Absolutely Buckinghamshire July 2024

2024 / £3.95

PLUS FESTIVAL FEVER

The best events to make the most of the sun •

WALL TO WALL

Clarendon Fine Art Marlow on the artists in demand

SUIT'S YOU

Buckinghamshire

Beaconsfield's NAIA Beach sets you up for summer

Joanna BOBIN

FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE TO BRIDGERTON, THE ACTRESS ON A LIFE IN THE ARTS

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EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

DESIGNER

MARIANA SUZUKI

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

LOUISE PEARSON, STELLA ADAMS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES

JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S July issue highlights

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M5

2

y first experience of a proper festival didn't end in glory. It was during my trance music days, I think I was 18, and it was an all-day festival in Winchester that went on till 6am. I thought I was up to dancing the night away, but improbably fell asleep in a banging dance test at around 4am, before being woken up to get the first train home, dodging the fare and being caught en-route. Out of pocket as well as out of my depth.

These days I'd be lucky to even reach midnight at a gig, but thankfully there's plenty of choice when it comes to festivals across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. There's the more raucous offering with Reading Festival, brilliant gigs one day after another with Heritage Live, and even spot on festivals for the family at Maidenhead and Henley. We just need the weather to play ball now..

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MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

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Naomi Campbell Taking a trip down memory lane (p34)

Art in the Home Tips on buying and displaying work (p76)

Summer Festivals Rounding up the best events heading our way (p38)

West Berkshire How the past influences the present (p28)

Kit Kemp Launches a new fabric collection (p90)

Wish LIST

DOUBLE DENIM

The fusion of STAUD's contemporary Americana aesthetic and Wrangler's iconic Western heritage results in a fresh take on denim classics, offering a blend of modern sophistication and timeless style. wrangler.com

BIG BLUE

Villa Neroli is summer in a bottle – transport yourself instantly to the island of Capri with this enchanting vanillabased neroli fragrance, £167. bdkparfums.com

HATS OFF

Part of the Dioriviera capsule, the D-Ocean visor is a new hybrid design, inspired by a sun hat. Cra ed in straw, it's perfect for a season in St Tropez. dior.com

STAR SHOW

The OPEIA Collection is a celestial-inspired range of elegant jewellery creations cra ed from 18ct white gold and platinum. berrysjewellers.co.uk

TWO PIECE

This 18ct White Gold Oval Blue Sapphire and Diamond pendant is an exquisite piece of jewellery that combines the elegance of blue sapphires with the timeless sparkle of diamonds, £4,195. berrysjewellers.co.uk

FLAT OUT

Penelope Chilvers' fl at Chelsea fl oral espadrilles will bring a pop of colour to any outfit. With a sustainably certifi ed cotton upper and a relaxed jute sole, this vintage inspired print looks great with trousers or shorts. penelopechilvers.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NOT FADE AWAY

This button-down corduroy varsity jacket from the Rolling Stones' lifestyle brand features embroidered logo on the chest and RS No. 9 Carnaby St label on the sleeve, plus an embroidered Stones bubble letter tongue logo on the back, £180. rsno9.co.uk

GRACE AND FAVOUR

The Gracie dress, in a Liberty Print Cotton Poplin with the most stunning mix of blues and teals, was inspired by the elegance and glamour of Hollywood stars such as Grace Kelly. Opioneers' dresses are made in the smallest of batches, so once they're gone, they really are gone forever, £430. opioneers.co.uk

BRING ON THE BOHO

This Boho hand fi nished woven rug is from the exquisite Moroccan Beni Ourain style, measuring 160 x 220 cm, £164 inc delivery. coaliving.co.uk

MOMMIE DEAREST

Mother Denim's The Masked Rider is a denim vest with a V-neck, front seams, slit pockets, an angled hem and a narrow fit, made from 100% cotton denim, £371. motherdenim.com

CULTURE

There’s much to look forward to in 2024 at Newbury Racecourse including bumper music racedays with super-producer and DJ Sigala (Saturday 20 July, pictured) and Dizzee Rascal (Saturday 17 August), days on which those in attendance can enjoy seven action-packed flat races, a range of festival-style food and drink, free entertainment for all the family as well as the small matter of a full headline concert performance. newburyracecourse.co.uk

The Agenda

Heathers the Musical

24-27 JULY, THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR

Heathers the Musical returns to Windsor with its brand new 2024 UK touring cast. Welcome to Westerberg High where Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody…

theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Tapestry Weaving

Until 14 July

THE BASE GREENHAM

In Alastair Duncan: Interactive Tapestry Weaving, Alastair has integrated interactive audio within his tapestries. Working across fibre, photography and sound, he takes enjoyment from the textural and rhythmic aspects of weaving and explores themes that include landscape, architecture, conflict, communication and interconnection. thebasegreenham.co.uk

The Wizard of Oz

16-21 July

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

Following a summer season at the London Palladium, The Wizard of Oz flies into Milton Keynes Theatre. Join Dorothy, Toto and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz. Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, this is quite the experience for all the family. miltonkeynes-theatre.co.uk

THEATRE

THEATRE

THEATRE

21 July

WADDESDON MANOR

Join Unbound Theatre for a free performance in the grounds of Waddesdon Manor. This brand-new production of one of Shakespeare’s most incendiary plays is perfect for hardened fans and newcomers alike. Think Shakespeare is all men in tights? Think again… Waddesdon Manor is the perfect venue to play host to captivating theatre. waddesdon.org.uk

Day Out With Thomas

13-14 July

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

RAILWAY CENTRE

Thomas the Tank Engine, Percy, Sir Topham Hatt, Trevor and Rusty & Dusty the Station Sweepers will be back for another First Class family day out with Thomas & Friends. Enjoy steam train rides with Thomas and Percy, plus there’s entertainment from Sir Topham Hatt and the rest of the Steam Team, miniature train rides and much more for a wonderful day out for all the family.

bucksrailcentre.org

May The Toys Be With You is one for all the sci-fi fans out there the Stars LOOKS TO

On 20 July 2024, from a galaxy far, far away comes an absolute must-see for fans of Star Wars and the silver screen… One of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters is going on display in a stunning exhibition at Discover Bucks Museum.

The line-up for Kew The Music 2024 has been announced. Monday 8 July will see An Evening in Conversation with Monty Don followed by MIKA on 9 July, Ronan Keating on 10 July, Passenger 11 July, JLS on 12 July, Beverley Knight on 13 July and An Evening with Richard Ashcroft on 14 July. The annual week-long festival of picnic concerts is set in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and has become a summer music fixture. kewthemusic.gigantic.com

Back when the movie Star Wars broke box office records in 1977, no-one could have predicted that the merchandising would go on to earn even more than the film itself. The toys of Star Wars took the world by storm and became the must-have playthings for an entire generation. From 1977-1985 an estimated 300 million action figures were sold, allowing children to re-enact the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo.

May The Toys Be With You is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape. For little kids and ‘big kids’ alike this is an unmissable opportunity to view many rarely seen Star Wars treasures. This exhibition has broken visitor attendance records at a host of museums around the country, and we’re excited for its first visit to Aylesbury. A galaxy far, far away has just got a little closer to home.

discoverbucksmuseum.org

“I felt an immediate connection to Lady Cowper”

BOBIN ALONG

Currently lighting up the screen in Bridgerton, Joanna Bobin talks about a creative family, Nicolas Cage and her love for the county

By

MARK KEBBLE

Never meet your heroes, they say. I haven’t actually met any of mine, but when it comes to the movies, Nicolas Cage is certainly up there. So it was with a certain degree of trepidation when I asked Joanna Bobin what he was like when she worked with him on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. “Well the truth is…” Joanna leaves it hanging for what seems like an eternity, “absolute heaven!” Phew. “Like everyone else I’d been such a huge fan of his work forever and really didn’t know what to expect at all,” Joanna continues. “Often with stars at that level it can be a case of keeping your head down and doing your bit. But he introduced himself on the way to the set and couldn’t have been sweeter. The worst part was that having shot the scene a number of times according to the script, the lovely director Tom Gormican then said we’d improvise the whole thing to loosen it up a bit and that I was just to follow Nick’s lead. I love improvising so I couldn’t wait to jump right in, but the problem was

Nick is so utterly hilarious it was as much as I could do to keep a straight face, let alone respond to what he was saying!”

That anecdote could sum up Joanna’s eclectic career to date. Born in Oxfordshire into a family with entertainment in its blood – her father, David Bobin, was the much loved broadcaster and face of Sky Sports for many years, and one of her brothers is the BAFTA and Emmy nominated director, James Bobin – Joanna has amassed stage credits, roles in TV gems, as well as made the leap to the big screen too.

Looking at the first act, did her family ensure a creative upbringing? “I think because there are so many of us – I’m one of five – it actually provided the perfect environment for playing and making up stories and games together, which in itself necessitates creativity. My parents were always encouraging of that and visiting the theatre and cinema and reading.

“I think also as my father was in the business, it always seemed very normal and very achievable as a career,” Joanna adds. “He was so wonderfully relaxed about his job, never showing any nerves and always

100% professional. He wasn’t an actor, he was a journalist and presenter, but there is such a strong performance element in that, and he had a wonderful voice. We visited him a lot at work and so I’ve always felt very comfortable in a television studio.”

Joanna made her stage bow in a pantomime at the tender age of four, and at eight she had her first part in a series for the BBC called Take Three Women. “It was my first experience of being part of a big TV drama and I was just starting to understand the responsibility of that; turning up well prepared, knowing your lines and learning to work in an adult environment,” she recalls. “We also got to rehearse in those days – pretty rare now –which I loved so much. Everyone was so kind.”

The stage soon took over, with Joanna enjoying a range of roles some three decades ago. “I think having a grounding in theatre is so incredibly helpful for an actor, not least because of the stamina that you need to knock out eight shows a week come rain or shine. I think it takes the edge o any fastidiousness you might have about performing; you have to just get out there every single night plus matinees twice a

week, because there are people sitting waiting who have paid to see a good show.” Her screen CV has developed at pace over the last decade, with particular parts resonating with Joanna. “I loved working with my brother on the second Alice in Wonderland film. I got to hang out with some incredible actors for a week – Lindsay Duncan, Geraldine James and Mia Waschikovska – and also to see my big bro in his element directing was great,” she smiles. “I particularly loved all the amazing comedy shows I got to work on like Rev with Tom Hollander and Olivia Coleman, and Not Going Out with Lee Mack who just made me laugh all day! I also loved playing

Billie Piper’s sister, Jackie, in Secret Diary of a Call Girl. Billie was always so supportive and it was such a funny, uptight character to play, with such a great storyline.”

Her biggest part to date, however, came calling when the script for Bridgerton landed on her desk. “I had just come home one weekend from filming a movie in Berlin called Gunpowder Milkshake with Paul Giamatti and Lena Headey when an email popped up from my agent asking me to put a couple of scenes on tape for this new Netflix show. To be honest I nearly didn’t bother,” she admits. “I couldn’t really work out what it was. A period drama based here, but written by an American?! I knew of Netflix obviously, but had no connections there so thought it was a long shot at best. I literally had two days o before heading back to Berlin, I hadn’t done any washing, I still needed to write my lists out for my various childcare people for the week and we had no food in the cupboards! But thank goodness I glanced through the script, which was fantastic, and I felt an immediate connection to Lady Cowper – this haughty, gossiping member of the town – and felt I knew what the writers were getting at.”

The deliciously cruel Lady Cowper has appeared in Bridgerton since the beginning, and in the current series we get to see much more of her scheming with her daughter, Cressida Cowper, played by Jessica Madsen. “Is she cruel though?” Joanna questions my statement. “Or is she just trying to do the right thing for her daughter? She certainly has no qualms about manipulating situations for the good of her daughter, but I feel that’s more to do with the powerlessness of women in those days. Their best and only option was to get married and make the best of that and to do the same for any daughters they had. Everything Lady Cowper does

is for the good of her daughter. She still loves a good gossip though it’s true!”

The first chapter in series 3 (episodes 1-5) launched in mid May, where we started to see their plan take shape, and now audiences will get to enjoy how things unfold as chapter two launched on 13 June, which was at the time of this interview. Joanna stays tight lipped about what happens, but is happy to chat about her love for our county. “My parents lived in a beautiful little village called Eastbury, just outside Lambourn, for 20 years,” Joanna says. “We devastatingly lost my darling Dad seven years ago and he is buried in the churchyard there. It’s the most lovely peaceful spot on a hillside. I still go back to the area as I love the countryside all around there; we used to do a lovely walk from Eastbury to East Garston, along an old disused railway track, which was just heaven in the summer. Also the Lambourn Downs or White Horse at U ngton for walking, Hungerford for some fabulous bargain antique hunting and Marlborough is such a lovely market town. One of our favourite places to eat is The Vineyard at Stockcross near Newbury for special occasions. The food is incredible and the service is always spot on. For a lovely pub experience, we love The Star Inn at Sparsholt and also The Royal Oak at Yattendon – both always have fantastic food in such beautiful village settings. In Bucks, one of my sisters now lives in a village called Oakley just outside Thame so I’ve got to know that area too. It’s so pretty. We love walking round the beautiful gardens at Waddesdon Manor, which is also very child-friendly.”

And with that our time chatting is up. We started in Hollywood, ended up in Buckinghamshire, and it will be fun to see where Joanna Bobin’s career goes from here. You can rest assured that there will be great stories to tell along the way.

STARRING AS LADY COWPER IN BRIDGERTON

THE VINEYARD IS A LOCAL FAVOURITE

TRULY BESPOKE

POSSESSING

Last year McLaren celebrated its 60th birthday and, as Absolutely discovers, it all stemmed from one young boy’s racing dream

McLaren, that stalwart of Formula 1 racing and the only manufacturer to have entered and won all three legs of motorsport’s illustrious ‘Triple Crown’, has just celebrated its 60th birthday. With six decades at the very sharpest end of the motorsport food chain under its belt, and a trophy cabinet to show for it, the name has etched itself into not only folklore as one of the UK’s most well-known companies, but a global brand with legions of passionate fans.

It began with a determined young boy. Born in 1937 in Auckland, New Zealand, Bruce McLaren was diagnosed with Perthes disease at a young age, leaving him with one leg shorter than the other, and was told he may never walk again. But, having spent every waking minute of his formative years at his father’s service station and workshop, Bruce was a little kid with a big dream – to one day race cars, just like his father, Les, had done once upon a time. After spending an incredible two years on his back in traction and with his legs in plaster casts, at the age of 15 Bruce and Les McLaren began rebuilding an old Austin 7 which had made its way into the workshop. They had originally planned

to sell the car on, but Bruce convinced his father to instead enter it into the 1952 hillclimb at Muriwai. Due to his father falling ill, young Bruce entered the race himself and, in a surprise to all, won. And with this, an incredible racing career began.

But driving alone wasn’t enough. Bruce had the mind of an engineer and in 1963 formed his own racing team, Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd., with the ambition of building and racing his own cars.

Today, when entering McLaren’s headquarters in Woking, Surrey, you are still greeted by that little red Austin 7, stood on the building’s impressive boulevard of engineering history, right next to a bronze statue of its owner, Bruce McLaren. A little further down, past awe-inspiring cars such as the McLaren F1, the P1 or the new Artura Spider, you will also find an expansive trophy cabinet, housing all of the marque’s souvenirs of success. And there, at the very front, almost overshadowed by its much bigger counterparts, stands a small

DRIVE

golden star on a black base – the first ever McLaren trophy, won by Bruce McLaren at that momentous hillclimb race in Muriwai.

The building housing all of this heritage, the McLaren Technology Centre, has been home to the McLaren brand since 2004, celebrating the 20th anniversary of its o cial opening by Queen Elizabeth II just a couple of months ago. Stood on land that originally housed an ostrich farm, the building was designed by globally renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster, who was originally tasked with

“I FEEL THAT LIFE IS MEASURED IN ACHIEVEMENT”

creating a building that felt like 90% NASA and 10% Disney. Since then, the futuristic looking building has become a topic of mystery and marvel among car enthusiasts. So it comes as no surprise that it has in fact served as a set for multiple award-winning film and TV productions.

The space age facility feels timeless, not two decades old. The suspended timeline the building’s aura creates makes perfect sense though. For a racing team that has six decades of experience on track, McLaren has a road car business that is actually younger than Tesla. It first built a road-car in 1992 with the legendary F1, delivered by a small team of Formula 1 engineers and designers.

But McLaren Automotive – McLaren’s dedicated supercar marque, as we know it today – has only been going since 2010. In that short space time, it has taken those 60 years of on-track experience and innovation to create a supercar business that is already well established, forward-looking and incredibly creative, with a world-leading edge when it comes to lightweight design.

From a bird’s eye perspective, the dramatic building and its lake form a perfect circle, echoing a ying/yang symbol. It’s stunning architecture, but also serves a purpose. The lake contains over 30 million litres of water which is continuously pumped through heat exchangers, helping to cool the buildings and dissipate the heat produced by the Formula 1 wind tunnel. And the greenery surrounding the building captures up to 100 tonnes of carbon every year.

While Bruce McLaren’s life sadly ended much too early in 1970, one cannot help but wonder what he would make of the legacy he left behind. His name, passion and dedication could have died with him – instead they have lived on in racing and road cars alike and can be felt and seen in everything that comes out of Woking to this day. It can all be summed up by one of Bruce’s most wellknown quotes: “I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone.”

cars.mclaren.com

BRUCE MCLAREN

ABSOLUTELY ATTENDS

THE ROYAL WINDSOR FLOWER SHOW

It was a day for floral enthusiasts as thousands ventured to Windsor Great Park on 8 June

More than 5,000 people flocked to Windsor to enjoy the Royal Windsor Flower Show on Saturday 8 June. The 117th show at The York Club in Windsor Great Park was a sell-out and saw a host of celebrities and royals come along to join in the fun.

Celebrity chef Mary Berry and gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh were joined by Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, to o cially open the event. TV presenter Angellica Bell and fashion designer David Emanuel, who designed Princess Diana’s wedding dress, were both judges on the day. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, also came to enjoy the popular event, as did The One Show’s Alex Jones and her family and TV’s Nick Knowles.

The show is organised by the Royal Windsor Rose & Horticultural Society (which recently received confirmation that King Charles would be taking over as patron from the late Queen Elizabeth II) and celebrates gardening, nature, cookery, traditional crafts and old-fashioned fun.

Visitors were treated to a range of entertainment and activities throughout the day including a Talks Theatre featuring inspiring talks from Alan Titchmarsh, chefs Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi, dynamic floral designer Yan Skates, and the show’s ambassador Chris Bavin.

Guests also took part in mindfulness with Dr David Hamilton and enjoyed question time for gardeners with Rosy Hardy from Hardys Cottage Garden Plants and John Anderson, the keeper of the Royal gardens at Windsor.

The show also saw the launch of the Garden Makers competition, which was a garden design competition for up and coming designers. Gardeners worked to a theme of 'In Tune with Nature' with Ssh Scapes winning the competition. It was the most competition entries they have ever had in the competition marquees, a mere 1,200!

Bishopsgate School in Englefield Green will rehome the Central Harmony Garden, too. Designed by Alan Williams of the multi award winning Landform Consultants, this year’s stunning Central Garden was called ‘What Do You See’ and takes inspiration from a book written in 2010 by HM the King called Harmony – A New Way of Looking at Our World.

AVERY HEALTHCARE

Enjoy a Life of Possibilities

Avery Healthcare is renowned for its vibrant and welcoming community. Their dedicated well-being teams produce an exciting and varied programme of activities and events every day. Residents are supported with personal interests not already covered in the calendar and memory, physical and sensory-based activities are designed with therapeutic outcomes in mind.

Day trips • Creative writing classes • Art classes • Gardening club Live entertainment • Exercise classes

Start your care journey by 30 September 2024 and receive your 12th week for free*

*T&Cs apply. Please visit averyhealthcare.co.uk/ouroffers for more details

dressing area. The properties also feature a separate dedicated utility area and additional secure external storage for hobbie/sporting equipment, along with two parking spaces.

LIFE IN STYLE

Last chance to buy at The Pavilion, in Berkshire’s finest country estate – boasting enviable views across the acres of parkland

Located in an idyllic corner of the Royal County of Berkshire, Sunningdale is a large, quintessentially English village located in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Sunningdale Park, from award winning developer, Berkeley Homes, boasts a prestigious address within this exclusive neighbourhood, on Larch Avenue. Spanning 79 acres of historic land with 47 acres of country park, this spectacular landscape, with its captivating history, serves as the backdrop of this exceptional new community of beautiful homes.

For househunters seeking an elegant, low maintenance property in this stunning rural retreat, The Pavilion boasts a prime location in the western corner of Sunningdale Park – o ering exceptional views across the rolling parkland. Just three spacious

two-bedroom properties remain for sale in this striking crescent shaped building designed to blend with the existing contours of the country estate. Gently stepped, spacious sun terraces provide generous spaces to allow residents to enjoy the exceptional views throughout the seasons.

The interiors have been carefully chosen to enhance the natural surroundings, with elegant, muted tones. Timber, porcelain and stone-e ect finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms contrast with striking satin black and chrome fittings throughout. Daylight floods into the clean-lined, open plan Charles Yorke kitchens boasting fully fitted stainless steel Siemens appliances and feature lighting, complemented by a wood-e ect herringbone floor to create a sense of elegance.

All bedrooms come complete with fitted wardrobes and en-suite bathrooms, and the master bedrooms feature a dedicated

The last remaining two first-floor apartments o er generously proportioned living and dining areas, with bi-fold doors opening out onto expansive terraces of circa 550 square feet, providing plentiful space for al fresco entertaining. The final ground floor property comes with the added bonus of its own private garden with direct access into the country park, plus a private garage and additional parking space.

Socialising and relaxing are important aspects of community life at Sunningdale Park. Berkeley is therefore creating a dedicated social space for Pavilion residents to enjoy. Whether you choose to retreat with a good book, listen to music, watch a film or play cards, The Pavilion Room provides a lovely relaxing space. You can even host private gatherings or drinks with family and friends for special occasions.

Pavilion residents will also benefit from the added convenience of a concierge service to help make life run a little smoother.

sunningdalepark.com

TIMES CHANGING with the

Exploring the past and the present of West Berkshire

The history of West Berkshire begins in prehistoric times, evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. The Ridgeway, an ancient trackway running across the Berkshire Downs, is one of the oldest roads in Britain, used since at least 3000 BC. This region also has numerous Bronze Age barrows and Iron Age hill forts, such as the one at Beacon Hill.

During the Roman period, West Berkshire was part of the Roman province of Britannia. The area saw significant development, with several Roman roads crisscrossing the landscape. One of the notable Roman sites is the town of Calleva Atrebatum, now known as Silchester, located just to the south of West Berkshire. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the area that is now West Berkshire became part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex. The town of Newbury, one of the principal settlements, was established during this time. The name "Newbury" is

thought to derive from the Anglo-Saxon "Neuburg", meaning "new fortified town". The Domesday Book of 1086 provides a detailed account of West Berkshire during the Norman period, revealing a landscape of agricultural villages and manorial estates. Donnington Castle, built in the late 14th century, is a significant medieval structure that still stands today.

The early modern period saw West Berkshire becoming an important centre for the cloth trade, particularly in Newbury. The town flourished economically, with many merchants and craftsmen calling it home. The 17th century brought turmoil, as West Berkshire played a significant role in the English Civil War. The First and Second Battles of Newbury, fought in 1643 and 1644 respectively, were pivotal conflicts. Donnington Castle was heavily damaged during these battles, and its ruins remain a testament to this turbulent period.

The Industrial Revolution brought further change to West Berkshire.

While it did not become heavily industrialised, the area benefited from improved transportation infrastructure, including the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Great Western Railway. These developments enhanced trade and mobility, contributing to the growth of local markets and industries.

In the 20th century, West Berkshire evolved significantly. The establishment of military bases, such as RAF Greenham Common, had a profound impact, particularly during and after World War II. Greenham Common later became famous

DONNINGTON CASTLE

THE VINEYARD

THE BOXFORD

for the women’s peace camp, protesting against nuclear weapons in the 1980s.

The local government reorganisation in 1974 and subsequent changes in 1998 resulted in the formation of the unitary authority of West Berkshire, encompassing towns like Newbury, Thatcham, and Hungerford.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Donnington Castle isn’t the only wellknown landmark. Famously known as the setting for the television series Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, just five miles south of Newbury. Visitors can explore the lavish interiors, learn about the history of the Carnarvon family, and stroll through the meticulously maintained gardens.

A beautiful Elizabethan mansion near Newbury, Shaw House is open to the

public as a museum and event venue. The house has been carefully restored and o ers insights into its historical significance and architectural beauty.

The Kennet and Avon Canal, stretching from Bristol to Reading, passes through the heart of West Berkshire. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, cycling, or boat trips along the canal. The historic locks and scenic towpaths make for a peaceful and picturesque experience.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Covering a significant part of West Berkshire, the North Wessex Downs AONB is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The rolling chalk hills, woodlands, and open farmland o er excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horse riding. The Ridgeway National Trail, one of Britain’s oldest paths, runs through this area and provides breathtaking views.

“Shaw House o ers insights into its historical significance”

Located near Newbury, the 96-hectare Snelsmore Common Country Park features a variety of habitats, including heathland, woodland, and grassland. It’s an excellent spot for walking, birdwatching, and picnicking. The park is also home to Exmoor ponies, adding to its unique charm.

Once a military airbase, Greenham Common is now a vast open space with heathland and grassland habitats. It’s ideal for walking and wildlife spotting. The area also has historical significance due to its use during World War II and the Cold War, with remnants of its military past still visible.

MUSEUMS AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Located in Newbury, West Berkshire Museum o ers a comprehensive look at the local history and heritage. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from prehistoric times to the present day, and include artefacts, photographs, and interactive displays.

The Living Rainforest, situated near Hampstead Norreys, is a unique attraction featuring tropical plants, animals, and insects in a controlled indoor environment. It provides an educational experience about rainforest ecosystems and conservation e orts, making it a great visit for families.

SHAW HOUSE

GARDENS AND PARKS

Famous for its stunning displays of snowdrops in late winter and early spring, Welford Park is a beautiful estate with landscaped gardens and woodland walks. The house itself, though not always open to the public, adds to the charm of the surroundings.

Basildon Park, an 18th century Georgian mansion, is set in 400 acres of parkland and gardens. Managed by the National Trust, visitors can explore the elegant interiors, stroll through the gardens, and enjoy the surrounding woodlands.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Located in Newbury, The Woodspeen is a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its exquisite modern British cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, many of which come from its own kitchen garden. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh and innovative dishes. The sleek, contemporary interior and beautiful countryside views make it a perfect spot for a special meal.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Frilsham, The Pot Kiln is a quintessential English pub with a reputation for excellent food. It specialises in game dishes, reflecting the local hunting traditions. With a cosy atmosphere, complete with wooden

“The Woodspeen is renowned for its exquisite modern British cuisine”

beams and a roaring fireplace, it’s an ideal spot for enjoying hearty meals like venison pie or wild boar sausages. It re-opened in May after an impressive refurbishment.

Located in Yattendon, The Royal Oak is a charming 18th century inn that o ers a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine. The seasonal menu features locally sourced produce, and the pub’s inviting ambiance, complete with a beautiful garden, makes it perfect for both casual lunches and evening meals.

The Boxford, a family-run pub near Newbury, is well-regarded for its warm hospitality and excellent food. The menu includes a range of classic British dishes, as well as some international options. It’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or family.

The Vineyard, a luxurious hotel and restaurant in Stockcross near Newbury, is renowned for its extensive wine list, featuring over 3,000 wines from around the world. The Vineyard also o ers wine tasting experiences and has a fine

dining restaurant that pairs gourmet dishes with exceptional wines.

Located in Yattendon, West Berkshire Brewery is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. The brewery produces a range of awardwinning ales and lagers, which can be enjoyed in their taproom. They also o er tours, allowing visitors to see the brewing process and sample di erent beers.

Finally, The Newbury, a stylish bar in Newbury town centre, o ers an impressive selection of cocktails, craft beers, and wines. The vibrant atmosphere and modern décor make it a popular spot for evening drinks. They also serve a variety of small plates and sharing platters, perfect for a casual night out.

THE WOODSPEEN

Everyday to Exceptional wines

Browse, taste and buy from one of the finest ranges of Californian wines in the UK

Open from 10am until 6pm, Thursday to Saturday

Located in the grounds of The Vineyard, Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8JU | 01635 528770

girlCOVER

A new exhibition looks at the life – and clothes – of the iconic Naomi Campbell

Born in 1970, Naomi Campbell aspired to a career on stage and performed in 1980s music videos for artists including Bob Marley and Culture Club. Her life changed when, aged 15, she was approached by model agent Beth Boldt while out shopping with schoolfriends; two years later she would be on the front cover of Vogue and walking for acclaimed designers in London, Paris, Milan and New York. Foundational to her meteoric rise was hard work, training and a love of dance. By the early 1990s, the term ‘Supermodel’, or model turned international celebrity, was widely used directly in reference to Naomi and a small group of peers. Fashion had become mass entertainment. Naomi, though still in her teens, was at the centre of this excitement, and leading designers championed her talents. She became known for her superlative ‘walk’

while her work with leading photographers created some of the era’s most memorable images. Simultaneously, she moved beyond the world of fashion, performing in music videos, launching her own perfume and becoming a champion of diversity. A new exhibition at the V&A in London celebrates her life and its countless iconic looks.

Highlights include an Andy Warhol-print dress from Gianni Versace’s spring/summer 1991 show and a dramatic 1989 Thierry Mugler car-inspired corset made from plastic, metal and acrylic. Naomi unwittingly created fashion history in 1993 when, smiling, she fell to the runway floor while wearing Westwood’s staggeringly high blue platforms. The original pair, with the model’s name written inside, were quickly acquired by the V&A. The full ensemble is reunited here for the first time since this mishap, a fashion moment which elevated Naomi’ profile, and the designer’s, to even greater heights.

A trailblazer in the field, her celebrated ability to ‘walk’ the catwalk, along with the special alchemy she creates through collaborations with every major fashion house, fashion publication and leading fashion photographers, ensure that after four decades in the fashion industry, Naomi continues to star in catwalk shows, advertising campaigns and editorial fashion shoots around the world. In parallel, her cultural leadership, activism and championing of emerging creatives transcend the traditional parameters of the fashion model role.

Produced in collaboration with Naomi and foregrounding her voice and perspective, NAOMI: In Fashion is the first exhibition of its kind. The exhibition draws upon Naomi’s own extensive wardrobe of haute couture and ready-to-wear ensembles from key moments in her career along with loans from designer archives and objects from the V&A’s collections. The exhibition includes

PHOTO: STEVEN MEISEL

“Her work created some of the era’s most memorable images”

around 100 looks and accessories from the best of global high fashion chronicling her 40 years in the industry. Visitors will encounter designs by Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaïa, Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Ize, Torishéju Dumi, Valentino, Virgil Abloh, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent and many others.

In addition to stunning garments and fashion accessories, fashion photography features prominently. Striking imagery by leading photographers such as Campbell Addy, Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh and Steven Meisel, will form a selection of photography curated by Edward Enninful OBE.

The exhibition will also recognise Naomi’s mentors including prominent public figures such as Nelson Mandela, who inspired her to use her platform for social change. Naomi has advocated for equity from an early age, joining the Black Girls Coalition in 1989 and fronting the 2007 ‘black issue’ of Vogue Italia. Along with Bethann Hardison and Iman, she has also campaigned for The Diversity Coalition since 2013 to champion diversity on the catwalk.

The exhibition will also spotlight her ongoing active support of emerging creatives, through events such as Arise Fashion Week and her global initiative EMERGE, founded in 2022.

NAOMI: In Fashion Gallery 40 V&A South Kensington Until 6 April 2025 vam.ac.uk

TOP: Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for the Victoria & Albert Museum

ABOVE: Young Naomi in New Orleans

RIGHT: Courtesy Mugler Archives. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

BELOW: Courtesy Off-White. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

BELOW RIGHT: Courtesy Vivienne Westwood. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

SUMMER

festivals

There’s plenty of al fresco entertainment heading our way over the next couple of months, with big names in music and comedy taking centre stage

ELBOW HEADLINE AT HERITAGE LIVE

PARTY IN THE PADDOCK

17 August, Newbury Racecourse newburyracecourse.co.uk

Newbury Racecourse announced Dizzee Rascal as the headliner for BetVictor Hungerford Day, performing live after racing on Saturday 17 August. Dizzee Rascal is easily the most acclaimed and influential artist associated with London’s grime scene, and one of the most successful British rappers of all time. His widely praised 2003 debut, Boy in da Corner, released when the innovative MC and producer was only 18, won the UK’s prestigious Mercury Prize and remains the definitive grime full-length. Since then, he’s catapulted to international stardom, working with artists such Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys and Shakira, scoring four UK number one hits from his fourth album, 2009’s dance-oriented Tongue N' Cheek He released his eighth studio album Don’t Take It Personal earlier this year, which marked a return to his earlier grime sound.

HERITAGE LIVE

19-21 July, Englefield House heritagelive.net

The countdown has begun to Heritage Live’s huge outdoor summer concerts taking place from 19 July–21 July within the spectacular ground of Englefield House, the Elizabethan country house and estate in Berkshire. Kicking o the weekend will be Madness, bringing their raucous live

sets to Englefield on the Friday. Expect a show teeming with hits from the nutty boys’ unrivalled back catalogue along with songs from the new album Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est la Vie. The show will see them joined by special guests the Lightning Seeds and the Old Time Sailors. Revered DJ and global dance music legend, Pete Tong, will bring his Ibiza Classics show to Englefield on Saturday 20 July. Joined by Jules Buckley and featuring the Essential Orchestra, Ibiza Classics has firmly cemented itself as part of the live music calendar becoming the world’s most iconic orchestral electronic music event.

Elbow will headline at Englefield on the Sunday. The multi-platinum-selling band, fronted by Guy Garvey, will perform

a selection of their biggest anthems along with new material from their recently released album, Audio Vertigo And then there’s the very special festival on the Monday…

FLACKSTOCK

22 July, Englefield House flackstock.com

Family and friends of TV presenter Caroline Flack have announced the performers and special guests for the third year of Flackstock – an intimate day festival to celebrate Caroline’s life with comedy, dance and music, whilst raising critical funds for mental health charities. With a committee including Caroline’s mother Christine and sister Jody, her friends Natalie Pinkham, Dawn O’Porter, Anna Blue, Sarah Tyeki , Liz Holmwood, Leigh and Jill Francis the team are thrilled to announce the first set of acts appearing including Olly Murs, who will return and headline the event with a full set of his hits. In addition to Olly, All Saints legend Shaznay Lewis, Rebecca Ferguson, Tom Walker, Chesney Hawkes and New Dad are the first main acts to be announced for the event. As well as the big performers, stage appearances on the day will include everybody’s favourite fitness and health inspiration Joe Wicks, and Strictly favourites Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec, who will lead the crowd for a special dance o moment.

READING FESTIVAL

21-25 August, Richfield Avenue readingfestival.com

Reading Festival have revealed six stellar headliners for 2024: Fred again.., Lana Del Rey, Blink-182, Liam Gallagher, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Gerry Cinnamon who are set to top the bill on the most prestigious main stage of all. Fred again..’s extraordinary talent has powered his meteoric rise to become one of the UK’s most-loved artists. Lana Del Rey’s iconic sound has distinguished her

GROOVE ARMADA WILL PLAY ON THE SAME BILL AS PETE TONG AT HERITAGE LIVE

LIGHTNING SEEDS WILL JOIN MADNESS AT HERITAGE LIVE

“Fi.Fest returns for what is set to be its biggest summer party to date”

as one of the defining artistic voices of her generation. Britpop icon and Rock and Roll demigod Liam Gallagher will mark the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ all-conquering debut Definitely Maybe by performing the album in full at Reading. Catfish and the Bottlemen are firmly established as one of the most interesting and dynamic bands to come out of the UK in recent years. One of the world’s biggest rock bands, Blink-182, has sold over 50 million albums in a career spanning nearly 30 years. The UK’s biggest independent artist Gerry Cinnamon has enjoyed one of contemporary music’s most extraordinary ascents to stardom. His revealing and honest songs with their soaring choruses have inspired a huge and devoted audience.

FI.FEST

stage on the Saturday evening. Cast, formed from the ashes of two of the most legendary and lauded guitar bands of all time, The La’s and Shack, will be playing their biggest hits, such as, Finetime, Alright, Sandstorm, and Walkaway as Fi.Festers party the night away.

With one of the most recognizable voices of the 90s, Heather Small will also be taking to the stage on the Saturday. Heather, who is undeniably a British legend, with hits like Moving on Up and Proud, will be sure to get the crowds going. Making his festival debut, Rick Parfitt Jr brings the ‘JPJ’ band to Fifest. The band has been taking the festival scene by storm, with their sheer high energy and crowd-pleasing interaction. The band frontman Rick Parfitt Jr is the son of the late Rick Parfitt of Status Quo fame and performs with some of the UK’s best session musicians – making this a world class performance not to be missed.

12-13 July, Fifield Maidenhead fifest.co.uk

Fi.Fest returns to Fifield for what is set to be its biggest summer party to date. The popular music festival has also revealed there will be some exciting new experiences for festival-goers available at this years’ event. The family-friendly festival, which combines a mixture of chart-topping entertainment on its stages, as well as an exciting kids zone full of family focused activities, has announced that for the first year ever, there will be a Friday night festival pre-party, with the addition of camping and glamping on site. With ten top 10 singles, British charttoppers Cast will be headlining the main

MAIDENHEAD FESTIVAL

20-21 July, Kidwells Park mheadfestival.weebly.com

Get ready for the summer event of 2024! Join the team at Maidenhead Festival on 20-21 July in Kidwells Park for two unforgettable days of fun.

Dance to live music, relax on their sandy beach oasis, and explore bustling stalls filled with unique crafts and delicious street food. Thrill-seekers will love the exciting rides and games, and the night sky will dazzle with a spectacular fireworks display.

Best of all, it’s entirely free! Bring your family and friends to experience the ultimate summer celebration at the Maidenhead Festival. See you there.

DIZZEE RASCAL HEADLINES PARTY IN THE PADDOCK

MAIDENHEAD FESTIVAL

TOWERSEY FESTIVAL

23-26 August, Claydon Estate towerseyfestival.com

Towersey Festival, the UK’s oldest independent music festival, has announced a brand new programme of comedy, word and song for its 60th anniversary celebration, taking place at Buckinghamshire’s Claydon Estate. This new ‘Comment and Comedy’ o ering is curated by singer, writer and all-round creative, Gavin Osborn. With comedy for families and grown-ups straight from Edinburgh Fringe, awardwinning short films as well as fiction and non-fiction authors with remarkable tales to tell, Comment and Comedy promises to bring a whole new flavour to this milestone edition of Towersey.

Previously announced, the 60th anniversary music line-up includes legendary folk-rock singer-songwriters Billy Bragg and Seth Lakeman, harmonious female folk outfit The Staves, Scottish folk rockers Tide Lines and American singer-songwriter Pokey Lafarge. Other highlights of the eclectic line-up include a career-spanning set from the godfathers of punk folk Oysterband, Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music favourites The Hawkmen, and Paul Simon’s iconic Graceland reimagined by the London African Gospel Choir. Plus, over 40 more musical acts across the four days as well as opportunities for buskers and open mic spots. Alongside the bands, Towersey will include its much-loved events and activities, including 48 hours of Ceilidh (think barn dancing meets line dancing meets Irish dancing!), festival choirs, dance classes, silent discos, circus skills, storytelling, children’s entertainers

“Towersey Festival is the UK's oldest independent music festival”

and crafts, Woodland Classroom, and much, much more, plus a huge variety of food and drink outlets.

HENLEY FESTIVAL

10-14 July, Leander Club

henley-festival.co.uk

Henley Festival, presented by Westcoast, as covered in Absolutely, has a sensational line-up for 2024, featuring five magical summer nights packed full of worldclass music, comedy, dining, dancing and magical moments from Wednesday 10 July to Sunday 14 July, with headliners including Nicole Scherzinger, Dave Stewart’s Eurythmics Songbook, Trevor Nelson, Gladys Knight, Rylan, Nigel Kennedy, Sam Ryder and much more.

The UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival – an unmissable experience set on the beautiful riverside in Henley-onThames – invites festival goers to be part of something truly amazing: a world-class music programme of pop, world, classical, folk and jazz set alongside stellar comedy, stunning art galleries and sculpture installations, as well as gourmet dining, dancing and jaw-dropping fireworks.

Founded as a charity more than 40 years ago, Henley Festival’s mission is to support the next generation of talent. This year’s Henley Festival RISE line-up will once again give a platform for young musicians, comedians and visual artists to take their first steps on stage, as well o ering opportunities for young people aspiring to work behind the scenes.

GERRY CINNAMON, PHOTO BY ANTHONY MOONEY

CAST WILL STAR AT FI.FEST

READING FESTIVAL

“It is your ticket to the best historic track action and three nights of live music”

SILVERSTONE FESTIVAL

23-25 August, Silverstone silverstone.co.uk

Make the August Bank Holiday a weekend to remember at the Silverstone Festival. This is your ticket to the best historic track action, three nights of live music – with headliners including Sophie Ellis Bextor and Busted – and non-stop family action. They’re serving up the best historic motorsport from the last hundred years across one epic weekend. From the pre-war era through to cars that raced as recently as 2018 and everything in between. You will be able to get close to the cars, and talk to the drivers and race preparers.

The festival is your ticket to the best access – there’s also roving access to all open grandstands too. A special element of the festival is their plan to honour the legacy of Ayrton Senna with a display of many of the cars that shaped his career together in one place over the festival weekend.

HENLEY COUNTRY CRAFT SHOW

23-26 August, Stonor Park thecraftshows.co.uk

Set in the stunning landscape of Stonor Park, discover artisan shopping, delicious food, family entertainment, craft demonstrations,

a petting zoo and so much more – the perfect bank holiday day out! With over 200 stalls, explore marquees jam-packed with handmade jewellery, homeware, clothing, plus lots more. Stay for lunch and relish in delicious street food from speciality caterers whilst soaking up the stunning surroundings. From succulent hog roasts to tempting Greek delicacies, and a mix of sweet and savoury crepes, get ready to experience a world of cuisines all in one place. More than this, also enjoy the likes of laser clay pigeon shooting, a falconry display, craft demos, petting zoo, children’s activities and live music, too.

SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR, PHOTO BY LAURA LEWIS

HENLEY FESTIVAL

HENLEY COUNTRY CRAFT SHOW

FRUITFUL

FUN

Get set for a giant peachy summer at the Roald Dahl Museum

The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden is celebrating one of the author’s best-loved books this summer: James and the Giant Peach. The book tells the magical story of a boy who takes a trip on an oversized peach with a host of new insect friends. The giant range of special activities on o er at the museum this summer are all inspired by this story, and include craft workshops, science sessions and even bug handling.

ROOTS OF THE STORY

It’s not too far away from the museum that Roald Dahl first had the idea for James and the Giant Peach. He was looking out of the window of his Writing Hut and gazing at the fruit trees in his orchard when he asked himself ‘What would happen if the fruit didn’t stop growing?’.

The idea (like the fruit) grew into the book we know and love today, but he took a while to settle on using a peach. In fact, the first mention of the book features the idea of a cherry. Today visitors to the museum can take a peek into Roald’s Writing Hut where the idea first blossomed and where the author wrote the book. It’s a brilliant and fascinating highlight of a visit and makes all of the summer activities even more special.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

There’s a huge amount to do at the museum this summer. Arty types will enjoy the craft workshops which include making a pop-up scene featuring a peach, sculpting clay creepy crawlies or constructing your own model garden. There are also science workshops which are packed with hands-on experiments inspired by the book, you’ll make a peach fly and find out how things grow (although maybe not quite as large as a giant peach!).

If you have some budding naturalists in the family there are one or two very special activities to keep your eye out for. Jungle Juniors will be popping by for some animal handling sessions where you’ll get up close to some of the creepy crawlies from James and the Giant Peach The Natural History Museum Tring will also be visiting and letting you handle some special specimens from their collection. If you’re keen to make the most of the summer weather you must book on to one of James’s Peachy Walks. Head o from the Museum with a guide for a ramble in the woods and fields that inspired the books. Or for the ultimate Roald Dahl super-fan, sign-up to one of the Explore the Archive sessions where you’ll get to go behind the scenes and see the Museum’s archive with the Collections Manager, Will. And don’t forget this is all on top of three packed galleries, James and the Giant Peach Storytelling, drop in crafts and Museum trails which are available every day and included with Museum admission.

James’s Peachy Summer runs from 20 July to 1 September. For further details and how to book, visit roalddahlmuseum.org

BEYOND

FASHION

A new exhibition reveals fashion photography to be an art form of its own

By EVE HERBERT

Peter Lindbergh, Kristen McMenamy, Le Touguet, France, 2009

© Peter Lindbergh Foundation (Courtesy Peter Lindbergh Foundation, Paris)

“Fashion photography is no longer regarded as a frivolous medium”

New exhibition Beyond Fashion showcases the work of acclaimed fashion photographers from around the world. The works demonstrate how fashion photography has moved past the simple presentation of product lines to reflect on the reality of our lives, to explore our aspirations and to push at the boundaries of creativity. Curated by Nathalie Herschdorfer, Director of Photo Elysée in Lausanne, Switzerland, and produced by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography, the exhibition will feature more than 100 photographs from 48 photographers. Including works by Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, Viviane Sassen, Paolo Roversi, Miles Aldridge, and Ellen von Unwerth – as well as an exciting new generation of fashion photographers – Beyond Fashion celebrates the vision and creativity of these artists and image-makers, and documents how fashion photography has become a new and exciting visual language. It is presented during the milestone 40th anniversary year of London Fashion Week, an occasion to honour the entire community that drives innovation in the industry and beyond.

This major exhibition is organised into four main sections: Allure, which brings together celebrations of timeless beauty; Fantasy, which pays homage to the creativity and inventiveness of photographers working in fashion; Realism, showcasing artists working mostly in the street, playing at fashion’s intersection with the real world; and finally Surrealism, which features the work of a new generation for whom fashion photography is about transformation, imagination, and magic.

Viewers will travel from the glossy setting of the photography studio to the grassroots of street photography and discover the vast and diverse forms which fashion photography can take. They will see some of the most iconic images, famous faces and dynamic brands in

Ayoto Ataraxia, PJW508 Nº3946, 2015 © Paul Jung

contemporary culture. From classic Vogue covers to Victoria Beckham’s legs in Marc Jacobs’ shopping bag – this collection of works features supermodels and stars like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Christy Turlington; designers such as Christian Dior, Commes des Garçons, Alexander McQueen and Valentino, and street style legend The Sartorialist.

A section dedicated to moving images highlights the importance of film in today’s fashion imagery. This will present the works of SHOWstudio, the website founded and directed by Nick Knight, one of the first and most highprofile image-makers to adopt digital film as a medium for showcasing fashion. Established in November 2000 as ‘the home of fashion film’, SHOWstudio’s innovative and groundbreaking projects have defined how fashion is presented via the internet. Having pioneered

fashion film, it is now recognised as the leading force behind this medium, o ering a unique platform to nurture and encourage fashion to engage with moving image in the digital age.

Nathalie Herschdorfer, exhibition curator, says: “With the explosion of the internet and social media, the way photography is documented, consumed and shared has undergone a transformation. The emergence of a broader visual language has enabled a blurring of boundaries between editorial work, advertising and artistic expression within fashion photography. Nowadays, it is no longer regarded as a frivolous medium; it is elevated to the status of an art form, capturing the sustained attention of museums and galleries, auction houses and publishers alike. It is the art world’s rising star.”

FROM TOP

1. Miles Aldridge, Home Works #3, 2008

© Miles Aldridge

2. Yelena Yemchuk, Tokyo, 2017 © Yelena Yemchuk

3. Coco Capitan, Boy in Socks, 2017 © Coco Capitan

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

The Society's Greek White 2023

 £8.95

2023 was a fabulous year for roditis, providing opulent stone-fruit while moschofilero provides rose-hip backing vocals. The result is a more fruit-forward wine filled with peach and grapefruit notes on the refreshing palate.

Rosé d'Anjou GrolleauGamay, Famille Bougrier 2023

 £8.25

This is a delicate, odry Loire rosé that is pale in colour and light as a feather and works with or without food, including the light heat and spice of Asian cuisine.

Zephyr 6 Marlborough Pinot Noir 2022

 £14.50

Marlborough pinot noir is crisper, lighter and more red-fruit driven than pinot from many other regions of New Zealand, and this is a very good example. Bright red-cherry and raspberry on the nose, backed up by a delicate hint of soy and even a touch of fresh ginger.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.

The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

TASTING

NOTES

The latest launches and news from across

the county

By MARK KEBBLE

Outer limits

THE VINEYARD

The Vineyard in Newbury, Berkshire, has launched a brand-new outdoor dining concept: OutSide, expanding the hotel’s dining options alongside The Tasting Room and The Vineyard Restaurant. OutSide is inspired by The Vineyard’s winery in California, embracing the essence of The Vineyard in al fresco style, with seasonal small plates, deliciously fresh tacos and delights from the grill.

the-vineyard.co.uk

Lively tipple

BETTY BOOZE

Blake Lively has announced the launch of Betty Booze ready-to-drink cocktails in the UK, coming to a shop near you. Betty Booze is a range of three gourmet sparkling cocktails in a can, made to Blake's own homemade recipes. Betty Booze is Blake Lively’s second brand to launch in the UK, after the Betty Buzz range of premium adult soft drinks. Betty Booze is available from Majestic at an RRP of £3 per 355ml can. bettybooze.com

Dog’s life

THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER

The Golden Retriever in Bracknell has reopened its doors and launched a new menu after undergoing an extensive refurbishment. The new look pays homage to the traditional roots and picturesque location of the Golden Retriever, whilst also breathing in new life into the pub giving it a fresh, contemporary feel. Along with a new appearance, the Golden Retriever is also o ering a revamped menu. vintageinn.co.uk

ARTISAN COFFEE CO

Sample a selection of delicious and intriguing beans and blends with Artisan Coffee Co's gi packs and subscription offers. artisancoffeeco.com

CAFE SOLO

Cafe Solo Original is a full-bodied super premium cold brew coffee liqueurs meticulously cra ed in the UK. It's just been awarded United Kingdom Coffee Liqueur Country Winner with a Gold Medal from the World Liqueur Awards 2024. cafesolo.co.uk

NIO

Nio's Revolver is a luxuriously rich mocha cocktail featuring caramel notes of Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, coffee notes from the aromatic Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur and creamy Bols Creme de Cacao. niococktails.co.uk

Anthony Peart, Bar Manager at Tom Kerridge’s The Hand & Flowers, showcased his premium rum brand Fr’um at The Pub in the Park, Marlow, in May. Launched only last August, the amazing product is already becoming a hit amongst the likes of Chris Stark, Andy Clarke, Adam Purnell and Mike Tindall. Anthony has spent the past 23 years honing his craft.

frumrumco.com

Located in the beloved setting of the former Marlow Bar & Grill, Piccolino Marlow features a sophisticated interior design that harmonises with the town’s charming ambience. The restaurant boasts an elegantly appointed dining space and a relaxed patio area, perfect for al fresco dining. Guests can expect to savour a menu crafted with the freshest ingredients.

piccolinorestaurants.com

PICCOLINO MARLOW

Little BITES

De Vere Wokefield Estate will soon be adding a tapas restaurant to its astounding dining options. Absolutely sat down with Executive Head Chef, Richard Yearnshire, to find out more

There has been an estate at Wokefield since the first house was built in the 1560s for the wealthy Plowden family. Set in 250 acres of Berkshire parkland, its history is etched in the di erent architectural features that greet you throughout.

Now De Vere Wokefield Estate, the 376 bedroom hotel, has been completely transformed following a £20 million restoration throughout: whether you choose to stay at Wokefield Place, Wellington Lodge or the estate’s historic Mansion House. Either way, you’ll find attentive service recognised

by Tripadvisor and its Travellers’ Choice certificate for consistently great reviews for the second year running.

A high-tech dedicated conference building, Wokefield Place has been refurbished and kitted out with all the AV and technology you need.

Once again the heart of the estate, the historic Mansion House has had a complete makeover and now o ers 87 guestrooms, including 12 luxury suites, along with the restoration of a number of event spaces including the pillared Terrace Suite.

Outside, you’ll find an 18-hole PGAstandard golf course and outdoor activity course in the grounds. There’s also a fully equipped gym and indoor swimming pool available daily for guests to use.

At De Vere Wokefield Estate you’ll enjoy fresh, seasonal produce from great local suppliers, whether you are there for a gala dinner for 200 guests or dinner just for two in the restaurant.

The View restaurant in Wokefield Place o ers delicious, creative cooking, with local produce and seasonality at its heart. In the Whisky Lounge, comfy armchairs and original wood panelling combine to create a cosy spot to unwind with a drink in hand. For sheer decadence, consider their classic British afternoon tea, which can be taken in the Mansion House or on the elegant terrace (when the weather is on our side).

Now, they are all set to add a tapas restaurant to the o ering, with a menu featuring a mixture of meat, fish and

vegetarian tapas dishes, paellas that serve two and a selection of Spanish desserts to finish. They will also feature a special drinks menu to include Spanish wine and sangria. To find out more about this and more, we sat down with Executive Head Chef Richard Yearnshire.

Q Have you always had an interest in cooking, or was there a particular moment in your life when you caught the bug?

A I have always been inspired by innovative and creative foods from a very early age. My grandparents had their own bakery and I have many fond memories of these times.

Q When did it become a serious career consideration for you and what were your early steps into the industry?

A It became a serious idea at the age of 15, after taking a part time evening job in an Italian restaurant, still one of my favourite cuisines to this day.

Q What was your first professional kitchen role and how do you look back on that?

A I started in the north east working in various professional kitchens back in 1994; however it became more serious in 1999 when taking a sous chef role in New York, before returning to London in 2001 and working at the Hilton Kensington. The industry has changed significantly over the last 30 years, in too many ways to mention! Some things are worse, some things better.

“We are proud of our paellas and are looking forward to guests enjoying them”

Q Did any chefs in particular inspire you during the early stages of your career?

A My executive chef David Atkinson in London Kensington, Michel Roux and Marco Pierre White.

Q Do you have a certain cooking style?

A My style was classically French trained originally, however over the years, I have become very well cultured in many types of cuisine, such as Pacific Rim, Middle Eastern and Modern European to name a few.

Q Before joining the De Vere team, what parts of your career do you look back on with fondness?

A I spent many years of my career in Scotland working in a beautiful hotel called Ardoe House in Aberdeen.

I truly loved my time there and that part of the world, I hope to one day return to Scotland.

Q Why were you keen to work at De Vere Wokefield Estate?

A I have worked previously for the company formerly known as Principal. De Vere now leads the way in encouraging creativity and innovative thinking within their hotels, giving me an opportunity to create my own menus.

Q What does your role as Executive Head Chef entail?

A My role is primarily forward planning, organisation, training and development of the team, and generally moving the food side of the business forwards ahead of upcoming trends.

Q Have you introduced anything new in your time there?

A I have introduced a host of new concepts across the estate; however, my proudest achievement is the development of The View restaurant, turning it from a bu et restaurant to an open theatre style French brasserie.

Q What inspired the idea behind Tapas at 1560?

A I have always loved Spanish foods and have been continually inspired by many visits around the Andalusian Peninsular over the years. It now seems only natural that with tapas’ current popularity it gives our guests the opportunity to have an alternative dining experience at Wokefield.

Q What will you feature on the menu?

A Traditional and modern Andalusianstyle tapas and paellas. We are very proud of our paellas and are looking forward to our guests enjoying them.

Q Where are you sourcing your ingredients from?

A The ingredients are sourced from our reputable suppliers using only the finest possible fresh ingredients.

Q What kind of experience do you hope to o er with Tapas at 1560?

A In typical Andalusian style the experience is designed to be informal, relaxed and leisurely, sampling the many tapas available, while sipping a chilled sangria.

Q What’s next?

A My next mission is enhancing our conference and banqueting o erings, adapting to current trends.

devere.co.uk

FASHION

RADIATE Elegance

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

Step into summer with the dazzling new additions to the Berry’s Verve Collection. Perfectly crafted for a sophisticated and contemporary look, these new pieces blend the warmth of 18ct yellow gold with the cool elegance of 18ct white gold, creating a stunning contrast that enhances the brilliance of the shimmering diamonds. Discover the collection at your nearest Berry’s Boutique or visit berrysjewellers.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

CHANTECAILLE

Chantecaille has re-launched their iconic Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer. The elevated all-in-one formula offers extra hydration and skincare benefits with the addition of new botanical ingredients. It's also now cyclic silicone and microplastic-free –a huge achievement in clean beauty. The results? The best version of your skin. chantecaille.co.uk

BEAUTY

NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

ALL EYES

CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ

Clé de Peau Beauté’s Solo Colour Eyeshadow is formulated with the Japanese brand’s patented Hydro-Wrap Complex Ex and premium argan oil to nourish the skin and prevent creasing, £25. cultbeauty.co.uk

SHAVATA SINGH REVIEW

Threading in collaboration with Lighinderm

BENGLISH GARDEN

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES X MORRIS & CO

Two British heritage brands, Neal’s Yard Remedies and Morris & Co, have collaborated on a certified organic English Lavender and Calendula hand care collection. From £15. nealsyardremedies.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NAIL

GLAMRDIP

IT

Eco friendly, vegan, 18-free, and formulated with keratin, vitamins and botanicals, the ‘Salon Perfect Kit’ from GLAMRDiP contains everything you need to create a professional-looking manicure at home. With a tiny bit of practice, I was able to achieve impressive results, and the best bit? No harmful UV rays, £89. glamrdip.co.uk

eauty admin (as I like to call it) seems to take up more of my time than ever. So I appreciate speedy appointments, like threading, that can be slotted in between dashing to my next meeting. If you have sensitive skin (like me) though, you might be put o by the possibility that you might turn up looking like a tomato. This is why the new collaboration between Shavata Singh and Lightinderm is so genius. I visited Shavata at her Harvey Nichols’ beauty bar in Knightsbridge. One of London’s leading lash and brow experts, Shavata first threaded and reshaped my brows, doing a beautiful job of framing my face. Whilst she worked, she explained why she was so excited about teaming up with Géraldine Decaux, the brains behind the French tech brand. The handheld Lightinderm LED device uses light and photo-active ingredients in combination to repair the skin. After my threading treatment, Shavata used Lightinderm’s ‘REPAIR Programme’ on the skin beneath my brows. And just like magic, any redness had completely disappeared. This is a gamechanger if you want to book in for threading before you head out to an event, drinks with the girls, or even a date. I had a press dinner straight afterwards and no one suspected I’d come straight from a threading appointment, but I did get several compliments on my brow shape. It’s safe to say I’m hooked.

SHAVATA SINGH

Knightsbridge and Chiswick, Lightinderm add on from £25 shavata.co.uk

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play an important role in rehydrating and strengthening the hair fibres.

The conditioner protects the outer layer of the hair called “cuticle” – this resembles scales of a fish, laying in a downward movement. This not only protects the inner structure, which is where colour molecules and structural changes take place, but also helps to reflect daylight, creating a healthy shiny glow.

Hair today…

Think about tomorrow. Trisha Buller writes about how to protect your hair this summer

With summer vacations fast approaching, we must take heed of how sun, sea, UV rays, and environmental toxins could a ect our hair condition. Over time this can cause hair to become dull, limp and lifeless, leaving us struggling to maintain style and achieve great colour results at the salon. This can be avoided with the right advice on home hair care by the professional and taking extra steps to maintain the colour and condition by simply using the correct regime whilst away on our summer vacations.

Hair is hygroscopic, so will absorb atmospheric moisture, such as sea, chlorine from swimming pools, fumes

from tra c and many more. To avoid your hair from absorbing such elements, using the right products on your hair can stop this from happening, thus protecting the inner fibres and avoiding breakage.

Shampooing your hair daily can assist in the removal of waste, toxins and product build up and is important in maintaining a healthy hair growth, assists in oxygenating the blood supply to the hair follicles within, avoiding pores and follicles to become blocked.

Some people believe daily shampooing will cause excessive dryness of the hair shaft, but providing you are using the correct product for your scalp and hair type this will not happen – in fact it’s the reverse, helping to rehydrate and strengthen the hair shaft. Products contain much better quality ingredients now than in previous times therefore

If cuticle scales are damaged for whatever reason, and there are many, then this causes gaps in the structure and daylight is absorbed as opposed to reflected, causing a dull matt appearance. This also can be the reason for colour fade and a lack of hold once styled.

The conditioner should be applied from root to ends in a gentle downward stroking movement only using a large tooth comb, not a hair brush. A comb will not continue through the hair if there is a knot, you have to gently tease the knot out, whereas a brush will pull the knot causing it to snap or break.

An intensive hair treatment should be applied at least once a week. The treatment has smaller molecules and acts quite di erently from a conditioner, penetrating the cuticle it enters the inner structure helping to replace lost moisture, protein, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids. An intensive treatment can be left on the hair from as little as 5 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on your hair type, texture, and density.

Always rinse thoroughly and apply the conditioner which protects the cuticle and a heat styling protector spray or cream, again depending on your hair type and texture as to what you should be using.

Trisha Buller MIT SRSH is a Senior Consultant Trichologist and Nutritional Practitioner. See more at trishabuller.com

INTERIORS

SUN, SHADE & SHELTER

CARIBBEAN BLINDS

If you’re looking to radically transform your garden into a space that effortlessly combines functionality with style, why not invest in a modern louvered pergola? Find the perfect balance between sun, shade and shelter at the touch of a button with this fantastic shading solution. Browse a range of garden pergola sizes, styles and features, manufactured by external shading specialists Caribbean Blinds, to create the ultimate outdoor living experience this summer.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Choosing art for the home and top tips for buying artwork

By SARA HILL

Displaying artwork is one of the most enjoyable and e ective ways to reflect your personal style and create an inviting atmosphere but, for anyone new to the art world, it can

be a tricky place to navigate.

Visiting a reputable gallery, such as Clarendon Fine Art, can o er a comforting assurance of quality and authenticity, while making the art buying experience enjoyable. Working with an art consultant,

who is passionate about the artwork, but also knowledgeable and dedicated, makes art collecting a joy and a less daunting experience. This allows you to take the time to find the perfect piece of artwork for your space, which can take anywhere from weeks to months, without ever rushing into a decision.

As a first step when choosing artwork, it’s important to understand the space you’re working with and what value you want the artwork to bring. When considering your budget, factors such as the artist’s reputation, rarity, and medium a ect pricing, but it’s important to remember that collecting

art is not about the price tag, but the value it brings to your life. Art buying doesn’t have to break the bank and consultants can guide you to great finds. Depending on your budget, you may want to consider an up and coming artist, from young British talents like Tim Fowler and Lee Kaplan, which are often at a much lower price point. Exploring work from up-and-coming artists is a lovely way to start your art collection, as it supports their early careers and can be very rewarding as their prominence grows. Choose artworks that resonate with you emotionally, those that you can’t walk away from without a second look. Art is expressive and should evoke a feeling or a connection. Whether it’s a contemplative beach scene by an artist like Philip Gray, or an explosive piece of street art from Mr

Brainwash, it should be something that speaks your language.

Curiosity is key when it comes to choosing art so, even if you have no prior experience or knowledge of artists, don’t be daunted or put o . Being adventurous and open minded can open unexpected doors and lead to some delightful discoveries. To make the decision easier, the Clarendon teams are always happy to take a selection of artwork to a customer’s home, o ce or business for a bespoke on-site art consultation – a service which has contributed to their reputation as a gallery that, quite literally, goes the extra mile.

Don’t overlook practical aspects such as space requirements and installation, as displaying your artwork e ectively is crucial. Consider the scale of your space – a small painting might look lost on a large wall, whereas groupings or larger pieces can make a bold statement. Artists such as Danielle O’Connor Akiyama and Patrick Rubinstein o er striking diptychs and experimental pieces perfect for larger spaces. Proper lighting can enhance the impact of your art dramatically, so try to avoid direct sunlight and opt for indirect lighting to prevent glare. Again, this is where working with a gallery is beneficial as they can take care of everything from delivery to hanging the artwork, bespoke insurance and anything else you may need, helping to make your art experience a hassle-free experience and one that you will want to repeat again and again.

Sara Hill is Chief Creative O cer at Clarendon Fine Art, who have galleries in Marlow, Newbury and Windsor. See more at clarendonfineart.com

SANNINO ORANGE INTERIOR

ANTONIO SANNINO ORANGE INTERIOR

SIMON KENNY INTERIOR

OF THE BEST

Absolutely picks the artists we would love on our walls

Mr Brainwash

Mr Brainwash’s art is a vibrant celebration of positivity and the transformative force of love. By fusing elements of pop art, street art, and classical paintings, each unique Mr Brainwash print or original artwork becomes a striking addition to any contemporary art collection.

Sherree ValentineDaines

Sherree Valentine-Daines has earned the title of 'the face of modern British impressionism'. Her remarkable portraits capture the essence of celebrities and even members of the Royal Family.

Fabian Perez

Fabian Perez art makes a powerful statement. Clarendon’s portfolio includes an unrivalled collection of Fabian’s original works and limited edition prints, which feature a charismatic cast of characters living in the barrios of Buenos Aires. Perez’s paintings and limited edition prints have won the Argentinian artist multiple awards including the Italian Academy of Artists’ Artist of the Year.

The Connor Brothers

The thought-provoking art of The Connor Brothers delves into contemporary issues, including social media, politics, fake news, and the pursuit of pleasure. The Connor Brothers skilfully challenge our assumptions with dry humour, intelligence, and the depiction of beautiful female figures. Their playful and o en irreverent approach, coupled with a stylish retro poster style, has garnered them a vast and dedicated global audience.

Christian Hook

Christian Hook art caught the public’s attention when he was named Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2014. Hook’s original portraits are held in important permanent collections, and his celebrated sitters include Kristin Scott Thomas, Sir Richard Branson and Sir Ian McKellen. Hook explores the concepts of time and motion using multiple layers of transparent paint to create different perspectives.

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DAYS

Enjoy year-round bliss with an Origin indoor pool

Choosing to have an indoor swimming pool brings a multitude of benefits. From the convenience of year-round swimming to the freedom of unrestricted access, an indoor pool can transform the way you and your family experience swimming, exercise and fun. With Origin, you can create the ultimate family retreat, tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of your loved ones ensuring the feeling of summer never ends. Origin understands that every family is unique, and their indoor pools are fully customisable to suit the needs and preferences of each family member. Whether you’re looking for a pool with integrated spa amenities, a slide, or a shallow area for younger children, they can tailor the design to accommodate your family’s desires.

Perhaps you’re hoping for your indoor pool to be the new social hub at home, somewhere for everyone in the family to enjoy? Origin o ers ingenious solutions to upgrade your space and will work with you to build the perfect pool house, adding a lounge area or even a juice bar can redefine your pool house into a wellness sanctuary, a relaxing haven, or a vibrant entertainment zone for gatherings with friends and family. By regularly swimming together, your family can stay active, healthy and happy all year-round while creating lasting memories. Beyond just swimming, Origin o ers a range of entertainment options to keep the whole family engaged. From water features and games to underwater lighting and music systems, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun in an indoor pool. And let’s not forget about the convenience and luxury that an indoor pool provides.

No more packing up the car and driving to crowded public pools or beaches – with your own private oasis just steps away, swimming can become part of your daily routine. In addition to providing endless opportunities for fun, an Origin indoor pool also serves as a sanctuary for the adults, with a sauna or steam room helping to create the perfect atmosphere for rest and rejuvenation. With over four decades of experience and a reputation for delivering awardwinning pools, Origin has the knowledge and expertise to change your family’s life.

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info@originpools.co.uk 01895 453996

PRIME IN ITS

Local property expert Felicity Shirt explains why this home in Maidenhead ticks all the boxes

Q What can you tell us about the location of the property?

A Well, they say location is everything, and this lovely home doesn’t disappoint. It’s nestled on a gated development of just four houses, this one being one of the largest, which is just o the prestigious Newlands Drive. Locals will know it!

Q For you, what are the benefits of living in Maidenhead?

A From a personal point of view, raising my family in this area has been perfect for us, as it’s a combination of lively, up and coming development, an easy ride into London, but mixed with some beautiful little pockets dotted around – pretty spots by the Thames and amazing family friendly areas close to some really highly rated schools. We’re lucky.

Q What is the history of the gated development – is it relatively new?

A Yes, the development is less than 20-years-old, and the current owners have been there for the last ten. One of its big selling points is it’s very close to Newlands Girls’ School, which has been a popular choice in the local area for as long as I can remember.

Q What’s the first thing that catches your eye when approaching the property?

A Once those gates are opening, the first thing you see is the approach to the house as it’s right ahead, so you have a good length driveway to admire the house from as you come in. It’s quite imposing – it makes a fabulous first impression.

Q And, entering, what first impressions do you have?

A I’m all about the gut feel of a place as you walk in and this place feels lovely and calm. Partly because the owners keep the place immaculate, but you really can tell it’s a warm, welcoming family home. Some houses just make you feel right at home and this is one of them.

Q What entertaining spaces are there?

A Well, it depends what you’re after! We have a kitchen of your dreams, with possibly the biggest dining table I’ve seen (so be prepared to host Christmas!), or a lovely big, light lounge for everyone to relax in. We have a separate family room that I envisage as a place the teens would camp out in, and not forgetting the garage, currently mancaved up a bit and hosting the gym equipment and workshop. You could do all sorts with this space.

Q How would you describe the kitchen?

A The kitchen is big, bright, with lots of natural light –something that can be said for every room. There’s a huge dining area, living area, and the kitchen, as with the whole of the downstairs, has a built in speaker system; one of lots of little touches that have been considered to make this home rather ‘next level’.

Q There are five bedrooms, are they all a similar style?

A All five bedrooms are good sized doubles, the upstairs space in this house is incredible. The fifth bedroom is currently used as an o ce, which is an ideal choice since it’s furthest away from the rest of the house. The landing is enormous, so there is just this feeling of space and light.

Q What elements of the master bedroom stand out?

A Well this part is very special. It’s a master suite with a huge window overlooking the front of the property, so again plenty of natural light. The bedroom is spacious and there is an en-suite bathroom with lovely lighting plus dressing room.

Q Are there any design touches throughout the home that you may not realise on first viewing?

A There are lots of little touches that make this home really special. I’m a sucker for nice lighting and there are various great additions in that department. I enjoy showing people these when they view, but I’ve got to keep some of it as a surprise!

Q Do you have a favourite room – and if so, why?

A Am I allowed to say the zebra on the landing? As well

“THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE IN ONE OF MAIDENHEAD’S MOST SOUGHT AFTER ADDRESSES”

that though it has to be the kitchen. It’s almost always the kitchen! Either that or the funky master suite.

Q What outdoor space is there?

A We’ve got a suntrap of a garden at this property. There are no other houses behind it, so it’s extremely private and secluded. You can open those patio doors up and enjoy the sunshine in peace.

Q Who would this property suit?

A I can see various buyers for this house. It’s a family home, there’s so much space, the bedrooms are amazing and of course there are really great schools nearby. Equally it’s super handy for the M4 or Maidenhead train station, and now that the Elizabeth Line runs from here, we have even more commuters searching for property in the area that gives London a run for its money on price. That said, there is a retired lady and gent next door, so perhaps if you want to retire in style, have a beautiful house in one of Maidenhead’s most sought after addresses, then this could be your sign.

Henden Mews, Maidenhead, is on the market for £1,450,000. For more information, contact Keller Williams Oxygen, Maidenhead, on 020 3835 2573

RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Practicality Brown in 2024

THE PERFECT COMBINATION

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most prestigious events in the gardening world, drawing designers, horticulturists, and plant enthusiasts from around the globe.

Practicality Brown have been supplying hedges and trees to Garden Designers at Chelsea for over 20 years. In 2024, Practicality Brown continued its tradition of excellence, providing instant hedges that helped bring three RHS special exhibits to life.

A Legacy of Excellence

Practicality Brown’s involvement with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show dates back to 2003, during which time they have established themselves as a trusted partner for garden designers. Known for their extensive range of high-quality hedges and trees, Practicality Brown have supplied plants that meet the exacting standards of the show, ensuring that each garden is both beautiful and practical.

The 2024 Contributions

For the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Practicality Brown supplied their quality Practical Instant Hedge™ that featured prominently in the key exhibits within the Great Pavilion:

All About Hedges

One of the highlights was the Discovery Zone feature, designed by Dave Green in collaboration with RHS Science. This exhibit focused on the importance of hedges in

ABEBA ESSE GARDEN

urban and suburban landscapes. Practicality Brown supplied a selection of their Practical Instant Hedge™ range, including Yew, Privet, Elaeagnus, Portuguese Laurel, and Griselinia. These hedges showcased how well-chosen plants can enhance urban environments by providing privacy, reducing noise pollution, and supporting local wildlife.

RHS x UBS

‘A Day on the Nursery’ was designed by Emma Tipping and sponsored by UBS. This Feature Garden aimed to give visitors an immersive experience of a day in the life at a plant nursery. Practicality Brown supplied their Practical Instant Native Mix Hedge™, a diverse and wildlife-friendly hedge composed of Hawthorn, Hornbeam, Hazel, Blackthorn, and Common Privet. This mix not only provided an aesthetically pleasing backdrop, but also highlighted the ecological benefits of native plant species in garden design.

Abeba Esse

This showground installation, sponsored by Saatchi Gallery, by Zak Ové and Dave Green, depicts a Black Diasporic journey, with planting representing Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK. The garden encourages important conversations about the themes. They supplied Practical Instant Native Mix Hedge™ as a backdrop to the exhibit and the yew at the front.

Quality Products

For over 30 years, Practicality Brown have been providing high quality trees and hedges, grown and maintained in their Buckinghamshire nursery and delivered across the country. They have a team of dedicated nursery sta who work handcrafting the hedges, with biosecurity and pest and disease control measures in place to the highest standards. Achieving all of this requires passion and great attention to detail, and Practicality Brown are proud to deliver highly professional standards to landscape architects, garden designers and private clients alike.

Practical Instant Hedge™

Practicality Brown’s Practical Instant Hedge™ is a flagship product that has become a favourite among garden designers. These pre-grown hedges o er immediate impact, transforming spaces with their lush greenery and mature appearance. Available in various species and styles, these hedges

“THEY ARE THE GO-TO SUPPLIER FOR GARDEN DESIGNERS”

are perfect for creating privacy screens, defining garden areas, and enhancing the overall aesthetic of any landscape.

Supporting Garden Designers

Practicality Brown’s reputation for quality and reliability has made them a go-to supplier for garden designers at RHS Garden Shows. Their expert team works closely with designers to select the best plants for each project, ensuring that the final installation is as stunning as it is functional. Whether it’s a formal garden requiring perfectly manicured hedges and trees, or a naturalistic setting needing a mix of native species, Practicality Brown has the expertise and inventory to meet any design challenge.

Visit Practicality Brown

For those inspired by the displays at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Practicality Brown o ers the opportunity to visit their nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire. Here, visitors can explore a wide range of specimen trees and instant hedges, and consult with horticultural experts about their own gardening projects. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, and appointments can be made by calling 01753 652022 or emailing hedge@pracbrown.co.uk.

pracbrown.co.uk

SHADE SEEKER

CATHY NORDSTROM

Cra ed from Cathy Nordstrom’s signature textiles and produced in small batches locally in Stockholm, these patterned lampshades are colourful and stylish, particularly this Marianne model in red. cathynordstrom.com 1 3 4 5 1 2 3 2 4 5

BISTRO BRIGHTS HABITAT

This take on the wooden table design that’s graced European cafes for over 100 years is part of Habitat’s 60th anniversary collection. The birch wood table comes in a bright limited-edition red with matching bistro chairs. habitat.co.uk

WIRE FREE ORIGINAL BTC

Blossom is a portable, cordless light, uniting traditional cra smanship with LED technology. The petite design is inspired by the plum blossom, with its fl uted bone china shade echoing the outlines of the delicate petals. originalbtc.com

LINE UP COLOURS OF ARLEY

Colours of Arley’s bespoke fabric service makes all colour combinations possible. Red and pink, red and orange: break the rules in style. coloursofarley.com

RED VELVET

JONATHAN ADLER

Jonathan Adler’s collections are always colourful, and he loves a pop of red. The Ripple Slipper chair looks great as a pair in this warm red velevet.

jonathanadler.com

FRUITS

Kit Kemp’s new fabrics take inspiration from the New Forest National Park with colours and patterns drawn from nature

Words PEARL BOYD

Continuing with Kit Kemp’s tradition of finding inspiration in her favourite places (past collections have namechecked London, New York and the Caribbean), the designer’s newest collection of fabrics is inspired by the New Forest. The National Park in the south of England is a magical place, says Kit, and one that’s very close to her heart. “It’s the most beautiful and historic place, full of walking and riding trails, ancient trees and heathland – it was the perfect atmosphere to bring up my children,” says Kit. All that rich natural beauty translated easily to the new designs, which she describes as “sophisticated, with a crafted, country feel”.

Kit is a prominent figure in the design world, best known for her innovative and eclectic approach to interior design. She has made a significant impact on the hospitality industry through her role as co-owner and design director of Firmdale Hotels, the boutique hotel group that she founded with her husband Tim Kemp.

Kit’s style is distinguished by its vibrant use of colour, pattern, and texture, seamlessly blending traditional and modern elements. Her designs often feature a mix of her own textile designs with unique artworks, making each space distinctly personal and characterful. Kit is also noted for her attention to detail and the bespoke, artisanal quality of the interiors she creates.

In addition to her hotel projects, Kit has authored several books on interior design, sharing her insights and approach to creating inviting and dynamic spaces. She has also collaborated on collections with international fabric and wallpaper designers, bringing her unique aesthetic to a wider range of home decors. Kit’s work has earned her numerous accolades in the design community, confirming her status as a visionary in contemporary interior design.

Highlights of the new collection for Annie Selke feature natural motifs and names like ‘Rufus’, ‘Deer Leap’, ‘Dawn Chorus’, and ‘Miss Mu et’ drawn from the historic references, personal memories (and ponies) that inspired them, include bold and colourful handmade wool and cotton rugs, and an array of decorative pillows featuring hand appliqué, embroidery and cutwork. All the pieces showcase the vibrant personality, energetic patterns and heirloom-quality durability that both Kit Kemp and Annie Selke are known for. “A fabulous, brightly coloured wool rug brings a room to life,” says Kit – and this collection is colourful, captivating, and really fun. It’s sophisticated country aesthetic will certainly bring your rooms to life.

kitkemp.com

Renowned for our handmade kitchens, but also create stunning bespoke furniture for other rooms in your home

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If you are looking to cover your patio or any outside area, we are sure we have a product that will suit your needs and accommodate your personal preferences. Please contact us if you would like further information or would like to arrange a survey.

“You can find scallops, hexagons, penny rounds and mosaics”

SPECIAL EFFECTS

Ripples on the top things to consider when buying tiles for your bathroom

When selecting tiles for your bathroom walls or floor, there are many elements to think about. From the design and colour to

the material and shape, it’s best to take your time to get the best result. Here, we ask Senior Designer Leanne Robey, from Ripples Newbury, to give her advice.

MATERIAL MATTERS

Bathrooms need tiles that are non-porous, so look for ceramic or porcelain designs. These are the most popular choices whether it’s for walls or floor and there are so many options for colour, pattern, size, shape and style. Porcelain is durable, hardwearing and easy to clean with a luxurious look and feel. Ceramic is less expensive and easier to lay, as it’s not as weighty as porcelain, but is still a great option for longevity.

You can use natural stone, especially for the floor – think slate, limestone and marble – but it will need to be fully sealed or treated before and, in some cases, after installation. If you do want that natural stone look, it’s best to go for a porcelain or ceramic stone e ect and the same goes for wood, too. These days you can find timber-style tiles that enable you to create an organic feel while still making sure your bathroom is watertight. For feature areas such as splashbacks behind the basin or bath, glass or glazed mosaics will add wow factor and these are great for reflecting light around the room, making a small bathroom feel larger.

D ESIGN DETAILS

Think about the overall look and feel you want to create with your bathroom. Decide whether you want your tiles to stand out or blend in, as this will help you determine which design is best for you. Think about the style and architecture of your property. A characterful Victorian

house for instance would be perfect for a more detailed decorative tile, ideal for enhancing a classic roll-top bath with cross head taps and traditional pedestal basin. A more modern home on the other hand with sleek and seamless wall-hung sanitaryware and walk-in shower may be better suited to a neutral tile or statement decorative design.

S HAPE AND STYLE

Gone are the days when the choice was limited to square or rectangular tiles. Now you can find scallops and hexagons, penny rounds and mosaics, subway styles, pickets, arabesque and more. You can also create interest with the laying pattern too, and this applies to both walls and floor.

ripplesbathrooms.com

ORIGINAL STYLE

Odyssey Quatrefoil Black Light Blue Tile, £99.99 originalstyle.com

WALLS AND FLOORS

Flecks Matt Grey Terrazzo Effect

Wall and Floor Tiles, £28.95 wallsandfl oors.co.uk

Marlborough Porcelain Natural

Textured Forest Green and Cotton White Gloss Wall Tiles, £43.34 hyperiontiles.co.uk

DECORUM TILES

Glasshouse Fan Palm Four Tile Panel, £96 decorumtiles.co.uk

ARTISANS OF DEVIZES

Berber Ceramic Glazed Tiles, £88.15 artisansofdevizes.com

WALLS AND FLOORS

Zebra Green White Striped Tiles, £34.95 wallsandfl oors.co.uk

PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE

Ashford Mix Patterned Tiles, £72.45 porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

ON THE TILES

Patterned or plain, matte or shiny...

By PENDLE HARTE

ABIGAIL EDWARDS Seascape Tiles, £182 abigailedwards.com

TILE MOUNTAIN

Kromatika Bleu

Clair Tiles, £49.95 tilemountain.co.uk

BERT & MAY

Luna Rose Encaustic Tiles, £240.84 hyperiontiles.co.uk

CA'PIETRA

TRAVEL

CARIBBEAN DREAM

Travelling to the Caribbean with a toddler might not be everyone's idea of a holiday, but we visit two resorts that make travelling with small children a breeze. Read more over the page.

St Lucia 100 • Darwin Forest 105

ST LUCIA

Island LIFE

Hayley Barclay travels to St Lucia with a toddler to try two family-friendly resorts

St Lucia is typically associated with romance, remote hotels and rum. So not the first choice perhaps for your first long-haul holiday with a rambunctious toddler. However, it is such a warm, joyous place with so many fond memories for me, we decided to be adventurous and take our son. His age was also a factor: up to the age of two children can fly without their own seat, so this saves a considerable amount of money. Of course, having a restless toddler on your lap for nearly nine hours is not for the faint of heart so in hindsight, perhaps splashing out a bit extra for comfort might have been sensible. While the flight was challenging (snacks and more snacks), once we landed the blue skies and balmy breeze instantly perked me up. St Lucia is five hours ahead, so expect a few very early mornings, but the Caribbean way of “all will be well” resets everything nicely.

COCONUT BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA

THE ROOM – Our first stop was a five-minute drive from the airport in Vieux Fort, on the island’s Atlantic side. It’s a sprawling, activitypacked all-inclusive resort with 250 rooms, a mile-long beach and its own water park.

Coconut Bay is divided into two sections –adults-only Serenity and the family-friendly Splash. We stayed in a Splash King Concierge room with a huge bed, wooden cot and a balcony overlooking the resort and ocean. Newly renovated, the rooms are decked out in fun, tropical colours and the hotel had left a lovely gift bag of treats for our son.

The balcony was particularly enjoyable once our son was asleep as we could watch the entertainment and have a drink while he slumbered on.

Though the resort is big, our room was within easy walking distance to the pools, restaurants and kids’ club so we didn’t use our buggy once.

FACILITIES – Coconut Bay’s children’s facilities are exceptional. Dotted around the resort’s 85 acres is a huge family-friendly pool, a lazy river, water slides and Cocoland Kidz Klub, the biggest on the island.

We left our son there for a few hours each day and he loved it – a testament to the sta , who were all so jolly, warm and professional. The club has its own mini water park, a donkey sanctuary, zip line, pirate ship, stacks of toys and even little beds for naps. For older children there are also excursions such as turtle watching.

Most evenings there is entertainment or live music – we enjoyed a surprisingly decent Michael Jackon tribute and a themed barbeque.

“The buffet is plentiful, varied and fresh, ranging from traditional Creole saltfish to pizza”

Activities during the day include fitness classes, a spa, painting lessons and water sports – and of course the beautiful beach complete with its rum and burger shack. If you run out of essentials, there is also an onsite shop. Don’t forget swim nappies like I did though as they cost an eye-wateringly $20 (£15.50) a pack.

THE FOOD – Coconut Bay has nine restaurants including the main bu et-style eatery open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bu et is plentiful, varied and fresh, ranging from traditional Creole saltfish to pizza and it’s informal and fun, great for eating out with a toddler. For something smarter, Coconut Bay also has six fine-dining restaurants and another must-try is the Jerk Treehouse. Coconut Bay is a big and bold four-star resort, brimful of Caribbean charm. It’s not quiet or private, but has the friendliest, most helpful sta who are well used to the unpredictability of children.

THE LANDINGS RESORT & SPA

THE ROOM – Our second stop was a twohour drive to the north of the island, near Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island National Park. The lobby at The Landings is palatial – soothing and elegant and it felt more like a grand residence than a hotel. The suites and apartments are all spread out between a marina and the beach and zippy little golf buggies are available to ferry you from place to place. We stayed in a two-bedroom beachfront apartment with a huge kitchen, living area and a sun-drenched terrace. The decor was chic and simple, and there was even a laundry room (with washing powder), plus a rotation of butlers who were available from 6am until midnight if needed and helped with tasks such as organising a babysitter, room service or o ering to fetch things our son had left on the beach. Having such a large, well-equipped space meant our son was a bit calmer and had somewhere to play out of the sun.

FACILITIES – The Landings has a kids' club for ages four and up so we did not use it –however there is a babysitting service, which we

FOOD AT THE LANDINGS

THE LANDINGS BEACH

used one evening so we could have dinner on the beach and watch some dancing and fire-eaters. There are two pools – one overlooking the marina – that were spotless and never crowded, but we spent most of our time on the beach. Children are most welcome at The Landings, but the vibe was more luxury and sedate, a lovely contrast to the first part of our holiday. FOOD – The Landings has a few eating options. The Beach Club, with tables that seem to float on the water, o ers upmarket Caribbean cuisine like tuna and watermelon tartar, house brined triggerfish and sangria chicken. More child-friendly options are also available like pasta and pizza. The fabulous breakfast spread is served there, too.

A short walk away is the Callaloo Beach Club, where you can dine on the sand. This place was great for letting our toddler splash in the sea while we had a rest with a drink.

The menu is a bit more casual but still tasty with options such as green papaya and chayote salad or blackened fish wrap. For adults-only fine dining there is The Palms, located in the main part of the hotel. The ‘east meets west’ menu changes seasonally and with its dramatic marina views and fresh seafood cooked on a lava stone grill, it’s a real date-night treat.

THINGS TO DO IN ST LUCIA

St Lucia has such a rich heritage and magnificent scenery it seems a shame to stay resort-bound. The island’s iconic backdrop is the Piton mountains and a brilliant way to see them is on the Tet Paul Nature Trail. It’s a 40-minute hike near Soufriere that isn’t too arduous for kids, but definitely too demanding for a toddler.

Market day in Soufriere is also worth a visit. It’s a great way to experience a Caribbean

port town and while it’s noisy and chaotic, it’s lots of fun. St Lucia is a once-in-a lifetime experience that the whole family can enjoy. The weather, the welcoming people and the incredible range of sea and land activities on o er means not a toddler tantrum in sight.

FACT BOX

THE LANDINGS

Blue Bay Travel Package: A 7-night stay is from £1,849pp, departing London Gatwick with British Airways, staying at The Landings Resort and Spa on a bed & breakfast basis in a One Bedroom Villa Suite Marina View Plunge Pool (based on two sharing), with return transfers & luggage included.

COCONUT BAY

British Airways Holidays offers rates from £4,198 per family of 2 adults and 1 child under 12 years travelling for seven nights which includes a saving of 53% on the hotel nightly rate and first child stays, eats, drinks and plays FREE when sharing with adult/s. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick, airport transfers and 7-nights Premium All-Inclusive. Price correct at time of issue and subject to change. Percentage savings reflect discount on full rate for single night stays.

THE LANDINGS

COCONUT BAY WATER PARK

THE LANDINGS BEACH

Set in miles of Cotswolds countryside and more than 150 lakes, De Vere Cotswold Water Park, is an idyllic location for a relaxing staycation this Summer whether you choose to stay in an apartment or a guest room.

LAKESIDE APARTMENTS

Perfect for families and couples alike who want to experience the buzz of a hotel stay, with the option of escaping to your own private domain. Choose from 1 or 2 bedroom apartments fully equipped with a kitchenette, balcony, and light-filled lounge area.

DINING

Onsite, there are 2 restaurants to choose from, The Old Boathouse and The Brasserie. Both serve seasonal, fresh dishes with lakeside views. If you are staying in an apartment, you have the choice of preparing your own meals in your kitchenette or join the rest of the guests in either restaurant.

SPA

Spa6 is it’s own tranquil haven in it’s own right. Located within the main building, Spa6 is home to a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and Technogym. Why not treat yourself to a luxurious, relaxing spa treatment during your stay?

Holiday Rentals at Glenmor

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

Take a PEAK

Enjoy luxury lodge holidays in Derbyshire

There is no better place than the Derbyshire Peak District to enjoy a short break or a family holiday. The Peak District is ideally located in the heart of England and is bursting with majestic landscapes, stunning views, stately homes and family attractions. The Peak District is approximately three hours from London and is easily accessible from the

“The woodland setting enables you to get closer to nature”

major cities in the Midlands and the North, making it an ideal place to get together with friends and family from across the UK.

Darwin Forest Lodges are situated between Matlock and Bakewell and combine luxury self-catering holiday accommodation with fantastic onsite facilities. The woodland setting creates a peaceful location from which to fully relax and get closer to nature. Many of the lodges include an indulgent hot tub and dogs are welcome in the pet friendly lodges.

An award-winning holiday

Visit England rated Darwin Forest as a 5 Star Holiday Park and awarded the coveted Gold Award for excelling in hospitality and service. The Park was also named ‘Best in Britain’ at the 2023 Hoseasons Awards, Best Holiday Park in the 2024 Derbyshire & Peak District Awards and is a national finalist in the prestigious Visit England Awards for Excellence.

Surrounded by nature

The luxury lodges at Darwin Forest are nestled within a 47 acre woodland paradise and are sympathetically interwoven into the forest. They have created a holiday park where children are free to explore, build dens, see wildlife and play in the natural environment. Young and old will feel carefree and relaxed as they get back to nature and fully relax in the tranquil forest surroundings or the natural beauty of the Peak District.

The fantastic onsite facilities include a swimming pool with spa area and gym, Foresters bar & restaurant and Little Monkeys indoor play centre. The Activity Den is perfect for older children with pool tables and a games room to keep them entertained.

For all the family to enjoy, they have a tennis court, mini golf and an abundance of footpaths and cycling trails to explore. They also o er a range of instructor led activities that are suitable for both children and adults. There really is something for all ages!

DARWIN FOREST

Book now for summer. To find out more please call 01629 732428 or visit darwinforest.co.uk

Future CONCERNS

Confronting apprehension: the complexities of training teachers in AI

By JANE BASNETT

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have actually been impacting our classrooms for quite some time, notably through platforms such as Century Tech, Seneca Learn, Quizizz and Quizlet. These tools analyse pupil data and provide a personalised learning path for them. The AI within these tools automatically grades responses and provides fast e ective feedback for pupils, allowing them to engage with their teachers immediately on any misconceptions they might have.

A I HAS ITS TIME AND PLACE IN EDUCATION

It perhaps goes without saying that we all (teacher and student alike) need to understand how to use AI e ectively. Training teachers on how to use AI in school is crucial for future education and to meet the evolving needs of our students. Yet, there is a complication to overcome. Whatever we need to teach our students, we need, first, to teach our teachers. It is almost as if we are all in our ECT (Early Career Teacher) years and are learning the skills to deliver a completely new subject from scratch. However, the boundaries are less clear than for traditional subjects because we don’t have the foresight yet to fully comprehend the content. As educators, we have to grapple with the complexities of AI, including the ethical

considerations, the data concerns, the bias and the potential for errors. We must also confront our apprehensions about the changing landscape of education and be open to adopting new approaches. It’s a journey of growth and adaptation that requires continuous learning and a willingness to embrace change.

Training teachers in AI is thus crucial. As with all technology, teachers need to feel confident to use AI appropriately. They require technical proficiency in various AI language models as well as an understanding of how to integrate them pedagogically, and critically evaluate their ethical implications. Equally important, they should recognise that, like all tools AI has its time and place – it does not need to be used indiscriminately.

P ROCEED WITH CAUTION

As an example, the AI training we o er at Downe House has focused on hands-on experience, whole school and departmental collaboration, and ongoing professional development. It has been key to demonstrate the importance of

AI in the workplace and thus for our students. This has helped push the agenda that teachers need adaptable mindsets to keep pace with AI advancements and continually refine their skills. By providing comprehensive training that addresses the important elements of AI knowledge, we aim to e ectively leverage AI to personalise learning, and to prepare our students for their futures. Teaching students to use AI is undoubtedly a valuable skill, but as with any new tool, there’s ongoing discussion on the best approach. From my perspective, it’s crucial not to rush the integration of AI into the classroom, but instead to move forward with caution, carefully considering the options, engaging in discussion and developing potential use in a much more organic manner. As teachers we have been experimenting with various prompts and language models, including those which empower us to guide our students’ learning whilst at the same time o ering them the benefits of a personalised tutoring experience.

“TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ALIKE NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE AI EFFECTIVELY”

D ON’T PUT AI ON A PEDESTAL

Although AI can feel like a bit of a minefield, it is important to remember that it is simply another tool in our armoury along with many other technological tools that make up a teacher’s kit. As such, we should avoid placing AI on some kind of pedestal as the primary focus. Knowledge and metacognition remain valuable skills that educators need to deliver. Beyond this, the soft skills of creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration and resilience, which have always been important, are now increasingly vital in the workplace. It is these skills that teachers need to nurture and develop. It is crucial to teach students that relying solely on AI-generated responses is not beneficial to anyone. As a teacher, the output may not reveal too much about a student’s learning. Students must share their prompts with teachers to gauge their understanding. Additionally, teachers need assurance that students have critically engaged with the output, addressing ethical concerns like bias, privacy, and fairness. This ensures a comprehensive evaluation of student learning while promoting responsible AI use.

T RANSITIONING TO A ‘GUIDE ON THE SIDE’

AI has the potential to be an amazing leveller for pupils. It has the potential to serve as a personal tutor to students interpreting complex questions and concepts for them so that they can access tasks on a fundamental level and gain a deeper understanding. The hackneyed notion of teachers transitioning from the ‘sage on the stage’ to the ‘guide on the side’ is no longer an unrealistic expectation as AI can indeed fulfil the role of the ‘guide on the side’. A teaching assistant that leaves the teacher free to develop their pastoral role with students and help them develop as individuals. The potential for educators to collaborate with AI is significant, creating a potential synergy that fosters opportunities for all students to flourish in the future.

Jane Basnett is the Director of Digital Learning at Downe House School in Berkshire. Find out more at downehouse.net

JANE BASNETT

Enjoy the journey

Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years NACE & IAPS Accredited School

Q What is your background in education?

A Horris Hill is the second school that I have led as Headmaster. I was previously Head at the Oratory Prep School in Oxfordshire, but only came into prep schools after teaching at two secondary independent schools. I was also a housemaster at Eton College up until 2016, where I had taught for 15 years.

Q What inspired you to originally work in education?

A I was inspired to become a teacher through both a love of learning and through the influence of some wonderful teachers at my schools. Teaching in an independent school is endlessly stimulating, as it is such a varied job; it involves everything

MEET THE

HEAD

Rob Stewart of Horris Hill School in Newbury

from sports coaching to directing plays and working in a boarding house.

Q What makes you different?

A I am rather unusual in having had leading roles in both prep and secondary schools. I have taught children as young as 2 up to the age of 18, and most teachers don’t teach across that age range. This also means that I have worked and led many different teachers and operations staff, including sports coaches, soldiers, chefs, kitchen staff and cleaners. I have worked with parents in their 20s and parents in their 70s – it is such a varied existence, while also being highly challenging.

“TEACHING IN AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IS ENDLESSLY STIMULATING”

Q How was 2023 for you?

A It was a busy year for me and the school. We have recently expanded our age range and opened a nursery, whilst also welcoming girls as students for the first time, which meant managing change and building new opportunities for our team. This year will see us expand our co-educational provision.

Q What are your hopes for the future?

A I would like to make Horris Hill the best small prep school in the country, making it the top choice for both aspiring families and those looking for a friendly and happy community for their child.

Q Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?

A Outside of work, I would very much like to get back to running marathons. Being fit and full of energy is crucial to my role!

horrishill.com

ROB STEWART

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The MAGIC of PLAY

Cultivating growth in the first two years

Kinderzimmer Day Nursery & Preschool believes in the transformative power of play in shaping early childhood. Play is the cornerstone of early development, unlocking a child’s full potential. Here are some benefits of play in the first five years:

THE PLAYFUL PATHWAY TO DEVELOPMENT

From birth, play is how children explore and understand the world. It lays the foundation for cognitive, motor, social, and emotional development, essential for lifelong learning.

Cognitive Magic Unveiled: Play stimulates curiosity, problem-solving and creative thinking. Activities like stacking blocks, imitating sounds, or sorting colours fi ne-tune cognitive skills.

Motor Marvels in Motion: Playful activities such as fi nger painting, crawling, hopping, or grasping toys help develop fi ne and gross motor skills.

Social Symphony Begins: Interactions like peek-a-boo, singing rhymes, or parallel play build the understanding of emotions, taking turns, and forming friendships.

Emotional Exploration: Dramatic play and reflective activities enable children to express, process, and understand their emotions.

YOUR ROLE IN PLAY

Parents are crucial in orchestrating play. Kinderzimmer’s tips for creating a captivating play environment at home include:

1. Follow Their Lead: Provide toys or activities that align with your child’s interests.

2. Simple Pleasures: Household items like pots, pans, scarves, and boxes can spark imagination.

3. Unplug for Play: Encourage screenfree play to fully engage their senses. Involve children in household tasks.

4. Be Present: Engage in your child’s activities, listen to their stories, and enjoy shared moments.

5. Outdoor Adventures: Nature o ers rich sensory experiences. Explore parks, beaches, or your backyard.

“PLAY STIMULATES CURIOSITY, PROBLEMSOLVING AND CREATIVE THINKING”

6. Rotate Toys: Limiting toys prevents overwhelm and encourages deeper engagement.

7. Play Together: Bonding through play fosters connection and joy.

THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION

Enrolling your child in day nursery can provide a structured, nurturing environment for learning through play. Quality early years education o ers diverse experiences, from independent learning to social interaction, supported by experienced educators specialising in early childhood education. When choosing an early education provider, consider the curriculum, teacherto-child ratio, and overall atmosphere. Visiting settings and talking to other parents can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values.

kinderzimmer’s tailored approach to learning through play nurtures your child’s growth holistically and joyfully. Embrace the magic of play and guide your child’s journey through their fi rst five years.

To find out more, visit kinderzimmer.co.uk

EDUCATION NEWS

The latest from schools across the county

Top tipi

St George’s School Windsor Castle provided an added dimension to this year’s Royal Windsor Flower Show, hosting the event’s inaugural Wellbeing Tipi. Proving hugely popular, the Tipi played host to seven children’s workshops throughout the day, all led by teachers from the school and fully booked in advance, bringing mindful cra s, music and movement to over 100 children at the show.

In addition to the activities, which included beading, quilling and drumming, the Tipi housed a cosy corner, with books, cuddly toys and colouring sheets for the show’s younger guests to enjoy throughout. Outside, children built their very own Windsor Castle replicas in the sandpit, cra ed their wellbeing masterpieces on the blackboard and relaxed in the miniature deckchairs.

A core part of the school’s mission to nurture children to be Real World Ready, equipping children to identify and combat mental ill health, has also recently seen St George’s shortlisted in the prestigious Tes Schools Awards. stgwindsor.org

Quite the act

Newbury local Reuben Spencer produced the Young Performers Showcase for a second year in a row, illustrating talent from local schools and performing arts groups from across West Berkshire and Hampshire at the Corn Exchange Newbury on 26 June.

The performance celebrated dance, music and theatre from several local schools including Mary Hare School and Trinity School, as well as a range of local dance and theatre groups. The dance and theatre groups that took part included FuzzyLogic Male Youth Dance Company, ORB Youth Dance Company, West Berkshire Youth Dance Company, ACE Dance Company, Hampshire Youth Dance Company, RS Dance Company, DancePhaze and Razzamataz Theatre School. There was also something for music lovers on the evening with a performance from local singer/songwriter Matilda Roche with a cover of Can’t Get Enough by Hannah Wicklund.

Historic win

Thorpe House School’s extraordinary U14 football team completed a remarkable treble this season, securing victories in the ESFA National Cup, the Small Schools South Area Cup, and the Buckinghamshire County Cup. This incredible feat is a testament to the students’ efforts and teamwork, and it is even more amazing when these students have just 35 pupils in their year group.

The pinnacle of their success came with the ESFA PlayStation National Cup, held at the prestigious Hawthorns stadium, home of Championship side, West Bromwich Albion. They duly

delivered an outstanding performance, triumphing with an impressive 5-1 victory. This historic treble win is a monumental achievement for the small independent school in Gerrards Cross, which celebrated its centenary year this year. It underscores the dedication and hard work of players and coaches. thorpehouse.co.uk