Absolutely Hertfordshire April 2022

HERTFORDSHIRE

Hertfordshire APRIL 2022

APRIL 2022

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PLUS SHOE IN The Broxbourne local who dived into fashion feet first CROCKERS TRING How the restaurant has bounced back from lockdown BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE With St Albans-based Pinkney Interiors

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents APRIL 2022

93 14

C U LT U R E AGENDA

The best April events in Hertfordshire

20 LAURA SEE

The Herts local wowing the fashion world

25 LOUISE GRIEW

On Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity

50

50 THE SHOOT

The SS22 collection from Luisa Cerano

58 ANISHA JOSHI

Informing us all about osteopathy

HOME & INTERIORS 86 INTERIORS NEWS The latest looks for your home

FOOD & DRINK 34 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

88 PINKNEY INTERIORS

36 CROCKERS TRING

93 RIBA AWARDS

40 RECIPES

E D U C AT I O N 106 PETS IN SCHOOLS

Foodie news from around the county

Bouncing back from the pandemic

How to make the most out of eggs

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 48 FASHION Q&A Why we are loving Laird Utility

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The Herts designer on why she loves renovating period properties

Inside the Criss Cross house

The furry friends helping children to learn

109 GLOBAL CONFLICT How to talk to pupils about war

A B S O L U T E LYH E R T F O R D S H I R E .C O. U K The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

O N T H E C OV E R Laird Utility's launch collection, photo by Bjorn Franklin (lairdutility.com)

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EDITOR MARK KEBBLE ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER KAI NICHOLLS MAGAZINE MANAGER HAYLEY LANT

Exhibits thoughtful, well-executed design and luxury

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 07861 994435 or email: hayley@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 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.

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22/10/2021 09:50

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JACKIE LADBURY

Welcome

The author Jackie Ladbury on a wonderful time of the year in Hertfordshire

THE EDITOR'S April issue highlights

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Fashion Q&A

S

pring is such a lovely time of year in Hertfordshire – a time of new beginnings and a chance to admire this wonderful part of the country.

I am not a native to Hertfordshire having grown up in Stone, Staffs, a similar market town to Ware, where I now live with my husband and two daughters – and I love it.

Walking along the river Lee and stopping in town for alfresco coffee without donning a huge winter coat and a face mask seems, to me, like the best freedom ever, and I am fully embracing it.

Happily, the UK is emerging from the enforced lull that was the pandemic and it’s great to see businesses opening up once more. I work part time for the family business, John Ladbury Kitchens, and thankfully we are all back up and running, and gearing up for a productive future manufacturing our gorgeous bespoke kitchens.

My other ‘hat’ as Jackie Ladbury, author, took more of a bashing in the ‘hiatus’ of life, as bizarrely, more time on my hands equalled less production. I could let whole days pass by naval gazing and my well of creativity dried up. Procrastination is still my enemy, but I am pleased to say that I am out of the ‘lull’ and currently finishing another historical romance novel, set in the reign of Jack The Ripper, and grappling with a series of airline based romances, which was where I first found my love of writing – as part of the air crew – whiling away the hours on a cold aircraft waiting for passengers, a whole other lifetime ago. Here’s to the future!

Introducing Laird Utility

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RIBA Awards

The Herts project that wowed the judges

Crockers Tring

How they have bounced back from the pandemic

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WEDOYOGA

The Herts business mixing exercise with activewear

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

ELECTRIC BLUE The wearable new collection from Stella Mccartney reflects her dynamic moods and ageless attitude – fluidly shifting between structure and softness, natural eccentricity and glamour, simplicity and complexity stellamccartney.com

COOL LIGHT Designer Arne Jacobsen created the table lamp AJ for the iconic Danish house, Louis Poulsen, and it's particularly fetching in blue. £735 nedgis.com

TEAL TINT These azure-blue octagon sunglasses are expertly crafted from acetate with matching, blue-tinted lenses. £350 swarovski.com

SKY VIEW The Textured Rib Polo Top in Sky Blue by Joseph is a slim fit style with a contrasting rib design that adds definition. £265 joseph-fashion.com

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

DIAMOND D AY S Dazzle with this stunner from Baker Brothers Diamonds: an 18ct white gold octagonal London blue topaz and diamond pendant. £795 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

BLUE PRINT TIME OUT Berry's Jewellers are stocking this stunning Omega Constellation Manhattan 28mm celestial blue dial ladies bracelet watch. £2,610 berrysjewellers.co.uk

OCEAN EDITION Dashel's bike helmets are stylish and sustainable; for every purchase from the Ocean Edition range, 10% will support valuable marine conservation work via Healthy Seas and the Seabin Project. dashel.co.uk

Dilli Grey's popular Bianca dress is back in cornflower blue for spring.

Created in collaboration with an artisan studio in Jaipur, India, it's hand-block printed on 100% organic cotton. £149 dilligrey.com

EDITOR’S PICK

PA S T E L P O W E R Saye's vegan trainers are bamboo-lined, organic and zero-waste, made from biobased and recycled materials.

We like the Modelo 89. £120 sayebrand.com

S I L KY TO U C H This new silk shirt from Winser London, designed to be oversized, is made in their soft luxe Mulberry silk fabric with a touch of stretch for ease of movement, and luxurious handle. £299 winserlondon.com

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Wedding Fair

3pm - 8pm Looking for inspiration?

You’ll find it here

To register please email: nadia@enfieldgolfclub.co.uk Old Park Road South, Enfield Middlesex, EN2 7DA

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C U LT U R E

H E NRY MOORE UNTIL 30 OCTOBER

This new show will present a fascinating insight into Henry Moore’s life and work during the 1960s, a pivotal decade in his career. The Perry Green location will feature rarely seen sculptures, drawings, graphics and a wealth of archive material to illuminate the innovation of an artist himself in his sixties, but at the height of his powers. henry-moore.org

HENRY MOORE WITH KNIFE EDGE TWO PIECE 1962-65 (LH 516) IN PERRY GREEN, 1967. PHOTO: JOHN HEDGECOE

Agenda 14 • Laura See 20 • Courtauld Polo Trophy 25 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

A P R I L ' S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

ART

Family Block Printing Workshop

TIM MOROZZO

6 April ST A L B A N S M U S E U M + GA L L E RY The artist Anna Ray uses simple block printing techniques in the creation of some of her artworks. In this workshop you will make stamps of different shapes to block print directly onto cloth. During the workshop you will have time to visit the Fibre and Form exhibition with Anna Ray when you have the opportunity to ask questions about her work. stalbansmuseums.org.uk

T H E AT R E

Dinner Theatre TH E MA LTI NGS TH E ATR E · 8-9 APRIL

Noah just wants a few things; he wants to introduce his girlfriend to his Grandma, and he wants to wow his Grandma with his culinary skills so that she’ll back off and let him live his life the way he wants to, but unexpected guests keep interrupting the dinner - and Noah doesn’t actually have a girlfriend, because he’s gay. Written by Laura May Price, Dinner Theatre is her first full-length piece and premiered at the Clapham Fringe in 2021. ovo.org.uk

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FA M I LY

Easter Activity Garden 4-18 April M A R LOW E S S H O P P I N G C E N T R E

A free Easter Activity Garden will be open in The Marlowes’ Centre Court, with craft workshops, free activity packs to take home along with an egg hunt with a Community Easter Egg Trail. Participants need to find the ten egg sculptures hidden around The Marlowes and unscramble the letters to make a word. themarlowes.co.uk

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CULTURE • DIARY

FA M I LY

Easter Fun Throughout April ST ALBANS Enjoy free family fun in the heart of St Albans throughout the Easter holidays, from innovative and exciting street theatre to fantastic comedy storytelling.

Booster Cushion will bring its travelling street theatre to St Albans on Friday 8 April, performing ‘Old McDonald and the Three Pigs Plus...’ It weaves the wellknown story of the Three Pigs with the easy to learn rhyme Old McDonald Had A Farm. Featuring a 5m wide book with 2m pop ups, bright colourful pages and lots of silly animal props. enjoystalbans.com

art

T H AT G I V E S B A C K A chance to buy a beautiful minimasterpiece and support a great cause – what’s not to love?

This April, London gallerist India Rose James will curate an extra special Art on a Postcard auction. All the money raised from the auction will be donated in support of the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

Here’s a little about some of the artists in this month’s edition….

DANNY FOX Fox recently hosted a solo show at Saatchi Yates with works revolving around the British coast and the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley. His paintings are charmingly folkish and playful in style, yet webs of reference and research are masked within.

ALMA BERROW

FA M I LY

THE WALLED GARDEN

Berrow has developed a significant following for her jubilant ceramics, which often appear as detritus left over from a riotous party the night before. Oyster shells, cigarette butts and receipts with scrawled love notes are commonplace in her delightful porcelain creations, beloved by Instagram influencers.

From 2 April T H E G R OV E Lined with rambling roses and fruit trees, The Grove’s secluded Walled Garden is opening for summer on 2 April. It’s the perfect escape on a summer’s day for their hotel residents and spa members. With plenty of activities, delicious dining options and a magnificent kitchen garden, you won’t want to leave this hidden gem. Visit their website for details of other Easter events. thegrove.co.uk

This Month’s Must See

ALMA BERROW

T HR EE WOMEN

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22-30 APRIL · ABBEY THEATRE

uzanne is getting married, and she’s invited her daughter and her mother to celebrate the night before the wedding. But it seems these three women have little in common – and a lot of emotional baggage to unpack. Actor and comedian Katy Brand explores modern-day dilemmas in this frank and funny exploration of what it means to be a woman, a mother or a daughter in the 21st century. abbeytheatre.org.uk

OLIVIA STERLING Sterling's vibrant paintings innovatively address questions of blackness and whiteness in contemporary Britain. Using an almost slapstick humour and a distinctively deliberate messiness, she creates a space to explore racial relations as they manifest in everyday interactions.

Auction runs from 7-21 April.

For further information visit artonapostcard.com

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PRE-BOOKED TICKETS DISCOUNTED FOR 2022

FUN-FILLED EASTER BANK HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Join us for some egg-stra special Easter fun with our shows for children aged 0-6yrs.

Sat 9 - Thu 14 Apr 10am & 11.30am Tickets £7

SPRING AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE, PARK & GARDENS

Meet some brand new characters and join in with the singing and dancing at our theatre in North London.

It's fun for grown ups too!

READER OFFER

Get 10% o ff tickets with code AHEAS22

Award Winning Artisan Chocolates An abundance of Easter Gifts to share with your loved ones, all hand painted, handcrafted and hand packaged by us. Easter Egg Boxes, Aztec Easter Eggs, Easter Bunnies, Chocolate Gift Boxes, Award winning Gooey Chocolate Brownies & Salted Caramel Truffles Boxes, Corporate and Bespoke all available.

Opening times Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday 11am to 4pm

Visit our recently refurbished shop The Old Bakery, 21a Water End Road, Potten End HP4 2SH

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CULTURE • EVENT

H A P P Y

return It’s third time lucky for the Todd in the Hole Festival as it finally prepares to welcome the Herts community in July

IT'S A GREAT FESTIVAL FOR LITTLE ONES

“We want to make sure that 2022 is our best year yet with something for everyone” EXPECT LOTS OF FUN OUTFITS

A

fter the disappointment of having to postpone for the last two years, Todd in the Hole Festival is looking forward to finally opening its gates again this July.

The Todd team have been working hard to bring a stellar line up to this year’s festival running from 15-17 July including The Killerz, Amy Winehouse – A Tribute, Wham George Michael Tribute, UK Fleetwood Mac, Rick Parfitt Jnr &RPJ Band, Wrong Jovi, Mused, Dave Pearce, Pat Sharp plus plenty more.

Ending the weekend in style on the Main Stage will be the legendary Martin Kemp and his Back to the 80s DJ set. Kemp has been selling out across the country and with a reputation for huge singalongs on this rollercoaster ride through a trailblazing decade for pop music, the Sunday night at Todd promises to be one to remember.

“After missing out on staging the festival at the last-minute last year we want to make sure that 2022 is our best year yet with something for everyone,” says festival co-founder, David Nye. “We can’t wait to enjoy fantastic music over a weekend to remember with our Todd festivalgoers.”

Continuing their support of Hertfordshire talent, Todd in the Hole will also give local musicians a platform to perform to a live audience. All this, plus the return of the Woods Stage, Buskers Stage, Vincents Stage, and a bigger and better Kids Arena to keep Little Todders entertained all weekend.

At the very heart of this festival, set in beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, is the local community. A community that has spent the large part of last year apart. What

better way to come together – to laugh, dance, drink and celebrate with loved ones.

This year, they’re delighted to announce that Todd’s charity partner is the East & North Herts Hospitals’ Charity based at The Lister Hospital. They’ll be helping them raise money for their ‘SafeSpace’ appeal, which is raising funds to create a SafeSpace for children and young people who arrive at the Lister Hospital due to their mental health. toddinthehole.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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‘ MIGHTY

MIZ IS STILL

REVOLUTIONARY

’

TM © 1986 CMOL

DAILY MAIL

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TUE 26 APR - SAT 21 MAY

ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes /MiltonKeynes | 0844 871 7615

*Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

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CULTURE • EVENT

S O N G S O F P R A I S E

NIC GREENSHIELDS AS JAVERT

“Everyone has something that they can relate to in the show, something that they have experienced in their lives” THE COMPANY

Q You’re both playing two of the most iconic roles in musical theatre, Jean Valjean and Javert in Les Misérables.

What’s it like taking on roles like these?

Dean Chisnall: I say it to everybody, this is the dream role for anybody in musical theatre. It’s the pinnacle for any male performer and I just feel very lucky to do it, and to have done it for as long as I have. I’ve now played over 500 performances as Jean Valjean, and it still feels as magical as it did the first time I stepped on the stage. I pinch myself every day.

Nic Greenshields: It’s a great privilege to play Javert. I first saw the show when I was in my teens, and to be doing it 25 years later is a huge honour. I try to bring out a different side to Javert, giving him multiple dimensions and making him more than just the baddie, showing a more emotional side to him.

Q What are your favourite moments in the show?

DC: I love Bring Him Home. I know it’s a song that I sing on my own, but it has always felt like a whole company moment. The rest of the cast are asleep on the barricades, so it always feels quite magical. I also love the absolutely iconic One Day More, with the whole company there. To be honest, the whole show is two and a half hours of pure magic.

NG: I absolutely agree, One Day More is such an iconic moment for everyone. There is no better way to end the first act of a show!

I always enjoy listening to Fantine sing I Dreamed A Dream, it’s a great number and I defy anyone to come and see it and not love that moment. The moments I have with Dean are wonderfully dramatic.

I love the opening with the prisoners, and the moment that moves me is the finale with Valjean and Cosette. It’s musically so beautiful and the lyrics are stunning as well.

ALL PHOTOS BY DANNY KAAN

As Les Misérables heads to Milton Keynes Theatre, we catch up with stars Dean Chisnall and Nic Greenshields to find out more

DEAN CHISNALL AS JEAN VALJEAN

Q Why do you think audiences still love to come and see Les Mis? DC: The messages of Les Mis are still so relevant. Everyone has something that they can relate to in the show, something that they have experienced in their lives. The show now is as fresh as it ever was, it’s a wonderful company that we’ve got here, and we’re delighted to be sharing it with people.

There is no show that has a reaction quite like this one. It’s the greatest show on earth.

NG: The music is definitely a huge part of it. The score is stunning and has really broken through into popular culture bringing it to a new audience. Ultimately, I think the show has remained so popular because of the themes. It’s a show about redemption and the human condition and everything that still resonates with us all today. We connect with the characters and become engrossed in the story and the beautiful music pulls everything together. It’s clearly a magical formula.

LES MISÉRABLES Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 26 April to Saturday 21 May. For tickets, visit atgtickets.com, and to keep up with the latest news from Milton Keynes Theatre, follow @MKTheatre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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“I always dreamt of creating a brand that represented my journey”

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

Ho v eEr A D H E E L S

Broxbourne-based fashion entrepreneur Laura See talks to Natalie Li about her fearless approach to becoming a luxury shoe designer B y N ATA L I E L I

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pproaching life with a new clarity after a great loss can seem impossible. For Laura See, the death of her husband Stuart in 2015 prompted her to take a leap of faith and realise her dream career as a shoe designer.

It’s not been an easy road, especially navigating a global pandemic along the way, but as we chat, See’s unrelenting perseverance and drive is evident.

Her shoe collection is a labour of love aimed at strong, fearless women, a mantra that echoes her own personal life. “I always dreamt of creating a brand that represented my journey,” she explains.

“I wanted to design a small collection of bold, original luxury footwear. The brand is aimed at making any woman feel fabulous no matter what age, shape, or size.”

See’s passion for design was embedded from a young age. “I always enjoyed art at school and studying artists like

Monet and Cézanne left an imprint on me. Painting on canvas was my passion and I always had the urge to do more.”

Creative desires were shelved, but left burning after See pursued a career working as a health and safety consultant for an interior design company. It wasn’t until her husband Stuart was undergoing cancer treatment in summer 2015 that See found herself sketching for escapism. “I started to paint, and I found a real creative outlet,” she says.

Sadly, months later Stuart passed away.

“I realised life is too short to live with regrets, so I took up a short pattern cutting course in 2016, but I wanted to bring together my love of painting and shoes - I have over 300 pairs!” she laughs. “I left my job and moved to Italy on a scholarship at Istituto Marangoni, a fashion design school in Florence, to design shoes for a year.”

Returning to the UK in 2019, See discovered that breaking into the shoe industry was a tough call. “I had such an amazing time in Florence and loved being around so many

creative people. I applied for scholarships in the UK and realised that I would have to work for free for a year. It wasn’t an option, so I returned to my old work and then lockdown hit in March 2020. It was now or never, so I started working on my sketches, branding and my tutor in Italy helped me to create my first mini collection that launched in May 2021.”

The result is See’s first collection, handmade in Florence, with sustainability at the heart of her creations – she only uses leather from the food chain, off cuts or previous season’s materials, and sources recyclable accessories where possible. Collections are kept small to avoid unnecessary waste.

She adds: “We recently received an ‘Honourable Mention’ in the 2021 Global Footwear Awards for our sustainability efforts, which was a great feeling.

I truly believe that buying quality, well made products from unique, independent brands is the best way to be sustainable. You pay more, but you are paying for quality that will last.’’

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

HER DESIGNS HAVE CAPTURED THE IMAGINATION IN FASHION CIRCLES

CREATING ONE OF HER STUNNING DESIGNS

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SHE LOVES HIGH HEELS, AS SEEN ON THE VIOLET SHOE

BROXBOURNE IS HOME

by in Hoddesdon and Cheshunt, See is confident that she can continue to grow the brand. “My family are shocked at how far I’ve come – navigating Brexit, lockdown and a global pandemic is quite something. They will be very happy to have a lifetime supply of free shoes!”

See also believes her late husband would have been beyond proud. “He knew I was determined and that I’d find a way in whatever I do. I think he would have been shocked at what I have achieved in the current climate and jealous of the fact that I lived in Italy for a year!”

The future seems bright, but what’s next for See? “I hope to collaborate with artists and accessory designers and hold more pop-up events. I’d like to be stocked in a little boutique in Hertfordshire or Primrose Hill in London or even own my own store. Reaching consumers in California, Australia and the Middle East would be amazing, too.

I’d love to see my shoes on A-listers like Reese Witherspoon, who is a strong woman, but seeing my shoes on any fearless, confident woman is the dream – that’s who I created these for.”

Laura See will be holding pop-ups at various locations over the next few months. Visit lauraseelondon.com to sign up and receive the newsletter and keep up to date with the latest events

LAURA SEE IMAGES BY @CHRISTINEHAVELLPHOTOGRAPHY AND PRODUCT IMAGES BY @THEMAKERSPHOTOGRAPHY+FILM

See’s vibrant autumn/winter collection, which features her original artwork printed onto Italian leather heels and flats, includes a mix of metallic leathers and suede – all perfect for date nights, weddings, and weekend brunches.

“When the first shoes arrived, and I saw my name on the sole, it was quite a moment. I realised I am good at this, and I love it. Seeing orders coming in and women spending their money on something I have produced is a great feeling.”

While Manolo Blahnik is recognised by his crystal buckles and Christian Louboutin by red soles, Laura See’s gold hummingbird at the bottom of her footwear is a logo to represent freedom, beauty, and determination. “It was really important to me that my footwear had a visually recognisable logo that symbolises what the brand stands for.”

As for her favourite shoe in the collection, See says: “I love high heels, so I wear the Esmeralda a lot in all the colours. The Stellula is also a favourite – a fantastic square toe pump perfect for day to night styling.”

See’s unwavering determination is already paying off and recently attracted the attention of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, wife of Hollywood star George Clooney, who recently requested a look book. Vanity Fair featured the Esmeralda shoe in their special Oscars edition – both proud moments for See. “It’s incredible to get the recognition for the brand that I’ve worked so hard on. Building a brand is scary and you’re fighting to be heard in an over saturated market, but it makes you fearless. Hopefully it’s all starting to pay off. I’ve gone for it, and nothing is holding me back. This is not just a side hustle, it’s like a full-time job,” she says.

The 41-year-old, who grew up in north London and moved to Broxbourne two years ago, is influenced by art, colour, design, and nature. Still working full-time as a health and safety consultant and building her brand means life is non-stop. Retreating to Hertford and Ware for long walks is a must. “It’s great living in Broxbourne as it’s a short commute into London for work, but getting back to Hertfordshire to enjoy the wildlife, trees and parks is a lovely escape.”

With supportive family living close

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TODDS GREEN, SG1 2JE, HERTFORDSHIRE

3 DAYS

6 STAGES 80+ ACTS

FRIDAY 15th July

KILLERZ AMY WINEHOUSE - A TRIBUTE

MUSED

SCALLYWAGS Cardinal Kings Highly Minogue

CLASSIC IBIZA AFTER PARTY WITH DAVE PEARCE SATURDAY 16th July

wham george michael tribute UK FLEETWOOD MAC The Bob Marley Revival strictly ub40 definitely could be oasis

ac/dc meanstreak INDI & THE VEGAS desert penguins James Robb

70’S & 80’S after party with pat sharp SUNDAY 17th July

Martin Kemp 'Back to the 80S' rick parfitt Jnr & Rpj band wrong jovi

who are you uk womEn in rock petty criminals

the great british elvis off roxy searle + steve young fIFTH WHEEL folk in the woods new kids arena amazing local talent on our buskers & vincent stages camping & glamping award winning food vip packages DISCO YOGA traditional fun fair plus more to be announced FREE BUS SERVICE Stevenage

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Todd’s Green 5

Las Vegas 5197

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Todd in the Hole Festival

2020 & 2021 TICKETS REMAIN VALID Untitled-1 1

10/03/2022 17:19

CULTURE • PROFILE

Q How long have you been the CEO of the Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity and why were you keen to be a part of their journey?

I actually started with the organisation as a trustee in 2018 when my predecessor was exiting the organisation and the trustees started discussing the skills required for the next candidate. As I listened and learnt more about the charity, I gradually realised I wanted to be that person as I believed I had the skillset and experience, plus the passionate ambition to take the charity to the next level. I truly believed in the vital work our specialist nurses do to support seriously ill children. So, I threw my hat into the ring alongside many other candidates and after a rigorous process, luckily, I secured the role.

Get to know…

LOUISE GRIEW

C E O, R OA L D DA H L’ S M A RV E L LO U S CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Q What kind of work does the charity do?

We provide specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children. For 30 years, the charity has partnered with the NHS to establish Roald Dahl Specialist Nurses who provide support for children with complex, lifelong conditions. We also provide leadership and professional training for our Roald Dahl Nurses, which they can take back into the trust for the nurses’ team to share experience, best practice, and learnings with each other, therefore enhancing the overall care these children receive. During Covid-19, we also launched our Marvellous Family Support Service, which aims to unlock benefits for the families of these unwell children.

Q Are there areas where you need to raise particular awareness?

The biggest area of raising awareness is of the charity all together. We are one of the best kept secrets in the health sector A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM

RICKMANSWORTH OFFERS PLENTY OF FUN ON THE WATER

“We currently have over 80 nurses supporting over 24,000 seriously ill children” and we need to raise awareness to gain more supporters and therefore help more seriously ill children. We currently have over 80 nurses supporting over 24,000 seriously ill children, but we know there are more than 100,000 children with lifelong health conditions out there and we want to do more.

Q What kind of initiatives are lined up for 2022?

On 12 May, it is Nurses’ Day and we will be launching our ‘Do Something Marvellous’ two-year appeal, which aims to raise the funding to establish seven new Roald Dahl Specialist Nurses in 2022 and 2023. Our first activation will be to ask the general

public to add a splash of colour to a digital Sir Quentin Blake illustration of one of our nurses. When it is all coloured in, we will have raised the funds for our first nurse.

Q Has the charity always been based in Buckinghamshire?

Although we have Roald Dahl Specialist Nurses throughout the UK, we have always been based in Buckinghamshire as we were set up by Roald Dahl’s widow, Felicity Dahl, and when Roald was alive, they lived in Great Missenden which is where they brought their children up.

Q How long have you lived in Rickmansworth and what do you love about it?

We have lived in Rickmansworth since our eldest was 9 months old, so about 14 years now. I bore people when they ask me about Rickmansworth and what I like as there are so many things! From being in such a good position for all kinds of transport links, the tube, Chiltern trains, motorways, airports etc; to having the beautiful aquadrome where we walk our dog. The kids grew up playing there and are now avid sailors (and volunteers) at the sailing club. Another huge bonus in my eyes is being so close to the countryside, whilst so accessible for London, which we love and where I spent many years commuting.

Q Can you pick out your three favourite

THE CHARITY HELPS TO PROVIDE SPECIALIST NURSES

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places in the area?

BLYM (sailing club) – big shout out as the people who run it there are amazing and

SWEET TREATS AT CINNAMON BAKERY

so welcoming. Cinnamon Bakery – yummy and irresistible bread and cakes. Dolce Caffe – French/Italian fusion and you wouldn’t believe from looking at it how exceptional the food is and how lovely the staff are, but it is and they are!

Q What are your hopes for the future of the Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity?

Whenever I meet a Roald Dahl Nurse, I am truly humbled, and the children and their families often tell me how they can’t imagine how their lives would have been without them. So, a very simple answer to what I want for the charity is to engage more and more supporters to raise more funds as we really believe every seriously ill child deserves a Roald Dahl Nurse.

Find out how you can get involved at roalddahlcharity.org Twitter @roalddahlfund Facebook and Instagram @roalddahlcharity

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Poggenpohl St. Albans 100 London Road St. Albans | Hertfordshire | AL1 1NX phone 01727 738 111 stalbans@poggenpohl.com www.stalbans.poggenpohl.com

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CULTURE • EVENT

Let’s play ball Looking at how the annual Courtauld Polo Trophy is making the sport accessible to all

I

t’s billed as the sport of kings and it’s no wonder; polo is not a cheap game to take up.

But organisers of the annual Courtauld Polo Trophy in Bishop’s Stortford want to show that there is much more to this seemingly elitist sport than meets the eye.

“Polo gets a makeover! We’re bringing together the best elements of polo with something for the whole family,” explains Alex Rayner, event organiser of this year’s showcase, which takes place at Silver Leys Polo Club in Hadham on Sunday 22 May.

B y N ATA L I E L I

“Whether you’re a polo aficionado or eager to learn about the sport, there is plenty of high-octane equine action and much more to keep everyone entertained. We want to make the sport accessible for the whole family. Of course, there’s plenty of traditional elements such as divot stomping, in which the crowds charge across the churned grass to reduce the risk of falls during play and allow the ball to travel further.”

Rayner, a former polo player himself who launched the event in 2018, and whose Argentine mother introduced him to the world of polo,

is deeply passionate about promoting the sport and making it accessible for everyone. “Winston Churchill once eloquently said that a ‘polo handicap is the passport to the world’ and we want to show how thrilling the game is and we are reinventing this year’s event so it’s bigger and better.

“There’ll be free polo lessons and the chance to learn about this gladiatorial sport – it’s a bit like football. There’s four players and two goals, but there’s so much more than this,” he adds. “Yes, polo has a reputation as a luxury sport, but it was originally played by British troops in India to hone their calvary A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • EVENT

IT'S A POPULAR SOCIAL OCCASION

HERTS WILL TAKE ON ESSEX AT THE EVENT

“It's a day out for anyone who loves the outdoors where you can enjoy watching the finest polo players we have” skills. It would be amazing to see more people taking up the sport.”

General entrance tickets cost £20 for the whole day, and for those seeking a luxury VIP experience tickets are £100 and include a champagne reception, a two-course lunch, afternoon tea and plenty of Pimm’s. Rayner says: “It’s been a roaring success in previous years and we’re expecting 1,500 general admission guests and 400 for the luxury VIP experience. It’s a high-quality event with incredible hospitality and a big nod to fresh, seasonal, local produce.”

Visitors to the event can expect plenty of action from the country’s top polo players in the Prestige County Challenge Trophy as Essex and Hertfordshire polo players fight it out.

The annual Courtauld Schools Trophy, named after Rayner’s philanthropic grandmother Elizabeth Courtauld, will

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see Felsted vs Bishop’s Stortford and Queenswood vs St. Edmunds galloping head-to-head in another series of fast-paced matches. The evening will feature all female teams battling it out to take home the Ladies Trophy.

BBC Radio 5 Live’s Johnny Barran will commentate on the live action while DJs, bands, bouncy castles, slides, and crazy golf, plus a live performance from pop pianist Zoe Alexandria, will keep guests enthralled.

“It will be an incredible day out with a twist,” Rayner adds. “The RAF skydiving team are parachuting in to drop the Prestige trophy into the venue along with the match ball – both will be presented to our chief umpire. There’ll be a race between a horse and a Lamborghini – will four wheels beat four legs?

“It’s a day out for anyone who loves the outdoors, it’s designed before

IT'S A DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

the end of term craziness and the start of summer celebrations. A real chance to enjoy what we do best in Britain and enjoy watching the finest polo players we have in the land.” courtauldpolo.com

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FOOD & DRINK

BIG HITTER CENTURION CLUB

Dining at Centurion offers guests a warm, welcoming and informal setting in elegant surroundings. Against the backdrop of the 18th Green, the restaurant, terrace and private dining room provide guests with stunning views and a menu to match. Turn the page to read about a very special wine offer available at the restaurant through April and May. centurionclub.co.uk

Food News 34 • Crockers Tring 36 • Recipes 40 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

IN THE spirit Gin recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest launches and news from across Hertfordshire

By MARK KEBBLE

By PUDDINGSTONE DISTILLERY

Campfire Cask Aged Gin 70cl 43% ABV  £40 Forget any preconception about cask aged spirits. This is not smoky, it’s not woody, it’s simply delicious. Ten botanicals underpin a gin that draws its pale golden hue, soft fruity bourbon notes, hints of caramel and a lingering vanilla palate from the meticulously selected American Oak casks.

Campfire Old Tom Gin 70cl 45% ABV  £38 In considering how an 18th century rural distiller might approach the creation of an ‘Old Tom’ gin, one of the oldest gin styles, we’ve used fragrant botanicals that would have been available regionally; chamomile, malted barley combined with spice and lemon citrus deliver notes of sweetness.

Campfire Navy Strength Gin 70cl 57% ABV  £44 Launched to critical acclaim, the rich mouthfeel and sumptuous full-bodied flavour of this exceptionally smooth Navy Strength gin belies its higher strength.

This is packed with juniper and excels in all applications, from a bold gin and tonic through to a classic gimlet cocktail. Anchors away.

The Campfire Gin range is distilled by founders and operators, Ben and Kate Marston, at the multi-award winning Puddingstone Distillery in Tring, Hertfordshire.

Alongside the four strong Campfire Gin range the distillery also produces seasonal varieties and special editions in support of conservation and wildlife projects.

puddingstonedistillery.com

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Raise a glass CENTURION CLUB

Light filled and elegant with stunning views and a great menu to match, Dining at Centurion invites guests to relax, celebrate and socialise. During April and May they are offering Absolutely Hertfordshire readers a complimentary bottle of wine with dinner.

Available for tables of four, Wed to Fri from 1 April to 27 May. To make a booking call 01442 510520 and quote ‘Absolutely’ Additional complimentary bottles available for multiples of 4 adult diners, up to a maximum of 12 adults. Offer subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other offer nor redeemed using gift vouchers.

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25/03/2022 16:36

FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

CHOCS AWAY Easter picks to help you indulge

YVETTE’S C H O C O L AT E S

Family feast SOPWELL HOUSE

Head to Sopwell House with all the family for a three-course Easter Sunday lunch, freshly prepared by their talented chefs in the relaxed atmosphere of their brasserie. Expect the finest cuts of meat with all the trimmings, following a delectable starter and ending with a tantalising pudding. Available on Sunday 17 April 2022, priced at £39.95 per person and under 12s £19.95.

To book call 01727 864477 or email enquiries@sopwellhouse.co.uk

ART ON A PLATE SUSHI

Sushi is The Grove’s newest dining experience. The menu is freshly prepared by expert sushi chef, Christian Sta Maria, whose passion for sushi blossomed from his appreciation for Japanese cuisine. Skilfully made with intricate detail, the sushi creates a truly unique experience, whether you opt for sushi rolls, crispy nigiri or a little bit of everything to share. thegrove.co.uk

Bunnies in chocolate, hand decorated delicious chocolate eggs, mini chocolate eggs...

Yvette's signature chocolate egg boxes feature milk, dark, white, strawberry and caramel eggs each painstakingly hand painted. Drop in and get all your Easter treats. yvetteschocolates.com

FOOD

S E AS O N I N G THE IVY ST ALBANS BRASSERIE

EMMY’S BRIGADEIRO Give the gift of chocolate perfection with a Brazilian twist this Easter. Available in dark, milk, cocoa, white or strawberry chocolate and for nut lovers, milk chocolate with hazelnut, cocoa with walnut, pistachio, coconut or almond. emmysbrigadeiro.com

Launching on the official first day of spring, diners at The Ivy St Albans Brasserie will be able to enjoy a series of seasonal favourites that showcase the best of British ingredients. The new menu will feature a number of artisanal British suppliers, all truly capturing the essence of the changing seasons. theivystalbans.com

Have your cake LO L A’ S C U P CA K E S

This Easter, cake connoisseurs Lola’s Cupcakes and trail-blazing chocolatiers Tony’s Chocolonely are joining forces. Together they are united on a mission to create the most delicious chocolate and cake, whilst being a force for good when it comes to people and the planet.

The limited-edition Lola’s X Tony’s range includes both a selection of tasty cupcakes, in regular and tiny form, and an indulgent celebration cake. lolascupcakes.co.uk

ST ALBANS C AT H E D R A L As well as a host of services across Easter weekend, do leave some room to try the Alban Bun. It is said that the Alban Bun, the precursor to the famous Hot Cross Bun, was created in St Albans by a 14th Century Monk at St Albans Abbey. stalbanscathedral.org/the-alban-bun A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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25/03/2022 10:11

HEAD CHEF SCOTT BARNARD

B AC K W I T H A

BANG

Luke Garnsworthy, founder and CEO of Crockers Restaurant Group, on how the Tring site is fighting back after the enforced closures during lockdown

By MARK KEBBLE

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25/03/2022 10:13

FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

THE CHEF’S TABLE IS PURE THEATRE

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any of us missed the freedom to pop along to our local restaurant for some proper food during the various lockdowns, but it wasn’t just what was on the plate that was yearned for – it was the theatre that some of the very best establishments put on for their guests. Establishments like Crockers Tring, who seem keen to make up for lost time.

Speaking to Crockers Restaurant Group’s founder and CEO, Luke Garnsworthy, the scars of lockdown are still very much in evidence – “Recruitment is still hugely challenging,” he says on one aspect causing consternation – but they are doing everything within their power to give guests a meal to remember. As Garnsworthy says: “We try to offer the best, unique dining experience delivering a high level

THE CELLAR BAR

of guest experience in a very relaxed manner. I really dislike the standard, stiff ‘fine dining’ experience, so we want people to feel like they’re in our home.”

Saying that, not many of us have a head chef of the calibre of Scott Barnard rustling something up in the kitchen. “Scott is classically trained in French cookery and he applies these techniques to stunning, seasonal produce,” Garnsworthy explains, something that will be evident with the new season fast approaching. “Spring is a restaurant’s favourite season. Asparagus, Jersey royals, and beautiful wild mushrooms like morels are just coming to life. Scott has a very exciting new quail dish coming on the menu soon with stunning British asparagus.

“Scott has carved out a bit of a signature with his take on a Caesar salad,” Garnsworthy continues. “It started when he was on Masterchef the Professionals in 2015 with a lamb Caesar. He cooked lamb rump with roasted gem lettuce, the most amazing Caesar sauce and some stunning hard cheese. His bread is also a huge hit, especially with his marmite butter.

Scott stopped doing the marmite butter recently, but all the regulars ask for it.”

The menu and these little quirky touches

by Barnard are reason enough to visit the Tring restaurant, but the aforementioned theatre is also a key part of what they offer. Take their Chef’s Table experience, for example. “You can expect a level of interaction and experience not seen anywhere else for miles,” Garnsworthy builds the hype. “Every guest gets a great view of the kitchen with the chefs plating up right in front of them. The chefs and front of house then serve the food, meaning guests get unrivalled access to the superstars that

“I dislike the standard, stiff fine dining experience.

We want people to feel like they’re in our home” are cooking for them. They can expect the very best food served alongside carefully curated wines and drinks. Guests can most definitely expect to have a laugh as well. We put huge emphasis on food being fun. You don’t need to sit in silence, in a suit, to enjoy great food and wine. Our experiences are accessible to everyone.”

There’s also Downstairs at Crockers Tring, which features eight individual tables that each seat two to four covers, where Barnard creates a “taste of the chef’s table” mini tasting menu, and the site also has the Cellar Bar. “The vision for that is a secret hidden, almost speakeasy style bar,” Garnsworthy smiles. “It’s a perfect space to relax and enjoy proper cocktails, spirits, wine and local beer. We take as much pride in our drinks offering as we do our food.”

The Crockers Restaurant Group last year launched a site in Henley, which shows the confidence they have in their product to open in the middle of a pandemic.

The Tring location highlights why they should be so confident, and is everything we missed about the restaurant scene during lockdown. Welcome back.

CROCKERS TRING 74 High Street, Tring, HP23 4AF 01442 828971 tring.crockersuk.com

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FEAST ON EASTER Be inspired by colourful essentials for Easter baking, roasting and gifting.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU VISIT A LE CREUSET STORE • BESPOKE CUSTOMER SERVICE • EXCLUSIVE PRODUCT RANGES AND OFFERS • PRODUCT EXPERTISE AND AFTERCARE • FREE DELIVERY OVER £50 • LOYALTY REWARDS • FREE RECIPE CARDS CALL & DELIVER | PAY BY LINK | FREE UK DELIVERY WHEN YOU SPEND £50 OR MORE | CONTACT THE STORE FOR MORE DETAILS LE CREUSET FULHAM ROAD, 156 FULHAM ROAD, LONDON. SW10 9PR. TEL: 0207 3707509 • E-MAIL: FULHAMROAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET HAMPSTEAD, 31 HEATH STREET, LONDON. NW3 6TR. TEL: 0207 4356109 • E-MAIL: HAMPSTEAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET ISLINGTON, 137 UPPER STREET, LONDON. N1 1QP. TEL: 0207 2261595 • E-MAIL: ISLINGTON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET MARYLEBONE, 6 NEW CAVENDISH STREET, LONDON. W1G 8UH. TEL: 0207 4865404 • E-MAIL: MARYLEBONE.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM

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LE CREUSET MUSWELL HILL, 74 MUSWELL HILL BROADWAY, LONDON. N10 3RT. TEL: 0208 8834394 • E-MAIL: MUSWELLHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET NOTTING HILL, 54 LEDBURY RD., NOTTING HILL, LONDON. W11 2AJ. TEL: 0203 2200017 • E-MAIL: NOTTINGHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET ST. ALBANS, 27 MARKET PLACE, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE. AL3 5DL. TEL: 01727 850453 • E-MAIL: STALBANS.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET WIMBLEDON, 4 CHURCH RD., WIMBLEDON VILLAGE, LONDON. SW19 5DL. TEL: 0208 9440624 • E-MAIL: WIMBLEDON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM

11/03/2022 14:26

FOOD & DRINK • Q&A

the N E X T C O U R S E Punit Shah, of Cooks Boutique in Letchworth, on why they are taking things further in the kitchen

“We have always wanted to include an interactive experience and what better way to do that than through cooking?”

Q What is the history behind Cooks Boutique?

A Our brand was first established in 2013, with the original concept of providing durable kitchenware online. We started off with the aim to bring both stylish and useful kitchenware into people’s homes.

As the brand kept developing, we opened our first flagship store in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire. We now stock some of the biggest brands in cooking such as Smeg, KitchenAid, Dualit, Circulon and many more. We currently have over 2,500 items in store and are adding more every day.

Q What can we expect from Cooks Boutique Cookery School?

A We will be providing a range of different classes, based on exposure to different cuisines. To achieve this, we will be hiring several specialized chefs. We will also be including classes tailored to vegetarians and vegans. There will be lessons running during weekdays, weekends, and evenings to fit around our customers’ schedules.

The duration of the classes will vary from full days, half days or evenings.

Q How did the idea for the cookery school come about?

A The idea to have a cookery school originated before the opening of our store in Letchworth. We have always wanted to include an interactive experience for our customers and what better way to do that than through cooking? On top of the cooking lessons, we will be teaching knife skills, cake decorating, pastry making and general restaurant hacks for our customers to learn from.

Q Is the school open to everybody?

A Yes! We are making sure that our classes

are available for everyone. This will be achieved by tailoring the experience to suit our customers’ requirements.

Our kitchen is wheelchair accessible, and we will be providing classes suited to specific age groups, sensory friendly activities, one on one lessons, budget friendly lessons and more.

Q What is your favourite dish to cook?

A We couldn’t possibly pick a favourite!

Here at Cooks Boutique, we all originate from different backgrounds across the world. This has influenced our decision to include a range of different cuisines in our culinary school.

Q What is the hottest kitchen trend at the moment?

A Our kitchens are now more than ever before a multi-functional living space.

After lockdown, our kitchen turned into our offices, family meeting and social hubs and schools. Due to this change in function, our kitchenware trends focus on sustainable products that keep their aesthetic appeal and have a long lifespan.

We are also noticing our customers being more interested in eco-friendly, ethical products and anything that can remind them of the beauty of our countryside.

cooksboutique.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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25/03/2022 11:06

Three ways with eggs from Clarence Court

GOOD

eggs

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

White chocolate blondies

with pecans & cranberries Makes 12–16

Why do brownies get all the attention?

Blondies are just as delicious and easy to make! Try our fruit and nut version with extra white chocolate – for good measure.

Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 30 mins

INGREDIENTS • 120g unsalted butter • 250g soft light brown sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence • 1 Clarence Court duck egg • 1 lemon, zested and finely grated • 200g self raising flour • Pinch of sea salt • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • ½ teaspoon ground ginger • 50g pecans, chopped • 50g dried cranberries • 100g white chocolate, chopped into chunks plus 30g extra for melting and drizzling • 50g caramelised white chocolate, chopped (optional) • A small handful of fresh raspberries (optional)

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 175°C/155°C fan. Grease and line a 20x20cm square cake tin.

2 Melt the butter in a medium sized saucepan, then stir in the sugar and vanilla essence. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes then whisk in the egg and lemon zest. Fold in the flour, salt, cinnamon and ginger. Stir in the chopped pecans, cranberries and chocolate then spoon into the prepared cake tin.

3 Gently press the chopped caramelised white chocolate and fresh raspberries into the blondie mix. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until just set with a light crust on top. Allow to cool in the tin placed on a cooling rack, then cut into pieces and serve. Drizzle over a little melted white chocolate if you fancy.

Ultimate Steak & Egg Sandwich Serves 2

(with extra sauce to keep for a week)

Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? Juicy steak and glorious, runny fried eggs make such good bread fellows – especially when paired with rich melted cheese and a punchy, herby chimichurri sauce.

We’ve taken the joy of a classic steak sandwich to new, heavenly heights.

Prep time: 5 mins + 30 mins freezing Cook time: 10 mins

INGREDIENTS • 1 large sirloin steak • 1 large bunch of parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped • ½ bunch of coriander, leaves picked and finely chopped • 200ml vegetable oil, plus a little extra for frying • 100ml red wine vinegar • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • Unsalted butter • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 50g mozzarella, grated • 50g provolone, grated

• 2 Clarence Court Old Cotswold Legbar eggs • 2 demi baguettes or large submarine rolls • A handful of fresh rocket leaves

METHOD 1 Trim the fat from the steak, place into a sandwich bag and pop into the freezer for 30 minutes (this helps to tense the meat so it's much easier to thinly slice.) Meanwhile, to make your chimichurri sauce, finely chop the parsley and coriander, if you haven’t already. Place into a bowl and combine with the vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, chilli, garlic and oregano. Cover and allow the flavours to infuse.

2 Once the steak has had its time in the freezer, take it out of the bag and slice as thinly as you can. Preheat the grill to high and place a large frying pan on a medium-high heat. Halve the baguettes, butter them, and place on a baking tray cut side up. Toss the steak in a little vegetable oil and add to the hot pan. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly crisp on the outside and just cooked in the centre.

Arrange the steak on the cut halves of baguette and scatter the cheese over evenly, leave to one side whilst you fry the eggs to your liking (sunny side up is our favourite for this.) Place the tray of baguette halves under the grill for 2 minutes or so to melt the cheese and toast the bread. Remove from under the grill, drizzle over enough chimichurri sauce to taste. Crown with an egg each, drizzle over more sauce and finish with fresh rocket.

Sandwich together and devour!

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METHOD

INGREDIENTS

California Sunshine Salad Serves 4

Salads are an absolute joy and this is no exception. Inspired by the produce of California, it’s full of sunshine and freshness.

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 10 mins

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• 4 Clarence Court Old Cotswold Legbar eggs • 300g quinoa • 50g blanched almonds • Juice of 2 limes • Juice of 1 orange • 1 pomegranate • 1 small bunch of coriander, finely chopped • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 40ml walnut oil • 125g soft goat's cheese • 1 ripe avocado, quartered and destoned • 4 ripe apricots, halved and destoned • 30g selection sprouts • Flatbreads and hummus, to serve

1 Softly boil the eggs to your liking, cool in iced water and peel. Cook and cool the quinoa according to the packet instructions, then tip into a large mixing bowl. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan and place the almonds on a small baking sheet.

Roast the almonds for 5 minutes or until golden, then remove from the oven and allow to cool.

2 Tip the lime and orange juice into a jam jar. Halve the pomegranate and squeeze the juice out of 1/2 through your hands into the jar. Add most of the chopped coriander, season and top up with 40ml walnut oil. Shake well and tip half over the quinoa and mix.

3 Griddle the avocado and apricots until lightly softened and charred.

Crumble the goat's cheese.

4 Roughly chop the almonds and mix most into the quinoa along with the goat's cheese and pomegranate seeds, leaving a few to finish. Spoon onto a large platter. Halve the eggs and arrange them on top with the avocado and apricots. Spoon over more dressing. Sprinkle over the remaining coriander, almonds, pomegranate seeds and finish with the sprouts and a pinch of salt.

5 Serve with flatbreads and hummus then revel in the fresh Californian vibes.

Recipes featured in Eggstravganza, Clarence Court’s first cookbook available online at clarenceboutique.co.uk RRP: £20

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Dining at Centurion Club An exceptional dining experience offering a menu of the finest, freshest, seasonal ingredients prepared to perfection by Head Chef, Calvin Hill A La Carte | Sunday Lunch Private Dining | Afternoon Tea

Make a reservation 01442 510520 | dining@centurionclub.co.uk

Hemel Hempstead Road St Albans

centurionclub.co.uk

CAMPFIRE GIN

From the Distillery of the Year 2021 The multi-award winning gin range to share with friends at home, in the bar or around the campfire.

Visit our distillery and shop on Fridays & Saturdays 9.30am to 5pm FREE delivery on orders over £50 at puddingstonedistillery.com Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4NT

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What other class of gin did you expect to see gracing these pages?

Justifiably extravagant.

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FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS MR HOBBS 150 GIN WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE HENLEY FESTIVAL

“Mr Hobbs 150 gin won a silver award at the IWSC in 2021”

Drink IT IN

Mr Hobbs Gin has been announced as one of the sponsors of the Henley Festival, so there’s no better time to revisit its tasty past

T THE HENLEY FESTIVAL IS ONE OF THE AREA'S HOTTEST EVENTS

he 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’’. Today they are very proud to share their cherished family tipples with you and raise a glass to their Henley heritage.

The Hobbs story begins in 1870 when Mr Harry Hobbs founded Hobbs and Sons (now Hobbs of Henley). Harry was renowned locally for his flamboyant beard and mischievous nature, and he was often seen on the river around 11am on his punt enjoying a gin.

Frequently spotted sipping from his wood rimmed drinking flask, Mr Hobbs was forever throwing river parties along the banks of the River Thames in Henley or hiring his boats out for members of the public to throw their own shindig.

They recently launched their awardwinning Mr Hobbs 150 London Dry Gin

to mark their 150th anniversary of the family boating business, Hobbs of Henley, based in Henley on Thames. 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, and in 2021 won a silver award at the IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition).

Mr Hobbs 150 will be available at all the Henley Festival bars for everyone to enjoy for this very special anniversary event running from 6-10 July. Henley Festival is an exclusive boutique black tie festival celebrating the best of UK and international music and arts. The festival is a truly unique event, embracing a vibrant programme from pop to world music, classical to jazz, where art and gastronomy share equal billing with music.

The festival organisers are as passionate about making a difference, as they are creating the best ingredients for their festival year on year – as a team – striving to merge great music, food, comedy and art into unique experiences that create unforgettable memories for guests. They never lose touch with the reason why they set the festival up in the first place – to give others the support and opportunity to feel special too. We will certainly raise a glass of Mr Hobbs 150 to that. mrhobbsgin.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FA S H I O N

HIGH LIFE JORI PAPA

Designing shoes as a unique piece of art is at the heart of Jori Papa.

From structured heels to modern shapes, Jori’s designs are for the bold woman who does not recognize herself in classic styles and wants to stand out. Jori’s muse feels fearless in expressing herself through the way she dresses and dares to play with colour and texture. joripapa.com

Laird Utility 48 • The Shoot 50 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Q&A

P E A K

PR ACTICE Hertfordshire-born Laird Utility is an offshoot of the hugely popular Laird Hatters. We chat to co-founder Alex Torun to find out more

By MARK KEBBLE

Q What is your background in fashion?

A I've always loved fashion and styling.

Q When did Laird Utility launch and what inspired it?

A It launched in December 2021, and we have always wanted to do it. In lockdown we designed the collection and were able to make it because we had the rare time to design and produce it. It was inspired by the Utilitarian, military wear and workwear of the 30s, 40s and 50s and all the old movies I used to watch as a kid.

The way they wore it was very cool and

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LIFESTYLE SHOTS BY BJORN FRANKLIN

In my club days I used to collaborate with different brands, and I wore their items to parties and promoted them, before “influencers” existed. Having started Laird Hatters in 2009, Laird Utility and clothing is a natural progression of the brand, using our favourite cloths from caps, colour palettes and styling, our urban wear, durable and sustainable, made in England ethic.

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FASHION • Q&A

Q Who is Laird Utility aimed at?

A That’s a really hard question, but

a variety of people. Probably the demographic is 25-55 unisex, people who have an eye on fashion, durability, who like workwear or vintage and retro.

Q You run the business with your wife, Zofia. How do you find that?

A It’s both brilliant – running a company with your best friend, and the trust is there – and also awful at times, because there sometimes is no switch off, and you end up talking about work on holidays or weekends.

Q Whereabouts do you live in Herts?

A We live in East Herts, close to our ZOFIA AND ALEX TORUN

it wasn’t like uniforms, they would wear bits of uniform and mix it up. One of my favourite films is The Great Escape. The characters are all loosely in uniform, key pieces, but none of them are in full uniform at the same time, I love the style and that sort of durability. In Indiana Jones he has one outfit and that is his adventure outfit, that really is the driving force behind Laird – we make singular fashionable outfits which we think will last a lifetime.

Q Why did this happen in lockdown?

A This happened in lockdown because the

key was using British cloths, the clothes we’ve used in Laird Hatters, some of our statements, best sellers, and things that we knew. I also think that 50% of all fashion is the cloth as much as the design, that’s what we have always thought in Laird Hatters. It comes from the fabric, the feel, the touch, how it moves and reacts to things and its durability, also the Britishness of it – all our products are made locally.

Q What can we expect with Laird Utility?

A Great cloth, made in England, and sustainability. It’s truly sustainable fashion, we’re not making things out of recycled plastic bottles or old dishcloths, we’re using amazing British cloth, making it to last. These are items that you can have in your wardrobe for years and years. It’s not fast fashion, it’s really slow fashion. You might choose to add another colour jacket or style, but the piece you buy from us will be bulletproof.

Q Is sustainability key to the brand?

A Absolutely it is key, but also using

the best British cloths and everything being made in England. That is truly sustainable. Nothing is shipped halfway around the world or even from Europe, that makes life a lot simpler. We use everything from Britain, it’s made in England, and everything is local.

It is well and truly sustainable.

workshop. My family were evacuated to Albury in 1940, when their London house was bombed. And then when my grandfather and great-uncles returned from the War, when they were demobbed, they also settled there. Zofia also went to secondary school in East Herts, so we have a very strong connection to the area. Our workshop is just five minutes from our house, which harks back to our sustainability commitment – we don’t have a big carbon footprint getting to work. We love it – it’s green, it’s beautiful and sometimes you have to pinch yourself when you’re driving through the fields in summer, as it is a lovely place to live.

Q How do you see the future of the company evolving?

A At the moment, we are working on our spring/summer collection. The pieces we’ve done are forever pieces, so I think they’ll be in the collection year after year, but we’ll do different cloths, different weights, different colours. There are some more signature pieces to be launched soon, like a hat that I’m working on now. Obviously, we hope it will have continued success.

lairdutility.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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S k y ’ s

t h e

LIMIT

Luisa Cerano’s SS22 collection, a brand stocked at Barbara B in Sawbridgeworth, will prepare you for the brighter days ahead

LU I S AC E R A N O.C O M

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Love Lockets Spread a little affection this Easter B y R AC H E L H O G G

ANNOUSHKA

ASTLEY CLARKE

MISSOMA

Lovelocket Emerald May Birthstone Charm, £3,200 annoushka.com

Deco Red Agate Slice Locket, £175 astleyclarke.com

Engravable Square Locket Rope Necklace, £185 missoma.com

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

MARIE LICHTENBERG

LOQUET LONDON

Royal Clogau Oak Heart Locket, £179 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Rosa Chain Choker, £6,330 matchesfashion.com

Gold Saffron Locket Necklace With Charms, £3,920 loquetlondon.com

RACHEL JACKSON

DINNY HALL

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

Deco Chrysler Locket Necklace, £290 racheljacksonlondon.com

Suffragette Pavé Set Locket, £495 dinnyhall.com

9ct Yellow Gold & Diamond Small Heart Shaped Locket, £525, bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

T HIS M O N T H BEAUTY FROM WITHIN Are you ready to glow?

Whether it's shiny hair, strong nails, or clear skin you’re after, this month Absolutely has rounded up the best people that will help you on your way. See more on page 61.

Anisha Joshi 58 • Beauty Notes 57 • Fitness Notes 69 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ANISHA JOSHI IS KEEN TO HELP AS MANY PEOPLE AS SHE CAN

JOINED UP

THINKING Osteopath Anisha Joshi discusses her career inspiration, why Hitchin is perfect for a clinic and what TV work enables her to do ByMARK KEBBLE

I

t’s often said that our parents directly or indirectly shape our choices in life, which is exactly what happened to Anisha Joshi, albeit via an unfortunate experience. “I saw my dad injure his back when I was young in our corner shop and he went to see an osteopath,” she says about what sparked an interest in osteopathy. “My sister also did osteopathy. She is seven years older than me and when she came home at weekends, she would share her excitement about everything she had learnt and showed me the muscles and their anatomical names.”

Joshi was hooked. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together. “I knew that I wanted to help people and make an impact on their quality of life,” she says.

It was 12 years ago that, as a 24-year-old, Joshi opened a clinic in Hitchin. “Woodside Osteopathic Clinic already had a good reputation in the area and I felt like I could

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make it even more successful. I fell in love with Hitchin the minute I arrived there.

I still remember that time vividly – I knew straight away that it was going to be my new home. I love the independent businesses and the community feel about Hitchin. The Hitchin Initiative work so hard to help businesses and go above and beyond every time, and the local community is also extremely supportive and friendly.”

Her offering proved so popular that a London clinic followed six years later, with both clinics real hubs for improving your wellbeing. “It is important to look at the patient as a whole and work as part of a team,” Joshi says. “We provide sports massage therapy, osteopathy and cranial osteopathy. This means we have the ability to help people with sports injuries, neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, knee pain and much more. Our specialist paediatric osteopaths are trained to treat pregnant women, children and babies too.”

Recently, her expertise has been seen

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROFILE

“I often have to remind people that if they stay patient, they will be shocked at how strong their body is”

on TV and in the media, something that Joshi is delighted about – but not because of any grandeurs of fame and fortune. “I have always dreamt of osteopathy getting the public recognition it deserves,” Joshi says. “Being able to write articles and be on TV is scary, but it enables me to feel like I’m fulfilling a bigger purpose.

I want to impact as many people as I can and help osteopaths all over the country to reach a larger audience.

“A common mistake people make is that they think their pain is just where it is, for example your knee pain is coming from just your knee. However, the majority of pain is multifactorial and there are many things combined that can lead to pain in a particular area. I think there is also the view that everything should happen quickly.

In a world where we can order food in a matter of minutes on our mobile phone, we have become used to quick results. I often have to remind people that if they stay consistent and patient, they will be shocked at how incredibly strong their body is.”

Joshi sees her future as “continuing to spread the benefits of osteopathy” that her dad experienced all those years ago. “After doing a four-year degree it is hard to believe that many people don’t know what an osteopath is,” she adds.

The message is very much getting across thanks to the likes of Anisha Joshi. osteoanisha.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FESTIVAL WEEK 14TH–21ST MAY 2022 Saturday 14th May

Choral Day & Carice Singers Concert

Princes Risborough

Saturday 14th May

Albion String Quartet

Monks Risborough

Sunday 15th May

Jeneba Kanneh-Mason (piano)

Wycombe Abbey

Monday 16th May

Brahms Horn Trio

Old Amersham

Tuesday 17th May

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Lunchtime

Wendover

Tuesday 17th May

Sean Shibe (guitar) Concert and Dinner

Berkhamsted

Wednesday 18th May

Connaught Brass Quintet: Lunchtime

Hughenden

Thursday 19th May

Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita

Henley-on-Thames

Friday 20th May

Fair Oriana (soprano duo)

Great Missenden

Saturday 21st May

City of London Sinfonia

Marlow

Discover a whole new concert experience this May...

Tickets £15–£35 Premium Tickets Available

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chilternarts.com 01442 920303

Chiltern Arts Season 2022 Festival Week: 14th–21st May

24/03/2022 12:26

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y R AC H E L H O G G

FOCUS

LUCKY

EDITOR’S PICK

stars

The Cherrywood Clinic on being summer ready

CHANEL

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Inspired by its founder’s love of constellations, Chanel has released an exclusive collection of the iconic Rouge Allure Velvet lipsticks. The Rouge Allure Velvet La Comète line features eight classic shades, each packaged in a comet embossed click-case, and will be available for a limited time only. £35 chanel.com

Pamper hamper S A N C T UA RY S PA

If you’re looking for a pampering alternative to chocolates, the Special Occasions hamper from Sanctuary Spa is the perfect gift for anyone special. Containing some of their best-loved products, from body butter to bath floats, it has everything needed to scrub and soak the day’s cares away – and no calories; £25 feelunique.com

A NEW LOOK DIOR

The fashion house’s familiar houndstooth check will be adorning the packaging of some of its most popular products from the La Collection Privée fragrance line and the Dior Makeup line. These limited editions of Dior’s signature scents and five of the shades of Rouge Dior lipstick will be available to purchase at an exclusive beauty pop-up in Harrods until 31 March. From £25 dior.com

TIME TO SHINE any of us will now be considering our hair removal options for our holidays and the upcoming hotter weather. Contrary to popular understanding, it is not too late to start your laser hair removal journey before the summer months.

Whilst it is true that you cannot have laser treatment while you have a tan, all it requires to have treatment throughout the summer is careful planning and a bespoke treatment plan. At The Cherrywood Clinic, this is all part of the service – we’re specialists in laser, this is what we do! For most of our clients we plan for at least one sunny holiday per year, and we time their treatments to ensure they enter their hair free period when they leave for their holiday, with almost no deviation from their original treatment plan.

Hair free periods are a unique feature of the lasers we use, and mean no hair to worry about: no maintenance, no shaving, no waxing. Our clients experience this after every treatment. When our clients return from their holiday, we simply wait until their tan has faded to recommence treatment – and during the holiday comedown, they’re still enjoying the benefits. Of course, the long term goal is to be hair-free and summer-ready all year round.

Our specialist staff will work with you to understand your laser hair removal goals, and ensure that you have a personal, tailored treatment for your needs, aims and personal circumstance.

THE CHERRYWOOD CLINIC

If you’d like to visit The Cherrywood Clinic for a free, no-obligation consultation, contact rachel@cherrywoodclinic.co.uk or call 07491 147 944

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Q&A

BODY & SOUL Aminta Gagnon, founder of WEDOYOGA in Letchworth Garden City, on why their shop and studio offers all round wellbeing under one roof

Q What inspired you to found WEDOYOGA? A We wanted to bring awareness to the amazing mental and physical benefits of yoga. It’s our mission to inspire fitness and wellbeing, encourage following passions, and throw some positivity out into our corner of the world. We also wanted to shine a light on sustainability within the clothing industry, and help customers make more informed choices!

Q When did you open your store and what attracted you to Letchworth?

A We started as an online company back in 2016. I am a Letchworth resident and wanted to give back to my local community. In 2020, I took the plunge and opened up our first premises, bringing the town its first Yoga Shop + Studio.

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Q What could a beginner to your classes expect?

A Any newbie is welcome to our studio – the bigger our family, the better! We make our studio and classes a safe and welcoming space for all levels. Our variety of highly experienced teachers will help you explore our range of classes, enable you to get the most out of your practice and make you feel comfortable on the mat, whatever your experience level.

There’s no competition or judgement here. Our students show up to the mat as a way to take an hour for themselves, not to worry about what other people are doing. It’s important to us to celebrate individuality: nobody is the same, and so nobody moves the same way. People need different things from their practice, and that’s a great thing.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • Q&A

THERE ARE A HOST OF CLASSES TO TRY

Q What classes would we find in your studio?

A We offer a wide variety of yoga, Pilates, barre and meditation classes. From the most relaxing and restorative, to the more sweat-inducing, beat-dropping Vinyasa flow classes, and hardcore hot dynamic flows. We also host one-off classes to correlate with certain events such as Full Moon Flows and The Summer Solstice.

We love to hold traditional classes, but we also make way for fun and sometimes crazy timetable additions – our philosophy is about feeling good from your practice, whether that’s from a traditional Ashtanga yoga flow, or giggling through a Colour Yoga class. As long as you leave feeling better in body and soul, it’s working!

Q Can you tell us about your brands and why you have chosen them?

A Our brand’s products are all fabulously unique and high-quality. They work as hard as you do, and will last to support you THEIR SHOP STOCKS THE BEST IN ACTIVEWEAR

through many workouts. We have brought many wonderful eco-friendly, international brands to Letchworth Garden City. We also ship worldwide, so everyone, everywhere can enjoy these brands. We feel good that we can spread the word about such incredible and sustainable brands across the oceans.

The clothing industry can be extremely wasteful, and workout wear can be a main contributor to this problem. The fabrics and chemicals used in production can be toxic, not to mention how quickly people can wear out a pair of cheap leggings, leading to more waste in landfills. Our chosen brands combat this. They all produce in their own countries to promote better care for workers and reduce carbon footprint. They create their own eco and biodegradable fabrics and cut each batch to sell, minimising wastage.

Q What would we find in your shop?

A As well as our activewear, we have a

range of fine jewellery and mandala beads made from beautiful, ethically sourced stones. We also stock everything a yoga or fitness lover could want. We have a variety of eco-friendly mats, ranging from affordable, beginner-perfect mats, to gorgeous luxury mats, which have a slightly higher price tag, but the quality and design are definitely reflective.

We have all you need to get creative in class – blocks, bricks, belts, wheels. It’s a one stop yoga shop! We also have some extra accessories that you can use both on and off the mat such as organic, ecofriendly candles and aromatherapy sprays, dreamy eye pillows, and fun grippy socks.

Q What are your hopes for 2022 and beyond?

A We are hosting two festivals this summer at Letchworth Rugby Club. The first will be in June and is a mini-festival to celebrate The Summer Solstice and International

“From the most relaxing and restorative, to the more sweatinducing Vinyasa flow classes and hardcore hot dynamic flows” Day of Yoga. There will be meditation and a fun Colour Yoga class. It’s a lovely evening of yoga, followed by good wholesome food, and good wholesome people!

In August we will be holding our annual WEDOYOGA Festival, which we hope to make a big community event, and are inviting other local gyms, studios, and businesses to join us. The day will be full of yoga classes, gym sessions, talks, stalls, and food to enjoy. At the end of the festival, we will have a contest where our attendees will have the chance to win some amazing prizes, kindly provided by some of our favourite brands. We also hope that we will continue to grow, both in our family and within the local community, We hope to see you on the mat! wedoyoga.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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PHILIP MARTIN - EXCLUSIVE TO C I E N T E H A I R H E A LT H S PA BERKHAMSTED

Experience the difference , because we care about you and you hair REFILL NOT LANDFILL WWW.CIENTE.CO.UK TB.indd 1

26/08/2021 18:19

Potters Grange

A family run Residential Home with Nursing;

sit back, but your feet up and let us spoil you!

As others build ever bigger care homes, Potters Grange is home from home for a maximum of 20 people • Our house is warm, clean and bright with the household chores taken care of by our small housekeeping team.

• Home cooked and delicious meals cooked as you wish by our clever chef Alice and her team.

• Our fully accessible car can help you to maintain your existing circle of friends or introduce you to new experiences and friendships.

• Our Nurses are here every day to support any medical advice or help.

• Our care team are exceptional; caring, kind and trained to support you to live life well.

If you need a little extra help or companionship in the short or longer term why not come and visit us to find out more?

O1707 938 938 | www.PottersGrange.co.uk Potters Grange | Barnet Road, near Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 2SJ

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

Not at a LOSS

In a series of two articles from Cienté, Trisha Buller, a trained and qualified Trichologist, tackles the emotional subject of hair loss, its causes and how this sometime debilitating condition can be treated

MEN AND WOMEN WORRY ABOUT HAIR LOSS

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any of us take our hair for granted, at least until we start losing it. Hair loss can have devastating consequences on the self-esteem of those affected, and the fact that the topic is often made light of and even joked about doesn't help. Luckily, there are now a number of effective treatment options that can halt or even reverse hair loss in some cases.

WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS? On average we all lose between 50-150 hairs per day – hair is shed naturally during a resting phase of the hair growth cycle, so this amount of loss is completely normal.

When hair loss is forced into a premature resting phase and you notice an increasing loss, or a sudden loss, it indicates a problem.

Hair is made from a protein called keratin, and is anchored in the base of the hair follicles. At the base of the follicles you have tiny blood capillaries attached to the hair bulb, which provide the hair with vitamins, minerals, nutrients and oxygen, and assist in the removal of waste and toxins. Though the hair on our heads is the same, men and women tend to experience hair loss differently. While genetics can play a major role in hair loss, there are also medical, lifestyle and other factors that can cause hair loss. Certain medical

conditions, medications and nutritional deficiency can all lead to hair loss.

MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS This is the most common type of hair loss, and the vast majority of men will be affected by the time they reach the age of 70. Male pattern hair loss refers to when the hair on the temples and at the crown begins to thin.

FEMALE HAIR LOSS Female pattern hair loss is less common than male pattern hair loss, but it is still the most common type of hair loss in women. In female pattern hair loss, the hair on the top of the scalp tends to thin rather than bald spots appearing.

Therefore, while it's common for men to have visible bald spots on their head, in women, it's more likely that the hair will dramatically thin across a larger area of the scalp. The majority of women will notice thinning hair as they age, with around 20% experiencing moderate to severe loss.

TREATING HAIR LOSS There are a number of treatments available including hair transplant surgery. However the best treatment for you will depend on a number of important factors. We'll be exploring the options next month.

For more information, call 01442 877273 or visit ciente.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SAVE UP TO

£370

GO

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OFF GLASSES

£50 off 1st pair of glasses

£120 off 2nd pair of glasses

Barnet Store | Call - 020 8449 1993 Website - www.specsdirectbarnet.co.uk Visit - 129 High Street, Barnet, Herts, EN5 5UZ GPC_FP_HERTS_APRIL22.indd 1

£200 off 3rd pair of glasses

Stevenage Store | Call - 01438 364 168 Website - www.gpcopticians.com Visit - 22 The Forum, Stevenage, SG1 1EH 14/03/2022 16:03

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

THEY ARE AWARD WINNERS

Seeing is

BELIEVING With outlets in High Barnet and Stevenage, Specs Direct and GPC Opticians have become well renowned in the eyewear industry

S

pecs Direct Opticians and GPC Opticians are proud to display the world’s greatest eyewear brands locally. Visit the store and you will feel like you are walking the streets of Milan for Versace and Prada, New York for Tiffany, Tom Ford, Polo Ralph Lauren and the streets of Denmark and Paris for specialist collections. They see and update the collections three times a year, so you are guaranteed to be on trend with your fabulous new glasses.

There are a lot of people who hate shopping for glasses and it's mainly because they find the process of choosing new glasses painful, difficult and time consuming. Thankfully, at Specs Direct and GPC Opticians there is a more sophisticated way to choose eyewear than just trying frames at random.

An eyewear styling experience means you get better advice and personal service.

And it means that you don't have to scratch your head and browse and try on lots of frames that neither fit you nor suit you. In an eyewear styling experience, the styling optician should first ask you about your preferences, advise you on face shape and frame style and what will suit you, and then show you all the possibilities you could wear from a cutting-edge collection of eyewear.

The eyewear styling consultation is an opportunity to discover the right style of eyewear for you in a no-pressure, relaxed environment with the help of an eyewear professional. Making the right choice of eyewear requires some thought and consideration, and the right expertise to guide you through the process effortlessly and enjoyably.

Specs Direct and GPC Opticians believe you deserve more. They give you the best information they can about eyewear so that you can confidently select the right eyewear for you – the perfect pair or pairs of glasses that will match your personal style. They have been recognised for their superb service, with GPC Opticians winning numerous awards including Best Optician in Hertfordshire 2020, Best Opticians Globally 2021 and Best Optician in UK 2022.

SPECS DIRECT / GPC OPTICIANS High Barnet: Specs Direct Opticians, 127-129 High Street, High Barnet, EN5 5UZ, 020 8449 1993 Stevenage: GPC Opticians, 22 The Forum, Stevenage, SG1 1EH, 01438 364 168

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Scimitar Care Hotels First Class Residential Care for Senior Citizens in North London, Stansted & Cambridge

We provide long and short-term care so that carers can take a break

Scimitar Care Hotels Plc The Lodge, Coopers Lane Road, Potters Bar, EN6 4AD 01707 665515 | contactus@scimitarcare.co.uk | scimitarcare.co.uk

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09/02/2022 12:11

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS HEALTHY LIVING PODCASTS

NOTES

By R AC H E L H O G G

FEEL BETTER, LIVE MORE Dr Rangan Chatterjee sits down every week with a leading health expert to demystify well-being and give helpful no-nonsense advice. drchatterjee.com

T E D H E A LT H From assistive technology to the benefits of crying, Dr Shoshana Ungerleider leaves no stone unturned in this fascinating podcast about all things health-related. ted.com

WA L K T O W ELLNESS You'll feel the benefits of walking from your head down to your toes

F T H E D O C TO R ' S K I TC H E N Listen to Dr Rupy Aujla and guests discuss the ins and outs of nutritional medicine and learn how to cook your way to a healthier lifestyle. thedoctorskitchen.com

itness is often so focused on going faster, getting stronger and pushing yourself harder, but what if the best thing you can do for your body is to slow down?

Walking is a form of exercise often relegated to those over 80, but evidence shows that even the young and healthy will feel the benefits of going for a brief stroll.

Walking is the most studied form of exercise and an overwhelming amount of research demonstrates its positive impact on everything from heart health to how stressed we are and how well we sleep at night.

Health experts agree that frequent walking is instrumental in preventing and managing a variety of common health conditions including heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes. It has been shown by multiple studies to lower your risk of premature death and strengthen your immune system, one even finding that walkers took 43% fewer sick days on average.

Walking has the lowest injury rate of all forms of exercise, which makes it a safe and sustainable way to improve and maintain mobility, while protecting the joints that are most susceptible to osteoarthritis. Going for a walk to clear your head is a well-

trodden path, but research backs the mood-boosting power of a brisk stroll. It is effective in the management of stress, anxiety and depression and there is evidence that going on regular walks even changes the structure of your brain and helps increase the volume of grey matter, which is a measure of brain health. It may even make you smarter, as several trials have found that walking can improve your memory and cognitive function, both short-term and long-term. All of these benefits only increase as your pace and distance do, so even if you are already healthy, walking may be the secret to staying that way.

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A MI L L I O N MI L E S FRO M E V E RY DAY The rural retreat. A twist on tradition.

The clatter of hooves. The English countryside.

The miles of possibility. The feeling of home.

Coworth Park.

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A S C OT + 44 (0)1 3 4 4 8 7 6 6 0 0 D O R C HES T ER C OL L E C T I ON .COM #DCmoments CoworthPark CoworthParkUK CoworthPark

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LUXE SUMMER BREEZE BREEZE HOUSE

Indulge in nature through the seasons and live your best outdoor life in the luxury of a Breeze House gazebo handcrafted in the UK from the finest sustainable materials. p82

inside this section

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

B U Y I N G AT AU C T I O N p 7 2 D E S T I N AT I O N : G L E N E AG L E S p 7 9 LUXURIOUS NIGHT’S SLEEP p81

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WOOLLEY & WALLIS CHINESE PAINTINGS SPECIALIST FREYA YUAN-RICHARDS WITH A SCROLL PAINTING

BY CHEN ZHIFO (SOLD FOR £281,250)

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LUXE • COLLECTOR

SMART LOT

Auctions are on the up – and the smart money is increasingly going online. Absolutely finds out more

By LIBBY NORMAN

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ou've spotted your dream lot and you're watching the price tick up. The auctioneer is fielding buyers from Japan, from Puerto Rico, South Africa and Australia.

Then you place your bid and watch the gavel come down – you've won, and you're still in your dressing gown and slippers. Welcome to the heady world of online auction shopping.

There's an increasingly global audience not just for the big-four auction houses, but for smaller regional salerooms across the country. The rise is down to a combination of factors. eBay made us familiar with bidding for treasure online and auction houses had already moved online – aided

BURMESE 20TH-CENTURY GILTLACQUERED BUDDHA, SOLD AT A RECENT ASIAN ART SWORDERS SALE FOR £2,400

by platforms such as thesaleroom.com (this first arrived on the scene way back in 2006). The pandemic switched things up several gears, but it did something more too – giving people stuck at home a frisson of retail therapy in strange times.

And some of that frisson has stuck.

Wiltshire auction houses Woolley & Wallis may have a new showroom in the heart of Salisbury, but it has seen an exponential rise in private clients via online routes even since the end of the first lockdown in 2020. Many other auctioneers say the same thing. At Sworders, on the EssexHertfordshire border, the impact of online has been "massive" says Director and Head of Design auctions John Black.

"We now hold many of our sales without meeting clients – our processes have

EBEL 1911 STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH, SOLD BY SWORDERS FOR £620

been tweaked and we now give potential bidders more information in the way of photos and condition reports than we did two years ago." Like many salerooms, Maidenhead and Hampstead auctioneer Dawsons went online at the start of the pandemic and, says commercial director Pete Liggins, that sudden enforced switch shifted the whole market. "What we quickly discovered is that there is a new online audience very keen to explore the world of auctions," he says. "The auction industry has seen a huge uplift in online spending."

Online auctions are great news for anyone with limited time and an eye for something different. Good too for the cautious bidder because, let's face it, the physical auction room can be a daunting place. The fear of losing out to a permatanned man from the trade is only matched by the irrational but ever-present worry of carting home an unwanted what-not or tallboy if you scratch your nose at the wrong moment. No such fear with online auctions because bidders remain unseen – a paddle number is assigned and pops up on the auctioneer's screen when you bid.

There's a delightful feeling of anonymity and full freedom to scratch your nose.

Online auctions organised by the auction houses are very well regulated – you may be unseen, but you have to pre-register in advance. You may be asked for proof of identity the first time you bid and will definitely need to supply your credit card number. Formalities over, you have a live auctioneer on your screen, complete with gavel and all the other saleroom paraphernalia you'd expect. It's surprisingly immersive and can be nail-biting fun when you're watching a lot that shoots off the scale.

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LUXE • COLLECTOR

ABOVE: GRAYSON PERRY 100% ART PLATE, SOLD BY SWORDERS FOR £280 BELOW: DIAMOND AND RUBY TARGET RING, SOLD BY SWORDERS FOR £1,700

Auction houses are investing heavily in all the front end and behind-thescenes elements needed to instil buying confidence. Websites have been refined and many houses have their own online platforms. This looks slicker and, in most cases, places virtual buyers on an equal footing with 'in the room' buyers when it comes to buyer's premium/commission (see Auction knowhow). You'll find really good images – five to ten detailed shots are not unusual – plus the option to get a detailed condition report or do a 'walk round' via video link before the sale.

So what are people buying? The answer would be look for it and you'll probably find it online. On saleroom.com alone there are around four million lots from more than 700 auction rooms each year. But there are definite trends among luxury hunters. Jewellery remains buoyant and, while you always expect peaks in times of economic uncertainty, that doesn't tell the whole story. Sworders recently added monthly jewellery auctions alongside its twice-yearly Fine Jewellery and Watch sale. John Black says watches are a key area of growth at the moment. There is lots of interest in period jewellery – Art Deco, for example – alongside more contemporary pieces. Diamonds are always going to have intrinsic worth, but interesting provenance or a really interesting cut or setting boosts interest.

Period 'brown furniture' that was once such a mainstay remains depressed, so a snip in relation to high-end contemporary – you can pick up a smart Georgian chest of drawers or desk for a few hundred pounds. These days, says John Black, the focus is on the right piece not necessarily the history. "The ‘Decorative’ market – those items that are all about ‘the look’ rather than great concern for period and authenticity – is an area that is seeing growth." He also points to another growth

“NO NEED TO FEAR CARTING HOME AN UNWANTED WHATNOT IF YOU SCRATCH YOUR NOSE AT THE WRONG MOMENT”

DANISH TEAK BOOMERANG ROCKING CHAIR BY MOGENS KOLD, SOLD BY SWORDERS FOR £1,100

ROLLING STONES PROMO POSTER, SOLD BY DAWSONS FOR £30,000

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A DRAMA THAT CAN NEVER BE WRITTEN

BE PART OF THE DR A M A

14-18 JUNE ROYAL ASCOT PRESENTS AN ALL-STAR CAST. ICONIC. TIMELESS. BEAUTIFUL. ALWAYS A STYLISH AND ELEGANT AFFAIR. TICKETS FROM £37 AND FINE DINING PACKAGES FROM £259+VAT. BOOK NOW. VISIT ASCOT.COM

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LUXE • COLLECTOR

“THERE'S A NICE BLURRING BETWEEN SHOPPING AND COLLECTING” MEG RANDELL, HEAD OF DESIGNER HANDBAG AND FASHION DEPARTMENT AT BONHAMS KNIGHTSBRIDGE ASIAN ARTWORKS ARE DOING WELL – WOOLLEY & WALLIS JAPANESE SPECIALIST ALEX AGUILAR WITH A JAPANESE KORO

area – for contemporary and modern design.

Visit a 20th century auction and you'll see that some mid-century Scandinavian and British names are hitting surprising prices thanks to quality of materials, craftsmanship and clean aesthetic.

There's also the curious rise of 'talking point' pieces. Sworders' regular Out of the Ordinary sales feature everything from erotic artworks to circus artefacts (collection of crystal balls anyone?), taxidermy and even, recently, a life-size model of Lara Croft. Woolley & Wallis sold a pair of six-foot carved wooden devils by Francesco Toso for £87,500 in 2020 – almost six times the estimate. The maker came to an untimely end showing similar devilish wares at the Chicago World Exhibition in 1893, possibly adding to their allure. "The trend for the striking, the unusual or the just plain weird has been growing for some time," says Associate Director and European Ceramics Specialist Clare Durham.

TEAK WRITING BUREAU DESIGNED BY JOHN HERBERT FOR YOUNGER FURNITURE, SOLD BY SWORDERS FOR £260

Asian artworks have been a boom area for a while now, but the whole area of contemporary arts and prints is booming, say both Bonhams and Sworders. It can be gratifying to secure a Banksy, Peter Blake or Grayson Perry piece – also more affordable than you might imagine. Then there's the real rarity, such as a Rolling Stones poster promoting a set at the RickyTick Club in Windsor. Like the band, there's some wear and tear, but it made a worldrecord price of £30,000 last November.

At the pop end of luxury, buyers are snapping up classic motors and designer fashion. Rarity value no doubt plays its part – a Yamaha OW-01 or roadworthy Jaguar XJS (both recent sales successes at Dawsons) conjure up a world of gas-guzzling hedonism. When it comes to fashion, leader of the pack is the Hermès' Birkin bag. At Bonhams' March sale of Designer Handbags and Fashion in Knightsbridge, star lot was a cocktail Birkin, which realised a stratospheric £34,000 including premium.

The head of the Designer Handbag and Fashion department at Bonhams Knightsbridge Meg Randell says part of the allure is because it is so very hard to buy a new Birkin and the bags are always made in extremely limited numbers.

So having a Birkin in the back of your cupboard could make financial as well as fashion sense – you can always auction it off down the line. But do collectors paying these prices actually dare to carry the bag?

Meg Randell says the interesting thing is that designer fashion auction hunters sometimes do. "There's a nice blurring between shopping and collecting," she says.

Actually, that whole blurring between shopping and collecting seems to sum up pretty well what today's luxury buyers love most about the whole experience of going to an online auction. Even better is the knowledge that, if you tire of it, you can always sell it on.

Auction knowhow Buyer's premium is typically 2530% – check terms before bidding.

Auction houses' online platforms often charge less commission than general auction platforms.

•

Artist's resale rights may apply to contemporary art and this should be flagged on the lot.

•

Don't forget shipping – more costly for breakable and large items and valuable lots.

•

Auction houses may ship and can always recommend trusted couriers.

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Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles The Gleneagles experience is one of 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 £3,500 for a 2 bed, £4,410 for a 3 bed and £4,840 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.

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LUXE • TRAVEL

Highland FLING

Glenmor Holiday Homes offer space and privacy in one of the world's most soughtafter destinations, The Gleneagles Hotel

By EVE HERBERT

B

ased beneath the Ochil Hills in the heart of Gleneagles’ spectacular grounds, Glenmor Village is a development of luxurious two, three, and fourbedroom holiday homes set around a traditional village green, and available for guests to rent for 3-, 4- or 7-night stays.

Presenting the perfect Scottish gateway, the homes are uniquely designed to imbue a sense of understated luxury expected from a world leading hotel, but with a comfortable, homely feel. Those in residence are treated to their own en-suite bedrooms, open plan kitchen and dining area and a spacious outdoor terrace showcasing magnificent views. The dedicated Glenmor concierge team are on hand to help with guests’ needs throughout their stay including arranging freshly baked bread to be delivered in the morning. This warm, charming and characterful home away from home allows guests to completely relax while soaking

up the style, glamour and exceptional service for which Gleneagles is famed.

Guests will have full access to all of the facilities of the 5-star resort, and the iconic sporting estate has something for everyone.

Gleneagles’ Glorious Playground offers families a brilliant 850-acres of tailor-made activities and over 50 country pursuits, from tree climbing and horse riding to fishing and archery, all with expert tuition from the hotel’s knowledgeable instructors and guides.

Children are encouraged to roam free and reconnect with the great outdoors, learning essential life skills along the way. Animalloving families can discover gundog handling practices, while The Laird's Walk with a Hawk experience is an informative and unique opportunity to fly a Harris Hawk through the ancient woodlands and neighbouring estates.

Elsewhere, adults can enjoy The Health Club or unwind with treatments from the new Spa, with treatments designed in collaboration with some of the world’s leading wellness brands. With access to three world-class courses – including the PGA Centenary course, venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup – keen golfers and novices alike will be in paradise.

Glenmor Holiday Homes allow guests to enjoy all the hotel’s dining options, from the two Michelin star, multi-award-winning Andrew Fairlie Restaurant to the casual Mediterranean-inspired Birnam Brasserie.

Or guests can don their finest eveningwear ready for The Strathearn restaurant.

Glenmor is the perfect option for families or groups seeking a private escape.

G L E N E AG L E S Prices from £3,500 for a 2 bed, £4,410 for a 3 bed and £4,840 for a 4 bed for 7 nights. For more information, visit gleneagles.com/glenmor, call 01764 694 321 or email own@gleneagles.com

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Quote ‘Absolutely Essex’ when booking our 4 nights for the price of 3 offer to receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco

4 Nights for the price of 3 getaway

Enjoy our 4 nights for the price of 3* staycations, a stone’s throw from Constable Country Near to the pretty quayside village of Wivenhoe, and minutes from Britain’s oldest recorded town, Colchester, Wivenhoe House offers the ideal base to explore both Essex and Suffolk. Sea, shopping and sightseeing are all within easy reach of Wivenhoe House, whether you are a couple searching for a romantic break or a family seeking an ultimate adventure, we have something to offer.

So why not join us, and explore the beautiful Essex countryside and the wonders it has to offer, all on the doorstep of our country house hotel.

Wivenhoe Park, Essex, CO4 3FA +44 (0)1206 863666 info@wivenhoehouse.co.uk wivenhoehouse.co.uk WIVENHOE_FEB22_ESSEX_FULLPAGE.indd 2

*T&C cheapest night free, subject to availability and excludes peak and key dates 18/01/2022 09:56

LUXE • PARTNERSHIP

D R E A M S P A C E How to design your bedroom for sleep comfort as well as aesthetics

By EVE HERBERT

S “The look is luxurious but minimalist, and the neutral tones are designed to be mixed and matched”

wedish bedrooms are worldleading for their fusion of nature and innovation, and for their muted, minimalist aesthetic and clean lines.

One brand that embodies this is Carpe Diem Beds, a household name in Sweden, associated with the ultimate in sleep comfort and design credentials. Treating sleep as a luxury and yet also a necessity is one of their core brand values – and therefore crafting a serious space for it is paramount.

Carpe Diem Beds' ethos centres on creating a cohesive bedroom, incorporating a range of considered pieces that complement the bed as centrepiece, with a dedication to optimising the bedroom environment as an oasis of calm (and thereby revolutionising your sleep). While choosing the perfect mattress for you is at the heart of the in-store experience, there’s a strong focus on bedroom design and streamlining, so that the bed you choose can be housed in an environment that’s conducive to optimum sleep health.

For the UK market, Carpe Diem Beds introduced 36 different Designers Guild fabrics for beds and headboards that can be colour matched with carpets, cushions and curtains. Rui Franca of the Wigmore Street showroom explains: “In selecting the fabrics we look at colours that are neutral and subtle.

Bright colours are energising and we need to be relaxed in a bedroom, so no oranges or shiny finishes. It’s all about neutral tones.

Scandinavian design usually keeps tones neutral to create a sense of calm in the mind.”

Fabrics are beiges and greys with some darker tones and maybe some light pinks at the colourful end of the neutral palette. “In store we have access to side tables, carpets and throw cushions. We have a slick metal side

table and lamps too, with finishes in chrome and marble, all in calming soothing tones.”

The look is luxurious but minimalist and the neutral tones are designed to be mixed and matched, alongside lifestyle products such as kimonos, slippers, sleep masks and scented candles.

All this high-tech innovation is fundamentally grounded in a respect for nature and craftsmanship. Using the best and most sustainable raw materials including slow-growth Nordic pine, Talalay latex and organic cotton, expert bed-makers craft each bed by hand in a Swedish manufacturing facility. Each bed is built from start to finish by the same person, who signs the frame at the end as an ultimate marker of quality. Carpe Diem Beds’ innovative approach is visible on their website, where an interactive bed configurator introduces the available options, revealing how each bed can be matched with personal preferences. Each bed is customisable in size, finish and fabric, with a variety of headboard options.

CA R P E D I E M B E D S 15 Wigmore Street, W1 • 020 3982 3252 carpediembeds.co.uk

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G G a r d e n R E T R E A T

It’s time to head outdoors.

Breeze House is on a mission to help you make the most of your garden B y C A S P A R D AV I D

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ood health and celebrating good times with loved ones are essential luxuries.

Breeze House was founded with the purpose of crafting quality garden gazebos where memories can be made, surrounded by nature, while in absolute luxury. Some 27 years on, getting closer to nature, unplugging from devices and reconnecting with each other could not be more relevant.

Recent world events have redefined the concept of luxury. The new luxe is about time, space and experiences.

A Breeze House will transform your garden into a destination. It empowers you to be at one with nature and make luxury part of your everyday life. A space to rediscover what is important to you. A nature-based experience to feed your soul and find clarity in comfort.

A place to cherish special moments together with friends and family in the present and into the future.

Breeze House’s mission is to make you feel luxurious; from excellent service and a unique customer experience to your story unfolding as a Breeze House owner.

Each Breeze House is crafted in Britain from the best sustainable materials money can buy, creating your own exclusive retreat from the world where you are free to connect with yourself, nature and the natural rhythm of life.

Andrew Peck, founder of Breeze House, says: “When I founded Breeze House, my purpose was to craft a quality garden gazebo where spirits are lifted and memories are made, surrounded by nature, while in absolute luxury.”

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LUXE • OUTDOORS AN OVAL BREEZE HOUSE

A BESPOKE BREEZE HOUSE

CIRCULAR BREEZE HOUSES

The open sides of these luxury circular gazebos make getting a daily dose of nature a breeze. Surrounded by greenery and uninterrupted views, a small to medium Breeze House is the perfect place to enjoy time out from ever busy lives.

Each building is handcrafted from sustainable Redwood treated to retain the natural beauty of the wood’s grain and texture. Its natural shape and the form of the Cape Reed thatch, Canadian forest cedar shingle or slate effect roof creates an impressive feature in your garden and a retreat tempting you to venture outside.

The cosy interior of a Breeze House gives indoor comfort while connecting you with the great outdoors right on your doorstep. It feels so good to spend time in a Breeze House. They tap into our innate desire to live close to nature.

Explore this covetable range of deceptively spacious getaways where you can slow down, de-stress and regain focus.

“93% OF BREEZE HOUSE OWNERS SPEND MORE TIME IN THEIR GARDEN SINCE HAVING A BREEZE HOUSE” OVAL AND BESPOKE BREEZE HOUSES

The collection of Oval Breeze Houses offers the same immersive, naturebased experience as the circular range, but with more space to indulge and entertain up to 30 guests. Oval Breeze Houses have separate areas for dining and lounging or can be adapted to accommodate swim spas or gymnasiums.

With an oval or bespoke Breeze House your options are limitless. Create an outdoor room to transform your property for entertaining or keep it to yourself and enjoy your time at home even more.

Over the years Breeze House have created the most stunning multifunctional spaces to include outdoor kitchens, garden dining rooms, garden bars and swimming pool rooms.

These fabulous open-sided structures allow plenty of light and scenery to be absorbed in the summer, while protective canvas covers are available to utilise in adverse weather, creating a safe and comfortable cocoon in your outdoor area which can be enjoyed all year round – even in winter.

Indulge in nature through the seasons and live your best outdoor life in the luxury of a Breeze House gazebo handcrafted in the UK from the finest sustainable materials.

A CIRCULAR BREEZE HOUSE

BREEZE HOUSE Request a brochure, or visit a Breeze House display showsite to discover the collection breezehouse.co.uk

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John Ladbury & Co

Hand Built Furniture

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INTERIORS

BRA N CH OUT B E R G S P OT T E R

Bergs Potter's stylish pots come in all shapes, sizes, colours and glazes. This sculptural Willow vase has a woven pattern reminiscent of old wickerwork and makes a stylish base for a homespun Easter tree. bergspotter.com

Interiors News 86 • Pinkney Interiors 88 • RIBA Awards 93 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

FRESH LIGHT HOUSEOF

Houseof specialises in creatively engineered lights with a strong focus on sustainability. Founded in 2019

by Helen White and Michael Jones, who between them had spent 20 years working for the high street's biggest names, the brand pledges to bring a fresh approach to a sometimes stale industry. This Tube table lamp is bold and stylish, £119. houseof.com

PAT T E R N CU T S AMECHI FOR DADO

Celebrating the indigenous traditions of West Africa, Cameroonian-born designer Amechi Mandi’s characterful textiles have now been reworked into a series of wallpapers for Dado, with designs that sit between sophisticated and statement. dadoatelier.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Stripes JOHN LEWIS Coastal Retreat picnicware johnlewis.com

G O LD E N AG E

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Scala canister, £348 jonathanadler.com

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No place like

HOME The founder of Pinkney Interiors offers an insight into her love for renovating period properties and why St Albans is the perfect base for her

By LUCY PINKNEY

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• XXXXXXXX • XXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX LUCY PINKNEY

XXXXXX IMAGE CAPTION XXXXXX

CLIENTS – AND PETS – ARE CENTRAL TO ALL PROJECTS

S THIS MANSION WAS A RECENT PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

ince I was tiny, I have always found inspiration in interiors. From an early age, I always enjoyed redecorating and rearranging my bedroom.

I grew up in a beautiful Grade II listed Priory in Harpenden, which influenced my passion for interiors and renovating period properties.

My career in design began in the fashion industry, but I quickly transitioned my passion for design into interiors and worked for independent studios in London and Sydney before founding Pinkney Interiors.

Pinkney Interiors was launched in January 2020 after moving back from Sydney, Australia. Always working for independent interior designers, I wanted to create a personal and unique design service where we get to know our clients and keep them at the forefront of the design. It has always been a dream to have my own studio and get my designs out into people's homes.

As an independent design studio, our entire interior service is shaped around the client keeping them at the centre of our projects. Every detail is personal and unique for them. Our USP is our quality of service and style, which merges luxury design with practical family life.

It is never early enough to hire an interior designer. Ideally, we work alongside your architect and contractors to ensure

“OUR USP IS OUR QUALITY OF SERVICE AND STYLE, WHICH MERGES LUXURY DESIGN WITH PRACTICAL FAMILY LIFE” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BARRY BOLTON We are a trusted family business established for over 50 years • Verandas

• Conservatories

• Doors

• Canopies

• Bi-Fold Doors

• Windows

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

Six of the best

The Pinkney Interiors design process

Phase 1

An onsite meeting to get to know our clients and understand their story, vision and lifestyle.

•

Phase 2

We then move on to the Concept Design. This is the start of the creative process and we present our first concept to the clients with spatial planning, architectural drawings, and themes.

•

Phase 3

Developed Design is our next stage where we detail the scheme, finalise floor plans and start the process for specific key finishes.

•

Phase 4

“WE BELIEVE A HOUSE IS UNIQUE TO ITS OWNER AND NEEDS TO STAND THE TEST OF TIME” your interior needs are planned into construction decisions from the very start of a project. We work with our clients from concept to completion, aligning visions and practicality, project managing through the build and adding the finishing touches down to curtains and accessories.

With our clients we begin with questions to uncover their story, learn about their home and ideate on ways to improve the space for their lifestyle. Knowing their story and vision makes it easy for us to apply our expertise of applying luxury design with practicality, to bring their vision to life. We offer a range of interior services to cater for clients' needs and budgets.

In the past, we’ve worked on single room renovation to full house renovations and we enjoy the diversity of each project.

Do we follow trends? The short answer is no. We believe a house is unique to its owner and needs to stand the test of time, therefore trends are slightly irrelevant. However, we are always up to date with trends and if they will suit our clients and the structure of the house, we’ll add them to plans.

I am based in St Albans and what isn’t there to love? The city is so rich in history and the architecture is breathtaking. We’ve got plenty of clients in and around Hertfordshire and London, so it’s a great base as a studio.

Although we haven’t done many projects around Hertfordshire, a recent stand out for us would be our Queen Anne Grade II* mansion in a little village on the outskirts of Cambridge. The client wanted to give this property a new lease of life, but not take away from its history and natural beauty.

We worked with the original panelling, room layouts, and fireplaces to give the property a fresh look. There are lots of challenges that come with working on Grade II* listed properties, but we loved every second of being able to work with a piece of history! We would love to take on more properties in the countryside.

The Technical phase is where we have finalised the drawings and finishes.

We outline a detailed FF&E schedule along with the joinery specifications, electrical plans and sanitary ware.

•

Phase 5

Moving onto the construction we go to tender with your contractors and will work alongside your project manager (if not us) to ensure our designs come to life.

•

Phase 6

Completion, the part of the project everyone loves! We will work with you to create a snagging list for the build and help liaise to get these resolved as well as organise the furniture, soft furnishings, and accessories installation.

pinkneyinteriors.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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23/03/2022 17:03

INTERIORS • Q&A

C R O S S I N G

P A T H S A project in St Ippolyts has been nominated for a 2022 RIBA Award.

Absolutely Hertfordshire visits the architects to discover more

By MARK KEBBLE

T

wenty-two buildings, ranging from a small copper clad home extension in Cambridge to a new youth and participation space at the Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, have been shortlisted for 2022 RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) East Awards. We take a closer look at one, courtesy of Ashton Porter Architects, with partner of the business, Andrew Porter, taking us through the project in St Ippolyts.

Q What were the main challenges?

A The cottage is located in Green Belt

and needed to be sensitive to not create an overly intrusive addition to a property that had already had previous additions.

As the cottage was originally built as a low cost farm worker housing, the existing volumes were cellular and extremely modest. The challenge was to create a sense of space and openness to take advantage of the view that extend to the horizon in three directions without compromising the green belt context.

Q What was the initial brief for the project?

A To re-model and extend a farm worker’s cottage to create a long term home for a couple who are public sector workers, so they can continue to enjoy the house into retirement.

Q Did the fact the building is a 19th century cottage play a role in your conceptual ideas?

A The intention was to preserve the identity of the original house and retain its original detailing where possible to act as a foil to the new open plan living space.

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INTERIORS • Q&A

The tensions between the competing aspects of historical and modern acted as a mechanism to weave a new entity that emerged as a result of this negotiation.

This is a typical trope for development of grand historical buildings which might often be larger and institutional. The challenge was to develop such an approach on a modest domestic project with the limitations that such a scale would imply.

Q How did you look to connect the new structure to the existing building?

A A key connection is legible on the front elevation where the junction between new is defined by a frameless glass link that wraps seamlessly from the front elevation on to the roof junction. The rear elevation makes a secondary connection to the house by acting as a wrapping element.

To create a single seamless space a steel frame is inserted in the existing brick structure and the new roof structure is articulated by a delicate waffle ply roof.

Q How did you incorporate the views?

A The views were emphasised by carefully

positioned glazed elements. These include both the glass slot link to the existing house. Some were determined by creating views to the east and west to capture sunset and sunrise and others were framed views relating to carefully positioned internal viewing points to the immediate exterior to create abstract live compositions of garden space.

Q You have spoken about the project being defined by the placement of two elements. What are they?

A There are two key elements; one a ply box that abuts and wraps the existing house, and the other a ribbon of fence that connect the new box and the existing garden. By treating the two elements as a continuous and larger composition, the traditional

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“To be validated that excellence in design can exist in low budget domestic projects is great vindication” piecemeal addition to an existing small domestic house is avoided and the new insertion creates a holistic intervention that addresses the full extent of the site.

A Our most abiding memory is how happy our client is that the project will provide such a loved and enjoyable long term home into their retirement.

Q Why did you use black timber cladding, and use the Japanese Yakisugi technique?

A The black timber is primarily a reference to black weatherboarding that is typical of traditional agricultural buildings in the local rural setting. The use of Yakisugi was twofold. Firstly, to refer to local agricultural vernacular without slavishly copying a traditional material and secondly was for practical reasons. The burnt surface is extremely low maintenance requiring no regular treatments and is extremely long lasting being resistant to insects and rot.

Q What does it mean to you to be up for an RIBA Award?

A It is extremely rewarding for a very small practice that specialises in relatively modest domestic projects to have one recognised as award-winning when in the company of much larger public and high value projects. To be validated that excellence in design can exist in low budget small scale domestic projects is a great vindication for the industry and the education of architects.

Q How do you look back on the completed project now?

See more at ashtonporter.com, and for more on the RIBA Awards visit architecture.com

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INTERIORS XXXXXXXX• •TREND XXXXX

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INTERIORS • TREND CULT FURNITURE Kalimantan Pendant Light Bamboo, £159 cultfurniture.com

ROSE & GREY Bamboo Noticeboard, £18 roseandgrey.co.uk

ELLA JAMES Natural Rattan Three Tier Storage Unit, £225 ellajames.co.uk

BEAUMONDE

EDITOR’S PICK

Freja Black Recycled Cushion Cover with Tassels, £24 beaumonde.co.uk

MODISH LIVING Canford Sustainable Mango Wood Console Table, £449, modishliving.co.uk

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SPICER AND WOOD Recycled Glass Jug Green, £42 spicerandwood.co.uk

Recycled Green Glass Vase, £9 heavelyhomesandgardens.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

Sustainable solutions for the home

By P E N D L E H A R T E

ROSE & GREY Recycled Teak Dining Table, £450 roseandgrey.co.uk

ZERO ZEN STORE Compostable Food Waste Paper Bags, £7.50 zerozen.co.uk

MINT MAY Square Bamboo Storage Basket, £18 mintandmay.co.uk

WALTON & CO Recycled Cotton Throw, £18 waltonshop.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

INNERMOST Hoxton ceiling light, £178 lightinglover.com

CARL HANSEN & SON Opal pendant, from £300 carlhansen.com

DAR LIGHTING Klaxon 1 light, £102 darlighting.co.uk

CULT FURNITURE Bhutan pendant, £139 cultfurniture.com

HUNG UP

ICONIC LIGHTS Cassini 4 way black ceiling bar light, £133 iconiclights.co.uk

WALLS AND FLOORS Terrazzo Hexagon Nevada Pink Porcelain Tile, £38.95 wallsandfloors.co.uk LOUIS POULSEN PH5 pendant light, £765 conranshop.co.uk

All the best pendant lights

By P E N D L E H A R T E

EDITOR’S PICK

DAR LIGHTING Teyana 9 light pendant, £1,560 darlighting.co.uk

ORIGINAL BTC DOWSING AND REYNOLDS

Pebble pendant, £1,649 originalbtc.com

Connaught ceiling light, £539.99 dowsingandreynolds.com

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INTERIORS • TREND

MAXWELL WILLIAMS Medina Ceramic Square tile, £2.50, kitchencraft .co.uk

HYPERION TILES Long Island marble tumbled finish tile, from £76 per sq m (different sizes available) by Ca’ Pietra, hyperiontiles.co.uk

TILE MOUNTAIN

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Victoriana Oxford Wall and Floor tile, £25.99, tilemountain.co.uk

Atlantis Scallop Porcelain Grey tiles, £10.90 per sheet (29.3 x 27.4 x 0.6cm), by Ca’ Pietra hyperiontiles.co.uk

TILE MOUNTAIN Clay Blossom floor tile, £22.99, tilemountain.co.uk

SQUARE DANCE All the best tiles for walls and floors

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WALLS AND FLOORS Terrazzo Hexagon Nevada Pink Porcelain tile, £38.95 wallsandfloors.co.uk

PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE Arthouse Leaf Porcelain tile, £48.33, porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK WALLS AND FLOORS Chatham Rose Brick tile, £39.95 wallsandfloors.co.uk

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Pets In Schools 106 • Global Conflict 109 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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PRIZED PETS How animals in the classroom can have lasting benefits

By S U E L A I D L AW

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EDUCATION • FEATURE

M

any years ago, as an eager young teacher in my first post, I volunteered to look after the school guinea pig when other older and wiser members of staff chose to decline the opportunity.

The role was a dubious pleasure, partly because my animal preference is not for small to medium sized South American rodents, but also because the poor old thing had the guinea pig equivalent to piles and often had to have help in that area.

A few years later, in another teaching job, I decided to embrace my apprehension and suggest to the head that my class of young children would benefit from embracing a new member of the class – a hamster. My enthusiasm was encouraged and so off I went to adopt Harvey the Hamster who arrived in style, complete with shiny new cage and whirling wheel, in front of a class of six-year-olds, all excited to meet their new friend. Harvey and his classmates had great fun together – perhaps my wonderful teaching assistant and I, less so. As adoptive parents, we had a few worried nights when Harvey made a great escape, eventually being found behind a cupboard, making some sort of nest.

Nevertheless, these early intuitive moments in bringing children and animals together in a school setting proved to be positive, in so many ways.

Not only did all the children learn about caring for something or someone smaller and more vulnerable than themselves

“To improve mental health, we should have at least one dog in every single school” and to take responsibility, but it soon became obvious that those who were less able to communicate confidently with their human classmates were able to quietly bond with their new friend.

It is now well documented that simply by stroking a furry friend, heart rates slow and blood pressure reduces. Today, in our Laidlaw Education classrooms, we teach and support many anxious students of all ages. On occasions, we have welcomed a calm puppy or a family dog in with an anxious child or young person; this has always had a calming effect and aided the initial integration into our setting.

Therapy dogs are becoming increasingly popular in classrooms, particularly in SEN settings, and it is wonderful to witness the benefits that these specially trained dogs can bring to all children, especially to those with special needs and requirements. The dogs are trained to be good-natured, calm and patient. They obviously love human contact and having a soothing, calming effect. Sir Anthony Seldon, the well-known educator, has said: “The quickest and biggest hit that we can make to improve mental health in our schools, and to make them feel safe for children, is to have at least one dog in every single school in the country.”

This wonderful natural “therapy” has a great deal of scientific backing, although none of it is new. Sigmund Freud would often have his own dog, Jofi, in his psychotherapy sessions, as he observed that patients were comforted by her presence.

Research by Dr Boris Levinson, in the 1960s, formalised these scientific ideas.

More recently, psychologist Alan Beck and psychiatrist Aaron Katcher have followed through on the scientific validation.

So, from the poor old guinea pig that I looked after, to the scientific research of the present, it is very clear that the presence of animals in schools can have huge benefits.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP, Laidlaw Hall, a specialist education centre, and Laidlaw Virtual Academy.

For more call 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

“Our young children are now hearing about death and destruction inflicted by this war”

World on their

SHOULDERS The head of St Margaret’s Junior School in Bushey writes about how to help children to cope with global conflict B y E M M A G R AY

O

ne month ago, my six-year-old daughter climbed onto my lap and started crying.

She looked up at me and said: “Mummy, I’m worried about the war.” The reality of this statement hit me hard. Prior to the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Covid restrictions had been easing, and as a society we had tried to reduce the language of the pandemic from children’s vocabulary. It felt like we were finally lifting the burden of the last two years from their young shoulders.

But now the narrative has shifted to explosions and fighting, and there is deep

concern and unsettlement again amongst our young children. With news alerts hitting our phones every waking hour, often without filters or permissions, our young children have gone from hearing about daily Covid death rates, to death and destruction inflicted by this war.

CREATING A SAFE SPACE

Yet as sad as this situation is, we have to talk to our children about it and in a way that doesn’t overly frighten or disturb them.

To support children in school, we first identified those children that had either heritage, direct relationships or connections with either of the countries involved in the current crisis. We created a safe space for

those children to talk about family members that might live in Ukraine or Russia, or about the conflict in general. Checking in with families and children continues today and schools are providing extra support for children via their pastoral systems, such as through welfare officers and wellbeing assistants, councillors and play therapists.

At my school, we have also reflected on the curriculum itself. For example, our Year 6 children were poised to study a vivid text about World War II recently. However, due to the current climate, we decided to edit the curriculum and change the focus of this to prevent smothering children with what is currently a worrying topic for them.

CHANNELLING ANXIETY

It is important for schools to try to channel any anxieties children have around the conflict into something positive that they can control. We teach emotional literacy from nursery and when you are educating young children about managing their emotions and feelings, you have to normalise how they feel in a variety of situations. This means helping them to understand appropriate responses to different situations.

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

“Giving children a book to express their worries in can be helpful.

They can leave it open if they want you to see it” EMMA GRAY

them and respond calmly to restore and regulate as well as to avoid a fight or flight response. This is essentially all about creating well established and practised pathways that explicitly inform children how to articulate their feelings.

Giving children a book to express their worries and feelings in can also be helpful. They can draw pictures or write inside it and leave it open if they want you to see it. Worry dolls and worry monsters to share feelings with are also popular. The book, A Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside, is a lovely starting point for conversations because it encourages children to share worries rather than keep them in.

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FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

Talking to our children is so important, we all feel lighter when we share how we are feeling. Facing up to difficult times with practical support, such as donating goods to charities to support families, is another positive and practical way to help your child understand certain elements of situations like this that we can control.

Children thrive with clear routines and established boundaries; this makes them feel safe in their world. During this time of uncertainty, we find ourselves in a difficult and volatile environment, so it is important to ensure that children are participating in normal activities, such

as football or gymnastics for instance, and that they continue to socialise with friends to support their emotional wellbeing. Alongside the day to day, planning and looking forward to events such as a day trip or holiday, can also help children look to the future.

If your child is struggling with mental health or anxiety there are many external agencies that can offer targeted support. It is worth speaking to your school if you need more information. It is important for us as parents that we use the wider network that is available to support our children and young people. stmargarets-school.org.uk

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Training make-up artists for successful careers in Film, TV, Fashion and Stage since 1990.

Offering National and Internationally recognised qualifications: BTEC, ITEC, VTCT & HND. Taught by industry professionals, many with major awards to their name.

Applications are now open for enrolment in 2022: 2 Year BTEC Make-up & Hair Course Starts: 26 September 2022 7 Month ITEC Make-up & Hair Course Starts: 12 October 2022 Short Module and Taster Courses Accepting students from the age of 16+ with no upper age limit

For further information or to arrange an informal interview please contact us

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0208 324 2669 info@brushstroke.co.uk www.brushstroke.co.uk

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP A STUNNING BRUSHSTROKE CREATION

All MADE UP We visit Elstree Studios to see how Brushstroke could be your pathway to becoming a make-up artist

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rushstroke has been established since 1990 and is regarded as the top private make-up and hair training academy in the UK for professional make-up and hair courses. They were the first make-up training company to be based within a film studio, having recognised early on the importance of their students being able to study in a working studio environment.

In 2021, Brushstroke acquired additional training facilities at the famous Elstree Studios, where they continue to run their wide range of courses. These include, 3-day special effects taster classes, short modules that comprise the 7-month ITEC course and the 2-year BTEC diploma course, which is the most comprehensive and allows for students to continue for a further year on the VTCT hairdressing and barbering course.

The academy offers national and internationally recognised qualifications, such as BTEC, ITEC, VTCT and HND, ensuring that the students' knowledge and practical experience is underpinned by a recognised awarding body. The tutors who teach at Brushstroke are highly sought-after make-up and hair artists, who work across film, TV, theatre, and fashion, many with major awards and nominations to their name.

Brushstroke is proud of its high success rate, with many graduates having successful careers working on well-known productions for Netflix (The Crown, The Witcher) Marvel (Dr Strange, The Avengers), BBC (EastEnders, Call the Midwife) and more.

Once qualified, graduates can benefit from their complimentary aftercare. This is an opportunity to join in on a class to refresh their skills or learn something

STUDENTS ARE TAUGHT

BY THE VERY BEST

new. The academy accepts students from the age of 16+ with no upper age limit.

With the industry buzzing, and the development of new studios in and around the Elstree area, now is the time to start your career as a professional make-up and hair artist.

Enrolment is open for 2022 and 2023 and the next start dates for Elstree Studios are as follows: 2-year BTEC Make-up and Hair Course, 26 September 2022; 7-month ITEC Make-up and Hair Course: 12 October 2022.

B R U S H ST R O K E For further information or to book an informal interview at Brushstroke Elstree Studios please contact 020 8324 2669. info@brushstroke.co.uk | brushstroke.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ST YLISH APARTMENTS , PERFECTLY PL ACED Set in the heart of the town on St Albans Road, relish the bold, contemporary design that delivers open-plan spaces, allowing flexible living whether you are relaxing or working from home.

Excellent investment with up to 4.5% rental yields* Over £1.5bn investment for Watford regeneration across the next 20 years 29 minutes to Euston by train** Gated parking for all two bed apartments^

1 AND 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS FROM £320,000

Scan to view flythrough

Sales Suite and Show Home open Thursday - Monday Computer generated images are of London Square Watford and are indicative only.

Prices and details correct at time of distribution, February 2022. *Rental yields vary per plot and are approximate only, based on property value and current market (as of Jan 2022).

Please speak to sales executive for further information. **Travel times shown are fastest and sourced from National Rail Enquiries, londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk and Google Maps. ^Excluding two bedroom apartments available with Help to Buy.

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London Square Watford 425-455 St Albans Road, Watford, WD24 6PR watford@londonsquare.co.uk | 0333 666 0110 LONDONSQUARE.CO.UK

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