Absolutely Hertfordshire September 2024 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

Hertfordshire

News and views from the county's best schools

STAR Super

BODEN RELEASE THEIR HERO STYLES FOR AUTUMN

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

YOUR DREAM POOL AWAITS...

ORIGIN POOLS AT ORIGIN WE DO IT ALL

BUILDING AWARD WINNING POOLS FOR OVER 40 YEARS FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

EXPERTS IN THE NATURAL LOOK

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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

MAGAZINE MANAGER

LOUISE PEARSON

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT

STELLA ADAMS

MEDIA CONSULTANT

LEANNE LAWRENCE

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

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

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S September issue highlights

Iused to scoﬀ when being told school would be the best days of my life, especially when my dear mum was once again trying to get me out of bed and on the bus in good time.

But even though I love my life and career right now, I look back and have to admit that, yes, those wise people were right. I went to a local grammar school and struggled for the ﬁrst three years there. I say struggle, basically I was just a lazy student, doing the minimal work to get by till the bell went and I could get back on the football pitch. I shudder when I think back to my assertion that 'footballer' was my desired career choice.

Then something happened. I suddenly had an insatiable desire to learn and a steely determination to prove some teachers wrong, who understandably doubted me around Year 9. I went on to achieve decent grades, discovered a route into journalism and here we are. But I think the biggest thing I take away from my schooldays are my lifelong friends –we meet up every month and still reminisce about days at Wallington County Grammar School.

Anyway, I hope this ramble is a nice introduction to our education special this month, where we visit the schools and talk to the teachers who have one aim: to oﬀer an education to remember.

Top 10... Places to learn and be entertained (p24)

Kerry Ellis On a life well lived on the stage (p18)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Education Advice and insight from the best schools (p67)

The Shoot Boden get us set for autumn (p40)

Agenda DogFest returns to Knebworth House (p16)

Wish LIST

ALL MADE UP

Chanel's limited edition makeup takeaways come in two summer palettes. The Nature Getaway is a cute pink pouch containing ﬁ ve products in pinks and oranges, available exclusively at Selfridges. chanel.com

HISTORY CLASS

Temperley's Alessandro dress designs are inspired by Elizabethan portraiture: the crepe strewn with hand-painted trompe l’oeil jewellery motifs, featuring brooches and pendants, reminiscent of jewels sewn into clothing during the era. temperleylondon.com

For the best selection of colourful swimwear that actually ﬁts well, visit Amelies Follies and enjoy a personalised service and a wide range. ameliesfollies.co.uk

shades and updated details. EDITOR’S PICK SUITS YOU

STACK UP

Summer calls for colourful footwear and Terry de Havilland's current collection is inspired by the brand's original styles, reworked with fresh shades and updated details. terrydehavilland.com

HANDLE IT

SUMMER BRIGHTS

This collaboration celebrates Lisa named

piece that'll look good with beachy hair. This colourway is aptly named Sunrise. glossier.com

Aspiga's collection of summer dresses spans colourful prints, simple ﬂ owing ka ans, eveningwear and beach staples. A full summer wardrobe, in fact – and there are sandals, separates and accessories too. aspiga.com

SUPER SIZE

Summer birthday approaching? Try the Hummingbird Bakery's Giant Vanilla Pinata cupcake, created in celebration of the bakery's own 20th birthday. hummingbirdbakery.com

CHILLI SAUCE

Alice Pons' signature Rococò Corset is given the playful Koibird treatment. The Italian made, baroque-inspired corset has been spiced up with a limited-edition chilli pepper motif. Lace up and style with the matching mini skirt for a head-turning moment. koibird.com

SMALL SCENTS

Bastille's gorgeous and sustainable fragrances now come in dinky 15ml travel-sized sprays that won't overload your liquids allowance. Our favourite is Plein Lune. bastilleparfums.com

CULTURE

Ben Elton

21 SEPTEMBER, ALBAN ARENA

The undisputed godfather of modern stand-up is going back on the road with a brand new live show – Authentic Stupidity. The world has changed a lot since Ben last toured five years ago – a whole new existential threat has emerged to challenge our very existence: Artificial Intelligence. But Ben is here to warn you that AI is not the greatest threat that we face: it’s Authentic Stupidity. alban-arena.co.uk

EVENT

The Agenda Dom Joly

4 OCTOBER • ALBAN ARENA

Dom Joly – The Conspiracy Tour will provide a hilarious, fascinating, and slightly anarchic guide to the wacky world of conspiracies. Having travelled the globe looking into some of the strangest and weirdest conspiracy theories in existence for his new book, Dom is now ready to tell us what he thinks. However, he won’t be alone. In the spirit of balance, Dom has invited an infamous conspiracy theorist, Dr Julian Northcote, to take the stage and defend the alternative view.

alban-arena.co.uk

Aled Jones

13 September

RADLETT CENTRE

Aled Jones burst onto the scene and enjoyed remarkable success as a boy singer, ﬁnding a permanent place in all our Christmases with his smash hit, Walking In The Air. Full Circle is the title of both his new book, which came out in March, and his new tour, which will celebrate his life. Fans can enjoy that unmistakable voice, as well as amusingly told stories. radlettcentre.co.uk

Until 22 September

NORTH HERTS MUSEUM

With 50 exhibitions and nearly 125,000 visitors, North Herts Museum in Hitchin is celebrating its ﬁfth anniversary this month. Exhibitions have ranged from prestigious and valuable loan exhibitions such as Rembrandt in Print in 2020, to popular children’s exhibitions such as Paddington. The latest exhibition is Hitchin’s Toy Story. northhertsmuseum.org

DOGFEST

21-22 September

KNEBWORTH HOUSE

With two days of thrilling dog action, set against the backdrop of some of the UK’s most gorgeous stately homes and gardens, it’s no surprise DogFest is the social highlight of the season. You’ll find worldclass displays from top canine athletes, free expert advice and workshops, have-a-go activities to take part in, shopping, treats plus plenty of play. knebworthhouse.com

MUSIC

80s Live

19 September

ALBAN ARENA

Put your hands together and get into the groove as live band Electric Dreams perform over two dozen chart topping anthems from Wham!, The Weather Girls, Culture Club, Rick Astley, Madonna, Duran Duran, Soft Cell, The Human League, A-Ha, Tears for Fears and more. This is the ultimate 80s night out, so come dressed to impress as they spin you around and around for a night to remember.

alban-arena.co.uk

TOP ATTRACTION

Verulamium Museum is among the top 10% of things to do worldwide

Verulamium Museum has been recognised in Tripadivsor’s® Travellers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor. Verulamium Museum, the museum of everyday life in Roman Britain, is one of ﬁve local attractions overseen by St Albans Museums, which also includes St Albans Museum + Gallery, the Hypocaust, the Clock Tower and Sopwell Ruins.

This Month’s Must See

UPFEST

pfest, the creators of Europe's largest street art festival, are bringing an extraordinary street art experience to the grounds of Ashridge House. Visitors will witness an artistic transformation, turning the property’s regal gardens into an urban canvas –highlighting the beauty in contrasting old and new. The creatives on show, known for their distinctive styles, will draw inspiration from the rich history of Ashridge House. ashridgehouse.org.uk

Catherine Newley, Audience Development Manager at St Albans Museums, says: “It’s the act of visitors taking time out of their busy day to write a review which makes this award feel so incredibly special and we would like to thank everyone who has supported the museum.” Built on the site of one of the largest Roman cities in Britain, Verulamium Museum is ﬁlled with ancient treasures and some of the ﬁnest mosaics outside of the Mediterranean. People can explore the wonders of Roman life, be immersed in recreated Roman rooms and admire the craftsmanship of the intricate large-scale mosaics on display. In addition to hands-on discovery areas for younger visitors, the museum also provides activity sheets for children and dressing up clothes are available on weekends and school holidays.

stalbansmuseums.org.uk

PHOTO:

STAR of the stage

Why Hitchin’s Kerry Ellis is having the time of her life as West End’s leading lady

She’s one of Britain’s true greats: Kerry Ellis is one of the ﬁnest talents to grace the stage of London’s West End. The star of musical theatre has featured in the most iconic roles of the past 25 years, while also making a name for herself on Broadway – and is a Hitchin local, no less.

It’s been quite a journey for the kid who grew up wanting to be a pop star. And this autumn, she’ll reﬂect on how far she’s come in her new solo show: Queen of the West End, which will see Kerry touring the UK in October and November. There’s a new book of stories, too, as well as a four-track CD of new songs – while her show will feature some of her greatest show tunes.

“It all started for me when I was a young girl,” she reﬂects. “I must’ve been three or four when I went to a local dance centre, called the Judith Thomas Dance School. They’d hold classes in a little church hall, and I’d go there with other children to learn my ﬁrst steps.

“There wasn’t a grand plan back in those days,” Kerry admits. “To be honest, there’s never been a grand plan and there still isn’t now. I was probably sent there because my parents wanted to give me something positive to do. Well, either that or they wanted a

bit of childcare and someone else to wear me out! Whatever their motivation, I loved dance from the moment I stepped through the door at Judith Thomas. I just took a shine to it and that passion never left me.”

Dancing grabbed Kerry and made her feel alive. She wanted to be a pop star, as well as a star of musical theatre, and looked up to Elaine Paige, in whose shoes she has since trod.

“I didn’t really have any singing lessons. I guess I had a couple when I was about 12, when my dad took me to a teacher called Olive, but that was all. Olive was actually a choir singer. She kind of tapped into this classical singing thing that I didn’t even know existed. It was completely new for me. I’d always been a big ‘belty’ singer before I went to see her, screaming in my bedroom to Queen, Meatloaf, or Bonnie Tyler. But Olive opened up a whole new soprano thing.”

Kerry had a double cassette of Les Misérables, which was hugely inﬂuential. She knew that show from start to ﬁnish and would sing along with the cassette. It was the same with Miss Saigon and she grew to love the nation’s biggest shows. “My path wasn’t calculated, not in the slightest,” she states. “I was listening to music, loving it, and rehearsing it. Everything stemmed from there.

“I loved singing, I loved dancing, and I loved the world of entertainment. I’d do anything I could. I was stretching my voice and seeing what I was capable of, without knowing. I think dance gave me discipline and being part of that dance school, when I was younger, was really important. I’d have to turn up three or four days a week, I’d have to be physical, I’d have to be on that ballet bar at quarter past three. There was a discipline with dance that stood me in brilliant stead later in my career.”

She was a dreamer as a kid and her parents were incredibly supportive. They bought into her goal of performing in Broadway and on the West End. At 19, she got a job singing on a nine-month cruise around the Caribbean and she never looked back. When she came back, she did a quick tour of Magic of the Musicals, with Marti Webb and Dave Willetts, and then went into My Fair Lady She was the understudy for Eliza Doolittle, which was played by Martine McCutcheon.

“There was a discipline with dance that stood me in brilliant stead”

When Martine became unwell, Kerry stepped up. “Because Martine was such a big superstar, there was loads of media interest. When she was o , it was a big story, big news. We didn’t have social media then, but it was all in the newspapers.

“I found myself in the papers for the ﬁrst time, too, because I was the person taking on that role while Martine was o . It was quite an awakening to the West End,” she smiles. “It really was a big deal. I was still young enough not to be phased by it and, in a sense, there was no pressure on me because nobody knew who I was. I just needed to do the job, I just needed to deliver.

“I had no dress run, no costume run; nothing. It was in at the deep end. I didn’t have time to think and even though it’s a long time ago, I don’t think I can remember doing it. It was just such an adrenaline rush. Afterwards, I got to go on quite a few times because Martine became unwell again and

eventually had to leave the show. Alex Jay and I split the role and for a little while we got to be Eliza over a period of time.”

Her life changed forever and the o ers ﬂooded in. “A lot happened in My Fair Lady. There was another show when I went on for one of the ensemble dance tracks and sang a few lines. What I didn’t know was that Brian May was in the audience with the casting director for We Will Rock You. I literally had no idea. Brian saw something in me, I don’t know what, and I don’t know how or why he picked me out.

“They found out I was the understudy for the lead, so they came back when I was playing Eliza. Again, that was all totally unbeknownst to me. They enjoyed my performance and asked me to audition for We Will Rock You, as Meat.

“I didn’t ﬁnd out about any of that until after I’d got the job – all I knew was that I’d got an audition for We Will Rock You. So I went in for the audition and there were a lot of auditions, I think I had seven in all.

Brian and I even joke about that, even to this day. He always says he knew I was going to be in the show, he knew I was the one, so I ask him why he made me go through seven auditions if he was so sure about me!”

Discover the relief of invaluable advice

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We Will Rock You was a whirlwind of madness and craziness because it was new for Brian May and Roger Taylor. There was a frenzy of huge celebrities and big, iconic people surrounding the show. The whole thing was a one-o . Nothing like that had really happened before.

“During rehearsals, Brian and Roger would be around a lot,” Kerry recalls. “They’d be in the rehearsal room and would watch everything, so we got to know them very well. Robert De Niro had some money in the show, so he came over to watch one of the run-throughs too. Then a stream of celebrities came to watch the show as soon as it opened. We met so many people, from Emma Thompson to Beyonce, from Britney Spears to P!nk. My hero, Liza Minelli, came along too. It was endless. We met lots of members of the Royal Family, and we also did lots of extra performances on Parkinson, the Royal Variety, Party In

“Robert De Niro came to watch one of the run throughs”

The Park, everywhere. We did an advert around it too; it was crazy, it really was.”

Then, Kerry moved into Miss Saigon. “Miss Saigon was another of those iconic roles. It was a show that I loved, growing up. The role of Ellen wasn’t massive, but it was a well-respected, leading, female role. It was a big tick o the list. You want to be part of these big, iconic shows. I’d listened to it on a double cassette as a teenager and seen it at Drury Lane before my career began. So when it went full circle and I got to star in a show that I’d seen as a youngster, the whole experience was pretty magical.”

She then starred in Les Misérables – the show she’d gone to see as an impressionable 13-year-old. “I’d come full circle. I was doing all of those iconic songs that I’d always wanted to sing.

“There’s something special about the big hits, like Memory in Cats, or I Dreamed A Dream, in Les Mis. People are waiting for you to sing them,” she says. “So to have that moment with those iconic songs is magical. I do look back very fondly and gratefully for that. I have great pride. I got to be part of those musicals and sing those great songs.”

Wicked was a game-changer. It took Kerry to Broadway and helped her to fulﬁl another big ambition in my life. “Broadway was everything I thought it would be – good

and bad. When I went there, I’d been doing the show in London for nine years and it was a really tough show. Anyone who’s been in Wicked will tell you how di cult it is. Vocallyspeaking, it’s unlike anything I’d ever sung before. It’s so much more di cult. I’d never been challenged by anything as much as I was by Wicked and I went through good moments, tough moments where I blew my voice out, and moments where I had to retrain myself to sing the show because it was so di cult.

“The Broadway gig came up and I literally ﬁnished the show in London on the Saturday, ﬂew on the Sunday, then was in rehearsals on the Monday,” she says. “Two days later, I was opening the show on Broadway and I was absolutely knackered. I was there for six months, and it was wonderful, it was absolutely a dream come true.”

There’s been a lot, lot more, of course, and Kerry will unpack the highlights of her career in a magical autumn show. “There’s a lot more to come. I can’t wait for my own solo tour, when I’ll be reﬂecting on my career, as I have in this book. And there’s another new record just around the corner, as well as lots more concerts on the horizon.”

What’s coming in the future? “I don’t know,” she smiles. “The future is not yet written, is it. But I know one thing, I’m having the time of my life and I can’t wait for whatever comes my way.”

kerryellis.com

Whole School

Open Day 21 September 2024

Educational DAYS OUT

Learning needn’t be consigned just to the classroom, as Visit Herts highlight

By SOPHIE HEWITT

September has arrived and with it, a brand-new school year is here. While the kids are packing up the book bags and bidding farewell to weekday freedom, it doesn’t mean the weekend adventures need to stop. If the chime of a new term’s got you feeling a little stuck for weekend inspiration, why not take the family out on an adventure and learn a new thing or two whilst you’re at it?

CELTIC HARMONY

celticharmony.org

Celtic Harmony are the experts in hands-on history, without a textbook in sight. Hosting family sessions every third Saturday of the month, this incredible prehistory experience will introduce you and your little ones to nature, conservation and plenty of fun-packed activities, including making habitat piles, preparing ﬁrewood, cutting back shrubs, planting and more. Providing a perfect way to build your knowledge and teamworking skills, you and the family will have a wonderful morning in the heart of a beautiful woodland setting.

DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT MUSEUM

dehavillandmuseum.co.uk

The only museum in the world with three de Havilland Mosquitos, it was here that

the ﬁrst prototype of the World War II plane was designed and built. The de Havilland Aircraft Museum celebrates the company’s roots in Hertfordshire and how it shaped aircraft that are key to both civilian and wartime life. Today, budding historians and pilots alike can learn about founder Geo rey de Havilland at the museum and even enter the cockpit of a Mosquito.

HERTFORDSHIRE ZOO

hertfordshirezoo.com

Committed to animal conservation and the protection of many threatened and endangered species, Hertfordshire Zoo is all about sharing the wonder of wildlife while educating their visitors, including your little wildlings. A day out here will of course introduce you to many fascinating species from big cats and primates to reptiles and invertebrates, plus a few

prehistoric creatures along the way, while their hands-on animal and zookeeper experiences are the perfect in-depth way to learn about some of Hertfordshire Zoo’s incredible creatures up close.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM TRING

nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring

Did you know Hertfordshire has its very own Natural History Museum? Yes, the sister site to the Natural History Museum in London, this incredible free to enter gallery is packed with more than 4,900 specimens, started by Lionel Walter Rothschild. See extinct creatures, get up close with specimens like polar bears and emperor penguins, and learn about the lives of the Rothschild family, the unusual birds they kept right here in Hertfordshire, and even how Walter once trained zebras to pull a carriage! A perfect place to capture the imaginations of budding naturalists.

WARNER BROS STUDIO TOUR LONDON – THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER

wbstudiotour.co.uk

Now hear us out, because apart from being a fantastical day out which will awe any true Potterhead, Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is also a great place to learn about the magic of the ﬁlm industry. See the beautifully crafted props, discover the work that went into every stitch of the costumes and see the original technical drawings and models from the Art Department, including a model of Hogwarts itself. Better yet, step behind the scenes of the special and visual e ects that made the quidditch teams ﬂy and Harry disappear, and the creature e ects that brought everything from dragons and hippogri s to basilisks to life.

DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT MUSEUM

HERTFORDSHIRE ZOO

General Market – every Wednesday and Saturday

Farmers & Craft Market (local produce and handmade goods) – 1st Saturday of every month

Asian Specialty Market (authentic foods and products) – 2nd Saturday of every month

Vintage & Preloved Market (sustainable, chic items) – last Saturday of every month

These lively markets champion local businesses and other unique, diverse shopping experiences that unite the community.

One.welhat.gov.uk/hatfield-town-centre/markets

ST ALBANS MUSEUM + GALLERY

stalbansmuseums.org.uk

In the heart of St Albans City, St Albans Museum + Gallery is a centre of arts and culture, packed with over 2,000 years of local heritage, exhibitions and events. With their regularly changing exhibitions and installations, here you can discover the incredible history of the Town Hall, Courtroom and Cells, plus learn about the timeline and tales of St Albans.

WELWYN ROMAN BATHS

millgreenmuseum.co.uk/roman-baths

Our next stop will have you stepping back in time to 1,800 years ago when Romans ruled! You and the family will have the chance to see the remains of the original Roman bath house and villa, ﬁrst discovered in 1960 by the Welwyn Archaeological Society. Learn just how sophisticated and forwardthinking the Romans were as you see the frigidarium, tepidarium and caldarium, and the incredible system which provided underﬂoor and wall heating centuries ago. What’s more, you’ll have the chance to learn about the way Romans used the baths, from hygiene to social rituals for the wealthy.

NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE MUSEUM

northhertsmuseum.org

Free to enter and packed with local history, North Hertfordshire Museum is another educational favourite. Tour the three galleries and learn about North Hertfordshire from 90 million years ago, meet the Baldock Mammoth, learn about Letchworth and the creation of the world’s ﬁrst Garden City, and the inﬂuence Romans, Saxons

and Normans had on the area. In the Terrace Gallery you’ll have the chance to dress up as a su ragette, see a football collection of items of local, national and international importance, and learn about local folklore, myths and magic.

THE SNOW CENTRE

thesnowcentre.com

Who said educational days out needed to be purely academic? Home to real snow slopes, The Snow Centre is the perfect place to test out your ski legs and take a lesson or two before ski season. Whether you and the kids are seasoned pros, or need to learn the basics, here you can practice your skills with a lift pass for the 160 metre long slope, or take one-to-one or group lessons with fully qualiﬁed instructors ready to teach you all they know in snowboarding or skiing.

HENRY MOORE STUDIOS AND GARDENS

henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens For the creative kids, we can think of no better place than Henry Moore Studios and Gardens, the home of the artist’s studios and workshops, and the 70 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside that helped inspire his greatest works. Step behind the scenes and see the drawings, etchings, carvings, models and Moore’s world-famous sculptures in the landscape he helped shape.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM TRING

THE SNOW CENTRE

ST ALBANS MUSEUM + GALLERY, PHOTO BY JOSH CARTER

LIGHT SPEED

The lightest and most powerful series-production McLaren, the new V8-engined, rear-wheel drive 750S, is unashamedly a supercar for the purist, as James Fuschillo discovers

We all need a hero in our lives right now, and the super variety needs the right vehicle to go about their work –and the McLaren 750S would be that car. Laying eyes on it for the ﬁrst time, the sleek and aerodynamic look really does scream Batmobile, especially if it came in all black, matte. And considering McLaren will customise the colour to whatever your heart desires, consider that a given.

Designed and engineered following meticulous analysis of the renowned McLaren 720S, the new 750S combines advances in weight-saving, powertrain performance, aerodynamics and dynamic excellence to elevate a benchmark driving experience to new heights. Around 30 per cent of 750S components are either new or changed

in order to deliver these improvements, and they are noticeable, from the way the car drives, to dealing with problems that suburban life may throw at you. Settling into the 750S, it’s probably the closest thing you can get on the ground that resembles being a ﬁghter jet pilot. These cars are built for speed, but for me the level of comfort and security blew me away. Speed, however, is not forgotten. The engineering developments advance the renowned daily usability of the 720S, and yet the power and performance of the 750S is more full-blooded and undiminished than ever. Outright acceleration is phenomenal, with 0-100km/h (62mph) achieved in 2.8 seconds.

The interior is very minimalistic, but at the same time high tech. The 750S fuses innovative technology with exquisite materials, but most importantly is even more driver-focused in design. At the heart

of the driver experience are new displays, both for information and instruments, with the instrument display ﬁtted to – and moving with – the steering column. This driver-centric display is mounted in a binnacle that has the controls to select Powertrain and Handling modes located on either side, meaning the driver can move e ortlessly between Comfort, Sport and Track Active Dynamic settings while keeping their hands on the wheel and a complete focus on the road ahead.

This also is a supercar for the petrolheads out there. The engine is located to the rear, but thanks to a fancy design feature, you can see inside the car into the engine bay. Come the night and the engine bay is illuminated red, which really does give the car the x factor. This is a car where you can not only admire its design, but also the mechanics that go into making it such a joy to drive. The exhaust system is another change

from the 720S. That had two circular exhausts at the back next to each tail light, whereas in the 750S it has been replaced by a much bigger, central exhaust with a completely di erent design, including a really sexy touch that assists with braking. Driver Downforce (active wing partially deployed, dependent on speed) is engaged when the Aero button is pushed in the cabin, increasing downforce levels during highspeed cornering. The design and positioning of the single, central exhaust pipe meant that the new active rear wing is positioned 60mm higher, its revised static position bringing additional powertrain cooling by drawing hot air out of the engine bay. It was a joy to take the 750S onto motorways and clear A roads, but I was also keen to put it through its paces through a suburban set up. A really good function on the car is McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control linked-hydraulic suspension, a real game changer in a suburban area, enabling you to lift the car’s nose in four seconds at the touch of a button. The new-generation system delivers even higher levels of suspension performance and is integral to the outstanding dynamic abilities of the 750S. Comfort in design, but also in practice. The suspension springs are softer at the front

SPECS AT A GLANCE

ENGINE CONFIGURATION

M840T engine, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, 3,994cc

POWER

PS (bhp/kW) @ rpm 750 (740/552) @ 7,500rpm

TORQUE

Nm (lb ) @ rpm 800 (590) @ 5,500rpm

TRANSMISSION

7 Speed SSG. Comfort, Sport and Track modes

and sti er at the rear than in the 720S, which together with reconfiguration of both the passive and active elements of the bespoke valve stack and a new approach to tuning the suspension – adjusting the accumulators in the struts, which is used for the first time in 750S – benefits ride comfort, roll control, steering feedback and cornering balance.

The way the 750S handles is a dream, and also the acceleration o the mark. You can feel the raw power, it’s so responsive. When you are going up in speed so quickly you also need to have handling matching that and I thought it was a really well balanced car. The extraordinary levels of exhilaration, precision, agility, feel and feedback that the 750S delivers are immediately apparent to the driver, even at lower speeds – and its low weight is a key factor in its dynamic performance. At just 1,389kg (DIN), it weighs 30kg less than a 720S – a clear example of McLaren’s dedication to lightweight engineering.

VERDICT

With the new 750S, McLaren deﬁnes a new benchmark for supercar performance and driver exhilaration.

STEERING

Electro-hydraulic; power-assisted

CHASSIS

Carbon ﬁbre Monocage II monocoque with aluminium front and rear crash structures

SUSPENSION

Independent adaptive dampers, dual aluminium wishbones, hydraulically linked PCC III system. Comfort, Sport and Track modes

BRAKES

Carbon Ceramic Discs (390mm front; 380mm rear); Aluminium Calipers (6-piston front; 4-piston rear)

(180)

THE MCLAREN 750S IS A JOY TO DRIVE

MCLAREN 750S COUPE & MCLAREN 750S SPIDER

Stormont School

MUSICAL T IME T RAVEL

Stormont School prides itself in educating girls in a dynamic environment, providing a solid foundation in all academic subjects alongside a wide variety of enrichment activities to enhance the school life for all girls.

Mornings

Holiday Rentals at Glenmor

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

2024 Festival Artists include: Bechstein Piano Trio, Consone Quartet, Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective, Ensemble 360, Recordare, Maggie Cole, Gwilym Simcock, Claire Booth, Magnus Johnston, Max Baillie, Brett Dean, Stephen Johnson, Victor Maslov, Merryweather Theatre and students from the Purcell School

Johnston Artistic Director

Many happy RETURNS

Hatﬁeld

Markets: celebrating 25 years of Hatﬁeld’s Farmers Market

Hatﬁeld town centre is the heart of the community and, this September, they will be proudly marking the 25th anniversary of the Hatﬁeld Farmers Market, a cornerstone event that has grown to symbolise their collective commitment to sustainability.

Since its inception in 1999, the Farmers Market has evolved into a monthly highlight, where shoppers can ﬁnd an array of fresh, locally sourced produce. This direct connection to local farmers not only ensures high-quality, seasonal food, but also supports sustainable agricultural practices and reduces carbon footprint by minimising the distance food travels from farm to table.

Complementing the Farmers Market, Hatﬁeld’s town centre also hosts the recently launched Crafts Market, Asian

Specialty Market, and the charming Vintage and Preloved Market. Each of these events adds its own unique ﬂavour, showcasing a rich tapestry of handcrafted goods, exotic ingredients, and treasured vintage items. Together, they create a dynamic shopping experience that celebrates both creativity and sustainability.

These markets are more than just places to shop – they are vital social hubs where community members gather, share stories, and enjoy live entertainment. Local artists add to the festive atmosphere, making each market day a joyous occasion for all ages.

Sustainability is at the heart of Hatﬁeld town centre’s market philosophy. By prioritising locally made and secondhand goods, they help reduce waste and promote a circular economy. The emphasis on preloved items at the Vintage Market, for instance, encourages the reuse of

quality products, extending their life cycle and lessening environmental impact, while the focus on local produce at the Farmers Market reduces food miles and the carbon footprint associated with food production, all while providing high quality produce at a ordable prices.

As they celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Hatﬁeld Farmers Market, they reﬂect on the profound impact these markets have had on our town. They have nurtured a strong sense of community, supported local economies, and championed environmental stewardship. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved –from the vendors and organisers to the loyal patrons who visit each month.

Join them this September in Hatﬁeld town centre as they honour 25 years of market traditions. Let’s celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a sustainable, community-driven future.

Find out more at welhat.gov.uk/hatﬁeldtown-centre/markets. If you are interested in trading at any of the markets, email hatﬁeldtowncentre@welhat.gov.uk

FOOD & DRINK

HAPPY RETURNS

THE FOX AND HOUNDS

The Fox and Hounds Hunsdon – the Hertfordshire pub and restaurant in the Michelin Guide – is celebrating its 20-year anniversary. Independently owned by James and Bianca Rix, who met at school and have raised their children in the homely pub environment, The Fox and Hounds has provided a warm and relaxing spot for two decades, offering imaginative food with rustic Italian and French influences.

PHOTO: TARA LIONDARIS

WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By JOSE PIZARRO

José Pizarro Cava Brut

Nature ‘Gran Reserva’

 £27.50

This delicious, balanced, yellow-gold Cava o ers an impressive release of fine celebratory bubbles. The exotic scent of peaches, pineapple and dried wildflowers reflect the structured tropical fruit flavours – pineapple, citrus peel, and sunsoaked citrus fruits.

In the mouth it has an old wine luxury and fullness reminiscent of a vintage Gran Reserva – it is bready and elaborated.

Pizarro Rosé, Forcallat

 £24.50

Pale in colour and boasting a fresh, ﬂoral nose with hints of red fruit, the palate is light, fresh and balanced. Made using 100% Forcallat grape variety, the grapes are harvested by hand without crushing, and naturally cold-soaked for 24 hours. The vines are grown in 35 year-old goblet-trained vines at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, and sandy loam soil with limestone.

Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, seafood, and salads, this elegant bottle is the perfect addition to any summer spread.

José Pizarro, Rare Solera PAP, Osborne

 £170.00

The Osborne family takes great pride in the wines of this Rare Collection, not only because they have passionately cared for them for decades, but also because every drop embodies their heritage and tradition. Not long ago, they decided to share these wines, releasing a selection in very limited quantities.

Grape: 92% Palomino Fino, 8% PX

Pairing: Ideally, experience this sherry moderately chilled at 11 - 13°C as an accompanying wine to peach-passion fruit dessert, banana triﬂe in a glass or arugula penne.

josepizarro.com

TASTING

Hertfordshire’s food news and most exciting openings this month NOTES

By MARK KEBBLE

Set the scene

AUBERGE DU LAC

Located on the prestigious Brocket Hall estate, Auberge du Lac celebrates its picturesque waterside location alongside Broadwater Lake. Recently invigorated under the culinary direction of chef John Barber, the classic restaurant o ers a delightful blend of Modern British cuisine in a stunning rural setting. The lakeside terrace provides a perfect backdrop for al fresco dining.

brocket-hall.co.uk

Curry favour

Award-winning Pan-Asian restaurant Banana Tree celebrated the opening of their new Stevenage venue by giving away 1,000 free Katsu curries. With an all day menu taking you on a tour of South East Asian cuisine, exciting new cocktails, as well as all the classics they know there really is something for everyone. bananatree.co.uk

OMBOO

TAKE THREE

Essential kitchen kit

ADDISON ROSS

Addison Ross's stylish bobbin salt and pepper grinders come in a huge range of bright shiny shades. Mix and match your pair, or pick two of the same. The grind is good too. addison-ross.com

MICROPLANE

You might not have known that you need this, but once you try it there's no going back. The avocado tool is a knife, a scoop and a pit remover in one, for maximum eﬃciency in skin removal and neat slicing. microplane.com

Hertfordshire’s luxury country house hotel Sopwell House’s destination Pan-Asian restaurant, Omboo, has had a culinary upgrade with the arrival of Head Chef Benny Lee. Expect vibrant dishes that showcase culinary depths of Far-East Asian cooking, such as Soft-Shell Crab expertly seasoned with dried chilli, black bean and garlic. sopwellhouse.co.uk/omboo-dining

THE THREE HORSE SHOES

The Three Horse Shoes in Spellbrook has reopened its doors to the public following a signiﬁcant refurbishment. The popular site provides guests with a whole new look both inside and out, o ering a large outdoor space, allowing the public the option of al fresco dining all year round.

chefandbrewer.com

The Morty mortar and pestle can be held in your hand, which enables the easy crushing of ingredients with the bambou pestle. The built-in spout allows you to pour the crushed ingredients without any mess. It's a ni y bit of kit. hypedesignlondon.co.uk

Dishoom's fantastic BBQ box provides a simple alternative to the standard burger/ sausage combo. In the box are restaurant favourites chicken tikka, lamb chops and murgh malai, all marinaded and ready to grill. There's a recipe for coriander chutney, some skewers and a spice sachet too, all for £55.

store.dishoom.com

COOKUT

DISHOOM

BANANA TREE

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

JOINER PARTY

Join the party and book a table or two with friends and colleagues to celebrate the festive season.

Package includes:

• Welcome drink

• Three course sit down dinner

• Half bottle of wine per person

• Tea, coffee and mince pies

• DJ / Party host, dance floor

• Fun table novelties

• Christmas decorations

• White chair covers and sash

£109 per person

JOINER PARTY DATES SATURDAY 7TH, FRIDAY 13TH AND SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER

PRIVATE PARTIES

Package includes:

• Welcome drink

• Three course sit down dinner

• Half bottle of wine per person

• Tea, coffee and mince pies

• DJ / Party host, dance floor*

• Fun table novelties

• Christmas decorations

• White chair covers and sash

£109 per person

(*Room hire included, minimum numbers apply)

PARTY MENU

Starters

Warm croquette of Gressingham duck pickled red slaw, celeriac puree, thyme sauce sourdough bread

Juniper-lime cured salmon, heritage beetroots, lemon emulsion, keta caviar, juniper beetroot jus

Winter mushroom salad, miso marinade, pickled onions, chestnut purée, watercress, pine nut dressing VE

Mains

Roast traditional bronze turkey, cranberry and orange stuffing, roast potatoes, roast root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets, roast gravy

Cornish cod, caramelised cauliflower, leek hearts and light curry spices

Plant based cumin lamb filo parcels, grilled aubergine, romesco sauce VE

Desserts

Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce

(Gluten free & Vegan Christmas pudding available on request)

Banoffee pie, chocolate shavings

Vegan almond cake, raspberry sorbet VE

Coffee and Mince Pies

Get ready for a weekend of foodie feasting, epic music, and family-friendly fun as Tom Kerridge’s food and music festival, Pub in the Park, returns to St Albans. From 6-8 September, Verulamium Park will play host to this spectacular event, celebrating the very best of British chefs, restaurants, produce and entertainment.

The festival, which is returning to St Albans for the ﬁfth year, has already announced a stellar line-up of music headliners, such as Tinie Tempah (Friday evening), Scouting for Girls (Saturday afternoon), Olly Murs (Saturday evening), and Paloma Faith (Sunday). They have now added Stereo MCs, Levi Roots, Bob Marley Revival, Guilty Pleasures, Billington & Quinn, Jamie Grey and Pandora, plus each session on the main stage will be opened by a local act who have been selected through the Headliner competition running in local venues this summer.

And, of course, the festival is renowned for its world class food and drink o ering with the very best pubs, restaurants, and chefs from across the UK cooking up a range

TASTY TREAT

Pub in the Park St Albans has revealed its full line-up - and it’s quite a feast’

of small plates from £7 each, inspired by their careers and restaurants – as well as a Pub Special from each restaurant this year for the ﬁrst time. Alongside these dishes, each restaurant will also have specially designed child-friendly options too, to cater for little ones and families.

The Fire Pit will see live cooking over hot coals – with sampling to boot – and the Miele Kitchen Studio will have famous faces from across the food and drink world sharing recipes, tips and tricks to use at home. New for this year, M&S are adding to things to see and do, with the M&S Village – expect more demonstrations, tasty treats to sample and fun for the family with special guests Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar.

New for 2024 is a series of live podcasts hosted by Sunday Brunch star and Pub in the Park regular Simon Rimmer. Pod in the Park sees Simon talking to a whole host of familiar faces across the Pub in the Park festivals about all things food, music and nights out.

Earlier this year, Pub in the Park announced a line-up of restaurants for St Albans, including: Tom Kerridge’s own restaurant The Hand and Flowers, Ginger Wings, The Abbey Inn by Tommy

Banks, Hawkyns by Atul Kochhar, Hangﬁre BBQ, Cue Point, The Green Man and local favourites Dylans at the Kings Arms with Boot Cantina and Thompson St Albans. Sticky Mango rounds up the line-up for restaurants in St Albans, and is making its debut in the city this year.

Chefs joining the weekend are Tom Kerridge, Matt Tebbutt, Simon Rimmer, Candice Brown, Atul Kochhar, Thom Bateman, Sam Evans & Shauna Guinn, DJ BBQ & Chris 'Chops' Taylor, Sabrina Gidda, Jack Blumenthal, Mursal Saig & Josh Moroney, and local Phil Thompson.

Pub in the Park St Albans has families in mind, o ering a wide range of activities to keep children entertained in the afternoon sessions. Kids can engage in fun-ﬁlled games with the Super Pirates, enjoy delicious kid-friendly dishes, and dance at the silent disco. The funfair rides promise thrills and excitement, while the ice cream stand and pick n mix provide sweet treats. Don’t miss the amazing performances by dance troupe Flawless, sure to captivate audiences young and old.

pubintheparkuk.com

TOM KERRIDGE

THERE'S PLENTY OF FAMILY FUN

FASHION

Style icon

LISA CORTI

Update your holiday wardrobe with colourful dresses, luscious silk kaftans, shirts, and various accessories like shawls, bags and more from Lisa Corti. With her limited edition prints and fabrics, designed in Italy and hand crafted in India, Lisa Corti is an icon of elegance that transcends seasons and generations. lisacorti.com

STYLE SEASONAL

Boden’s AW24 collection sees dresses and knitwear play a key role alongside some classic favourites

BODEN.CO.UK

Indian opulence

Regal pieces inspired by the designers' rich Indian heritage

By CARLY GLENDINNING

HARAKH

18K yellow gold and brilliant cut diamond Sunlight Necklace, £4,200 harakh.com

MODERN MOGHUL

Rhodium plated sterling silver Rucya Bracelet with gold vermeil, sapphires, and diamonds, £6,311 modernmoghul.com

LA MUSE GEMS

14K yellow gold, diamond, and tourmaline Fusion chandelier earrings, £4,828 shop-lamusegems.com

LA MUSE GEMS

14K yellow gold, diamond, mother of pearl, and tourmaline Taj Mahal earrings, £4,828 shop-lamusegems.com

ANANYA

18K white gold, diamond, tsavorite, peridot, and crystal quartz, Scatter Ombré Emerald Necklace, £29,600 ananya.com

SETHI COUTURE

18K rose gold, diamond, and sapphire Rainbow No. 8 Chloe ring stack, £10,340 sethicouture.com

AMRAPALI LONDON

18K yellow gold and black rhodium Mini Rajasthan bracelet with multi sapphires, £3,800 amrapalilondon.com

KASTUR JEWELS

18K gold plated Tourmaline Ring Band, £395 kasturjewels.com

PRAKSHI

18K yellow gold and diamond Rewind Ear Cu , £7,888 (each) prakshi.com

Something for Everyone

Avery Healthcare has dedicated well-being teams to 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 • Yoga and exercise classes

Chorleywood Manor 01923 585656

Elton House 01923 585657

Acacia Mews 01707 561058

Nobody deserves to be lonely in later life

There are over 2m people over the age of 75 living alone. Sometimes going well over a month without speaking to anyone.* Not even neighbours, friends or family.

We believe it shouldn’t be this way. Human connection is key to our wellbeing, which is why it’s at the heart of everything we do at Millﬁeld Green. Our community is warm and welcoming; helping people feel a sense of belonging as soon as they step through our doors and beyond.

It’s time to give loneliness the cold shoulder.

HEALTH GAME CHANGER

Discover IV Boost UK: pioneering functional medicine in Berkhamsted

Introducing IV Boost UK, the renowned functional medical clinic with over 15 years of excellence on Wimpole Street, London, now expanding to Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. This new clinic aims to bring the cutting-edge beneﬁts of functional medicine closer to residents seeking advanced health solutions.

IV Boost UK Berkhamsted will o er a comprehensive range of therapies including Intravenous Vitamin and Nutrient Therapy, Hormone Therapy, Peptide

It stands at the forefront of functional medicine

Therapy, Red Light Therapy, Oxygen and Ozone Therapy, with plans to introduce Hyperbaric Therapy soon. Led by experienced doctors and nurses, the clinic is committed to supporting individuals in achieving their health and longevity goals, all grounded in scientiﬁc research. These therapies are increasingly vital in today’s world of health and wellness. Intravenous Vitamin and Nutrient Therapy, for instance, provides direct delivery of essential vitamins and minerals to enhance energy levels, immune function, and overall well-being. Hormone Therapy o ers personalised treatments to balance hormones crucial for optimal health. Peptide Therapy aids in tissue repair, anti-aging beneﬁts, and immune system support. Red Light Therapy promotes skin rejuvenation and pain relief through targeted light wavelengths.

Oxygen and Ozone Therapy harnesses the healing power of oxygen to improve circulation, immune response, and detoxiﬁcation. Soon, Hyperbaric Therapy will provide additional beneﬁts for wound healing and neurological conditions.

IV Boost UK Berkhamsted stands at the forefront of functional medicine, empowering individuals to proactively manage their health with scientiﬁcallybacked therapies tailored to their unique needs. Join them in embracing a future where wellness meets innovation, right here in the heart of Hertfordshire.

berko@ivboost.uk ivboost.uk

“It was heartwarming to see residents bonding”

GET TOGETHER

Enjoying

a day of friendship and wellbeing at Carpenders Park Care Home

Residents from Oakview Lodge Care & Nursing Home were warmly welcomed at their sister home Carpenders Park Care Home in Watford, where they enjoyed an afternoon ﬁlled with activities and a relaxing lunch in the sunshine. Reﬂecting on the day, Sharon Guntrip, Customer Relations Manager, said: “We had a wonderful time with the residents from Oakview Lodge who joined us from Welwyn Garden City. It was a great opportunity for our residents at Carpenders Park to make new friends and socialise. People could choose to make bird feeders, blend fruit smoothies, and engaged in a fun quiz led by Wellbeing Coordinator Miheala. Our resident Jean particularly enjoyed the quiz, impressively answering 99% of the questions and getting them correct.”

Resident Bruce thoroughly enjoyed making

bird feeders, commenting: “They look delightful; I hope the birds will enjoy them.”

The residents from Oakview Lodge delighted in the quality of food presented to them by the sta team at Carpenders Park. “Our lunch was exceptional. It was refreshing and beautifully presented,” they commented. Rachel Davies, Wellbeing Coordinator at Oakview Lodge, noted the positive impact of the visit for their residents, including Micheal who particularly enjoyed exploring the garden at Carpenders Park Care Home. “It was heartwarming to see residents bonding over shared interests, reminiscing about hobbies, past pets, and families,” she added. Claire Masterson, Home Manager at Carpenders Park, shared her happiness with the visit, saying: “It was a joy spending time together. We’re already looking forward to our return visit to Oakview Lodge! Thank you for joining us this afternoon; our residents truly loved making new friends and participating in today’s activities.”

TOP PICKS

THREE MENOPAUSE SUPPLEMENTS

EQUI LONDON

Equi London's Menopause Formula contains 45 premium, bioavailable nutrients to soothe perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, as well as supporting gut health and detoxiﬁcation, £70. equilondon.com

FEEL

Developed in partnership with one of the UK’s top award-winning menopause specialists, Feel's Menopause blend targets hot ﬂushes, night sweats, fatigue, and brain fog, as well as promoting hormonal balance, £35. wearefeel.com

WILD NUTRITION

Now with increased Magnesium, Wild Nutrition's food-grown, clean, and ethical Menopause Complex supports energy levels, the nervous system, and psychological function, as well as healthy bones and muscles, £32. wildnutrition.com

NOTES CORE OF THE MATTER FITNESS

The rise of Reformer Pilates… what’s the excitement all about?

In recent years Reformer Pilates has taken the world by storm, with its ability to sculpt and tone the body while improving ﬂexibility, posture, and overall well-being. What is it that’s attracting such a new wave of Reformer devotees across the world?

Unlike traditional exercise methods, Reformer Pilates o ers a low-impact workout that is gentle on the joints while still providing a challenging and e ective full body workout. Compared to mat Pilates, which is performed on the ﬂoor using weight as resistance, Reformer Pilates o ers added resistance through the use of springs and straps on the machine. This added resistance helps to increase muscle strength and endurance more quickly and e ectively than mat Pilates alone. Another key beneﬁt of Reformer Pilates is its

ability to improve posture and alignment by targeting the deep stabilisiing muscles of the core. By strengthening these muscles, Reformer Pilates can help to alleviate back pain, improve balance, and prevent injuries both in everyday life and during other forms of exercise. Hence why lots of international athletes are now incorporating Reformer Pilates into their regular training routine. As the popularity of Reformer Pilates continues to grow it is more important than ever to choose the right studio to ensure you are receiving the highest quality of instruction and experience possible.

Yatta Studio, who currently o er three high quality studios in Amersham, Beaconsfield and Berkhamsted, pride themselves on o ering a first class Reformer Pilates experience, led by highly qualified and dedicated

instructors, ensuring that you receive expert guidance and instruction every step of the way. Their focus on quality, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence is evident in their consistently positive reviews and loyal community of happy clients.

Yatta Studio also o ers small class sizes to ensure you receive personal attention and guidance throughout your workout. Their beautiful studios are equipped with state-ofthe-art machines and all the necessary additional equipment to enhance your Reformer Pilates experience. They also o er a range of di erent class options, 7 days a week, so you can tailor your experience to suit your needs, making it suitable for beginners through to more advanced clients.

yatta-studio.com

INTERIORS

ANNA MOSS

Shades of ITALY

How interiors writer

Kate Watson-Smyth came to design her own collection of

paint colours

By PEARL BOYD

Kate Watson-Smyth of Mad About the House used to focus mostly on her own home, and her large Edwardian terrace has been a source of inspiration for interiors lovers all over the UK and beyond. When she could think of nothing else to do to her house, she shifted her focus and bought an Italian villa, which she set about restoring and decorating. And ﬁnding that her palette didn’t suit northern Italy, she embarked on another project: designing some new paint colours. So now she has launched a new collection of paints with Graphenstone Purifying Paints. The collection of 12 colours combines the deeply romantic shades of northern Italy with the softer palette of the British countryside, a palette that has been carefully designed to be combined in endless ways to suit every interior regardless of location.

Kate says: “It has long been a dream in the making – my husband and I have been looking for our own slice of Italian dolce vita for over 30 years, since we met, but they say houses ﬁnd you and when we ﬁrst saw the villa in the pouring rain we both had tears rolling down our cheeks – and it wasn’t the rain, it was perfect.”

The evocative palette of colours has been used throughout the six-bedroom villa in the hills just outside Turin, which will shortly open for design retreats. “To create a bespoke palette of colours inspired by my very own Italian home and in a paint that is kind to both people and the planet is a dream come true. Each colour is inspired by our love of Italy, a celebration of the passion, style, and joy it has brought to our lives. The colours work alone or equally well together in Britain where the light is a little cooler – bringing a softer, romantic and sensual palette to the interior.

Each colour is inspired by Italy. Barolo is the deep red of the famous Piemonte wine, Gelato

is a soft plaster pink which tells of summer ice-cream. Ortensia and Giardino reﬂect the vibrant hydrangeas and dense shrubs in the garden of the noble villa Kate now calls home. Verde Torinese references the darker, forest shades of the surrounding hills. Sole, Lavanda and Oliva bring a softer, e ortless Italian style. Kate says: “In my role as an interiors writer and commentator for the past 20 years I have studied every colour palette and my Italian Collection really does combine everything you will ever need alongside being a natural mineral based paint, better for the planet and healthier to live with.”

Patrick Folkes of Graphenstone adds: “Using Kate’s unique interiors knowhow and trained eye, the palette is exquisite and works beautifully with Graphenstone’s sustainable ingredients and raw materials – one of the most certiﬁed 'harm-free' mineral paints in the world.”

“Each colour is inspired by our love of Italy”

LIVING ROOM CEILING IN GIARDINO

KATE WATSON-SMYTH

BATHROOM WITH TILES BY MAITLAND & POETE

By PENDLE HARTE

POWER Feel the

Empowering women’s health with Origin

Swimming isn’t just a refreshing pastime, it’s a transformative exercise that champions women’s health and vitality in profound ways. Origin understands the unique beneﬁts swimming o ers women of all ages and has crafted indoor pools that enhance these advantages for over 40 years. So, how can swimming signiﬁcantly impact women’s health?

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

STRESS RELIEF

The rhythmic, meditative nature of swimming can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones. It’s a meditative activity that calms the mind, alleviates anxiety and improves overall mental well-being. A survey by Swim England reported that 74% of female swimmers felt mentally refreshed after swimming, highlighting its stress-relieving beneﬁts.

MUSCLE STRENGTH

“Swimming o ers a low-impact workout and helps improve bone health”

Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality among women globally. Regular swimming sessions strengthen the heart muscle and improve circulation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The ‘Million Women Study’ found that women who swam twice a week had a 20% lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Having an Origin indoor pool at home o ers a convenient and e ective way to incorporate swimming into your weekly routine.

BONE HEALTH

Women are more prone to osteoporosis and bone density loss, particularly after menopause. Swimming o ers a gentle lowimpact workout and helps improve bone health by providing weight-bearing resistance without putting stress on the joints.

HORMONAL BALANCE

Swimming has been shown to positively impact hormonal balance in women, particularly during menopause and menstruation during which women will often experience symptoms like hot ﬂushes, mood swings and anxiety. Swimming, especially in cooler water, has been found to alleviate these symptoms by regulating body temperature and releasing stress-relieving hormones.

Swimming engages multiple muscle groups, including the core, arms, legs, and back, promoting strength, endurance, and ﬂexibility. Origin’s pools are designed to facilitate full-body workouts that improve muscle tone and enhance mobility as women age.

Swimming o ers a holistic approach to women’s health through its unique combination of physical, mental, emotional and therapeutic benefits. By providing a controlled environment and expertly designed facilities, Origin empowers women to prioritise their health and well-being through the joy of swimming. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, manage stress, or support your overall health and well-being, swimming o ers a myriad of benefits. So, contact Origin today and experience the transformative power of swimming for your body and mind.

originpools.co.uk

info@originpools.co.uk

01895 453996

SBI Ltd has been providing all of your shelter and shading requirements, since 1998

We provide comprehensive awning services, from cleaning and repairs to seasonal maintenance. Get in touch today for the highest quality awning servicing!

ENTRANCE MAKE AN

To ensure a warm welcome, SWR Home & Outdoor will make sure your front door works for you

We might already be picturing cosy evenings in, and weekends spent tucked up at home, but why not ensure your house is draught proof and thermally e cient before winter sets in. Get *10% o a new entrance door from SWR Home & Outdoor when you purchase by the end of September, and have it ﬁtted in time for Christmas.

So, what do you need to know before ordering that new door? Try to look for styles that suit the age and period of your property. SWR Home & Outdoor have over 30 years’ experience in giving specialist advice to help you ﬁnd the perfect ﬁt. Their Hemel Hempstead showroom is open six days a week, so you can call in or make an appointment to review your choices.

You also need to consider what material you want. There are a few options, and it is good to be aware of all there is to o er:

Wooden doors – have a natural and enduring look and are very customisable, but also quite expensive. They are also prone to expansion and have poor thermal e ciency.

Aluminium and steel – these materials are extremely durable, have high thermal e ciency and are very secure but designs can be limited, and you’ll need deep pockets.

Composite doors – can last for up to 20 years, are low maintenance and there are many designs with matching accessories to choose from. They can however su er from discolouration over time.

UPVC doors – are another low maintenance option, with good insulation properties. There is an excellent range of styles, but their lifetime is around 10 years, and they can expand and contract in cold weather.

One important thing to know when

searching for the best door for thermal e ciency is to understand the jargon. When it comes to U-value numbers, a lower U-value indicates better heat retention, making your home more energy e cient. For security, make sure the door that you settle on has PAS 24, the British Standard (BSI) kitemark and Secured By Design accreditations for complete peace of mind.

The next exciting decision to make is colour. Maybe you want to match it to your existing garage door, or you could just want to add a splash of colour to the front of your house. Consider other elements like brickwork and window frames to create a truly harmonious look.

An entrance door often creates the ﬁrst impression of your home, so why not inject some personality and ﬂair with *10% o a new door from SWR, in time to welcome your guests this Christmas.

To discover more, visit the SWR website at homeandoutdoor.co.uk. View SWR’s entrance door range by scanning the QR code. (*T&Cs apply – please see website for full details)

Green House

Exploring an ordinary abode turned eco-home

Richard works for a national construction company. Inspired by the eco-facilities they have built, he wanted to apply the same standards and technologies to his family home renovation. Together with his wife, Rachel, he’s taken an ordinary 1960s home and turned it into an eco-home, heated by a Good Energy heat pump. Here, he shares his green home story with us.

Q What inspired you to build an eco-home?

A We are very sustainably minded. When we landed here, caught the view and looked at the property, it just struck us that we could do something with it. We wanted the home to be sustainable and e cient, so getting rid of fossil fuels was a must. That’s why we got a heat pump.

Q How does your heat pump work alongside your other eco-upgrades to keep your home warm and e cient?

A We’ve worked hard to make the building warm – using lots of insulation; and airtight by covering the walls in a vapour proof membrane. To prevent moisture and mould, we’ve installed Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery throughout the house. As well as removing the moisture, this technology recovers the heat energy from the moist air, and pushes the warm dry air back through the house, providing ambient warmth.

The ﬁnal step to getting a warm, e cient home was to install an air source heat pump, which captures heat energy from the outside air and transfers it to our underﬂoor heating and hot water tank using electricity.

Q Tell us about your heat pump installation…

A Our heat pump installation took place over three days. We had no kitchen

or bathroom at the time, and other trades were working in the home too. Good Energy communicated brilliantly, and worked well alongside the other trades to make sure that their work was compatible with the plumbing and electrics elsewhere in the house.

Because our home is e ectively airtight, the Good Energy team were extremely careful with the fabric of the building while they were installing our air source heat pump.

They managed this by predetermining entry points into the home so that we could mitigate the impact to the airtightness.

Q What’s it like living with a heat pump?

A From the minute the heating has gone on, we have had a comfortable environment in here with no glitches, which has been great!

I’ve been impressed with Good Energy’s after care too. After monitoring my heat pump’s performance remotely, they suggested some changes they could make to improve its e ciency. This involved remotely adjusting our heating curve to provide a more constant, lower level of heat – reducing our running costs without impacting our comfort at all.

Get a personalised heat pump estimate in just two minutes - see more at heat.goodenergy.co.uk

Find out more about Good Energy heat pumps at goodenergy.co.uk

Habs Boys and Habs Girls truly offer the best of both worlds: single-sex education on a stunning, co-educational 100-acre campus in Elstree. Our school coach network covers all of Hertfordshire and North London. Join us at our Open Day on 5 October to see everything Habs has to offer, visit habselstree.org.uk MAKE A PROFOUND IMPACT

MALVERN ST JAMES

Malvern St James Girls' School is a leading independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 3-18. What makes them distinct and refreshing is their recognition and active support for the individual talents, interests and passions of girls, and the liberating and inclusive ethos the school embraces. Turn over the page to find out more. malvernstjames.co.uk

VISION DOUBLE

Malvern St James Girls’ School is a special place, as highlighted by two di erent perspectives about the beneﬁts of all-girls’ education

DR GARETH LLOYD

Head of Malvern St James Girls' School

Q How long have you been Head of Malvern St James?

A I started as Head on 1 January 2024, and have absolutely loved every minute of it. Allgirls’ schools are such fantastic communities, and Malvern is one of the most beautiful places in the world to live, so how could I NOT be attracted to working at MSJ?!

Q What immediately struck you the ﬁrst time you visited the school?

A The warmth of welcome from everyone – sta and pupils alike – was immediately apparent. There is a tremendous sense of kindness that permeates the whole school.

Q Have you had much experience of working in all-girls’ schools?

A My ten happiest years were as Director of Music and Housemaster at an all-girls’ school, but I am predicting that my time at MSJ will become my new happiest years! I have worked as both teacher and Head at

single boys’, single girls’ and co-educational schools, and by far my most rewarding experience has been in all-girls’ settings.

Q At Malvern St James, what opportunities do your girls have that they may not get in a mixed school?

A Malvern St James strives to allow each and every girl to thrive, to discover talents and skills and, most importantly, to be herself in a safe and happy environment. So many of our pupils opt for STEM A-levels and, thereafter, degrees – statistically, far more than in co-educational settings. I rejoice to see so many of our girls really commit themselves to the wide range of sports we o er, not at all self-conscious as I have observed as both a Head and inspector in coeducational schools. Opportunities to assume leadership roles commence from Year 5, and are carefully developed throughout the senior school, to help our girls grow into highly conﬁdent and competent young women, prepared for life after school.

Q Is there more peer support in a single sex school?

A Good peer support at any good school should be the norm. Clearly, there are di erences between co-educational and all-girls’ schools. At the latter, there is never any awkwardness, embarrassment or selfconsciousness in the conversations that our girls may wish to have with each other. As we have a strict policy of no mobile phones in school, it is wonderfully liberating not to be distracted by the all-too frequent unkindness that social media platforms can bring about. Through the peer support system in place via our Form structure, the girls experience empathy and encouragement that build conﬁdence on so many levels.

RUQAYYA

Head Girl at Malvern St James Girls' School

Q Are you aware of the di erences of being at an all-girls’ school?

A Having experienced both environments, I would say yes. Being at an all-girls’ school, we are more conﬁdent, largely because we are more comfortable. This makes learning a lot easier and a lot more fun for the students and sta alike, as there is equal engagement from everyone. Here, my gender does not limit what subjects I should be good at or what sports I should enjoy.

Q What opportunities have you had that you may not have had elsewhere?

A The opportunity to meet people from all over the world. From connecting with current students, to past ones through the Old Girls’ Association, I’ve started building my global network from such a young age. It’s very exciting and also comforting to think that no matter where life takes me there will almost always be an MSJ girl who can guide me.

Q As a Head Girl, do you take pride in helping the younger girls at the school blossom?

A Deﬁnitely. Even before becoming Head Girl I always enjoyed interacting with the younger girls and helping them in any way possible, so I highly appreciate the fact that it’s now part of my role. I was once that younger girl, so I know how impactful it can be to have someone slightly older who has been through similar experiences that is always there to help.

Q How would you sum up the environment at Malvern St James?

A Malvern St James is a community before it is anything else. Boarding or day, local or international, student or sta ; we are all connected and working together to make the MSJ experience the best possible for everyone.

malvernstjames.co.uk

DR GARETH LLOYD

HEAD GIRL RUQAYYA

Green Fingers

How gardening is inspiring young people today

By MAX LANGHAM LOPEZ

Over the last few years, outdoor education and exposure to the subject has significantly increased in schools. Education in the outdoors has many benefits for physical development and mental wellbeing, with specific activities fostering development in teamwork, communication and collaboration. This is coupled with pupils learning life skills such as how to light a fire, read a map or how to tie knots. Furthermore, the outdoors provides a platform for pupils to escape the digital hive that surrounds them in the modern day.

For the last few years, our school has steadily developed its outdoor education programme and is now, essentially, a prep school with its own residential centre. One area in which the school has developed over the years is through its passion for gardening. This year has seen the school gain its level ﬁve Royal

Horticultural Society (RHS) school award and means that we now work with the local community developing its gardening and sharing new ideas. Why is gardening so important for young people? The beneﬁts are large. Firstly, it’s one of the only lessons in which pupils come back covered in soil and that is very much part of their normal school day. Secondly, the crops that are grown onsite allow pupils to see where our food comes from, exposing them to new produce and encouraging them to try new vegetables, which fosters knowledge around healthy eating. Thirdly, it allows pupils to build upon soft skills such as patience and responsibility, due to the long processes and methods required when planting and nurturing crops.Finally, it supports other educational subjects, helping children to get outside and use the grounds, while giving them the opportunity to learn maths or science in an outdoor setting and in a di erent way compared with their usual daily curriculum.

CONFIDENCE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

For older pupils, the school’s Allotment Club allows pupils to take on further responsibility and tend the gardens in their own time. Pupils have a sense of achievement when the harvest and plants are bought by families and the money can be re-invested into the gardening area. Pupils also get an input into the gardening plan and this subsequently allows them to create a vision of how they would like the gardens to grow. We believe in creating opportunities that pupils might not usually get the chance to experience. With families and pupils leading busy lives it is often hard to fit in unfamiliar opportunities such as fishing, kayaking and bushcraft skills. Creating these opportunities exposes pupils to skills and minor sports which allows more accessibility to physical activity and the great outdoors. Each year, through many co-curricular clubs and lessons, pupils can leave our school confident around being in the great outdoors and all that it can o er them.

MAX LANGHAM LOPEZ

All of these experiences also contribute to pupils excelling when away on residential trips as they will have a good understanding of skills already gained through the outdoor education activities, and this allows them to practice their skills in di erent environments. We are also fortunate that the school sits within 50 acres of beautiful outdoor space and within that is our smallholding that is home to our animals which includes sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, tortoises, a rabbit, donkeys and a pony, whereby the pupils assist with day-to-day husbandry jobs as well as time for interaction and focus on their mental wellbeing. Our gardening area is very important to help feed our animals too: 50% of our produce is grown for our plant and produce sale and the other 50% is grown for our animals which includes, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, pumpkins and many more.

FORAGING WHILE REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT

During outdoor learning, our nursery have a gardening focused lesson each term looking at gardening throughout the seasons. During the autumn term they planted some poppy seeds for Remembrance Day and harvested our pumpkins to feed to our animals. In the spring term they planted some dragon fruit seeds for the Year of the Dragon for Chinese New Year and planted some ﬂowering bulbs.

“It helps start the discussions of our carbon footprint and helping the environment”

In the summer term, they planted some potatoes, which will then be harvested by next year’s nursery cohort and added to our plant and produce swap. Our pupils also investigated the lifecycle of tadpoles by looking at our mini ponds by the poly tunnel and went on a mini beast hunt, spotting the mason bees that we introduced to the school, which help to pollinate the produce in our gardening area. Finally, they helped to harvest the lettuce and radishes which were fed to a variety of our animals, especially enjoyed by the tortoises and rabbits.

Gardening is also a focus within pre-prep co-curricular clubs, especially within ‘outdoor explorers’ whereby the children have planted ﬂowers from seed, made bird feeders, painted rocks to decorate the garden area and harvested

our crops to feed to the animals. During autumn term, there is a focus on using produce from the whole school site to feed our animals such as collecting chestnuts from the sweet chestnut trees, acorns from the oak trees, and apples and pears from our fruit orchard. The children have the opportunity to forage for the food that nature naturally provides us and is a very self-su cient way of feeding our animals. There are no food miles and helps to start the discussions of our carbon footprint and helping the environment. This also reduces the cost of buying in our animals feed and provides a more varied and natural diet. Moving forward, we are looking to further develop the produce being grown at York House School. This year, radishes, carrots and onions were o ered to the community and next year we hope to o er crops all year round with pumpkins for Halloween, and hardy crops such as broccoli throughout the winter. We also intend to invite local surrounding schools to come and garden with us. The gardening area will also expand to accommodate an outdoor classroom and provide more chances for pupils to share and develop ideas for this important area.

Max Langham Lopez is Head of Outdoor Learning at York House School. See more at york-house.com

ACTION PACKED

Sport is great for health, but how does its competitive edge feed into a positive culture? Schools give us their take on its role in pupil success

Kew House School

Sport fosters a sense of community at Kew House. The school says that celebrating wins, supporting teams and individuals, and recognising achievements all promote a positive culture around sport – also reinforcing ideas around teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. But the school believes it’s also vital to teach children that failure is a natural part of both sport and life. The emphasis here is on e ort rather than simply outcome, and teachers and coaches provide constructive feedback to help young people cope with setbacks and build resilience.

The support is designed to help young people to reﬂect, set realistic goals, and focus on continuous improvement. Not all children are naturally gifted at sport, and there’s emphasis on inclusivity and variety – helping children discover sports and activities they enjoy and may excel in. That’s why the school maintains a compulsory curriculum time for girls and boys to be playing together in Core PE lessons.

The sports team know that providing

a variety of choices of sport, emphasising skills development over competition, will give encouragement to less able or willing students works. It’s about reinforcing the value of participation and personal improvement rather than just winning. All abilities get the opportunity to participate in inter-school ﬁxtures against carefully matched teams throughout the school year to highlight the fun and camaraderie of a competitive sporting environment.

For young people on an elite sports pathway, there’s the school’s Top Performing Athlete Program (TPAP), o ering guidance on goal setting, time management, and coping with setbacks such as injury or de-selection. It includes sound advice around physical development – including the importance of continuing education, maintaining wellbeing and building life skills to prepare for alternative pathways and a future beyond sports.

The team say that sport is an essential and vibrant element of the school community. By fostering inclusivity and a passion for physical activity, it helps young people to promote their personal development.

Reed’s School

At Reed’s in Surrey, there’s long been great success in sport –with recent wins in areas such as hockey, tennis, ski racing and golf, alongside swimming and athletics. But Director of Sport, Andy Watts, says that wins aren’t the only measure of success at school level – and sometimes they aren’t the best measure. “Setting up ﬁxtures that include challenges is vital, as it builds resilience, helps with problem solving and encourages di erent ways to overcome adversity.”

The school o ers team sports from A-F level and beyond, and with an expectation that all pupils are involved on Saturdays for sport in First and Second Forms (Years 7 and 8). Coaching and facilities, and matching players to teams with comparable depth, support success but also build up other skills.

“Involvement in sport only enhances what happens in the classroom. Developing time management skills, working collaboratively with others, and stepping out of your comfort zone can all contribute to academic progress,”

he says. “Being involved in a wide range of activities, such as sport, music, and drama, is crucial to pupil welfare and wellbeing.”

Reed’s has highly ambitious pupils in sport, who may start their day in the gym, ﬁtting in one-to-one technical sessions in their free periods and then committing evenings and weekends to training and competing. “This level of dedication is one of the most impressive aspects of the modern pupil athlete,” says Andy. But it isn’t just pupils pursuing elite sports pathways who commit time to improve – the school has noticed increasing demand for its Strength & Conditioning programme across the cohort. Success is recognised weekly via assemblies. “Captains read out all results: the wins, draws and losses. It is important to recognise all competition and sometimes the best received reports are losses where teams have given their all. This public recognition is important and encourages players to represent their team, the school and, most importantly, their peers,” says Andy.

Reed’s encourages young people to aspire to sports leadership roles. “The skill of coaches and teachers in schools is to try and provide opportunity for success, but also learning how to deal with losing, coping with adversity, and overcoming any fear of failure,” says Andy. “Communication of selection is vital face-to-face, as indeed is rewarding e ort, not just the outcome.” He adds that it’s important not to shy away from the e ort involved in all competition.

“Without it, sport becomes play. Success isn’t just about winning, as nice as that is, it is about the hard work behind the scenes.”

Tonbridge School

At Tonbridge, sport is part of day-to-day life. “Sport is integral to our school’s ethos, with all students engaging in activities at least three times weekly,” says Director of Sport, Chris Morgan. “We believe it fosters character development, o ering equal opportunities for personal growth regardless of skill level or team a liation.”

National and international achievements signiﬁcantly inﬂuence Tonbridge pupils’ enthusiasm about sport. All the better when you have alumni to get behind. Current OTs shining bright include Ben Earl in rugby and Zak Crawley in cricket – both now England regulars. “They serve as inspiring role models, driving increased interest and participation,” adds Chris. Those on a potential elite sports pathway receive tailored support through the school’s mentorship programme. This includes guidance from performance coaches, lectures and sta members who have navigated similar elite challenges. “This holistic approach prepares students to aim high while equipping them with strategies to manage setbacks.”

Winners and losers both deserve positive feedback. “Coaches, supported by teachers, provide context and understanding, emphasising the broader educational value of sports,” says Chris. The Tonbridge team know that the lessons learnt in sport translate into the classroom and help students confront fear of failure. “These sports experiences equip them with essential life skills, fostering adaptability and perseverance in facing challenges.”

Not every child can be (or aspires to be) top in games. “We promote a culture that values participation and emphasises the broader educational benefits of sports,” says Chris. There are some 20 sports here – all the mainstream choices plus more o beat options such as fives, ultimate frisbee and rackets. In the ‘major’ sports the school regularly field 25 rugby teams, 14 hockey teams, 17 football teams and 17 cricket sides on weekend fixtures.

Tonbridge’s ultimate aim is to engender a love of sport that lasts into adult life. “The OT cricket side has won the Cricketer Cup more than any other school, the OT Golf side has won the prestigious Halford Hewitt the most times, and the OT football club has continued to grow in recent years and now, on a weekly basis, ﬁelds two sides,” says Chris.

ATHLETICS AT REED'S

RUGBY AT TONBRIDGE

Yorkshire independent school Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) are celebrating after receiving a prestigious award from Artsmark, who are accredited by Arts Council England. Artsmark o er the only creative quality standard for schools and, to achieve the award, QE had to develop their arts and cultural provision to embed a broad and ambitious curriculum.

On receiving the award, Helen Stephenson, Head of Creative Arts at Queen Ethelburga’s said: “We’re extremely proud of achieving our Gold Artsmark Award. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education and are looking forward to growing our provision alongside Artsmark.”

The school o ers an ambitious provision of over 30 courses across art and design, music, drama and dance with numerous opportunities throughout the year to perform and compete in individual and team

CELEBRATING the Arts

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate receives the prestigious Gold Artsmark Award

disciplines. With an impressive 39% of their students choosing to pursue Creative Arts subjects for GCSE, BTEC, or A-level in 202324, it is perhaps no surprise that QE regularly achieves recognition in national competitions. In 2023 alone, students achieved a win, runner up, and a highly commended in the ISA Arts Young Musician Competition, two ﬁnalist positions in the ISA Musical Theatre Competition, a win in the ISA Shakespeare Monologue Competition, two ﬁnalists in the ISA Musical Theatre Competition, and a win in the ISA Band Competition.

QE’s creative arts provision starts in prep school with a variety of art, craft and design lessons and opportunities to compete nationally. Students can choose a range of KS4 and KS5 options including 3D Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Fashion & Textiles, Art & Design Practice, and Photography. There are weekly extra-curricular activities including the Arts Award, Junior Art Club, Sketchbook Skills, Drawing Skills, and QE’s

Queen’s Academy for Creative Arts. QE students enjoy success in competitions, with recent wins in the ISA National Art competition for KS5 3d Design (2023), KS4 Sketchbook (2023), and KS5 Photography (2022 and 2023). QE pupils also achieved regional success in 2023 with ISA Northern Arts wins for KS5 2D Art, KS4 3D Design, KS4 Photography, and KS5 Textiles.

QE’s Student Art Council grew to 35 ambassadors in 2023-24 aged 11-18 years, who lead creative arts events. Examples of their cross-curricular events include a ‘Day of the Dead’ mask making and a ‘Lunar New Year’ competition with Modern Foreign Languages. Throughout the school, students are encouraged to use creative practices in all subjects; for example, Year 9 business students used Adobe Creative Suite software to create and market their own brand.

To ﬁnd out more about QE’s art provision, visit qe.org, email admissions@qe.org,

“We have a carefully constructed approach for a child's development”

AStepping STONES

How the world of play inspires learning at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep

t Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep, pupils are encouraged to explore the world around them and develop holistically through play. Studies by the University of Cambridge have shown that the more children play, the more likely they are to develop into selfregulating, emotionally intelligent adults.

To give pupils the best start in life, pupils from age three engage in indoor and outdoor play. As part of the school’s drive to develop risk-taking adults who are unafraid to make mistakes, pupils play outside no matter the weather. “If it’s raining,” says Head of Stepping Stones Debbie Cooper, “pupils put on a coat and still head out.”

From nursery, symbolic role play is used to develop pupils’ understanding of the world around them. Stepping Stones recently enjoyed a visit from ﬁremen and afterwards took turns playing as ﬁremen themselves.

During World Book Day, pupils across the school dressed as their favourite animals and collectively imagined how their character may act and move. Through these opportunities to imitate, pupils make sense of the world.

But play doesn’t just happen in class. To develop their independence, pupils are given the freedom to play by themselves. A walled garden is a magical setting on the Pre-Prep campus that gives pupils the freedom to play in groups, explore the age-appropriate climbing equipment, and take independent risks. At the Prep, the outdoor area has been recently re-landscaped to provide more dedicated outdoor play areas for the children, and a greater sense of space on the campus. While pupils are always supervised, they don’t often know it, encouraging them to express themselves and socialise with peers without constant intervention from teachers.

Following the Forest School Curriculum, play often happens in the woodlands surrounding the countryside campus. By taking play outdoors, pupils across all age groups have

an increased ability to explore the world around them and take risks through climbing, adventuring, and following the dedicated Gru alo trail that leads through the woods.

Parents are involved in encouraging play, from dedicated parent talks that discuss the beneﬁts of playing with children at home to inviting parents on site to engage in play with the children. Every Christmas, Pre-Prep parents are invited to join their children as they complete a ‘stickman walk’ through the woods, while Prep parents enjoy talks on the beneﬁts of playing with their children, family games nights are especially recommended!

A highlight of many pupils’ time at school has been Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep’s ‘International Day of Play’ in which usual lessons are switched for games and play. At the Pre-Prep, pupils engaged in outdoor play, strategic card games, puppet shows, and makebelieve. At the Prep, pupils enjoyed moulding shapes in a sandbox and a range of outdoor games from skipping to marbles, to tiddlywinks.

“For every moment that on the surface looks like play,” concludes Debbie, “we have a carefully constructed approach for the development of each individual child.”

To learn more about Berkhamsted PrePrep and Prep, join them at their Open Events on 4-5 October; berkhamsted.com

why everyone is talking about…

HERTS 10K

The charity run is back and is bigger than ever

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is delighted to announce the return of its popular Herts 10K event with a new venue, new route and di erent distance options to choose from. The annual event will take place on Sunday 6 October 2024 at its new venue, Herts County Showground, and for the ﬁrst time will feature the traditional 10K running course as well as a brand new 5K route and fun run option.

The running extravaganza promises something for everyone with a short fun run for the whole family, a 5K race for those who may be new to running and a 10K for runners who are looking for a challenge or an opportunity to achieve their personal best.

The Herts 10K is open to runners aged 14 years and over, while the 5K option is open to children aged 11 years and over. The fun run is open to all ages, with children under the age of 8 years needing to be accompanied by a paying adult.

Tracey Hancock, Director of Fundraising at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, says: “The Herts 10K is a much-loved and well supported event in the area, so we’re delighted to be making changes this year to make it even bigger and better than ever before. Regular runners have a new route at our brand-new venue to look forward to, while the new 5K and fun run options have opened the event up to the whole family.

“Every penny raised by the event will be used to fund our vital hospice care services for local people who are living with a life-limiting illness,” Tracey adds.

“This year we’re challenging runners to raise £37 each. That is enough to fund an hour of care from one of our nurses to o er patients and their families vital clinical, practical and emotional support when they need it the most.”

Standard entry to the 10K race costs £30, with tickets for the 5K costing £16 and the fun run at just £10 per person. Runners in the 10K and 5K will receive a t-shirt, medal on ﬁnishing and will be chip timed. Fun runners will receive a treat at the end of their race.

To ﬁnd out more visit renniegrovepeace.org/herts10k