The ultimate luxury is taking time to unwind in a bed so comfortable that you never want to leave
Bed: Sandö I Fabric: Designer´s Guild Tammaro Smoke I Carpet: Light Beige I Bed Linen: Storm Shell I Bedside table: Holme I Headboard: Tornö I Bed legs: Reling
Our Winter Design Sale has begun, and you can save 15% off on a wide range of furniture and accessories to order, as well as up to 50% off on our premium ex-display items. We can help you make the most of your space with our free interior design service. You’ll receive a consultation in-store or at home, as well as 3D renderings of your space. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit us in-store.
Some furniture is made for the here and now.
Some is built to stand the test of time.
At Neptune, we believe that the best can do both.
Good design never grows old. Chesham,
EDITOR
MARK KEBBLE
ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA
SENIOR DESIGNERS
MIKE ROBERTS SUZETTE SCOBLE
MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER JOE MUNSEY
PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE
GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER
MEDIA CONSULTANTS
LOUISE PEARSON, STELLA ADAMS
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI
CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID
DIRECTORS
CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER
MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT
So here we are in 2023. The year sounds slightly sci-fi to me, as if we are part of the Back to the Future movie trilogy (and in their 2015 they already had flying cars).
I never start a new year with a host of resolutions I know I won't keep. Why set yourself up to fail? I think it's more sensible to keep evolving those resolutions as you go and don't leave everything until you wake with a sore head on 1 January. Or, as I tend to prefer, watch other people do amazing things.
We have a couple of interviews this month that really highlight that point. First there's Donna Ida Thornton, who came up with a business that sounds simple – selling decent fitting jeans –and made a real name for herself. Inside we visit another project of hers, transforming an Indian restaurant into a stunning Pangbourne home.
Then there's Dawn Russell, who came up with the idea for 8GREENS whilst she was ill with cancer. After living here for over two decades, she's finally delighted to launch 8GREENS in the UK after sustained success in America. It will give us all a real boost.
Don't miss our 2023 preview starting on page 28 and... happy new year!
Donna Ida Thornton
These luxurious and sustainable candlesticks are hand-cra ed from reclaimed table legs and gilded in genuine royal blue dyed silver leaf. £140 webbandgray.com
COS has partnered with Fair Isle knitwear designer Mati Ventrillon to create a range of sweaters with a minimalist take on traditional patterns. £79 cos.com
Desa, available in two more colours, is handcra ed in Tuscany. A classic go to for day and evening. £199 ceciliaquinn.co.uk
Breakfast is Bella Freud's favourite meal, so she has launched a range of egg cups and side plates especially for mornings. From £75 matchesfashion.com
Whether at home or travelling, wear one of Just Add Style's silk sleep masks and dri off in luxury. £35 just-add-style.com
Bitossi Ceramiche's iconic blue cat is an enduring beautiful ceramic piece with a lavish glaze. £180 farfetch.com
For a look that says outdoorsy but stylish, you'll need one of Wylding's fl eece-lined boilersuits. Designed for all-weather swimmers, these are simple and practical pieces – and they look great too. £160 wylding.co.uk
Waves is Beja's bestselling bra and we love it with a matching brief in this Deep Ocean shade, £65 beija.london
The mysterious, smoky character of Jo Malone London's Oud & Bergamot is hypnotic and alluring, radiating with the clarity of crisp bergamot and orange. £145 jomalone.co.uk
The Hermes Nantucket is a small stainless steel, alligator and diamond watch, £6,580 net-a-porter.com
19 AUGUST, NEWBURY
Inside we take a look at some of the biggest events heading our way in 2023 - and they don’t get much bigger than the BetVictor Hungerford Day 2023 starring Olly Murs live after racing. He’ll be returning to the Party in the Paddock stage at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday 19 August for a fantastic afternoon of topquality racing and music. The Party in the Paddock Stage is within the Grandstand area of the racecourse and this is a standing concert only. newburyracecourse.co.uk
THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR
About 50 years since ABBA’s formation in Stockholm, the group is back bigger than ever and what better way to celebrate the legacy of Scandinavian pop royalty than with ARRIVAL, showcasing the hits of ABBA. ARRIVAL From Sweden is the most successful ABBA show touring the world today. To date they have performed tours in over 70 countries. theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY
The public are invited to have their say and vote for their favourite image to win this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award run by the Natural History Museum. Photographs were chosen from 38,575 entries across 93 countries and include a portrait of a characterful pregnant pygmy seahorse by Nicholas More, and Michał Michlewicz’s story revealing the impact of domesticated cats on local wildlife. Voting ends on 2 February 2023.
nhm.ac.uk
Here’s an opportunity to see one of the most talked about films in one of Windsor’s iconic cinemas. Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.
Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, the film has just received eight nominations at the Golden Globes. oldcourt.org
20 January
AYLESBURY
Harry Hill is back with brand-new amazing jokes in an all-singing, all-dancing one-man spectacular. “I hadn’t realised how much I missed performing live until lockdown stopped me from doing it,” says Harry. “It’s great to be going back on stage and the good news is I am planning a very silly show.” Audiences will meet Harry’s new baby elephant, Sarah, and Ian, The Information Worm. atgtickets.com/venues/ aylesbury-waterside-theatre
CORN EXCHANGE NEWBURY
Teechers Leavers ’22 is John Godber’s break-neck comedy about education for the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ and a generation left behind. Hilarious and high energy, this new play for ages 11+ brings to life an array of terrifying teachers and hopeless pupils through the eyes of three Year 11 students facing a scary world, armed only with imagination and a joy of theatre. Presented by Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park. cornexchangenew.com
Discover how your amazing brain works in this exciting new hands-on exhibition. This exhibition will show you just how amazing our brains really are. From emotions to our senses, you will find out how your brain interprets what it sees, hears, smells, and feels. This family-friendly exhibition will take you on a journey inside your brain, to find out just what makes you... you. discoverbucksmuseum.org
Following a major redevelopment, the iconic Leighton House reopened its doors last autumn with an exciting programme of exhibition and events. One of next month’s highlights, available to book now, is an evening in conversation with sixties fashion model and muse, Pattie Boyd. Famously the inspiration for George Harrison’s 'Something' and Eric Clapton's ‘Layla’ and ‘Wonderful Tonight’, her portrait was captured by some of the greatest photographers of the 20th century including David Bailey, Terence Donovan, David Hurn and Norman Parkinson. She is also a celebrated photographer in her own right and in her latest book, Pattie Boyd: My Life in Pictures (Reel Art Press) she grants intimate access to her personal archive. Leighton House, London, W14. £15. 24 February 2023, rbkc.gov.uk/museums
OMNI is fast becoming a gallery to watch. They kick o their ambitious 2023 programme with two exciting solo exhibitions by young emerging American artists. Hampton Boyer is a trailblazing Virginia-based artist known for his figurative paintings, made up of layers of bright, clear colours, geometric forms and complex texture. Also opening in late January, Natalie Westbrook, a Pittsburgh based artist whose dynamic and deeply arresting works deploy bright colours and chaotic compositions to create an entirely unique and unrivalled painterly lexicon. OMNI, London W1, omnigallery.com
Donna Ida Thornton transformed a former curry house in Pangbourne into a beautiful home - and now she’s o to start a new project, renovating a listed manor
By REBECCA PITCAIRNIf you ask any woman what item of clothing is the hardest to shop for, I’ll guarantee she’ll say jeans. Jeans are one of those items that most of us wear on a weekly, if not daily, basis so it’s important to find a pair that fits. Yet this fashion staple is notoriously di cult to get right. It’s one of the reasons Australian-born designer Donna Ida Thornton set up a new boutique jean concept 16 years ago.
“When I first moved to London in the late 90s I was temping as a PA for the president of a big marketing company, but was desperate to start my own business. I was always in jeans, but really struggled to find styles that I felt comfortable in and suited my shape. There were these department stores that had these really amazing denim floors with great stock, but they just didn’t have that personalised, expert service I was after,” explains Donna, who has become known as the ‘Jean Queen’. “My boss’s daughter suggested I open my own store selling only jeans and in 2006 the first Donna Ida boutique opened on Draycott Avenue in Chelsea.”
The Donna Ida stores, which could also be found in Belgravia and Guildford, have since been and gone with the business moving online five years ago to focus on Donna’s own brand, which launched in 2012.
“We were originally multi-brand, but it was always in the business plan to launch our own, it just took time to work out what the gap was in the market and that was highwaisted jeans,” says Donna, who names all her designs after women. “Ida is my middle name, but it was also my grandmother’s name and so I name the styles after women she would have liked to have hung out with. There’s Ivy, Eliza, Norma and Edna, so they’re all sweet old-fashioned names although many are coming back into fashion now.”
While the Donna Ida brand may have moved online, Donna hosts regular pop ups and says the ethos remains exactly the same as it was when they had physical stores. “We have a team of amazing stylists on the end of the phone, our clients send us pictures and we facetime them, it’s a really personalised service,” she adds. “It’s easier for people as well – they don’t want to get on the train and
go into London anymore, particularly since the pandemic, so really we were quite ahead of the curve going online when we did.”
While Donna has no formal design training, her keen eye for style has attracted a cult following over the years with celebrities including presenter Amanda Holden, Dame Kelly Holmes and model Jodie Kidd wearing her designs, which also include denim jumpsuits.
“I know what I want and I know how I want it to look and so I just work with the pattern cutters to make it work,” she tells me. “I think it goes back to my childhood, I always liked making things when I was a kid, when I was playing with dolls I’d always be making them mini-dresses or even minifurniture for their dolls house. I understand construction and once you understand the engineering behind design, it’s exciting because you can make things look amazing.”
Donna regularly shares snippets of her home life with her 56,000 plus Instagram followers. Until recently, this was centred around the property she shared with her husband, restaurateur and president of the
“We were quite ahead of the curve going online when we did”
Restaurant Association, Robert Walton MBE, in Pangbourne. It was Donna’s keen eye for design that helped them transform the pub-turned-Indian restaurant on Reading Road, into a stunning home for the pair and their five chihuahuas; Julio, Fernando, Eduardo, Gonzalo and Emilio.
“The house was an Indian restaurant that my husband owned,” she explains. “It was originally a pub and he bought it from the brewery and turned it into an Indian restaurant and we’d eat there quite regularly. But it was on three acres of land and he decided that actually it would be nice to convert it, so we did. It took two years and originally it wasn’t the plan to live there, but as I got more involved in it all, the more I liked the idea and so we stayed for six years. It’s right on the Thames and I love being by the water so it was wonderful living on the river.”
Donna filled the house with eclectic one-o finds, as well as pieces she found in sample sales and Ikea staples to create a bright and breezy home which perfectly represents her personality – “I’m really into just finding stu , it doesn’t have to be
expensive, I’m a big fan of Homesense in Reading and TK Maxx,” she says with a smile.
While Berkshire remains the home of the Donna Ida brand (the company’s warehouse is in Aldermaston), Donna and Robert have taken on a new, much larger renovation project in Devon. The couple are busy repairing and restoring the Grade II* Listed Jacobean manor house hotel, Langdon Court, in Wembury.
“It’s a mammoth project, but we’re loving it,” says Donna. “It will be an exclusive use venue for events such as weddings or special birthdays so it won’t be open every day, but I think that keeps the house special. Houses like that need to be nurtured and we just want to look after her.”
If Donna’s experience building a successful brand, creating a beautiful home and looking after her customers are anything to go by, there’s no doubt she’s going to do a great job.
You can shop the latest Donna Ida collection at donnaida.com and sign up for news on Langdon Court at langdoncourtmanor.com
“The secret to finding a great pair of jeans is knowing your own body shape and if you understand that, then you’ll find the right jeans for you. People get frustrated because they want to look like their cousin or their sister, but everyone is a di erent shape. Focus on your own body, pick out the bits you like about yourself and find styles that accentuate that.”
“I love a good blow dry, it just finishes o a look and you get to feel like you’re being pampered for an hour. I love going to Adam and Eve at Yattendon for a blow dry, co ee and a good chat.”
“Flowers really make a house feel like a home. I find Green and Gorgeous Farm, literally just across the border in Wallingford, is great for flowers. They’re literally picked that day.”
Q
originally inspired you to launch 8GREENS?
A When I had cancer at age 25, I got a bone infection which prevented me from having chemo or radiation. After travelling the globe for four years searching for alternative therapies, I returned back to my home and began with the basics of food. Greens literally were the only food that not only stayed in me, but they started to bring me back to life. Literally. After learning first hand the power of greens, I set out to do something with all my hard earned knowledge. For five years and 264 prototypes I worked on creating the first 8GREENS product. My sole goal then and now is to get REAL greens, not extract or essence of, into anyone, anywhere, anytime.
A I am obsessed with our Blood Orange Daily Greens fizzy tablets that I put into water every morning. Throughout the day I inhale almost an entire jar of our 8GREENS skin gummies. On holidays I seem to devour our lollipops.
A Because they are made of real greens that are simply dehydrated without heat. We were and are the world's first REAL greens fizzy tablets, gummies, lollipops, etc.
A It was explosive. Everywhere we launched, Nordstrom or Amazon, we sold out in hours. It was playing catch up for the first few years as the demand was literally mind blowing.
A I am grateful. I am equally thankful for all our customer reviews. It means more people are getting more greens everyday.
A I have lived here for the past 23 years so it is hugely exciting for me. The demand in America has simply been so extreme, we kept having to postpone the UK launch. Now that we are a fully functioning, stable company, we have the bandwidth to properly launch in another country.
A Blenheim Palace is my favourite go to in Buckinghamshire as the owners are friends. The way the buildings are lit at night is truly magical. Also the Little Shop of Cheese – it was the best cheese stand I went to when my son was at boarding school in the area.
A An apple cider vinegar shot (with the “mother”) a day – keeps the doctor away! Apple cider vinegar with the “mother” is a powerful combination of healthy bacteria, yeast and enzymes that promotes gut health and really cleans your liver. I do an apple cider vinegar shot every morning. To elevate the taste, add a tea bag (mint or citrus are my favourites), or add a squeeze of lemon and heavy dust of cinnamon. Think pink! Swap your standard white table salt for Pink Himalayan Salt. This naturally occurring pink salt boasts many more minerals and less sodium. It contains the same 84 trace minerals that are found in the human body, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium to create electrolyte balance, increase hydration, improve circulation and alkalize the body. Then there’s Flaxseed. Sneak more fibre and brain boosting omega 3 fatty acids into your family’s diet by adding
flaxseed to just about anything and everything (cereal, pancakes, desserts, etc). The seeds act as a natural laxative and are also one of the reasons my kids’ hair and nails grow like weeds!
We all want our kids to eat salmon, aka “brain food”, thanks to it being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. But, boy do they complain! To make it tastier, try making a marinade of five spoons of soy sauce, two spoons of honey, ginger, half a lemon, salt and pepper and mix all together. Marinade salmon in it for two hours. Cook for eight minutes at 350 degrees. My kids gobble this up. uk.8greens.com
Q What does it mean to you to have so many celebrity endorsements?
Q How excited are you to be launching in the UK?
Q When you get a chance to relax around Buckinghamshire, where do you like to visit?
“The demand in America has been been so extreme”
Q Any other health tips for us as we enter 2023?BLENHEIM PALACE THE LITTLE SHOP OF CHEESE WAS A WINNER 8GREENS GOODNESS
Pub grub, folk music, and Tutankhamun –there’s something for everyone in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire in 2023
By NATALIE LI
Ascot Racecourse 20-24 June 2023
It’s one of the highlights of the sporting and social calendar and the place to be seen: Royal Ascot will return once again in June. As always, thousands of fabulously well-heeled racegoers descend upon Ascot for five days of races and, of course, the chance to observe high fashion and a glimpse of the Royals.
Each year the third day of Royal Ascot, known as Ladies’ Day, features the most glamorous attire and millinery masterpieces. It’s the day of Ascot’s longest surviving race – the Gold Cup.
Other highlights include the Royal Procession every day at 2pm in which the royal family and guests parade up the Straight Mile into the Parade Ring in carriages, known as Ascot landaus, led by four Windsor Grey horses.
Tickets for Royal Ascot are on sale now, with prices ranging from £15 for standing room on the heath to around £80 for seats in the stands. ascot.com
Windsor Castle
2 March-30 October 2023
Out of all her residences, the late Queen Elizabeth II is considered to have been most
attached to Windsor Castle. She spent a lot of time at Windsor Castle in her final years, including over her milestone Platinum Jubilee weekend in 2022. Anyone interested in the crown and Her Late Majesty’s life are o ered a glimpse into her time spent at the Castle – during her childhood, the Second World War and during her 70 years on the throne. The Castle was where she spent her private weekends – riding horses and spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A new tour o ers private groups an insight into the function of Windsor Castle and how it shaped Queen Elizabeth II’s life. rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
Highclere Castle
February-April 2023
In 1922, Highclere Castle and Lord Carnarvon, alongside his archaeologist Howard Carter, were front page news around the world. Their unearthing of the untouched tomb of an ancient Egyptian king Tutankhamun has become the most famous ancient Egyptian discovery of all time. Now it’s your chance to tour the set of the “real” Downton Abbey – the stunning Highclere Castle – and celebrate the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun 100 years ago.
WINDSOR CASTLE“Ascot is one of the highlights of the sporting and social calendar, and is the place to be seen”
Highlights include a guided tour around the state rooms andgalleried bedrooms to learn about the building, works of art and furniture alongside plenty of anecdotes. Down in the Castle cellars an exhibition catalogues the Earl’s fascination with Egypt, his early excavations from 1906 onwards, his relationship with his friend Howard Carter and the discovery and contents of the tomb, including a reproduction of the sarcophagus. The tour finishes with refreshments and a walk in the grounds of Highclere Castle. highclerecastle.co.uk
Claydon Estate 25-28 August 2023
Claydon Estate in the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside plays host once again to this year’s charming family-run Towersey Festival. Described by The Guardian as “one of the most bravely adventurous festivals in the folk and world music calendar”, the festival began in 1965 in the village of Towersey as a community event.
The festival, in its 59th year, continues to o er its inimitable style of music, comedy, and family fun. This year
headline acts include The Divine Comedy, The Proclaimers and Thea Gilmore.
The festival boasts excellent camping facilities, in addition to the wonderful programme of music and activities for the whole family. towerseyfestival.com
Higginson Park, Marlow 18-21 May 2023
Marlow-based celebrity chef Tom Kerridge serves up another summer of his mouth-watering food and music festival in Marlow and nine other locations across the country.
The inaugural event launched in Marlow in 2017 and has since grown in popularity over the years. In 2022 the biggest Marlow event to date featured 30,000 festival goers in Higginson Park partying across the four-day weekend.
Expect a chart-topping line-up featuring the likes of Tinie Tempah, Clean Bandit, UB40 and Bananarama, plus the UK’s finest chefs, including Tom Kerridge’s best pals, award-winning pubs and restaurants serving tasting dishes showing their signature style.
There’s festival fun for the whole
family – with chef demonstrations, the finest produce, and a kids’ area to keep the little ones amused. pubintheparkuk.com/marlow
Milton Keynes Theatre 9 February-5 March 2023
Gene Wilder’s odd but iconic Willy Wonka from the 1971 film of Roald Dahl’s children’s classic is certainly stuck in my memory. But a fresh stage version of Roald Dahl’s children’s classic is a chance to immerse yourself once again in a world of pure imagination.
After a successful run in London’s West End and Broadway, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory embarks on its first ever UK and Ireland tour. The musical tells the tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka. After Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets they’ve always dreamed of. But five lucky winners soon realise that everything isn’t quite what it seems.
West End star Gareth Snook plays the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka in this adaptation, which features memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film and a host of new numbers. atgtickets.com/venues/ milton-keynes-theatre
“The festival o ers its inimitable style of music, comedy and fun”
Q How does it feel to be part of the KURIOS family?
A KURIOS is a very special show. We’re a cast and crew of 122 from 27 di erent nationalities and it’s an honour to be part of such a creative and brilliant team. I’ve been with Cirque du Soleil for 13 years now, working on a few di erent shows including Amaluna and CORTEO, and I joined KURIOS as Artistic Director back in 2016. My job is to oversee everything artistic on the show: I work with stage management, wardrobe, coaches and performance medicine, who are all experts in their fields, along with 50 world class artists.
Q Can you tell us a little about the show?
A KURIOS is a show that really celebrates the imagination. We follow the journey of a scientist, who believes that a hidden, invisible
world exists. Set in the second half of the 19th century during the industrial revolution, the show takes aesthetic inspiration from this era, which was a time of great invention. It’s about the capacity to invent and dream, and we want people to leave the show feeling like anything is possible.
Q What’s unique about KURIOS?
A Every Cirque du Soleil show is di erent, and KURIOS is no exception. There are acts in our show that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. An example of this is Acro-Net… imagine it like the world’s largest trampoline. The inspiration for this act actually came from the safety net of a trapeze act on another show, which was a bit too bouncy. The creative minds took this as an opportunity to explore something never been done before, so for Acro-Net they made a net even more bouncy, to allow a team of six acrobats to propel another performer up 45ft in the air. It’s a thrill to watch and a huge crowd pleaser, when audiences realise what’s happening you can hear the excitement. Much like the show, this idea that just because something doesn’t exist yet, it doesn’t mean it can’t be dreamt up and made a reality.
Q What goes on behind the scenes?
A We have a technical team who are in charge of everything from rigging and automation, to lighting sound, carpentry and props. KURIOS has the most props of any
Cirque du Soleil show, 426 at
but we’ve also added a few more along the way! Their attention to detail is incredible, from big to small. We have a mechanical hand used in the show, which weighs about 750lbs and is driven by two artists underneath to drive the hand forward, and allow the fingers to move and come to life. Then we have wardrobe, who are a team that collectively maintain over 8,000 costume pieces – it’s phenomenal. The artists also do all their own makeup, which can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours every day.
Q What’s your favourite part of KURIOS?
A That’s a tough question! Acts like Acro-Net, Rola Bola and Aerial Bike are wonderfully acrobatic, but there’s moments of real beauty that come from simplicity too. Continent of Hands is a very special act, where an artist creates a world just with his hands. It’s projected onto a hot air balloon so everyone can see the magic. His grandmother and grandfather were deaf, so they communicated with their hands, and he learnt this craft from them. Non verbal communication is a wonderful part of what we do and what makes our show so accessible wherever we go.
Studio Ghibli has become almost as big as Disney for many London children. The Japanese animation studio makes films that are gentle and magical, as well as mysterious and dark, and their appeal is enduring. My Neighbour Totoro is one of the most popular with children of all ages, spawning a vast following and a huge variety of merch: lunchboxes, cuddly toys, stationery and more. It's an animation that features humans alongside fantasy creatures, and not something you'd easily imagine on the stage. But the Barbican's new production makes the transition easily and beautifully, and instantly saw a torrent of excellent reviews and enthusiastic ticket sales.
The story is simple, and there's not much plot – the film is atmospheric and there's not even all that much dialogue. On stage, it's a visual extravaganza of set, puppetry
and an orchestra in a treehouse. We open with a father and his two young daughters driving their car through the countryside; they are moving from Tokyo to a new home to be near their mother, who we learn is in hospital. Neighbours imply that their new house is haunted, and there's a lovely scene where the house unfolds and the girls discover 'soot spirits', brought to life brilliantly by a team of on-stage puppeteers. The story makes reference to Japanese folklore, with notions of di erent spirits and creatures in the woods, and the staging makes impressive use of the large space. No publicity photographs exist of Totoro himself, or the breathtaking cat bus, because their unexpected scale and magic takes us all by surprise.
This is a beautiful play worth heading into London for, a tale of growing up that's laced with charm and an undercurrent of sadness. It's a story about sisters, fathers, love and magic, and everything about it creates a sense of wonder, from the music to the simple set design with its illustrated feel, to the energy of little Mei. Don't miss it.
Until 21 January 2023, Barbican Theatre barbican.org.uk
Why the RSC's unlikely staging of the Studio Ghibli classic is a huge success
“A visual extravaganza of puppetry, with an orchestra in a treehouse”
The Hand & Flowers has 15 beautifully appointed bedrooms, so alongside two-Michelin starred food from Tom Kerridge and his team, you can enjoy a night away in complete luxury. King size beds, roll top baths and in-room treats, plus some of the rooms have terraces with Jacuzzis, so be sure to snap those up early and start 2023 as you mean to go on! thehandandflowers.co.uk
Champagne Lanson Le Blanc de Blancs, France £69.99
Le Blanc de Blancs has all the characteristics of a great Chardonnay. The wine's delicacy and finesse are enhanced by a very pure, mineral finish and by the freshness that is the hallmark of the Lanson style. It will pair perfectly with fish dishes. lanson.com
Olivier Baudin Brut NV Champagne, France £29.99
This award-winning Champagne blend provides a fine, toasty, spice hint with brioche characters on the nose, while the Pinot Noir and Meunier elements give a delicious red fruit tang and softness on the palate and the Chardonnay lifts the finish. majestic.co.uk
Nicolas Courtin Roseì NV Champagne, France £24.99
Strawberry flavours abound in this elegant and fine Rosé Champagne. The mousse is lively and the acidity is well balanced with the ripe flavours creating a harmonious and delicious Champagne, bursting with raspberry aromas. majestic.co.uk
Sure to banish any lingering January blues, everybody’s favourite destination for larger-than-life desserts, Creams Cafe, is launching a range of ultra-good value bundles that are sure to provide some sweet relief from the post-Christmas blues, without breaking the bank. The bundles are available from 1 January at their High Wycombe and Reading outlets. creamscafe.com
The Compleat Angler in Marlow has released a new Prix Fixe menu at a reduced cost of £20 per person. The Prix Fixe menu includes a starter of roast parsnip and apple soup, finished with a parsnip crisp and tru e oil, followed by a choice of either herb marinated chicken thigh served with seasonal vegetables, garlic mash and roasted chicken sauce, or vegetable pithivier with root vegetables, spinach and vegetable jus. macdonaldhotels.co.uk/ compleat-angler
Aptly titled ‘Can’t Be Arsed with Rules’, a new launch from Sorted Food includes eight chapters of dishes packed full of hacks from using cheats ingredients to ingenious ways to use kitchen gadgets, all in the pursuit of saving time, e ort and money, but still delivering dishes with maximum flavour. Following recipe successes with too often shunned ingredients, the team of Sorted Food chefs decided to experiment with ripping up more traditions in everyday cooking. sortedfood.com
Load up on plant powered goodness; globally inspired, locally sourced. The Loading Bay in Windsor is a community social enterprise café, who offer a diverse plant based menu, quality speciality coffee and locally sourced drinks and snacks. 4motioncic.com
Innovative, modern British dishes, fastidious preparation by extraordinary Executive Head Chef, Christopher Hannon and his brilliant brigade. Their specially created vegan menu is simply stunning. clivedenhouse.co.uk
Monkey Island Estate, the luxurious private island hotel located on the River Thames in Bray, is delighted to reveal its brand new a la carte menu, celebrating timeless British cuisine and the quality produce our country has to o er. This classic menu features influences from the chef’s international travels and will elevate the Monkey Island Brasserie experience, adding to the array of dining options in Bray. monkeyislandestate.co.uk
Three-times Michelin-starred The Fat Duck invited us to enjoy its unique ‘Christmas Edition’ experience recently. Designed around the question ‘what does Christmas mean to you?’, the Christmas Edition took guests who wanted to explore the boundaries of gastronomy on a nostalgic journey, through multisensory dishes, storytelling, interludes and truly original takes on Christmas classics. There were nostalgic nods to traditional Christmas-time rituals embedded in the restaurant’s DNA, ‘Question Everything’. thefatduck.co.uk
BINN Smokehouse is situated in the heart of Buckingham. It is a great place to go with friends and family, with a great kids' menu and Sunday offering – plus they have an excellent selection of vegan dishes too. binnrestaurants.co.uk
Three to make the most of Veganuary
The Covid pandemic may have scuppered one Berkshire venue for chef Steven Ellis, but he’s back with a refreshing revamp of The Bailiwick in Windsor
By MARK KEBBLE
For someone who has worked for such legendary culinary names as Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and Clare Smyth, it’s fair to say that Steven Ellis must have a pretty strong backbone when it comes to knock-backs. Even so, when Covid put pay to his joint venture with his wife, Ami, it must have been pretty galling. “I set up my first pub, The Oxford Blue, in 2015 in Old Windsor,” he says, “which I ran with my wife up until the Covid outbreak. Due to reasons out of our control we sadly had to close this chapter. However, as the saying goes, ‘as one door closes, another opens’.”
That door was the one to The Bailiwick, located by the gates of Windsor Great Park. “Location was
everything about The Bailiwick for me and Ami,” Steven smiles. “Having been operating in the area previously at The Oxford Blue we started to build a strong relationship with Peter [Clayton], who is the head gamekeeper from the Windsor Great Park. Over time he introduced us to a number of other people from the park, and this flourished into a close working relationship with them, using a lot of their produce as sustainability and locality is a huge part of our ethos. Being on the gates of the park, we couldn’t get any closer if we tried! Being able to use a lot of their produce as well as their Windsor Great Park sparkling wine helps add to our story. It was in fact Peter who told us that The Bailiwick was going on the market originally.”
And, for once, there was a small positive to come out of the pandemic. “As we took it on over lockdown, we took advantage of not being able to open and carried out a full refurb,” Steven explains. “It was a whole family a air carried out by Ami’s father who did all the structural work, and my brother taking on all the electrical works. A lot of changes were done, but we see them in a more positive way. The bar for example was moved back to the middle of the pub, which we found out from old pictures was where it originally was.”
The setting is wonderfully atmospheric and looks great, but for those who know Steven and his work, the food will be the main reason for a visit to The Bailwick. “I started my career at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant Fifteen in Old Street, London, as a chef rather than an apprentice which he was famed for,” Steven says on his culinary
background. “I moved on from there to refine my skills at the three Michelin starred restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, where I spent a large part of my career training under the watchful eye of Clare Smyth MBE at the helm, and I fell in love with the idea of ‘gastro’.”
What was it like to work with Clare Smyth? “I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was one of the most challenging and hardest times in my career to date. However,” he adds with a smile, “if you asked me if I had the chance to do it all again would I, then the answer would be absolutely yes! Clare helped me develop my skills, and refine my look on how a professional kitchen should be run as well as operate. She showed me how to respect our job and treat it the same as how a professional football team would operate. My passion to succeed grew immensely under her tuition, and I do owe her a lot regarding where I am in my career to date.”
On his style of cooking, he says: “I would describe it as being traditionally British influenced, but using French
“Location was everything about The Bailiwick for me and Ami”AMI AND STEVEN ELLIS
cooking. The ingredients that I am most passionate about and excites me the most has to be game. I was introduced to this at The Star Inn [in Yorkshire, where he actually met Ami], they used to have shooting parties and would bring back their day’s shoot for us to cook.
“We feel we o er a good mixed selection of dishes to our guests,” he moves on to the menus we’d find at The Bailiwick. “Due to being short sta ed at the beginning we were unable to prepare our a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. So instead, we created a more relaxed lunch time o ering made up of classic pub fare, which gave us the extra time to prepare our more refined a la carte o ering for the evenings. What we didn’t realise at the time, and has now become
a blessing in disguise, is that our lunch time trade of walkers, elderly couples, and tourists don’t want a heavy three-course menu! This has stuck and enabled us to o er three di erent styles throughout the week. On Sundays we o er a traditional roast style menu, as we get a lot of groups and families visiting. This is more of a sharing style where we fill the tables with their chosen cut of meat and vegetables, cauliflower cheese and roast potatoes – the communal aspect works much better than just plating dishes all up individually.”
On his love for game, Steven says: “For me I love the fact that game is still ‘wild’ and not farmed, I’m a fan of the traditional hunter/gatherer style of working. I sit down at the beginning of the week with the local gamekeeper and discuss what’s in or coming into season. The benefits I believe are that from one season during the year, you get an array of di erent wild animals and flavours that suit di erent garnishes and match di erent wines, making winter my favourite season. The majority of game meat is very lean, it’s far more healthier to eat than any of your usual farmed meats like pork, beef, or chicken. In terms of ingredients, I do have a huge love for venison. What people don’t realise is that venison isn’t only available just in the winter season, there are di erent species available all year round, so we use them in an array of di erent dishes throughout the year. I just love how versatile the meat is, it’s a great one to start with if someone is trying game for the first time.”
Then there’s the added attraction at The Bailiwick of Ami being Head Pastry Chef.
“Ami is extremely passionate about crafting dishes that perfectly showcase her extensive experience, passion for pastry, and love of art,” Steven beams. “She seamlessly blends classic comfort food with technical accomplishment so that our guests can enjoy recognisable favourites in a more exciting and challenging way. Highlights from the menu at the moment include Ami’s signature spiced vanilla parfait with mulled pear jelly, honey toasted oats and maple poached baby pears.”
Steven and Ami Ellis’s Berkshire venture, part two, is certainly just sweet.
thebailiwick.co.uk
EXQUISITE
Whether you’re looking for a special piece of jewellery or want to repair a treasured item, we’re here to help. As well as stocking a fabulous range of jewellery, we also o er a comprehensive repair and valuation service. Just let us know what you are after and our dedicated team in Amersham Old Town will ensure you go away happy.
Part of the latest addition to the Berry’s OPEIA jewellery collection, these stunning OPEIA Nova ear crawlers add a modern and contemporary look to any outfit. Continuing the celestial theme of the OPEIA range, the fluid design of the new Nova pieces create the impression of a comet in motion as it passes through the night sky. Crafted from 18ct white gold, these striking earrings fit comfortably on the ear and are perfect to wear day or night. berrysjewellers.co.uk
Sharon Aslett 46 • Elite HNW 48 • The Shoot 50
Sharon Aslett specialises in creating upcycled costume jewellery. Here the Bucks local tells us about sustainability and finding a niche
Q Have you always been interested in jewellery?
A Yes, I believe costume jewellery can really complement your outfits in so many positive ways. There are so many styles to choose from, whether you prefer bold statement pieces or more dainty designs.
Q Did you have a background in fashion before launching your business?
A No, but I have always been interested in fashion and trends, especially bold colours. However, I believe you need to make your own fashion style, not follow rules. Wear the clothes and jewellery that suit you, and that you feel comfortable in.
Q Was there a particular moment that inspired you to launch?
A Yes, I had a box of old bits and bobs,
including lots of broken jewellery. My friend noticed the box and said ‘Sharon, why don't you make jewellery’. I thought ‘oh yes, why don't I make jewellery’! It was like a true lightbulb moment. I have always enjoyed being creative but never found my niche, until I started designing jewellery.
Q Why upcycled costume jewellery?
A I come across such lovely beads, pendants and unwanted broken jewellery, which were just too good to throw away. They just need a new lease of life. So I redesign them into new unique pieces. Also, I can keep my prices reasonable, as I am not working with real silver or gold.
Q Has sustainability always been important to you?
A Yes, it's important to recycle as much as we can to help save the planet. We live in such a throwaway society, which annoys me.
Q How do you create your pieces?
A I collect old, broken and unwanted costume jewellery, from charity shops, eBay and from friends. I sort and clean the items and discard anything that has missing stones or is beyond repair.
I design my jewellery by selecting beads and pendants that are complementary to each other or sometimes are a complete clash, but they just work well together. I enjoy designing pieces from scratch and
seeing the end result. Sometimes I am so pleased with my new designs, I want to keep them for myself! All my jewellery is unique, as I only make one of each design, so my clients enjoy the fact that nobody will have the same piece of jewellery as them.
Q Are there certain things you do that are particularly popular?
A My premier collection, statement necklaces and colourful beads are very popular.
Q What’s new from you?
A The exciting news from 2022 was my appearance on GB News in November. I was interviewed about my upcycled costume jewellery on live TV, by the lovely Anne Diamond, who is also one of my clients.
Q What do you have planned for 2023?
A I plan to extend my current design range on my website with some exciting new pieces. Plus, I am designing a bridal necklace and earring set for a client's wedding in May. I may look into some workshops and training courses to expand my knowledge.
Q Where are you based and what do you love about it?
A I am based in the lovely village of Stokenchurch, Bucks. I enjoy living in such a friendly village and supporting local craft shows and fetes in the local area.
shazazzjewellery.co.uk
“All of my jewellery is unique, as I only make one of each design”
Elite HNW was created to deliver a luxury boutique store and experience for the Beaconsfield and surrounding area community, across watches, jewellery, and fine artwork.
The store stocks worldrenowned watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Tag Heuer & Breitling, whilst also o ering bespoke handmade in-house, fine jewellery, as well as well-known jewellery brands such as Chanel, Ti any, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Shaun Leane and APM Monaco. Additionally, Elite HNW also operates as a ‘mini art gallery’ displaying Fletcher Sibthorp, Marcus Egli, Nigel Cox, Carol Peace, Lisa Swerling and Jane Hibbert. In addition to this Elite HNW strongly supports local enterprises and is delighted to exclusively stock in Buckinghamshire Barrington Watch Winders, owned by Sean O’Farrell.
The founders of Elite HNW, Max Thorne and Wendy Currie, combined have over 80 years of experience in the watch/ jewellery/art industry and have pooled their resources into the creation of the Elite HNW physical high street store. The company is looking to bridge the gap (and remove the tiresome journey) between Beaconsfield residents and the London boutique stores, and Elite HNW was the solution.
Elite HNW is designed to replicate a ‘London experience’ without the hassle, with rare watches, stunning jewellery (bespoke hand made in-store and pre-loved remarkable luxury brands) and beautiful artwork, from some internationally renowned artists.
Their watch o ering ranges from a few hundred pounds up to luxury high-end watches which can be well over £50,000 and are forming a part of the high-net-
worth investment market, with luxury high end watches rising at a level that outperforms many other investment classes.
Their jewellery is both new and preowned. Elite HNW have a wide variety of preowned jewellery that are often unworn and unwanted presents or in nearly new condition. New jewellery is made by their team of jewellers based in Hatton
Gardens, which can be requested, who deliver jewellery to demand, allowing the customer to come in, sit with their designers and create their own beautiful piece.
The artwork is both painting and sculptures. Elite HNW has negotiated exclusivity to the local area on all-out artwork, all paintings are the originals, all sculptures are original and again exclusive to Elite HNW in Beaconsfield.
Pop in-store at Elite HNW, 6 The Highway Beaconsfield, HP9 1QD or visit elitehnw.com to see their range of stock
How Elite HNW are determined to o er a luxurious experience in the heart of Beaconsfield
Yves Salomon’s AW22’s offering are pieces you will turn to year a er year. Head to their Bicester store for bomber jackets, midi coats, reversibles and more
CLIENT BY BUPA
At Private Client by Bupa, feeling good isn’t good enough. Their ambitions for your health and wellbeing go much further. They curate a complete service for the mind, body and being, with premium health insurance plans that are designed to be used. From award-winning medical cover at home and abroad, to proactive wellbeing benefits and direct access to private specialists without a GP referral. Private Client by Bupa also gives you access to a worldwide network of doctors via the Global Virtual Care service, available 24/7 at the touch of a button. They’re here for you today, tomorrow, and for whatever comes next.
Call 0371 3460 409 or discover more at bupaprivateclient.com
Agood night’s sleep is the ultimate investment you can make in your wellbeing, both physical and mental. Quality sleep boosts productivity and concentration, regulates emotions, and improves the immune function. Recent research has found that a good night’s sleep not only makes us feel energised, but is one of the best steps you can take to achieve healthy skin – repairing any damages, reducing fine lines, and making us look younger.
Renowned Buckinghamshire bed manufacturer, Hypnos, has been handcrafting beds and mattresses to help people get the best night’s sleep possible for more than 100 years. Here Hypnos’ resident sleep expert Natalie Pennicotte-Collier o ers up some top tips:
• Try to avoid tablets, smartphones, and technology before bedtime, and challenge yourself to switch them o or keep them in another room. Mental and emotional stimulation often keeps us awake and the blue-light that comes from these devices can also reduce levels of melatonin.
• Go to bed at a regular time so your body
gets into the habit of knowing when to sleep. Start to wind down 90 minutes before bed and avoid napping during the day.
• If you can't sleep after 15 to 20 minutes in bed, get up and do something else until you feel tired, but avoid light where possible. Try listening to some relaxation sounds and music.
• Get outside in the fresh air in the morning. Natural daylight helps set your circadian rhythm, so your body knows when it’s time to sleep come night-time.
• Avoid ca eine and nicotine after noon where possible. We all metabolise
on how to ensure you can get high quality shut eyeHYPNOS IS RENOWNED IN THE INDUSTRY
ca eine di erently and it can take several hours to fully process it.
• Be mindful of what you eat and switch to a lighter meal in the evening for deeper sleep. Try and finish your meal three hours before you go to bed and avoid alcohol and sugar. Choose food like warm milk and bananas, which contain an amino acid that helps our bodies to create serotonin, which promotes sleep.
• Exercise during the day to help you to drift o easily. Try and avoid exercising a few hours before bed as this will raise your heart rate.
• Aim to keep your bedroom at the right temperature – ideally, to help you achieve deep sleep, your room should be 18°C. During these colder months, you can invest in a high tog duvet – 15 tog will help to keep you cosy. Alternatively, you could invest in an electric blanket.
• Avoid bright light and completely block it from entering the room. Consider black out curtains or an eye mask and start to dim the lights two to three hours before bedtime. This tells your brain to produce melatonin, which encourages sleep.
• Take a relaxing bath or read a book – these will both help to get your body
prepared to drift into restorative sleep. • Ensure your bed is comfortable and in good condition.
Hypnos is a pioneer of sustainable and ethical bedmaking, with its beds and sleep experience found in the very finest and royal homes, palaces, and hotels. So, you can be rest assured that investing in a Hypnos bed means you’re investing in a quality, awardwinning, sustainable product that will give you a restful night’s sleep for years to come.
Having manufactured luxury handmade beds for more than 100 years, Hypnos is internationally renowned as the expert in handcrafted pocket spring mattresses and divans. Combining traditional skills with constant innovation and using only the finest natural and sustainable materials, Hypnos has a reputation for making the most comfortable and sustainable beds in the world.
Hypnos was the first Carbon Neutral bed manufacturer in the world (having now been Carbon Neutral for over a decade) and both
their factories have achieved FSC® and PEFC certification, ensuring timber is sourced from managed forests. In 2022, Hypnos’ longrunning commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and creating truly sustainable sleep was again recognised with a prestigious ‘The Planet Mark – Carbon Neutral Certification’.
In 2022, Hypnos announced its partnership with the Eden Project, focusing on sustainable education and action. Hypnos will be working closely with the Eden Project to educate employees, retailers, and customers on sustainability. In addition, a charitable donation from the sale of each mattress from the new Origins Organic Collection will be made to the Eden Project to help combat the climate crisis, and create a wide range of community education, biodiversity, conservation and regeneration projects.
For expert sleep advice visit hypnosbeds.com, or visit in store at their Princes Risborough showroom at HP27 9RS
“A good night's sleep not only makes us feel energised, but is one of the best steps towards healthy skin”
oolroom has launched new sleep trials on all its natural bedding products to give customers absolute confidence wool can help improve your sleep and mood in 2022.
According to Woolroom’s Clean Sleep Report, 95% of people identified a good night’s sleep as being important to their mood, whilst 30% said they feel more anxious after a bad night’s sleep. With this in mind, there is no better time than the present to set yourself a new year’s sleep resolution to help you get the Zzz’s you deserve.
Sleeping better can not only enhance physical, mental, and emotional health, but also generate the energy and self-control necessary to achieve other goals in the new year.
At Woolroom, the UK’s leading luxury wool bedding retailer, you can find a huge range of bedding and mattresses which
Wcan help to create the perfect ‘clean sleep’ environment. Wool is the only completely natural, sustainable, and renewable bedding fibre, and contributes to a better night’s clean sleep owing to its temperature regulating, hypoallergenic and chemical free properties. It can absorb more moisture unlike other natural fibres such as cotton and down, delivering a deeper, more regenerative sleep.
To give customers 100% confidence in their purchase, this January, Woolroom has launched a 30 night sleep guarantee on all individual bedding products, and a 60 night sleep guarantee on all bedding sets, allowing customers to return items should they not be 100% satisfied. You can even trace the wool in the bedding back to the exact farm it was sourced from.
For those also looking to invest in a mattress, Woolroom has a beautiful new Artisan Collection of mattresses using the finest natural fillings, zero chemicals and completely glue free for easy recyclability. The
brand proudly partners with British Wool to ensure these mattresses are also fully traceable meaning for the first time, consumers can use a QR code to trace the wool used in their mattresses back to the exact farm – via the brand’s first-to-market certification, Wool ID.
Chris Tattersall, Managing Director of Woolroom and Sleep Environment Expert, comments: “With many people setting themselves new year’s resolutions, we are encouraging people to invest in their sleep. We spend on average one third of our life asleep, so it is really important to create a ‘clean sleep’ and personalised sanctuary that can benefit your overall health and wellness. We hope these new 30 and 60 night sleep trials will give many people the confidence to see just how e ective wool bedding can have on their sleep in 2023.”
Woolroom is the UK’s leading wool bedding specialist committed to helping achieve a natural night’s clean sleep. Through this commitment, Woolroom is dedicated to raising awareness of the holistic sleep environment, which is the key to attaining a good night’s sleep and spotlight the natural benefits of wool as the only sustainable, temperature regulating, hypoallergenic and chemical free bedding fibre solution.
38 West Street, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2NB 01628 472287 thewoolroom.com
Make a new year’s bed time resolution with the help of Woolroom
By the end of January, we’ve had enough of hygge, log fires and long evenings in front of the telly. The hibernation phase of winter is starting to drag. Vitamin D levels are low, spirits are lower and the family is climbing the walls.
The only way to smooth your way through to spring is to tackle it head on. Throw everyone outdoors at every opportunity. Face into the wind, relish the rain pattering on your hood, and delight in those moments when the air is crisp and the sunlight sparkles on the frosty landscape.
If you’re thinking this all sounds great in theory, but how do you actually prise your family away from their nest on the sofa? Don’t worry, at the National Trust, they have some top tips for persuading the family outside and some glorious places to explore.
First top tip to hook children in is to think about what you call your outing. Announce:
‘we’re going for a walk’ and watch eyes roll. Suggest going out to splash in some puddles, to make coat parachutes in the wind, go on an obstacle course or track wild animals and you might get a di erent response.
Props can also help. Take binoculars for a di erent perspective or to spot birds. Borrow a well-behaved dog – holding the lead of someone else’s dog is thrilling for children. Or take a litter picker and bag, giving them a purpose, and everyone a virtuous warm glow.
When it comes to teenagers, there’s only a couple of nudges that might tempt them away from their phones. Plan a winter walk with friends of similar aged kids – FOMO is a great motivator. The alternative is bribery. The promise of a crisps in a pub or hot chocolate and cake in a café might just do the trick.
If you do manage to get them out of the door into the fresh air, you might just find that you get your gorgeous, red-cheeked, laughing child back from the dark side - and here are our top walking suggestions.
At Hughenden, the Woodcock Wood walk is a short 1.2m stroll through woodland perfect for den building. As you pass through the gate into the sloping fields, you’ll see far-reaching views across the valley. You might see red kites or kestrels soaring in the sky above. And as you pass into the farmer’s field you might see wrens, finches or yellow hammers darting in and out of the hedgerow on your right. The
Short winter walks and top tips to get the family outdoors in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire
way back to the car park is along the Co n Path – an ancient road used for transporting the parishioners of Naphill on their final journey to the church at Hughenden.
There are lots of bridges to trip-trap over on Stowe’s short 1.2m Lakeside Walk. The first is the elegant arc of the white wooden bridge that was installed in 2011. The next is the Palladian bridge – one of only three in the country and the only one with no steps so that carriages can cross it. Not a regular occurrence these days, but you never know! You’ll head on past the Temple of Friendship where buddies can renew their bond, then on to the Pebble Alcove where children love to run their fingers over the mosaic pattern.
This 1.5m walk at Watlington Hill is on the Bucks/Oxford border, just o the M40 at Stokenchurch. Watlington Hill is on the Chiltern escarpment and it’s a great spot to see birds of prey like buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks hunting the grassland. The views over the Oxfordshire vale go on for miles and o the edge of the hill, silhouetted against the sky, you’ll see the red kites and even ravens tumbling and sweeping on the thermals in extraordinary air displays.
There are four way-marked walks at Basildon Park, from half a mile to three miles long. There’s a little natural play
area near the Stableyard and then lots of den-building and hide-and-seek playing opportunities in the woodland. As you weave in and out of the trees, you get regular views across the parkland back to the house, so it’s easy to orient yourself.
On a winter walk the evergreens come into their own with yew trees and cedars providing much-needed splashes of green. You might see robins and wrens and even a tawny owl
Runnymede is famous as the site of the sealing of the Magna Carta 800 years ago. Today it’s home to a series of memorials and artworks in the landscape. It’s a brilliant visit for children as their walk is punctuated by all these exciting installations to explore. There are waymarked walking routes and a site map on the noticeboard, but it’s easy to see the path most people take. It’s also right next to a busy stretch of the River Thames, perfect for boat-watching.
Wind in the Willows walk (nr Cookham) This is one for older families, as it’s a three miler. It goes through the attractive, unspoilt village of Cookham Dean along quiet country lanes, across common land, farmland and woodland.
The route passes the boyhood home of Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows, and you can look out for Badger, Ratty and Toad as you continue through Quarry and Fultness Woods, which were the inspiration for the ‘Wild Wood’ of the book. For teen families, there’s a longer, 5 mile route.
“Stowe's Palladian bridge is one of only three in the country and the only one with no steps”
Whether you need a dose of confidence for a big day ahead or simply want to reduce stress, improve your mood and save time, schedule 30 minutes in your diary for a complete week of good hair days at Headmasters.
Want hair fit for the royal box at Wimbledon?
This is the one for you. A big blow dry full of volume and bouncy waves.
MUST HAVES
L’Oréal Professionnel
Tecni.ART Pli
L’Oréal Professionnel
Tecni.ART Liss Control
Give yourself those holiday vibes wherever you are with this ultimate undone wave. Think beachy wave but more luxurious.
MUST HAVES
L’Oréal Professionnel
Tecni.ART Savage Panache
A gentle wave with a low side part gives you a look that transitions from day to evening with ease, taking you straight from o ce to party with minimum e ort.
MUST HAVES
L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Transformer Gel
This ‘bangs and bounce’ look is a fabulous modern take on the 1970’s Farrah Fawcett classic.
MUST HAVES
L’Oréal Professionnel
Tecni.ART Pli Styling Spray
L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Ring Light Pure Spray
Be big, be bold and celebrate your curls with this curl defining blow dry. Start small or shake out for bigger and bolder look.
MUST HAVES
Kérastase Curl Manifesto Gelée Curl Contour
Elegant, yet informal the perfect style to accompany you to the races, a wedding or simply to add some elegance to your day!
MUST HAVES
L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Air Fix Spray
Smooth and shiny with just a hint of movement on the ends for that expensive straight look that goes with any outfit, mood, or occasion.
MUST HAVES
L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Full Volume Extra L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Liss Control headmasters.com
CALLEN
-
Beneath The Langley, A Luxury Collection Hotel, you’ll find the world class Langley Spa. With a focus on overall wellness and the pursuit of connecting with both the mind and body, the team have curated a range of treatments and experiences for everyone.
The Langley takes a di erent approach to wellness, encouraging guests to see their time at the spa as a journey, guided by their therapist and the team, with the destination determined by them. Drawing inspiration from rituals from all over the world, treatments are designed to champion di erent cultures and give guests the opportunity to travel far and wide without ever leaving the peace and beauty of the Buckinghamshire countryside. Unwind in exceptional thermal facilities, escape in a unique VIP Suite, or work up a sweat in state-of-the-art fitness facilities, The Langley Spa presents an unrivalled backdrop for both wellness and indulgence.
marriott.co.uk
Once
Christmas is done and dusted, we all need a little me time. Here are seven of the best spas to help you achieve just that
The picturesque parkland. The sense of serenity. A glamorous getaway. A moment of bliss. The Spa at Coworth Park.
Located within De Vere Cotswold Water Park hotel, Spa 6 o ers a peaceful retreat for total relaxation and escapism. Spa treatments range from body massages and facials to men’s grooming and signature treatments. Spa 6 is also home to a spa pool, sauna, steam room and newly refurbished gym. To achieve the ultimate sense of tranquillity, try their dry flotation or ancient Rasul Therapy experience. If you’re looking for a spa break, make use of their 1 in 10 goes free. With overnight breaks for as little as £129 per person, Spa 6 is the ideal destination for a weekend away.
devere.co.uk
-
For an indulgent and restorative few hours, look no further than The Retreat at Elcot Park, recently named Britain’s Best Hotel by The Times & Sunday Times. Spa Experiences include a 60-minute massage, plenty of time to enjoy the gorgeous spa facilities followed by Afternoon Tea in the Orangery restaurant with a glass of champagne. The spa features an indoor hydrotherapy pool, a heated outdoor infinity pool, Himalayan salt sauna and an aroma steam room. A range of additional treatments can be added. With two stunning restaurants and much more, it’s time to discover The Retreat.
retreatelcotpark.com
-
Up for some downtime? At H Spa, they are dedicated to pairing wellbeing with indulgence. They’ve created a boutique hotel spa to escape the everyday and find a moment of relaxation, helping you to unwind and de-stress. They combine their countryside location, beautifully renovated spaces and deliciously indulgent treats to leave you feeling su ciently soothed. They have a wonderful selection of treatments, flexible spa days and indulgent pamper retreats available. Plus, they o er an exclusive leisure membership that includes use of their large stateof-the-art gym, 15m indoor swimming pool with sauna and steam room as well as brand new studio.
horwoodhouse.co.uk
-
Fairmont Spa & Wellness is setting unprecedented standards in UK wellness. Their passionate team of wellness experts provide every guest with a transformational experience for body, mind and spirit in a serene and luxurious setting. The facilities, spanning 2,500m2, o er 18 treatment rooms, traditional Hammam, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, cryotherapy, experience shower, heated tepidarium bench and Japanese foot bath as well as deep relax room and a salt room with views over the courtyard vitality pool. There is also a world class GP-led aesthetic clinic, a wellness café, a nail salon and a 272m2 indoor and outdoor gym.
fairmont-windsorpark.com
-
The Spa at Cottonmill is a vision of unprecedented, internationally informed excellence. Conceived as a global leader, its founders have roamed from Utah to the Himalayas and everywhere in between to hand-pick the best elements from spas both world-renowned and secret, adding their own innovations along the way.
Within the spectacular Cottonmill, there is an inner sanctum called ‘The Club’ at Cottonmill. Here, there are a number of additional spaces, including the spa gardens, whisper room and deep relaxation room.
Home to three secluded outdoor hot tubs, four double cabanas, a central firepit, an infinity thermal pool that emerges from within the spa and an outdoor shower, the spa gardens designed by Ann-Marie Powell are a space in which to enrich the soul.
cottonmillspa.com
-
The Runnymede on Thames has everything a spabreaker’s heart desires. With an indoor swimming pool, saunas, a eucalyptus steam room and plenty of comfy loungers, this is a splendid spot to while away an afternoon, and the spa at The Runnymede has a range of treatments for both men and women. The range of experiences also includes the Detox Ritual, which includes a combination of a body wrap and massage. For the ultimate indulgence, opt for The Runnymede's Winter Spa Escape. Available until the end of February 2023, this seasonal break includes one spa treatment per person, dinner at the hotel’s renowned Leftbank bu et, full use of the spa facilities and breakfast. Bliss!
runnymedehotel.com
As one of the first clinics in Berkshire to offer CoolSculpting, a permanent, non-surgical method of removing stubborn fat, Aspire is the number one CoolSculpting clinic in the area. With their highly trained expert staff, CoolSculpting is one of their most popular treatments, and with over 7 million treatments performed worldwide, not only is it safe, but it has been scientifically proven to work!
CoolSculpting technology safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target and remove the fat cells underneath the skin. These fat cells are crystallised (frozen) and on average, in one hourlong treatment, 25% of fat cells in the treated area will be broken down and destroyed. Over the following weeks, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates the dead cells, leaving a slimmer, more sculpted you.
At Aspire they develop a tailored CoolSculpting treatment plan that will target your problem areas. This treatment is a great option for men who are in good health, but who are struggling to get rid of those last few pounds in problem areas.
Vitamin B12 is a naturally occurring, water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin. B12 helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak. There have also been links proven between Vitamin B12 deficiency and dementia, depression, osteoporosis, macular degeneration, weight, mood and energy levels/fatigue.
Many people are Vitamin B12 deficient, and in fact may be unaware of this as the vitamin can be stored in the liver for a long time, so it may take a few years for a deficiency to develop. Vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk – in fact, it’s thought that up to 90% of people following these diets have a deficiency, as B12 can only be obtained naturally in animal foods.
Liquid B12 or cobalamin is injected intramuscularly, usually into the deltoid, and this can be administered in courses of once a week for 6 weeks in the case of a severe deficiency, or as a single treatment less frequently to prevent a deficiency. The whole procedure is very quick and painless with no downtime.
la-aesthetics-skincare.co.uk
DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal fillers are one of the most popular aesthetic treatments, and MaiLi is the ultimate filler product for creating a long-lasting, youthful radiance. Launched in the UK in 2022, the MaiLi premium range can reshape, refine and enhance all areas of the face. Available in carefully selected clinics, including at Berkshire Aesthetics, MaiLi practitioners are trained to ensure the best possible results for their patients.
Developed by Swiss scientists, and manufactured using patented OxiFree technology, MaiLi provides natural yet long lasting results. Not only does MaiLi offer longevity, but with each treatment offering up to 24% more volumizing effect compared to other products on the market, those choosing MaiLi by name are rewarded with an authentic natural result.
Whether you are looking to treat fine lines or wrinkles, add volume to cheeks, remove dark circles under your eyes, or perhaps enhance the natural shape of your lips, the MaiLi range includes four unique products which can be used in combination to target the signs of ageing and fine-tune every area of the face.
At Berkshire Aesthetics, MaiLi is delivered by a team of advanced aesthetic doctors, led by Dr Selena Langdon, a MaiLi global ambassador and trainer. Their doctors are highly skilled in injectable treatments and work together with Dr Langdon to deliver exceptional treatments for patients looking for the best possible results in a fully regulated medical clinic.
berkshireaesthetics.com
Cryotherapy is an innovative treatment that has become a favourite amongst professional athletes and health practitioners. Ideally located between Reading and Basingstoke, experience the benefits of this contrast therapy treatment at The Barns at Wellington.
A er your initial consultation, you will be immersed into the dry chamber for 3 minutes, with music of your choice. Due to the -85˚c temperatures the human body is prompted to release endorphins, boost blood circulation, increase metabolism, detoxify cells and activate healing processes. The a er-effect is a feeling of regeneration, rejuvenation and balance.
Frequent use of this therapy to feel the full range of benefits is recommended. Whole-body cryotherapy is a great accompaniment before or a er a workout at The Barns at Wellington gym and can be experienced alongside their Infrared Sauna for the perfect cold to hot, deeper detox.
wellingtonbarns.co.uk
Something truly remarkable is happening in a quiet corner of West Berkshire. Premium technology regularly used by NASA astronauts and elite athletes has recently become accessible to the UK general public – and it’s having a powerful e ect on life-limiting wellness issues including chronic pain, injuries, brain fog, sti ness, fatigue and more.
“It’s a total game changer – it got me back on track quicker than I ever thought possible,” says Adam Whelpdale, from Mortimer. “I was struggling with post
viral fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath. PEMFiT has been a lifesaver and I highly recommend going to see them.”
PEMFiT Reading o ers PEMF therapy – a safe, relaxing, non-invasive and contact-free way to reduce pain and inflammation. PEMF is used across the world, including the US and Australia, and is backed by over 2,000 clinical studies.
Every single cell in your body contains and conducts an electromagnetic charge, similar to a battery. Over time, your cells can become drained of energy, which prevents your body from functioning at its best.
During your PEMF session, you’ll lie down on a comfortable contoured bed and enjoy the sensation of natural energy being gently pulsed through your body, recharging your cells in the process. The technology – imported from the leading manufacturer in the US – is highly e ective at targeting the areas that require attention.
“I feel like I have my life back thanks to PEMFiT,” Anne Bufton, from Pangbourne, says. “I struggled with walking after a fall and could hardly manage getting up a flight of stairs. I also had terribly painful and swollen feet due to a horrible case of gout. I’m now able to walk without the use of a stick, manage stairs on my own and am driving again. I feel the best I have for many years.”
The stylish PEMFiT studio is based in leafy Swallowfield, just ten minutes from the M4 junction 11. It’s located in a beautiful Grade II listed building with a lovely garden, lift accessibility and ample free parking.
You’ll be warmly greeted by studio manager, West Berkshire local and allround health and wellness guru Nick Elvery, who has personally run over 1,700 PEMF sessions and helped hundreds of clients achieve life-changing results.
Get in touch with Nick today to make your booking or call him for a complimentary consultation. Here’s to a pain-free 2023!
nick@pemfit.co.uk 07885 979166 pemfit.co.uk/pemfit-reading
Is chronic pain or fatigue ruining your life? Do you feel like you’re running on empty? A surprising piece of tech might just be your saviour this new year
“PEMF is backed by science with over 2,000 clinical studies”
From walking barefoot with your loved one on a heavenly beach on the North coast of Brazil to enjoying a candle-lit dinner in front of breathtaking views over the lush landscapes in the Himalayas You name it, and we will plan it!
If the Foreign Office advises that travellers should not visit a particular country, then we’ll act on this to keep you safe and reserve the right to cancel your holiday.
We’ll do our best to create a new holiday for you within your price range, but if this can’t be done or travel is imminent, we’ll offer you the option of cancelling your holiday with a full refund
The world really is a big place and we do sell holidays from Antarctica right the way through to Zambia; however there are some areas we believe we are true specialists in , please call us and we will tell you all.
CARLTON ST. MORITZ
Where better to learn to ski than in the luxurious environs of postcard-perfect St. Moritz? Blue skies are almost guaranteed here, and there are winter activites galore, even for non-skieers. tschuggencollection.ch
Learning to ski as an adult isn’t easy – but skiing’s not the only thing to do in St. Moritz
By PENDLE HARTE
hen is it too late to learn to ski? Everyone knows that you should start young but when are you actually too old? Partly it’s just embarrassing. Especially when you’re in St. Moritz, one of the world’s oldest and most luxurious ski resorts. Everyone here can ski, of course. Even if some of them prefer not to crease the luxe skiwear purchased from boutiques that make Bond Street look a bit low rent. Because nothing about St. Moritz is anything less than uber glamorous. We’re staying at the stylish Carlton Hotel, where people routinely order lobster (lobster in the alps!) and ask the concierge to book them “the most expensive activity, whatever it is” (it’s heli-skiing) and leave former Olympic champion ski instructors waiting for hours while they rethink their outfits. The Carlton o ers comfort and discretion at all times,
Was it has done since its inception in 1913.
I’m here to learn to ski, and the Carlton has arranged a private instructor for me, which is the only way to learn if you’re an overgrown beginner unsuited to a group of toddlers. Elisa is a pro – she grew up on skis in the Dolomites and competed at the Olympics before settling into a quieter life teaching, and she’s not only unphased by my never having skiied before, but she a ects to be impressed with my skills on day one and claims never to have seen someone start o so well. By lunchtime I’m thinking of myself as a natural talent and regretting all those wasted nonskiing years. The smug feeling lasts all evening and well into the next morning, until my strength fails on the first run, my confidence disappears and I collapse in Elisa’s arms, a failure on skis. Heroically, she carries me over the mountain so as not to miss our lunch booking, where plates of steaming spaetzle and glasses of Prosecco make up for my poor performance.
So it probably is too late. Anyway, there are lots of other things to do here. The hotel has a dedicated Outdoor Butler who’s an expert in the region and will guide guests on nature walks or take them snowshoeing, for example. He takes us on an unforgettable torchlit midnight hike – and by torch he means the fire kind – where we follow him to a frozen lake, blow out the torches and look at the stars in total mountain darkness. The next day, we head to another frozen lake with the aim of immersing ourselves in it, thanks to a small square cut in the ice. It’s all in the breathing, we’re told, though the actual immersion proves a step too far for me. Happily, it’s only a quick drive back to the hotel and to the welcoming arms of the spa, where a relaxing facial and a dip in the pool aren’t cold or exhausting at all. Meals at the Carlton are predictably impressive, with the hotel’s Da Vittorio restaurant having two Michelin stars and serving an elaborate tasting menu of clever and tiny dishes. At the Romano restaurant, a new programme called Moving Mountains is dedicated to healthy
pursuits and healthy eating, and part of this includes a focus on vegan dining, which is done with creativity and great skill. There’s a sunny terrace for lunch (St. Moritz enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine every year, apparently, so even when the temperature says minus 11, you can be eating outside in sunglasses) and – our favourite – a row of decommissioned gondolas outside the hotel entrance that function as cosy fondue booths with blankets provided. Who needs to actually ski?
HOTEL ST. MORITZ
is available from CHF 880 per room per night based on two adults sharing on a B&B basis, with 100 CHF food and beverage voucher per adult per day, butler service, minibar, service, VAT and complimentary access to the hotel’s spa. carlton-stmoritz.ch +41 81 836 7000
and rail passes were sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. myswitzerland.com
“NOTHING ABOUT ST. MORITZ IS ANYTHING LESS THAN UBER GLAMOROUS”CARLTON
The Gleneagles experience is oneof a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. With prices starting from £3,680 for a 2 bed, £4,630 for a 3 bed and £5,080 for a 4 bed for 7 nights. Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR + 44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM
Switch o and enjoy world-class wellness and the great outdoors at Gleneagles’ Glenmor Village
For those looking to reset and rejuvenate, Glenmor Holiday Homes o er guests a peaceful getaway on the legendary Gleneagles estate, set against a backdrop of the surrounding heather-clad mountains.
Nestled in the valley of the Ochil Hills, Glenmor Village is home to a collection of luxurious two, three, and four-bedroom holiday cottages set around a traditional village green, available for guests to rent for up to 7 nights. Rooted in a sense of place, the homes are uniquely designed to evoke the signature Gleneagles style, coupled with all the requirements of a luxury self-catered stay. Guests can enjoy en-suite bedrooms, an open plan kitchen and dining area, spacious outdoor terraces showcasing the estate’s magnificent views and a dedicated Glenmor concierge team.
This warm, charming and characterful home away from home allows guests to completely relax while soaking up the glamour and exceptional service for which Gleneagles is celebrated.
With full access to all of the facilities of the 5-star resort, guests can experience Scotland’s leading wellness destination; The Spa at Gleneagles is the ultimate rural retreat o ering innovative treatments containing healing botanicals from the Scottish landscape, as well as being the first country hotel in the UK to open a Dr. Barbara Sturm skin clinic. The Spa is also the first in Scotland to welcome the globally loved Tata Harper’s 100% natural and all-organic treatments, with bespoke signature facials created exclusively for Gleneagles. With 20 treatment rooms, a steam room, a hot sauna cabin, vitality pool, a light-filled relaxation courtyard and
a dedicated Spa café, Gleneagles’ Spa is an uplifting oasis to nourish mind, body and soul. For those looking for an endorphin hit, guests of Glenmor have access to the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools, state of the art gym with Skill & ARTIS TechnoGym equipment, and wellness classes including spin, TRX, aerobics and yoga.
Alongside all of the resort’s world-class facilities, guests have the iconic 850-acre estate at their fingertips, o ering over 50 country pursuits. With Gleneagles famed as Scotland’s ‘Glorious Playground’, a stay at Glenmor allows guests to truly switch o and enjoy the great outdoors, with activities tailored to everyone from beginners to experts, from o -roading, gundogs, archery, shooting and falconry, to cycling and nature walks setting o from the estate’s dedicated adventure hub, The Trail Yard.
For a taste of the world’s finest hospitality with all the comforts of home, Glenmor Village o ers the perfect escape for 2023.
For more information, email own@gleneagles.com, call 01764 694 321 or visit gleneagles.com/glenmor
After the stresses and strains of the Christmas period, we all need our own little sanctuary, which is why your choice of bathroom has never been so important. Inside this month's section, Ripples highlight the six top trends for bathroom design in 2023, including our enduring love affair with all things green. Turn to page 103 to find out more.
ripplesbathrooms.com
Textile development studio ambar - founded by designer Natalia Nicolau - has collaborated with multidisciplinary artist Camille Walala to create a collection of knitted textiles for table and home. Designed and made in the UK, it includes knit jacquard table runners and table mats as well as cushions and merino wool throws featuring artworks by Walala. ambarldn.com
A new year is the perfect time to freshen up your home, and painting your walls, floors and kitchen cabinets is a breeze with Annie Sloan's versatile and forgiving chalk paint. Go on – have a go. anniesloan.co.uk
Hypnos has launched the Origins Organic Collection, an exclusive selection of six beautifully handcra ed, organically designed and supremely comfortable mattresses specially curated to celebrate sleep, wellbeing, and the prestige of Hypnos. hypnosbeds.com
Limelight Mitre champagne saucer, set of two, £56 dartington.co.uk
Put a spin on your new year table this year with Studio Dine's taper candle pair in a modern colour clash combo of pink and red. Handmade in Italy by a familyowned candle maker, these are made to the highest standards and then illustrated by hand in London. studiodine.com
Since the celebration of winter solstice in ancient times, green has been associated with celebrations. Bergs Potter carries a collection of glowing emerald green pots and vases in luscious deep glazing - all perfect for welcoming in 2023. bergspotter.com
Inside a substantial modern country house set in a beautiful semi-rural location in Beaconsfield
Occupying a lovely semi-rural position in a private and quiet location close to amenities, Hedgerows is a beautifully presented family home of over 9,000 square feet. The superb, mostly open plan reception space is ideal for family living on a grand scale and enjoys a delightful outlook to the rear over well maintained gardens to neighbouring paddock land and countryside beyond. The accommodation is arranged over four floors with large reception areas, fabulous kitchen/family room, leisure facilities including a party room with bar, cinema room, gym and seven bedrooms, all with en-suites. The main reception rooms are accessed from a magnificent reception hall with galleried landing above. Two storey height windows o er immediate views to the garden, neighbouring paddock and countryside beyond. The sitting room is triple aspect
and has an inglenook style fireplace with open fire. The dining room lies o this and the reception hall through double doors, a wide bay window o ers superb views and there is a further modern gas fireplace. The kitchen/breakfast/family room is a wonderful family and entertaining area. The kitchen is well fitted with an array of units and a large island with a host of integrated appliances including a Miele range of ovens, two Subzero fridge freezers, NEFF dishwasher, Siemens gas and induction hob and wine cooler. This opens into a breakfast room with roof light and double French doors on to the rear terrace and then into a large family room. Further doors lead into the impressive party room with oak trussed vaulted ceiling with bar and seating area. This is the perfect area to entertain on a grand scale with bifold doors leading on to the expansive terrace. Two studies lie to the front of the house both with fitted furniture. A utility room completes the ground floor accommodation.
A staircase from the inner hallway leads up to an annexe over the garaging with a bedroom/sitting room with an ensuite shower room. The stairs also lead down to the lower ground floor where there is a gym with mirrored feature wall, characterful cinema room and wine store. A shower room complements this area.
On the first floor a spacious, light and airy galleried landing o ers views over the garden and countryside beyond. The principal bedroom is capacious with large balcony o ering splendid distant countryside views. This bedroom has two dressing rooms (one adjacent and one above the bedroom) and a fabulous en-suite bath/shower room with free standing bath, large shower and twin hand basins. There are three further bedrooms on this floor, all with fitted wardrobes and modern en-suite bath or shower rooms. A useful utility/laundry room completes the first floor accommodation. On the second floor there are two further bedroom suites (one with a walk-in wardrobe) with storage rooms.
Hedgerows is approached o a country lane through two sets of electrically operated gates, leading on to a large driveway. There is a three car garage with two up and over electric doors, a plant room to the rear and courtesy door into the house. A gateway through a low picket fence leads to the rear gardens. Adjacent to the rear of the house is a vast terrace area ideal for entertaining and enjoying the garden and views over the neighbouring paddock and countryside beyond. The remainder of the large garden is mainly laid to lawn with mature trees and well stocked shrub borders. There is a summer house and large timber store with terrace area, a vehicular gate leads from the rear garden on to Wilton Lane. The garden is bordered by hedging and post and rail fencing.
The final word on this wonderful property goes to Chris Moorhouse, Head of Residential Sales at Savills Beaconsfield, who are marketing the property…
Q What can you tell us about the history of the property?
A The property has been owned from new by the present owners and was built in 2008 by Cathedral Homes, a developer based in South Buckinghamshire that specialises in producing homes in sought after locations.
Q How would you sum up the location?
A Hedgerows is situated in a quiet, relatively tra c free location in a village with a great community spirit. Although semi-rural in outlook it is within a few miles of both Gerrards Cross and Beaconsfield with the mainline fast train service to London Marylebone.
Q What is the first thing that catches your eye when arriving at the property?
A The property has an impressive
frontage and is an attractive build. There is also oodles of parking at the end of a secure double gated driveway.
Q Are there many other surprises inside?
A There is a wonderful vaulted party room with bar and seating, while on the lower floor there is also a cinema room and gym. The first floor bedroom suite is enormous, with two dressing rooms, a roomy en-suite bathroom and a balcony to enjoy views over the well-maintained gardens and surrounding countryside.
Q How would you describe the bedrooms?
A There are six large bedrooms all with en-suite facilities. All are modern in style and – in keeping with the rest of the house – are beautifully presented.
Q Is there plenty of entertaining space?
A Hedgerows is perfect for entertaining on a grand scale. As well as the party room,
there is a superb kitchen/family room and an elegantly proportioned largely openplan sitting room with access to a large terrace area to the rear of the house.
Q Who would the property suit?
A The property is perfect for a large family looking for village life and space that’s within an easy commute of London.
Hedgerows is on the market for £5,250,000 with Savills Beaconsfield. For more, call 01494 731950 or visit savills.co.uk
“The property is perfect for a family looking for village life”
The start of 2023 brings about new ideas and trends in the world of health. This year is all about focusing on your physical and mental well-being, ensuring that instead of just surviving, you're thriving.
Steps towards mental and physical well-being can come in various forms for you. It could mean creating a place where the whole family can be together and spend time having fun or building somewhere just for you to wind down and relax. Luckily, Origin has the solution.
Swimming is a fantastic activity that can have a positive impact on your mental health, not to mention the amazing advantages for your physical health too. Numerous studies have shown the positive impact that swimming can have on your body; swimmers have a lower risk of heart disease and strokes,
lower blood pressure and reduced joint pain.
In fact, a SwimEngland study found that those who swim regularly felt on average 12 years younger than those that don’t.
Swimming can also be a great source of family fun or the hard-hitting form of exercise you need; however you choose to see it, Origin can make it happen. Having a sauna and steam room alongside your swimming pool would allow you to create a sanctuary of well-being in the comfort of your own home. Saunas and steam rooms have incredible health benefits such as increased circulation, improved heart function, reduced risk of disease and muscle and exercise recovery.
The calming and relaxing nature of these environments make them one of the most loved forms of stress relief leading to better sleep and increased blood flow to the brain, enhancing your overall mood.
But why Origin? It’s simple, they do it all. They ended last year on a high, adding a further five gold awards to their industry
accolades, not to mention they’ve been building their bespoke, award-winning indoor pools for over 40 years and in that time have successfully completed thousands of projects to a wide range of specifications.
So, if you want to start your year o on a positive, trust Origin to create an indoor pool tailored to your needs and whatever well-being means to you, whether that includes space for a home gym, a sauna, a juice bar or a lounging area for the whole family to enjoy. Their team of experts manage the whole process, taking the stress away from you and giving you the confidence and freedom to enjoy your new pool in your own home. There are limited building slots available so give Origin a call and let them make 2023 your year.
Call: 01895 453996 Email: info@originpools.co.uk Instagram: @originpoolsuk Visit: originpools.co.uk
When you come to Ripples, our talented bathroom designers will work with you to create your dream bathroom right down to the smallest details. You just tell us what makes you happy and what turns you off. Show us your ideas, your colour palettes, your Pinterest boards, and your favourite ‘likes’ on lnstagram. We’ll then blend all of our thoughts and ideas to deliver something truly exceptional.
BRIDE & WOLF
Gold Lightning Bolt Mirror, £75 antipodream.co.uk
GISELA GRAHAM
Metallic Gold Twist Taper Candles, £4.99 giselagraham.co.uk
BELLA FREUD
1970 Gold Ceramic Candle, £110 beaumonde.co.uk
Angelique Ornate Gold Wall Mirror, £295 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
GEORGE
Gold Metal Multi Hands Candle Holder, £150 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Eichholtz Las Palmas Table Lamp Gold, £974 sweetpeaandwillow.com
Istanbul mosaic tile, £10.69 per sheet ripplesbathrooms.com EDITOR’S
Have a sparkling start to the new year
By PENDLE HARTE
FY Cassia Vase, £49 iamfy.co
Geraldine Gold Giraffe
Table Lamp, £145 beaumonde.co.uk
LUXEOLOGY HOME
Gold Bobble Edge Wall Mirror, £145 luxeology.co.uk
HOME
Tall Gold Metal Vase, £119 luxeology.co.uk
By PENDLE HARTE
Exercising has become very di erent in the past few years. While people hoping to get in shape once had to drag themselves to a crowded gym every morning or battle with the elements during their weekend bike ride, you can now get a productive workout from the comfort of your own home.
The technology behind workout streams and virtual classes has been available for years now, but the pandemic and lockdowns forced people to properly utilise it at last. Thousands of people joined Joe Wicks’ virtual PE lessons each morning, whilst others splurged on Peloton bikes or similar equipment to get in shape without stepping outdoors.
There are many benefits to exercising at home. It saves time and money by removing the need to travel to a gym. It makes working out during lunch breaks much
easier for people who work from home. It’s also great for people at the start of their self-improvement journey who might not yet feel comfortable exercising in front of others.
So, what do you need to get a good home workout session in? Obviously, some equipment is a must, so don’t be afraid of splashing out on a few dumbbells. Exercise bikes have also developed significantly in the last decade, now often being equipped with a screen to easily join virtual classes. But the real key to getting your body in shape is a fast and reliable broadband connection.
Virtual classes and online workouts rely heavily on following exact instructions to make sure you keep in time with the rest of the class. Therefore, any sort of lag or drop out can drastically impact your session. No one wants to be halfway through a downward dog while the rest of the yoga class is already on to the tree pose.
The strong connection you get with high-speed broadband is also important, so
you can hear the words of your instructor clearly at all times. Not to mention the fact that many virtual exercise classes come with a price tag, so you want to be getting your money’s worth by enjoying them in high visual and audio quality.
The best way to guarantee a solid home workout is to ensure you have a Full Fibre broadband connection, like that o ered by Swish Fibre. Swish provides the UK’s fastest broadband (see swishfibre.com for details), meaning you won’t have to worry about poor connection or dropouts while you’re getting a sweat on. The massive bandwidth of Swish also means that no matter how many people in your home are using the internet at once, there won’t be any slowdown.
SWISH FIBREHead over to swishfibre.com/absolutely and see how faster broadband can help you smash your fitness goals for 2023
With winter having well and truly arrived, it’s a great time to hunker down and update your home. Here, Senior Designer Leanne Robey from bathroom design specialists Ripples has provided her insight into the latest trends for the season.
Marble tiles are proving very popular right now, especially in gold or deep grey tones. Onyx-e ect tiles are also an emerging trend and are perfect for creating a luxurious look with unique vein patterns and interesting rainbow colouring.
We are creating a lot of seats within showers in line with the rise in multi-generational homes. They're the perfect place to sit and dry your feet if positioned at the end of the shower or to aid you if you have any issues with balance or mobility.
Part-tiling a room makes it feel less clinical and creates space to incorporate painted walls or even water-resistant wallpaper. It allows you to refresh the room by updating the wall colour without having to re-tile, saving both time and money and allowing you to choose a more timeless tile without dating too easily.
This trend has replaced other popular special finish brassware options (including black and white) and focuses on warmer tones such as Antique Bronze and Red Gold. Whilst elaborate and tech-led brassware has dominated for a while, we're seeing a shift back to simple choices when it comes to taps and showers. Sleek lines and simple functionality is key.
Reeded or fluted designs are outselling crittall as the most sought-after shower glass option. Fluted glass is also a popular choice when it comes to bathroom lighting.
Green is proving to be a popular colour choice in bathrooms right now, from sage to avocado and everything in-between. This is usually incorporated in painted elements such as vanity units and baths as well as tiles.
Visit Ripples Newbury at 51a London Road, Newbury RG14 1JN. Call 01635 569900 or visit ripplesbathrooms.com
“Onyx-e ect tiles are an emerging trend and are perfect for creating a luxurious look”
St George’s, Ascot is a thriving independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18, and 2023 marks 100 years of excellence in girls’ education, after Miss Anne Loveday acquired the school, with the express intent of progressing girls’ education. St George’s offers wonderful facilities and opportunities for its pupils. Girls develop their self confidence, capability in their chosen areas of academic and co-curricular life, and connection to themselves and, crucially, to the world around them enhanced by strong pastoral care and programmes of enrichment. Contact admissions@stgeorges-ascot. org.uk regarding their open mornings. stgeorges-ascot.org.uk
Natasha Devon speaks with authority about young people because she talks to them, all the time. In fact, her work still takes her into an average of three schools, colleges or universities a week. She’s a body image campaigner and was awarded an MBE for her activism on mental health issues. She’s also, clearly, a very good listener. Toxic is her first foray into fiction and was inspired by some of her conversations and focus
groups with young people. It explores the grey area around bullying and centres on a bestbuddy school friendship between Llewella and glamorous new girl Aretha that takes a negative turn. Natasha believes toxic teen friendships can be hard for an outsider to spot, let alone understand. “When we think of bullying, we think of something tangible,” says Natasha. “But then there are all of these incredibly sophisticated ways that young people find to torture each other and undermine each other’s self-esteem. So that’s what I’m trying to focus
on
Natasha Devon talks to young people, a lot, making hers a voice to listen to when it comes to helping them (and us) navigate the light and shade of growing upNATASHA DEVON. PORTRAIT: JONATHAN DONOVAN
because there’s no protocol for that in schools, and rightly so, it is a very nuanced thing.”
Natasha says a close teenage friendship is di erent. “It’s really intense. It’s a kind of platonic infatuation, I think.” She points to the changes that happen in the teenage brain that make such friendships vital, but also volatile.
“We’re supposed to be having a greater reliance on our peer group because that’s how we establish independence from our parents. So it makes total sense how much young people are investing in their friendships. But, by the same token, they’re at an age where everybody’s discovering who they are and trying on di erent identities.” Boundaries get crossed and pain, misunderstandings and confusion can follow.
Setting boundaries and protecting yourself are big themes in Natasha’s discussions with young people. That includes protecting themselves online, where so much harm happens in the teenage friendship landscape. “That’s very much where I’m trying to lead them – digital citizenship. That’s not a term I invented. I’m an ambassador for a charity called Glitch and it’s a term they use a lot. It’s this understanding that we have an online life and that it’s not just about consideration of others in the way we behave online, it’s about being safe online ourselves.”
Sound advice, but do young people understand how big an impact social media is having on their lives? Natasha’s answer, rather ruefully, is no they don’t. “I love working with teenagers
OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM
Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.
www.childbasepartnership.com
T: 0118 934 0118
E: cedar.park@childbase.com
Cedar Park Day Nursery, Bridge Farm Road, Twyford, Reading, Berkshire, RG10 9PP
T: 01344 780070
E: greengables.nursery@childbase.com
Greengables Day Nursery, 34-36 Yeovil Rd, Owlsmoor, Sandhurst, Berks, GU47 0TE
T: 0118 931 3115
E: greenpark.nursery@childbase.com
Green Park Day Nursery, 200 South Oak Way, Reading RG2 6UQ
T: 01628 671116
E: mulberry.nursery@childbase.com
Mulberry Day Nursery, 9 Boyn Hill Ave, Maidenhead, SL6 4ET
– they are some of my favourite people –but the only thing I find challenging about them is that they are natural libertarians. They don’t want to think that their way of thinking or their behaviour has been influenced or manipulated,” she says. “Trying to introduce this idea that the brain is plastic, and therefore the more of something we do the more the brain develops in that direction, is quite di cult.” She focuses more on encouraging young people to think of self-care and, rather like art curators, surround themselves with what she calls “the nourishing stu ”.
Natasha speaks from a position of personal knowledge about the dark avenues young people can go down. She started having panic attacks at the age of around ten after a series of destabilising and traumatic family events, including the death of a cousin, but was only diagnosed years later, at 31, with an anxiety disorder. A decade on, it remains a part of her life and can be managed. “It doesn’t define who I am, and it doesn’t stop me being happy, productive or anything anymore. But it was such a long journey to have got to that point.”
It was her own therapy journey that inspired her interest in mental health and shaped her career path. Today, Natasha Devon’s work with schools centres on helping young people to understand that the mind is something to nurture. “Everybody has
got mental health and it’s something that we can monitor throughout our life, that will change throughout our life. Knowing that about yourself, being armed with that knowledge, is not something to be frightened of, it’s something that can really help you.”
There are pinch points that test young people’s equilibrium. Natasha’s survival guide, Yes you can: Ace School Without Losing your Mind is for one of those pinch points – the transition to Year 9. “That is the year when everything happens,” she says. She means the classic teenage stu : first love, changing bodies and growing self-awareness. It’s full of practical wisdom, with recipes, exercises and advice on everything from study routines to creative breakout activities – and also fun quizzes. “Including lots of quizzes about things like ‘are you a lark or a nightingale?’, ‘what’s your motivation?’ helps to keep their interest. They’re learning about how they learn at the same time.” Underlying it all is a “sca old” approach – helping them build on existing knowledge – and showing that good mental health and good grades can co-exist.
Natasha has listened to the concerns of young people for well over a decade now – from body image and bullying to their sense of being constantly scrutinised and failing to live up to expectations and ‘perfect life’ social media narratives. And
now Covid. Unsurprisingly, post-pandemic issues are in the conversations. “The big thing that I’m getting from young people is this sense of unfairness, also this sense that they’ve been written o .”
She thinks we adults could help by toning down the negativity – what she calls “lost generation rhetoric”. She chooses a glass-half-full approach. “I’ve been having lots of conversations about how, when you look at the most successful people, they learned to adapt their goals in response to their experiences,” she says. “Also, I talk about how important it is that they’ve learned to motivate themselves to work from home.” She discusses the self-knowledge they acquired during Covid and home schooling – including coping strategies they can use again. “It’s trying to get them to flip the narrative,” she says. “See it as an advantage that they had the opportunity to learn those things.”
Having escaped her destructive friendship, Toxic’s heroine Llewella concludes: ‘The thing about clouds is, they pass. And, if you’re very lucky, you have some lights to guide you home’. This is a pretty good description of Natasha Devon’s approach to working with young people –helping them to manage those inevitable clouds and discover their guiding lights.
Toxic is published by UCLan (£8.99).
Yes You Can: Ace School Without Losing your Mind is published by Macmillan (£9.99). natashadevon.com
“Teenagers are natural libertarians. They don’t want to think that their way of thinking or their behaviour has been influenced or manipulated”
Côte restaurants has celebrated its special festive campaign helping children living with food insecurity who are at risk of going to school hungry, as well as aiming to reduce paper waste. Every year the team at Côte restaurants – who have venues across the county –spend £40,000 on Christmas crackers for guests to enjoy with their festive meals. But this year, with the cost of living crisis impacting many families, they decided to donate this money to Magic Breakfast instead. The charity provides nutritious breakfasts to hungry school children as fuel for learning and expert support for their schools. They are aiming to end hunger as a barrier to education in UK schools for children living with food insecurity. The donation will now support thousands of children and will also help to combat mass paper waste created by Christmas crackers. Côte has already donated over £200,000 to Magic Breakfast and is aiming for more to follow in the new year. cote.co.uk
Three Year 8 students from St George’s School Windsor Castle recently performed for a television audience of millions as they took to the stage as part of the prestigious Royal Variety Performance in London. Originally filmed in front of a live audience at the Royal Albert Hall on 1 December 2022, the children sang the National Anthem in front of a number of high-profile guests. The children, who are Choristers of the world-renowned Choir of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and board at the school, are fortunately no strangers to a big occasion. As well as singing in regular services in the Chapel, the Choir has also performed at multiple major royal events, including most recently the exceptionally poignant Committal
Senior school students at award-winning, independent day and boarding school LVS Ascot performed an outstanding double bill production featuring a play and musical in December at the fully equipped on-site theatre. A cast of over 30 students took part in the production and did a fantastic job learning the music to perform on stage.
Jessica Clark, Head of Performing Arts and Drama, says: “Both shows offered the students different challenges and opportunities and all the students involved rose to the challenge. All performances of the show were well received by audience members of all ages. Year 7-9 students were given the opportunity to watch as they have their own production in March, and I know they were inspired by what they saw. We are very proud of all the hard work the students and production team put in to making this possible.” lvs.ascot.sch.uk
Service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For anyone keen to follow in the children’s footsteps, the closing date is fast approaching for applications for the Choir’s Chorister for a Day programme. This provides a wonderful opportunity for girls and boys aged 6-8, along with their parents, to experience a day as a chorister prior to auditions in February. stgwindsor.org
A monumental wedding cake and the remarkable life of Alice de Rothschild – there is much to celebrate at Waddesdon Manor
Wedding Cake – a 12-metre-high sculptural pavilion in the form of a three-tiered wedding cake, clad entirely in ceramic tiles – is a major new work by celebrated Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos (b 1971) opening in April at Waddesdon Manor, just one highlight of the venue's 2023 programme.
Almost five years in the making, Wedding Cake was commissioned by the Rothschild Foundation for Waddesdon, prompted by the relationship between visionary collector Lord Rothschild and Vasconcelos. Part sculpture, part architectural garden folly, Wedding Cake is an extraordinary, enormous fully immersive sculpture which combines patisserie and architecture. Gleaming and icing-like outside and in, it o ers an intricate and richly sensory experience.
In May, Catherine Goodman: Do You Remember Me? opens in The Coach House. Artist Catherine Goodman (b. 1961) – founding Artistic Director of the Royal Drawing School – has been visiting Corfu for 12 years. As a repetitive ritual, every visit she returns to the same, isolated point of the island where a grove of ancient, gnarled olive trees is framed by the bright blue sea and sky behind, to draw what she sees.
Last year was the centenary of Alice de Rothschild’s death, and Waddesdon will continue to celebrate her life, collections and legacy into 2023 with a series of displays that highlight her key role in its history. As the sister of Ferdinand de Rothschild (1839-1898), who built the Manor, she inherited it after his death and began to put her own stamp upon the house and grounds as its new chatelaine. A passionate and expert gardener and great collector of Renaissance and 18th-century art,
Alice’s influence has often been overshadowed by that of her brother. But not anymore.
Alice was a determined and strong-minded woman, who lived through a turbulent period of history and whose generosity, individualism, kindness and sense of humour inspired loyalty in her friends and employees. It was said that Queen Victoria referred to her as “The All-Powerful One” (apparently having been ordered not to walk on the grass whilst staying at Alice’s villa in Grasse). Such were her preventative conservation methods, “Miss Alice’s Rules” are still recognised as good practice 100 years after her death.
Part of the exhibition explores Alice as a collector – illustrating the breadth and variety of her interests – from paintings and textiles to ceramics, arms and armour, and luxurious objets de vertu, from the Renaissance to the 18th-century.
waddesdon.org.uk
why everyone is talking about…JOANA VASCONCELOS PORTRAIT © ARLINDO CAMACHO FOR ATELIER JOANA VASCONCELOS OLEANDER SNOW, 2022 © CATHERINE GOODMAN PHOTOGRAPH OF MISS ALICE DE ROTHSCHILD, 1860. PHOTO © WADDESDON IMAGE LIBRARY PROJECT IN DEVELOPMENT © ATELIER JOANA VASCONCELOS
