PLUS SUSANNE DU TOIT
Examining portraits with the Crowthorne artist
• SKIN DEEP
Meet the founder of The Facebible in Windsor
•
SHOWING ITS DARK SIDE
A new view of the Moon in Newbury
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EDITOR
MARK KEBBLE
ART DIRECTOR
PAWEL KUBA
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The Moon has fascinated me for time immemorial. Probably my earliest recollection of it was the night one of my grandparents died. I remember looking out of my window and through tear-filled eyes being convinced I could see a shaft of light heading up into the sky towards the Moon. I was sure that was said grandparent being taken up, not to heaven, but for some reason the Moon!
That, though, was it. I was hooked. The whole 'Man on the Moon' story came next and I was certain I was being watched every time I looked up at the sky. As I got older and saw the frankly terrifying French film Le Voyage dans la Lune (Trip to the Moon), then I was concerned the man had a rocket sticking out of his eye.
The Moon remains such a fascinating natural satellite – not planet – to many and there have been countless occasions it has been featured in popular culture. This summer sees the latest incarnation when Luke Jarram brings his unique piece of artwork to Corn Newbury Exchange, where we can experience the dark side of the Moon. Take a look on page 130. It's almost worth accepting the nights drawing in once again.
Real Home
Garden Products How
ABSOLUTELY’S July issue highlights 3 2
Reina Olga was founded in 2014 on the premise that “no bikini is ever too small, and no tooshie is ever too big.” Contemporary and colourful in design, Reina Olga is mindfully made, with 70% of the brand’s production using recycled fabric, whilst remaining unmatched in quality. reinaolga.com
An unusual beauty, this Grand Pompom candleholder by Maison Balzac is hand-blown from clear borosilicate glass and set on a slender stem. It is decorated with four glass pompom attachments ready to bejewel your space. £74 koibird.com
New York's Ellis Brooklyn has just launched in Space NK with its stunning fragrances using as many natural ingredients and sustainable methods as possible. There are four scents for summer. spacenk.com
A classic shopper with a burst of summery colors, the Alegria Hawaii is made from bespoke luxury raffia made exclusively for Tissa Fontaneda. tissafontaneda.com
This Splatter Oval Platter by The Conran Shop is expertly created in the historic ceramicmaking district by a family-owned business in Grottaglie. £105 conranshop.co.uk
We love this rose gold and rainbow sapphire bubble ringtactile towelling fi nish, £1,150 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
Apujan is a Londonbased womenswear label founded by designer Apujan in 2013. The designs are renowned for integrating patterns and knitwear techniques to illustrate themes inspired by fantasy and literature. apujan.com
The Roberts Revival Petite fits retro style and modern sound in the palm of your hand. Switch between DAB/ DAB+/FM radio or connect via Bluetooth. £99 robertsradio.com
The Zia in Cherry Blossom is an iconic Terry de Havilland platform block heel made using high shine iridescent material for maximum drama. £335 terrydehavilland.com
Givenchy's Le 9.09
Eyeshadow Palette is composed of nine warm pink-tone shades, the fi rst co-created with Creative Director Thom Walker. £67 givenchybeauty.com
23 JULY, ENGLEFIELD HOUSE
Award-winning, multi-platinum singer and songwriter Hozier has been announced for a huge outdoor show within the spectacular grounds of Englefield House, Berkshire, as part of the Heritage Live summer concert series. Hozier will perform in the heart of summer, supported by special guests Far From Saints and Victoria Canal. The show in the grounds of Englefield House comes after Hozier released his most recent EP, ‘Eat Your Young’, in honour of his birthday and St Patrick’s Day on 17 March. heritagelive.net
FAMILY
28-30
JULY, ROALD DAHL MUSEUM
Waterperry Opera Festival are bringing their much-celebrated musical rendition of Revolting Rhymes to the Roald Dahl Museum’s courtyard this summer. Through the celebrated words of Roald Dahl, delve into the world of fairy tales and adventure with an interactive, phizz-whizzing family-friendly show ideal for age 5 and up. This forms part of Bucks Open Weekend.
roalddahlmuseum.org
8 July
MAIDENHEAD
Fi.Fest is thrilled to announce the headline act for this year's popular Berkshire festival is the legendary poprock band Scouting for Girls, who will be performing their biggest hits, including "She's So Lovely", "Elvis Ain't Dead", and "Heartbeat" alongside many others. They will be joined by other fantastic acts from around the UK. fifest.co.uk
1-2 July
PENN HOUSE ESTATE
Whether you are a Country Show fan, an avid foodie, dog lover, want lots for the kids to do, or simply want a fun day out, this is for you. Enjoy small producers and handmade gifts with some wonderful shopping experiences. Watch and admire the Rural Crafters demonstrating all day and making some pretty amazing things, or why not enter your dog into their Dog Shows. There is also something for every music lover at the event. buckscountryshow.co.uk
THEATRE
27 June-1 July
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old farmhouse where he used to play. He's transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn't a pond, but an ocean – a place where everything is possible... Plunged into a magical world, their survival depends on their ability to reckon with ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything around them. atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes
Summer gets o to a roaring start at Silverstone Museum as it launches its Summer of F1 exhibition showcasing incredible cars. The event, which launches on 8 July and runs throughout the summer, celebrates everything linked to the iconic race with amazing world-famous racing cars, exclusive memorabilia and activities. F1 fanatics and museum visitors will be able to immerse themselves in this fantastic exhibition, which is a must see this summer. silverstonemuseum.co.uk
NEWBURY RACECOURSE
Newbury Racecourse’s Party In The Paddock provides a live experience unlike any other. With one ticket giving you access to races, a host of o -track entertainment for all the family, and a full headline performance from the nation’s biggest musical acts, there’s no better way to spend a warm summer's day. Two icons of music are returning to the Racecourse this year, with Tom Jones set to delight fans on Saturday 22 July, followed by favourite Olly Murs on Saturday 19 August. newburyracecourse.co.uk
Always a great opportunity to look out for emerging talent, The Other Art Fair is back for its Summer Session with a vibrant programme that includes features, installations, charity collaborations, DJs, a fully stocked bar, and the chance to discover 100 of the most exciting independent artists. The popular artist-led fair combines boundary-pushing yet always a ordable artworks with immersive installations, performances, plus a few curious encounters. The result is an inspiring, inclusive, and vibrant experience that reframes art. The whole ethos with this fair is that here, art is for everyone.
Look out for Phoebe Power’s visceral works that capture raw emotion through their exploration of life experiences and mental health, abstract artist Charlie French, who embraces a blank canvas as an adventure in imaginative freedom and ceramic visual artist Yurim Gough originally from Korea, who combines a historic tradition of ceramics with her background in fashion and designing high heeled shoes to create delicate and beautiful ceramic bowls. Plus Rosie Taylor, a knitwear specialist who creates intricate mixed media tapestries, award-winning film director and artist Redbellyboy who draws inspiration from pop culture, film, graphic design and loud music to create vibrant screen prints, and many more.
29 June–2 July, theotherartfair.com
It’s been 10 years since Crowthorne artist Susanne Du Toit won the most prestigious portrait painting competition in the world. Susanne’s painting of her 35-year-old son, Pieter, was awarded the National Portrait Gallery’s (NPG) Portrait Award in 2013, winning the South African-born actress £30,000, a £5,000 commission and a central position in the St Martin Place-based gallery’s award show.
“At the time I wouldn’t have considered myself particularly a portrait artist as I work in di erent mediums. I did paint portraits, but only of my family,” she explains.
“I had entered the award twice before, portraits of family members who are quite well-known [Susanne’s daughter is the actress Elize du Toit] and they never got chosen for the exhibition, but the gallery did write back saying they liked my work.
So, the following year I submitted my son and couldn’t quite believe it when I won.”
The award made Susanne, who is now 68, a household name overnight and she was praised by Sandy Nairne, the NPG’s director at the time, for ‘her simple but outstanding portrait of her son’. However, she says, Pieter wasn’t so keen.
“Unfortunately, he never liked the painting. He didn’t like the way I portrayed him, he said it wasn’t very joyful and he was really surprised when it won and sort of annoyed,” admits Susanne, who has painted various personalities from the world of arts and entertainment, such as screenwriter Stephen Beresford and actors Stephen Campbell Moore, David Schwimmer and Timothy Spall.
“But I think he’s made peace with it now.”
Born in Pretoria, Susanne studied for a BA in Fine Arts from the city’s university and then a masters at the Massachusetts College of Artin Boston before moving to the UK in 1994,
settling in the Berkshire village of Crowthorne.
“We’re going back almost 29 years,” she says. “My husband [also called Pieter], was an orthodontist, successful, and while we were still living in South Africa, decided he wanted to open a practice in London. Eventually we decided we wanted to move to England. While we were in the process of moving, we came over for a week to settle our son into Reading Grammar School, as he was boarding there, and while we were here my husband drove me down a road, in Crowthorne, he had come across while going for a run and there just happened to be this house for sale. Within that week, we went to view the house and bought it and have been in that house ever since. It seems quite ridiculous really, but we just love the area so much – it’s so leafy with all the surrounding woodland.”
Over the years, the couple has extended and improved the house to suit their and their four children’s needs including the
conversion of an outbuilding into a garden studio for Susanne. “When my children were smaller, the building was used as more of a playroom and I had a room inside the house as a studio, but now that it’s just myself and my husband, I moved my stuff in there and it’s just the perfect space for an art studio,” says Susanne, who is also grandmother to five between the ages of four and 12.
The studio, where she hosts painting workshops, is filled with her family portraits, floor to ceiling shelves lined with books and large windows, overlooking her pretty woodland garden. “I’m very, very fond of gardening – in fact I’m always really torn between painting and gardening – so to be surrounded by my garden while I work is just really wonderful,” says Susanne, who, when she’s not painting or gardening, enjoys daily walks with her black Labrador Lui in Simon’s Wood and around Horseshoe Lake. “I just love being surrounded by nature,” she adds.
In 2019, as part of her National Portrait Gallery prize, she was commissioned to paint a portrait of writer Jeanette Winterson. Inspired by that, she embarked on a series of portraits entitled Painting Women Writers “Painting Jeanette had awakened me to the fact that writers are not just interesting people, but often have unusually deep emotional and imaginative lives, making them compelling subjects for portraiture,” she says.
As well as being exhibited in London and Sussex, the portraits of 19 eminent writers –including Dolly Alderton, Clover Stroud, Dreda
Say Mitchell, Diana Evans, and Rosie Boycott, among others – have been published in a book.
Susanne describes the project as “a record and celebration, among other things, of female collaboration” – her book publisher, Eiderdown Books, which specialises in books about female artists written by female writers is, perhaps unsurprisingly, female led.
“I am not a proactive person and to have started a project like this, I wouldn’t have done it on my own so I am very thankful for the help of my friend, art consultant Henrietta Rodgers for helping me to promote my work and Eiderdown founder, Harriet Olsen, who introduced me to so many of these women writers and sat for the first portrait in this series.”
Susanne visited each of the writers in their homes or workplace so she could paint them in their own surroundings – some feature their children, pets and even laundry in stripped back expression of who these women are.
“It’s always difficult to know what to put in the background when you do a portrait, so it was great to be able to go to their homes or their workplace and add something to the portrait to really make it theirs,” she explains. “I also asked every author to have something which might not mean anything
to someone who looks at the painting, but is very special to them, to include.”
As well as the finished portraits, the book also features Susanne’s preliminary sketches and musings on her process alongside personal contributions on the experience of being a sitter from the writers.
“Not everyone liked their portrait,” Susanne admits. “You know they would say to me, ‘that’s not the person I see in the mirror,’ but then they would say, ‘but you did get me’. So, I was very pleased with that, that they eventually felt that I did actually get something of them.
“I think even when you take a photograph, you present your best angle. Or you try to at least. Even when you present yourself when you look in the mirror, I think you sort of turn your head a lot until you see something you can live with or you like. But with a portrait you don’t have that luxury. You sit still, you get into a pose but after a while, I think you forget to pose and what’s left is you. It’s just you.”
Painting Women Writers by Susanne du Toit is published by Eiderdown Books, RRP £30 paperback. The associated exhibition is at Farleys House & Gallery, Sussex, from 13 July-3 September
“It was great to add something to the portrait to make it theirs”
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The o cial Take That musical Greatest Days, with a book by award-winning playwright Tim Firth, will play at Milton Keynes Theatre from 3-8 July. Greatest Days stars the award-winning Kym Marsh, who shot to stardom in noughties band Hear’Say and now best known for Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and as a presenter on the BBC’s Morning Live, with her daughter Emilie Cunli e joining her on stage as Young Rachel.
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Take That’s first ever UK number one single Pray, Greatest Days features more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love, loss and laughter from the award-winning writer Tim Firth (Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots). The musical follows
With Take That musical Greatest Days heading to the county, Absolutely chats to the mother and daughter leading the cast: Kym Marsh and EmilieCunli e
By SIMON BUTTON
“It's really lovely that we play these di erent versions of the same character”KYM MARSH AS RACHEL AND EMILIE CUNLIFFE AS YOUNG RACHEL
a group of five best friends in the 1990s who are obsessed with their favourite boy band. The girls reunite more than 20 years later with a plan to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the greatest days of their lives. Ahead of their visit to Buckinghamshire, we sat down with the mother and daughter stars to talk boy bands, a UK tour and being on stage together.
Q What appealed to you about doing the show?
A Kym: Everything, really. I got given the script and it was amazing. The story is beautiful and it has a bit of everything. It’s emotional, it’s inspiring, it’s very funny and I love the characters. Then you add Take That’s amazing music to the mix and what’s not to love, really?
Emilie: I feel the same. I love how the story flits back in time and you learn about these women when they were younger and how they grew up. It’s all about their lives and their music, and as mum says, it’s so funny and so emotional. It takes you on a rollercoaster through their lives and audiences are going to love it.
Q Who do you play in it and how would you describe your characters?
A Kym: We play Rachel in two di erent forms. I play the older Rachel and Emilie plays the younger Rachel. It’s really lovely that we play
these di erent versions of the same character, and the other characters in the story all have younger and older versions as well. It’s about a group of friends who fell in love with a boy band back in the day, as we all did. [Laughs] For me, it was New Kids on the Block, that’s how old I am. It’s that thing of having a group of friends who all love the same band. Without giving anything away, there’s a bit of a twist to the story when they’re younger and we get to see what’s happened to them since that time. It’s about how the love of a boy band brings them back together.
Emilie: Young Rachel is fun. It’s great to see the relationship between her group of friends because it’s so true to life. They’re always bickering or taking the mickey out of each other. She’s all about her friends and music, and she’s crazy about the band.
Kym: Something happens that changes all of their lives and it
transports you in time, where you see where life has taken them. The love of the band is still there, even as older women, which I think is true of Take That fans. Back in the day, in the early 90s, they had that kind of pull. Then they went away, came back and the fans were still there for them, except they were all like my age now.
Q Emilie, how it is playing a younger version of your mum?
Emilie: We resemble each other so much anyway! You see the younger Rachel’s personality and then Rachel when she’s older, and it’s interesting to explore that. Mum has been giving me tips and when we did the first read through it felt like the character was in sync personality-wise.
Q Kym, do you see any of the young you in your daughter?
A Kym: I see a lot of myself in
“Back in the 90s, Take That had that kind of pull. Then they went away, came back, and the fans were still there”
Emilie. She has the same passion. She loves music and drama. She enjoys performing. And she’s a young mum, as was I. I was 21 when I had her and she was 21 when she had her son. She’s feisty, she’s funny and she’s really driven. Over the last 12 months, she’s recorded her first album out in Nashville, now she’s doing this show, and I’ve seen her grow so much as a woman and as an artist in that time. It’s been an absolute joy to watch and now to share the stage with her is an absolute pleasure.
Emilie: That’s nice, mum! Music is my passion and it’s a big thing for me, but I’m loving the challenge of being in a show.
Q Have you worked together before?
A Kym: We’ve sang on stage together before now. [Laughs] I used to get Emilie up on stage to sing with me when she was 14, but we’ve never actually worked together professionally.
Emilie: So it’s a new experience and having mum with me for support is great. I’ve got two young kids at home and that was my biggest worry. It’s taken a while to get past the dread of leaving the kids because my life has revolved around them.
Kym: The thought of being away from them is worse than when you’re actually in it, because when you are
in it, you just make it work. It’s about juggling things and what Emilie has is exactly what I had, which is a really supportive family network. I don’t know what I would have done without my family. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do all the things I’ve done in my career. I had to leave my kids from time to time and when I asked Emilie ‘How did it a ect your life?’ she was like ‘Obviously we missed you but we saw you because everyone made more of an e ort’.
Q Were you both Take That fans before you signed up for the show?
A Kym: I remember them when they wore leather gear – that very strange styling that they went through at the beginning – and I loved them from the start. What’s great about them is the music and people who come along to the show are going to love it. It doesn’t matter how old they are. Take That’s music speaks to people of all di erent ages and everybody knows them. Emilie: Mum listened to their music when I was younger, then when they came back she went to a concert and was sending me pictures and videos. I was like ‘Oh my God, amazing!’ Now I love them and I’m a big fan myself.
Q Have you met any of them? Kym: I have, yes, on several
occasions. Me and Mark Owen were signed to the same record label for a while. I’ve met Robbie several times and Gary too. I’ve met them all at some stage and it’s been a privilege because they’re so talented. There’s a reason their music has such longevity. It’s timeless.
Q Do you have a favourite song in the show?
A Emilie: Everyone loves a bit of Shine, don’t they? And I love Back for Good. I’m a sucker for that song. Kym: It reminds me of my son because he was born in 1995 and it was number one on the day he was born. So obviously I love Back for Good. I also love Patience and Hold Up a Light, which is a song I feel gets forgotten, but what a tune that is.
Q How would you feel if you heard that Gary, Mark and Howard were in the audience?
A Emilie: [Laughs] I’d be like ‘Erm, OK!’ But you’d just have to make them proud. I’d be nervous, but I’ll be nervous at every performance anyway. Kym: You won’t. The nerves will go. But we’d all be so excited and buzzing to know they were there.
atgtickets.com/shows/greatestdays/milton-keynes-theatre
“There's a reason Take That's music has such longevity. It's timeless”PHOTOS: ALASTAIR MUIR
Henley Festival’s sensational line-up for 2023 features five unmissable summer nights packed full of world-class music, comedy, dining, dancing and magical moments. Westcoast, a local technology company distributing some of the world’s leading tech brands, are excited to continue their long association with Henley Festival in 2023 and are delighted to be supporting RISE. From 5-9 July, the UK’s only boutique black-tie festival will present an unforgettable experience on the stunning riverside in Henley-on-Thames. Henley Festival is truly like no other, with a vibrant line-up of pop, world, classical, folk and jazz music sitting alongside award-winning comedy, visual art and sculpture installations on the green banks of the Thames, and first-class gastronomy. Festival goers will be enchanted late into the night by this captivating programme of music and arts – with each evening coming to an epic close with a jaw-dropping firework spectacular. As part of Henley Festival’s new charitable programme nurturing the next generation of talent – RISE – this year’s festival will give a platform for young musicians, comedians and visual artists taking their first steps on stage, as well as o ering opportunities for young people aspiring to work behind the scenes.
Opening this year’s Henley Festival on the iconic Floating Stage is Rag’n’Bone Man, with his characteristic blend of traditional blues and hip hop, and powerfully deep baritone voice. Rory Graham’s stratospheric rise to fame saw him win the BRIT’s ‘British Breakthrough Act’ and ‘Critics’ ChoiceAward’ in 2017, followed by the record-breakingrelease of his4x platinum #1 debut album Human Henley Festival’s first night will be brought to an energetic ending by Ben Portsmouth:
Henley Festival returns from 5-9 July, full to the brim once again with music, comedy, young talent and more. It’s what summer was made for…NILE RODGERS MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE
This is Elvis, and his jaw-dropping tribute to The King of Rock and Roll, invoking the Henley Festival Club with the spirit of Elvis.
On Thursday, the Floating Stage will host Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily, aka the most successful Irish boyband of all time: Westlife. With 36 #1 albums worldwide, Westlife are the UK’s top selling group of the 21st century.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a multiple Grammy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, guitarist and music legend, Nile Rodgers will headline on Friday. As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like Le Freak, the biggest selling single in the history of Atlantic Records, and sparked the advent of hip-hop with Good Times
On Saturday night, the Floating Stage crowd will be on their feet as Ministry of Sound Classical takes on the very best tunes hand-picked from dance music history and recreates in a breath-taking performance by an incredible 30-piece orchestra. The beautiful riverside backdrop will set the scene for a live music spectacle, featuring guest DJ Danny Rampling and stunning vocalists performing classical remakes of iconic dance anthems including Fatboy Slim’s Right Here, Right Now and The Chemical Brothers’ Hey Boy Hey Girl – alongside a
sound and light experience like no other.
The final evening – ‘Sunday Night Sessions’ – will reflect the breadth and depth of this unique festival, with something to entertain the tastes of all culture vultures. Following an inspirational Chamber Music performance by family string ensemble The Kanneh-Mason Trio in the Spiegel Tent – who have wowed audiences since their semi-final success on Britain’s Got Talent in 2015 – Ronnie Scott’s and Vanessa Haynes present ‘Aretha Franklin – Queen of Soul’ celebrating the songs made famous by arguably the greatest soul singer ever to have lived, and the euro-disco phenomenon Boney M. with the original lead singer Liz Mitchell are back by popular demand, performing international chartbusters with a 15-piece band as the sun goes down on The Floating Stage.
Henley Festival was set up in 1982 as a charity whose mission is to stage an unforgettable music and arts festival for the local community and this mission remains the same. Last year, Henley Festival launched a new charitable initiative RISE, nurturing the next generation of talent to take their first steps into the wonderful world of performance, both in front and behind the spotlight. RISE creates opportunities for emerging talent
to learn, perform and flourish: for young musicians and visual artists to showcase their work on a grand scale, alongside a work experience programme to support young people aspiring to work behind the scenes on bringing the creative process together.
This year, the RISE line-up is bigger and better including British-Ghanian singersongwriter Joshua Kyeot, who performs soul songs with a timeless quality and an instantly recognisable tone; Horse on The Beach’s female fronted live shows with an eclectic mix of Latin and Balkan jazz, hip hop and ska that stimulate the body and mind in equal measure; the warm, rejuvenating tunes of Jamie Cooke which will make listeners feel instantly soothed; modern country pop singer Louise Parker
“Henley Festival's mission is to stage an unforgettable music and arts festival for the local community”JACK DEE ADAM KAY JO BRAND PHOTO: CHARLIE CLIFT PHOTO: AEMEN SUKKAR
from Essex; Bristol-based musician Louis Cardozo known for his fast-paced lyrics and Spanish guitar; Hackney resident Mychelle who wrote and sang on Idris Elba’s Yardie Mixtape project, the soundtrack to his directorial film debut; pop princess Bee Arnold who performs unforgettable bangers that will be stuck in your head for weeks. London singer-songwriter Sassy Hammerslay will be bringing this year’s RISE line-up to a close with her combination of emotional lyricism and strong vocals.
Henley Festival will once again be bringing the laughs to the Thames riverside with multiaward-winning Marcus Brigstocke kicking o this year with his blisteringly funny stand-up show Absolute Shower, celebrating the personal triumphs and small victories of the past couple of years, while acknowledging it has, in so many ways, on so many days, for the most part, been an absolute shower of s**t. Also on the bill is one of the UK’s best comics, Jo Brand – star and writer of Getting On, the BBC’s BAFTA award-winning series set on a hospital’s geriatric ward – who will be entertaining the crowd, and TV favourite Chris McCausland – a regular face on Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You? and his recent Channel 4 travel show: The Wonders of the World I Can’t See On Saturday night, award-winning comedian and former junior doctor Adam
Kay will share hilarious anecdotes from his bestselling literary sensation This Is Going To Hurt, plus new stories from the forthcoming The Story of a Medic Who Ran Out of Patients, in an electrifying evening of stand-up and music. Sunday will see one of Britain’s biggest and best-loved comedy stars Jack Dee capturing audiences with his signature dry humour and deadpan delivery to bring Henley Festival to a close.
Henley is the festival for food lovers, with Michelin starred chefs cooking up a storm in the past few years including Angela Hartnett MBE, Albert Roux, Michel Roux Jr and Daniel Cli ord. Proud to support British farming and seasonal, locally sourced produce, ‘Dish’ will return to the stunning Riverside Restaurant this year, o ering festival goers an outstanding fine dining experience of exceptional quality and innovative design. From fine dining to street food, the raft of pop-up bars and restaurants adorning the riverside is sure to tantalise all taste buds.
Each iconic evening at Henley Festival is brought to a jaw dropping conclusion with a spectacular firework display designed by the passionate pyrotechnic professionals at Titanium Fireworks, the team behind some of the UK’s biggest firework shows in the last decade including The Mayor of London New Year’s Eve celebrations, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Liverpool River of Light, Hull 2017 City of Culture, England 2015 Rugby World Cup, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the London 2012 Olympics. Henley is the only music Festival working with Titanium, and their extraordinary brand of sparkle is the perfect partner for the magical and unforgettable memories made on the Henley-on-Thames riverside.
henley-festival.co.uk
WESTLIFE
CHRIS MCCAUSLAND
Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture (MKIAC) successfully hosted the 14th edition of the highly anticipated Art in the Park festival, which took place on 13 May at Campbell Park. Despite the chilly weather, over 10,000 people enthusiastically attended the annual festival, showcasing the power of art in bringing diverse communities together.
The Art in the Park festival o ered a remarkable day of creativity, connectivity, and cultural exchange. The event featured a diverse range of activities including music performances, visual art displays, engaging workshops, a vibrant parade, and a delectable selection of food representing the multicultural communities of Milton Keynes.
Supported by Arts Council England and Milton Keynes City Council, the free event was one of the o cial celebrations for the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and The Queen Consort hosted in the city. This year's festival theme of 'Roots and Foundations' explored the deep connections between culture, history, identity, and the natural world, providing the perfect opportunity for young people to co-produce some of the programmes.
Highlighting the cultural diversity, the festival's dynamic line-up included the enchanting melodies of Raka, an eight-piece ensemble specialising in traditional Balkan music. Ayan De First and The Oduduwa Talking Drummers brought the authentic sounds of Yoruba, Ibo, and Hausa music from Nigeria, leaving the audience captivated. A major highlight of the event was the Carnival of Colours Parade. The parade, consisting of musicians, dancers, and entertainers, commenced from The Point and made its way through the streets of Milton Keynes, culminating at Campbell Park.
This Bucks event brought together 10,000 visitors for a special celebration
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Your ticket includes:
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3 course meal with tea & co ee
Murder Mystery entertainment
DJ & disco (to celebrate the killer being caught!)
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You’ll find the Roald Dahl Museum nestled along the High Street in the picturesque village of Great Missenden. As you get closer you might spot the life-size BFG painted on the front of the building. Then you’ll step through the Wonka gates into the small, but perfectly formed Museum, packed with hands on things to do.
This summer the Museum is celebrating The BFG, one of Roald Dahl’s most popular books for children. It’s a book that has its roots firmly cemented in the village. Roald imagined the BFG walking down the High Street and one of the buildings opposite the Museum was the inspiration for Sophie’s orphanage in the book. For fans of the book this is the place to be.
The Museum’s expert storytellers will be sharing the best bits of the book and visitors can take on BFG-themed trails and drop-in crafts throughout the day, all included in the price of Museum entry. Families can also join in with wondrous workshops. The Museum’s ever-popular clay workshops are a weekly event, with
clay snozzcumbers running throughout the summer. There’s also an opportunity to create dream jars out of craft material or try out some science based on the book — which involves fizzy frobscottle! Budding actors can take part in The Big Friendly Play, where participants work together to tell the story of The BFG in just one minute.
In short, this little gem has so much to o er. Beyond the BFG activities, the galleries explore how Roald Dahl was inspired to write his stories and characters. They o er lots of interactive activities designed for 5- to 12-year-olds –think dressing up and crafts. Highlights include Roald Dahl’s original Writing Hut (moved to the Museum in 2012), a giant chocolate bar and a movie maker. You can even measure yourself to see which Roald Dahl character you’re as tall as.
The three galleries are packed around a sheltered and sunny courtyard which o ers space to take a break, eat a picnic or enjoy some food from the pop-up Canny Café. Plus, you can stretch your legs on the free self-guided village and countryside trails, perfect for a sunny summer.
Oh, and don’t miss a very special performance of Waterperry Opera Festival’s Revolting Rhymes, which will be in the Museum courtyard from 28-30 July.
Find full event details on the Museum’s website at roalddahlmuseum.org
“There will be clay snozzcumbers and a chance to create dream jars”
Why this summer will be a big (friendly) one at the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden
FRIENDLY SUMMER 20 July to 3 September closed Mondays except 28 August Great Missenden, Bucks book at roalddahlmuseum.org
Don’t miss Waterperry Opera Festival’s Revolting Rhymes Opera in the courtyard, 28 to 30 July
Robert Gatward Jewellers are pleased to announce the grand opening of their Rolex Authorised Service Centre in Windsor, bringing the renowned craftsmanship and expertise of Rolex directly to their esteemed clientele. This new facility marks a significant milestone in their commitment to delivering exceptional service and maintaining the impeccable standards set by Rolex. Their clientele will now enjoy the best possible servicing for their Rolex watches, ensuring their exceptional technical performance and flawless aesthetics are maintained.
Keith Gill, Managing Director of Robert Gatward Jewellers, says: “We are thrilled to introduce the Rolex Authorised Service Centre in Windsor. This facility reinforces our long-standing partnership with Rolex and allows us to provide our customers with the highest level of service and care for their treasured Rolex timepieces. Our team of
Rolex-trained watchmakers have undergone rigorous training from the brand, and we are fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and genuine Rolex parts to ensure the authenticity and performance of each watch.”
Keith adds: “We understand the emotional significance and personal attachment our clients have to their Rolex watches. Our goal is to create a comfortable and transparent environment where they can experience our watchmakers’ expertise first-hand. We strive to go beyond technical excellence and foster trust, ensuring that each client receives the utmost care and attention throughout the service process.”
At the Rolex Authorised Service Centre in Windsor, Robert Gatward Jewellers remains dedicated to preserving the exceptional quality and performance of Rolex watches. Keith concludes: “We invite Rolex enthusiasts and owners to experience the expertise and professionalism that sets our service centre apart. Our commitment to upholding the legacy of Rolex is unwavering.”
The outstanding shopping experience at Robert Gatward Jewellers goes beyond the exceptional product o erings. The company takes pride in providing personalised service and expert guidance to assist customers in finding the perfect piece of jewellery or timepiece.
In addition to their retail operations, Robert Gatward Jewellers also o ers a range of professional services to enhance and maintain customers’ cherished jewellery and watches. This includes expert repairs, resizing, cleaning, and reconditioning, all carried out with meticulous attention to detail by their skilled team of craftsmen.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit robertgatwardjewellers. co.uk or call 01753 851669
We take a closer look as a Rolex Authorised Service Centre opens in WindsorA WATCHMAKER AT WORK ROBERT GATWARD JEWELLERS’ WATCHMAKERS WITH THEIR ROLEX AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTRE PLAQUE A WATCHMAKER INSPECTS A MOVEMENT
Located in the beautiful countryside of Padworth in Royal Berkshire, The Old Rectory is a country house that creates the perfect setting for weddings and other celebrations.
If you’ve started your wedding planning journey and looking for the perfect wedding venue, we would love to welcome you to The Old Rectory at our upcoming open day:
Sunday 2nd July : 12pm – 3pm
No appointment needed. Have a look round our elegant country house and grounds, buy a drink from the bar and chat to our wedding coordinators.
theoldrectoryberkshire.co.uk | @theoldrectoryberkshire
THE VINEYARD
Twenty five years on from its opening The Vineyard continues its evolution. A destination for fabulous food and fine wines this summer sees the opening of Catch, a must visit for cocktails paired with your fish dish and cool summer vibes. the-vineyard.co.uk
Wine recommendations for the month
Domaine du Météore Le Cratère Sparkling Rosé, France £28 domainedumeteore.com
Over ten thousand years ago, a meteorite struck a hillside in Southern France. Domaine du Météore’s vines grow within and around its crater. Le Cratère is a ‘methode champenoise’ sparkling rosé wine made in limited quantities from Syrah grapes.
Porta 6 White Vinho Verde, Portugal £8.99 majestic.com
Porta 6 White Vinho
Verde is a light and gently spritzy wine, perfect for spring celebrations. Crisp and zesty with grapefruit, lime and floral notes, the wine has an o -dry, fresh finish, which pairs well with seafood, salads and sushi.
Van Hunks Sparkling MCC Brut from South Africa £20, vanhunksdrinks.com
Van Hunks MCC
Sparkling Wines are handcrafted using a traditional method identical to Méthode Champenoise, Van Hunks MCC’s are bottle fermented in small batches and matured in contact with the lees for over two years.
HARVESTER
Popular family chain restaurant Harvester, with locations dotted around the county, has announced the return of its classic Lemon Blizzard sundae to celebrate turning 40 this summer. Guests can take a trip down memory lane by enjoying real dairy ice cream swirled with zingy Sicilian lemon sauce, crunchy meringue pieces and topped with flu y cream and a meringue shell. harvester.co.uk
The best outdoor spots to enjoy a bite to eat and the sun
CITIZEN SPRITZ
DANESFIELD HOUSE
Summer afternoon tea has arrived at The Runnymede on Thames. Indulge in traditional finger sandwiches, followed by freshly baked scones and an assortment of cakes, complete with a glass of rosé Champagne and idyllic views of the Thames. Expect seasonal strawberry tart, piña colada macaroons and deliciously light rose, raspberry and lychee mousse. runnymedehotel.com
Executive Chef, Massimo Principe, and his team celebrate seasonal English ingredients turning simple local produce into well executed modern British cookery. Their sun-drenched terrace is the perfect choice during the warmer months. danesfieldhouse.co.uk
Citizen Spritz, which is cofounded by Newbury resident and food industry entrepreneur Mike Bagshaw, is celebrating as its signature flavour, Bitter Orange, was awarded Gold in the World Alcohol-Free Awards 2023. Described as having “bags of flavour” by the judges, the Bitter Orange flavour is created with a unique blend of bitter orange oils, rhubarb and subtle hints of herbs and botanicals. citizenspritz.com
On a wide stretch of the River Thames in the Chiltern Hills, The Swan at Streatley is a converted 17th century inn with a terrace right at the water’s edge. You can even head off with one of their picnics. coppaclub.co.uk
HORWOOD HOUSE HOTEL
POPCORN SHED
Looking for the perfect gift for a popcorn lover who loves trying new things and unique flavours? Look no further…
Introducing Buckinghamshire-based Popcorn Shed’s Snack Pack Flavour Selection Gift Tin. It contains 12 popcorn snack packs in unique and universally loved flavours, each bursting with handcrafted goodness, from Salted Caramel and Cheddar Cheese to Millionaire’s Shortbread. popcornshed.com
Located by the charming old stables, which once housed Lord Astor’s most prized fillies, The Astor Grill is full of character offering a relaxed and informal approach to dining at Cliveden. What’s more, it has a delightful covered terrace. clivedenhouse.co.uk
Horwood House Hotel is thrilled to announce the launch of its Summer Afternoon Tea, o ering a delightful culinary experience amidst the picturesque backdrop of their enchanting English country garden. Until 31 August, guests can revel in a delectable assortment of handcrafted delicacies, specially curated to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the season. horwoodhouse.co.uk
Scott Smith, head chef at The Oarsman, on cooking style, building something new and Marlow restaurants coming together
Q Pre-The Oarsman, where had your culinary journey taken you?
A I started working full time in the small hotel I was working as a kitchen porter in when I left school in my hometown of Oban. I spent three years working there before moving to Glasgow to work under Chris Charalambous at Cail Bruich in its very early days. I spent four years there before deciding I would like to give London a try.
During my time in London I worked for Anthony Demetre at Wild Honey and Arbutus working my way up to sous chef, before moving to work under Bryn Williams at Odette’s in Primrose Hill.
I then got the opportunity to open the Sugarboat in Helensburgh in my first head chef’s role. After around four years there I got the opportunity to move to Marlow and work with James and Nigel at The Oarsman. It was a no brainer for me.
Q What was the greatest experience during this time?
A Working and learning from Anthony and Bryn was an unbelievable experience for me. They both taught me so much and I am
always grateful they gave me the time of day and always took the time to teach me and allow me to be a part of their team.
Q Would you say, today, there is a Scott Smith style of cooking?
A I personally wouldn’t say there is a Scott Smith style of cooking. At The Oarsman we all have an input into the menu and we all learn from each other in the kitchen. Our basic rule is, if it tastes good and we enjoy it, then it goes on the menu. We write the menu every day so it changes a lot and it gives us the freedom to play with things we want to try. However, people do often say I have a fairly unique style and way of looking and treating ingredients. Nigel would say my style is very robust and confident, I try not to mess about with anything too much, but I’m definitely not shy with the flavours and seasonings we use. One of our dishes we always have on is our Trotters on Beef Dripping Toast, we season it quite heavily with white pepper so it’s quite spicy (very like Haggis). It’s a very simple looking dish with a good bit of work behind it and very bold seasoning, so I guess that is my style.
Q How long have you been the head chef at The Oarsman?
A I’ve been the head chef at The Oarsman since James McClean, Nigel Sutcli e and James Lee took it on. We have been open almost two years now.
Q What do you love about being based in Marlow?
A Marlow is a great town to be in. There is so much happening and having a young family it’s a brilliant environment for my daughter, she loves being in Marlow. It’s also amazing being surrounded by such great restaurants.
Q Do you make use of local ingredients?
A We do try to use as many local ingredients as we can. Since opening we have started to build a relationship with local suppliers and producers such as Rectory Farm Asparagus, Chiltern Heritage Orchards, Harrow and Hope and Richard Woodfine (who makes the most incredible cider). Being Scottish, however, I still try to use some of the suppliers and producers I made great relationships with when I was there. We are just keen to use the best produce we can get our hands on.
Q What’s new on the menu for summer?
A We do change the menu daily so there is always something new on. Right now we have an amazing courgette salad with warm courgette fritters and whipped feta on the menu. Also a really lovely roasted broccoli with braised quinoa and a tahini and soy dressing. Both dishes have been created by my sous chef Emily so I cannot take credit for either. But both are absolutely incredible.
Q How did it feel to be named Newcomer of the Year in the Top50 Gastropubs?
A Being named Newcomer of the Year in such a prestigious and amazing award was something that still hasn’t quite sunk in. To look at the restaurants on the list and previous winners is something quite amazing. I would say it’s my proudest achievement to date. I will never forget the way Tommo and Sarah from both The Hand and Flowers and The Coach celebrated when we won, it really showed me how hospitality should be and just how lucky we are at The Oarsman to have such great supportive neighbours. It’s such a special industry and we are lucky to have these opportunities to celebrate that.
theoarsman.co.uk
ne man’s passion created The Vineyard. The man is Sir Peter Michael and his passion is wine. Fast forward a quarter of a century and The Vineyard is celebrating 25 years. A spectacular wine destination, and a foodie one too, they have everything you would expect from a luxury five red star property, whilst o ering a relaxed, informal and contemporary space with a team full of individual personalities that shine through.
And 25 years on, The Vineyard is ever evolving. After the success of OutSide last summer, this year The Vineyard are back outside with an all new al fresco dining experience, Catch.
OFrom beach to Berkshire, Tom Scade and his team are bringing o the scale seafood, vegetarian dishes and options for meat lovers, cool summer vibes and chilled cocktails. Utilising the best seasonal and sustainably sourced seafood, the menu o ers a range of options from light bites to sharing platters. Just add sunshine! Catch is open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, and Wednesday to Saturday for dinner.
Catch isn’t the only new and exciting bit of news. If you didn’t already know, the tasting menu is back. A delectable five courses paired with wines is an ultimate dining experience not to be missed. As well as five courses there are also a few little surprises along the way, delivered in true style by The Vineyard team. The menu is constantly evolving with the changing seasons and Tom Scade and team work to showcase the best of the season’s ingredients.
And that’s not all… earlier this year saw the launch of a brand new product house in The Vineyard Spa. Irene Forte treatments and products o er natural skincare made better by the guidance of science.
The Irene Forte product house prides itself on being sustainable and products are free from any harmful ingredients, vegan friendly and ingredients from each product line are grown on their own organic farm in Sicily, ensuring complete control on provenance and quality.
So how to experience the best of The Vineyard? The Ultimate Vineyard Break would be our choice. Two glorious nights, two dining experiences and an Irene Forte spa product to take home. Heaven!
01635 528770
reception@the-vineyard.co.uk the-vineyard.co.uk
“The Vineyard is a spectacular wine and foodie destination”
Words ROBERTA HALL-MCCARRON
Photography by ANNA BOGLIONE
Serves 8
I’ve taken the term ‘gut feeling’ and translated that, quite literally, to the feelings, thoughts and emotions that eating a beautiful dish can evoke – the sensory beauty of food and how it connects so closely with the mind. This got me thinking about those immediate, visceral reactions we experience when we eat certain ingredients, namely the nostalgia that certain dishes can evoke, be it a reminder from childhood, travel or particularly happy times. Peaches are one ingredient that has this effect on me personally. I can actually remember specific moments when I ate a particularly good peach, normally always outside, on hot days or trips abroad.
Marinating time: 2–24 hours,
Cooking time: 20–30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 6 peaches
• Olive oil
• 16 courgettes with their flowers
• Fine salt
Sunflower-seed gazpacho
• 110g toasted sunflower seeds
• 25g bread, roughly chopped
• ¾ cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
• ½ garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 400ml oat milk
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 teaspoons sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt, pinch of black pepper
METHOD
1 Mix together the sunflower seeds with the bread, cucumber and garlic. Add the milk, olive oil, sherry vinegar and seasoning, mix well and leave to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours.
2 Blend the gazpacho until smooth, check the seasoning and adjust to taste.
3 Cut the peaches in half and remove the stone. Cut each half into 4 wedges, lightly salt and very lightly oil. Place on a griddle pan or barbecue for a few minutes to allow them to take on some of the char and to soften slightly.
4 Next, separate the flowers from the courgettes. Cut the courgettes lengthways and season lightly with fine salt and oil. Place the courgette on the griddle or barbecue and cook for approx. 2–3 minutes on each side until almost cooked.
5 To plate up, place the peaches and courgettes on the plate. Drizzle with the sunflower-seed gazpacho. Tear the courgette flowers into petals and place randomly. Roughly chop the remaining sunflower seeds and sprinkle over.
Serves 8
I was very fortunate to grow up sailing on the west coast of Scotland on my family holidays. So from a young age, I was around beautiful seafood, scallops in particular. Admittedly, I did eat them deepfried, but as a child this was incredible!
Cooking time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 3 large sweetheart cabbages, halved
• 2 scallops per person (approx. 50g/1¾oz per scallop)
• Olive oil
• 120g butter, plus 1 tablespoon for the scallops
• 300g white picked crab meat
• 2 oranges, segmented and diced
• 30g anchovies, drained and chopped into small pieces
• Salt and pepper
Pangrattato
• 50g (1¾oz) breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• Zest of 1 orange
METHOD
1 Begin by making the pangrattato
as this can be done in advance.
2 Separately toast the breadcrumbs and fennel seeds, taking the breadcrumbs to a golden brown colour. Chop the toasted fennel seeds slightly, then mix through the breadcrumbs. Finally, zest the orange into the mix.
3 Blanch the cabbage halves in boiling water for approx. 2 minutes until almost cooked, then cut the halves into halves again and sear in a hot pan to get a nice char on each side.
4 Start cooking the scallops. Season them on both sides, then place in a hot pan with a little oil. Make sure to get a nice even, golden brown colour on each side. Finish by adding a tablespoon of butter and once it has melted, use the foaming butter to baste the scallops. This helps the scallops cook through and adds a delicious buttery nuttiness.
5 Gently melt the remaining butter and add the crab, orange and chopped anchovies. To plate up, add a tablespoon of the anchovy, crab and orange mix in between the layers of cabbage. Finish by covering the top of the cabbage with the remaining crab mix, sprinkle with pangrattato and place the scallops next to the cabbage on the plate.
courgette, sunflowerseed gazpacho, toasted
Serves 8
Beautiful ingredients and joyful eating experiences are commonly an antidote to stress and sadness, and therefore food is always integral to good health, body or mind. Rice pudding is such a nostalgic dish for me, and for a lot of people, bringing back memories of childhood, and always decorated with a big dollop of jam. My recipe is the more grown-up version of what has come to be one of my favourite desserts of all time; you can’t but be happy when you eat it.
Cooking time: 2 hours
Apricot jam
• 375g (13 oz) fresh apricots
• 50ml (2fl oz) water
• 225g (8oz) sugar
• Juice ½ lemon
Rice pudding
• 100g (3½oz) butter
• 220g (8oz) pudding rice
• 1 litre (1 ¾ pints) almond milk
• 250ml (9fl oz) cream
• 100g (3½oz) sugar
Parkin
• 100g (3 ½oz) golden (corn) syrup
• 40g (1 ½oz) treacle
• 40g (1 ½oz) light soft brown sugar
• 100g (3 ½oz) butter
• 50g (1 ¾oz) oatmeal
• 125g (4 ½oz) self-raising flour
• ½ tablespoons ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ egg
• 10g (¾oz) stem ginger, chopped Almond crunch
• 60g (2oz) flaked almonds
• 40g (1 ½oz) feuilletine flakes
• 110g (3 ¾oz) almond butter
• 60g (2 ¾oz) icing (confectioner’s) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Parkin
• 6 fresh apricots
• 2 packets of edible flowers
All the elements to this dish can be made in advance.
1 To make the apricot jam, halve 375g of apricots and remove the stones. Place them in a pot with the water. Slowly bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the apricots start to break down. Add the sugar and lemon juice, bring to the boil and cook until the jam reaches the setting point – 105°C. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
2 To make the rice pudding, melt
the butter, add the rice and sauté for approx. 30 seconds, allowing the butter to start foaming and go brown. Add the almond milk, cream and sugar, bring to a boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer for around 30 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pot. Keep checking to see if it’s cooked. Once cooked, strain through a sieve, reserving the liquid, and place the rice in a container covered with some clingfilm to avoid it getting a skin. Do the same with the cooking liquid. Allow both to cool and then refrigerate.
3 Preheat the oven to 180°C, Gas Mark 4. To make the parkin, melt the syrup, treacle, light brown sugar and butter together until the sugar has dissolved.
4 Mix with the oatmeal, self-raising flour and ground ginger and stir into the syrup mixture, then add the milk, half an egg and the stem ginger. Spread thinly onto a parchment paper-lined tray and bake for 10 minutes. Take out of the oven and break into smaller pieces, then cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until crispy when cool. Once baked and cooled, chop down into smaller pieces (approx. 1cm/1/2 inch).
5 To make the almond crunch, toast the flaked almonds in an oven preheated to 170°C, Gas Mark 3 for approx. 10 minutes. Check and move the nuts around on the tray every few minutes. When golden brown, remove from the oven and allow to cool. Mix all the almond crunch ingredients together – you will have to use your hands to incorporate all the butter and icing sugar. Now that this is made, you can mix it together with the ginger parkin. Gradually start adding the rice cooking liquor to the cooked rice until you are satisfied with the consistency – it should be slightly loose.
6 Halve the apricots, remove the stones and cut into approx. 1cm pieces.
7 Now everything is prepared, you can plate up. Place the apricot jam in the base of the bowl, then spoon the rice into the bowls on top of the jam. Finish by sprinkling the ginger and almond crunch on top and decorate with edible flowers.
By ANTHONY PEART
• This is the perfect combination of rum, lime and sugar. Perfectly balanced acidity and sweetness, highly qua able and my number one drink of all time. Pour 50ml of premium white rum into the base of a shaker with ice and add the juice of one lime and three level teaspoons of caster sugar. Snap your lid on and shake for 20 seconds. Strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass or coupe and enjoy!
GIN & JAM
• I serve this absolute little banger of an aperitif at The Hand & Flowers. My twist on a contemporary classic. In your shaker, pour 30ml of dandelion & burdock gin (I use Berkshire Botanical), 20ml of damson liqueur, two teaspoons of strawberry & rose jam and the juice of half a lime. Shake for 20 seconds and strain through a tea strainer to remove any pulp or seeds from the jam.
• A classic that packs a pretty punch! This drink was named after the French cannon for a reason and requires your champagne to be as bubbly as possible. To a shaker pour 25ml of premium London dry gin, 25ml fresh lemon juice and two teaspoons of caster sugar. Strain into a champagne flute and top up with champagne.
• Gin, fresh lime juice, caster sugar, done. The Gimlet, in my opinion, is very versatile. Some will say that this is essentially a daiquiri with the rum being swapped for gin. London Dry is the best variation of gin to use due to the concentrated notes of juniper running throughout the drink. Pour 50ml of premium London Dry gin into the base of a shaker with ice and add the juice of one lime and two level teaspoons of caster sugar. Shake for 10 seconds. Strain the liquid into a chilled glass.
• Trader Vic’s recipe is the one for me, as it represents the strong rum without over sweetening the drink. Simple and concise flavours; I love the rum, the almond syrup, triple sec. The perfume of a smacked mint sprig rounds o this tropical delight. This drink calls for 50ml of pot still rum, 15ml triple sec, 10ml orgeat (almond syrup), 10ml sugar syrup and the juice of one lime. Add all the ingredients to a shaker and shake with ice for 10 seconds. Strain into an ice filled tumbler and garnish with a sprig of mint. Make sure to release the mint oils by smacking on the back of your hand.
thehandandflowers.co.uk
A fresh vision. A personal approach. A respect for nature’s calendar. A passion for stories. A sense of nostalgia.
Radiating summer, the Berry's 18ct yellow gold and diamond Serpenti collection is a captivating snakeinspired range of fine jewellery pieces that hug the body like warm sunshine. Each piece boasts a twisting design that echoes a serpent's coiling body along with round brilliant and marquise cut diamonds that catch the light. Also available in 18ct white gold, discover the collection at berrysjewellers.co.uk
Why every creation from Marloe Watch Company is pieced together with love and a passion
In 2015, being the inquisitive type, Oliver Go e decided to replace the dead battery in his fairly pricey, branded watch. When he opened it up, however, he discovered a disappointing reality. Staring back at him was a hollow case with an underwhelming, plastic quartz movement inside. The watch felt heartless and Oliver was sure he could make something better. He went in search of a partner and soon met Gordon Fraser, an industrial designer who shared his passion for doing things properly. Oliver and Gordon agreed on a plan to create a welldesigned, beautifully engineered watch, with a mechanical beating heart, for the price of a high street fashion watch.
Within 12 months, the first mechanical Marloe watch was sold and Marloe Watch Company was born. In the years since they are proud of the reputation they’ve built in the flourishing British watch industry.
It takes inspiration, craftsmanship and patience to make a beautiful mechanical watch. They put those same qualities into everything they do, from meticulous design research to lifetime customer service. When you first unbox your Marloe watch and feel its heart ticking in your hand, they think you’ll agree that it’s well worth waiting for.
They know the value of time. They know how fast it can speed by, and how easy it can be to fritter away. In an age where everything is instant and disposable, they want to create something enduring: a Marloe watch isn’t just about keeping time, it’s about spending it well.
A mechanical watch is a symbol of human ingenuity, craftsmanship and endeavour. Every watch is inspired by a story of human endeavour – of people who dedicated their time to something extraordinary.
Their passion, belief and tenacity helped them achieve what others thought was impossible. These were people who challenged themselves, who never took the easy path
or cut corners. They knew that nothing worthwhile comes easy and that it’s worth taking the time to do things properly.
Their design process includes immersing themselves in these stories for months, unearthing evocative details that influence every design decision.
They give their customers regular insights into the process through online films and blog posts. Every watch is delivered with a specially designed booklet retelling the backstory and how it translates into the design details.
Their watches are produced in batches of up to 1,000 and each watch is finished with a unique serial number. Their commitment to high standards and uncompromising attention to detail means they quality check every single watch by hand.
They hope that wherever your Marloe watch takes you, and whatever adventures you share, it’s time well spent.
marloewatchcompany.com
“IT TAKES INSPIRATION, CRAFTMANSHIP AND PATIENCE TO MAKE A BEAUTIFUL MECHANICAL WATCH”
LES
This Mermaid Is Real swimsuit,
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18K
BERRY'S JEWELLERS
Lalique Papillon 18ct Yellow Gold-Plated & Peach Crystal Earrings, £230.50 berrysjewellers.co.uk
Yellow Gold Bangles with Emeralds, Diamonds, Pearls, Coral, Amethyst, and Sapphires, £11,721- £13,305 jennablake.com
Large Cuore 18K Gold, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant, £9,490 net-a-porter.com
ASPIGA DEMI DRESS, £100 NAISHA SANDAL, £58 SILK TOTE BAG, £220
For the perfect summer hues, look no further than the latest from Aspiga, found at their Lavershot Barns, Windlesham, store and online
ASPIGA CORA DRESS, £160 DISC SANDALS, £58 HAT, £45
ASPIGA BILLIE DRESS, £180 PANAMA HAT, £45
LANEIGE
Laneige has teamed up with Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney to launch the brand's new Hydration Deep Dive campaign. Highlighting her favourite products, the Euphoria star said of the brand's Lip Sleeping Mask: "It's a cult classic for a reason", £21. spacknk.com
Award-winning Doctor Nyla Raja is a trusted darmatology GP and skin specialist, who has practised medicine for over 20 years and delivered over 100,000 life-changing treatments, earning the admiration of industry experts worldwide. She is the Founder and Medical Director of The Medispa Group, with stunning clinics located in Cheshire, Liverpool and London, providing patients with the highest standard of care and service. Her clinics feature state-of-the-art equipment, she is a pioneer in innovative treatments such as EMFACE, Morpheus8, and her bespoke Transformational Facelift treatment.
Doctor Nyla Medispa have the latest technologies to help contour and transform the body. The CoolSculpting Elite is even more powerful and with larger sized applicators to freeze even more fat - the results are seen even quicker than traditional CoolSculpting. One of the best things about CoolSculpting Elite is that we can treat two areas at once. You can have both arms treated at the same time, making the treatment much more efficient for busy lifestyles. With the treatment typically taking 35 minutes, and results noticeable within three weeks.
• The largest Ultracel Clinic outside of London.
• Winner of the prestigious “BTL Face of the year” award.
• The largest Skin Tightening clinic in the United Kingdom.
• “Clinic of the year 2019/20” at the Safety in Beauty Awards.
• The only Diamond Premiere Coolsculpting clinic outside London and the second largest Coolsculpting clinic in Europe.
• Anti-wrinkle injections
• Dermal fillers
• Dissolving lip fillers
• Coolsculpting fat removal
• Emerald laser
• M22 laser
• Profhilo
• Emsculpt
• Ultherapy
• Exilis elite
• Transformation facelift
• Emface
• Artas hair transplant
• Beard transplant
• Fue hair transplant
• 8 point facelift
• Aqualyx fat dissolving
• Carbon laser peel
EMSCULPT is the only procedure which helps women and men build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. In addition, EMSCULPT provides the world’s first non-invasive buttock lift.
Exilis Elite uses radiofrequency to gently heat the dermis and cause new collagen growth deep within the dermal layer. When used as a bodysculpting treatment, it also targets unwanted fat cells using radiofrequency waves, breaking fat cells down so that the body can safely
EMSCULPT is based on highintensity focused electromagnetic energy. A single EMSCULPT session causes thousands of powerful muscle contractions which are extremely important in improving the tone and strength of your muscles.
The BTL Unison is a safe, noninvasive treatment which targets cellulite at the root cause instead of just superficially. This helps to drastically improve the appearance of unwanted cellulite dimples. The combination of
carry them away. It’s the ideal body solution – reducing body fat and tightening the skin, all without the need for surgery! The award-winning Exilis Elite is a clinically proven treatment to help. you contour your body and reduce stubborn pockets of fat.
using monopolar radiofrequency at the same time as targeted pressure energy works by remodelling the collagen deep within the skin and removes metabolic waste while increasing blood flow to the area.
At Doctor Nyla Medispa, we provide complimentary consultations to evaluate each patient’s needs, enabling us to deliver the highest quality care by crafting customised treatment plans that cater to their specific ob ectives.
Berkshire-based Dr Raj Arora on why she launched The Facebible at Fairmont Windsor Park and how Virginia Water helps her get away from it all
By MARK KEBBLE
Q How would you describe yourself as a GP?
A Friendly, approachable and professional. I like to create a community feel and to get to know my patient’s well. I am always willing to learn and grow my own knowledge base as well as learning how best to communicate that information to my patients. At a time where GPs are constantly slammed in the press for all the shortcomings of the “system”, I like to believe that I work with integrity and try to address my patient’s concerns as best as I can even in a pressured clinic environment.
Q How do you look to empower your patients?
A Through providing them with the knowledge that they need to take control of their own health. I am always there to support and advise my patients, but I feel that ultimately a doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. I like to treat it with respect and to have a two-way dialogue at all times. Patient centred care is very important to me. It’s empowering for patients to have a choice, and to make an informed choice when it comes down to their own health.
Q Why did you launch The Facebible?
A I was seeing awful complications from injectables as an A&E doctor and felt that it was worrying that there was such a lack of regulation in the industry. I wanted to launch an ethical aesthetics clinic, where treatments are carried out professionally, complications are managed correctly and most of all provide a space that was safe and accredited. I also noted that as a GP so many young people came to my clinic with issues surrounding their appearance. They wanted to look like a “filter” version of themselves or wanted to emulate reality TV celebrities (who had had a lot of “work done”). I deeply believe that there is beauty in diversity and that our perceived aesthetic “flaws” make us unique. Preserving ethnicity and ensuring that treatments are carried out responsibly is so important to me. I ensure that all of this takes place at The Facebible Clinic. I also wanted to o er a 360 integrated wellness service with health, private GP, skin and aesthetic treatments all under one roof. I am so incredibly proud of the services.
“I deeply believe that there is beauty in diversity”DR RAJ ARORA
Q What kind of things do you o er there?
A Skin treatments from bespoke facials all the way through to non-invasive face lift treatments like Morpheus 8. We have over 200 treatments on our menu. We also o er health services from private GP appointments, blood tests, smear tests to cancer screening and much more.
Q Why was The Fairmont the perfect location for The Facebible?
A I was keen to make it a relaxing, calm yet still clinical setting. The Fairmont is a luxury retreat in Windsor Park. It focuses around wellness and this made it the perfect place for me to launch. I always knew I didn’t want my patients to feel like they were on a “conveyor belt”. We have the time to spend with our patients and it never feels rushed or incomplete. There is a real comparison to my NHS clinics.
Q How do you look to manage your work/life balance?
A I try to set time aside for downtime, time to reset and focus on self care. I'm a big believer in the idea that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Having experienced physical burnout before it has encouraged me to try and focus on achieving a work/life balance. I have a toddler so it’s not always the easiest thing to achieve, but trying is the first step and most weeks I think I am doing ok!
Q Whereabouts in Berkshire do you live?
A I live in Virginia Water and I love being surrounded by nature and fresh air. A walk in Savill Gardens always feels good! I like the fact that it’s not crowded and that everyone knows each other. It’s a friendly place to live. Windsor is also not too far away and the cobbled streets are always a treat for a spot of shopping!
Q What can you tell us about The Arora Foundation?
A The Arora Foundation was founded in 2010. To date it has raised over £4 million for worthy causes. My mother in law Sunita and I run the charitable ball every two years and since joining we have raised a total combined amount of over £2 million for causes such as Macmillan Cancer, Diabetes UK, BHF, Thames Hospice and the Royal Marsden. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a family.
Q Do you have plenty of ambitions still burning within you?
A Yes. There is so much I still want to achieve both in my career as a doctor, but also as a health educator – the power and role of technology and social media in health education really excites me. I also want to champion for health equity and to push for equal rights when it comes to women and ethnic minority groups, especially when looking at peri and post natal mental health. As an aesthetic doctor, I want to see more responsibility in the industry when it comes to treatments and younger patients. These are all areas that I am already working in and hope to grow further and to see the change we so desperately need.
Discover more by visiting thefacebible.com
“I was keen to make The Facebible a relaxing, calm setting”THE FAIRMONT WINDSOR PARK INSIDE THE FACEBIBLE
This six week treatment programme from CALECIM® helps to reduce hair shedding and loss, stimulates hair growth by reinvigorating the follicle, and has no known side effects. £315. calecimprofessional.com
EARL OF EAST
Earl of East has added a multi-use ‘all over oil’ to their Shinrin-Yoku collection. Containing seven natural and organic oils extracted from almond, Jojoba, sa ower, grapeseed, black pepper, cedarwood, and juniper berry, it can be used on the skin, hair, and in the bath. £55. earlofeast.com
This non-greasy face oil, not only smells heavenly but contains locally sourced pure plant extracts that are said to boost collagen levels, prevent sun damage, and help to ease anxiety and stress. £30. n8faceoil.co.uk
When it comes to achieving your desired physique, there are countless fitness trends and technologies available. One innovative and highly e ective option gaining attention is Emsculpt Neo. This groundbreaking treatment combines the power of high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology with radiofrequency (RF) energy to provide impressive body contouring and muscle-building results. The HIFEM technology induces intense muscle contractions, equivalent to thousands of sit-ups or squats, resulting in increased muscle mass and enhanced definition. Meanwhile, the RF energy helps break down fat cells, leading to significant fat reduction. It is non-invasive and painless: during a session, you simply lie back and relax as the device delivers targeted energy to the desired treatment area. It is also quick and e cient: Emsculpt Neo o ers a timee cient solution, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. With no recovery time required, you can conveniently fit these sessions into your busy schedule. And expect long-lasting results: the increase in muscle mass and reduction in fat cells achieved through this treatment can be maintained through a healthy lifestyle – and you can enjoy the sculpted physique and toned muscles for years to come.
Find out more by visiting berkshireaesthetics.com
HANDS FREE
Touchscreen friendly, this lightweight and breathable armband from Lululemon is the perfect phone holder for listening to all your favourite upbeat tunes on long distance runs, £35. lululemon.co.uk
Super lightweight, the Garmin Forerunner® 965 gives you advanced training metrics and recovery insights, has built-in maps, and up to 31 hours of battery life in GPS mode, £599.99. garmin.com
Your Liver Clinic’ with de-liver-ance puts your liver health to the test…
Most people associate cirrhosis of the liver with drinking. So as someone who only has an occasional G&T, I don’t feel very nervous when I’m invited to Dr Federica Amati PhD’s ‘De-Code Your Liver Clinic’.
night's takeaway, I’m suddenly feeling slightly less confident. The FibroScan device uses soundwaves to measure the sti ness of the liver. There’s some light thumping on my side and after a few minutes the nurse tells me that my liver actually looks very healthy.
The Cloud X 3 Shi trainers from On Running are designed for everyday training. The CloudTec®sole gives superior cushioning, whilst the Speedboard® energises your step, £150. on-running.com
The first step of the process is a FibroScan and blood test at The Light Centre. As I lie down on the bed, the specialist nurse explains to me that the liver is responsible for 500 vital functions as well as the e ciency and health of our entire system. Everything we put in our body can have an impact on our liver health. As I think back to last
A week later, I’m scheduled in with Dr Amati. It’s good news – my bloods have also indicated that my liver is functioning well. I explain that I follow a plantbased and low sugar diet and she tells me that it’s clearly paid o .
Dr Amati, who has a PhD in clinical medicine, a Masters in Public Health, and is an AfN registered nutritionist, works with patients with a variety of
health concerns – from high blood pressure and cholesterol, to infertility and menopause.
I ask what the next steps would be if my results weren’t so optimal. Dr Amati asks her clients to make a food diary and then she puts together a long term plan for them. This includes a course of de-liver-ance, an antioxidant rich, plant-based elixir that helps to rejuvenate the liver.
The whole experience has been an enlightening one and it will definitely make me more conscious about taking care of my liver health.
loveyourliver.com
From £97 (excluding blood test)
RIPPLES NEWBURY
With over 35 years' experience designing bathrooms, the team at Ripples understands that the process can sometimes be daunting. Its designers are experts on all aspects of bathrooms and, inside this month’s section, one expert from Ripples Newbury answers some of the more pressing questions when it comes to a new space to get away from it all. ripplesbathrooms.com
An award-winning local architect writes about a fabric first approach to minimising energy consumption
By LAIRA
“A fabric first approach means designing the building to the highest standard possible”
PICCINATO
In my current role, I lead the HollandGreen – an architect company who have worked on a host of projects across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire – vision to design ethical buildings and landscapes via practical, sustainable solutions that realise beautiful and timeless designs. I am an accredited Passive House designer and a specialist in sustainable design.
A fabric first approach means designing the building – the materials and components from which it is made – to the highest standard possible before considering any electrical, mechanical or technological system integrations. By designing the fabric (sometimes referred to as the envelope of the building) to such a high standard of execution within the brief and budget, means we will be minimising the future energy consumption of the building. Minimal ‘tech’ will be needed, and the tech that is employed will be designed to operate most e ciently.
Our architects and technologists work holistically on the design of a new build home regarding: maximising air tightness; minimizing solar gains in summer; ensuring very high levels of insulation; optimising natural ventilation; using thermal mass (the building’s capacity to absorb, store and release heat); analysing the optimum orientation of the building in relation to the sun’s path and wind direction also makes a significant contribution to the e cacy of a fabric first approach, and subsequently the energy consumption of the home.
It’s not just a positive impact on minimising the home’s energy consumption. A building that is designed intelligently, with energy e ciency at the heart of its ethos, is easier for homeowners to operate. As occupants, they don’t need to rely on complex technology to deal with, for instance, overheating, because overheating shouldn’t happen in the first place. User comfort is at the core of the
design, meaning the homeowners don’t need to change their behaviour to operate the building. It is – and feels – intuitive, natural and very comfortable to live in.
For Water’s Edge, a contemporary new riverside home led by a brief for masses of light and openness down to the river, we designed solar shading in the form of shutters which take into account the angle of the sun’s penetration into the building, and also blinds that sail over the rooflights so as not to allow the sun to hit the glass during the warmest parts of the day.
Despite the large areas of glazing taking advantage of the wonderful river views, large openings allow plenty of fresh air into the building to optimise natural ventilation, and high levels of insulation throughout the walls, roof and floor keep the interior temperature ambient and comfortable throughout the year.
At our new build Ash House, a finalist in the House of Year at the British Homes Award 2021, our clients wanted a home with sustainability at its core – and its daily running.
We designed the building’s external envelope with U-Values below those required under Building Regulations, with the air permeability value also well above
the standard specification. This means the heating in the winter and cooler air in the summer can be retained, leakage is minimal, and less energy is needed to keep the desired internal temperature.
Our clients were committed to designing as environmentally-friendly a new home as possible as they converted an old dutch barn in Buckinghamshire. From the beginning we developed the designs in 3D, enabling the owners to visualise and personalise their building during the design process.
Our sustainable design took a fabric first, holistic view of the building within
its environment. We maximised its lowimpact credentials by capitalising on the south-oriented façade to ensure maximum natural light and designed large southfacing windows, and we ensured a highly insulated construction throughout, beyond the building regulation requirements and using eco-friendly insulation.
We conducted extensive SAP calculations (for energy e ciencies) to achieve a high-spec rating, again delivering beyond compliance, and we worked with the existing frame structure to achieve airtightness and tackle any thermal bridges.
A striking contemporary new home and recipient of the Berkhamsted Design Excellence Environment Award and BUILD’s South East Replacement Home Design Award, The Hide was designed to have the highest insulation and taping to compensate as much as possible for a conventional heating system. It went on to receive one of the highest possible air tightness ratings.
HollandGreen is an award-winning, multidisciplinary studio of architects, interior designers and landscape designers founded in 2010. Our breadth of expertise combining architecture, interior design and landscape design, together with our turn-key service, makes us unique in what we do.
hollandgreen.co.uk
(Photos by Martin Gardner)
“We maximised its low-impact credentials by capitalising on the south-orientated facade to ensure maximum natural light”ASH HOUSE HIGH INSULATION AT ASH HOUSE SOLAR SHADING SHUTTERS THE HIDE
An extensive palette of pigment rich, premium paint colours.
Sta an and Monique Tollgård are acclaimed for their luxurious designs, but what about their own Beaconsfield home? The former invites us in for a peek
By STAFFAN TOLLGÅRD
e have called Beaconsfield home now for eight years. Monique and I wanted a countryside retreat, somewhere we could feel closer to nature and further from work! We are happy to share that we found what we were looking for. Our garden is part of an historic woodland with a forest of bluebells in spring – it’s quite magical.
As soon as we saw the house, we fell in love with it – the kids called it House Number One, as it was the first house the estate agent took us to visit. It’s a six-bedroom, three-storey house that was built in 2014; we went for ‘new’ instead of a classic period house. The house is contemporary in feel, so we have tried to respect this but bring in texture, warmth, and colour where we can.
WThe home was just a year old when we bought it so we didn’t make huge changes – the open-plan layouts and arrangement of space around the central staircase were what attracted us to the house in the first place. The interiors are modern but not cold, and we injected colour and personality through a layer of art, cushions and accessories. We added bronzed doors to the kitchen and changed the cloakroom completely for a more American-craftindustrial feel, introducing aged-barn wood on one wall and a concrete basin with a hefty tap to create a bit of a talking point in the smallest room in the house.
The biggest change was to the master bedroom. We wanted to maximise storage
space in this room, and the solution was to bring the bed into the centre of the room and to add wardrobes and shoe storage behind the headboard that’s clad in the same reclaimed wood as we used in the cloakroom. We chose Lema’s plaster finish for the wardrobes to make sure the room feels serene and calm. The hero is the view of the trees beyond.
As a design practice, Tollgård Studio uses the Scandinavian idea of the red thread in every project as a shorthand to describe the creative design DNA that runs through a project. Pulling together clues from the architecture, from the cultural history, environment, from the client’s own personalities and the questions of living
“THE HOUSE IS CONTEMPORARY IN FEEL, BUT WE HAVE BROUGHT IN TEXTURE, WARMTH AND COLOUR WHERE WE CAN”
that need to be solved by the design, the red thread draws a protective framework around the project, linking architecture with interiors, client with design.
Functional sculpture is one of the red threads that run through the design of our own home, captured in various American-manufactured luminaires as well as the concrete basin, metal-clad kitchen, curvaceous master bath and the striking metal fireplace in the main reception room. Aged barn wood, burnished metal and natural fabrics and fibres soften the architectural lines and help to bring the exterior setting into the house.
Born out of a shared passion for design, the Tollgård Studio is run and managed by Inchbald-educated, husband-and-wife team, Staffan and Monique Tollgård. A background in feature film and documentary production characterises their work: a commitment to the power of storytelling, to the narrative that their clients bring to the history of the buildings in which they work and the shared stories of the design objects they curate.
Increasingly they have become interested in how to help families live more meaningful, balanced, and connected lives together. While the balance of form and function is at the head of their practice, you might say the heart of their work is about how to create spaces and opportunities for family time and personal growth. Music, reading, gardening, cooking, homework, games ... these are some of the family rituals that a wellplanned house can incorporate.
They are clear that family-centric design means spending time with your family. They have reorganised their working life so that one of them is always able to pick up and fetch the kids, working from home those days. Their clients and their kids can always expect a Tollgård. They just might now know which one if they change the date of a meeting. They feel that this experience of juggling work and home life is invaluable to their clients.
They speak knowledgeably about the importance of the rituals of home life and the space and functions required because they are busy cra ing them at home too.
Our design ethos is to be bold but not brash. We like to design with the idea that the longer you stay in a room, the more nuggets you find. Like a movie, the more you watch, the more you notice. Around every corner, you should find at least one thing that grabs your attention: a bold piece of art, furniture or sculpture. Texture is one of the most important ingredients in the design palette that runs through the interiors and helps to ensure that it feels modern but not cold. We’ve injected colour through art, cushions and accessories and created little vignettes throughout the house that make
“This corner-hugging set provides the ultimate in social dining for small gatherings.”
With good looks and practicality in mind, the clever height-changing table offers versatility to your entertaining options - coffee table by day, dining table by night. Sink back and relax on the sofa or perch on the handy stools which can be tucked away when not in use.
Full collection available at Daniel of Windsor, shop in-store & online: www.danielstores.co.uk
01753 801 000
Mauritius Mini Corner Sofa with Dual Height Table & 2 Stools
us stop and remember, reflect, or just smile. We call them corners of contemplation.
Our absolute favourite accessories are the lithographs by Mark Francis done at Edition Copenhagen. We brought them with us when we first moved and had them framed in Perspex and placed above the Living Divani sofa in the open-plan living area. Each one brings its own energy and vibrance to the room and we never get tired of looking at them.
For the master bedroom, the palette is very calm and textured: plaster finish of the wardrobes, and the aged barn wood are accented by a silvery grey Navajo-style woven fabric from Mulberry and linen curtains from Romo.
We think that kids’ rooms should be fun, but not overly childish. We like to acknowledge children’s unique personalities with open storage for them to personalise their space with lots of colour, texture and pattern. We like one bold wall of colour, often behind the bed, so it’s not overwhelming when kids are going to sleep at night-time. We put gra ti art behind one of the boy’s bedroom walls and a bold stripe on the other.
The open-plan spaces in our home are great for entertaining to bring together eclectic collections, natural materials, and opportunities for family life. Design classics like the Finn Juhl Chieftain chair and Indigenus planters act as functional sculptures and create moments for connection. The sofas are low and long and the mohair rug is deliberately easy-going.
The kitchen is industrial chic, with an American Modo chandelier from Roll and Hill adding to the craft feel. Designing with ‘industrial craft’ in mind is familyfriendly: the sturdy leather and steel Kekke dining chairs by Piet Boon have a worn quality to the leather – a wabi-sabi
approach to life is more relaxing than the perfectionist alternative. We have not strived to create a perfect home: the marble dining table has marks and scratches, but it’s the real deal and we love it. The open-plan kitchen/dining/living is my favourite room. It opens up onto a terrace and the garden and it houses a wood-burning stove that I have a warm relationship with. This kind of fire requires maintenance, but we have a fire time ritual that starts with gathering wood from the garden, continues with cleaning out the fireplace, moves to making a new fire and finally the feeling of it slowly warming the house.
tollgardstudio.com
“A WABI-SABI APPROACH TO LIFE IS MORE RELAXING THAN THE PERFECTIONIST ALTERNATIVE”
This kitchen features a design that e ortlessly marries simplicity, elegance and functionality, using a combination of ‘Natural Nut Tree’ and ‘Blossom White’ doors alongside the exquisite Neolith ‘Himalayan Crystal’ worktops. With a soft and elegant colour palette, this kitchen embodies a sense of tranquility and warmth. The customer wanted a natural and organic feel to the kitchen. The warm tones and distinctive grain patterns of the ‘Nut Tree’ doors lends a touch of rustic charm, whilst the matt lacquered ‘Blossom White’ provides a clean and modern backdrop. Together they create a harmonious balance that is visually appealing and soothing. The porcelain worktops in Neolith’s Himalayan Crystal finish add a luxurious touch which is enhanced by its satin finish. The combination of the durability and stunning aesthetics makes them an ideal choice for a kitchen that aims for both style and practicality. Ensuring a modern finish, the LED lighting is adjustable and integrated into the kitchen, allowing the client to easily control the mood and atmosphere of the space. The play of light and shadow further accentuates the textures and tones of the materials, creating a captivating visual experience.
The client’s request for a muted colour palette that still exudes warmth is achieved with this design. The soft and elegant tones create a serene ambience, fostering a sense of tranquility and comfort in the kitchen. The clean lines and uncluttered layout further allow for easy navigation and smooth workflow. This kitchen goes above and beyond meeting the client’s expectations as it harmoniously blends aesthetics, functionality and the desired ambience. The use of the warm finishes and modern Siemens appliances achieves a
balance between visual appeal, practicality and the desired serene and inviting atmosphere. This kitchen design captures the essence of simplicity, elegance and e ciency. The choice of materials, colour palette, lighting and appliances all contribute to a space that is both visually stunning and highly functional. Whether the client is cooking, entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet moment, this kitchen o ers a quiet and inviting environment for the client and their loved ones to gather and create lasting memories, all while ensuring an ergonomic design that will stand the test of time.
To find your nearest Poggenpohl dealer, visit poggenpohl.com or phone 01737 728 100
“The client's request for a muted colour palette that still exudes warmth is achieved with this design”
Senior Designer Leanne Robey from Ripples Newbury answers commonly asked bathroom-related questions
Q With Pinterest, Instagram and other great tools, can’t I just design my bathroom myself? Do I really need a bathroom designer?
A Although there are a lot of great tools out there to give you style inspiration these days, there are so many other things to be considered when designing a bathroom. Considerations around plumbing, electrics and room layout are best handled by a professional. If you are anything like me, you will have a lot of images on your Pinterest boards or magazine collection, encompassing a number of di erent styles. A Ripples designer can work with you to narrow down your choices, incorporating your inspiration into one cohesive scheme. Designers can also take the stress out of sourcing all of the products for your space, using their specialist knowledge to find the products which will work best for you.
Q What lighting do I need in a bathroom?
A The first level of lighting needed for all bathrooms will be either downlights or a central light. This is controlled by one switch and gives you the overall lighting needed for general use and cleaning. The next level of lighting is task lighting. This could include lighting within your mirror or wall lights either side of the mirror. Wherever possible, go for side rather than top lighting to give a good overall lighting with minimal shadows – perfect for getting ready on dark winter mornings. The next level of lighting to consider is mood lighting. Low level lighting is key in a bathroom especially one with a bath or in an en-suite. This can be incorporated in soft spot lighting or strip lighting on top of recesses, by a bath or underneath a vanity unit.
Q What are some quick tips for creating a more eco-friendly bathroom?
A Heating: Opt for dual fuel heating as this can dramatically reduce energy usage
in your home. You can control dual fuel radiators with a timer and use heated towel rails to heat the bathroom, without having to heat the rest of the home.
Extractor fans: Choosing an extractor fan with a built-in timer and/or humidity sensor will use less energy as it switches o when not in use.
Cold-start taps: Cold-start taps are normal mixer taps which start running cold water first. These are great if you have a combi boiler as they don’t kick in unless you manually change the mixer across to hot.
Visit Ripples Newbury at 51a London Road, Newbury RG14 1JN. For more information call 01635 569900 or visit ripplesbathrooms.com
If you are thinking about using hedging in your garden, you may want to consider buying a pregrown instant hedge, whether it is evergreen instant hedging for privacy screening or the seasonal interest of a maturedeciduous hedge.
Instant hedging is available in various species and sizes up to 2m high, so how will you choose which one is best for your garden? Well, the first choice is whether you would like one that is evergreen or one that is deciduous.
Evergreen hedges maintain their foliage throughout the year. This provides screening, privacy and shelter all year round. Despite their name, an evergreen hedge isn’t just one colour! It comes in
many di erent varieties to suit your individual taste. If you like bright colours, then the apple green leaves of Griselinia could be your favourite. If shiny leaves are more your thing, then it's Common Laurel. For classic elegance, nothing can really beat the traditional Yew. Or if subtle greys are what your garden needs, then Elaeagnus would be perfect.
Deciduous hedges tend to shed their leaves in the winter. They o er yearround seasonal interest from flowers, coloured foliage, or autumn fruits.
Hawthorn, for example, has an abundant display of white scented early spring blossom, and red haws in the autumn. Both Beech (Green and Purple) and Hornbeam have wonderful autumn bursts of coloured foliage, and Beech retains most of its leaves through the winter
too. Native Mix hedging replicates the traditional country hedgerows found across Britain and local wildlife will be attracted by the food and shelter opportunities. There are many more varieties of instant hedge that will help make your garden your perfect outdoor space.
RHS HAMPTON COURT 2023
The Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, set in the stunning grounds of the Historic Royal Palace in Richmond upon Thames, is the world’s largest annual flower show, with over 130,000 visitors attending the show each year. Every year, top garden designers choose Practicality Brown’s hedges and trees as an integral part of their show garden, forming an important green backdrop or as part of the structure within the design itself. This year, Practicality Brown will be exhibiting at Hampton Court, showcasing Practical Instant Hedge™ and evergreen screening trees on their trade stand and garden installation.
If you are attending RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival between 4-9 July, go and find them at location number HC294. Experts will be on hand to provide advice and information on their instant hedging and screening trees.
Alternatively, if you would like to visit their nursery in Iver, Bucks or to talk to their Horticultural team call 01753 652022. You can also email at hedge@pracbrown.co.uk or visit pracbrown.co.uk
For over 45 years, Bridgman has rede ned modern outdoor living with award-winning outdoor collections. For a limited time, celebrate summer with up to 30% OFF modern, traditional and timeless garden furniture and accessories, beautifully handcrafted to transform your outdoor space. Visit bridgman.co.uk or your nearest Bridgman Showroom to discover the UK's favourite luxury furniture.
7 Whielden Street, Old Amersham, HP7 0HT 82 Lockfield Avenue, Brimsdown, Enfield, EN3 7PX
CUCKOOLAND Geisha Garden Parasol in Purple, £139 cuckooland.com
BRIDGMAN Kensington Dining Armchair, £599 bridgman.co.uk
BTFY Ivory Rope Hanging Garden Chair, £39.99 vonhaus.com
BRIDGMAN Monaco 3 Seater Sofa, £2,199 bridgman.co.uk
IVYLINE Handmade Honeycomb Garden Trellis, £59.99 ivylinegb.co.uk
OUT & OUT Lincoln Teak Garden Sun Lounger, £119.99 outandout.com
EDITOR’S PICK
CUCKOOLAND Pacifi c Lifestyle Rio Garden Seating Set, £499.95 cuckooland.com
SWEETPEA & WILLOW Lutyen Garden Chair, £760 sweetpeaandwillow.com
GARDENESQUE
Ancient Collection Pot, £29.99 gardenesque.com
SPARKLE LIGHTING
Solar Garden Lanterns, £38.95 sparkle.lighting
STAYCATION VINTAGE PARASOLS
Antique White Large Tassel Fringed Beach and Garden Parasol, £235 staycationvintageparasols.com
GARDEN HOUS DESIGN Cosi Cosiscoop XL Fire Lantern, £124.99 gardenhousedesign.co.uk
'Whatever you can imagine we can create' �rom conce�t to com�le�on �e can design and install � Kitchens / Dressing Rooms / Bedrooms / Boot rooms /Home Studies / Wine Cellars / Media Walls , Internal Steel Doors and much more …
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OUR TOP FIVE CANDLES RIGHT NOW
Expertly poured into The Glass Studio's distinctive handblown glassware here in the UK, the new luxury scented candle collection celebrates the relationship between scent, colour and the senses, £125. theglass.studio
DI PARMA
A new fragrance joins the Acqua di Parma Home Collection, all about the joy of giving thanks. Grazie is a common yet profound word rich in intention. It's available as a 200g candle priced at £60. harrods.com
The Mefiye Dua candle includes notes of classic florals such as jasmine and rose, with the addition of neroli and bergamot along with cedarwood and clementine. It's a proper delight at £30. mefiyelondon.com
AromAI is a unique candle company on a mission to bring you captivating, plant-based fragrances that are expertly designed by artificial intelligence and lovingly hand-poured by a dedicated team of human artisans, £27. aromai.co.uk
This candle collection is designed around the world's best nightclubs, by city. Examples include the Wag (limoncello, orange, hot red pepper) and Upstairs (at Ronnie Scott's: violet, rose, peach). You'll want the whole collection, £45 each. discothequefragrances.com
3 2 4
The Penny bath is an acrylic slipper bath that can be painted to match any colour. While small, it has been designed with comfort in mind as the deeper side provides more back support while enjoying a soak and relaxing. bcdesigns.co.uk
The Brooklyn ribbed glass funnel wall light's classic design disperses light in an atmospheric way, casting shadows and creating an ambient environment, perfect for illuminating a bathroom. industville.co.uk
The Keswick Mono Mixer is an era-spanning transitional tap style that combines a monobloc body with ceramic grip lever handles and a slim, elongated traditional spout. roperrhodes.co.uk
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The Sofia vanity unit from Harvey George features a combination of doors with adjustable hinges and so close drawers. The overall look and feel is traditional with a beaded detail to the shaker style door and drawer fronts. harvey-george.com
The Swan Wall Light is a discreet bone china wall light with an elegant satin chromed arm. Simple in design, it creates a flattering light that's perfect for the bathroom. originalbtc.com
There
Words PENDLE HARTE
There’s nothing original about believing that Lake Como is the most beautiful place in the world. This region has been attracting visitors since Roman times and remains a celebrity magnet; George Clooney, Madonna, Richard Branson and Sylvester Stalone are just some of the international crowd known to have villas here (as any local taxi driver will tell you). It’s easy to see why: the lake is breathtakingly beautiful, its clear waters surrounded by strikingly lush flora, with mountains in the distance and grand Italian villas and dreamy villages sprinkled around the coast.
Our destination is Tremezzina, 90 minutes’ drive from Milan and we’re feeling the part in our rented Fiat Cincquecento. There’s one road that runs around the lake and it’s a narrow and windy one, best suited to a small and nimble car. It’s only April and the tra c is already hotting up – because the only problem with Lake Como is that its beauty attracts a lot of visitors. So we’re at a definite advantage, season-wise, though it’s also not quite warm enough to swim in the lake. We pass through pretty villages with impressive churches and dreamy lake views, struck by the intriguing combination of palm trees and mountains that characterises the area.
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo transports you straight into the Belle Epoque glamour, its vast presence looming majestically from an elevated position overlooking the lake. It’s cinematic in scale and strikingly beautiful. Built in 1910, the hotel has always been family-owned and dedicated to elegance and luxury, and routinely features high up on lists of Europe’s top hotels. Open from March to November only, it avoids ever feeling dated by tweaking its interiors during the rest period – so the feeling is contemporary luxury in a traditional setting, and it’s brilliantly done. Every detail is considered, from the genius use of orange (awnings, sun umbrellas, stripes on crockery, leather accessories, even the ribbon on the doorman’s Panama hat – but think sunshine, not easyjet) to the hotel’s own scent that wafts from vast di users throughout the building. Imagine yourself in the golden
Life is good in Lake Como, especially when you’re staying at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo
age of travel, staying here before continuing onto the Venice Lido, or to a sanatorium in Switzerland, or alternatively, imagine yourself as an extra in a Wes Anderson film.
Our rooftop suite is magnificent, with a large terrace o ering views of the lake as well as the hotel’s beautiful gardens and pool, all of it spectacular. Loungers on the terrace are well-positioned, as is the sunken hot tub. Our suite is stylishly decorated in a grandeur befitting the architecture, but with a contemporary feel. There are green walls and antique cabinets, a comfortable modern sofa and a large gilt-framed mirror on the wall that, we discover to our enormous surprise – and only when coming across an unidentified remote control – is in fact a TV.
Bathroom products are all unique to the hotel, with its signature scent, and there’s even a bottle of perfume for you to use during your stay. We smell fantastic all weekend.
The hotel has five restaurants – a lot for somewhere that has fewer than 90 rooms (recent refurbishments have made the rooms bigger, which means fewer actual rooms, but more luxurious ones). La Terrazza pays tribute to the late Gualtiero Marchesi, the pioneering Italian chef credited as being the father of modern Italian cuisine. Our dinner is a feast of lobster, veal with foie gras, seabass and the signature highlight, a risotto with sa ron and a
large square of gold leaf. This comes with a certificate, because each dish is numbered – we’re 4,350 and 4,351.
Travelling around is easy by ferry from just outside the hotel. Tremezzina is 15 minutes away from Belaggio, known as the Pearl of Lake Como – it’s one of the lake’s prettiest villages and famed for its colourful centre and sillk products, while the stylish town of Menaggio is 15 minutes’ drive to the north, and the city of Como, worth a visit for its impressively ornate cathedral, is 40 minutes away, on the way to Milan. Life doesn’t get much better than a weekend on Lake Como.
grandhoteltremezzo.com
Rooms from £657 per night including breakfast + VAT. Grand Rooftop Suites start from £3,451 per night including breakfast + VAT.
“Imagine yourself in the golden age of travel, continuing on to the Venice Lido, or to a sanatorium in Switzerland”
Wellies and Windbreaks
offer the finest collection of holiday homes in the West Sussex coastal villages just south of Chichester. West Wittering is the most well known, famous for its blue flag beach with powder soft sand and the rolling dunes of East Head. The coastal villages of East Wittering, Bracklehsam Bay and Selsey, plus the Chichester Harbour villages of Itchenor and Bosham are equally as popular.
For more information visit our website: www.welliesandwindbreaks.co.uk
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
Set in miles of Cotswolds countryside and more than 150 lakes, De Vere Cotswold Water Park, is an idyllic location for a relaxing staycation this Summer.
The hotel has over 300 guest rooms including beautiful lakeside apartments that o er breath-taking views over the lakes of the Cotswold Water Park. The lakeside apartments are perfect for families and couples alike with the option of either one or two bedrooms, plus they’re dog-friendly!
The apartments o er the choice of self-catering, or you are welcome to dine in either The Brasserie or The Old Boathouse restaurants onsite. Be sure to make use of Spa 6 throughout your stay too.
01285 864 000 | waterpark.reservations@devere.com
The early bird catches the worm”, so the saying goes, and being organised when it comes to planning a holiday certainly pays dividends if you want to bag the best holiday rentals.
Holiday homes with a sea view are the most coveted and who wouldn’t want to wake up to sunlight glinting on the water and the gentle sound of rolling waves? To get ahead, the key is to know when rental agencies open their calendars for the next year.
Wellies & Windbreaks is an independent holiday rentals company with some of
the finest properties in West Wittering and the immediately surrounding West Sussex area. Those sought after beach front homes with superb sea views and direct beach access always book out first. Wellies & Windbreaks start to take bookings, or run a waiting list for those properties where owners haven’t yet released dates, from 1 July. Repeat guests always get first right of refusal on their weeks, but after that, the calendar is open.
The wonderful stretch of coastline from West Wittering through East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and on to Selsey is an uncommercial family holiday paradise. It enjoys a balmy micro-climate and views
across the Solent to the Isle of White, soft white sand and pebble beaches and is a haven for watersports enthusiasts.
There is a thriving independent retail scene and East Wittering high street in particular is bursting with shops where you can buy locally sourced and handmade produce. The area boasts some excellent local pubs, restaurants and cafes, all independently run. Nothing beats an early evening drink on the terrace at Drifters in East Wittering or fresh fish at the very popular Billy’s on the Beach in Bracklesham Bay. The Witterings are also a stepping stone to explore the wider area. There is wine tasting in the South Downs, motor sports or horse-racing at Goodwood, naval history and shopping in Portsmouth and culture in Chichester with its Festival Theatre and stunning Cathedral. Wellies & Windbreaks manage some of the best holiday rentals in the area and whatever your family size, budget, furry friend requirements or preference for location, they have something for everyone
To see the full Wellies & Windbreaks portfolio visit welliesandwindbreaks.co.uk/ or check them out on instagram at instagram.com/wellies_and_windbreaks/
Why now is the perfect time to book a holiday home by the Sussex coast, via Wellies & Windbreak’s stunning portfolio of propertiesWEST WITTERING BEACH HUTS
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In this section:
Danish children’s brand BIBS has launched an exclusive floral collaboration with iconic British brand Liberty. Liberty’s heritage prints meet BIBS’ popular pacifiers, and other new baby essentials. Seriously dreamy, this is a collection where we can honestly say we want every single piece.
bibsworld.com
@theofficialbibs
TIA CIBANI
Renowned designer Tia Cibani has launched her SS23 collection for little ones. Inspired by a family road trip, expect colourful and fun pieces made for play. tiacibani.com
NINE THE LABEL
The stylish Rhea jumpsuit from Nine The Label is made from vegan leather. The perfect wearanywhere piece, it can be worn whether you have a bump or not. ninethelabel.com
SLEEPYTROLL
Recreating the rocking motion of the womb, the Sleepytroll helps your little one to sleep better. It can be used on the pram or cot with the correct adaptors. sleepytroll.com
BRAVADO DESIGNS
Lingerie brand Bravado Designs have achieved the huge goal of converting all their existing and future products to sustainable yarns. We love the nursing-friendly styles. bravadodesigns.com
ÉLHÉE
Seriously stylish, Élhée’s new learning bottle is designed to be gripped easily by little hands. Made from so silicone, it can be used from 6 months+. bubbaandme.co.uk
CUDDLECO
CuddleCo’s collection of rattan nursery furniture has just landed at Scandiborn. We love this beautiful changing table, which has plenty of space for baby essentials. scandiborn.co.uk
LOVEVERY
Montessori-inspired, Lovevery has just launched ‘The Playshelf’. The 2-in-1 design combines clever hidden storage and open shelves for toy rotation. lovevery.co.uk
OLLI ELLA
With spring well and truly on the way we’re looking ahead to picnics and beach days. This rattan ‘wonder wagon’ is perfect for carting all of their special things. smallkins.com
LIEWOOD
Music time has never looked as stylish as with this drum from Liewood. Perfect for future rhythmmakers and family dance parties. liewood.com
MAMA SHACK
With a super cute frill edge, Mama Shack’s cosy knitted blanket would make a lovely new baby gi . Knitted perfection. mamashack.co.uk
Industry insiders share the five hottest wellness trends for expecting mamas and new mums this summer
BY ESCAPADA CO-FOUNDER, MAEVE O’SULLIVAN escapadahealth.com
Ear seeds are extremely helpful at supporting postpartum symptoms including anxiety, headaches, fatigue, and insomnia – and as they are 100% natural they are the perfect remedy for new mums. At first glance they look like jewellery, but there’s a lot to them! These little golden ear seeds are already a real trend in the capitals of the world, and also here at Escapada. At our TCM practices, we firmly believe that we can activate our body and mind to find inner balance and feel good. Ear Acupuncture and Ear Seeds o er the perfect solution for gentle, natural support on-the-go. The Ear Seed method is based on the teachings of acupressure, which is part of Chinese medicine. Small gold-plated beads are placed on specific acupuncture points in the ear using a transparent patch and remain there until they fall out. It is based on the assumption that our life energy Qi can be brought back into flow by applying pressure to specific points with the aim of releasing energetic blockages in the body and achieving inner balance. My only advice? Ask your acupuncturist to put the ear seeds in to ensure that they are on the correct acupoints – for mothers ear seeds are 100% safe, but if you are pregnant there are certain points that can bring on early labour so must be avoided.
There’s been a huge increase in sales already for Palo Santo and I definitely think this will follow through as one of the biggest wellness trends of 2023, which is why our Palo Santo Oil Perfume from Rahua is going to be a hero product for all mums! It’s an amazing therapeutic perfume with so many aromatherapy properties. Helping elevate the mood of the user, Palo Santo contains terpenes which are the biosynthesis messengers of the medicinal plants and oils we used when creating this fantastic perfume. The combination of plant based ingredients gives the user an instantaneous mood lift, like many other perfumes do, but in this case Rahua Palo Santo Perfume is completely made without the usage of synthetic chemicals that may become a health hazard in the long run, and want to be avoided when you are a new mum! Indigenous women in the Americas have been using Palo Santo during pregnancy for
centuries in a very successful way. They’ve been using it as a tea, for anti-anxiety, in a therapeutic way, amongst other ways. However, due to the essential oil content some people may be allergic to it. So it is best to test before use and use precautions when pregnant. Personally, I’m pregnant now and I have used it throughout my pregnancy and it brings uplifting moments and it’s great for centering and meditation.
Postpartum care is often a neglected area of care during pregnancy, but here at Escapada we believe it’s the most important. ‘Golden Month’ is the Chinese name for these special weeks following childbirth, because it’s believed that many chronic diseases can be cured if the mother is looked after properly in her Golden Month. At Escapada we o er acupuncture, herbal tonics, and health plans that will support mothers before, during and most crucially after childbirth. As the western world starts to shift focus on how important postpartum care is, we think there’s going to be an increase in natural, safe and alternative medicine solutions available to mums.
• Mother Warming: Mother Warming is a gorgeous ritual performed by a trained acupuncturist ideally 10 days after labour. It can help the new mother have more energy and feel rejuvenated and is a great way to gently aid recovery from childbirth and restore energy. It involves gently warming the acupuncture meridians that run through the lower back and abdomen to gently warm the uterus after opening, nourish blood, and move energy. It utilises a Moxa stick to warm acupuncture points for 5–10 minutes until they feel pleasantly warm. It is deeply nourishing to the area.
• Acupuncture: Postpartum acupuncture is a wonderful way to gently treat a woman’s body back into balance. An acupuncturist will focus on hormonal rebalancing techniques and any other symptoms that have come up like anxiety, digestive complaints, skin issues etc.
“It’s great for centering and meditation”Ear seeds at Escapada Rahua Palo Santo Oil Perfume
BY ESCAPADA CO-FOUNDER, MAEVE O’SULLIVAN escapadahealth.com
There was a huge rise in supplements in 2022 and we foresee herbal medicine and tonics becoming a big wellness trend over this year too. Individualised TCM herbal tonics are an amazing supplement for mothers to take and nourish them back to full health, rebalancing blood and Qi. Herbal medicine is a wonderful way to support your body as your herbalist can combine herbs to make formulas and tonics specific to your individual needs. For example, formulas can be created to nourish your blood in combination with herbs to improve circulation, which is vital for hormonal and sexual health. For women, herbs that help to regulate the menstrual cycle and support healthy female reproductive function include White Peony Root and Dong Quai. Tao Hong Si Wu Tang is a popular blood nourishing formula and great for postpartum mums. They are often taken with female reproductive tonics traditionally used to tone and preserve the Yin (such as Rehmannia, Chinese Licorice and Ginger) and promote the flow of Qi (energy) and blood to the ovaries, uterus and pelvis (such as Tangkuei and Chinese
Angelica Root). Further more, Chinese medicine has a long tradition of using safe, gentle aphrodisiacs and may be all you need to naturally get your sex life back on track (if you are ready for that and need a little helping hand), postpartum when you are healed.
BY SOCL FOUNDER, ANGEL SKILLMAN shadesofcoollondon.com
Sleep was one of the biggest wellness trends of 2022, and it’s going to be even bigger in 2023 as we start focusing on self care and wellness. One struggle of being pregnant, and even postpartum is lack of sleep, which is why I know the Sleep Dohar is going to be a huge trend this year (and is already on the rise) – especially as your travel essential! Comparable to a top sheet, and virtually unknown in Europe, Dohars are temperature controlling ‘supercharged’ blankets that were originally used by the Maharajahs during the monsoon season and hottest nights of the year to keep them cool. The Dohar design comprises three layers of superior quality, super soft, finely woven ‘Mul Mul’ cotton that are not only
breathable, but regulate your body temperature as the layers of voile cotton trap cool air, acting as a lightweight coverlet which are still weighty enough to keep you cosy and comfy that can be layered throughout winter and spring. They are perfect when you are pregnant and struggle to get comfortable with a weighty duvet, and even better postpartum when you have those mid-morning naps with your sleeping baby, and especially when travelling! We also o er beautiful baby Dohars that can be used whilst travelling, for swaddling and in the pram – all temperature controlling and lightweight!
“Individualised TCM herbal tonics are an amazing supplement”
Absolutely Mama is excited to announce the sixth annual Absolutely Mama Awards
We’re honouring the best brands in the world of parenting – from baby essentials, to kids fashion, travel musthaves, and the toys your kids love the most. Your voice is important to us and we want to hear from you about the brands you can’t live without. By voting you’ll automatically be entered into a competition to win a host of prizes from Scandibørn, Sleepy Troll, Willa and the Bear, OYOY Living Design, Bubba and Me, Le Toy Van, Mama Shack, and KAOS worth over £400 To cast your vote and to be in with a chance to win, head to the Absolutely Mama Website and click on the Mama Awards 2023 tab.
To cast your vote and to be in with a chance to win, head to Absolutely Mama Website and click on the Mama Awards 2023 tab
The categories are
Cast your vote and you could win prizes worth over £400
Parents looking for new ways to keep their children active, happy and engaged in the summer holidays have found the solution in the form of performing arts workshops at Stagecoach Performing Arts across the county. Their ever popular summer holiday workshops are huge fun. No previous performance experience is necessary, just enthusiasm for singing, dance and drama. stagecoach.co.uk
By MATTHEW GODFREY
Good schools have always listened to their pupils. While it is important for teachers to provide leadership, it is also essential that they engage with their pupils and ensure they feel heard and respected. If this does not happen, it is likely that the pupils will lose confidence and interest.
In modern society, partly due to social media, teenagers have also become used to hearing a wider range of opinions and voices and have been able to express themselves more freely. It is important for schools to embrace this change in a positive way, by communicating with their pupils in such a way that they retain their trust, a ection and respect. An important part of this process is ensuring that our pupils’ voices are heard, respected and, as appropriate, validated or challenged. All recent research indicates that pupils’ academic and personal progress is maximised when we help them to feel confident, and if they can speak clearly and articulately inside and outside of lessons.
Inside the classroom, helping young people to find their voice means giving them the confidence and the opportunity to contribute to discussions in lessons
in a respectful and orderly way. They all need to feel able to raise their hands to ask questions or to add a point of view, and to feel confident they will be heard and respected by their peers and their teachers. Outside of the classroom, it means ensuring that all pupils feel able to engage in wider school debates and discussions, and to feel a sense of pride, belonging and security within their school community.
Young people can often feel frustrated and anxious if they feel unable to speak up, or if they feel their voice is in some way unrepresented or unheard. Recently, young people have become increasingly interested in issues relating to the environment, social justice and equality, to name just a few. At our school, we have found that our students are very articulate and passionate when
MATTHEW GODFREYdiscussing these topics; it is important to enable informed discussions and to help them become used to hearing and accepting di ering points of view. We have found that when our younger pupils can see and hear role models from the more senior year groups speaking out on these issues, they will be inspired to find a voice themselves.
One of the most e ective ways of ensuring each pupil finds their own voice is to give them time, space and confidence to speak to a trusted adult. That is one of the principal reasons why we have adopted a weekly one-to-one tutorial system across all our age groups. This means that all our pupils, from age 11 to 18, meet at least once a week with their personal tutor. The tutor will monitor their tutees’ pastoral and academic progress, but is also there simply to talk to them and to encourage them to speak up about matters that are of concern to them.
In addition to personal tutoring, Downe House’s unique approach to pastoral care also helps to nurture pupils’ voices, and this in turn maximises their progress. As each pupil progresses through the school, they are navigated through three main sections: they spend their first two years (Years 7 and 8) within one House in the Lower School; they then spend the next
three years (Years 9, 10 and 11) in one of our five Upper School Houses; finally, their final two years, as Sixth Formers, is spent in a specialist Sixth Form House. Each of these steps will see them nurtured by di erent sta who specialise in the age range of the pupils in their care; the change also enables each pupil to cement established friendships and to develop new ones, too. Each House runs many di erent and fun activities – drama, music, sport, and much more. All pupils get involved and there is a good deal of friendly competition between the Houses. The House system is a highly e ective way of building pupils’ confidence, friendships and many fond memories. Each House also appoints pupils from its ranks to join the School Council, meaning that everyone’s voice and all ideas can be aired and heard. Perhaps the most recent successful event in helping pupils to find their voice
has been our House Debating Competition. Pupils from each year group are specially trained and supported in preparing speeches on a range of topics which matter to them. All pupils then gather to hear these speeches and to ask questions – and they get to cast a vote for the winning speeches, too. The competition is eagerly anticipated and is a highly e ective way of training all our pupils how to prepare and communicate a point of view.
More recently, we organised two highly successful events aimed to get our pupils thinking about topics that lie outside of the conventional academic curriculum: these are the Humanities and STEM symposia. We found that our pupils were able to find their voices and articulate their opinions very confidently when they had the opportunity to focus on topics of personal interest to them and talk to like-minded peers.
Enabling young people to have the confidence to speak up and be heard is a real skill that can be honed and improved over time. We are always looking at ways to train our teachers and our senior students to do this more e ectively, and we are all learning all the time. It is always a challenge to find time within our school’s busy schedule to achieve this, but we are determined to do so.
downehouse.net
“It's important that our pupils' voices are heard, respected and validated or challenged”
The moments we spend with our children are irreplaceable. We make every e ort to be there for our children, to support them, to cheer them, and to celebrate their growth. This was some of the thinking that led Upton House School (UHS) to create a digital broadcasting program so that parents would never miss their children’s milestone events.
Even before the pandemic, UHS embarked on a broadcasting journey. UHS built an immersive, live-stream experience for carol services from Windsor’s churches, soirees, musicals, Sports Day in
Windsor Great Park and all of the events so meaningful for families.
Grandparents in Australia could now see their grandchildren perform in Windsor, bringing the family together for a shared moment.
A father watched from a United Nations facility in Mali dressed in body armour as his daughter gave her lead performance in her final Christmas carol concert. Children sang happy birthday to a grandparent celebrating a 70th birthday in India. Broadcasting broadens the UHS community to families across the UK and over 20 countries.
For the students, broadcasting empowers them to learn about our digital world and develop practical, cross-curricular skills. Students lead
the production of all events. They write scripts, reinforcing the learnings from English studies. They present, operate cameras, and vision mix. In post-production, they edit audio and create video. Upton’s recent NACE award recognised the innovation, highlevel problem solving and teamwork involved – all key attributes needed for students’ future careers. These technical skills bring studies to life in art, science, music and drama.
Upton House’s students see what is possible in the world when they create a live digital production of Mary Poppins. They problemsolve to determine how to create the green screen visual e ects needed to make Mary Poppins slide up a bannister or fly through the sky. It brings relatability to their studies, and it brings joy.
The program has been so successful that Upton House now incorporates elements of the broadcasting club into the school curriculum. Students meet with BBC commentators and explore Pinewood Studios to experience communication and creativity with real-world impact.
We live in a digital world, and UHS want their students to be prepared for it. Upton House’s broadcasting program connects families around the world and brings the world into focus for students. It makes education relevant, real, exciting and purposeful.
upton.tv/abb1
upton.tv/abb2
uptonhouse.org.uk
“The broadcasting program brings the world into focus for the students”
Local independent boarding school for girls, Downe House, welcomed over 200 school leaders and teachers from across the UK to its annual Academic Conference on Maximising Pupil Progress, hosted at its campus near Newbury. A highlight in the country’s educational calendar, the audience, made up of both state and independent schools, heard keynote speeches from two high profile speakers in the world of education, the Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools, and also education trailblazer, Katharine Birbalsingh CBE and founding Headmistress of Michaela Community School in Brent. A number of Sixth Form students at Downe House School also attended the conference and heard the keynote speeches. Matthew Godfrey, Deputy Head at Downe House School who organised the Conference, says: “It was such a pleasure to welcome so many inspiring educational leaders into our community. We always aim to be at the forefront of outward looking educational debate and discussion and it was fascinating to share experiences and expertise with like-minded educationalists.” downehouse.net
Buckinghamshire’s opportunity to become the centre of excellence for training filmmakers of the future was discussed in a special event for educators and policymakers at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) in High Wycombe recently. Buckinghamshire’s forwardlooking education policy has a clear focus on the creative industries and screen sector, as one of the biggest five priority industries identified by the Local Skills Improvement Plan.
Organised by Marlow Film Studios, CEO Robert Laycock says: “The county has a global lead and is poised to take centre stage as the world’s best base for producing blockbuster movies. The Yellow Brick Road has been built right
St George’s School Windsor Castle, an award-winning independent school in central Windsor for three to 13-year olds, has been named a World Class School following a rigorous two-year accreditation process. The status, awarded by the High Performance Learning (HPL) organisation, recognises schools which have met the “exacting” HPL Award Standards and demonstrated a world class quality of education throughout.
“Accreditors were particularly impressed by the way the school combines elements of different programmes into its curriculum, the pupils’ overall engagement with learning, and the commitment of the school’s staff,” says Professor Deborah Eyre, Founder and Chair, High Performance Learning, upon confirming the award. “As a team we have all very much enjoyed working with St George’s.” stgwindsor.org
here for the Wizard of Oz sequels; this is a classic example of our ability to bring the world’s best storytelling here.”
Marlow Film Studios has already forged strong links with Buckinghamshire’s education institutions including BNU, Bucks College Group, and secondary and primary schools locally. marlow.film
why everyone is talking about…
UK artist Luke Jerram’s astonishing installation Museum of the Moon is coming to the Corn Exchange Newbury this summer, presented in partnership with Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) as part of the BID’s Festival of the Moon, which takes place throughout the town this August. Alongside a fantastic programme of lunarinspired family and community events, there’s no better time for Newbury residents and visitors to experience Luke’s illuminated installation and discover the dark side of the moon.
Visitors to this magical setting can experience the six metre, to scale sculpture of the Moon as it is suspended in Corn Exchange Newbury’s main auditorium. Museum of the Moon is a completely accurate facsimile of the moon, made using incredible NASA images, and featuring minute detail of the lunar surface so that visitors can discover the rarely-seen dark side of the moon.
The internally-lit installation features a surround sound composition by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones for a stunning and profound art-meets-nature experience, including Debussy’s Claire de Lune and recordings of the moon landings to truly immerse visitors in this breathtaking lunar world.
To accompany the exhibition, the Newbury BID, who are the not-forprofit organisation behind the Visit Newbury brand, are presenting The Festival of the Moon, a festival with a wide range of Moon related activities and events inconjunction with local businesses. There will also be a complementary programme of lunar-themed activities from the Corn Exchange, events include wellbeing sessions, talks, storytelling and films. Full details of these will be shared in early summer.
Luke Jerram’s impressive In Memoriam, a tribute to medical and caring professionals, was presented by Corn Exchange Newbury and 101 Outdoor Arts in Northcroft Park in 2020. Museum of the Moon, presented by Newbury BID and Corn Exchange Newbury, will be free to visit with various time slots including evening sessions, but is sure to be one of the area's hottest shows
Booking is recommended due to popular demand and more information can be found at cornexchangenew.com
