and understanding of language. Awareness events, such as World Book Day or a literary festival, give a fun and positive association to books and o ers an opportunity to open a conversation about literature.

Q How do you aim to encourage your pupils to read?

A Reading for pleasure is celebrated throughout school life as well as in the boarding houses. We have the most fabulous library, stacked full of literature, with both a study area and cosy sofas to curl up on with a good read. Our librarian runs a regular book review programme which encourages the children to review and recommend

titles to their peers and in promoting a love of words, we run declamations each year where children are encouraged to celebrate expression and feeling through speech. We encourage flair in our pupils by demonstrating excellence and one way in which we achieve this is welcoming visiting authors. Most recently we welcomed Simon Murray, author ofIcky Doo Dahbooks, who shared his love of books and character creation with our youngest visitors. Our older pupils were also visited this spring by Beano illustrator, Kev F Sutherland.

Q What does the rest of the school year hold in store for you?

A As a sta body, we identified three core values of Horris Hill, which underpin everything we do as a school moving forward: family, freedom and flair. We are a family school. Small, friendly and warm are hopefully three words you will hear often here. We seek to develop the character and the moral values of the children. Cross yeargroup playing is encouraged, from Lower School through to Year 8 children; with Year 8s happily interacting with the Reception class through reading each day. We strive to develop children with a sense of vocation and a desire to help others in the world.

As a school with fields that cover 65 acres, we support children to broaden their sense of self, independence and confidence in their abilities. This gives them a sense of freedom and builds their self-esteem.

On arrival at Horris Hill, a parent described to me how children at school express their flair. The word suggests originality, style and energy and these are qualities we nurture in all Horris Hill children. We welcome individuality and include a range of characters and ways of expressing yourself.

horrishill.com

Opening a special on schools and their approach to reading, Horris Hill School Head Rob Stewart discusses developing a passion for the written word

HORRIS HILL HEAD ROB STEWART

THE STORY CONTINUES

More from local schools about how they celebrate the joy of reading

IGNITING A LOVE OF READING

By Emma Adriano, Deputy Head and Head of Pre-Prep at St George’s School Windsor Castle

Reading is often something adults take for granted, as the learning process involved can quickly be forgotten. Many children find the task di cult, since the skill takes time, dedication and lots of practice. A quality amount of time spent reading is the fastest way for children to learn, yet so many young people find it uninspiring and a challenge to dedicate themselves to.

So how can we help our children on their reading journey? At school we looked into ways in which we could cultivate a genuine joy of reading amongst our students from

Kindergarten to Year 8. We made the decision to move the main school library from its previous, less accessible location upstairs, to the very heart of the school. The library computers were moved to another building so that the new library became a place free from the constant presence of electronic information. The room is light and airy even on grey days, benefiting from five large windows. Brightly coloured bean bags and a communal table make it a comfortable and inviting place to visit, play board games, socialise with other year groups or, most often, pick up a good book and read. Tempting displays are changed on a regular basis by volunteer library assistants from Year 7. And the result? St George’s children love books! stgwindsor.org

FESTIVAL OF IDEAS

Nikki Olhausen, from The Beacon School, on developing literacy and a whole host of other skills

We have developed a Beacon ‘Festival of Words’ week, which starts on World Book Day. The children have really been enjoying the Festival this year. We decided not to go with the usual dressing up for a change. We decided a programme of events instead so that all year groups had at least one activity on World Book Day itself and then at least one other activity over the week. On the day itself, we organised a school-wide ‘Drop Everything and Read’ and boys created their own concertina books based on Joseph Coelho’s ‘Step inside your story’ initiative. The Festival

THE LIBRARY AT ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL WINDSOR CASTLE

has also involved activities ranging from a dance workshop for our youngest boys to creating video shorts with our oldest.

Inspiring a love of words is a real mission. We are so keen for the boys to embrace literacy in all its forms, which is why we wanted to create a series of events to promote reading. We have had dance workshops for our youngest boys, Battle of the Books in Year 3, as well as a host of other activities designed to promote literacy. We asked for book donations which were collected by Ihezie Foundation, who send books to UK and African schools. Those in bad condition are sent for recycling. This was a really constructive way to get our school community thinking about books which they may not need or want any more that could be used positively by others.

We work on oracy and public speaking alongside our other curriculum focuses. For example, Year 7 will be taking part in a Victorian Waxworks event, where they take on the role of a famous Victorian and argue for their rights to stay in the museum rather than be melted down to make room for a more modern contender!

A fun way to practice rhetorical and persuasive writing and speaking skills. beaconschool.co.uk

IN CHARACTER

World Book Day 2023, Upton House style

World Book Day was first celebrated in the UK and Ireland over 25 years ago and the day has become a firm fixture in school calendars with the annual event creating excitement. How do schools keep this favourite event creative, fresh and impromptu whilst still fostering that great love of reading and books? At Upton House School they certainly did just that.

Broadcasting, now firmly embedded in the curriculum at Upton, was actively involved in World Book Day. They decided in advance to produce engaging footage that would be great fun for the children and make UHS stand out from typical predictable still pictures of children in costumes. They still did a few of those, of course, for social media and parents, but they wanted to inspire children to be creative with books and text using broadcasting. Their focus was demonstrating the breadth of approach to enjoying World Book Day, and celebrating books using video footage. They also had great fun with ‘Unnatural Pairings’. In Form 5 and 6, for example,

Mary Poppins met Horrible Henry; Mary Queens of Scots met the Cat in the Hat. Further down the school The Hungry Caterpillar met Mr Bump, and Shakespeare characters met those from the present day. The improvised chats between the characters from di erent genres and times was fascinating, invigorating, and fun. They then moved to assembling unselected characters to complete a story and perform a skit. None of these costumes were pre-agreed. It was quirky, hilarious and displayed a love of the classics throughout the whole school with shorts such as The Wizard Oz and Cruella. How could they then not take the opportunity to create ‘The Evolution of Cat in the Hat’ – a play on the Evolution of Humans. Assembling representative Cat in the Hats across the year groups, which included Form 1, 3, 5, 6 and a member of sta , the results were poignant and powerful. You can follow Upton House’s broadcasting adventures and more on their social channels:

facebook.com/UptonHouseSch

twitter.com/UptonHouseSch

instagram.com/UptonHouseSch/

NIKKI OLHAUSEN FROM THE BEACON SCHOOL

“The improvised chats between the characters was invigorating”

DRESSING UP AT UPTON HOUSE SCHOOL

Enjoy the journey

HELPING HAND

Not all children pick up reading simply, which is why charities like ABC to read in Berkshire exist

It's believed that one in eight children leave primary school unable to read well. ABC to read are working to change that. They train and support volunteers so that they can be placed with a local primary school and confidently work with children as reading mentors to develop their skills, build up confidence and encourage a love of reading.

In relaxed one to one sessions, volunteers read, talk and play games, gradually building up the child's confidence and practising the skills they are learning in class. Volunteers use ABC provided resources focused around the interests of the children to help them to develop a love of books and focus on praise and encouragement of what they can do and when they've tried hard. It is their goal that every child leaves every session with a feeling of success and looks forward to their next session.

What do they look for in a volunteer? It is important that volunteers have the following qualities: they must be literate, love reading, are able to easily relate to children, be a clear communicator, good listeners and understand they have a responsibility for safeguarding. ABC to read are looking to recruit new volunteers and looking to partner with more Berkshire schools to help raise literacy attainment by o ering workshops and 1-1 support. Find out more at abctoread.org.uk, or by emailing info@abctoread.org.uk or calling 0118 951 1336

GOOD HABITS START EARLY

All this reading is great, but it also means we need to keep an eye on our children’s posture. Step forward local business, Back in Action…

There’s an old adage: “Prevention is better than cure”. It’s true for all of us – and applies more the earlier you start. Children are blank canvases, and there is so much that parents can do to protect young spines. It’s not possible to stop them sitting for hours on end – it’s a pre-requisite of school, homework and television – but preserve vitality, movement and spinal health.

When observing children sitting, often we’ll see them ‘perched’ on the edge of a seat with their knees below their hips. This is intuitive, comes naturally and we believe passionately that this sitting position should be encouraged. Back in Action have spent many years working with children and scouring the world for the best methods and chairs to keep their own children, and their customers' children, healthy. The Varier Variable is Back in Action’s bestselling kneeling chair. It’s a beautiful chair and a good investment for a life of healthy sitting. backinaction.co.uk

“Children are blank canvases and there is so much parents can do to protect young spines”

BACK IN ACTION'S VARIER VARIABLE CHAIR

Quite the STORY

Looking at the many ways Berkshire's Dolphin School embrace the written and spoken word to create a learning environment like no other

Dolphin School is unique. It is a school where the core values of Freedom, Discovery, Challenge, Confidence and Kindness are lived out each and every day. Whether it is through their extensive and varied trips programme, their subject specialist teaching from nursery upwards, their lack of uniform, or the first name terms between students and teachers, Dolphin is a school that is di erent, and proudly so. Children are encouraged to be curious, volunteer their own insights and ask questions. Debate and discourse are actively encouraged as stimulae for learning. Whenever visitors encounter students in their learning environments, they comment on the genuine enthusiasm shown by Dolphin’s boys and girls, as they vie for the opportunity to tell guests what they are studying and what they have been doing. At the very heart of the school's educational philosophy is the belief that children learn best when they are happy and comfortable in their learning environment, whether in the

classroom, outside, or away on a trip. Children flourish in small classes, in an atmosphere filled with warmth and enthusiasm, where individuality is celebrated and relationships between teacher and child are cherished. They are not constrained to the classroom or bound by tradition, and strive to maintain a learning environment where children love coming into school and have the opportunity to learn at their own pace and in their own way.

Teachers here aim to promote a love of English through a range of activities and special events throughout the academic year (and often through the holidays too!). These include Roald Dahl Day, National Poetry Day, Non-Fiction Month, Storytelling Week, World Book Day, Shakespeare Day and too many more to name. They hold ad-hoc celebrations throughout the year, and are attuned to local opportunities, such as Henley Literary Festival. The highlight of the literary calendar, though, has to be the school's annual ‘Book Fest’, which is held on a weekend in May to encourage whole families to come into school to explore a pop-up bookshop, listen to inspirational visiting authors, and enjoy workshops together. This event is really unique to Dolphin and speaks to a core principle of reading for pleasure.

Between trips, visiting speakers and special events, there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ week at Dolphin, so it takes a lot planning and imagination to stand out from the crowd! Most of the children love dressing up, and the chaos of the annual World Book Day catwalk is testament to this, but they also make sure to o er linked activities for those who are not so keen, and to encourage conversations that go beyond outfits! All of their trips and events have a link within the curriculum and act as a springboard for or response to more in-depth and challenging conversations in English and Library lessons.

Standalone events such as World Book Day tend to focus the national conversation, and as a result act as a useful reminder for children, parents and teachers about the importance of books. However, they can only do so much, and as much as days like these are valuable opportunities to highlight the subject, it is equally important that they are not just gimmicks that mask a lack of enrichment elsewhere. At Dolphin, Year 3s rewrote and retold Beowulf as part of National Storytelling Week; Years 7 and 8 spent World Book Day o -timetable being ‘young reporters’; their Years 7 and 8s will be writing and starring in their own ‘reduced Shakespeare’ version of Julius Caesar when that celebration comes round. For the English department, the opportunity to run exciting events is just one part of the everyday job of making their lessons and curriculum rich and engaging. Competing with the more immediate endorphin release o ered by a screen is the modern-day challenge for English teachers across the country, and Dolphin is no exception. It is important not to present reading as a chore – or worse, a punishment! – but rather to encourage at all

times the development of an independent and individual relationship with reading. Children read at di erent speeds, and they enjoy di erent books at di erent ages. Sometimes they need a more familiar and accessible book to act as a warm and familiar hug; sometimes they are ready to take on a mental or emotional challenge. Dolphin are lucky enough to have a fantastic and inviting new Library, which o ers panoramic views of the school, comfortable chairs, and the encyclopaedic resource of reading recommendations that is their librarian, Kirsty. This helps to frame reading just as it should be: a privilege and a joy.

Dolphin has a tradition of dialogic teaching within the school, so speaking and listening skills are not just an optional extra here, but the lifeblood of teaching and learning across the timetable. Debate is formalised on occasion, but it is also how ideas flow, how perspectives are broadened and assumptions challenged inside and outside of lessons, they aim to encourage articulacy as the bedfellow of literacy, and also as a means of developing self-knowledge and self-confidence. Their Dolphin Project Qualification foregrounds these skills through the use of non-traditional means of assessment: a vlog, a performance, a TED talk, a pitch, a presentation, a lesson.

The students were very lucky to have a real-life journalist visit recently, so Year 6 are currently ‘mopping up’ the journalistic skills on show during World Book Day celebrations with an investigative reporting project; House Public Speaking is round the corner, with debates, radio broadcasts and poetry performances planned. Next term, Years 7 and 8 will be celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday, before turning their attention to their summer exams; Years 3 and 5 will be working across the curriculum on their DPQs; and all year groups from Year 3 upwards will be going out on residential trips.

dolphinschool.com

THE WONDERFUL NEW LIBRARY

WORLD BOOK DAY CELEBRATIONS

“Dolphin is a school that is di erent, and proudly so”

BOARDING ADVENTURE

Choosing to educate your child in a boarding school is one of the most important decisions you can make – and often it is a step into the unknown for both you and your child. Helping your child to build a realistic picture of what to expect, and encouraging them to develop their own strategies to deal with the practical, emotional and social aspects of living away from home are key to a happy and successful transition.

Boarding, at its best, is a holistic partnership between child, family and school – so planning ahead to ease the transition is a team e ort. Boarding no longer means staying away from home for weeks on end as there are exeats during term time, opportunities to phone home and family visits to school for events.

Reading through the school’s boarding handbooks well in advance will give your child a good overview of practical information – such as term times, boarding houses, daytime routines and sta . It will

also help them to build positive images ahead of their boarding adventure.

TASTER EXPERIENCES

Taster overnight stays are an excellent way to become more familiar with the school and will help them to form a firm idea of what to expect. At Heathfield, the incoming cohort is welcomed to a school sleepover in June where they join with current boarders and get a true taste of the structure of the school day, facilities, extracurricular activities and 24/7 pastoral care.

We also recommend that parents of girls about to start boarding contact each other to arrange sleepovers, play dates or lunches over the summer. This helps to establish bonds (and start friendships) prior to the start of term. While preparation is key, for many, the start of term is the first prolonged time away from family. Homesickness is natural. It is important to talk about this and help your child to develop strategies to manage these emotions independently, as well as knowing that they can talk with sta who

are on hand to help. Mindfulness activities such as reading, listening to music or simply enjoying their own space can also be helpful. Homesickness quickly fades with the excitement of engaging in so many co-curricular activities and realising they have a whole new ‘family’. At Heathfield, we appoint ‘big sisters’ – pupils who organise activities with new boarders to encourage friendships in a relaxed way.

A ‘CAN DO’ MINDSET

School

SARAH WILSON Headmistress Heathfi

Being able to self-regulate and manage their own time and belongings are skills that pupils need in a boarding environment. Help your child by gradually encouraging them to develop a ‘can do’ mindset. Skills to encourage include recognising when it’s time to get ready for bed (and understanding the importance of sleep). Creating their own checklists, packing their own bag for school/days out and understanding why it’s important to engage with those around them are also really useful areas to reinforce and develop. Promote resilience by resisting the temptation to ‘fix’ every problem for your child and, most important of all, remind them that great adventures lie ahead!

eld

“We appoint ‘big sisters’ – pupils who organise activities with new boarders to encourage friendships in a relaxed way”

The Headmistress of Heathfield gives her advice for preparing your child for the big boarding school adventure

EDUCATION NEWS

The latest news from schools across the county

Inventive thinking

More than 60 Year 6 students from St George’s School Windsor Castle, St. Luke’s Church of England Primary School, Maidenhead, and Hythe Community Primary School, Staines, came together last month to take part in the first Accenture ‘Kidovation Day’ to take place in a school anywhere nationally since before the pandemic. Organised and hosted by St George’s School Windsor Castle as part of their Schools in Partnership initiative, the event aimed to inspire the next generation of thinkers, inventors and creators through an immersive learning experience involving ideation, coding and prototype construction.

Working in teams throughout the day, the children followed the principles of design thinking to solve real-world problems, facilitated by management consultants from Fortune 500 company, Accenture.

“It was a real honour to host the first Kidovation Day postpandemic here at St George’s and to share the benefits of this with schools from our partnership,” comments Richard Wilson, Partnerships Lead at St George’s School Windsor Castle. stgwindsor.org

On your bike

Ride Chartridge, held this year on 14 May, is a fantastic cycling event that takes place on a picturesque route through the Chiltern Hills raising money for Chartridge Combined School. The event caters to all levels of riders, from experienced cyclists looking for a challenging 100km or 60km ride, to families looking for a fun and leisurely cycle. The event offers a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside of the Chiltern Hills while also getting some exercise and enjoying the company of other riders. A erwards riders and families can enjoy a family fun day at Chartridge School. Chartridge is a one form entry school divided into seven classes; Foundation Stage (Reception), Key Stage 1 (Years 1

In fashion

The next generation of fashion designers aged 11-18 claimed the catwalk at Heathfield’s legendary 2023 Fashion Show. This year’s theme was Primavera, marking springtime and the energy of new beginnings. A hive of creativity, the school has nurtured the talent of famous figures such as Isabella Blow, fashion editor and close friend of the late Alexander McQueen; Tamara Mellon OBE, co-founder of Jimmy Choo; model and actress Sienna Miller; models Amber and Tallulah Le Bon; and fashion stylist Charlotte Stockdale. A truly memorable night full of glitz and glamour, the show featured the boundless talent and creativity of Form 1 (Year 7) up to Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13 – A-level) students who posed, passed and walked on the catwalk as they showcased their stunning garments. heathfieldschool.net

and 2), and Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to Year 6). The school’s sport provision has been recognised with the Activemark accreditation, the Chiltern District Council ‘Primary School of the Year for Sport’ and a shortlisted nomination for Bucks Sport ‘Sports School of the Year’. They are also proud to continue to maintain ‘Healthy School’ status. ridechartridge.com

The Boodles

Reaching the grand old age of 21, this fabulous tennis event shows no sign of slowing down

The Boodles has, in recent years, made a habit of attracting some of the biggest names in tennis, while o ering guests the unique chance of an opportunity to get up close and personal with the players.

It is hosted within Stoke Park's stunning 300-acre estate in the Buckinghamshire countryside, perhaps the most pictureperfect setting in the English tennis scene. It also has an intimate purpose built stadium of only 2,000 and with no seat further than ten metres from the grass court, The Boodles allows you to be breathtakingly close to the action.

The Boodles is truly a unique event and the most lavish warm-up for The Championships at Wimbledon. It is a heady mix of high calibre tennis featuring Wimbledon stars, combined with a day of unmatched hospitality on the manicured lawns of Stoke Park’s 17th century estate. It has a fun English garden party atmosphere, with world-class tennis being played in intimate and beautiful surroundings. Whether a hospitality guest, or a stadium pass ticket holder, The Boodles is a wonderful experience and is the perfect opportunity to socialise in an exclusive fashion in the heart of the British Summer Social Season.

In 2019, the last time The Boodles took place due to the pandemic, players included seven of the world’s top 20 including stars such as Wimbledon Champion and World No.1 Novak Djokovic, World No.3 Stefanos Tsitsipas, Fabio Fognini, Grigor Dimitrov, Karen Kachanov, and Diego Schwartzman. Past players have also included tennis megastars such as Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.

Excitement is high as 2023 sees the return of this much-loved event, with event organisers ACE Group, alongside Stoke Park’s new owners, looking to further enhance The Boodles experience. Even though Stoke Park’s estate is still currently closed due to a major restoration project, they are very excited to be hosting The Boodles, which is taking place from 27 June–1 July.

In 2023 title sponsor, Boodles Jewellers, will return and display some of their finest pieces much to the delight of all the guests as well as stunning Patek Philippe watches. Hospitality guests will enjoy magnificent cuisine from award-winning chef, Chris Wheeler.

The Boodles host for the week will be the wonderful sports TV presenter Di Dougherty, who has hosted events regularly over the past 10 years and is always a huge hit with the crowds. Bring on the summer!

theboodles.com

why everyone is talking about…

DI DOUGHERTY IS THE HOST FOR THE EVENT

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS IN ACTION AT THE BOODLES

THE SETTING IS SCENIC