Absolutely Yorkshire June 2023

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JUNE 2023 / £3.95

Over 30 pages of inspiration and insight

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STYLE

ACCESSORISE YOUR SUMMER IN STYLE THANKS TO JULES B IN HARROGATE

CAUGHT ON CAMERA Why She eld is capturing unheard voices on film VITAMIN SEA Exploring the best spots the county's coast has to o er FIGHT CLUB West Yorkshire boxing clubs like you have never seen them before

Yorkshire
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CONTE

CULTURE

18 AGENDA

Top events in Yorkshire this month, from photography to sculpture

20 ANNABEL GRUNDY

Interviewing the person behind this year's She eld DocFest

25 NICKY HAYER

On what to expect from York Fashion Week in 2023

28 EXPERIENCE WAKEFIELD

Why lovers of liquorice are in for a treat this month

30 YORKSHIRE COAST

Absolutely heads to the sea for some of the county's best locations

35 BUSINESS ROUND UP

Exploring four companies bringing something unique to Yorkshire

FOOD & DRINK

40 TASTING NOTES

Tuck into what's on the county's plate this month

42 ELLERS FARM

We head to a unique distillery in North Yorkshire

FASHION & BEAUTY

48 PENELOPE CHILVERS

On her special collaboration with India Hicks

52 JEWELLERY

Kitsch colour adding a Barbie twist to your look

54 THE SHOOT

The brand with bags of style at Jules B Harrogate

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JUNE 2023
11 ABSOLUTELY magazines NTS 91 Picks
WISHLISTWe are not sure about you, but we can't get enough of a lilac tinge to our favourite products (p14) REAL HOMEForming part of our Absolutely Home special, a unique property with a boat bed (p80) TALKING HEADSWe have not one, but two views of life at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate (p116) ABSOLUTELY HOME 70 NEWS & LAUNCHES To open this month's special, the hottest things in interiors 72 CATH KIDSTON Why the acclaimed designer is turning over a new leaf 76 SHELVED Behind the scenes at a unique Yorkshire business 91 TRENDS What bedrooms of the near future will look like TRAVEL 104 NICE Why the French city is deserving of its Unesco World Heritage status 109 BROOM HOUSE We visit this delightful getaway in Egton Bridge 111 COUNTY BREAK Want to experience another historical hub in the UK? 112 STAYCATION Two more worth a visit in Yorkshire ABSOLUTELYYORKSHIRE.CO.UK The online guide to inspirational local living. ON THE COVER Campomaggi’s SS23 collection stocked at Jules B Harrogate (julesb.co.uk)
EDITOR'S

Find your perfect holiday hideaway

With its beautiful countryside, pretty villages and historic market towns, Yorkshire is the perfect choice when it comes to choosing a holiday destination here in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a dog-friendly break or somewhere for that big family get-together, you are sure to nd that perfect holiday property with us.

EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

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MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

MELANIE HARDCASTLE

RACHEL STEAD

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

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

For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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Yorkshire YATTER

Perhaps they’ve been tempted by a sip of one of our award-winning gins, or have developed a taste for famed Bluebird Bakery’s Banana Bread, but for some reason the royal family cannot keep away from our glorious county. In recent months, His Majesty King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla have visited Yorkshire on numerous occasions – including paying two visits to York, while last November TRHs the Prince and Princess of Wales were in Scarborough, and this February the Princess also visited the historic Leeds Kirkgate Market.

Apart from handing out Royal Maundy coins at York Minster and o cially opening York Minster Refectory, where the King asked Michelin-starred chef Andrew Penn for advice on cooking the best Yorkshire Puddings, the royal pair also visited Malton, known as the food capital of the north.

In Talbot Yard Food Court, King Charles enjoyed a sip of gin at the Rare Bird Distillery, where he joked, ‘There’s nothing more fun than a gin distillery.’ While Queen Camilla heralded a lemon bergamot macaron from Florian Poirot Master Patissier as being ‘tres bien.’

However, throughout history our county hasn’t always enjoyed such a close relationship with the monarchy. William the Conqueror was condemned for his brutal ‘harrying of the north’ where his knights burnt villages, killed inhabitants, and slaughtered livestock in a bid to control northerners.

And even today many Yorkshire people still sing the praises of King Richard III, who was known to especially love the city of York, in contrast to their dislike of the first Tudor, King Henry VII. His notorious son King Henry VIII spent time with his very young and naïve wife Catherine Howard at the city’s King’s Manor, where she was believed to have committed adultery.

Being a journalist, I’ve met the royals on numerous occasions. As we are both cocker spaniel lovers, I’ve chatted with HRH Prince William over a couple of beers about how his first dog Lupo used to love barking at Prince Harry.

Although we may not have the sunny climes of Prince Harry’s current residence of Los Angeles, I’m sure most royals would much rather devour a Bettys Rascal washed down with a Yorkshire gin and tonic, than a Californian favourite of kale salad and green juice – as it truly appears our county has clearly become a royal favourite.

My highlights for the month of June…

Being mentored by Hollywood’s finest screenwriters in a French medieval castle a er winning a scholarship for my screenplay A Terrible Beauty at the famed Rocaberti Retreat.

• Feasting on crab and lobster in the historic York Minster Refectory.

• Singing along to the musical genius that is Harry Styles in Cardiff.

Taking care of my skin by using Clay Face Mask by North Yorkshire based beauty brand Salt + Steam.

The King’s coronation celebrations may be over, but Lisa Byrne points out that we can expect much more in the way of royal occasions
HERE'S ONE LISA MET EARLIER... KIRKGATE MARKET SCARBOROUGH PLAYED HOST TO A ROYAL VISIT RECENTLY
13 ABSOLUTELY magazines ABSOLUTELY • THIS MONTH

Wish LIST

10 things we Absolutely love

COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

LAVENDER LUXURY

Soothe and nourish your hands with this gorgeous H2k Botanicals Lavender and Sandalwood Hand Wash, 250ml £16.11. ukbathrooms.com

ALIEN SUPERSTAR

Balmain's Beyoncé collaboration features 16 looks, each inspired by a track on Beyoncé’s Renaissance album. This is Cozy. balmain.com

MAUVE APPEAL

The Curve vases in gorgeous pastel tones of blush pink and lilac will inject your home with a pop of colour and curve appeal, £68. luxeology.co.uk

PURPLE HAZE

A collaboration between Barton Perreira and beauty brow stylist Kelley Baker has resulted in these stylish Brow Babe shades, £430.

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14 ABSOLUTELY magazines

SET MATCH

We love this 18ct Rose Gold and Diamond Pendant Set with a Cabochon Amethyst on 18ct rose gold spiga chain, £3,095. berrysjewellers.co.uk

LILAC TIME

Primadonna's Palace Garden set features all-over embroidery that runs all the way to the straps, making it as stylish as it is comfortable. ameliesfollies.co.uk

PLUM CONDITION

This pure silk hair wrap shields hair against the nightly friction and moisture absorption of bed linen that causes breakages, frizz and split ends, £50. silkelondon.com

TWO TONE

Colour experts Caran d'Ache and Paul Smith have teamed up for a new special edition of the iconic 849 pen in fi ve new colour variations, £55. carandache.com

LAVENDER LIGHTING

Beautifully so and tactile feathers combine with brass ball chain and a bouclé trim in the showstopping Juliette light, £445. coldharbourlights.com

ROBE

Orchard Moon's kimonos are so and smooth as silk, but 100% plant-based. Unlike silk, this fabric doesn’t use animals as part of its production process, £260. orchardmoon.com

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ABSOLUTELY magazines
“Prunemeee!” “Prunemeee!” rune !” We speak plant Download the RHS Grow app to speak more plant.

CULTURE

RAG’N’BONE MAN

23 JUNE, THE PIECE HALL

Triple BRIT Award winner Rag’n’Bone Man is heading to Halifax for what promises to be an incredible headline show at The Piece Hall. The Human and Life By Misadventure hit-maker will play the historic Yorkshire venue’s iconic open air courtyard. Rag’n’Bone Man – aka Rory Graham – rose to prominence in 2016 with the release of the worldwide smash hit Human, which showcased a stunning blend of traditional blues, hip-hop and, of course, an incredible and era-defining voice. thepiecehall.co.uk

Agenda 18 • Sheffield DocFest 20 • Yorkshire Coast 30
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PHOTO: HARRIET BOLS

The Agenda

JUNE'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

ART

Film and Photography Festival

11 JUNE-23 JUNE, HUDSON HOUSE, REETH, THE GREEN

As part of this festival, there will a photography exhibition showcasing pictures of the Yorkshire Dales from the last year. The free event will feature stunning photography, both professional and amateur, and is run by the Tees-Swale: Naturally Connected Programme.

reethfarmingphoto.eventbrite.com

EVENT

The Vintage Home Show

4 June

PUDSEY CIVIC HALL

A homemaker’s haven, organisers of this show are planning to o er a vintage feast that allows you to give a nod to the past and choose key pieces of retro lighting, furniture, fabrics and artwork for your home. You will be able to see the decades before your eyes with items from the Mid Century to the Funky 60s through to the early 90s.

@vintagehomeshow

ART

Afra Eisma

From 23 June

THE TETLEY, LEEDS

The Tetley presents splashdown tender, artist Afra Eisma’s first UK solo exhibition. The artist, who is based in the Netherlands, transforms The Tetley with textile works spilling out across the galleries, accompanied by soft sculptures, sound installations and ceramics. Visitors are encouraged to sit and rest on, feel and cuddle, interact and participate with the central artwork on display in the Atrium. thetetley.org

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COMEDY

Andy Hamilton

23 June CAST, DONCASTER

In an intimate evening of comic reflection, reminiscence and revelation, one of the most noted comedy writers and directors of the last few decades looks back over his more-than-40 years in comedy and 70(ish) years on the planet and tries to answer some questions. Recalling stories from his extensive professional career in comedy, Andy shares memories, anecdotes and opinions, from the political to the personal, in just a handful of selected dates this summer. castindoncaster.com

IDEA GENERATOR

A closer look at the York Festival of Ideas, returning from 2-15 June

MUSIC

LEEDS JAZZ ORCHESTRA

4 June

GOLDEN ACRE PARK

Leeds Jazz Orchestra perform a free programme of jazz favourites at Golden Acre Park. This concert is part of the Summer Bands in Leeds Parks series, and this year's programme is looking like being one to remember. Concerts will take place in 32 of Leeds' parks, and with over 110 to choose from there's sure to be music al fresco near you this summer. leedsconcertseason.com

This Month’s Must See

ERWIN WURM

FROM 10 JUNE, YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK

Trap of the Truth features more than 100 works, including 55 sculptures indoors, 19 sculptures in the landscape, paintings, photographs, videos and drawings created over 30 years of Erwin Wurm’s career. Wurm is one of Austria’s most prominent artists, highly regarded for his 2017 Austrian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Over three decades he has challenged the rules of sculpture and its relationship to the spaces we inhabit. ysp.org.uk

York Festival of Ideas has unveiled its programme for 2023, based on the theme of ‘Rediscover, Reimagine, Rebuild’. Tickets are available now for more than 150 mostly free events - online talks, discussions and performances plus a host of familyfriendly activities.

Running from 2 to 15 June, the Festival presents an eclectic programme split between in-person and online events, and featuring a line-up of distinguished international contributors. The University of York (pictured) leads the Festival, with the Holbeck Charitable Trust returning as headline sponsor, with further support from the Higher Education Investment Fund. This year’s festival showcases contributions from an array of world-class speakers and performers, including acclaimed author, Sir Michael Morpurgo; violinist, Anna Phoebe; former BBC presenter and Team GB triathlete, Louise Minchin; actor, Tim McInnerny; solicitor and former Chief Prosecutor, Nazir Afzal; former leader of the SNP in the House of Commons, Ian Blackford; and broadcaster and journalist Gavin Esler.

The Festival continues to inspire and nurture young people’s creativity and curiosity with events ranging from hands-on nature activities to an interactive family fun afternoon.

Families are encouraged to take part in a series of fun events in public libraries in York on 30 May, which will give children the opportunity to explore space in virtual reality and experience what it might feel like to be an astronaut.

yorkfestivalofideas.com

19 CULTURE • DIARY ABSOLUTELY magazines
PHOTO: NETTI CAIRNS

DOCUMENTING LIFE

She

It’s no surprise that you’ll find Annabel Grundy in a cinema when she’s not working. “I have a worrying number of cinema memberships. If I’m ever feeling miserable it’s probably because I haven’t seen a film. I am a complete nerd; film is a brilliant and transformative art form that takes you out of yourself while still being one of the most accessible art forms. It has the power of mass appeal.”

The self-confessed “film nerd” has over 20 years of experience working with UK and international film organisations. She has produced large scale, public-facing festivals and film industry events in Sydney, London and Edinburgh, and has worked with, among others, the British Council, Riverside Studios and Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Film has been Annabel’s lifelong passion – she credits her mum for exposing her to a “cultural life”. Her appointment as managing director of She eld DocFest is a dream role for the local resident.

“My family have been here for 25 years, and it feels like coming home,” says Annabel. “Even though I didn't grow up here I have spent every holiday here with family. As a delegate and a visitor to She eld DocFest I’ve chatted to local people and there is a sense of discovery and pride that this is happening in their hometown.”

Annabel took the helm in late 2022, leaving her role as project manager with the British Film Institute’s UK Global Screen Fund. She is now responsible for the charity’s partnerships and fundraising, production, and operations as well as audience development. The role is a new joint leadership position, and she works collaboratively with Raul Niño Zambrano, acting creative director.

Annabel is all too familiar with She eld DocFest, which she has visited for the last 15 years. “This is a space in which I feel comfortable so when the job came up, I literally had to go for it!” she exclaims. “It’s a festival that I love, and it’s

intrinsically wrapped up in my professional development – I came here early in my career when I used to freelance, and it has a place in my own personal life.

“She eld has always felt like home,” Annabel continues, “it’s a beautiful place to live, it has everything – independent creative makers, a strong cultural and lively food scene on Kelham Island, and the nearby Peak District. The strength of community here is lovely and how quickly you feel part of the city and how you’re adopted, and how you adopt the city as part of your identity, is incredible. I see myself as a ‘She elder’. I have the pride and protectiveness of the city,” smiles Annabel. She eld DocFest is one of the city’s biggest cultural events and draws audiences from across the city and wider Yorkshire. This year the boundary-pushing festival celebrates 30 years of championing and presenting a breadth of documentary form across film, television, immersive technology, and art.

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eld DocFest’s managing director Annabel Grundy tells Absolutely why the festival gives a voice to the unheard and remains a Yorkshire cultural calendar highlight
ABSOLUTELY magazines 21
CULTURE • INTERVIEW PHOTO:
“There is a sense of pride that this is happening in She eld”
MARK HOWE

More than 30,000 visitors landed at She eld DocFest in 2022, but Annabel is expecting to top these numbers. “We’re expecting a bigger festival – the pre-sales and registrations are up from last year so that gives us lots of confidence. We are back at The Crucible, and we’re delighted to be in Tudor Square in the centre of She eld – lots of public facing work will encourage people to come along as it brings a real buzz to the city.

“Festivals are performing well postpandemic because people want a form of escapism, the buzz and excitement of something new and unique,” she adds. “This festival ensures there is room for new voices and talent that don’t have these opportunities. We are outside of London and for the documentary industry to

descend upon She eld for six days every year puts film onto people’s radars.

“We’re also committed to being a platform for international work and voices. In 2022 there was a focus on Ukraine, and we have an obligation to give voice to those with cultural limitations. It feels important for me to do that.”

Annabel is delighted that Paul Sng’s Tish will open this year’s festival on 14 June. It’s an intimate portrait of working-class British documentary photographer Tish Murtha, and her daughter’s fight to preserve her legacy. The voice of Tish, played by Maxine Peake, takes the audience into the real lives of extraordinary people.

Other highlights include live Q&As, screenings and talks from speakers such as Iranian film director and screenwriter, Rakshan Banietemad, this year’s guest of honour. Satirist and broadcaster Munya Chawawa will discuss his unique approach to integrating satire in documentary.

For audiences new and old, Annabel encourages visitors to engage with the whole programme. “Go to the exciting

talk with the person you’ve heard of and pick something in the programme that you know nothing about. You might enter a world you haven’t discovered.

“The Alternate Realities programme is a must and open to the whole public,” Annabel says, “you’ll find anything from issue-driven work to playfully approached narratives and innovative use of technology. The festival pushes boundaries and tells relevant stories.

“Cinema is a place where the audience meets culture,” Annabel ends. “You’re all going on the same journey of discovery which takes you out of yourself while remaining in communion with the audience at the same time.”

She eld DocFest runs from 14-19 June 2023. Find out more at she docfest.com

CULTURE • INTERVIEW 22 ABSOLUTELY magazines
“The audience is going on the same journey of discovery”
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Get to know…

HAYER

Q What originally inspired you to launch York Fashion Week?

A I suppose it was the business and community scene. I absolutely love fashion, and saw a gap in York for a really big celebration of fashion that could cover all avenues from retail through to design. I’d worked on fashion events in the city in the past and kept imagining how else we could elevate and create a real impact.

Q From the first event, what did you want to o er?

A I wanted us to make some noise in the city, and really celebrate what York had to o er. I think at the beginning I perhaps saw this as an opportunity for the retailers, especially as this was at a time when we were really seeing the change in landscape for the high street. I wanted to bring some theatre and excitement.

Q Has it evolved at all?

A Absolutely. It’s still about the theatre, but the event has certainly evolved. YFW has become a platform for grassroots fashion designers and a positive resource for students. We’re proud to work with universities, colleges and schools and we’ve even been able to integrate YFW into some of their curriculums, which gives the students something tangible to work towards. Our wider network has continued to grow and develop too and become so much more diverse. We work with incredible communities of people from di erent cultural and economic backgrounds and have reached new geographical locations.

25 ABSOLUTELY magazines
CULTURE • PROFILE YORK FASHION WEEK 2022
NICKY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT YORK FASHION WEEK (YFW) AND BRAND CONSULTANT AT NIMA

Creatively, I’ve enjoyed taking the events a step further. We’ve taken on some really exciting spaces like The Guildhall York and Yorkshire Museum, and we’ve been able to put on shows that leave a real impact.

Q What can we look forward to this year?

A For anyone who has attended before, it’s about seeing how we’ve turned the volume up even further. And for those who haven’t, it’s a way of experiencing York in a whole new way.

I’m incredibly proud that York Fashion Week Part One in April welcomed Gary James McQueen as our headline speaker. Guests relaxed in the Yorkshire Museum and heard about his fascinating career history, which includes working alongside his uncle, Alexander McQueen. We had an exciting collaboration with Bentley Leeds and partnership with CinemArts, which transformed The Guildhall into an immersive

cinema experience with a screening of the fashion documentary, Westwood. And then, of course, there were the plethora of runway shows; in-store events such as Jigsaw; brand takeovers like Behind the Façade with Fabrication; and our own YFW shows hosted in The Guildhall with an incredible lighting show by Reel Productions.

Q You are also managing director of NIMA – what does the company do?

A NIMA is all about brand management, so we work with businesses on how they tell their stories and present themselves to their audience. This works across the board from branding and website, through to customer journey and experience, and, of course, event management.

Q Your a liation to York extends to working at Betty's in the past. How do you look back on that time?

A I absolutely loved my time working with them. It taught me so much, and I met some of my very best friends there. It’s a very fascinating business so what I was able to learn certainly stuck with me and I definitely recognise that things such as my attention to detail stems from working on such a pristine brand!

Q What do you love about living in York?

A I fell in love with York. If we consider how small the city is, but the fact there are two universities, the college, such an interesting

business community, so much heritage and culture, the pockets of communities – it makes so much noise and I find it really inspiring. Visually too, though, it doesn’t come much more beautiful. The fact that a walk to work can be along the city walls or past the Minster is really special.

Q Where are your favourite places in York or beyond?

A I could list so many places! Definitely York Minster. It was when sat outside York Minster on a trip to the city that I decided I wanted to move here, so there’s a real connection to it now.

The Guildhall. When I first walked into the venue after the recent refurbishment, I knew we could put on an amazing show. It’s absolutely stunning and I can’t wait to do even more with the team. They’ve also got a little café, which is the perfect place to disappear with my laptop.

And I have to say Brimham Rocks. I love it there and it’s become a favourite place to go when the weather is fine.

26 ABSOLUTELY magazines CULTURE • PROFILE
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ALLSORTS of FUN

Pontefract’s historic link with liquorice is celebrated annually with the renowned Pontefract Liquorice Festival. This firm family favourite promises not to disappoint. With something for everyone to enjoy, including the return of the famous specialist market and non-stop entertainment, this year’s event is back with a bumper crop.

Pontefract began its inextricable connection with liquorice due to the town’s fertile ground, providing the perfect conditions for the plant's long roots to thrive. By the 1700s, there were liquorice plots being cultivated across the town for its medicinal qualities.

It was local man George Dunhill who was credited with being the first to add sugar to liquorice, transforming the medicine into the sweet treat we still know today. This led to the creation of the town’s eponymous Pontefract Cakes, which have now become an iconic, nationally known confection.

Love it or hate it, Pontefract’s proud connection to the delicacy has led to the celebrated annual festival taking over

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Prepare to satisfy your sweet tooth at the Pontefract Liquorice Festival returning on 9 July

the town with a full day of sweet-themed fun. Locals can also attend a community day – Liquorice Shoots – the day before.

The festival’s specialist market is the perfect opportunity to peruse tasty treats to tempt taste buds and pick up a gift or homeware that you just won’t find anywhere else. With over 60 stalls, visitors can look forward to sampling and purchasing a wide range of local and regional delights, with traders o ering everything from the finest gins, cheese and chutney to yummy pastries, baked goods and plenty more.

Music lovers take note: bands and local musicians will be performing from a stage in the town centre to keep visitors’ spirits high as they explore the market or enjoy food from one of the delicious on-site caterers.

The festival is the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family with lots of free activities and workshops to keep everyone entertained. Take part in craft activities and outdoor creative play or learn an exciting new skill in a circus workshop. There will also be non-stop street entertainment including interactive street theatre performances to get involved with.

Foodies will be in their element – after hitting the specialist market there is the chance to extend your stay and explore the Liquorice Food & Drink Trail showcasing the incredible restaurants, bars and cafes that the town of Pontefract hosts. Expect liquorice and sweet-themed cocktails, pastries and dishes by local businesses celebrating the festival.

There’s more to Pontefract than liquorice, and a trip to the festival is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to extend their stay and discover what this charming market town has to o er.

Visitors can explore the town’s fascinating history at Pontefract Museum, home (amongst other treasures) to Britain’s first secret ballot box, and the splendid Ackworth Hoard. Nearby is Pontefract Castle, once among the most fearsome fortresses in England.

Traces of the castle’s glorious past abound, including the sally port, Elizabethan chapel and reconstructed bread ovens. Don’t miss Proms at the Castle – a classical music concert with a stunning fireworks finale – on 15 July.

The town’s Georgian marketplace is a thriving hub of food and drink venues, many of which occupy architecturally

notable buildings. Enjoy a refreshing pint of real ale at Cartners No. 5, cocktails, craft gins and live music at The Last Bank, and co ee and homemade goodies at Cromwells.

Pontefract is also famous for horse racing. At over two miles long, Pontefract Racecourse is Europe’s longest continuous flat-racing circuit. The season is full of theme days, promising a fantastic day out whether visitors are looking for a flutter or a chance to wear their big hats!

Staying a while? The area has some wonderful accommodation options.

Luxuriate at Grade II listed The Kings Croft Hotel, go rural at nearby Farmer Copleys’ self-catering The Farmhouse, or sample award-winning fine dining and finer views at Wentbridge House Hotel. After all, following a day at the Liquorice Festival, visitors will need somewhere comfortable to sleep o all those gourmet treats!

PONTEFRACT LIQUORICE FESTIVAL

Visit Pontefract Liquorice Festival on Sunday 9 July 2023. Find out more at expwake.co/plf

ABSOLUTELY magazines 29
CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

HIDDEN TREASURES

30 ABSOLUTELY magazines
“One of the area’s gems is the ancient Whitby Abbey, which harbours literary connections to Dracula”
WHITBY ABBEY

Yorkshire is home to miles of candid countryside and is best-known for its Dales, Moors and Peaks. But the UK’s largest county also possesses a vibrant collection of coastal towns. Read on...

WHITBY

Whitby is one of Yorkshire’s most renowned seaside towns. Its cobbled streets and historical ruins means this atmospheric coastal town never loses its charm. One of the area’s gems is the ancient Whitby Abbey, which harbours literary connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula with the Abbey providing inspiration for the eerie scenes of the novel. You can even bring the story to life and climb the 199 steps mentioned in the story, which leads to an amazing view of Whitby Harbour, overlooking the North Sea. Whitby caters to all, o ering two choices of beaches. One is Tate beach, which is a sheltered sandy beach, as well as a dogfriendly environment, and the other beach is your typical deckchair and sandcastlebuilding beach on the West Cli of Whitby. Here is where you will see kites flying, colourful beach huts and lots of room for activities such as crazy golf, skateboarding and swimming. Both beaches are easily accessible via train or car with two large pay and display car parks nearby.

After escaping to sea on a boat trip, or fossil hunting on the beach, you can browse in Whitby’s array of independent shops. Additionally, the town has a variety of

restaurants which o er local delicacies. The Magpie Cafe, in particular, is one to not miss.

SCARBOROUGH

Scarborough is quintessential Yorkshire. The classic seaside town has captivating golden beaches, an animated pier and many independent shops. Its liveliness and top attractions makes it a perfect location for a family holiday. Favoured attractions are the Alpamare Water Park and the Scarborough Spa Express, which o ers a scenic tour in traditional steam train carriages around Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales. Some of these carriages even featured in the Harry Potter series.

Scarborough Open Air Theatre also attracts people from all over the country as it hosts a multitude of incredible music events throughout the year, featuring the likes of Blondie, Olly Murs and Tom Grennan. The town’s art scene, too, is flourishing, with a whole host of spots to indulge in whatever artistic leaning you have.

Scarborough also happens to be Britain’s first seaside resort. According to Visit Scarborough, the town was founded by a Viking raider and the Scarborough Castle was subsequently built by Henry II.

BRIDLINGTON

Bridlington is a refreshing and entertaining town. Alongside its two beaches is where you will find colourful arcades, ice cream parlours and funfairs. Its busy harbour and array of activities provides this seaside town with plenty of character. Well-known for its love of music, Bridlington hosts several music events throughout the year, one of which being the Bridlington Gospel Music Convention, which takes place every June. As well as its thriving music scene, the town hosts many art exhibitions throughout the year. One of its most popular is the Bridlington Art Society Summer Exhibition, which showcases the work of local talent. The town also has an Arts Festival, taking place every September, o ering workshops and performances.

Bridlington Old Town is the hidden gem of the coastal area. With its historical landmarks and fascinating architecture, it provides a peaceful escape from typical seaside life. In the Old Town is where you can find The Bayle Museum, St Mary’s Church and the filming location for hit television show, Dad’s Army. The Globe Inn is the go-to historical pub in the Old Town, serving customers for over 200 years. It is a great place to top o your authentic experience.

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CULTURE • AREA FEATURE
Why there is so much to discover in the coastal towns of Yorkshire
A SCENIC BRIDLINGTON VIEW BRIDLINGTON SCARBOROUGH
ABSOLUTELY magazines

FILEY

Filey is located in the East Riding of Yorkshire and is a delightful coastal town on the quieter scale, meaning it is the perfect place to unwind and relax. It is one of Yorkshire’s best places to enjoy the luxuries of the coast, while avoiding the usual crowds and busyness of seaside towns. Despite its peaceful nature, it still has a lot to o er, from a range of exquisite restaurants, to unique attractions like the Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park. Filey is also home to the Filey Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve, which proves to be a popular destination for birdwatchers and animal lovers.

As well as its animal-lover reputation, the town seems to have an artistic flair. It has several art galleries to browse, one of which being the Richard Burton Art Gallery. Additionally, Filey is filled with Edwardian buildings and beautiful architecture, making it a captivating location to have a wander. With the impressive five-mile sandy bay, it administers a harmonious atmosphere and is a quaint place to enjoy tasty fish and chips. This elegant town, with its fresh sea air and slower pace of life, is a traditional favourite in Yorkshire.

ROBIN HOOD’S BAY

The perfect destination for a weekend break, Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque fishing village filled with character. Similarly to Filey, marine and wildlife is beloved in Robin Hood’s Bay. The natural

beauty and scenery of this seaside town is breathtaking and never disappoints. Located in the North York Moors National Park, it is historically notorious for being a hub for smugglers back in the 18th century. Its isolated cobbled streets and narrow walkways provided smugglers with the perfect hideaways. Later, in the 19th century, it became a popular fishing destination, and has been ever since. As well as its embedded culture, Robin Hood’s Bay also hosts a Folk Weekend and Beer Festival annually, both great ways to spend your time in this unique coastal town.

STAITHES

Staithes is the place that lives up to your expectations of the seaside locations that appear on postcards. With the traditional wooden boats and the picturesque harbour, this coastal village has plenty of personality. As well as being home to one of the largest fishing ports in the UK, it proves to be a great location for fossil hunters and geologists. The village also may be popular for young children as it is the location of the CBBC television series, Old Jack’s Boat. Whilst wandering around the area, you might come across Dog Loup, which is thought to be the narrowest street in Britain, being just 18 inches wide. Staithes also has many walking routes to follow. One that is great for walkers is Cleveland Way, which provides a long horseshoe shape walk. To top o your visit, pop into the Cod and Lobster, an unmissable cafe when visiting the stunning seaside town.

32 ABSOLUTELY magazines
“Dog Loup in Staithes is thought to be the narrowest street in Britain at just 18 inches wide”
CULTURE • AREA FEATURE
STAITHES FILEY ROBIN HOOD’S BAY PART OF SCARBOROUGH CASTLE
9 Blands Cliff, Scarborough Painting Pottery Sculpture Textiles Original art from numerous Selected Artists www.blandscliffgallery.com 01723 367252 est. 2001 Unashamed luxury, modern conveniences and high end comforts Restaurant · Gin & Cocktail Lounge · Coffee House · Rooms · Private Functions 89 Main Street, Cayton, Scarborough, YO11 3RP 01723 861432 · enquiry@the-farrier.co.uk · www.the-farrier.co.uk THE_FARRIER_HP_ABS_YORK_FEB2023_v2.indd 1 16/01/2023 12:55

LIFE'S A BEACH

BLANDSCLIFF GALLERY

Scarborough IS an arts town. The town has it allthe visual arts, theatre, music and public art. Visit and sit with “Freddy” on the North Bay. Examine the large Street Murals on Blands Cli , which cover the tall buildings and retaining walls, intricately hand painted using brushes, by local professional artists. Visit Blandscli Gallery, established by graduate artists in 2001, which sells contemporary work, small/large from many artists in many mediums. This cobbled street runs between South Bay seafront, to Eastborough and the old markets, with other arty shops. On the seafront by the pier further local artists work while others are scattered around the town: The Art Gallery, Woodend and other small galleries. Music abounds in the town, in local good music pubs, the Jazz and Blues club and Festival. Then of course there is the world famous SJT Theatre for live and innovating theatre: easy going and welcoming.

9 Bland's Cli , Scarborough YO11 1NR 01723 367252

blandscli gallery.com

ABSOLUTELY magazines 35
Here are three businesses that add to the eclectic appeal of Scarborough, plus more top coastal tips
CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP
BEAUTIFUL SCARBOROUGH THE ANGEL WALL AT BLANDSCLIFF

FIVE STAR STAYS

These five-star luxury cottages located in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, o er the ultimate in relaxation and comfort. Each cottage has been carefully designed and furnished to provide guests with a luxurious home away from home. The cottages are nestled in beautiful village surroundings and provide great access to the stunning North Yorkshire countryside and coastline. The interiors are spacious and beautifully decorated with modern amenities, including fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas and luxurious bedrooms. The cottages also o er private outdoor spaces, perfect for enjoying a morning co ee or an evening glass of wine. Each cottage has been designed to provide guests with privacy and tranquillity, making it the perfect place to unwind and escape the stresses of everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation visiting the stunning coastline of Scarborough, Five Star Stays o ers the best in self-catering luxury accommodation. Scalby, Scarborough YO13 OPT 01723 362622 fivestarstays.co.uk

NESS

NESS is a family owned business that specialise in distributing, manufacturing, installing, servicing and repairing industrial, commercial and domestic roller shutters, gates and gate automation systems, garage doors and garage door automation systems. They also supply and fit barriers, bollards and custom made railings to keep your property safe and secure. Covering residential, commercial and industrial applications, they have become synonymous with first class products, installation and associated services. The company is based in Scarborough, but with nationwide coverage NESS can answer all your security concerns. 01723 351133

info@nessdoors.co.uk northeastsecurityshutters.co.uk

THREE of the best

Places for a summer staycation on the Yorkshire Coast by Yorkshire Coastal Cottages

SANDSEND

Three miles north of Whitby lies Sandsend. It's perfect for those looking for a quaint seaside escape. The Cleveland Way and Mulgrave Woods are nearby for walkers so don’t forget your hiking boots! It’s the perfect location for a family day out or to enjoy a huge portion of fish and chips (just watch out for the seagulls!).

FILEY

Filey is a gorgeous seaside town between Scarborough and Bridlington and boasts an award-winning beach. Filey is the perfect seaside resort for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

ROBIN HOOD’S BAY

With its cobbled streets and winding paths, this is by far one of the most picturesque coastal villages in England. Here you can join a ghost tour or listen to old tales of the town. 01947 820949

info@yorkshirecoastalcottages.com yorkshirecoastalcottages.com

36 ABSOLUTELY magazines
CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP
“These five-star luxury cottages o er the ultimate in relaxation and comfort”
ROBIN HOOD'S BAY FILEY FIVE STAR STAYS THE WORK OF NESS
2023
COMMUNITY SPACE IN THE HEART OF YORK OPEN: TUESDAY - SUNDAY FROM 12PM Spark:York 17-21 Piccadilly York YO1 9PB FIND OUT MORE HERE STREET FOOD - DRINKS - SELF-CARE FITNESS - RETAIL - FAMILY FRIENDLY CLOSE TO THE SHAMBLES FULLY ACCESSIBLE - DOGS WELCOME NO NEED TO BOOK - FREE ENTRY

FOOD & DRINK

ESTRELLA GALICIA

Estrella Galicia once again brought its monthlong celebration of Spanish food, Gastronomy Month, to the county in May. Hungry guests got a taste of Spain, as Gastronomy Month offered over 22 masterclasses, tasting menus, tapas tours, Spanish Fiestas and enticing offers to bite into. In Leeds, guests kicked off their feast in the city at Iberica. estrellagalicia.com

Food News 40 • Ellers Farm Distillery 42
39 ABSOLUTELY magazines
FIESTA TIME

WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

The Pantelleria estate, a small island o the coast of Southern Italy, is home to Ben Ryè wines. This 2020 wine uses Zibibbo grapes and provides an extraordinary rich bouquet with outstanding aromas obtained from the dried grapes.

This vineyard is located in the north of Italy, which allows for varying climates between day and night. This fresh, subtle wine is light yellow in colour and soft on the palate, o ering a creamy softness with a hint of herbs and spices.

Borgogno - No Name

Borgogno is one of the oldest continuously operating winery in Barolo, Piedmont in the North of Italy. Ethereal, persistent with violet, rose, fresh fruits and spicy hints on the nose this dry, velvety, full-bodied wine is our top pick this season.

EATALY

Eataly hosts intimate guided tastings led by resident wine experts where you can discover the very best Italian wineries and distilleries. eatalyvino.com

NOTES

The latest launches and news from across Yorkshire

TASTING Heading to Huddersfield

HICKORY’S

The team behind the authentic, Southern style restaurant brand Hickory’s Smokehouse have confirmed that they will be opening their latest addition this summer in the former High Park Pub in Huddersfield. With authentic, Southern inspired food and drink at the core of the o ering, diners can expect a menu packed full of the flavours of the Deep South, with classic smokehouse dishes such as Memphis ribs, Texas-style brisket and BBQ pulled pork.

hickorys.co.uk

40 ABSOLUTELY magazines
Ben Ryè – 2020 Kellerei Cantina TerlanTerlaner Cuvèe Riserva, Nova Domus 2020

MAN FOOD

Three of the best for Father’s Day

Hot foot to

BARECA

Bike and Boot Hotel’s ground floor restaurant Bareca is a bar, restaurant and cafe hybrid serving Mediterranean classics, pizza, pasta, small plates and grills, as well as craft beers, bespoke cocktails, co ees and smoothies. They o er a dedicated allergen and dietary requirements menu which caters for gluten free, vegan, nut free and other options. An all round find of a restaurant. bikeandboot.com

THE DORMOUSE

Head to this York favourite on Sunday 18 June and for £25.95 treat dad to a celebration just as wonderful as he is with a delicious Father’s Day 3-Course Set Menu. Expect tempting seared fillets of sea bass and the familiar comforts of a traditional sirloin of beef roast. vintageinn.co.uk

MANY HAPPY RETURNS

SPARK: YORK

Set up to incubate local business, SPARK:York on Piccadilly has just celebrated its five years of hosting the freshest selection of independent food and drink traders in Yorkshire. The unique openair venue made of upcycled shipping containers is home to bars, street food vendors, retailers and a vertical farm. sparkyork.org

MILLER & CARTER

Dads are the best. They’re always there for us, and although they pretend they don’t like to be made a fuss of, we all know deep down they do. So it only seems right that you treat your dad to the best steak possible. millerandcarter.co.uk

Fill your plates

HARROGATE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

Take a walk through the lush green fields of The Stray and Ripley Castle, and enjoy the many aromas tempting you into tastes from around the world from 24-25 June. Lounge on a colourful striped deckchair in the sun, and take a sip on a cold beer, a glass of Champagne or a cocktail loaded with fresh strawberries. And working with Zest Charity & Leeds Cookery School, the region’s best chefs will be cooking up a storm. A festival not to miss. harrogatefoodfestival.com

THE YORKSHIRE HIVE

Whether you're treating your own dad, grandad, or someone who's been like a dad to you, The Yorkshire Hive has got you covered with a fun and casual atmosphere that everyone will love. So, head down and let's raise a glass to the amazing men in our lives. thehive.yorkshirewildlifepark.com

FOODIE FEST

ILKLEY FOOD & DRINK

FESTIVAL

This festival is a family friendly celebration of international influence and local talent, expressed through food, independent drink, live music, arts, and charity. This is all underpinned by their core philosophy to showcase and expose talent based in the locality. The festival returns to East Holmes Fields from 11-12 June. ilkleyfoodfestival.com

41 FOOD & DRINK • NOTES
ABSOLUTELY magazines

in the SPIRIT

Andy Braithwaite, managing director at Ellers Farm Distillery, pours Absolutely a drink and takes us on a whistlestop tour

42 ABSOLUTELY magazines

Q What initially inspired the launch of the distillery?

A The idea behind Ellers Farm Distillery first arose during the 2020 Coronavirus lockdown, when founder to-be, Chris Fraser, decided he wanted to seriously upscale his hobby of cider-making and distilling. Having dedicated the previous 12 years of his career to building the most environmentally-friendly and low impact fertilizer project in the world – the Woodsmith Project – Chris knew that sustainability would not be a choice, but a necessity, to his new venture. Realising that there was no large-scale spirit brand that truly spoke to him with honesty or embodied all the things a modern drinks brand should, he therefore set forth on a journey to create one of the finest spirits in the world, in the most ethical way possible. Thus, Ellers Farm Distillery was born.

Q Tell us about your location…

A Located near the historic village of Stamford Bridge in North Yorkshire, Ellers Farm Distillery sits just a stone’s throw from York and only a 30-minute drive from neighbouring Leeds. As a team, we’re immensely proud of our Yorkshire roots (even if I am a relative

rookie, having only lived in the county for a short 20 years!), and always strive to give back to the community. Most recently, we’ve planted our very own apple orchard to use in the ongoing production of our Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka; not only as a support for the local eco-system of wildlife and sustainable sourcing, it will eventually also provide jobs for those living in the area.

Q Do your surroundings inspire you in any way?

A When the view out of the window is one of rolling fields and blue skies, it’s hard to not be inspired by your surroundings. Our flagship Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka takes its unique taste from the very land on which it is made – clean, crisp, and clear. Similarly, our Small Batch Spirits range has been created with that famous Yorkshire character in mind – no frills, yet bursting with top-quality flavour. It’s this appreciation for our county and countryside that has made us even more committed to being as eco-conscious as possible.

Q From day one at the distillery, what did you want to o er?

A Our mission has always been about achieving sustainable spirit excellence and sharing this with the world. By redefining the vodka category, we want to be able to o er consumers the chance to try top-quality liquors, which have been made not only for them, but also for the planet. At the same time, however, just because we have big dreams, that’s not

to say we don’t equally value our local roots; the support of the surrounding community has been, and continues to be, one of the most important things to us. We want to bring everyone along on this crazy, exciting ride of ours.

Q Was sustainability key for you from the start?

A We were committed to carbon neutrality from day one. One of our first hires was a Head of Sustainability, Tabatha Hurst. Tabatha ensures every decision that is made within the business is analysed from an environmental perspective, and under her guidance, our sustainability journey has come on leaps and bounds.

Q Could you give us an insight into your distillation process?

A Our distillation process is a unique one – and for any spirits wanting to break out into the market, it’s an important aspect to consider; when it comes to our flagship product, Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, every step from farm to the finished bottle is given the utmost care and attention. The standard vodka story of “many times distilled” has become predictable and now means practically nothing to the industry, never mind the consumer. Unlike the gin category, which has the power of a thousand di erent flavour profiles available to utilise, the best vodkas have nowhere to hide. That’s why with Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka we are rethinking vodka. We own the process from start to finish, producing

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW
“We want to bring everyone along on this crazy, exciting ride of ours”
THE DISTILLERY TOURS
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THEY ARE BASED IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

a flawless spirit farmed from fruit on our very own “vodka farm” in North Yorkshire. We’re also incredibly fortunate to have a mastermind in our Master Distiller, Jamie Baggott. No stranger to the drinks industry, Jamie is equipped with 15 years of distilling experience and has earnt over 200 national and international awards.

Q What have been your most popular creations?

A Within the industry, our famous brownbottle spirit – Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka – has certainly stolen the show, clinching three Gold Medals at the Global Vodka Masters 2022, and securing listings in over 220 Waitrose stores nationally in its first 12 months of production, a feat that very few have managed to achieve so quickly.

Our Small Batch Spirits have also been extremely well received, with our Elderflower & Elderberry Liqueur and Cherry Liqueur taking home awards at the Global Liqueur Masters, and our Espresso Vodka winning Gold at the International Spirits Competition 2023 (in addition to being a favourite signature espresso martini spirit with bartenders!).

Q How would you say you have evolved since the early days?

A From a people perspective, the fact that we now stand as a team of 11 is a tangible reminder of how far we’ve come in the last 18 months.

On the distillery side of things, we’ve built on the success of our Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka and Small Batch Spirits, and expanded our product o ering to include a seasonal Sloe Gin, distillery tours and a

luxury whisky cask investment programme in collaboration with iconic brewery, and fellow Yorkshire brand, T&R Theakston. Our newly planted apple orchard is another sign of how we’ve really grown into our own, and carved out our own path over the past year, and with so much in the pipeline, the next six months promise to be just as exciting.

Q Do you still have plenty of ambitions for the distillery?

A Back when we started, we said that we wanted to be in the top 20 global vodka brands within seven years, by making the highest quality spirit in the most sustainable way possible. Though we’ve certainly made massive inroads into achieving that goal, demonstrated by our multiple award wins, it still remains our main aim, and it’s truly something that we believe we can make happen.

Q Your tours are very popular...

A More than anything, we hope our tour will give our guests the chance to indulge in a premium spirit like no other, made by a team that is not just proud of, but passionate about, its creations. Here at the distillery, we want to cater for those who are looking to try out a more sustainable drinking experience, and we truly believe the new tour provides that. As the fifth largest distillery in the UK, we also really think it o ers visitors an industry-best insight into how important the quality of the distillation process is, knowledge which they can take away and use to inform any future purchasing decisions.

Follow Ellers Farm Distillery’s latest news on Instagram @ellersfarmdistillery or visit the website at ellersfarmdistillery.com

“We want to be in the top 20 global vodka brands”
FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW
JAMIE BAGGOTT ON ONE OF THE TOURS INNOVATIVE DESIGN AT THE BAR OUTSIDE THE DISTILLERY
Exceptional service Exquisite fashions Every occasion Every size 8 -26 196 Willerby Road, Hull HU5 5JW T : 01482 506953 E : info@watsonfashion.co.uk www.watsonfashion.co.uk Visit our newly extended boutique 2 floors of ladies’ fashion and over 40 years’ experience in helping women feel beautiful

FASHION

A dance WITH TIME

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

Launched by Chopard in 1993, with their five freedom-loving dancing diamonds set between the two sapphire crystals topping the dial, the Happy Sport floating diamond watch models epitomise the noble legacy of sporty-chic style. Discover the collection at your nearest Berry’s boutique or at berrysjewellers.co.uk

Penelope Chilvers 48 • Jewellery 52 • The Shoot 54
ABSOLUTELY magazines 47

PINK LADIES

Penelope Chilvers and India Hicks are launching a collection of pink shoes. Absolutely meets them

48 ABSOLUTELY magazines
INDIA HICKS AND PENELOPE CHILVERS DEVIL'S BACKBONE COWBOY BOOT, £369

Penelope Chilvers and India Hicks are a powerful duo. The two charismatic women seem as though they must have been friends for their entire lives – though they haven’t. But when they did gravitate together, they knew immediately that they had to collaborate. Penelope Chilvers’ successful shoe business and India Hicks’ multi-faceted design career are a winning combination. And they’ve just launched their second project together. After a successful autumn capsule last year designed for ‘tomboys and adventurers’, the design partnership continues with follow-up collection Pink Sands, whose mantra is “go anywhere, do anything”. Inspired by India’s life in the

Bahamas, it is a whimsical collection that transports us to sunny climes with its dreamy feminine pastels and sandy hues. India and Penelope have produced a capsule of three spring styles: The Devil’s Backbone Cowboy boot in powder pink, The Castaway Heeled Ankle boot in sand suede and the Shifting Sands ballet pump in butter soft leather.

As Patron of the Princes Trust, India is a key ambassador for Women Supporting Women, a passionate group committed to providing the right help to nurture, inspire and empower young women to build their own futures through employment, education, training or by starting their own business. In support of this Penelope and India are pledging £5 from all full-priced sales of this capsule collection to the cause.

Supporting women is a cause close to Chilvers’ heart. As a single mother of two girls, she was driven to start her own business when she found herself unemployable, returning to London from Barcelona in the recession-hit early 1990s. “I created my business around

my life, not the other way round,” she says. “I had some Spanish riding boots, they were handmade and all my girlfriends loved them, so I started like that. I’d go back to the artisan in Seville and put in orders for 10, 20, 30 pairs.” She still sells a similar long tassell boot (Kate Middleton has a pair).

For Hicks, supporting women is just as central to her philosophy. “I’ve had lots of di erent careers. Careers is a loose word. I was brought up to marry a duke. Why would I need to learn to type or do anything? So it came as a surprise to me that women actually could do anything. I went to such a terrible school that it actually closed down. The Princes Trust has a mentor programme and it’s so important for giving women the confidence to do things.”

For the collection, Hicks put together a moodboard featuing elements from the island in the Bahamas where she has lived for the past 27 years and brought up her five children. “It was pantone colours and shells. The island where I live actually has pink sand. I thought it was nice to have an elegant discreet high boot, then to have a pink cowboy boot – we couldn’t resist.”

Penelope Chilvers’ shoes are all about longevity. “We encourage customers to resole and repair – they get better and better with age. And it’s very unlikely that they’ll go out of fashion in a year,” she says.

penelopechilvers.com

ABSOLUTELY magazines 49
Available at The Shoe Room, Doncaster,
FASHION • SPOTLIGHT
“A mantra for the collection is go anywhere, do anything”
PENELOPE CHILVERS PINK SANDS MOODBOARD

ELEGANCE PERSONIFIED

Gini Palm, the owner of Julie Fitzmaurice, on Royal inspirations and loving life in Harrogate

Q What can you tell me about your background in fashion?

A I spent many years in London and Paris working with members of the Chambre de Syndicale learning skills in the art of buying fabrics and creating. At Julie Fitzmaurice careful measurements are taken of the clients, concealing and revealing in the appropriate places to flatter the client’s figure so that they are happy and confident for their important social occasions.

Q When did Julie Fitzmaurice launch?

A Julie Fitzmaurice was first established back in 1932 by Julie Fitzmaurice’s daughter, Paddy Franklyn, and we later acquired the company in the 90s. The company was a well established business known as a fashion house, specialising in designer labels. From day one my daughter, Sally, and I had a clear vision to build on the already successful business and o er a specialist bespoke service

using very high-end fabrics. We wanted to o er our clients the freedom of choice – to have individual, one-o outfits created along with high end ‘ready to wear’ items.

Q How does your bespoke approach work?

A In the bespoke section of our business we have a vast selection of samples of our designs, some of which are featured on our website. This allows our clients to browse through the collections and then contact us to discuss their requirements and make an appointment to visit us in Harrogate. Whatever their shape or size we are always able to fulfil our customers’ wishes and expectations.

Q Do you think people can recognise a Julie Fitzmaurice style?

A Yes, through elegant and understated styles designed by myself. I use the most beautiful natural fabrics that are instantly recognizable and will be wearable for many years to come.

Q Do you ever stock other brands?

A Yes we do choose other high end brands so we can o er ‘ready to wear’ to enhance our clients' bespoke wardrobe. These take much researching to make sure the fabrics and manufacturing are of a very high standard.

Q What’s new from you this summer?

A We have designed exquisite coat dresses, very similar to the styles our Royal Family wear in wonderful plain colours. These are made in the best quality Italian wool crepe fabric, pure silk crepe moracain or printed velvet, as these fabrics will stand the test of time. These outfits cover all occasions from mother of the bride or bridegroom along with smart business functions, a day at the races or Royal Garden Parties, to mention but a few.

Q What do you love about being based in Harrogate?

A Harrogate is such a special place to have our business as it is full of individual shops and restaurants. Many of our clients love to come to Harrogate for the day or an overnight stay in one of the luxury hotels that it has to o er.

Q Does the area inspire your work?

A Yes the beautiful floral displays in our town, the Valley Gardens and the RHS at Harlow Carr are linked to so many fashion colours. We are surrounded by beautiful buildings including the Royal Baths, where Royalty came to take their spa treatments and indeed the Royal Hall was renovated in 2009 and opened by King Charles III who, along with his Queen, loves Betty’s Tea Shop and Julie Fitzmaurice loves Harrogate too!

ABSOLUTELY magazines 51 JULIE FITZMAURICE 38 Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2RL 01423 562932
www.juliefitzmaurice.com
THE BOUTIQUE IN HARROGATE JULIE FITZMAURICE IS KNOWN FOR THEIR ELEGANT STYLE
FASHION • Q&A
GINI PALM

Doll's Play

Cute and kitsch pieces to take you to Barbie land...

MELISSA KAYE

18K Pink Gold One-of-a-Kind Lenox Ring, £19,500 melissakayejewelry.com

RENNE JEWELLERY Liberty Wrap, £55 rennejewellery.co.uk

MARLO LAZ

14K Yellow Gold Gemma Ring with Alexandrite and Rubies, £5,750 marlolaz.com

LOQUET 14K Diamond Amate Heart Locket, £1,800 loquetlondon.com

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

Berry's OPEIA 18ct White Gold Diamond & Aquamarine Pendant, £4,795 berrysjewellers.co.uk

POMELLATO

Nudo 18K Rose and White Gold, Topaz and Diamond Necklace, £3,150 net-a-porter.com

MOUSHE Flowing Love Set, £43 moushedesigns.com

LAUREN RUBINSKI

BFF Lurex and Bead Bracelet, £65 net-a-porter.com

EMILY P. WHEELER

18K Yellow Gold, Amethyst, and Enamel Elsa Ring, £1,530 emilypwheeler.com

52 ABSOLUTELY magazines FASHION • JEWELLERY

BAG It's in the

Campomaggi’s SS23 collection will turn heads this summer, available now at Jules B in Harrogate

JULESB.CO.UK

Everythingyouneedto sleepbeautifully Scantofind outmore Night-time Aromatherapy Sleepwear& Loungewear Gorgeous WellnessGifts kissthemoon.com @kissthemoonxx VisitourstoreatAske,justoutsideofRichmond (nextdoortoMochaChocolatier&Café) OpenMon-Sat10am-4pm KisstheMoon,3TheRidingSchool,Aske,Richmond,DL105HQ

HEALTH & BEAUTY

BLOW OUT

RAHUA

Hair styling tools including straighteners, curling irons, and blow dry brushes can cause hair to become fragile over time. Rahua's new Heat Protectant Shield creates an invisible barrier against heat damage, keeping hair healthy and strong without weighing it down with chemicals and synthetic ingredients. rahua.uk

Beauty News 63 • Fitness Notes 67
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U_DENTISTRY_HP_ABS_YORK_MAY2023.indd 1 24/04/2023 14:11 lhremedies.com LH_REMEDIES_HP_ABS_BB_DEC2022.indd 1 24/11/2022 12:25

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

SMOOTH SKIN

TRILOGY

This multi-functional AHA treatment serum from Trilogy contains LIME PEARL™ extract, which has been proven in the manufacturer’s data to target dullness and uneven skin tone. Leaves the skin feeling smooth and refined, £36.50. counterculturestore.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

SMELLING GOOD

STINK LONDON

A super clever concept, Stink London’s stylish di users are eco-friendly and also reusable. Sign up to the brand’s subscription service and you’ll get a refill pouch through your letterbox every 12 weeks. The scents are all heavenly too, £55. stinklondon.com

CLEAN UP

This gentle, oil-based cleanser from BYBI melts away dirt, grease, and make-up, leaving the skin feeling plump and clean. It’s also free from essential oils and fragrance making it a really great product for sensitive skin, £22. counterculturestore.co.uk

Dental Rituals

A professional approach to dentistry

Bringing luxury dentistry to Leeds, Dental Rituals is a modern and digital dental practice based at Unit 5 Turnberry Park Road, Gildersome, Leeds LS27 7LE. As the o cial number one Invisalign provider in Leeds, they empower their patients to get those perfect smiles of straight white teeth in a discreet and comfortable way. Invisalign® clear aligners can help straighten minor to complex teeth misalignment. The length of treatment can take on average six months, but this is depending on how complicated your case is. Most people feel a di erence wearing Invisalign® aligners after three months, and results are usually noticeable after six months. Dental Rituals’ team is comprised of dental, clinical and administrative professionals who have years of training and knowledge to make your dental journey a smooth and comfortable one. Whether you need general dental or smile makeover treatments, their friendly and experienced team are there to help, all housed within a calming and modern environment - with payment plan options also available to spread costs. Accepting new patients, you can contact them online or over the phone to get booked in, and to start your journey to a better smile.

DENTAL RITUALS

01133 506090

dentalrituals.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES
FOCUS

MONPURE Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum, £83 monpure.com

HAIRSTORY New Wash Original Purple Boost Set, £72 hairstory.com

ORIBE Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream, £55 net-a-porter.com

DR. BARBARA STURM Repair Hair Mask, £55 drsturm.com

iamproud.com

RAHUA Heat Protectant Shield, £38 rahua.uk

SHINE ON

The products that will help to give you the silkiest locks

FABLE & MANE

MahaMane Smooth & Shine Hair Oil, from £16 fableandmane.com

EDITOR’S PICK

I AM PROUD Clean & Strong Pre-Cleanse Hair Mask, £9.95 iamproud.com

ABYSSIAN Superfood Recovery Shampoo, £22 counterculturestore.co.uk

CENTRED. Squishy Scalp Massager, £14 counterculturestore.co.uk

CHÄMPO Leave-in Perfecting Cream, £28 champohaircare.com

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Visit us at Unit L, Meadowhall Retail Park, She eld, S9 2YZ or call 0114 553 5884 Try Before You Buy Expert In-Store Advice Never Beaten on Price 0% Finance Available † DISCOVER OUR RANGE OF TREADMILLS, BIKES, CROSS TRAINERS, RACKS, WEIGHTS & BARBELLS The UK’s No.1 Fitness Equipment Retailer Looking to start training in the comfort of your own home? Visit Sheffield’s fitness experts today to kit out your gym, your way! Our in-store team are on-hand to walk you through every strength and cardio product that catches your eye, design your training area with our free gym planning service, and offer impartial advice to help you find the right equipment to suit your space, budget and level of expertise. Try before you buy Worth £35 FREE Body Composition Analysis * Get accurate results for your weight, body fat %, muscle mass and much more on a takeaway readable report from our in-store Tanita Body Composition Analyser. Exclusive in-store offers 7.5% OFF Use code ABYORK0623 FREE home gym design service Code expires 2nd July 2023. †Subject to age and status. *When you spend over £300 in-store, worth £35.

TOP PICKS

THE BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR WOMEN

FITNESS NOTES

IRON BOOST

Women tend to be more susceptible to iron deficiency. Dome’s Iron Assist vitamins contain 12mg of iron in a polyphenol-rich chocolate capsule, £21. domevitamins.com

FEELING APPY

ONE A DAY

Together Health’s Women’s Wholefood Multivitamin delivers a complete vitamin and mineral formulation in a one-a-day capsule. Contains 22 essential nutrients, £10.99. togetherhealth.co.uk

Hypnotherapy app Clementine has meditations and coaching sessions for everything from confidence to sleep

HORMONE SUPPORT

Wild Nutrition’s award-winning daily multi nutrient offers a fullspectrum of vitamins, minerals, and herbs, designed to support healthy hormone cycles, energy, and immune system, £33.50. wildnutrition.com

Like many busy working mums, I find it hard to build in any ‘me moments’ into my day. So the first time I log on to Clementine is a Monday morning, after a stressful nursery drop o (my toddler didn’t want to say goodbye), and before I face a mountain of emails in my inbox. The app’s cheerful interface instantly makes me smile. I choose the ‘My day, my way’ meditation, and immediately feel calmer as I spend a few minutes ‘hugging’ myself and gently tapping my forearms, breathing through the positive a rmations.

Founded by Kim Palmer, Clementine has an extensive menu of meditations to choose from – covering everything from sleep (‘I can sleep deeply at night’) to stress and anxiety (‘My f*cks are mine to give’). There’s also meditations for menopause, including ‘mind-skin rituals’ created in collaboration with No7. Sessions, and are led by a brilliant panel of four di erent therapists, including Hazel Gale, who is the app’s lead cognitive hypnotherapist. It isn’t long before I’m hooked, looking forward to having a moment to try a new meditation. And once you’re into it, there’s plenty more to explore. Clementine has

some great coaching courses, including ‘Become a more confident person’ and ‘Become more body confident’. There’s also free online workshops, including a ‘Collective hug event’, a session that includes face massage, tapping, a rmations and visualisation. The app’s thoughtful design makes it easy for me to build meditation time into my day. There’s a ‘walking’ section that I can listen to whilst my daughter naps in the pram, and the ability to set reminders. And the more time I spend on Clementine, the more I realise how much better I feel for it.

clementineapp.com

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For modern li ving g

I t shou l d a l wa y s be Rodger s

Fabric and leather sofas & chairs, bric chai beds & bedroomfurniture, ds room furniture, diningfurniture flooring, ning furniture, flo ing, softfurnishings and lighting.

Monks Cross, York, YO32 9JR

Tel: 01904 610570

Email: sales@rodgersofyork.co.uk

Web: www.rodgersofyork.co.uk

Take a break in the Rodgers Tea Room for morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea.

inside this section

DESIGN NEWS, THE LATEST LAUNCHES p70

WHAT CATH KIDSTON DID NEXT p72

THE STORY OF YORKSHIRE’S SHELVED p76

TOP 5 OUTDOORS FURNITURE p99

NATURE’S WAY

CLARISSA HULSE

Launching recently, artist Clarissa Hulse’s latest luxury wallpaper and mural collection is an invitation to wander into a magical world where wildflower and seedheads glow against luminous, open skies.

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NOTES INTERIORS

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

COLOUR WAYS

HOUSEOF. X EMMA GURNER

Houseof has teamed up with interior designer Emma Gurner to create The Contrasting Colour Collection of table lamps, ceiling lights, floor lamps and wall lights.

Emma’s designs are notable for her playful use of colour and incorporating modern style with hints of nostalgia. Alongside houseof’s bold colour palette and retro shapes, the collaboration feels a natural fit. houseof.com

VIENNESE WHIRL

GEBRUDER THONET

Invited to design for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, India Mahdavi extended the Loop family, which already included a lounge chair and a banquette, with a newly designed dining chair and a lounge chair, called Mickey for its characteristic ears that recall those of a mouse. gebruderthonetvienna.com

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NEW SHADES

GRAPHENSTONE

Graphenstone, the world's most certifi ed eco paint, has launched two new colours for spring/summer 2023 – Serpentine blue, a so chalky blue inspired by the trend for wild swimming, and Baked Clay, a deep oxide red reminiscent of sun-baked Moroccan earth. graphenstone.co.uk

TAKE FIVE

Vases

MODERN HISTORY

Nature vase, £20 modern-history.co.uk

DARTINGTON CRYSTAL

Little Treasures

Amethyst Optic vase, £22 dartington.co.uk

CONRAN SHOP Wide Block Sgraffi to vase, £160 conranshop.co.uk

DROOL ART

If you’re looking to jazz up your interior and support earlycareer artists, try Drool. With a selection of prints ranging from bold and contemporary, to muted and abstract, Drool offers artists exposure, allowing vibrant, quality giclée prints to be shipped worldwide. drool-art.com

IN THE FRAME TIME PLEASE

HAY

The iconic Wall Clock is a result of a collaboration between HAY and designer Jasper Morrison. It embodies Morrison's talent for creating relevant and straightforward items that fit seamlessly into everyday surroundings, £105. twentytwentyone.com

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BERGS POTTER Willow vase, £73 nordicnest.com
HOME | NEWS
FERM LIVING Verso table vase, £95 fermliving.co.uk
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A NEW

Absolutely meets Cath Kidston to discuss prints, names and geraniums

If you’re a geranium person, you’ll understand what Cath Kidston means when she says that there’s ‘a sort of geranium cult’. These flowers with their distinctive fragrance inspire strong feelings, their scent transporting some people back to their childhoods instantly. If you’re in the cult, you’ll know that the past winter has been a particularly bad one for geraniums and many people lost prized plants to the frost. Not Kidston, though – because she has a greenhouse, and even though she claims not to be a good gardener and not to know when to prune hydrangeas, she is very good at geraniums.

So good in fact that she has set up a new business based on the flowers. Her new range of body care is made up of lotions and oils scented with geraniums from her greenhouse, and I’m meeting her at her pop-up shop in Bloomsbury’s Pentreath and Hall, where she is surrounded by a beautiful display of potted real geraniums and clever paper ones.

Of course it’s not the geraniums that make Cath Kidston a household name. It’s the chain of shops that she set up under her own name in 1993, almost inadvertently, which became a vast global enterprise, hugely profitable in Asia and immediately identifiable for its line in floral prints adorning everything from ironing board

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HOME | PROFILE

covers to children’s pyjamas to wallpaper. It remains a vast business, but without her: she sold it, along with her name, in 2015. The new range of bath and body products is labelled C. Atherley, using her mother’s name, with no mention of Kidston.

In person, she’s not what you’d expect of a global businesswoman. In fact she’s probably the nicest person you’ll ever meet: smiling, kind, gentle and extremely modest. She tells me that her first shop in London was entirely different from the Cath Kidston stores that came later. Really it was a junk shop, selling random things that Kidston had made or found and repurposed. “I’d had a business before doing interiors and I sold curtain poles and fittings, then I had an idea. In the 80s a lot of people tried to have formal Victorian dining rooms and old fashioned chintzy tastes, but that era was changing and I thought, what do my friends want? They want a kitchen living room with a table that kids can play at, a family-friendly space, plastic oilcloth tablecloths that kids could make a mess on. I was going to car boot sales and buying old bits of painted furniture – just things that were fun for young people’s homes, mixing your

granny’s sideboard with an Ikea table. So it began as a junk shop really.”

The first product that really sold was a padded ironing board cover. “I had a tiny flat with the ironing board on the back of the door and I thought, why not have a nice cover?” So she made one and that became the first thing that really paid the rent. “Gradually it grew and I gave up the interior design to focus on the shop.”

Putting her name on the shop was at first just about drawing attention to her existing interiors business. “I just needed people to look me up in the phone book –but then it was too late to take the name away. I never expected it to grow.”

Now she can’t use my name for a business ever again. Is that weird? She’s philosophical about it. “I’m so used to it. I was very lucky with that business and I benefited from it so much. You don’t get anything for nothing. When I left I thought I’d just let it go, and keep my proud happy memories” She’s not the only person to give up her name in that way. “I saw the Laura Ashley family ahead of me – there’s a club of us. It’s not a bad club to be in if you see it in perspective really is it? By the end I was working in a very big company

with about 250 franchises in Asia. I’d never seen myself doing that.”

Severing her ties with the business she’d dedicated herself to for so long created a big life change – and at first she threw herself into decorating her house in Gloucestershire. “I loved seeing so much sky after having been in an office for so long.”

Soon she realised that she needed some sort of channel for her ideas. “All my references are to do with work so if see something exciting I’ll always think of some way of using it. But one day in India I saw the most beautiful design and it struck me that I had nothing to do with it.”

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“ Now I’m probably back to where I was 30 or 40 years ago, looking at 18th century print archives”
DESIGNS IN PROGRESS

Needing some way of being creative, she set up a small print studio. “It awakened in me a thought of how fun it was to be creative again. If you’re a designer it is really nice to evolve your ideas and now I’m probably back to where I was 30 or 40 years ago looking at 18th century archives and things. A lot of brands are interested in traditional stuff with a new twist now and I like brands that are really edited.”

While the Cath Kidston brand was very much associated with florals, Kidston herself isn’t someone whose house is filled

floral paintings, and a floral chintz seat in a chair but not full on floral. Much as I love print, I like things being quite simple. I love shapes rather than frilly things; I like plain bones to things.” She has a London house too, near the old Clarendon Cross shop, and she says: “it’s a traditional house but also quite modern – the kitchen is contemporary with pale wood floor and units, but also an old fireplace and Delft tiles. I love collecting pictures in auctions and car boot sales.”

Having her small creative team around her is a source of joy. “I’m 64 so I've seen a lot and I like being able to share that with my team, who are half my age and know all kinds of things I don’t.” The new range is made in partnership with Heathcote and Ivory, which is run by old friends of hers, and the geranium products are packaged with simple, bold designs and lovely illustrations by her younger colleagues.

with blousy prints. “I have always loved flowers – but not just in print, I love fresh flowers in the house. I love the odd flowery dress. My business started with a big rose print, then a gingham print with roses that I’d found in Czechoslovakia. But in my home there aren’t that many. I’ve got a four poster bed painted bright red and the backdrop is floral but the rest is plain. I have some

For Kidston, her own sense of style is at the core of all her projects. “It’s about atmosphere, I want somewhere that feels welcoming. Not the fashion of the moment. I like houses where people have lived for a long time. Slowly slowly. It might take ages.”

Find out more by visiting c-atherley.com

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“Much as I love print, I like things to be quite simple”
HOME | PROFILE
CATH KIDSTON IN HER GREENHOUSE

EVERYTHING

CLICKED

Shelved is a modular shelving brand based in Yorkshire. The brand’s Creative Director writes about the journey they have been on

In 2018, I started working at Rack Systems Engineering – the sister company of Shelved – as a Senior Designer on a number of office furniture projects. The Shelved system was initially designed by myself as a commercial furniture product. The concept was to create a highly adaptable, flat-packed shelving system that offers storage and space division in modern workspace environments.

As a business, Rack Systems was able to stay open during Covid, pivoting the business to support various efforts in the battle against the pandemic. We re-configured the factory very quickly to make beds for the Nightingale Hospitals, hand sanitiser stands and various other products to help people return to work in offices – this ability to keep the doors open meant the workforce were largely able to keep going and the offices never fully closed.

During this time Shelved was pitched and the development of the system and brand commenced. We launched during the back end of the pandemic, so at this time e-commerce businesses were booming, and we benefitted from this.

My vision for Shelved was to create a premium brand that gave customers the ability to design and configure a storage product that would suit their homes and belongings, offering consumers a solution with longevity using high-quality, heavyduty materials.

I also wanted to ensure the product was seen as an investment – the adaptability of the Shelved system allows the product to be re-configured, re-designed and re-purposed through its lifetime without any loss of structural integrity; something many flat-packed furniture systems suffer from.

Our product is designed for the home, not landfill. In a society where fast fashion is prominent, I wanted to ensure our furniture system broke this mould and offered a high-quality solution that would offer fantastic value for money across a long lifetime. All UK made, our price point is

higher than some of the more readily available alternatives, but the quality and adaptability of our system ensures value.

We give people control over their design through the product configurator, designing a product to suit their individual needs. As these change, the product can be adapted allowing for a huge amount of customisation.

Everything is manufactured in our factory in North Yorkshire. We have a very capable factory due to investments in the latest equipment and machinery – this factory services both Shelved and Rack Systems to ensure we can make our products as efficiently as possible with very little waste.

Everything we sell is made in the UK. From the steel, the board used for the panels, even our injected moulded components are all UK manufactured. This is something we pride ourselves on and feel extremely proud of.

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JONATHAN CLARK

We manufacture for stock and hold a certain amount of product in our warehouse, this allows us to have a very short lead time (3-4 weeks for delivery from the point of order). The modular nature of the systems means we can create many configurations from a relatively small portfolio of components, this again improves efficiency and ensures customer lead time remains minimal.

Our bespoke service is centred around our online product configurator. This incredibly clever tool allows customers to design their own creation by selecting pre-designed modules and placing these in their design, to create a unit that suits their home.

In the background the system calculates the parts that are needed to build the design and provides a list of components. The price of the design will automatically update on the screen as the unit is built, giving the customer a very clear picture of what they are committing to financially. Seeing customers design their own products is by far one of the most rewarding aspects of the product, thought is clearly given to how they wish to use the product and what it is they want to display.

All our products are manufactured in our factory in Kirkbymoorside, about 40 minutes north of York. My daily commute is through the countryside, past Castle Howard and up to the outskirts of the North Yorkshire Moors – the view from our office windows is of rolling fields and countryside, the sunsets can be breathtaking! As we are based in the countryside the connect to nature is reinforced daily, so this influences the decisions we make and the actions

we take regarding sustainability. Where possible we remove single use plastics and focus on recyclable packaging and ensuring waste is recycled.

TV units are our most-popular product type along with feature shelving and room divider units. Our TV units offer customers the ability to create shelved ‘bridges’ that sit directly above the TV –something that’s not easily achievable without custom-made, fitted furniture.

To celebrate turning two years old in May, we’ve introduced a selection of new features. Firstly, we’re introducing a new connection pin in solid brass or black steel. Complete with beautiful knurled detailing, the pin elevates our connection system and showcases the simplicity of its assembly whilst adding a luxurious finishing touch.

We’re also launching glass shelving, something that has been requested by many of our customers. Available in two standard widths, the shelves will be available with a collection of pre-designed units or our product configurator. Height extensions have also been added to our collection, to suit those with high ceilings or the more compact spaces looking to maximise all the available vertical space.

There is so much potential for Shelved and the system we have is truly fantastic. There are several product development opportunities we hope to bring online in the future, giving customers even more choice when it comes to designing something to suit their home and storage needs.

The aim is to continue to offer more features on our product configurator, allowing customers to redesign or re-configure an existing unit purchased from us previously. Beyond that we would like to introduce more systems that continue to play on the strengths we have as a brand – whether that’s simple, low-cost alternatives or systems with different aesthetics and materials. The only limitation is our imagination.

shelved.co.uk

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“There is so much potential for Shelved. The only limitation is our imagination”

AWAY SAIL

Absolutely takes a closer look as Sand and the City introduces a new holiday let with a magnificent boat bed taking centre stage

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Sand and the City, which specialises in luxury holiday lets in York and the North Yorkshire Coast, has opened bookings for a new nautical holiday home in Robin Hood’s Bay. Green Bank House is a spacious fisherman’s cottage dating back to 1706 with breathtaking views out to sea and comes complete with its own boat bed – the RHB19.

The master bedroom with en-suite, situated across the whole of the second floor, is home to a fabulous handcrafted double boat bed which has been built into the eaves. Lovingly engineered by a local joiner, this purpose-built bed was designed to create a feature of the quirky split level floor. There is a smart TV with complimentary Netflix on the mast, a helm and storage space below deck.

This spacious dual aspect room boasts panoramic views across some of nature’s best vistas. From the boat bed, guests can look out to the south over pantile rooftops to the beach and rugged coastline at Ravenscar, famous for its low level rocks and colony of 300 seals. The master bedroom also boasts a gorgeous freestanding roll top bath where guests can lie back looking out to sea – this is certainly a room with a view.

According to The Hepworth Wakefield, Green Bank House was formerly home to the celebrated artist, Albert Wainwright (1898–1943), contemporary of the renowned Henry Moore. Wainwright was famous for his watercolours of Robin Hood’s Bay, many of which were created from the master bedroom. In keeping with its heritage, the current owner of Green

Bank House has adorned the property with contemporary artwork from local artists and businesses.

The stunning cottage comprises three double bedrooms – one king size, one double and a twin room with two single beds (suitable for children only) with three bath/shower rooms – and can accommodate a maximum of four adults and two children. Green Bank House is a fully restored Grade II listed double fronted cottage, located in the old village on Fisherhead and is within a minute’s walk of the beach. There is a large open plan sitting/dining room with a log burner. The cottage has been decorated and furnished to a high standard.

To the rear of the property is a patio area, with garden furniture and BBQ, and guests are able to sit outside the front of the cottage where there are wonderful sea views. The cottage is dog-friendly for one well-behaved dog and also comes with a parking permit for Fisherhead car park.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque and unspoilt fishing village situated on the stunning Yorkshire Heritage coast between Whitby (the landing place of Bram Stoker’s Dracula) and Scarborough. ‘The Bay’ has had a colourful past, starting out as a fishing village and becoming one of the major smugglers villages of the East Coast in

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the 17th and 18th centuries with many a tale about all the houses being linked by secret doorways and underground passages. It is told that whenever Her Majesty’s customs officers were in the area, a bolt of silk could be landed in the dock and passed from cottage to cottage without ever seeing the light of day until it emerged at the top of the not insignificant bank.

The old village is a maze of narrow winding cobbled streets with higgledypiggledy stone cottages perched one on top of the other, many clinging to the sheer cliffs, which plummet to the sea below. The vast beach (at low tide) has it all – good firm sand, rock pools and for the patient, fossils can be found in the soft cliffs. The village is popular all year round and is perfect for summer holidays or winter breaks and forms a good base for the enthusiastic walker with both the Cleveland Way and the Coast-to-Coast paths. Not forgetting the outstanding natural beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors with its steam railway (featured in the popular Harry Potter films), Broxa and Dalby forests and many picture postcard villages to explore.

Sand and the City holiday lets also includes additional holiday homes in Whitby and York. Seapink Cottage Whitby is a newly refurbished fisherman’s cottage located just off Flowergate on the West Cliff. This property can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests and has three king size bedrooms.

The City Escape, York, is a recently renovated Victorian townhouse conveniently located on a quiet residential street only a 10 minute walk to the city at Bootham Bar. The accommodation is spread over two floors with an open plan sitting/dining room, kitchen and king size master with en-suite to the ground floor, which is ideal for guests with mobility issues, and two king size and a twin room on the first floor with family bathroom and an additional WC. There is also a south facing courtyard garden.

For more information or to make a booking, visit sandandthecity.co.uk

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“Green Bank House is a fully restored Grade II listed cottage”
HOME | DESIGN

HIGH FIVE

FROM SEASONAL STATEMENTS TO NEW NEUTRALS, THE INTERIORS EXPERTS AT YORKSHIRE-BASED FURN.COM PREDICT THE TOP TRENDS BOUND TO BE FILLING HOMES THIS SUMMER

Bringing the outdoors, in

We love nothing if not a continued theme, and the trend for bringing the outdoors in is once again set to be big this summer. furn.com has not only seen huge uplift in its indoor/outdoor collection, ideal for transitional spaces, but in leafy, green prints across the board. Its statement bedding has seen a sales uplift of 91% in the weeks leading up to April 2023, and its Amazonia Rainforest and Parlour Palm Tree sets are ideal for bringing the jungle to your home. Opt for statement wallpaper statement wallpaper in any room, such as furn.’s Malaysian Wallpaper – ideal for instant impact.

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Think pink

We’ve never not loved a hint of pink in our homes, but thanks to the arrival of spring paired with Barbie’s 2023 comeback, it seems as though Brits are looking to create their very own ‘Dream House’ at home. Search for pink accessories is through the roof, with the oftloved pink/red combo making a return for summer. If you’re here to make a statement, why not opt for furn’s brand new Manhattan Abstract Duvet set. If you prefer more subtle hues in your own home, blush is still in for summer – bring it into the bedroom with furn’s best-selling Hebden Melange Stripe bedding set.

Outdoor oases

As the weather warms up, it’s no surprise we’re turning our attention to making the most of our outdoor spaces, and this summer we’re predicting fully-furnished gardens to be making a comeback. It’s all about creating a space as comfy as the living room, with a nod to far-flung destinations for the ‘holiday at home’ feel. In recent weeks, furn.com has seen a huge 847% increase in sales of outdoor accessories – and the outdoor rug is queen. With furn’s range of outdoor rugs once again a best seller, it looks as though we’re going full-on maximalist in the garden this summer. Top trending products include anything palm-print.

Out with grey, in with clay

In a real turn up for the books, it seems Brits’ love of shades of grey is waning, with search and sales seeing a downwards shift. Enter ‘clay’ – a warming, earthy take on subtle colour use in the home. What’s more, top selling products span across all rooms in the home, and even spill out into the outdoors, meaning it really is the new neutral on the block. Take a page out of furn’s books and embrace clay across the home; discover products such as furn’s aptly named Klay 100% recycled outdoor rug, Tuba Abstract cotton duvet set in Plaster, and accessories such as the Arvo Woven Tasselled throw and Body Art cushion.

Embracing cosy-core

In a total rejection of colour and print, it seems we’re simultaneously craving calming interiors in our homes – think creamy colours, and the softest fabrics. It’s all about doubling-down on that cocooning, cosy feeling, with Google Trends data showing a steady uplift (150%) in searches for boucle home accessories in recent weeks. If you want to bring soft textures and calming tones into your home, top products include furn’s Cabu Textured Boucle and Shearling Circa Printed cushions, plus its totally affordable Boucle Knot Fleece cushion – truly the perfect designer dupe.

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Create the PERFECT

SPACE with a stylish outdoor kitchen

KönigOutdoor kitchens provide the look and functionality of an indoor kitchen with the ability to withstand the elements outdoors. Each bespoke kitchen is made to order in the UK and combines stylish sintered stone surfaces, doors and cladding with a durable weatherproof structure.

Available at MKM Home, Hull. Visit the showroom on Foster Street.

Foster Street, Stoneferry Road Hull

HU8 8BT 01482 585888

mkmhome.co.uk

OUTDOOR

House PROUD

Blue is the colour

The perfect finish

At Southgate and James they continuously provide high quality interior decorating services to both private clients and interior designers. Their clients understand that communication, preparation and care are their core values.

Their services include all types of paint finishes, paper hanging, colour consultancy and advice. Based in North Yorkshire, their work sees them travel extensively throughout the UK and abroad. Decorators Joe Southgate and Jim Colley have brought style and colour to some of the region’s most prestigious properties.

“Our clients understand that preparation and care are key to our work, meaning they can enjoy quality, long-lasting, decorative finishes,” says Joe. Southgate & James specialise in paper hanging, fine decoration and faux finishes, and their background in arts and visual design means they can advise clients on what will work well.

info.southgate.james@gmail.com Instagram @southgate.james_ southgateandjames.co.uk

This summer, classic blue is taking the interior design world by storm and making a statement in some of the trendiest rooms. Fans of this hue will be pleased to find that navy blues and royal shades are gaining traction with their modern cabinetry looks featuring golden hardware – an ideal way to revamp your old all-white kitchen. Don’t stop there though! While accent walls and dishware sets sporting bolder tones make for beautiful décor pieces year round, take this time as a chance to get creative – think nautical elements like sailor stripes or anchors tastefully implemented into unique designs when playing around with one’s aesthetic style using Classic Blue. Ripon Interiors will have plenty of blue inspiration and more during the summer months.

Featuring MIlbourne Hartforth Blue kitchen from Ripon Interiors – see more at riponinteriors.co.uk

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More trends to look out for in the home, from some of the finest interiors businesses in Yorkshire
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“Classic blue is making a statement in the trendiest rooms”
RIPON INTERIORS SOUTHGATE AND JAMES

Classic collaboration

Well-loved TV presenter and personality, Jay Blades, has teamed up with iconic British manufacturer G Plan, to offer a collaboration that rethinks the way classic furniture design can be crafted. Presenting a diverse range of pieces from a furniture company with a rich design heritage, Jay Blades X G Plan will alter your perception of how staple furniture pieces should look and feel.

Each piece of this collection has been meticulously curated by Jay Blades; from the beautiful opulent fabric swatches to finer elements, such as a storage arm and vintage button detailing, each individual piece of furniture is a piece of art.

The Jay Blades X G Plan collection will withstand the test of time. Designed to be made completely your own, this collaboration is incredibly customizable and offers unquestionable comfort and undeniable charm.

View the collection at Rodgers, rodgersofyork.co.uk

Room with a view

As the days get longer and our gardens start to bloom, where better to relax and enjoy the view than from one of Hartleys Bedrooms’ fitted window seat designs. Multifunctional with handy storage beneath, and of course tailor made to fit your space exactly, they’ve got an inspiring new selection of finishes to choose from (featured here in Dust Grey). Perfect as one element of a complete fitted room design, and equally pleasing

as a single feature in a compact space, a window seat adds interest, purpose and gives an appealing finishing touch to any living space.

To book an at-home design appointment, visit them at hartleysbedrooms.co.uk , or call into the Skipton factory/showroom for inspiration on bespoke furniture designs for bedrooms, home-studies, lounges and multi-purpose rooms

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HARTLEYS BEDROOMS JAY BLADES X G PLAN
“Each piece has been meticulously created by Jay Blades”

Rustic revive custom bespoke furniture and tting for your home and business, we o er personal nationwide delivery. Have a look at our google reviews and you won’t be disappointed with the outstanding quality of our work.

Give us a follow on our socials, please feel free to drop us a message and we can work with you to get you the perfect piece of furniture.

Unit 4A, Riverside Industrial Estate, Langley Park, Durham DH7 9TT www.rusticrevive.co.uk

Unit 10 – Acaster Estates, Cowper Lane, Acaster Malbis, York YO23 2TX, England Yorkbeds.com │ 01904 777 070 York TheCompanyBed Delivery available throughout the UK and Europe Mattresses-Bed Sets-Divans-Head Boards ● Traditional Quality ● Made to Measure Our new premium Handstitched Vegan Calico Pocket mattress supports your body and conscience. Materials are ethically sourced and chemical free. Hand making beds for over 40 years

COMFORT ZONE

bedrooms

Award-winning British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, Daval, is predicting a bumper year for bedrooms. As the bedroom market develops and expands to reflect an increasing need for self care and wellness, the Daval team offer its insights on the latest trends.

FLOOR-TO-CEILING FLAIR

Tall units which maximise storage potential will be in demand as the way to maximise every inch of space in the 2023 bedroom. Installing wardrobes and cupboards which extend up to the ceiling will ensure the perfect fit and bring a streamlined feel to the bedroom. Musthave textures like linen and metallic effects will cater to a desire for luxurious, feelgood finishes as homeowners yearn for tactile effects to match a calming aesthetic. In addition, highlighting decorative accessories with integrated display shelving is the latest way to add a personal touch.

DELUXE DRESSING ISLANDS

New deluxe central storage island units will be top of the charts in 2023, making getting ready even easier. Selecting eyewear, watches and jewellery to enhance your outfits will be a breeze thanks to a range of storage

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HOME | BEDROOMS
Huddersfield-based Daval suggest 2023 is the year of indulgence when it comes to our

solutions such as specially designed leather trays. Zoned storage is big news this year, so not only will you be able to see your favourite items at a glance, you’ll also be freeing up valuable space at the dressing table for your preferred grooming tools and cosmetics.

SIZE MATTERS

Furniture which is precisely tailored to your needs will be at the heart of a calm and organised dressing area and bedroom in 2023, with a range of drawer sizes varying from slimline to deep to take care of non-hanging items. In fact, drawer storage is being reinvented in state-of-the-art island units as well as inside traditional wardrobes.

SUSTAINABLE CHOICES

Furniture which is ethically made and environmentally friendly will be in demand this year, reflecting the global movement to use resources more efficiently and creatively. With this in mind, custom British-made fitted furniture which comes from renewable sources is an on-trend choice to reduce carbon footprint whilst catering to the unique nature of your home and lifestyle, helping you to maintain and protect your clothes and much-loved accessories. The latest smoked glass shelving, sturdy pull-out, soft-close drawers for shoes, pull down hanging rails, integrated mirrors and industrial inspired lighting options will personalise your space as well as promoting better organisation.

DEEP & RICH COLOURS

Navy blue bedrooms and home offices will be in vogue this year, as Google confirms a 180% rise in searches for this relaxing, gender-neutral hue. This go-to calming

colour is the perfect partner for in-demand wood details and luxurious metallic mineral effects which will elevate and transform fitted furniture this year.

HYBRID HERO SOLUTIONS

With hybrid working patterns here to stay in the UK, 2023 will see soaring demand for customised home office solutions. A mixture of open and closed storage will be in demand to cater for hanging files, office stationery, lever arch folders and media devices. For the ultimate in ease and practicality, premium home office suites will have hanging storage for workwear. As flexibility will be key to professional and family life in 2023, converting a spare bedroom into a home office will be increasingly popular with versatile furniture that can be flipped as required. Selecting desks that can double as dressing tables and choosing dual zone cabinetry to accommodate office supplies or your guests’ belongings will make all the difference in a functional and comfortable multi-purpose room.

Daval House, Spa Fields Industrial Estate, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5BB 01484 848 500 daval-furniture.co.uk

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HOME | BEDROOMS
“Navy blue bedrooms will be in vogue this year”
Bespoke Glass Projects Helping you add style and value to your home Glass Balconies & Balustrades Feature Staircases Staircase Renovations Bespoke Glass Projects Composite/Millboard Decking With over 20 years experience we’re perfectly placed to design and build your dream feature staircase, custom made to fit exactly to your requirements. FIND OUT MORE t: 01423 509940 | m: 07734654668 | w: hgwsolutions.co.uk | e: hgwsolutions@gmail.com READ OUR REVIEWS Before After Call For A Free Survey HARROGATE_GLASS_HP_ABS_YORK_MARCH2023.indd 1 26/01/2023 10:50

SLEEP TIGHT

COOL DOWN

BED THREADS

Buttery so , pre-washed, and designed to last, Bed Threads' pure 100% French Flax Linen Bedding Set in Limoncello makes the whole bed feel like the cool side of the pillow, from £220. bedthreads.com

BEAUTIFUL BEDROOMS

RIPON INTERIORS

Investing in a Daval fitted bedroom means your space is not just beautiful, it’s also beautifully organised. Daval Como and Garda from Ripon Interiors. riponinteriors.co.uk

SWEET DREAMS

SCOOMS

This is the ultimate Hungarian goose down duvet. Sleep under a cloud all year round thanks to the clever four season approach: a 9 tog duvet and a 4.5 one can be used together or separately to ensure the right temperature at all times. Dreamy. From £250. scooms.com

SEASONAL TRANSITION RODGERS

This seasonal turn mattress has a warming wool winter side and a cooling cotton summer side. To guarantee the perfect night's sleep, the Lotus has 20,750 innovative springs. rodgersofyork.co.uk

FLOWER POWER BROWNS OF YORK

Sheridan’s Marrea Quilt Cover Set features overlapping fl orals, set to be the feature of your bedroom. Versatile, it lends to easy accessorising. brownsyork.co.uk

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5
A SUMMER UPDATE FOR YOUR BEDROOM
N.E.S.S. GATES & GARAGE DOORS A family business that will take your ideas to design, fabricate and install a system that suits Bespoke stylish secure automated gates and garage doors ■ Main Of ce: Red Oaks, Cayton Low Road, Scarborough, LARGE ENOUGH TO COPE SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE A family business that will take your ideas to design, fabricate and install a system that suits your home and needs. Bespoke stylish secure automated gates and garage doors Main Office: Red Oaks, Cayton Low Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 3BY 01723 351133 • www.harrogateelectricgates.co.uk

MEET THE EXPERT

North East Security Shutters’ Tony Jennison on an evolving business, technological advances and keeping it in the family

Q When did the company first launch and what inspired it?

A Originally established in 1981 in Whitby and transferring to Scarborough in 1989, North East Security Shutters changed hands in 1995 when myself and Jacky Jennison bought this small family business from a couple that emigrated to Australia to be with their children and grandchildren.

Q Would you say you have evolved in any way since the early days?

A Originally a manufacturing company that only offered roller shutters and garage doors, which we still do, we were determined to expand the product base into gate automation, and this evolved into manufacturing gates too. The garage door market has come a long way too, there’s not just the standard one piece garage doors any more, there are sectional garage doors, roller garage door, side hinged – all of which can now be automated.

Q What are you determined to offer?

A From day one, whatever product it may be, we were determined to offer a bespoke high quality product at a reasonable price. We wanted to offer that personal feeling to

make sure the customer gets exactly what they want. We are a family business that aims to give a personal touch every time.

Q Can you work with any type of property?

A Absolutely, yes. Our work takes us to many varied types of properties – including private dwellings, public buildings, commercial properties, agricultural buildings, holiday parks, stately homes and estates.

Q How do you start working on a new project?

A Whether clients email us or phone us, we offer a bespoke confidential design through site visits and surveys that will meet the clients needs and pride ourselves on having a large customer base in which many of our clients return many times for varying projects.

Q What would you say you have become known for?

A Our service and quality of product. I’d like to think we go that extra mile too, something that makes it feel a little more personal. These go hand in hand.

Q What tends to be the most popular purchase from you?

A The most popular purchases would be either domestic or commercial gate automations. It would be close with industrial and commercial roller shutters as this has been at the forefront of our manufacturing, but the gates would probably just take it.

Q What has technology enabled you to do in recent times?

A Technology has led us over the last 10 years into the GSM market meaning you can control your gates, garage doors, roller shutters, barriers, bollards with your mobile phone from anywhere in the world! You now don’t even have to press a designated remote handset to open your gates – it can be done with an app on your phone or by simply making a phone call.

Q What else are you looking forward to in 2023?

A Our son Luke has been a partner in the business now for the last six years and as an electronics engineer he provides the majority of design and build concepts. Together with his wife Sarah, who is also involved in the daily running of the business, they are the future and can take the business forward just as we did back in 1995.

Find out more at nessdoors.co.uk and harrogateelectricgates.co.uk

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We specialise in high quality outdoor furniture Add a touch of style and sophistication Modern design made in Yorkshire Seater - Table - Planter - Lighting - Fire Pit 01422 483010 | thesteelbenchcompany.co.uk Unit 11, West Central Business Park, Victoria Road, Halifax, HX1 5QH

OPEN AIR

SITTING PRETTY

SAZY

Stylish furniture is a must. We love this curved wood and metal Manila set, which is comfortable and hard-wearing with waterproof fabric and a sturdy feel. £1,200. sazy.com

TAKE A SEAT

UK HOME LIVING

This Mambo Santorini Dining Table with Firepit is a perfect addition to any garden space. Sit down with friends and family late into the night and make the most of summer, £1,161.98. ukhomeliving.com

LIGHT UP HOUSEOF.

Houseof's new outdoor lantern is an update to the traditional lantern style, with deconstructed walls and an illuminating glass globe. This IP44-rated wall light is waterproof and robust. houseof.com

IN THE ROUND DANETTI

Round tables are perfect for entertaining as they create a more sociable and intimate feel. The Lochlan's eucalyptus solid wood top is durable and the integrated parasol hole means you can add an umbrella. £999 danetti.com

PRINT RUN ANTHROPOLOGIE

Cra ed from lightweight gauze, Ellen Merchant's throws are inspired by a love of antique textiles and botanical forms. Each hand-drawn print from her studio showcases original patterns and colourful designs. £98 anthropologie.com

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IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR GARDEN READY FOR SUMMER
Bisca Staircases bisca.co.uk | staircase@bisca.co.uk | 01439 771702

FLOWER POWER

UK HOME LIVING

ANTHROPOLOGIE

HOME | TREND Bring summer inside with these floral accessories
RODGERS Sanderson Water Garden rodgersofyork.co.uk BROWNS OF YORK Sheridan Patula Cushion, £45 brownsyork.co.uk Ellen Merchant Tray, £32 anthropologie.com Havana Rug 80mm x 150mm, £55.80 ukhomeliving.com WALLSAUCE Wild Flowers Floral Wallpaper by Marina Stupakova, from £37 per m2 wallsauce.com MINDTHEGAP Woodstock Midsummer Floral Fabric, £139 per metre mindtheg.com PRETTY TIFFIN Tiffi n Lunchbox, £35 prettytiffi n.co.uk OHPOPSI Floral Riot Wallpaper in Citrus, £79 ohpopsi.com
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BOBBI BECK Tremonti Floral Mural, £29 bobbibeck.com POOKY Double Insignia Wall Light with Archive By Sanderson Design Shades in Hyacinth Cosmo, £29 pooky.com

2023 is the Year of the Coast, and, with 26 miles of spectacular coastline found here in the North York Moors National Park – sandwiched between beautiful countryside and the North Sea – what better time to come and celebrate our surroundings? We also have plenty of space for a stay in 2024, for those who are looking to plan ahead.

Thirley Cotes Farm showcases a selection of Grade II self-catering holiday homes set between the seaside towns of Scarborough and Whitby and sleeping 2 - 42 across 8 traditional yet contemporary pet-friendly cottages, each with a private hot tub and bordered by 21 acres of wildlife and woodland.

Our country-coastal hideaways are available for parties large and small and we are proud to say that the Thirley Cotes Farm collection is not only owned by us, but also highly rated 4 or 5 stars.

If visiting to experience the natural wonder of the Yorkshire coast or seasonal splendour of the North York Moors, you will feel instantly away from the day to day. All you have to do, is decide where to discover first.

Set between Broxa and Harwood Dale Forest, there are plenty of tracks and trails to explore from the doorstep and we are just a short drive from Scarborough South Bay, Robin Hood’s Bay and Grosmont. York is also an hour away.

North Yorkshire lays claim to one of the most beautiful coastlines the country has to offer and is home to charming villages clinging to the cliffs, such as Staithes, Filey and Ravenscar. So it goes without saying that the surrounding scenery is a nature lovers paradise, including our secluded rural estate (listen out for our resident barn owls).

Whether searching for 2 or as part of a bigger group, Thirley Cotes Farm provides a chance to truly switch off in style, complete with romantic retreats, hikers havens and family boltholes.

The Durbin Family

www.thirleycotesfarm.co.uk | 01723 871782 | holidays@cottage - escapes.co.uk

RIVIERA LIFE

NICE

Nice is much more than just a gateway to the Côte d'Azur. Since it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 for its beauty, history, architecture and natural spaces, the city has been enjoying something of a renaissance. Read about it on page 104.

History, food and luxury in Nice 104 • UK staycation 112
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FRENCH FANCY

Since being declared a Unesco World Heritage site, Nice is having a renaissance. Absolutely visits

Words PENDLE HARTE

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You’ve been to Nice. But have you stayed there?

France’s fifth-largest city is often seen as a gateway to the Cote d’Azur. People fly in and head straight to Cannes or St Tropez without actually noticing that Nice is a fascinating and beautiful place in its own right. At least, they used to. This is changing now, partly since UNESCO declared the city a World Heritage site in 2021, and partly because of a resurgence of luxury places to stay, creating a new buzz around the city. But it’s always been glamorous. Just take a look at the architecture, which defines the city into two halves, the old town and the new town. The old town was originally Italian, and the city’s history shows hundreds of years of changing allegiances. Italian was traditionally the first language here, and the old town’s architecture shares more with the Ligurian tradition

than the French. The Italian border is less than 20 miles away, and present-day Nice owes much to its Italian heritage.

We’re staying at the newly renovated Anantara Plaza Hotel – formerly the Plaza and before that the Hotel de France. It opened in 1848 to entertain Europe’s travelling aristocrats and was renamed the Plaza at some point in its thriving career. Fate led to it being abandoned in the 21st century before being entirely gutted and modernised by the Thai hotel group. Centrally located and a stone’s throw from the Promenade des Anglais and the sparkling Mediterranean, it’s a fabulous spot.

Our room has a sea view and large balcony from which to enjoy it – and you can admire the sea from the impressive rooftop restaurant too. It’s run by Portuguese celebrity chef Olivier da Costa and attracts non-residents from all over the region for showstopping fusion food that’s heavy on lobster, tru es and sushi, all served with dry ice, woodsmoke and other theatricalities. The bar o ers cocktails themed on a world tour with concoctions for every region, including a bourbon-based Socca Sour inspired by a Nicoise chickpea delicacy.

The hotel is embarking on a busy first season and prides itself on details: every room is equipped with a realistic-looking signature edible pebble, for instance, which

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“The Italian border is less than 20 miles away, and present-day Nice owes much to its Italian heritage”
NICE BEACH AND PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS PRIVATE TERRACE, ANANTARA PLAZA
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PLACE MASSENA, NICE

nobody would consider biting into unwarned. It also claims to be the only hotel in the world to o er separate monsieur and madame shower gels. Make of that what you will.

The Nicoise are proud of their food culture, and the city’s Italian influence gives rise to a street food culture that’s unknown elsewhere in France. Eating on the street, outside of regular mealtimes, is not part of French culture, and remains unacceptable in most places other than Nice. Here, the Italian tradition allows – encourages, even – eating in the street and Nice’s busy market o ers a host of local snacks to enjoy. There’s Socca, for instance, a chickpea flatbread eaten freshly scraped from the

hotplate – it’s delicious – along with the inevitable pissaladière, an oniony, anchovy tart eaten in small slices at seemingly every opportunity. Another local speciality is tourte de blettes, a sweet cake made –improbably – with Swiss chard and pine nuts, sweetened with raisins. We tour the market sampling everything and admiring the vast selection of flowers and healthylooking produce, all of it plumper and shinier than our British vegetables. Our lovely local guide, Sylvie, points out Henri Matisse’s former home overlooking the market square, and takes us to an ice cream shop where unlikely flavours include olive, jasmine and beer (also: tourte de blettes).

Nice claims more than 300 sunny days a year, with very little rainfall and mild winters, so it’s a lovely place to visit any time. The Promenade des Anglais is a wide beachfront strip, blessed with a long cycle path and lots of easy-to-hire Velo Bleu, so it’s easy to pedal o for an afternoon before returning to a relaxing treatment at the Anantara Plaza spa. At sunset it’s time for a drink on the rooftop terrace: don’t miss the Piscine – swimming pool – which is a vast balloon glass filled with ice cubes and Provencal rose. That’s life in Nice.

ANANTARA PLAZA NICE

Rates start from €350 (£308) for a deluxe city view room including breakfast for two people; anantara.com

VIELLE VILLE NICE
“The city's Italian influence gives rise to a street food culture that’s unknown elsewhere in France”
ROOFTOP BAR, ANANTARA PLAZA
TRAVEL • NICE
HOTEL ANANTARA PLAZA NICE

SPRING STAYCATIONS

with

An award-winning collection of hospitality venues located across the Ribble Valley, Lune Valley and the Yorkshire Dales.

Whether you are looking for a town centre escape or a room with a view amongst the rolling hills of the beautiful UK countryside we have a hotel for you!

BOOK ONLINE AT JAMESPLACES.COM

Our gorgeous Broom House B&B is ideally located only 15 minutes from the coast and nestled in the North York Moors National Park.

Broom House is the perfect haven to get out and explore the beautiful surroundings.

With four lovely pubs and restaurants in the area and our cosy guest rooms, it's easy to see why we've been receiving great reviews.

Broom House looks forward to welcoming you!

B&B SURROUNDED BY NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS NATIONAL PARK
BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOUSE
Broom House Lane, Egton Bridge YO21 1XD | 01947 895 279 | broom-house.co.uk BROOM_HOUSE_HP_ABS_YORK_APR2023_v2.indd 1 09/03/2023 13:13

SWEPT AWAY

AbsolutelyYorkshire is wowed when visiting Broom House at Egton Bridge

Broom House at Egton Bridge is the family run bed and breakfast of Brianne and Luke Cockill. The beautiful country house is ideally located in the North York Moors National Park, making it the perfect base to explore the countryside, charming coastal villages and beyond.

Native to North Yorkshire, Luke grew up in the hospitality industry in his family’s hotel in the beautiful village of Sandsend. He met his wife, Brianne, who grew up in the States, working at a premier ski destination in Utah. They moved to Loch Lomond, Scotland, in 2013 with their daughter Eve, where they worked for nearly seven years at an exclusive use venue which hosted corporate and charitable events and small weddings.

After their time in Scotland, the couple decided to relocate to North Yorkshire to be closer to family and bought Broom House in December 2019. Because of COVID-19,

the couple was not able to open until July 2020, but with all the downtime, were able to put their stamp on the property, redecorating all the guest rooms and public areas, making it truly their own. Using brands such as Farrow and Ball, Sanderson Fabrics and Barker and Stonehouse furniture, they have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy.

Broom House comprises the main house along with a separate annex. Within the main house, there is a range of rooms from two king suites, a twin and king bedded rooms. All guest rooms have en-suites with showers over the tubs, tea and co ee amenities and lovely views overlooking the garden and Esk Valley. The Cottage Suite o ers a ground floor lounge with French doors leading to the garden, and the bedroom and bathroom are located on the first floor.

Starting the day right, guests will be treated to breakfast in the large dining room with log burner and doors leading onto the expansive terrace overlooking the

lush garden. Using local produce, quality butchers and fresh eggs delivered to the door, Luke and Brianne have created a versatile menu that can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs. The guest lounge is cosy, boasting an open fire, board games and an honesty bar so guests can unwind after a busy day of exploring.

Broom House is nestled in the Esk Valley, only 3/4 mile from the Egton train station, in a peaceful location with lots of space and fresh air. Despite its rural location, Broom House has access to award-winning restaurants and charming country pubs. In this area, there is something for everyone. Whether you enjoy walks on the beach, cycling some routes that were part of the Tour de Yorkshire or scenic drives, you will not be short of activities to do.

If a country escape to North Yorkshire is what you are after, Luke and Brianne look forward to welcoming you to Broom House!

BROOM

HOUSE

AT EGTON BRIDGE

Broom House Lane, Egton Bridge, YO21 1XD 01947 895279 | info@broom-house.co.uk broom-house.co.uk

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Look SOUT H

Essex is the perfect place to get away from it all. Situated on the doorstep of London, the county o ers a vibrant coastline and picturesque countryside.

You’re invited to discover the county that has Britain’s first city, is the birthplace of radio and home to the world’s longest pier, as well as 40 vineyards. With over 200 attractions there is plenty to do – and did you know Essex is also the driest county?

Book yourself into a room at a castle, a luxurious tree house, a room literally

out of a story or a stay in the middle of a lake. If you want something a bit more conventional, there are great holiday parks with entertainment, boutique hotels with gourmet dining or spa and golf hotels that impress.

Essex shares the same geology as the Champagne region, so it is not surprising that many award-winning wines come from Essex vineyards. With stunning views and a café serving delicious food, Clay Hill Vineyard is the perfect setting to relax and watch the world go by, and a short distance away you will find Crouch Ridge Vineyard, which o ers tours, tasting and luxury accommodation.

Mersea Island is famous for its oysters and is a popular holiday destination. Aside from the seafood you can find Cudmore Grove, a perfect place for fossil hunting and finding the odd sharks tooth. There are plenty of activities with watersports and a number of holiday parks: Waldegraves is a great family run holiday park situated on the beach that o ers its guests entertainment and fun.

Essex has a wealth of heritage from the Roman city of Colchester with its interactive castle and hidden Roman remains, to steam trains and stately homes waiting to be explored. There is also a saxon church steeped with over 2,000 years of history said to be one of the oldest buildings in England, located in the remote and peaceful Bradwell on Sea, making it the perfect place for a stroll and to connect with one another as well as the great outdoors.

For further inspiration check out visitessex.com

Top 5 Must see and do

White water ra ing , at Lee Valley Regional Park.

Chelmsford City Racecourse, England’s newest racecourse for year-round racing.

Southend pier, the world’s longest pleasure pier.

Colchester Zoo, which is celebrating 60 years.

Galvin Green Man , voted the UK’s best pub.

Top 5 Accommodation

Talbooth House and Spa , in the picturesque Dedham. Colemans Farm , a luxury treehouse. Piglets , is a multi award-winning b&b. Talliston House, a house based on John Tarrow’s book Talliston.

Down Hall , an award-winning, historic mansion.

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP FUN AT COLCHESTER ZOO
ESSEX IS RENOWNED FOR ITS VINEYARDS CUDMORE GROVE COUNTRY PARK
Why a trip to Essex could be just the UK short break we all need
TALBOOTH HOUSE & SPA

TWO TO VIEW

Looking for a break in Yorkshire?

ASSHETON ARMS

If you’re looking for a quintessential country pub escape this summer, then look no further than the Assheton Arms. Located at the foothills of Pendle Hill, a short drive from Clitheroe, the Assheton Arms can be found at the heart of the sleepy village of Downham. Whether you’re looking for a romantic break or a walking holiday, the Assheton Arms is country pub perfection. Flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and log burning stoves provide the warmest of welcomes. The cosy bar area is ideal for a post-walk pint or a pre-dinner drink. Delicious, refined country pub classics fill the menu, and the ever-changing specials board always has something to tempt. The

12 beautifully designed bedrooms are worth staying in bed for, some with magnificent views and others with freestanding baths perfect for a long soak after a day’s walk. Bed & breakfast stays start from £115 per room. asshetonarms.co.uk

WAKEFIELD

The Wakefield district is a fantastic place for a staycation, with vibrant independent towns and stunning scenery, all within striking distance of an historic cathedral city. Take in inspiring art and sculpture at venues like Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Wakefield. Discover Wakefield’s fascinating history at heritage properties like the National Coal Mining

Museum and National Trust Nostell. Take a stroll through beautiful outdoor spaces, like tranquil Newmillerdam Country Park and wildlife-watcher’s paradise RSPB Fairburn Ings. Sample mouth-watering food and drink, from real ale to ‘gramworthy cocktails, and from cosy cafes to world-class city-centre restaurants. Finally, relax and rejuvenate in the district’s luxurious accommodation, from opulent country house hotels to dynamic self-catering options.

So whether visitors are looking for a short city break, or a longer stay to explore this beautiful part of Yorkshire, Wakefield has plenty to o er the discerning traveller this summer. experiencewakefield.co.uk

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WATERTON PARK AND WALTON HALL HOTEL
Here Absolutely suggests a couple of di erent destinations that’s perfect for all the family
TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP
ASSHETON ARMS PHOTO: BEN CUMMING

Yorkshire’s

its superb location. The 34-year-family-owned, 9-bedroom hotel is a perfect base for a holiday, weekend getaway or overnight stay. Open to residents and non-residents, The North Star restaurant is renowned for its fresh, Flamborough seafood and wild game. Menus include: À la Carte, Specials, Senior Citizen, Snack menu. 2023 tari (person/night):

•Four poster or Garden-view room £65

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For enquiries, or to make a reservations, please contact us directly on: 01262 850 379 | www.thenorthstarhotel.co.uk The North Star, North Marine Road, Flamborough, YO15 1BL

Stylish and Unique Luxury Holiday Homes in Northumberland Fabulous interiors, amazing attention to detail and our signature concierge service combine to provide the best luxury holiday homes in Northumberland info@coquetcottages.co.uk | 01665 710 700 | www.coquetcottages.co.uk
View Our Portfolio Located on the cli s of North Landing, a stone’s throw from the beach, and within easy travelling distance of many of finest attractions, The North Star takes advantage of
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Restaurant, Bar & Hotel

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Inspiring and empowering confident young women, enabling them to believe nothing is beyond their reach.

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“I am really glad I chose to weekly board. The extra academic support with my school work during the evenings is extremely helpful, for both my progress and finishing homework. My parents and I enjoy blissful work-free weekends, my relationship with them is better than ever before.” Mount Sixth Form Pupil

mountschoolyork.co.uk

An exceptional education for girls age 3-18

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EDUCATION

SUPER POWERS THE MOUNT SCHOOL

The introduction of The Mount School’s Borealis Academic Society Expeditions heralded a new era in super-curricular enrichment and academic excellence for York's only all-girls school for girls age 3-18. The Borealis Society is a super-curricular programme, extending academic learning outside of the classroom and into the real world. Putting pupils in situations that will make a great impact on a student's CV. mountschoolyork.co.uk

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Double VISION

Absolutely Yorkshire talks to two Heads at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate about how they help pupils transition through the year groups

KAREN KILKENNY Head, Chapter House

Q What can you tell us about Chapter House?

A Chapter House is a vibrant and engaging prep school with a warm, family atmosphere. We provide an enabling environment which respects, recognises and tunes into the individual child and promotes positive mental health and resilience.

Q What curriculum do pupils follow?

A The Early Years children follow ‘Planning in the Moment’ with planned magic moments of literacy and numeracy. Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils follow the National Curriculum, which is enhanced with regular visitors to school and educational visits.

Q What would we find in a typical class?

A A very lively buzz where pupils are inquisitive and excited about their learning. The safe, happy environment we provide ensures that our children are eager to take risks, learn new things and reflect on what they have learnt. Sta put an emphasis on the delivery of highquality, creative teaching that promotes curiosity and independent learning.

Q How do you help pupils with the transition to King’s Magna for those continuing their education with you?

A Pupils move through to King’s Magna in Year 6 as a bridged year between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. In Year 6, students do not take SAT examinations and instead are provided with a transitional year to help prepare students for Key Stage 3. They have a form teacher, similar to in Year 5, who teaches most of the curriculum, but with more opportunities to go to some of the other parts of the campus for lessons such as music and art. We ensure the Year 5 pupils have regular Thrive@QE sessions in the Pastoral Centre to support students' wellbeing. Plus, regular sports fixtures, outreach and transition days ensure that the Chapter House children interact with older King’s Magna children in

Year 6. From the parent's perspective we host Q&A events and give guided tours of King’s Magna to allow parents to meet key sta from the King’s Magna team and o er individual meetings with teachers upon request.

JOE BIRCHALL Head, King’s Magna

Q How key are the early weeks of pupils’ time at King’s Magna?

A When developing the induction process for students moving into King’s Magna, we put ourselves in the students' position and envisage how the first few weeks will look and feel from their perspective. The objective is then to deliver a moment or experience that is going to be fun, memorable and most importantly cement the sense of belonging we want our students to have as being part of Team QE. We deliver an informative and inclusive induction process keeping parents connected with their child’s progress via Heads of Year and our bespoke Pastoral Care team.

Q What di erent challenges are you prepared to face with this age group?

A In King’s Magna we aim to instil core values of honesty, kindness, respect, and

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determination to ensure our students grow into good people. During their formative years I believe we must inspire students by showing them how we want them to act and behave so that they can mirror these traits until they become their own.

Q What curriculum do pupils follow at King’s Magna?

A The curriculum for King’s Magna is based on the National Curriculum content at Key Stages 2 and 3, with a focus on developing the key skills necessary for Key Stage 4 and success in the future world of work. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students from across the full ability range, stretching the most able, and support for those students who require it. We actively encourage students to enjoy their learning, foster curiosity and develop lifelong skills which will support them as they

move through the Collegiate and beyond. Our aim is to provide a curriculum which responds to the current needs and abilities of our students and is seen as relevant to their age-related needs. In order to achieve this, the curriculum is constantly evolving.

Q Is the co-curricular more important for this age group?

A All students in King’s Magna participate in an enrichment programme, which o ers two hours per week of study built into their school day as a timetabled lesson allowing us to stretch and challenge students in an area of their interest, including sport, creative arts, performing arts and a range of academic subjects.

King’s Magna continues in the footsteps of QE in providing its students with a large range of extra-curricular activities. These activities are seen as enhancing the learning

experience and providing students with opportunities not available within the school day. These range from riding lessons to chess and from film club to fashion design as well as individual peripatetic tuition.

Q How do you prepare pupils for their next step into Senior School?

A King’s Magna provides an environment that fully prepares our students to experience and succeed in either The College or The Faculty pathways. The transition process starts during Year 9, with our senior school teams delivering assemblies, options conventions, career planning and one to one meetings. We guide students and parents alike through the process, so they are informed, prepared and eager to begin their senior school journey at Queen Ethelburga’s

Find out more at qe.org

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

EDUCATION NEWS

The latest news from schools across the county

One to support

In memory of Mason Clarkson-Carter, a former South Hunsley student who sadly passed away in November 2022, Team Hunsley are participating in the Great North Run to raise money for the Sick Children’s Trust who supported Mason’s family during this incredibly hard time.

The Sick Children’s Trust is the charity that gives families with a seriously ill child in hospital a comfortable place to stay and a friendly ear to listen in one of their ten Homes from Home. Hospital can be a lonely and scary place for anyone, but especially a child. Providing families with somewhere to stay together just minutes from the hospital means that they can be by their sick child’s side and have one less thing to worry about. With the help of so many generous supporters, like this incredible Great North Run team, they have helped over 73,000 families since 1982, with a welcoming place to stay when they have really needed it. justgiving.com/fundraising/ masoncc-eckersleyhouse

Best of the best

Sheffield senior school teacher Stephen Coote has been shortlisted for the ‘Subject Lead of the Year’ category in the prestigious TES Schools Awards 2023. The awards, hosted annually in June in London, recognise the very best teachers and schools from UK state and independents, including early years settings, primary and secondary. Stephen, who is Head of the Business and Economics Department at Sheffield High School for Girls (GDST), has been working in education for 20 years and leading his team at the top Sheffield all-girls school since 2014. The department has a reputation for exceptional teaching standards alongside extensive co-curricular activities, allowing pupils in every year group to apply

Helping hand

To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation, thousands of organisations across the country got together to give us all the chance to help out in our own local communities. The importance of kindness and service to others are also central to a child’s journey through Aysgarth. The Big Help Out was a perfect opportunity to explore service opportunities in the local communities with the children. As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words, so on 4 May, the whole community was involved in The Aysgarth Big Help Out. Every staff member and pupil was involved and activities included planting bulbs with 4Scots at Bourlon Barracks, Catterick; helping out at Richmond Rugby Club and lots of weeding at Newton le Willows cricket club; preparing boxes at Richmond food bank and much more. Most importantly, the children and staff spent time in the communities and met amazing individuals who selflessly dedicate their time and energy. aysgarthschool.com

their learning outside the classroom. Each year, students take part in a range of competitions and activities, both regionally and at national level. This year, for the first time, Year 12 Economics students from Sheffield Girls’ took part in the ‘YES! Young Economic Summit’ in Hamburg and scooped the top international team prize. sheffieldhighschool.org.uk

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Farm o ers extensive accommodation that is filled with character features and totals approximately 4428 sq.ft. Besides the primary dwelling, the barn and cottage o er an incredible opportunity for prospective buyers seeking a home where their entire family can live together in a single location. The barn comprises approximately 1233 sq.ft. of living areas and the cottage is also well-proportioned at approximately 1041 sq.ft.

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OUTSIDE

The gardens and grounds are substantially sized and create a wonderful, private setting. The exterior contains a large timber decked seating terrace, lawned areas and extensive land. The land is enclosed by stone walling and mature trees, making it extremely versatile. There is also the advantage of two stables and a workshop that are situated at the front of the cottage.

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PROPERTY • FOCUS
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West Yorkshire BOXING CLUBS

An exhibition at The Piece Hall has highlighted the proud history of stepping into the ring around Halifax and beyond

Acelebration of the traditional boxing clubs found around Halifax and Calderdale launched at The Gallery in The Piece Hall towards the end of April. Halifax Stars is a newly created film and oral history project that focuses on the sport’s working-class roots in the many clubs which have operated proudly in and around the area for decades.

On the exhibition, Nicky Chance-Thompson, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, said: “History isn’t just about grand buildings like our beloved Piece Hall, it’s the stories of everyday people, the battles they face and the challenges they overcome. I’m incredibly proud that we are able to share these important local stories and shine a light on these captivating characters which have shaped our communities so much over the decades.”

An innovative intergenerational project led by verd de gris arts and co-created with local boxing coaches and community workers, the exhibition shared the stories of older fighters and the gyms that used to be a prominent feature of the area. It also celebrated the importance of boxing to young working-class people today to the instilling of self-discipline, self-care, respect and pride in community.

Je Turner from verd de gris arts adds: “In developing this project, we wanted to reflect the strength and communal nature of boxing culture in working-class towns like Halifax and across West Yorkshire.

“Rather than us trying to tell this story through historical facts and statistics, we have chosen to let the boxers speak for themselves and give you an insight into why boxing is perhaps the most noble of sporting arts.”

Verd de gris arts worked alongside filmmaker and photographer Geo Brokate on the project with extensive support

and commitment from local gym owners Mick Rowe, Cass Varey, Josh Sandland, and the family of Clarrie Shaw, whose book Roy's Boys lovingly documents the history of the local boxing scene.

Halifax Stars is one of 57 projects that Historic England is funding through its Everyday Heritage Grants: Celebrating Working Class Histories. These projects reveal and celebrate fascinating untold stories from across England. Sean Curran, who leads on Historic England’s Everyday Heritage Grants scheme, says: “Halifax’s boxing clubs have played a huge role within their local communities, helping young people to hone their minds and bodies. We are really pleased to be able to play our part in celebrating the history of these clubs and the fighters who trained in them.”

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