Hertfordshire
PLUS EMMA BUNTON
How Baby Spice evolved into Mother Earth
• DECADE OF DECADENCE
Marking 10 years of THOMPSON St Albans
• HATS OFF
To Rickmansworth milliner Louis Mariette
HEALTH & BEAUTY
SPECIAL
20 pages of health, beauty, fitness and wellbeing
ANTHROPOLOGIE REVEAL THEIR LATEST COLLABORATION CELEBRATING BLOCK-PRINT FASHION
EDITOR
MARK KEBBLE
ART DIRECTOR
PAWEL KUBA
SENIOR DESIGNERS
MIKE ROBERTS
SUZETTE SCOBLE
MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER
CARMEN GRAHAM
JUNIOR DESIGNER
JOE MUNSEY
PRODUCTION MANAGER
DANICA BRODIE
GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH
ABIGAIL GARDNER
MAGAZINE MANAGER
LOUISE PEARSON
SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT
STELLA ADAMS
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
JERRIE KOLECI
CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER
ALEXANDRA HVID
DIRECTORS
CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ALEXANDRA HUNTER
MANAGING DIRECTOR
SHERIF SHALTOUT
For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com
For advertising enquiries please call 07977 195732 or email: abi@zest-media.com
Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588
Zest
Follow Us On
Facebook @ABSOLUTELYHERTFORDSHIRE
Twitter @ABSOLUTELYHERTS
Instagram @ABSOLUTELYHERTFORDSHIRE
Website
absolutely-hertfordshire.co.uk
Iwas pretty chubby as a kid – and I was happy. There's a lot of talk these days about the younger generation not eating healthily, but I actually think they are more switched on than we give them credit for. Of course, this talk is aimed at children and fast food, sweets etc, but for me that's the responsibility of parents anyway – I mean more the generation who can make their own choices.
I was never pressurised into getting fit, but I suddenly wanted to do so around the age of 13. No idea why. I am sure something happened at the time, but whatever it was has remained stored away in my subconscious. I started running up and down our living room, which wasn't exactly big, but it started a 30-year drive to stay fit and push myself as much as possible. I only gave up playing football against players 20 years my junior at 41, so I was doing something right. Which is where I have come across the aforementioned younger generation. When I was hitting my 20s, the football social was as important as the game, but the kids of today that I know don't drink and I applaud them. They will reap the benefits in the years to come. But if you do need a little nudge when it comes to wellbeing – physical or otherwise – our health special will hopefully give you a boost. Whatever you do, stay happy.
The best in garden products (p71)
Danny Clare
10 things we Absolutely love
A chance encounter in Jaipur led to art school graduate Molly Russell to create Pink City Prints. The brand preserves the traditional crafts of India's Pink City with a collection of block-printed, hand-loomed and handembroidered dresses. pinkcityprints.com
Orchard Moon's luxe lounging sets make the most gorgeous nightwear, but their versatility means you can step out of the bedroom in style and wear them as day wear separates. orchardmoon.com
On The Island's loose-fitting kaftans are light and cool to wear, made from 100% Italian cotton in bespoke art-inspired prints. ontheisland.co
Penelope Chilvers' High Catalina jute wedge has a peep toe front and canvas back strap and comes with cotton laces. Plus it's comfortable too, £139. penelopechilvers.com
Anderson's Asteroid City, Grind have launched dedicated limited edition coffee pods Pods from the Future. grind.co.uk
The Lundey bikini by Marie Jo comes in a stylish lime snake print; it's a comfortable and welldesigned summer piece. ameliesfollies.co.uk
Designed by The Conran Shop, this Circle Trinket Tray Set is minimal and functional, perfect for keeping your odds and ends neatly displayed conranshop.co.uk
Female-owned swimwear brand, Turana Atash, is pioneering the way for modest fashion that can be worn by all, from surf to swim. turanaatash.com
Swatch has launched three watches inspired by the work of graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Pictured is Ishtar.
These Lido earrings incorporate hoops of glass beads in white and turquoise dropping from gold hooks. wanderlustlife.co.uk
ST ALBANS MUSEUM + GALLERY, 26 AUGUST
Get ready for an historic costume ball in the Georgian Assembly Room of St Albans Museum + Gallery with live music, dancing, and canapes. Tickets include a welcome drink and dressing up is integral, so either formal attire including floor length gowns for ladies, or 18th century outfits welcome. Fancy dress doesn’t come fancier than this. stalbansmuseums.org.uk
12
The Eric Morecambe Centre in Harpenden is hosting its first community photography exhibition with a theme of “Our Environment”. If you’re a Hertfordshire artist or a passionate photographer, they want to hear from you. You do not have to be a photographer to go inside and view the work on show - pop in and have a cup of tea or coffee and get inspired looking out at their lovely environment of Rothamsted Park. the-emc.co.uk
6 August HERTFORD CASTLE
Get ready to Rock the Castle at this annual music festival set within the spectacular grounds of Hertford Castle. Performances by local musicians will span across three stages featuring a wide range of genres including acoustic, folk, indie, rock, soul, and pop music influences. Plus, there are food and drink stalls to fuel and refresh you as you dance the afternoon away, plus activities for the children. hertfordcastle.co.uk
25-27 August CODICOTE
Goatfest Live Music Festival is a family-friendly celebration of live music and award-winning street food situated in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside. For well over a decade now, Goatfest has created the fantastically fun atmosphere of a boutique festival that has become one of the jewels in the British county's crown. With all ages welcomed, Goatfest invites an array of pop icons to soundtrack a weekend of equally excellent eating. goatfestuk.com
ART
Until 24 September
ASHRIDGE HOUSE
For the first time, the stunning gardens at Ashridge House will play host to a sculpture exhibition showcasing the work of internationally renowned and emerging sculptors. The Sculpture Garden will feature internationally acclaimed artists such as Giles Penny, Diane Maclean and Jenny Pickford. Set within 190 acres of Grade II* registered grounds, the exhibition is an opportunity to go on a journey of discovery. ashridgehouse.org.uk
BRILLIANT Theatre and The Alban Arena are thrilled to announce their next summer production, Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure. Close your eyes and imagine, as you take off on a magical trip to Neverland, where you never grow old. JM Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who refused to grow up is reborn as a spectacular musical with a spellbinding score by multi-award winning composers Stiles and Drewe. alban-arena.co.uk
19 August
HATFIELD HOUSE
Classic Ibiza will take you on a magical rollercoaster ride of dance music’s most iconic tracks reinvented by the Urban Soul Orchestra who have worked with the very best in the industry, including Groove Armada, Nightmares on Wax, Robert Miles and Octave One. If you can’t get to the White Isles this summer, Hatfield House should be a more than ample replacement. classicibiza.co.uk/hatfield
ROMEO & JULIET
6 August
Head to the Sunken Lawn of Knebworth House for a open-air Garden Theatre performance of Romeo and Juliet, performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present Romeo & Juliet as he first saw it, in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.
14-18 August
Knebworth House are excited to host The English School of Falconry who will provide a stunning static display of birds of prey, including a variety of species of owls, hawks, eagles and falcons. In addition, they will present two spectacular 20-minute flying displays where you can watch in awe as these majestic birds soar over Knebworth Gardens & Park.
27-28 August
With hundreds of classic and collectable vehicles taking part each day, the Classic Motor Show is not to be missed. There will be a static display as well as a show arena hosting parades. Vehicles include saloons, sports, American, commercial, military and classic motorcycles, plus family fun. knebworthhouse.com
Q What is motherhood like now your children are growing up?
A We do miss the first words, first steps and we are constantly telling our children to stop getting big! They grow up so fast, it feels like not long ago they were tiny.
We love every minute of being parents, it’s always new. Every time you think you’ve got the hang of being a parent, a new stage is on the horizon, so you’re constantly adapting.
The beautiful thing about having older children is the conversations we can have with them now. We talk about everything, and we have a very close connection. I love our chats.
Q How do you think motherhood has changed you?
A Becoming a mum has completely changed my life – for the better! When I found out, I was just thrilled, I’ve always known I wanted to have children, and I absolutely adore being a mother. The whole process of becoming a parent can be quite overwhelming as your priorities completely shift to making sure your little ones are safe, healthy and happy. For me, this meant worrying about what products to use on my kids, as they both had
sensitive skin. All I wanted to do is keep them safe, so seeing their skin flare up made me feel so helpless. This was also the main reason I wanted to create my brand, Kit & Kin.
Q Do you think you became closer with the other Spice Girls when you all became mothers?
A Absolutely, I think motherhood is such a bonding experience as it’s probably one of the biggest life changes you will go through. It makes you realise how strong and amazing women really are.
Q What are the biggest challenges with juggling your busy career, running a business, and being a mum?
A As for all parents, it can be quite overwhelming trying to fit everything in. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you. In my case, I have found that setting myself clear priorities and boundaries is what works best. Work is very important to me, and I love what I do, but we always make sure to prioritise family, especially on the weekends and school holidays. That’s when we just relax and spend quality time all together.
Q What made you want to launch a sustainable parenting brand? Have you always been really passionate about the environment?
A Becoming a mum really made me think about the future and about the impact of my decisions and purchases on our planet. As parents, we are always so busy and trying to lessen our environmental impact, and it can feel quite overwhelming. So being able to do something positive just by buying everyday essentials like nappies makes a lot of sense. As a society, we are so much more aware of our impact, which is fantastic, and by making the right choices together we can make a big difference.
Q Do you have any advice for parents who want to make more sustainable choices?
A Simple, sustainable swaps are a great way of easing ourselves into a more sustainable lifestyle. Making the right choices when it comes to the products we use is a really effective and easy way of helping to reduce our impact on the planet. Parents can sometimes feel guilty about nappies, as we throw them away in staggering quantities every day. The
“I absolutely adore being a mother”
good news is that there are some fantastic, eco-friendly and reusable alternatives out there, giving parents one less thing to worry about. At Kit & Kin, we’re renowned for our award-winning eco nappies, which use gentle and sustainable materials to be kind on baby’s bottom and our planet – as well as being super absorbent, which, let’s be honest, is what we really want to hear when we have a newborn to look after.
Our giving back programme with the World Land Trust (WLT) also means that every time you use a Kit & Kin product, you’re helping to protect acres of rainforest forever. Each of our nappy subscriptions for example personally protects five precious trees.
Q Is there anything new coming up for Kit & Kin that we should watch out for?
A I guess it’s finally time to spill the tea on something big we have been working on! I’m so excited to share that we’ve just launched our gorgeous plant-based cleaning range.
I’m honestly so proud of this plant-based, refillable range. We’ve made it without any harsh chemicals to be kinder to your family and it’s already proven to be more effective than the leading brands. The naturallyderived ingredients and refillable bottles mean that it’s kinder on our planet, too. And as with all things Kit & Kin, every product bought helps protect acres of precious rainforest.
Q How’s the Kit & Kin cleaning launch gone? What’s your favourite products from the collection?
A At just over six-years-old, Kit & Kin is available in over 30 countries. We’ve received 47 industry awards and we’re still only getting started. The cleaning launch was the next big chapter and I still can’t believe it’s finally happened. I usually say that my favourite product is our Magic Salve. It’s such a versatile balm that I always carry with me. But since I’m so, so excited about our new plantbased cleaning range, I will have to say our Laundry Liquid and our Fabric Conditioner. I’ve been using them at home and it’s just so reassuring to know that they contain only naturally derived ingredients so that no nasty chemicals will touch my family’s skin. Not to mention looking beautiful in my utility room!
Q And what about the Spice Girls? We’re excited about the possibility of a 2023 tour…
A Being a band of mummies it’s something that is not always easy organising a tour, but something we always talk about. We absolutely love being on stage together and having the children there makes it extra special.
kitandkin.com
“Every time you use Kit & Kin, you’re helping to protect rainforests”
Issue 1
A notice account that gives you peace of mind knowing that your money’s working hard for you.
• Variable rate savings account
• Interest calculated daily and added annually
• Minimum balance £1,000 up to £250,000
• No withdrawals without notice
/ AER* variable Save local. We
Tring
4.15 Gross PA Scan for product information
With more than 60% of LGBTQ+specific pubs, clubs and music venues disappearing in the past decade, providing safe and welcoming environments for the LGBTQ+ community is more important than ever.
Four years ago, St Albans resident Danny Clare founded Ask for Clive, an initiative that promotes inclusivity within the night time economy. The charity, which works with local communities and venues to create welcoming environments for the LGBTQ+ community and collaborates with law enforcement on training and reporting initiatives, began in 2019 when Danny joined forces with mentor, activist and charity namesake, Clive Duffy.
“We held a forum in St Albans during LGBT History Month to discuss what there was for the community and, back then, there wasn’t really anything,” Danny explains. “Not only that, but we ascertained that every single person in the room had been subject to some sort of physical or verbal abuse in and around the nighttime economy. So, we decided to do something about that.”
The initiative encourages people to Ask for Clive at the bar if they are feeling threatened or experiencing abuse – this coded phrase will then prompt staff to take appropriate action. Participating venues are provided with a free rainbow window sticker to display, which reads, ‘Everyone is welcome here’, and the charity also provides detailed training material for staff so that, in the event someone does Ask for Clive, the victim is safeguarded.
“The sticker is on point of entry, it has to go on the front door, so it’s a signpost both
co-founder of Hertfordshire-born charity
Ask for Clive, has a plan to make all venues safe for the LGBTQ+ community
ways to show people are welcome there, but it’s also about influencing behaviour as clearly, for things to change, people need to change their behaviour,” explains Danny. “We don’t actually want people to have to Ask for Clive. We’re about prevention and creating an environment where certain behaviour is just unacceptable. It’s about trying to get those two guys in the group of six who aren't comfortable with what their friend is saying about someone to say, ‘look stop, we don't like this. You know, this is not right’.”
The charity has grown quickly from its humble beginnings in St Albans with over 3,000 pubs across the country now sporting an Ask for Clive sticker on its door. And, as of 1 July, the Heineken UK pub group has announced that all its 2,400 Star pubs and bars will join the campaign.
“It’s amazing how much it’s grown. We have venues across the UK, from the Shetland Islands to Gibraltar,” says Danny, adding that while it’s an encouraging move in the right direction, there is still a long way to go.
According to the latest available Home Office statistics, hate crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales were up 26% in
the year ending March 2022, compared with the previous year – the biggest percentage increase in hate crimes since 2017.
A 2021 Hate Crime Report by LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Gallop also found that two-thirds of the LGBTQ community had experienced anti-LGBT+ violence or abuse. Of those, only one in eight reported their experiences to the police.
“I think we are, as a nation, pretty unaware of what goes on out there,” says Danny. “But I personally know many people within the community who are terrified. So, we really rely on venues and operators to be gatekeepers of inclusivity.”
Ask for Clive, which is also working on a ‘Lost Venues’ initiative to reanimate some of the iconic LGBTQ+-specific spaces lost in the past few years, continues to receive overwhelming support from its home county with masses of Hertfordshire-based venues taking part in the charity's annual Pub Pride event, which took place in May.
Now in its third year, the event welcomes in the Pride month of June for local communities, with pubs, bars, and clubs participating in a range of ways. Some simply display Pub Pride flags and bunting to show their support, while others put on special events including live music, drag shows, karaoke, street art, as well as food and drinks.
“We launched the first Pub Pride in 2021, following the cancellation and postponement of many pride events due to Covid. We wanted to give communities the opportunity to celebrate Pride locally and for venues to benefit from a great night,” explains Danny. “Because Ask For Clive is really community led and the community here in Hertfordshire have been amazing from the Sheldan Inn in Wellington Garden City to the Red Lion in Hatfield and Dylans in St Albans, there are so many to mention and they’ve all been brilliant.”
See more at askforclive.com
“I think we are, as a nation, pretty unaware of what goes on out there”THE LOCAL COMMUNITY HAS BEEN HUGELY SUPPORTIVE
Q Can you tell us about your charity?
A We're a local life-saving charity providing a first-class pre-hospital emergency medical service across Essex, Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas. As a charity without access to National Lottery funding and with limited support from the Government, we depend on the generosity and goodwill of the people and businesses of Essex and Hertfordshire to remain operational. Each mission costs around £2,200, and it costs in excess of £750,000 every month to remain operational and cover all charitable costs.
Q How has 2023 been for you so far?
A It's been an extraordinary year so far as we proudly celebrate the charity's 25th anniversary. We started working from a small room attached to Broomfield Hospital and a small airbase out of Boreham – so we've come a long way! From our bases at Earls Colne and North Weald today, we have over 141 team members, over 400 volunteers and nine shops. Last year, we carried out 2,545 missions, 1,317 by air ambulance and 1,228 via our fleet of rapid response vehicles. This year holds special significance for me as I mark my 20th year with the charity.
Q Considering the tough few years we have had, what do you think it is about your charity that has enabled you to survive?
A Our story would not be possible without our amazing supporters. We've built long-lasting relationships with local people and businesses. Their generous donations, creative fundraising efforts, and words of encouragement fuel our mission and enable us to keep our local life-saving service operational every single day. We really couldn't fly without them.
Q Do you see yourself as an important part of the local community?
A Absolutely! Our pre-hospital care doctors, critical care paramedics, highly skilled pilots and co-pilots are all focused on delivering the very best clinical care across Essex, Hertfordshire, and the surrounding areas. We also have an army of over 400 dedicated volunteers who go above and beyond, fuelling our mission whilst making a meaningful difference in their local communities. Together, we strive to create a positive impact and foster a sense of unity and support among the people we serve. It's the people's air ambulance.
Q As we approach summer, where in your areas do you love spending time?
A There's nothing quite like strolling along the beautiful beaches of Mersea Island or Frinton. Ware is another favourite of mine, with a vibrant culinary scene there are so many fantastic places to eat.
Q Describe your perfect day…
A On a sunny day, there's nothing better than unwinding in the garden and catching up with family and close friends, enjoying good food and drinks.
Q Do you still have ambitions for the charity?
A Absolutely! We're always shaping exciting plans as to how we can continue to provide the best possible clinical care, such as developing our clinical service with a new and ambitious structure, our Centre for Excellence. Our vision is to create a world-leading community through which pre-hospital care is developed to achieve the best possible outcomes for all patients. For me personally, I am relishing opportunities to do more mentoring and coaching for aspiring young people.
ehaat.org
THE SILVER CUP
The Silver Cup in Harpenden is continuing to gather acclaim for its imaginative menus, standout flavours and its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Independently owned and led by Michael Singleton and chef Matthew Reeder, the pair took over in spring 2020 and transformed the 19th century pub into a contemporary dining space, with a regularly changing set menu and a well-balanced wine selection, stylish interior and newly refurbished outside terrace. Turn over for news of yet another accolade. thesilvercup.co.uk
Wine recommendations for the month
By THE ORGANICCertified Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian
This French, dry white with lemony notes, seduces with its freshness and finesse. This white pairs deliciously with all shellfish, white fish, meat & green summer vegetables.
Certified Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian
This Georgian wine is a firm favourite of our customers. Bedoba has a powerful savoury-spicy bouquet of blackberries, herbs, flowers and black pepper with a creamy juicy texture.
Certified Organic
With the vineyard sitting between the Estérel and the Gulf of St Tropez, the Château Font du Broc Rose is adorned with lush flavours of Provence. The Château rosé is pale golden pink in color and offers subtle notes of raspberry.
theorganicsommelier.co.uk
By MARK KEBBLE
The Hub on Verulam welcomes everyone with its open kitchen, where skilled chefs create a range of dishes for diners inside and in the sunny yard. Known for great coffee and cocktails, all day dining, and a selection of sustainably sourced ingredients, it's a culinary haven and convention-defying community space that offers something for everyone.
thehubonverulam.com
THE SILVER CUP
Neighbourhood gastropub The Silver Cup in Harpenden has earned another award to add to its growing list of accolades, making it onto The Good Food Guide’s list of Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2023. Using reader nominations as a driving force, The Good Food Guide team inspected a great number of restaurants in Central and East England to decide which ones deserved a place in the list. thesilvercup.co.uk
Enjoy both classic and creation cocktails and dine off the garden grazing menu at this Knebworth favourite, choosing from a range of small plates, including their signature Tilbury burger. It’s the perfect summer location. thetilbury.co.uk
CENTURION CLUB
Centurion Club in St Albans is full to the brim with dishes that reflect the seasons. To be enjoyed at lunch or dinner, Centurion Club’s Prix Fixe menu makes for a perfect business lunch, leisurely lunch with friends or early weekday dinner. Choose from two courses for £26 or three courses for £32 for lunch or dinner. centurionclub.co.uk
Tring Brewery have released a new beer featuring flavours from looseleaf Earl Grey tea. Ashwell’s is a refreshing pale ale, brewed with Earl Grey tea, bursting with bergamot on the palette. Delicate floral notes play in perfect harmony with pale malts and flowery American Hops. tringbrewery.co.uk
GAIL’S BAKERY
HAUTE DOLCI
Haute Dolci, a luxury dessert and brunch restaurant chain, has opened in Watford. Highlights from the brunch menu include the rich and flavourful Shakshuka and the succulent dynamite chicken (fried chicken smothered in Haute Dolci’s signature dynamite sauce and finished with amaranth and watercress). Diners looking to satisfy their sweet tooth will be able to indulge in the heavenly San Sebastian cheesecake (a Basque cheesecake with caramelised top). hautedolci.co.uk
A growing favourite among Campfire Gin fans, pubs, bars and restaurants, their Campfire Cask Aged Gin is where citrus and piney juniper meet vanilla, caramel and soft fruity bourbon notes. Serve with Indian tonic or ginger ale. puddingstonedistillery.com
GAIL’s Bakery’s summer menu includes delights like the Strawberry and Ricotta Cake, now available across their Hertfordshire bakeries.
Freshly baked throughout the day, the polenta and ricotta cake is topped with sliced fresh strawberries – and nothing says British summertime like strawberries. gailsbread.co.uk
Why Hertfordshire is perfect for a unique tippleTHE TILBURY TIPI COCKTAIL BAR
THOMPSON St Albans has reached its 10th birthday, a decade full of acclaim and accolades. We meet the the man behind it all, Phil Thompson
Q How does it feel to reach 10 years of THOMPSON St Albans?
A I can’t believe we made 10 years, especially with how hard the past three years have been. I sincerely thank our guests for their support and our truly amazing team, and my fiancée, Marianne, for all her work behind the scenes – she’s the rock of the business and the reason we are still here.
Q Before opening, what were you doing?
A Prior to opening THOMSPON St Albans, I was executive chef at the Brocket Hall Estate, including the Auberge du Lac where I’d been for 12 years. Before that I was lucky enough to have worked with some of the best chefs in top UK restaurants and hotels in the UK such as the Lanesborough and L’Escargot, both in London. Marianne grew up on a farm so is used to looking after everyone and everything, with a career in corporate sales and worked two ski seasons in Tignes in France and a summer in Porto Heil in Greece with Neilson Active Sports.
Q What inspired the opening?
A It got to the point where I wanted to work for myself and Marianne was pushing for this so we could spend more time together, which in actual fact has only become a reality in the last few years. She wrote a business plan and started looking for restaurants. Once we met founder Ruth Hurren, who told us the story of Kate D’Arcy and how she would be honoured for us to take on the restaurant, we were determined to go for it. It’s a great building and location, and St Albans is such a wonderful city with so much to offer; history, museums, arts, festivals and a lively town centre.
Q What did you want to offer from day one?
A Originally, I wanted to have a brasseriestyle restaurant, but when we opened, we discovered that it wasn’t what our guests wanted or expected, so we adapted quickly, which as a small independent is something we able to do with great ease.
Q Have you evolved in any way over the past decade?
A We have evolved year by year, we call it ‘the next chapter of THOMPSON St Albans’. It’s taken a long time to get to where we are and what we wanted to do. Our Head Chef, Adrian Lomas, with his first baby due in September this year, is young, keen and full of energy and ideas. We have developed the menu through the years and have ambitions for the future. Ade loves a flower and a local forage, so watch out anyone who has wisteria, as Ade wants to use flowers in our dishes! We did seven days a week for the first three years, but it became too much for me and the team, so each year we have changed the opening times, to offer the team a greater work/life balance.
Q How would you sum up your own cooking?
A My food is driven by the seasons and our amazing suppliers that bring us beautiful produce. Then there is my father-in-law’s allotment, with vegetables picked and on the plate within three hours. The chefs constantly ask, ‘How big is this allotment?’, amazed by the volumes we receive. He loves a challenge and grows all kinds of abstract fruits and vegetables, from seeds I have bought or his own research. It’s a passion and hobby for him, a labour of love. Marianne says his seedlings get more love than she and his granddaughter do!
Q How do you approach the menus?
A Talking to the suppliers is key; they guide me as to what is good at the market. Then it’s a case of using the knowledge I have gained over the past nearly 30 years, working with some amazing, talented chefs that taught me about seasonal produce, flavour combinations, textures and tastes. This is my starting point and then the creativity goes wild, which is my favourite
“I can’t believe we have made 10 years, especially with how hard the past three years have been”STRAWBERRIES & MERINGUE RABBIT & MORELLS
part of having my own restaurant – the complete freedom to create any dish I want to with no boundaries. I love to see my chefs learning this from me and share in the passion and excitement of this wonderful way of life; it’s so much more than just a job – doing what you love every day is just the best feeling.
Q Do you use local produce where possible?
A There are a lot of Hertfordshire suppliers we use including Sparshott Fruiterers, Mrs Middleton’s Rapeseed oil, Immature Garden for micro herbs, cresses as well as my father-in-law’s allotment, but my number one criteria for any produce we use is that it has to be the best and with the most flavour.
Q What’s the idea behind the tasting menus?
A The tasting menus allow us to combine flavour and technique into smaller plates of food, meaning more courses and greater variety for our guests. These menus are all about the ‘wow factor’ and giving our guests a different experience, tasting ingredients
they wouldn’t necessarily go for on an à la carte menu, knowing it will be one of seven or nine courses. I feel our guests enter new realms of gastronomy which they may otherwise shy away from. I hope our guests enjoy eating it as much as we enjoy cooking and creating these dishes!
Q What for you are some of the big dishes we can enjoy this summer?
A When it comes to the summer season you can’t beat an English strawberry; then there’s ingredients like gooseberries, raspberries, tomatoes, elderflower, peas… I could go on forever – all these scream delicious, light and fresh, which is what we all want in the hotter summer months.
Q How does it feel to have 3 AA Rosettes?
A To get the third Rosette was amazing, which I held previously at Brocket Hall along with my Michelin star, but to hold this wonderful accolade in our own restaurant is a celebrated achievement. This could only be attained with our hardworking, capable
and driven team, who push forward the standards of the restaurant constantly, as we look to evolve and better ourselves.
Q Does that recognition add pressure?
A Guest expectation goes hand-in-hand with accolades; however, the pressure we put on ourselves to exceed expectations of our guests is paramount.
Q How do awards make you feel?
A Awards are gratefully received and always give us a boost. It’s great to share the news with our team, who are very proud to work here and of all we achieve together.
Q How do you see the future of THOMPSON St Albans evolving?
A As we all know it’s been a tough few years for many of us in a variety of industries, including hospitality. There’s a lot we want to do, and a variety of changes we’d still like to make – we are an ambitious bunch!
thompsonstalbans.co.uk
“To hold a third Rosette in our own restaurant is a celebrated achievement”RHUBARB DESSERT THE CONSERVATORY
Louis
Absolutely chats to master milliner-and Rickmansworth resident- Louis Mariette as he showcases some of his creations at this year’s Royal Ascot
By VALERIE AND ALLISTAIR MCDOWALL
Many of the Royals attended Ascot this year, and it was a very special year for King Charles and Queen Camilla as they attended for the first time since the Coronation celebrations.
Fashion’s own royalty was in attendance at Ascot on Ladies’ Day too, in the shape of Louis Mariette, the Rickmansworth designer of the world’s most expensive hat. Louis’s famous hat, worth £1.5m, sadly wasn’t on display; however, he and many of his other beautiful hats were. Louis, who never fails to look dapper, co-ordinated wonderfully with his stunning actress friend, Sofia Hayat, who sported Louis’s own special gold cup winning colours of the day, a stunning red bejewelled skull cap styled hat embroidered with gold sequins, and glass bugle beads, high grade Precosia crystals, complemented
with red velvet roses and Lady Amherst pheasant feathers on top, with the jewel in the crown being an intricate hand-crafted centre-piece embellished with Siam red and clear crystals.
Sofia was certainly spotted and found popularity with the paparazzi on Ladies’ Day, as she made quite the impact using one colour styling. And with Louis’s attention to detail seen when he added matching red roses to his own traditional black top hat, and red tie to his morning suit, together they rollicked their own racing colours, and were easily amongst the most impactful couples of the day.
Louis, who was one of the judges in the fifth series of Britain’s Next Top Model, was only happy to tell us more about his journey in life. “I have had the honour and privilege of travelling to the most fascinating and unusual places on the planet,” he recollects. “Seeing the exotic migrating birds in their thousands on the tiny exotic Bird Island,
“When I create a bespoke piece, I always decide on what best suits her style and personality”MARYAM MARGARET
which is part of the Seychelles in the Indian ocean. Their dazzling array of patterned feathers, and palette of colours, is an endless source of inspiration. On a trip to the furthest Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, a country open to only a few privileged. I was honoured to be invited there by an anthropologist. Part of the trip was to witness rare ceremonies that were never usually seen by Westerners. The high standard of fabric dying, embroidery and embellishments on their outfits and millinery was simply breathtaking.”
How does he go about designing a bespoke piece of headwear? “When I create a bespoke piece for a client, I always decide what will best suit her individual style and personality. The creation must be an extension of her. This can be in the form of a hat or bejewelled headband, the latter of which is very popular with brides. The true inspiration is all about the lady, and if they reach out with a letter or call of thanks, then I know I have done my job well and I take pride in that.”
Discussing his career highlights, Louis says: “There have been many exciting highlights. I was delighted to be invited to be a milliner judge on series five of Britain's Next Top Model. They recreated some of my highlight photoshoots including underwater photographer Zena Holloway’s Pinewood studio water tank shoot, complete with scuba divers! Through my millinery platform I try to take any opportunity to plug causes close to my heart. Through supporting The Lupus Trust and The Children’s Trust, I was invited twice to 10 Downing Street. Also I’ve been raising awareness and fundraising for the WWF who provide pro-active methodical projects to wildlife and environmental conservation, to me the most important factor that should be a priority in all our lives.
The planet is our home, we are custodians of this, our duty should be sacred to the cause.
“An experience that I adored was being asked to present at Royal Ascot’s 300 year celebration live on the BBC,” Louis
continues. “This prestigious event is one of my highlights every year. Ladies dazzling in their chic attire and showcasing heavenly millinery by talented hatters. Gentlemen in top hats and tails, refined and sophisticated. Of course the pomp and ceremony of the Royal traditions and the honour of being in the presence this year of our new King!
“I also had a collaboration with Harrods and the Platinum Guild and designed a hat called Chapeau d’amour, made of a rare weave of Platinum fabric and diamonds worth £1.5m. It once even travelled in its own first class seat on a flight from Mauritius to London!”
“My creativity, love and passion have been elevated to a new level with my new venture. I’ve pushed my skills to the utmost and enjoyed every precious moment of a threeyear project from the beginning of lockdown. A highly intricate Oriental sculpture display cabinet in Italian clay that perches my ornate perfume bottle and luxurious scent. I won’t say too much as you will have to wait for the launch and unveiling next year.”
Louis is interesting, charming and amusing, he lives life to the full, but still finds time to help people and fundraises for charity. After hearing about his adventures and his future plans, it’s also reassuring that a designer with such kudos still remembers that wildlife, the environment, and our planet are the most important things to consider with anything we do.
So, we can put high stakes on Louis to ensure he will be racing ahead to make his fashion items as sustainable as possible, because he genuinely cares about helping our environment to improve.
MISAHARA
18k yellow gold starfish ring with blue, green, and white diamonds, £18,433 misahara.com
MATILDE
100% recycled 14k gold necklace with lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, and natural beads, £195 matildejewellery.com
PACHAREE
18k gold plated and pearl ring, £420 pacharee.com
BLOOMING DREAMER
Sterling silver anklet with kunzite, red Japanese glass beads, and a flower freshwater pearl, £115 bloomingdreamer.com
APPLES & FIGS
24k gold-plated sterling silver earrings with natural petal pearls and cubic zirconia stones, £348 applesandfigs.com
ANITA BERISHA
Gold plated brass chain with freshwater pearls, £190 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk
EMILY P. WHEELER
18k rose gold conch pearl earrings with tourmaline and enamel, £38,200 emilypwheeler.com
JENNA BLAKE
18k yellow gold, diamond, and natural sea shell charm on an 18k yellow gold nautical chain, £12,500 jennablake.com
GUITA M
18k white gold spike earrings, with white chalcedony, and aqua tourmaline, £5,085 guitam-jewelry.com
Anthropologie, with a store in St Albans, have launched a pop-up event with block-print fashion brand, Daydress – perfect for the summer months
ETHICACBD
Cornish company, EthicaCBD, is making waves across the UK with their gamechanging CBD Sports Gel. Since day one, EthicaCBD’s family-run team have been devoted to finding the most ethical ways to guide people on their journey to better living. Their best-selling Sports Gel is the epitome of their promise to provide the very best plant-based care and sporting icon Lord Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham has been using it to keep him on the golf course. Find out more in this month’s special section. ethicacbd.com
Absolutely meets Lee Valley athlete James Kettle, who is set to compete “at home” in the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in September
Lee Valley athlete James Kettle is eagerly preparing to represent British Canoeing at his home venue, Lee Valley White Water Centre, in the highly anticipated 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships coming later in the year, from 19-24 September.
With an impressive track record and a bronze medal from the 2019 Junior World Championships, James is poised to showcase his exceptional skills and capitalise on the home advantage.
His selection to compete for British Canoeing is a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport. “Since I heard the race was going to be here, I just couldn’t wait and really hoped that I would make it onto the team. It’s really exciting,” James says. “I’ve been paddling here since it was built, so to be able to race here now it really does feel like home.”
James’s exceptional performances at the 2019 Junior World Championships in Krakow, Poland, cemented his status as a promising athlete in canoe slalom. He finished 8th in the men's C1 final and secured a bronze medal in the team event, alongside his teammates Alfie Boote and Kurts Adams-Rozentals.
Continuing his success on a national level, James demonstrated his prowess by securing the second boat in the junior men's C1 selection race at Lee Valley. This achievement was followed by his triumph as the junior British Open Champion in October of the same year, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the sport of canoe slalom.
James trains at the world class facility
near Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire everyday, both on the course and in the gym to continue improving his performance levels and he is hoping to use his inside knowledge to his advantage.
“I think there is definitely a home advantage in this sport, so hopefully I can use that this September and do whatever I can,” he says. “There has been various changes to the course over the years, and it’s just the whole area around it has gradually expanded, getting better and becoming more high performance, especially for our side. Also the rafting and all the activities for the public, it’s really good to see.”
Being close to home is also a key advantage. “Family living nearby is a plus, and also friends can travel down to see me,” he smiles. “I’m here on the water pretty much every day, sometimes twice a day, and also using the gym here as well. It truly is a world class place to train, so I love it here.”
Beyond his dedication to the sport, James is a multi-talented individual. He showcases his musical abilities by playing the guitar and holds a grade 8 proficiency in both classical and electric styles. In his spare time, he also takes pleasure in composing music, demonstrating his creativity off the water.
Lee Valley White Water Centre is part of Lee Valley Regional Park, which stretches 26 miles along the River Lee from East India Dock Basin on the Thames to Ware in Hertfordshire. The park offers a range of great activities, days out and attractions from cycling, white water sports and angling to horse riding, ice skating, hockey and camping, alongside award-winning nature reserves, green spaces, heritage sites and riverside trails. Located at the edge of the hugely popular 1,000-acre River Lee Country Park, Lee Valley White Water Centre is a world leading destination offering a host of exciting sport and leisure activities including white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, hydrospeeding (similar to body boarding) and inflatable obstacle courses. The London Olympics 2012 venue has two white water courses – the 300m Olympic Standard Competition Course with a 5.5m descent and the 160m Legacy Loop with a 1.6m descent, perfect for training and developing the next generation of champions.
Are you inspired by James Kettle?
If so, visit better.org.uk to see how you can take to the water too
“I'm here on water pretty much every day and also using the gym. It's a truly world class place to train”
Absolutely meets Sir Ian Botham to talk cricket, golf and the power of cannabidiol
By JOSEPH FITZGERALD
Sir Ian Botham is remembered for routinely besting titans of cricket. Now 67, Botham enjoyed a long and (very) illustrious career; for Somerset, the England team, as well as spells in Australia.
Frankly, it’s good of them to let him in, given his celebrated match-winning performance against Kim Hughes’s baggy greens during the Ashes Test at Headingley, in 1981. Electing to bat first, Australia had England on the ropes and enforced the follow-on. Out strode Botham, clocking an unbeaten 149 runs before heading back to the dressing room for a cigar. That he also took seven wickets only cemented his legend.
So it came as something of a challenge when in July last year Botham found himself unable to walk around a golf course as he once could – in addition to being one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, golf is a lifelong passion.
It was his son, Liam, who sent his father something new to incorporate in his daily routine. Specifically, the EthicaCBD Sports Gel with CBD and CBG. Based in the seaside town of Bude, in Cornwall, the company launched three years ago and have quickly earned global recognition, winning a gong at the World CBD Awards in 2022. CBD products
are increasingly being incorporated into wellness regimes. As the name suggests, EthicaCBD go to great lengths to create what they describe as, “the highest quality ethical CBD for people and planet”.
As it turns out, alongside proving themselves as the ethical front runner of the UK CBD industry, they’re also getting sporting legends quite literally back into the swing of things. After using the all-natural CBD gel, Botham returned to the fairway and renewed his spot in competitive golf, turning out in the Alfred Dunhill Links last year.
In conversation with Botham, ‘competitive’ is a word that crops up a lot. The Botham family is a genuine sporting dynasty. His son, the aforementioned Liam, played county cricket for Hampshire, as well as dual codes in top-flight rugby (union for Cardiff Blues, league for Bradford Bulls).
Liam’s son, James, meanwhile, plies his own sporting trade in elite rugby union, both for Cardiff and the Wales national side. As a passionate Englishman, is Botham senior conflicted about having a dragon in the dynasty? “Goodness, no. James was born in Wales and always swore allegiance.”
Just as well, considering James’ fiancée is the Wales hockey international Izzy Webb. In any Botham household, the competitive instinct is strong. “I play everything to win. I even want to beat the grandchildren at tiddlywinks”, Botham says.
These days it’s golf that keeps his competitive juices flowing. “When I was playing county cricket, a lot of the guys played golf.” For a world-class batsman, golf is surely a seamless transition. “It should be, given a golf ball is still when you hit it but it doesn’t always work that way.”
Of those able to make the switch, Botham recalls that, “Viv could hit the ball a long way”. ‘Viv’, for those too young to remember, is Sir Vivian Richards, the fearsome West Indies batsman who could no doubt hit a cannonball across the Channel. “At my peak I played off a handicap of 3,” Botham says. Which must have seemed a distant memory last summer. At the Dunhill Links, Botham found that the gel was the competitive advantage that he needed.
The gel’s active ingredient, cannabidiol (CBD), was first discovered in 1940 but it’s only in recent years that it has been developed for use in a wide range of products. EthicaCBD Sports Gel combines two powerful cannabinoids with other dynamic natural extracts such as organic silicium, blackpepper oil, menthol and camphor, ensuring you get the very best plant-based care.
“When it comes down to it, this stuff is incredible”
LORD ‘BEEFY’ BOTHAM
SIR IAN BOTHAM
LOTTIE LONDON Body Glow Body Highlighter, £12.95 lottie.london
BEAUTY PIE
Awesome Bronze™ Flawless Self-Tanning Mist, £60 beautypie.com
RMS BEAUTY Luminizer, £39 rmsbeauty.com
HOURGLASS
Ambient™ Lighting Edit – Sculpture, £78 hourglasscosmetics.co.uk
ULTRA VIOLETTE Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil, £38 cultbeauty.co.uk
GLOW FOR IT Rose Glow Blush Stick, £14 glowforitshop.com
By CARLY GLRNDINNING
ELEPHANT
D-Bronzi™ AntiPollution Sunshine Drop, £33 drunkelephant.co.uk
GLOW RECIPE Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, £32 sephora.co.uk
SOL DE JANEIRO Limited Edition Rio Radience Cream, £48 spacenk.com
HUDA BEAUTY
GloWish Soft Radiance Bronzing Powder, £28 hudabeauty.com
It’s so good to hear all your feedback over the past few months regarding your concerns on hair and scalp issues. So due to popular demand I have put some of the questions you have asked in my article this month.
Q Is it ok to highlight my hair before my two-week holiday in Greece?
A Discuss this with your professional colourist and try to plan your hair colour the month before you travel to any hot climates, or even within the UK currently with hot temperatures. Be careful to protect your hair. Apply pre and post treatment to your hair on the day of colouring and at least two times a week thereafter. Always use a conditioner to protect the outer layer (cuticle), which protects the inner structure, this helps to lock colour into the cortex (inner structure) giving longevity to the colour.
Q I have braids in my hair to give it volume, my stylist has told me it helps the hair to grow. Is this true?
A Any extra weight on the hair could have a detrimental effect on the natural hair, and eventually could cause hair loss if used over a long period of time – this is known as traction alopecia. Braids should be professionally applied with regular maintenance to avoid any unnecessary hair shedding. Regular breaks from braiding the hair also allows the natural hair to be examined and treated.
Q Can I straighten my hair with straighteners when my hair is wet?
A It is always best to dry the hair prior to using a hair straightener. The high temperatures of the straighteners could boil the moisture within the hair structure causing what is known as “bubble hair”, this is where the moisture is heated to such high temperatures it boils the moisture
causing a bubble node in the hair structure. Eventually the hair breaks at each bubble node and you will notice your hair density change to thinner finer damaged hair.
Q Since losing weight my hair has become lifeless. Is it connected to my weight loss?
A Hair is a complex chain of amino acids which are protein. The tiny blood capillaries carry vitamins, minerals, and nutrition to the hair bulb which feeds the hair. When you change your lifestyle and diet this can have an adverse effect on the hair growth cycle.
It generally takes anything from 12 weeks onwards before the changes in diet and lifestyle take effect on the hair. Consult a nutritionist to give guidance on the safest way to change your nutritional intake without compromising the hair growth cycle.
For more hair health tips you can contact
Trisha Buller at trichology@trishabuller.com
LighterLife has spent over 30 years developing a nutritionally complete Very Low Calorie Diet for fast weight loss, combined with a unique mindfulness approach, which goes beyond what you put in your mouth and explores how your thinking affects your eating behaviour – providing you with the tools for losing weight and keeping it off.
The reason that so many ‘ordinary’ diets fail is because they don’t tackle the reasons behind why people overeat in the first place. They suggest the answers are in the food and focus on calories and complex food-plans.
The LighterLife Programme has helped
over 400,000 people to change their mindset, their weight and their life, by combining nutritionally fortified food replacements with a unique behaviour-change programme. This ground-breaking approach offers people a real opportunity to lose weight fast and keep it off in the long term by helping them understand why they overeat and giving them the opportunity to reshape their relationship with food and with themselves.
• A range of weight-loss plans to fit your needs, including the premium Total VLCD plan, on which you can lose around a stone a month. This replaces ordinary food with daily Foodpacks which are
formulated to include 100% RNIs for key vitamins and minerals, as well as being high in protein and a source of fibre.
• The golden opportunity to change the way you think about food, and about yourself, in weekly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) groups. Your group is where you get to grips with the thoughts and feelings that have been driving your overeating, so you can learn to cope with trigger situations without turning to food. Each week you’ll be discussing issues such as comfort eating, stress, and challenging old habits. CBT provides practical skills to think, feel and act differently around anything in life, including food, and it’s key to living a truly lighter life.
If what you have read so far is something which you would like to consider further, Hilary Eves will be happy to have a telephone discussion about what options may be available to you. Hilary runs a free weekly Zoom meeting, where a CBT Mindfulness topic is explored and discussed, as well as supporting clients via the telephone and WhatsApp groups. With LighterLife you can lose a stone a month, so start your LighterLife adventure today by contacting Hilary for a free, no obligation consultation and make this your year for permanent, positive change.
Contact Hilary Eves on 07309 555449 or hilary.eves@lighterlifementor.com
“The reason that so many diets fail is because they don't tackle the reasons behind why people overeat in the first place”
As the author of The Healed State, I am thrilled to announce that my seventh book is now available for pre-sale orders. This project holds a special place in my heart, and I am excited to share with you the reasons behind its creation and the transformative journey that inspired me to write it.
The Healed State is the culmination of my lifelong quest for understanding the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical health. Throughout my journey as a healer and mentor for over 30 years, I have witnessed the profound impact that our mindset has on our overall well-being. I wanted to explore this subject in depth and provide readers with practical tools to unlock their pathway to health and harmony.
I started writing The Healed State in April 2020, at the start of the first lockdown. The whole world had seemingly gone mad, everyone was in fear, there were huge polarities of opinions and everyone's health was compromised, not just because of covid, but because of the reaction to fear.
One of the driving forces behind writing The Healed State was my observation of individuals caught in negative patterns,
battling disease and pain, and struggling with low mood and fatigue. I wanted to offer them a beacon of hope and guide them toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. The book aims to empower readers to break free from selfsabotaging behaviours, release blockages and old negative patterns, and bring joy, peace, and balance back into their lives.
Scientific evidence supports the notion that our thoughts and emotions play a significant role in our physical well-being. Through extensive research, I discovered fascinating studies that illustrate the power of forgiveness in improving immunity, the impact of altruism on memory, the correlation between optimism and a reduced risk of disease-related deaths by 40%, and the connection between happiness and resistance to colds and pain.
The Healed State sheds light on these findings and explains how our mindset influences our body's reactions. My intention with The Healed State was to create a healing bible for readers, offering them a comprehensive guide to navigate their journey toward wellbeing, set into seven stages of healing.
I compiled a vast array of information, covering various modalities such as behaviour, activities, nutrition, and the healing potential of nature. Additionally, the book explores
the concept of healing even while we sleep, reminding readers that the healing process can continue beyond waking hours.
Throughout the book, I encourage active engagement from readers through thoughtprovoking questions. These inquiries prompt introspection and self-discovery, inviting individuals to listen to their bodies and explore the feelings of joy and happiness within their minds, bodies, and souls. By understanding their motivations and desires for healing, readers can uncover the deeper aspects of themselves that may have been holding them back.
The Healed State is not just a theoretical
A Tring-based author on the journey that inspired her to write about The Healed State
“I want to provide readers with practical tools to unlock a pathway to health and harmony”
work; it is a practical and accessible guide that readers can easily connect with. I strived to infuse the book with rawness and authenticity, creating a reading experience that feels like chatting with a trusted friend. I want readers to feel seen, understood, and supported as they embark on their healing journey.
The book's design was also of utmost importance to me. Together with my team, I dedicated eight months to meticulously crafting the book's interior, ensuring that each page emanates healing energy. As readers turn the pages, they will be enveloped by a sense of healing, with the book itself becoming a conduit for transformation and growth.
Witnessing the positive impact of The Healed State on early readers has been immensely rewarding. Marie-Francoise Wolff, a model and TV presenter, praised the book's authenticity and found it to be a valuable resource for healing various aspects of her life. Emma Wilson, owner of Big Sister Social Media, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the practical healing techniques and the conversational tone of the book.
Ultimately, my goal in writing The Healed State is to help readers achieve a state of well-being that encompasses more than just physical health – by embracing the teachings within these pages.
You can buy your copy of The Healed State at thebodyrescueplan.com/healedstatebook
Fun Run returned to a very sunny Aldenham Country Park in June, seeing hundreds of revellers complete the colourful course in aid of a good cause. Over 420 runners joined the start line of the technicolour event with the current fundraising total standing at £21,500 and going up all the time. All the money raised will be used by Peace Hospice Care to provide care and support for local people with a life-limiting illness. Many of the runners taking part had strong links to the hospice, which motivated them to not only take part ,but also seek sponsorship from friends and family.
On the day, runners lined up just before 11.30am in anticipation of the starting signal. Instead of the traditional starter pistol, Peace Hospice Care patron, Luther Blissett, signalled the beginning of the race with a countdown from 10, followed by a shower
of coloured powder, seeing the runners off to a bright start. At each kilometre mark, enthusiastic volunteers were on hand to throw more coloured powder, leaving the runners’ previously white event t-shirts looking more colourful than they started!
The first runners completed the course in around 25 minutes before collecting their finisher medals and going on to enjoy the rest of the entertainment at the event. The events village, featuring music, food stalls, inflatables and games was available throughout the day to make it a memorable day out for the whole family.
Peter Rasmussen, Events Manager at Peace Hospice Care, says: “It was great to see so many people supporting this year’s Colour Fun Run and having a great day out. From tiny tots to family groups and workmates getting together for team building, there was a real mix of runners and a fantastic atmosphere on the day.”
renniegrovepeace.org.uk
Peace Hospice Care is now part of the Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care group, following a merger with Rennie Grove Hospice Care.
Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care provides care and support for adults and children with a progressive life-limiting illness, and those who care for them, in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.
The charity supports patients to live the best quality of life they can through the combination of outpatient, rehabilitation and supportive care services, Hospice at Home and inpatient care that is right for them.
Rennie Grove Peace Hospice
Care is here for those around a patient, including family, friends and carers, ensuring that everyone can receive the right support, wherever and whenever they need it.
Care is provided at no cost to patients and families and is made possible by the generous donations the charity receives.
Absolutely attended Peace Hospice Care’s Colour Fun Run, an event that never fails to put a smile on the face
Perched on the stunning Devon coastline, overlooking the mesmerizing expanse of sea, Gara Rock Hotel stands as a true testament to laidback luxury. Its unrivalled location is perfect for exploring nearby Salcombe and Dartmoor, plus dogs are welcome too. Combined with the exceptional amenities, it has become a favoured destination for travellers seeking an indulgent retreat in the south-west.
You can't help but be captivated by the breathtaking vistas that greet you as you arrive. The panoramic views of the sea stretching into the horizon never fails to amaze, whether you're lounging on your private balcony or sipping a refreshing drink on the terrace.
The accommodations at Gara Rock Hotel are an exquisite blend of comfort, style, and impeccable attention to detail. From elegantly appointed rooms to spacious suites, each designed with tasteful decor, guests
are treated to an atmosphere of understated luxury. However, it is the out-of-the-ordinary suites that steal the show, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience with their stunning sea views and unparalleled opulence. To satiate those discerning tastebuds, the hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant helmed by its talented Head Chef, Paul Hegley. Drawing inspiration from land, sea and allotment, the culinary team crafts a menu that showcases the best flavours of the region. With every bite, savour the freshness and authenticity of locally sourced ingredients expertly transformed into classic dishes with a twist.
For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the hotel's spa and indoor and outdoor pools offer peace and serenity. Indulge in a wide range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Whether it's a revitalising massage, a refreshing facial, or a soothing dip in the pool, the spa's extensive menu ensures that guests find solace and renewal amidst the tranquillity.
Beyond its remarkable features, Gara Rock embodies the true essence of hospitality. The attentive and knowledgeable team cater to every need with warmth and professionalism, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience for every guest.
In a world that often moves at an alarming pace, Gara Rock offers a respite from the demands of everyday life. Nestled on the captivating Devon coastline, it promises an idyllic escape where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while indulging in the finest comforts.
gararock.com
“Guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature”
HABITAT
Habitat's latest cookware collection celebrates the joy of pastels. A soft palette of blush pink, soothing sage and baby blue adorns the range of non-stick pans, roasting tins, and utensils to bring a refreshing feel to the kitchen. Hero pieces in the range include the 3.3L cast iron casserole dish and a cookware ceramic roaster which is perfect for hassle-free table dining. habitat.co.uk
Michael Collins Architects 62 • Top 5 Gardens 71
I’m not sure about my creative capacity back during my childhood, but in school growing up in Belfast in the 1980s and early 90s my favourite subjects were art, geography, history and technology. Outside of school I always enjoyed drawing and was fascinated by how cities and factories worked.
I can remember the moment when I first found out what an architect actually was. It was looking at my own house whilst in the back seat of our car when I enquired to my parents about who drew the instructions for the builders, and I remember thinking that must be such an interesting job. It was only later that it became a serious consideration as it seemed to encompass all of those subjects that I found most interesting.
I studied at Edinburgh College of Art, ETSAB Barcelona, and laterally Cambridge. I worked at a range of practices in Edinburgh, Santiago and Melbourne before a role as associate at Stirling Prize winning firm Niall McLaughlin Architects. I was fortunate to work
on a really interesting range of projects, from award-winning social housing to private coastal homes, art centres, a distillery, a rugby museum in Limerick, and laterally a new theatre and drama school for LAMDA in Hammersmith.
I always felt that there were really pressing questions that weren’t necessarily being answered by the profession at all levels. Notably, how to design really great quality, sustainable but yet affordable homes, and how to create very special everyday buildings using a modest budget.
I wanted to demonstrate that special spaces and buildings can emerge from any budget, site or brief no matter how restricted and banal. I also saw a real lack of guidance for clients that are interested in sustainability, both lowering energy costs, but also their environmental impact. We have become sustainable accredited architects and certified passivhaus designers, and offer this to both private residential clients, but also local authorities. We are the only practice within Hertfordshire that offers both of these accreditations. I think
the combination of a highly crafted approach to design, experience of listed buildings and our sustainability expertise sets us apart.
There’s a three-pronged approach to our design ethos. Specificity: we like each project to be a genuine outcome of the site, our clients and avoid pre-conceived or off-the-shelf designs. Sustainability: we believe in making the most out of existing buildings and situations before tearing down and starting anew. Innovation: we try and embody ideas that have a bigger resonance in every project, this can be a small detail or a more fundamental design concept. Whether it is a private or commercial client, we find that a close and engaged working relationship is essential. It is perhaps obvious, but it is important to genuinely listen first and really understand what the priorities of a project should be for the client. Where appropriate, it is important to challenge our clients also, particularly when there are more beneficial ways to achieve their objectives. We in turn enjoy being challenged as the architects and find that even when
timescales are tight the best architecture comes out of lots of evolution rather than a quick sign-off. We find that it becomes quite a significant relationship, particularly on residential projects often over years.
If I had to pick out three projects that showcase what we are about, they would be: The Lookout, a very low cost but sustainable retrofit of a former garage and flat house christened the ugly duckling by its well heeled Victorian neighbours. The project created a tardis like spacious sequence of internal spaces, and won the RIBA HAA awards in 2020; The Wyck: a low energy conversion of a listed former stable block on the Wyck Estate into a new modern recording studio, living accommodation and facilities for a new winery. This project was recently completed and really showcases how a sensitive listed building can balance a new use, retain its older features but yet be designed in a progressive and modern way; Chia Hitchin: this involved radically converting a Grade II listed building in the middle of Hitchin into a much loved café that showcased the building's 300-year-old features against strikingly new additions.
There are some really interesting influences for unique architecture in Hertfordshire, its rural heritage and link to timber construction, but also its role in the formation of urban London. The mix of historic towns, but also new town development and examples of midlate 20th century architecture is fascinating.
I am originally from Northern Ireland, and Scotland, so I perhaps see the context of Hertfordshire differently, it is a very different landscape to those that I grew up with. I see inspiration around every corner, whether travelling across Hitchin to our offices, visiting other towns or when travelling through rural areas. We are working on designs for the foyer of the Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin, a new restaurant for the catering School at North Hertfordshire college, a
passivhaus in Scotland and in Hertfordshire, some housing on a number of sites within the historic centres of Soham, some lovely new residential projects across Hitchin, Letchworth but also on the Norfolk Coast. The practice was started by myself in an organic manner from the kitchen table, and over the last three years I have been fortunate to have been joined by some very talented colleagues. We all have diverse educational and cultural backgrounds that I find really inspiring to be part of, and something which I feel can only enrich our output. We aren’t however driven by growth of the practice, more the quality of its output and expertise on certain project types.
michaelcollinsarchitects.com
“We are driven by the quality of our output and expertise on certain project types”CHIA CAFE, CHURCHYARD, HITCHIN BERKHAMSTED ‘ANGLEFIELD’ SUSTAINABLE RETROFIT
Hyperspace Studio are making a real name for themselves for their sustainable approach to design. This unique project in Tring is a case in point, as founder Olli Andrew explains
Q What is the ethos behind Hyperspace Studio?
A Founded in 2020, Hyperspace embraces the idea that architecture can do much more. After working for 10 years in some of the leading practices in the UK and across the pond in the USA, I realised how uninterested big practices were in sustainability. Hyperspace was created to right this wrong. A transparent, ecologically minded studio that is at the forefront of sustainable timber building practices. We blend exciting, modernist utopia ideas with pragmatic sustainable construction methods. We believe in joyous exciting architecture that can boost biodiversity and give back to the planet.
Q Is DarkMatter, featured here, typical of the projects you have taken on since launching?
A DarkMatter was definitely out of the blue, I actually went to visit the collaborator Wayne to design a rear extension to his house. Things change as they often do in life, he rang me some weeks later to ask if I’d design him a garden studio from a tired looking garage. Naturally I love a challenge and said, sure when can we start!? I don’t think I could pin down a typical Hyperspace project, however all of our projects follow the circular economy principles. What I mean by this is we thoroughly analyse the existing building to see what can be reused, recycled and reimagined.
Q What was the initial brief and whereabouts in Hertfordshire is it located?
A It’s located in the beautiful market town of Tring, and the garden studio is situated in a beautifully mature garden on a private road. The brief was simple: reimagine the tired standalone 1980s garage for a work from home studio. Wayne was very conscious of the environmental impact so we carefully considered reusing as much of the existing structure as possible. Painstakingly we reused the walls, floor, and while the roof is completely new, the old roof was dismantled and reused in the project. Wayne is in design recruitment, he spends a lot of time on video calls. He requested that the studio be acoustically sound, light and have a minimalistic but textured background for calls. In addition to this he wanted to work flexibly come rain or shine, we therefore created window stoops (seats) on the exterior that have cover. He is now known for taking calls in the rain.
Q What challenges did you face?
A The most challenging element to build was the facade. The 850 larch timber scales that wrap the exterior of the building are truly unique. Therefore we had to prototype the facade, we worked through five prototypes before we came to a
buildable solution. We work through a process of digital 3D models, 3D printing scale models and then 1-1 prototypes. Once finalised we prefabricated the facade offsite in panels, which then arrived on site to be erected and installed in a day.
Q Tell us about where the project gets its name…
A As mentioned the facade is a one off bespoke piece, a tapestry of timber scales form the exterior facade. The timber is larch, we adopted an ancient Japanese process called Yakisugi. Yakisugi takes timber and burns the timber to form a blackened or charred finish. This process naturally creates a protective layer for the timber. This technique has been used for thousands of years in Japan to protect against water and rotting as well as insect damage. The tapestry of scales uses a differing intensity of burning, so some of the scales are crackled, some are smooth and some have scorched marks. It’s this palette of char that determines the name DarkMatter.
Q How does the interior design contrast with the exterior?
A The use of the charred palette on the exterior is in high contrast to the interior. A pale muted interior is formed by lining the walls and ceiling with poplar plywood, much like the exterior precision comes into effect. Each plywood panel has been carefully crafted to align on a grid. The roof timbers are responsibly resourced from the UK and have been treated with a whitened natural oil. The interior is however disrupted by a pair of ‘light chimneys’, these lantern like objects that
hang from the ceiling. Above them are triple glazed skylights, the idea is that when the sun shines the light chimneys mimic the dappled light of a tree. We prototyped the light chimney and used digital sun mapping software to ensure a spread of light across the interior.
Q How sustainable is the project?
A The project is highly sustainable, with 90% of the original building being retained and reimagined; we actually minimised materials going to landfill. Other elements which couldn’t be used formed landscaping. The majority of the new materials came from a 10 mile radius including the charred timber. The building has three times the insulation values of modern building regulation ensuring it’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter. We used natural insulation including sheep wool and wood fibre teamed with recycled foil blanket technology. Heated by a mix of electric underfloor heating from a 100% renewable source and bioethanol fire powered by 100% plant extracts, the building is also sustainable to operate.
Q Do you have a favourite element of the completed project?
A I think my favourite element is actually the bespoke pivoting door, this was custom made and is extra wide at 1400mm. You can’t just buy one of these from a door manufacturer so we worked with a local joiner to design and build this element. We covered the door in the same larch scales as the facade. As it centrally pivots it divides the entrance allowing two people to walk either side. It’s pure theatrics, but that’s what architecture should be joyous and exciting.
Q What’s next for Hyperspace Studio?
A The future excites us, we want to continue to imagine joyous ecologically conscious buildings. Whether that be one off houses, extensions, garden studios or something completely different, the future is bright. For us it’s about finding likeminded homeowners and businesses to work and collaborate with on exciting projects. As the studio grows I’m sure we will expand our work across Hertfordshire and beyond.
hyper-space.uk
Thinking about a new driveway, modernising or improving your front of house? Our experienced team can provide you with a complete service from the initial design through to the finished article.
More than just professional hard landscapers, we provide a complete service that offers garden and patio design. With a free consultation, backed by skilled craftsman, we can create the outdoor space that you have always dreamed of.
Having over 25 years of experience within our home improvement sector, we have built an unrivalled reputation for the quality of our installations and the care and service provided to our customers.
As well as experienced and professional driveway and patio installers, we also work alongside leading governing bodies within our industry. Being approved installers of Marshall’s, Bradstone and Brett Landscaping, we are able to give our customers the peace of mind that carrying these accreditations deliver. Our approval status allows us to proudly and confidently service Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London with decades of design ideas. We can offer a vast range of product choices and solutions to all size and manner of installation requirements.
We can also add the finishing touches to your new garden or driveway project, including services such as raised kerbing, steps, sleeper walls, landscaping for natural or artificial lawns, and also a range of quality fencing products, to name but a few.
HAY
Hay’s Palissade collection of outdoor metal furniture was designed by French brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, to be clean, minimalistic and functional. There are several variations of chairs, tables and benches. skandium.com
Enjoy your garden throughout the year with a stylish Eden Veranda –with up to 25% off in the Summer Sale quoting code AM130523. Each veranda is constructed from the highest quality materials, which are bespoke manufactured. edenverandas.co.uk
All East London Parasols are handmade with traditional Balinese craftsmanship with over 20 separate stages; from cutting the bamboo spokes to hand painting the golden lotus pattern onto the canopy. eastlondonparasols.com
Bergs Potter's Elizabeth Pot is durable and elegant with its stylish Gothic arches. The tall, slender pot is made of high-quality materials and is available in two stunning colours; grey and rosa terracotta. bergspotter.com
Ferm Living's simple Desert Lounge chair has a tubular steel frame that's perfectly complemented by a woven textile seat made from recycled post-consumer waste. fermliving.co.uk
The pandemic certainly has a lot to answer for, but one of the main things that resonates throughout the country during these crazy times is that working from home has become the new norm.
M&Y Interiors have seen a huge increase in interest from clients that are looking to redesign existing home offices to suit their home working needs. These spaces pre-pandemic were often a half-hearted attempt of an office – usually a room overrun with teenagers studying for exams and the seldom used gym equipment gathering dust in the corner and doing a great job of doubling up as a clothes horse.
Now the brief is very, very different! With the husband or wife or both working from home, the need for a designated space for printers, scanner and filing cabinets
rather than cluttering up the kitchen or dining room has become a necessity.
Not everyone has the room inside the house for a home office, so M&Y Interiors are increasingly being asked to create an office garden room, which you tend to need planning for. They offer their clients a complete end to end solution, from help with the relevant planning regulations to tailoring the right space that works in their garden. Some garden offices are simply an open plan office, and the kitchen and WC facilities are still used within the house, but for those who have the room, an office that includes a guest WC and kitchenette within offer the full package.
Office garden rooms are more difficult in the winter when bad weather makes the trek down the garden not so exciting, but glorious in the summer when the sun is streaming through the windows – and especially if there is some decking outside for a sneaky sun lounger session!
So working from home has many advantages – apart from advance tasting of tonight’s dinner and being there to take in all the Amazon deliveries. Just the fact you’re not having to commute into town on a daily basis is a huge relief, but perhaps the biggest advantage of all is being around and having more time for your family – the downsides are the dog wants you to walk them whilst you are about to land a huge deal and you could be asked to take out the rubbish mid pitch, but on balance it’s a far better way of life for all.
m-yinterior.com
M&Y Interiors on how home offices have evolved to offer the perfect remote working solution
“On balance it's a far better way of life for all”
This kitchen features a design that effortlessly marries simplicity, elegance and functionality, using a combination of ‘Natural Nut Tree’ and ‘Blossom White’ doors alongside the exquisite Neolith ‘Himalayan Crystal’ worktops. With a soft and elegant colour palette, this kitchen embodies a sense of tranquility and warmth. The customer wanted a natural and organic feel to the kitchen. The warm tones and distinctive grain patterns of the ‘Nut Tree’ doors lends a touch of rustic charm, whilst the matt lacquered ‘Blossom White’ provides a clean and modern backdrop. Together they create a harmonious balance that is visually appealing and soothing. The porcelain worktops in Neolith’s Himalayan Crystal finish add a luxurious touch which is enhanced by its satin finish. The combination of the durability and stunning aesthetics makes them an ideal choice for a kitchen that aims for both style and practicality. Ensuring a modern finish, the LED lighting is adjustable and integrated into the kitchen, allowing the client to easily control the mood and atmosphere of the space. The play of light and shadow further accentuates the textures and tones of the materials, creating a captivating visual experience.
The client’s request for a muted colour palette that still exudes warmth is achieved with this design. The soft and elegant tones create a serene ambience, fostering a sense of tranquility and comfort in the kitchen. The clean lines and uncluttered layout further allow for easy navigation and smooth workflow. This kitchen goes above and beyond meeting the client’s expectations as it harmoniously blends aesthetics, functionality and the desired ambience. The use of the warm finishes and modern Siemens appliances achieves a
balance between visual appeal, practicality and the desired serene and inviting atmosphere. This kitchen design captures the essence of simplicity, elegance and efficiency. The choice of materials, colour palette, lighting and appliances all contribute to a space that is both visually stunning and highly functional. Whether the client is cooking, entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet moment, this kitchen offers a quiet and inviting environment for the client and their loved ones to gather and create lasting memories, all while ensuring an ergonomic design that will stand the test of time.
To find your nearest Poggenpohl dealer, visit poggenpohl.com or phone 01737 728 100
“The client's request for a muted colour palette that still exudes warmth is achieved with this design”
Independent day and boarding school in Bushey, St Margaret’s, hosted a week-long Arts Festival in celebration of music, art and theatre across the entire school community recently. Pupils across all year groups were treated to a whole week, off timetable, to enjoy an array of theatrical performances and music and dance workshops and taster sessions, as well as visits from special guest speakers and performers from the arts sector.
For Jacqueline Wilson, being asked to write a new The Magic Faraway Tree adventure was a fantastic challenge and an opportunity to revisit her own childhood
By LIBBY NORMAN
Take one revered author and ask her to take on the next chapter of a classic children’s tale and the result is bound to be magical. For Dame Jacqueline Wilson, being asked to add to Enid Blyton’s classic The Magic Faraway Tree series was also something personal. This was the very first chapter book the former Children’s Laureate read by herself – she recalls placing her finger on every word to spell things out. But soon the stabilisers were off. “Enid Blyton does have the ability to suck her child readers in and I think by the time I finished the first chapter I’d forgotten I was reading. I was just in this world and wanting to know what happened next.
“As soon as I’d read that first book, I managed to read another two, and for a long time they were my all-time favourite books.” So much so that when she was confined to bed with a bad case of measles and under doctor’s orders to rest her eyes, Jacqueline would always request one or other Faraway Tree adventures be read to her by her father.
“When there was nobody around to read to me, and I was forbidden to while I was ill, I did truly make up my own magic lands and pretend to be meeting all these magical creatures. So now, at the other end of my life, to be able to invent them properly, and hopefully professionally, has just been a joy.”
The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure stays true to the spirit of magic lands where anything can happen, but with Jacqueline Wilson’s own imaginative stamp. “It’s pointless trying to change the whole concept of the story that works so beautifully,” she says. “There were two things that I asked for: one was could I invent my own modern children? I could
see this amazing magical world through their own eyes, and initially a reluctance to believe in a fairyland world – apart from the littlest sister Birdy, who I got very fond of.” So, our explorers Milo, Mia and little Birdy are three children of today, albeit on a countryside holiday with their parents close to the Enchanted Wood, still containing that magical tree.
Jacqueline also asked for new lands for them to explore. “Please, I don’t want to revisit Enid Blyton’s fantastic lands because she’s done it all so splendidly. What I want to do is invent my own!” As you’d expect, she set about this task with great relish. “So, then I thought, children of a certain age, what are they interested in? Well, we’ll have to have some unicorns because, good lord, you can’t go past a toy shop without many different unicorns peering out at you. And we’ll have to have a little bit of suspense and danger with dragons.
“And then I thought, I want something jolly and funny with the Land of Bouncy Castles. Also, I’ve got a land called the Land of Princes and Princesses. I know nowadays some people look askance at the idea of children wanting to be princes and princesses, but I thought we could have some fun with it. So, Mia, she is very much attracted to the tasks a prince might do like jousting, but little Birdy, my goodness, she’s like all the little children that dress up as Princess Elsa.”
For Jacqueline Wilson fans (and there are legions), it might be surprising to see an author, admired for her knack of creating great stories grounded in reality, switch to pure magic mode. So was this a challenge?
“It was a lovely challenge. And it came at the right time at the beginning of the pandemic,” she says. “Even though I love to write books about children going through hard times I thought: ‘well, we’ve all been going through hard times, so how about a little holiday
from hard times and having some tremendous fun?’.”
Adventure is a huge element of Blyton’s original tales, along with fearlessness and courage among young heroes and heroines placed in unexpected, sometimes dangerous, situations. Jacqueline says it is a positive thing for children to experience challenges through fiction. “We have to teach our children to be very careful and not to try running across the road or talking to strangers, but in their imagination you can, in a safe way, stimulate all the bits that want excitement and adventure.”
She has huge respect for both Blyton’s output and her creativity. “She wrote over 600 books for children. How she managed to keep it up I just have no idea.” And in The Magic Faraway Tree, especially, she believes you can see just how brilliantly Blyton tapped into children’s mindset. “They were actually extremely original books. If a child was a genius and could write splendidly, they are the sort of adventures I think a child would make up. They are the sort of adventures where anything can happen.”
She really does not mind if parents and grandparents approach the new book as Blyton or Wilson fans. “Though I’ve got a healthy ego, at this stage I really don’t mind if people think, ‘oh, it’s another Enid Blyton book’, forgetting that she would be a very elderly lady now!”
She believes the concept behind The Magic Faraway Tree – incredible lands, fascinating characters and wonderful experiences – is as engaging today as it was when the first book was published in 1939. “These are exciting books that can stimulate a child’s imagination and they are really not hard work – and I think that’s the joy of them,” she says. “A text being easy to read for quite young children is a huge bonus because it’s at that stage of around six or seven that either a child launches off and can read practically anything as they grow through their childhood or they get a bit stuck and say, ‘reading’s boring’ or ‘I can’t do it’.”
It has been a pleasure to revisit her own first steps as a reader and an inventor of stories. “In a way, I was two people all at once – I was the professional writer seeing how I could do it and make the book myself and yet be true and respectful to the amazing Faraway Tree books. But also, there was a bit of me that was that six-year-old who loved that world.
“The very idea of inventing new things for Silky and Moonface to do and new lands for the children to experience – it was just a joy to do.”
The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure, by Jacqueline Wilson, is published by Hachette Children’s (£7.99).
“If a child was a genius and could write splendidly, they are the sort of adventures I think a child would make up... anything can happen”
“AfterseeingHertford Barnspremises,Icouldn’tchoose anyotherplaceformychild.Notonly aretherebrightandbeautifulbig spacestoplay,thestaffarealwaysvery supportiveandkind.Themanagement teamisalwaysveryprofessional.Mygirl evenaskstogotonurseryonweekends, thatshowsushowmuchshelovesbeing there and how well she is treated.”
Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk
Paris has nothing on St Albans as a sustainable fashion show at Oaklands College proves to be a huge hit
Talented students across courses at Oaklands worked together to put on a successful sustainable catwalk fashion show at the local FE college. The fashion show was part of the art, fashion and design department’s week-long exhibition to showcase the talents of all students, who designed and modelled the collections, around the theme of ‘Odysseys’. Other students helped with car parking and ushering, and the hair and beauty departments also collaborated, creating a fantastic and professional aesthetic.
This end-of-year exhibition featured creative work across all art and design courses, and for the first time the adult certificate course exhibited their work. The show focused on sustainable fashion, and used fabrics and denim donated from local supporters, including charities such as St Francis Hospice.
Guest and Oaklands College supporter Cllr Annie Brewster, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council 2022/23, and former Mayor of St Albans, was struck by the talent on show. “What a delight to see the amazing quality and stunning creativity from Oaklands College fashion students once more,” she said. “Congratulations to everyone and the very best luck with your future careers.”
Fashion student Zac Sawers-Simmons added: “The fashion show was a fantastic opportunity to encapsulate my ideas and creativity to the wider public. It melts my heart to hear all the fantastic feedback about our designs after the show.”
“The fashion show was deeply satisfying,” said fashion student Millie
Jeffreys, “as we presented collections of all of our hard work from over the year, demonstrating the differences in all of our styles and personalities.”
“We received kind donations of fabric and denim, from supporters including St Francis Hospice,” said Claire Dolan, Deputy Principal of Oaklands College, “that allowed us to have a 100% sustainable fabric fashion show, which is great news.”
OAKLANDS COLLEGE
has regular open days – see oaklands.ac.uk for more information about the those and the range of courses on offer
As it has for the past five years, St Albans Museum + Gallery opened its doors to the community on 8 June, only this time visitors were welcomed by festive decorations and a free birthday cupcake (for the first 100 guests). At what has proven to be one of St Albans’ most popular cultural spots, with a host of tantalising exhibitions, engaging events and immersive activities, St Albans Museum + Gallery reached a new milestone: its fifth birthday.
Since the Museum + Gallery opened in June 2018 after a £7.75million restoration project, nearly one million visitors have enjoyed exhibitions, events, activities, and the popular Courtroom Café. Set over three floors, the state-of-the-art gallery spaces showcase over 2,000 years of priceless heritage and display contemporary artworks – sharing local, national and world treasures with all.
More than 50 exhibitions have been offered – many thanks to fundamental partnerships – and the community has attended a diverse host of events. St Albans Museum + Gallery also offers great learning programmes that engage approximately 1,000 school children each year.
Farhana Begum, arts, tourism, culture and heritage manager at St Albans Museums, says: “We are delighted to be celebrating this important milestone at St Albans Museum + Gallery. The venue has hosted an incredible range of exhibitions and events since it opened its doors five years ago and these have been enjoyed by an increasing number of visitors, which is wonderful to see.
In 2019, St Albans Museum + Gallery displayed the breathtaking sculptures and archival works of Barbara Hepworth in partnership with UH Arts + Culture. The exhibition presented many of the artist’s dynamic pieces and unearthed
her connection with Hertfordshire. An equally popular partnership with UH Arts + Culture, St Albans Museum + Gallery recently presented a captivating collection of Henry Moore’s work, which was the largest exhibition of the artist’s coal mining drawings. Contributing to St Albans Museum + Gallery’s lasting legacy, other community exhibitions have included SquatLife, which explored homelessness in St Albans; Arriving and Belonging, which discussed the stories of the city’s Jewish community; and a range of delightful in-house exhibitions such as The Chroniclers of History, The Pickling Project, and the current Time for Tea.
St Albans Museum + Gallery is open daily 11am–5pm. Visit stalbansmuseums.org.uk and see more @stalbansmuseums
why everyone is talking about…BARBARA HEPWORTH ARTIST IN SOCIETY 1948-53 AT ST ALBANS MUSEUM + GALLERY 2019 BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES
