Absolutely Yorkshire May 2022

YORKSHIRE

Yorkshire MAY 2022 / £3.95

SPECIAL Inspiration and ideas for your big day

MAY 2022

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RIDE ABSOLUTELYYORKSHIRE.CO.UK

INTRODUCING A BOLD NEW MAGAZINE FOR YORKSHIRE PLUS

DISCOVER HARROGATE What makes the spa town so special ONE YEAR LATER Visiting Halifax and the inside story of The Piece Hall's reopening MEAL ON THE MOORS Why local produce is key at Homestead Kitchen in Goathland

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

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Bed: Bed: Vindö Vindö II Fabric: Fabric: Designer´s Designer´s Guild Guild Glenville Glenville Oyster Oyster II Carpet: Carpet: Light Light Beige Beige II Bed Bed Linen: Linen: Havsbris Havsbris White White II Bedside Bedside table: table: Holme Holme

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C U LT U R E AGENDA

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Our pick of the best events across the county in May

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LUCY MIZEN

The Yorkshire actress on returning to her first love

26 HARROGATE

The past, the present and the future of the spa town

OUTDOORS 36 45 YEARS OF YSP

A look back at over four decades of artistic intent at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

40 CLIFFORD'S TOWER A new era begins at the York landmark, one we can all enjoy

44 DOG'S LIFE

Visiting three hotels that mix luxury and a warm welcome for our faithful hounds

FOOD & DRINK 48 FOOD NOTES

The latest launches and tasty updates from across the county

WEDDINGS SPECIAL 62 LISTER HORSFALL Why the Halifax institution has opened a jewellery showroom

68 YORKSHIRE ROUND UP The people and places on hand to offer the wedding of your dreams

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PICTURE PERFECT

Looking for wedding dress inspiration? Look no further

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50 HOMESTEAD KITCHEN Absolutely Yorkshire heads to Goathland for a special homecoming

54 CHEF Q&A

Taking time out with Jon Smith, head chef at The Plough in Scalby

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NTS

E D I T O R'S

Picks

C L I F F O R D ' S TOW E R

It was a joy to head inside this York landmark to see what's new

YO R K S H I R E S C U L P T U R E PA R K

26 FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 80 SIAN GABBIDON The former winner of The Apprentice on proving the doubters wrong

84 THE SHOOT

A little piece of Dutch courage goes a long way with POM Amsterdam

113 LICENCE TO THRILL

The connection between Rishworth School and a certain James Bond

Why the York favourite is a leader in sustainability too

130 AMC DESIGN

K I D S & E D U C AT I O N 102 PETS IN SCHOOL

137 KITCHEN TRENDS

Looking at the educational benefits of a little animal magic in the classroom

THE PIECE HALL

The iconic venue's CEO on her Yorkshire favourites, including Hebden Bridge

INTERIORS 128 RODGERS

92 EBRU EVRIM

From Skipton to the world: the yoga practitioner wowing us all

We take a look back at 45 years of bringing art to the county

We head to Ilkley for a little design inspiration from Ann-Marie Cousins: prepare for colour in your life

The latest looks to brighten up the heart of the home

A B S O L U T E LY YO R K S H I R E .

C O. U K The online guide to inspirational local living.

O N T H E C OV E R POM Amsterdam SS22 collection, found at Olivia Grace in Wetherby pom-amsterdam.com

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ABSOLUTELY • THIS MONTH HOME IS JUST OUTSIDE OF YORK

LISA BYRNE

Yorkshire YATTER

In each issue, acclaimed journalist Lisa Byrne will offer an alternative look at county life. Prepare for a fun ride…

I

n my previous life as editor-in-chief of a glossy celebrity magazine, I would be spending May preparing for the whirl of the social season – a chaos of balls, festivals and events that would leave Lady Whistledown breathless.

One of the highlights would include flying to Cannes to cover the annual film festival, where I once enjoyed the surreal experience of shaking cocktails on a billionaire’s yacht with George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt. Then there would be the numerous celebrity weddings that I would supposedly attend as a guest, when in reality, I would be suffering a constant coronary trying to ensure no naughty guests sneaked in a mobile phone to take illicit shots.

Sadly, dear readers, I fell out of love with celebrity magazines – mainly due to the type of shows and ‘celebrities’ that started swallowing up coverage. I adored publishing world exclusive interviews with people who either had a natural talent to act, dance or sing, or worked their heart and souls out to achieve. But reality TV stars left me cold. It’s not their fault, it’s a cheap way to make a show, but I feel that it rots

DURAN DURAN AT CASTLE HOWARD IS IN THE DIARY

your soul, and once the calls stop, it must feel like your identity has disappeared.

So, I was suddenly unemployed for the first time ever when my life took an even darker turn. I was diagnosed with aggressive cancer and underwent gruelling treatment through the fantastic NHS treatment. After finishing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, my adored younger brother died suddenly and my heart was broken. But in the mists of grief, I made the best decision of my life – I decided to move back to Yorkshire.

I now live in a gorgeous, rambling farmhouse in a village just outside my beautiful hometown of York, where I fill my days dog walking, working on a screenplay, freelancing for the nationals, and running a high-end bespoke PR agency. Though not everything’s changed from those heady days in London. I still attend copious launches and parties and have regular meetings in The Ivy – though the location’s changed from West Street, WC2 to St Helen’s Square, YO1.

I LOVE our vibrant county, which is why it was such a huge honour to be approached to be the columnist for Absolutely Yorkshire.

So welcome glamourous Yorkies to the first issue of this luxurious, fresh, and fabulous publication. Each month I shall bring you insider news on what’s going on in God’s Own Country, along with the hottest places to visit and a few bits of juicy celebrity gossip. I wish you all a wonderful start to the summer season.

Email lisabyrneyork@gmail.com with events, launches etc, and follow on Instagram @lisabyrnepr and twitter LisaByrnePR

A-HA!

My highlights for the month of May…

Collapsing in the aisles in fits of laughter watching the Alan Partridge Live Stratagem tour at Leeds Arena

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Dusting off my velvet jacket and frilly blouse in preparation for the upcoming concert of iconic New Romantics Duran Duran at Castle Howard.

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Booking into luxury property company Beautiful Escape’s cosy Barn Owl Cottage in the Howardian Hills for a few days’ intensive screenwriting with only my cocker spaniel Merlin for company.

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Fighting the UV rays with my favourite brand Sisley’s divine new moisturising product All Day All Year.

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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Y E L LOW FEVER ALEKSANDRAVIKTOR is a contemporary brand with a traditional approach that tells the story of the origin of fashion. Focused on one iconic product – the coat – which is reinvented in each collection, inspired by different parts of the world, the launch collection is all about ikat weaving from Uzbekistan.

Pictured is the Marta coat. aleksandraviktor.com

CITRUS POP Jonathan Adler's joyful yellow Grapefruit diffuser smells like pink grapefruit, white grapefruit rind, green vine accords, pink freesia and passion fruit all in one. £62 jonathanadler.com

AC I D H O U S E Casting a glare free and comfortable light, the portable Bellhop Table Lamp has been innovatively designed by Barber & Osgerby for Flos. £190 conranshop.co.uk

SUN BURST In this new ski collection inspired by 90s raver fashion, Khrisjoy's Puff Khris vest is designed with a tie-dye finish, goose down feather padding and tassel details. £1,140 koibird.com

EDITOR’S PICK

D I P DY E Turtle Bags are committed to raising awareness about the hazards of plastic bags for sea life, particularly for turtles. These organic cotton string bags are strong and stylish as an alternative. £7 turtle-bags.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

GOLD RUSH Inspired by ancient gemstone engraving, the Iqra collection combines the magic of healing crystals with written words to amplify their power. 18ct yellow gold and diamond Iqra necklace with citrine, £695 thealkemistry.com

Y E L LOW MO O N Quinton Chadwick's vintage style tweed stripe beret in teal, aqua, yellow and jade has a flecked pom pom; the colours are taken from the exotic Madagascan Moon moth. quintonchadwick.com

Y E L LOW L I N E A handmade cement pot will make any plant look stylish in the run up to spring – we love this neon yellow zigzag design. bigpotlittlepot.co.uk

HERE COMES THE SUN A bunch of sunshine yellow Phalaris is stunning on its own in a statement vase or paired with other dried stems and grasses.

This colourful dried grass is the perfect way to add an elegant pop of colour to any room. £18 thehappyblossoms.com

CUT THE M U S TA R D We love a lace collar, especially when it's teamed with an ochre cardigan. Monsoon has got this combo just right, £55 monsoon.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Neil Simone, Artist

Original Oil Paintings and Prints www.neilsimone.com

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C U LT U R E

CO U NT Y CR E ATO R NEIL SIMONE

Neil Simone has been a professional artist for over 50 years. Born in London, but inspired

by Yorkshire, he now lives in Nidderdale and is one of Yorkshire’s most renowned artists.

Entirely self-taught, Simone uses complex techniques to create imaginative and thought-provoking paintings. For more on his work turn over the page. neilsimone.com

THE FRAGILE NATURE OF PERCEPTION BY NEIL SIMONE

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The Agenda

E V E N T S N OT TO M I S S I N YO R K S H I R E

CO M EDY

Jason Manford 12 May YO R K B A R B I C A N It’s been a busy few years for Jason Manford since his last smash-hit stand up tour, but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit. ‘Like Me’ is Manford’s latest comic offering set to hit the road, and is sure to be ‘expert observational comedy’ (The Guardian). yorkbarbican.co.uk

A RT

Neil Simone THE C HA P E L GA L L E RY, NI D D E RDALE . ON GOIN G

Inspired by the natural world and the changes that occur within it, Neil Simone’s paintings challenge perceptions and boundaries using light, shade and a play on dimensions and perspective, intriguing and captivating audiences the world over. If you would like to meet the artist or view his work, he has a permanent collection of originals and signed limited edition prints on exhibition at his home, The Chapel Gallery, Glasshouses.

To view by appointment, call 01423 711 795

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Beyond Bloomsbury Until 5 June YO R K A R T G A L L E R Y This major new exhibition explores the lives and work of an extraordinary group of writers, artists and thinkers, known as the Bloomsbury Group. The Group, who met for 30 years, were active in England in the first half of the 20th century and they had a profound effect on British art and literature. yorkartgallery.org.uk

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CULTURE • DIARY

PIECES OF A

PUZ ZLE ART

Bubu Ogisi 7 May–29 August T H E T E T L E Y, L E E D S Nigerian artist Bubu Ogisi presents new work produced during her 2022 residency, made in collaboration with young creatives in Leeds. Ogisi’s work crosses traditional boundaries of art, design and fashion. The exhibition is the culmination of The Tetley’s Here, There & Everywhere partnership with New Art Exchange. thetetley.org

The Yorkshire Museum has re-opened to great fanfare as a Roman mystery takes centre stage The Yorkshire Museum re-opened on Friday 8 April with an exciting new exhibition, The Ryedale Hoard: A Roman Mystery.

Taking centre stage are four spectacular, but diverse objects that all have a very different story to tell:

C I N E M A

FANTASTIC BEASTS

THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE

An exceptional and rare bust, made to adorn the top of a sceptre, is thought to show Marcus Aurelius.

• An intricate figurine showing a horse and rider, as a representation of the god Mars.

• A horse-shaped handle for a key, which may have been deliberately broken before burial, for magical purposes.

• And a plumb bob, which is

SHEIL A HICK S

S

TH E H E PWO RTH WAKEFIELD; UN TIL 25 SEPTEMBER

heila Hicks is one of the world’s foremost artists investigating colour, form and texture. Drawing together over 70 works from international public and private collections, this major exhibition explores the many facets of Hicks’ ground-breaking work. They range from intimate minimes to large-scale installations that fill spaces with voluminous form and vibrant colour. hepworthwakefield.org

In this new exhibition, visitors can see these remarkable objects and explore how The Ryedale Hoard poses an intriguing archaeological mystery: who buried them? yorkshiremuseum.org.uk PHOTO: TOM BIRD

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHARLOTTE GRAHAM

This Month’s Must See

13-19 May S T E P H E N J O S E P H T H E AT R E , SCARBOROUGH Professor Albus Dumbledore knows the powerful Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission. sjt.uk.com

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PHOTO: GERARD BINKS

“Harrogate definitely supports the performing arts.

I wouldn't live anywhere else”

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DREAMS From falling back in love with her original passion to embracing new opportunities, Harrogate performer Lucy Mizen is not wasting time

By BETHAN ANDREWS

F

or many across Yorkshire, Harrogate-based Lucy Mizen is a familiar face. From first performing publicly as a singer when she was a teenager, to frequenting most live venues in the area, the local music scene has long been aware of her vocal talents.

But while she might be best known for her beautiful voice, 2021 saw Mizen branch out into the acting world, too.

Obviously a woman of many talents, as we sat down to chat, it turns out that acting was actually one of her first loves.

So, where did it all begin? Having studied performing arts at Harrogate College, Mizen knew from a young age that she loved acting.

“Something about immersing myself into a different character felt freeing,” she says. “I went to Edinburgh for acting training and stayed for a few years, but I missed Yorkshire terribly so moved back to Harrogate.”

There’s talent bursting from the seams in her family, as I see when Mizen talks

about meeting her husband, the musician and producer Dan Mizen. Inspired by Dan and his talented musician father Frank, Mizen began singing again and doing session work at Dan’s recording studio.

She tells me of some of her fondest memories from the Harrogate gig circuit.

“I formed a blues band with my father-inlaw Frank and local musicians, Mark Jarvis and Rick Lawson, called The Lucy Mizen Band. We took it to festivals and played a packed gig in front of the town cathedral,” she smiles. “I was aware that I had strayed away from my first love of acting, though, so when I was approaching 40 I started screen acting classes with the Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting.”

Despite her successes in music and now on stage and TV, too, Mizen is incredibly humble.

She tells me how important it is to her to stay grounded and learn from every step of the journey. “As an actor, I think it’s important to remember that no job is above or below you. I’ve found myself on TV one day, then dressed as a Viking in a shopping centre the

next! There’s no snobbery when you just love the work,” she insists. “No part is too big or small and each role opens a door to the next.”

Last year saw Mizen take on a dream role playing social worker Lou Breslin in Coronation Street. I wonder how it felt to go from having given up on her acting dream to walking the cobbles on one of the most well-known British soaps. “Working on Coronation Street is both amazing and surreal,” she says. “I was on the beach at Bridlington with my parents when I got the call. I think they were just as excited as I was!”

It was actually while watching Coronation Street that Mizen realised she missed acting, so there’s something extra special about being on set all these years later. “I remember watching Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah Battersby, deliver an incredible scene and at the time it made me feel both inspired and sad because I’d strayed so far from where I wanted to be,” Mizen explains. “It had just become an impossible dream. So, to be on set with her 20 years later was one of those moments where you just go, ‘Blimey!’”

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NIDD GORGE IS A FAVOURITE HAUNT

Naturally, Mizen is passionate about reminding other people that it’s never too late. “It just goes to show that life isn’t too short and if you feel like there’s something missing, fill it,” she smiles. “We always tell ourselves excuses, but the alternative is looking back in a few years and still being at the starting point instead of on the journey.”

There’s something catchy about the way in which Mizen has taken to following her dreams, so it comes as no surprise that it doesn’t stop at singing and acting. To continue her dedication to following her passions, this year has seen Mizen train for her ‘perfect side hustle’, too. Naturally, it’s a role in which her acting training comes in handy. “I’ve always wanted to be a wedding celebrant, so I’ve just completed my training,” she tells me. “I’ve been told I’m the real-life Joey from Friends!”

With so many big production companies making the move to Yorkshire and Channel 4 having opened their site in Leeds last year, it seems that performing arts are on the up in the county. Where historically being an actor felt fairly London-centric, there’s an exciting air of opportunity up north now. Exuding passion for this, clearly, Mizen agrees, and Harrogate could be leading the way.

“I would definitely say Harrogate supports performing arts, and Harrogate Theatre offers amazing opportunities for young people,” she enthuses. “The brilliant Rachael Halliwell at Harrogate Theatre is committed to using local talent and recently cast me in her self-penned production of Our Gate. It took place in summer last year and was a large-scale immersive experience that took the audience into the streets of Harrogate.

“London might be the mecca of stage and screen, and obviously Manchester has Coronation Street, but there have been incredible productions in Yorkshire and, quite frankly, I wouldn’t live anywhere else!”

With so much enthusiasm for embracing every opportunity, what does 2022 have in store for Mizen? Clearly, she’s not able to give much away, but it seems there is going to be more of this Harrogate star on our screens. “Well, it may well see me back on the telly,” she beams. “It’s looking like a promising year ahead!”

THE COAST AT RUNSWICK BAY

PERFORMING OUR GATE AT HARROGATE THEATRE

PHOTO: MEG TERZZA

SHE ENJOYS A COCKTAIL AT DISTRICT BAR

Mizen’s must-sees

The actress/singer picks out her favourite spots in her hometown Q What is your favourite place in Harrogate?

A I live near Cold Bath Road and the area feels like its own little borough.

There are so many fantastic cafes and bars within staggering distance of my front door. I particularly love District Bar on Cold Bath Road. It’s only been there a couple of years and didn’t open much before lockdown, but has been a welcome addition to the area and so close I can use my own wifi from their outside seating! I also love the Blues Bar on Montpelier Parade (where I met my husband).

Q Where did you love to visit when growing up in the town?

A Growing up in Harrogate meant some great stomping grounds as a kid. I used to spend hours and hours down Nidd Gorge in my pre and early teen years and it’s still one of my favourite places today.

Q What about your favourite nearby places for a day out?

A I have a huge love for the East Coast, and my happy places nearby to Harrogate are Sands End and Runswick Bay.

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14-16 Corn Market Halifax HX1 1TH 4 Woolshops, Halifax HX1 1RU 2 The Grove Ilkley LS29 9EG

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ANTIQUES ROADSHOW AT THE PIECE HALL

Q You’ve had an extensive and varied career. How has it led to where you are today?

A I started my career in advertising and marketing and my first client was Tesco when they were looking to reinvent themselves.

I worked with an amazing team and Tesco became the number one grocery retailer.

I then worked with the government on transport projects, which is how I got into renovation and regeneration. It was about looking at how to resonate with audiences and how people engage with things in life.

Get to know…

NICKY CHANCETHOMPSON

H A L I FA X- B A S E D C E O O F T H E P I E C E H A L L

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Q How did you come to work with The Piece Hall?

A I moved to Halifax in 2006 and one of the first places my husband brought me to was The Piece Hall. What I saw was this amazing building, unlike anything I’d seen before, which was in a terrible state of neglect. I thought, ‘I’d love to get my hands on this’. I found out a few years later that the council were looking to undertake a transformation and a newly-formed Piece Hall Trust had been set up. I approached the council and the Trust, very tentatively as a Londoner, asking if I could get involved.

Q What does your role as chief executive entail?

A It’s to uphold the vision and strategy of The Piece Hall. The Trustees are unapologetically ambitious about making it a world-class destination. It’s been overlooked for too long – in the same way we know about the Eiffel Tower, why don’t people know about The Piece Hall? My role is to ensure that we get it on the map and that people share the same delight in the building as myself and my team do.

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Q What have been the highlights in your time working as chief executive?

A Having Hollywood on set and Samuel L Jackson in the courtyard was a definite highlight – they were filming a series that I can’t reveal or I’ll be shot! The live music events have been great, we’ve had amazing names playing for us. I’m proud of unveiling the statue of Anne Lister, too, which has become an important place for women in the lesbian community.

PHOTO: PAUL WHITE

HEBDEN BRIDGE IS PERFECT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

THE PIECE HALL AT DUSK

Q You’re an adopted Yorkshire dweller.

What is it about the county that has caught you hook, line and sinker?

A My family were actually wool traders in Bradford and, in a way, I feel as though I’ve come home. My family probably traded at The Piece Hall! I’ve always had a sense of belonging here, which I couldn’t quite work out, especially as a Londoner where most of us get nose bleeds north of Watford! The landscape is stunning, it’s just incredible. We’ve got everything from the coastal and the rural, but we’ve also got amazing cities such as Leeds.

Q What are your favourite things to do in Yorkshire in your (very limited!) spare time?

A I’m one of those rare people who likes Scarborough and Whitby! I love Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes, and the artistic SHE'S A BIG FAN OF WHITBY

“We are ambitious about making The Piece Hall a worldclass destination” communities there. I love the sea anywhere, but I find I’m able to really relax and decompress at the Yorkshire coast. There’s something about the sea in Yorkshire that is very different to other places, I find it really magical and I like getting away as much as possible to feel that. I love Hebden Bridge and Haworth and these are the places that I go to if I need a bit of a reset. I love Leeds and shopping there – it’s like my West End. Q What makes you proud to be a part of Halifax and its regeneration?

A I love Halifax’s resilience – whatever is thrown at it, the people come together and there’s an amazing sense of community.

People are always looking at how they can help and it really gets into your DNA. The Halifax community covers around you like a warm blanket and I’ve never seen or experienced anything quite like it before.

Q What are your favourite places in and around Halifax?

A I love shopping in Harvey’s, they do a great

A FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS RICCI'S PLACE IN HALIFAX

job of running an independent department store, and I like going to the Victoria Theatre. There’s an amazing restaurant called True North in Dean Clough, Ricci’s Place and Holdsworth House is another favourite of mine. There’s another great place called Temperance Café, which is incredible, in the Borough Market.

Q You’re on the Northern Power Women’s List – how does that feel?

A It’s a privilege and something I take seriously as a female leader. I want to be a ladder dropper for other women, as opposed to someone who pulls the ladder up. I’m proud to get the recognition, but it’s what you do with it that’s important.

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GUARDIAN of the DALES

Between running The Old School Muker Art Gallery and exhibiting images of the Upper Dales, photographer Richard Walls is determined to raise the profile of the remote regions of Swaledale

By BETHAN ANDREWS

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• XXXXX • ARTS XXXXXXXX CULTURE CRACKPOT FALLS IN SWALEDALE

INSIDE THE GALLERY

“We can't be a fancy London art gallery, but we can show off the landscape that surrounds us”

Y MUKER IN THE SUMMER

ou don’t have to tell a Yorkshire dweller twice how beautiful, inspiring and unique the Yorkshire Dales are. But ask someone from Yorkshire how many times they’ve made it to the Upper Dales, and chances are you’ll find many people have never ventured that far.

Step forward photographer Richard Walls, who is on a mission to show people the raw beauty of the Upper Dales and those Yorkshire lands less explored. Like so many others, despite being from West Yorkshire, before buying The Old School Muker Art Gallery, Walls had hardly made it into the more remote regions of the Dales. Today, he dedicates his time to showing them off to the world.

“We took over the gallery nearly six years ago and we didn’t know anything about running an art gallery,” Walls says.

“I’d been selling photographs at an art market in Leeds, the kids had left home and it felt like the right time to take a chance.

I’d never been to Upper Swaledale before and I just fell in love with the landscape.

Three months later, we moved to Muker.”

They’ve focused the last five years on making the gallery and craft shop a showcase of independent makers. They

are now the biggest art gallery in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, but what’s really special is the way in which the gallery has become a kind of guardian of the Dales. “We can’t be a fancy London art gallery, but we can show off the landscape and the life that surrounds us,” Walls says. “In our world of art, people buy things because they’ve forged a connection to the place and they want to take a piece of Upper Swaledale home.”

What is it that Walls is so drawn to when it comes to the Upper Dales? “The

RICHARD WALLS AND HIS WIFE POLLY

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CULTURE • ARTS

Five of the best Through the lens with some of Richard Walls’ favourite Yorkshire photographs

S wa l e d a l e >

This view is looking up Swaledale from above the hamlet of Crackpot on an August evening. The weather was moving quite quickly (as it often does) and the sun’s rays swept across, lighting up the Dale. When you’re standing in front of a scene like this, it’s easy to understand why Yorkshire folk call the county ‘God’s own’.

2 Ivelet Bridge >

Ivelet Bridge was built around 1680 across the River Swale.

It’s perfect form and function has withstood the test of time when many other bridges have fallen victim to the Swale’s capacity to flood quickly. The picture was taken standing in the middle of the river in early June around 7am when the sun comes directly along the river and lights up the bridge.

WENSLEYDALE AT DAWN

1 < Ingleborough

A view of Ingleborough (the second highest hill in Yorkshire and one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks) taken from High Cam Road, an old Roman Road just above our home in Sleddale.

It was taken in June during a thunderstorm. From this spot, Ingleborough is usually a silhouette, but the sun’s rays lit it beautifully, picking out the contours of the hill.

3 < Keld

4 5

Whitfield > Gill Force, W e n s le y dale

This is a gem of a waterfall close to the village of Askrigg.

In autumn colours, Whitfield Gill is stunning, especially the golden leaves on the beach trees. Part of the waterfall’s charm is that it’s difficult to reach. It’s approached up a ravine and it took a good pair of wellies to reach.

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This is a view from just off the road that leads up to the Tan Hill Inn. It’s looking back over a youthful River Swale towards Keld. I’d gone in search of autumn colours at Wainwath Force, a waterfall above Keld, but instead decided to explore. The sun’s rays lighting up Catrake Cottages and the adjacent meadow is what really made the shot.

landscape is like nothing else, it’s completely unique,” he smiles. “The landscape around Muker, Keld and Kisdon Hill is gobsmacking, it’s so beautiful. It’s lovely all the way up from Richmond, but when you get above Reeth to Upper Swaledale, the landscape changes and becomes more rugged, and then when you get to Keld, it becomes this atmospheric place.”

Walls tells me how he loves the diversity, from limestone gorges to the Muker meadows. “You’ve got the old mining remains, too, and all the drystone walls,” he marvels. “Nature started it all and then people have come along and built on top of it. It’s created something.”

It’s this idea of ruggedness and the fact that the landscape hasn’t been overbeautified that he is so drawn to. At the moment, he’s working on a project to show this called The Twelve Views of Kisdon. “I’m talking to people who have a connection with Kisdon Hill,” he explains. “I’m doing little essays and putting them together with photographs. We’re trying to explain how the landscape has all been developed through necessity and hard labour, yet somehow it’s created this wonderful place.”

Walls recently had an exhibition at The Station in Richmond called Over Buttertubs. “We get people coming from Richmond who say they haven’t been up to the Upper Dales for 30 years, and they're only half an hour away,” he says. “The aim of the exhibition was to promote the area as much as possible to people who don’t make the journey up, tourists and locals.”

And for 2022? There’s an exciting arrival of works heading to Muker from Cherry Kearton, the early pioneer of nature film photography and documentary filmmaker born in nearby Thwaite. “The focus is on my new project and also the gallery – we’ve got three or four featured artists this year,” he says, looking delighted. “We’ve got an exhibition of Cherry Kearton’s work that was at the Royal Geographic Society last year, with the idea that everyone in the local area knows about the Keartons and is proud of them.” richardwallsphotography.com; theoldschoolmuker.co.uk

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STUDLEY GARDENS AT FOUNTAIN ABBEY

Why we love…

H A R RO G AT E With a little help from the experts at Destination Harrogate, Absolutely Yorkshire digs deeper to find out what makes this town so special

The history

In 1571, William Slingsby discovered the spa waters of Harrogate. He declared that the spring waters had health-giving properties, similar to the waters in the spas of Belgium. Travellers began to make diversions to visit the Spa located in High Harrogate and in 1596, Dr Bright, personal physician to Queen Elizabeth I, dubbed Harrogate “The English Spa”. The town of Harrogate Spa rapidly expanded and, in 1663, the first public bathing house was built. The Royal Baths were officially opened in 1897 by HRH The Duke of Cambridge and were said to be the most advanced centre for hydrotherapy in the world. Visitors included Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, and members of every European royal family.

In 1903 The Royal Hall opened, originally named ‘Kursaal’, a fashionable German term

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for a spa assembly hall, before the First World War. It was conceived and designed as a ‘Cure Hall’, created by Britain’s greatest theatre designer, Frank Matcham, and is the only one built by him. Dubbed the “palace of glittering gold”, The Royal Hall is now part of Harrogate Convention Centre.

After the Second World War, the council began repositioning the town to promote its facilities for conferences. In 1981, the Convention Centre, as it stands today, was opened. Now a world leading facility for events, conferences, exhibitions and entertainment, its story is rooted in Harrogate’s history. Fittingly, Harrogate Convention Centre has built a reputation as a home for medical conferences.

Today, tourists still visit Harrogate for its well-being offer – the Turkish Baths were restored to their Victorian splendour in 2004 – and many of the area’s hotels are renowned for their spa offer.

THE TURKISH BATHS

“In 1596 Harrogate was dubbed The English Spa by Queen Elizabeth I's physician”

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PHOTO: CHARLOTTE GRAHAM

• AREA• FOCUS CULTURE XXXXXXXX XXXXX

NEWBY HALL

Green, green grass

Wherever you go in Harrogate you’ll find evidence of the famous spa history of the town. The beautiful open parkland area known as the Stray dates back to 1778, when it was created from the forest of Knaresborough to link Harrogate’s springs together in one area. Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, where Victorian visitors would promenade, contain a greater number of mineral springs than any other known place. These English Heritage Grade II Listed gardens are continually being restored and regenerated with major works spearheaded by the Friends of Valley Gardens, working with Harrogate Borough Council. Valley Gardens Harrogate are open all year round, 24 hours a day, and with a number of different areas and garden styles make a relaxing and captivating place to explore.

An awful lot of work goes into looking after the Stray. Not many people know that the Stray is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and is covered by an act of Parliament, the Stray Act 1985. The Act, and its byelaws, determine how it can be used while protecting the land,

preserving this beautiful open space. A whole team of dedicated gardeners look after the 200-acre site all year round.

Most recently, wildflower meadows have been introduced to encourage biodiversity and attract pollinators.

The Harrogate district is blessed with an abundance of beautiful and unique gardens. Uncover hidden gems at the Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park near Masham, where contemporary sculptures and breath-taking gardens have been inspired by the Himalayas.

Unwind and escape as you take in the tranquillity of Studley Royal Water Garden at Fountains Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy garden adventures that the whole family will love at Newby Hall & Gardens, where award-winning gardens meet adventurous play, pedalo boats, water fountains, swing-boats and a miniature train. Take inspiration for your own gardening as you explore RHS Harlow Carr, a stunning 58-acre garden at the gateway to the glorious Yorkshire Dales. Follow the garden trails and enjoy a relaxing picnic at Beningbrough Hall, where acres of parkland offer riverside walks, ancient trees and hidden wildlife to connect you more closely with nature.

And you can feast your senses amongst the fragrant herbs and edible plants of the kitchen garden at Rudding Park.

Nidderdale AONB is an incredible place to take in the splendour of the natural geography of the area.

On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale offers wonderful scenery to explore along the many footpaths, walking trails and cycling routes.

Wind down as you explore wonderful heritage and cultural sites such as Knaresborough Castle, in a beautiful setting overlooking the River Nidd, and where you can escape from the everyday as your imagination wanders and you step back in time to the medieval age, or travel back in time even further exploring the gothic cathedral in the stunning city of Ripon.

RHS HARLOW CARR

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

“Events like the Bed Race offer an insight into the spirit of the Harrogate district”

THE FASHION AT THE JAPANESE SHOP IS POPULAR

The show goes on

Harrogate has an incredible wealth and variety of fabulous events taking place throughout the year, which delight both the local community and visitors from further afield.

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is a wonderful example of an event that connects the local community and also draws interest from the wider area. Held annually in June since 1966 (with the exception of the past two years), the Bed Race route follows a 2.4 mile course through hilly terrain over leafy parkland, up and down vertiginous climbs and descent, through the Nidd Gorge, across cobbled THE GREAT KNARESBOROUGH BED RACE

streets and culminates in a swim through the bracing waters of the River Nidd – complete with a fancy dress parade, and all to raise money for local good causes.

Events such as this are part of the local heritage and culture – which the community is proud and delighted to share with visitors – and offer an insight into the spirit of the Harrogate district, which is integral to the very special place that it is.

The Harrogate Flower Shows, including the Spring Flower Show and Autumn Flower Show, are perennial favourites for lovers of all things horticultural, from the local area as well as from across the North of England and the rest of the country, and offer a window to the world of the very beautiful and widely varied gardens in the Harrogate district.

Harrogate International Festivals, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, organises an eclectic

PHOTO: CHARLOTTE GALE

KNARESBOROUGH CASTLE

THE FALLS AT VALLEY GARDEN

calendar of events throughout the year including the Harrogate Music Festival, and the now famous Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writers’ Festival.

Harrogate Carnival will return to Valley Gardens this summer, following an extremely successful Carnival in 2019 – a true party in the park with exciting experiences and fun to explore for all the family.

Retail therapy

Harrogate, together with the market towns of the wider district and the city of Ripon, is known for its eclectic, elegant and diverse range of shops, from bespoke retailers to high street favourites. With its heritage as a popular destination for European high society, Harrogate remains a fashionable place to go shopping – stylish independents and specialist shops around Harrogate and the surrounding area offer a unique range of home accessories, home interiors and gift items.

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THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF HARROGATE TIPPLE

What’s on

Try La Cornue in Harrogate for handcrafted artisan kitchen appliances; The Japanese Shop for unique and carefully-selected gifts from some of the best craftsmen that Japan has to offer; Fink in Boroughbridge for fine foods; Burnside Rugs in Knaresborough for handmade oriental carpets, rugs and runners; Karma in Ripon for ethically sourced jewellery, own-label clothing and artisan textiles from India; jewellery shop Fattorinis, which is now under new management; Morgan Clare for top of the range designer womenswear; and Sanders and Wallace Glassmakers in Pateley Bridge for handmade glass objects using recycled glass with traditional English glassmaking techniques.

Make a meal out of it Yorkshire as a whole is widely acclaimed for its outstanding food and drink offer and this reputation is distilled into Harrogate’s fabulous mix of independent restaurants, bars, cafes, tearooms and local producers.

Harrogate Tipple is a small batch, family run distillery based in the beautiful and historical Ripley Castle Estate. Master Distiller, Tom Nichol, creates the awardwinning gins using botanicals grown within the castle walls and 100% Harrogate Spring Water. Visit Spirit of Harrogate for gin-tasting and unique gin experiences with Slingsby Gin, a small batch produced spirit made from the finest locally sourced botanicals, Harrogate aquifier water, pure

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single grain spirit and a handful of the finest ingredients from around the world.

It will come as no surprise, given the genteel heritage of Harrogate and its food and drink, that the quintessentially English experience of afternoon tea is offered in abundance here.

Explore the town’s wonderful cafés and tea rooms to sample lovingly baked cakes and savouries. And of course, you can’t come to Harrogate without paying a visit to Bettys.

Harrogate is full of beautiful and bespoke bistros where you can enjoy exquisite food in intimate and cosy surroundings, with the dedicated personal touch in service and preparation. The restaurants around Harrogate draw upon food culture from all across the globe – with Mediterranean, Mexican, Vietnamese, and even Nordic-inspired dishes to be found.

For purveyors of quality local produce, visit Fodder near the Great Yorkshire Showground.

Run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, this farm shop and café sells food and drink from more than 430 farmers and producers.

HEALTHY FARE FROM FODDER

in MAY Throughout May: A unique opportunity to visit Harrogate’s “Glittering Palace of Gold” at the Royal Hall Open Days  Dance: The incredible Diversity head to Harrogate for their new “Diversity - Connected” show  Art: Celebration! British Abstract Painting 1970s-2000s at Mercer Art Gallery  Comedy: Jack Dee: Off The Telly and Scott Bennett: Great Scott  Music: ‘80s Live; A Night At The Proms; Islands In The Stream; Red Hot Chilli Pipers  Food & Drink: Ripon Cathedral Beer Festival and Women On Tap Beer Festival  Family Friendly: Buttercup and Bluebell Adventure Trail; Enchanted Stories; Zog and the Flying Doctors

To find out more about any of the places mentioned, head to visitharrogate.co.uk

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Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. With prices starting from £3,500 for a 2 bed, £4,410 for a 3 bed and £4,840 for a 4 bed for 7 nights.

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CULTURE • SOCIALS

ABSOLUTELY

ATTENDS THE GLITTER BALL, RISHWORTH SCHOOL

R

ishworth School’s Glitter Ball went down a storm at the start of April, as the Rishworth School community partied the night away at their first social event of the year. The Glitter Ball, which was hosted by The Arches at Dean Clough, was a roaring success, with over 100 people attending including parents, staff, the school’s sixth form boarding community and Old Rishworthians.

Attendees enjoyed a superb three-course meal as well as entertainment from a live DJ and percussion artist from Exceed Events, Glitter Ball dancers courtesy of Hustle Entertainment, plus a Magic Selfie Mirror from Carey Events and a Party Glitter Station from Laura Hartley Make Up Studio, with photography from Adam Hudson.

Rishworth School headteacher, Anthony Wilkins, says: “It was brilliant to see so many people getting back together after a difficult couple of years with COVID-19 affecting plans for nights like this. A combination of great food, enthralling entertainment and a traditional warm Rishworth welcome are the ingredients for any successful night, and this was no different. Personally, I loved seeing all aspects of our community connecting together under one roof, from our staff and parents, to the sixth form community and former students of the school.”

Guests also had the opportunity to purchase some incredibly rare items of memorabilia from See It Now Group, including signed items from football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Kalvin Phillips. Money raised from the silent auction on the night will be directly contributing towards the building of a new eco-classroom at Heathfield Prep. rishworth-school.co.uk

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JAMES' PLACES

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OUTDO ORS

LOV E CONQUERS ALL YO R K S H I R E S C U L P T U R E PA R K

In this month's section devoted to everything outdoors, we head to Yorkshire Sculpture Park to reflect on 45 years of outstanding success bringing art to the county, and look at what the immediate future holds, with the work of Robert Indiana taking centre stage. ysp.org.uk

ROBERT INDIANA, LOVE (RED BLUE GREEN), 1966–1998. PHOTO ©JONTY WILDE

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HEATHER PEAK AND IVAN MORISON, SILENCE – ALONE IN A WORLD OF WOUNDS, PHOTO © CHARLES EMERSON

Landmark

OCCASION The Deputy Director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park writes for Absolutely about 45 years of bringing some of the world’s most fascinating art to the county B y H E L E N F E AT H E R S T O N E

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OUTDOORS • FEATURE

AI WEIWEI, CIRCLE OF ANIMALS / ZODIAC HEADS (DETAIL), 2010. PHOTO © JONTY WILDE, COURTESY YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK

Y

orkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. Founded in 1977 by Sir Peter Murray CBE, now led by director Clare Lilley, the independent charitable trust and registered museum is one of the largest sculpture parks of its kind in Europe. Situated on 500 acres of breathtaking historic landscape on the 18th-century Bretton Hall estate in West Yorkshire, YSP has evolved into a cultural beacon for Yorkshire, attracting international artists and visitors.

We are a passionate team who work tirelessly to form connections with artists and visitors, and bring the best of contemporary and modern art in the world to Yorkshire. Enabling access to our 500 acres of historic landscape and the encounters visitors have with art and sculpture within it is at the core of what we do at YSP. Over the past 45 years we have worked incredibly hard to reunite the original estates of what was once Bretton Hall, and ensure that what were once private pleasure grounds are open and accessible to the public. As well as over 80 outdoor sculptures to see at any one time, we have some fantastic wildlife – from Highland cattle to a large heronry, which has been used for several hundred years.

Across our history we’ve worked with over 1,000 artists from more than 40 countries, on varied projects from

“As well as over 80 outdoor sculptures to see at any one time, we have some fantastic wildlife too” residencies to major surveys. Works are either short or long-term loans, gifts, or coincide with a temporary exhibition at one of our six indoor galleries. Some works were commissioned especially for YSP, such as Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds (2021) by Heather Peak and Ivan Morison in collaboration with the Oak Project.

We recently unveiled a permanent sculpture by renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy to mark the retirement of founding director Sir Peter Murray CBE; Peter’s Fold is a traditional drystone wall wrapped around a common lime tree.

It’s a fantastic spot that offers expansive views across the Park, highlighting Peter’s legacy. Our curatorial team work closely with artists to realise projects, from initial ideas right up to installation and beyond.

Supporting and collaborating with artists at all stages of their career is important to us.

With a programme of temporary exhibitions and outdoor sculptures, there’s always something new to see at YSP. The main headline exhibition in the

Underground gallery changes annually, and we have smaller exhibitions that change more frequently. We also have many permanent works that have become firm favourites with visitors, such as James Turrell’s Deer Shelter Sky Space (2006). We are lucky to have works here from some of the best contemporary and modern artists in the world.

The beauty of YSP is that there’s something for everyone. Each visitor has something they return to time and time again. Positioning artworks in the landscape means that they change according to the seasons: Barbara Hepworth’s Family of Man (1970) evokes a different feeling when viewing in autumn with the amber leaves on surrounding trees. Ai Weiwei's Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads (2010) and Seizure (2008/2013) by Roger Hiorns, which is due to reopen soon, are popular with visitors.

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OUTDOORS • FEATURE

What’s on now ROBERT INDIANA, LOVE WALL, 1966-2006, INSTALLATION VIEW AT YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK, 2022. PHOTO © JONTY WILDE ARTWORK: © 2022 MORGAN ART FOUNDATION LTD./ ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK/DACS, LONDON

“At YSP we work tirelessly to bring world-class art, idyllic scenery and wildlife to our beautiful corner of Yorkshire” to bring in audiences for whom art participation is not habitual or familiar.

Pre-pandemic we welcomed 500,000 visitors and supported 40,000 through our learning programme each year, which aims to develop ability, confidence, and life aspiration in participants.

Nurturing young people through our schools and informal learning programmes helps to strengthen their understanding and appreciation of art. Lifelong learning has been fundamental to the organisation, along with the development, understanding and enjoyment of sculpture in this country and beyond. Sir Peter Murray was the principal lecturer in Art Education at BARBARA HEPWORTH, THE FAMILY OF MAN, 1970.

LENT BY THE HEPWORTH ESTATE © BOWNESS, HEPWORTH ESTATE. PHOTO © JONTY WILD

Bretton Hall College before embarking on growing the Park into a cultural beacon.

Welcoming learners of all ages, we have established formal and family programmes.

Events this summer include Sculpture Baby: David Nash (11 May), Family Walk: Living Colour (31 May), and the Summer of Love (21 June–22 September), which will explore themes of human compassion and love, expressed in many forms from temporary sculptural installations to dance and choral performance. We’re working with artists including Thahmina Begum, Roger Hiorns, Jordan McKenzie, Ro Robertson, Phil Sanger and Jason Wilsher-Mills.

At YSP we work tirelessly to bring worldclass art, idyllic scenery and wildlife to our beautiful corner of Yorkshire. As a charity and accredited museum, we raise the majority of our income from tickets, retail, catering and events. YSP is a special place for lots of people, many of whom support us by becoming a Friend or Patron.

If you are interested in supporting Yorkshire Sculpture Park, visit ysp.org.uk/supportus

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The latest exhibition at YSP brings the work of Robert Indiana to the county Robert Indiana: Sculpture 1958-2018 traces the development of sculpture across six decades. The exhibition explores the complex character of Indiana’s art practice. It considers his view of the darker side of the American dream. This was a time of vast social and political change. Unity, acceptance and love are themes that run throughout Indiana’s work. These remain relevant today for movements against racism and discrimination towards LGBTQIA+ communities.

Indiana’s iconic LOVE (Red Blue Green) (1966–1998) welcomes visitors at the entrance to YSP. It is usually shown in an urban context, but here it is set within the Yorkshire countryside. The artist first used the word 'love' in a painting in 1961. In 1964 he began a series of LOVE paintings that used the slanted ‘O’ within a square format. Indiana said that this was “the most dynamic way to use four letters”.

Indiana was an advocate for many human rights issues, and central to the exhibition are his important social justice works. Mississippi (1965), from the artist’s Confederacy series, was a controversial response to racist atrocities committed against the United States Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, harking back to the 1861-65 American Civil War, with its formation of the pro-slavery and white supremacist Confederate States. Love Rising (The Black and White Love) (1968) was made in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Ash (1985), from Indiana’s Vinalhaven Construction series, references the gay community’s response to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

Indiana’s brilliantly coloured, sixfoot-high aluminium sculptures ONE Through ZERO (The Ten Numbers) (1980–2001) are placed on the lawn outside the Underground Gallery.

The Numbers represent the stages of human life, from birth to death.

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THE STORY BEHIND…

CLIFFORD’S TOWER

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n 2 April 2022, Clifford’s Tower in York reopened to the public, following a major £5 million project by English Heritage to conserve and radically transform the interior of the 800-year-old landmark. Whereas previously the tower was an empty shell, the charity has now installed a free-standing timber structure within it, protecting the ruin and creating a new roof deck to provide magnificent views over York. On the tower’s lost first floor, dramatic aerial walkways will open up hidden rooms for the first time since Clifford’s Tower was gutted by fire in 1684.

One of the best-loved landmarks in York, 13th century Clifford’s Tower is almost all that remains of York Castle, once the centre of government for the north of England. Now, staircases and hanging walkways will combine to take visitors 10 metres up to a new roof deck from where they can enjoy the York skyline.

En-route to the top, visitors will be brought face to face with the tower’s fascinating architectural details and can explore a royal chapel and – for the first time since the 17th century – a toilet built especially for Henry III. Turn over to see more. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ cliffords-tower-york/

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“DRAMATIC AERIAL WALKWAYS WILL OPEN UP HIDDEN ROOMS FOR THE FIRST TIME”

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A charmer of a boutique hotel in the heart of York Our home in this noble city is just a 10-minute walk from York Minster and a 5-minute walk from York Register Office. The Bootham Room at No.1, York is a dream-come-true of a private dining room perfect for hosting intimate events with friends and family.

Speak to our team to start planning your special day.

01904 644744 | no1.events@guesthousehotels.co.uk

No.1 York 1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA www.guesthousehotels.co.uk

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BIKE & BOOT

IT'S A DOG'S

LIFE

Staycations are on trend right now, but what’s even bigger are UK destinations where our faithful hound is invited too. We look at three such places in Yorkshire

By MARK KEBBLE

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OUTDOORS • PETS

THE KING'S HEAD INN

T

he pandemic has changed our daily lives in many ways, but as we emerge from lockdowns and jabs, it feels like life in Yorkshire is slowly getting back on track.

We may all be able to enjoy heading abroad once again with less forms to fill in, but one after-effect of the last two years has been the explosion in popularity for the UK staycation.

Yorkshire boasts some of the finest beauty spots the country has to offer, and also doesn’t shirk on getaway spots for all the family. And when we say all the family, we mean all the family – your pet pooch is invited too. We have teamed up with PetsPyjamas, who offer exceptional dogfriendly packages, to take a closer look at three of the best Yorkshire destinations only too happy to have furry friends in tow too.

THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS HOTEL & SPA

“THE HOTEL HAS A DEDICATED GROOMING ROOM COMPLETE WITH DOG BATH”

THE KING’S HEAD INN GREAT AYTON

BIKE & BOOT SCARBOROUGH

Best For Walkies winner in PetsPyjamas’ Dog-Friendly Travel Awards, The King’s Head Inn is a lovely country pub with rooms. Truly dog-friendly, it’s a brilliant base for an active dog-walking holiday with both the North York Moors National Park and renowned Cleveland Way on the doorstep, and seaside gems such as Staithes and Whitby just a short drive away.

Start each day with a home-cooked, hearty breakfast in the cosy pub and restaurant, which allows dogs to dine with their owner in the wooden floor area, then refuel after a long day’s walk on British pub classics and a treat from Sir Woofchester’s dog menu, before retiring to one of the comfortable and spacious dog-friendly bedrooms. From £99 per night at PetsPyjamas.com with up to two dogs allowed to stay.

You know dogs will be offered a warm welcome when a hotel lays on a dedicated grooming room complete with dog bath, free shampoo, a grooming table, dryer and towels, as well as beds, bowls, gifts and treats in the room, plus an access pretty much everywhere policy! Not only that, but the Bike & Boot has 50 dogfriendly bedrooms from a Boot room with double bed to large rooms and suites, many with wonderful views over the South Bay to Scarborough. With your dog at your side, head outdoors for lovely walks along the beach and the coastal path, then back at the hotel enjoy free hot drinks and complimentary cake at teatime in the retreat lounge, or watch a movie at the in-house Film Club. Dogs are also welcome to join you in the Bareca restaurant, which serves Mediterranean food with a Pizza Pasta Grill and an extensive range of small plates of tapas.

From £99 per night at PetsPyjamas.com with up to two dogs allowed to stay.

THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS HOTEL & SPA SKIPTON Set within 30,000-acres of stunning grounds on the Bolton Abbey estate, this former 17th-century coaching inn is a brilliant way to enjoy the dog-friendly Yorkshire Dales in style and comfort. Explore miles of footpaths trailing through the National Park with your pooch in tow and soothe tired muscles in The Devonshire’s spa.

Foodies will love it here too and if you would rather dine without your pooch, the 3AA Rosette Burlington Restaurant serves a classic but fresh and exciting menu, using many ingredients plucked from the kitchen's own garden. Alternatively, your dog can join you in the bar area of the Brasserie, which offers guests a more modern gastro-menu featuring some of Yorkshire's favourite dishes. Come bedtime, go super luxe by upgrading your dog to a decadent four-poster doggie bed.

From £199 per night at PetsPyjamas.com with up to three dogs allowed to stay.

Enjoy the perks of PetsPyjamas and book these locations at PetsPyjamas.com THE BIKE & BOOT OFFERS PLENTY FOR THE HUMANS TOO

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SCARBOROUGH

NORTH YORKSHIRE

T H E P ER FECT RETREAT TO EXPORE T H E B EA U T IFUL COAST & COUNTRYSIDE Luxurious self-catering holiday cottages immaculately presented with modern features and comfortable living space to relax with family and friends.

Extend your experience with a visit to one of our eateries, serving seasonally inspired Yorkshire food and drink right on your door step.

SCAN HERE

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FOOD & DRINK

ROYAL CELEBRATION CASTLE HOWARD

Castle Howard, known for its beauty and magnificence, has long played host to grand visits, and so to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen, they have curated a taste of royalty with an exclusive afternoon tea experience in their spectacular Long Gallery. Find out more over the page. castlehoward.co.uk

PHOTO: LITTLE SIXPENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

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WHAT TO DRINK

IN THE spirit Gin recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest launches and news from across Yorkshire

By MARK KEBBLE

By PUDDINGSTONE DISTILLERY

Campfire Cask Aged Gin 70cl 43% ABV  £40 Forget any preconception about cask aged spirits. This is not smoky, it’s not woody, it’s simply delicious. Ten botanicals underpin a gin that draws its pale golden hue, soft fruity bourbon notes, hints of caramel and a lingering vanilla palate from the meticulously selected American Oak casks.

Campfire Old Tom Gin 70cl 45% ABV  £38

LITTLE SIXPENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

In considering how an 18th century rural distiller might approach the creation of an ‘Old Tom’ gin, one of the oldest gin styles, we’ve used fragrant botanicals that would have been available regionally; chamomile, malted barley combined with spice and lemon citrus deliver notes of sweetness.

Campfire Navy Strength Gin 70cl 57% ABV  £44 Launched to critical acclaim, the rich mouthfeel and sumptuous full-bodied flavour of this exceptionally smooth Navy Strength gin belies its higher strength.

This is packed with juniper and excels in all applications, from a bold gin and tonic through to a classic gimlet cocktail. Anchors away.

The Campfire Gin range is distilled by founders and operators, Ben and Kate Marston, at the multi-award winning Puddingstone Distillery. Alongside the four strong Campfire Gin range the distillery also produces seasonal varieties and special editions in support of conservation and wildlife projects.

puddingstonedistillery.com

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Time for tea CA ST L E H OWA R D

The Platinum Jubilee: Long Gallery Afternoon Tea Experience at Castle Howard takes place on 27 May. Resident head chef, Nathan Richardson-Kelly, has created an exquisite menu of delicious sweet and savoury items that feature some of Yorkshire's finest produce, served alongside a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee. As a special element to this, you will hear from Dr. Chris Ridgway, Castle Howard's curator, about royal connections to the Estate. castlehoward.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

PLANT POWER

Three to mark National Vegetarian Week in May

AT THE RACES SLINGSBY GIN

Slingsby Gin, the award-winning Harrogate gin brand, has sponsored Ascot Racecourse to become its official gin supplier. In a year that will mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Slingsby Gin is proud to be sponsoring one of the UK’s most iconic British institutions, which has been part of the fabric of the country’s horseracing and social calendar since 1711. spiritofharrogate.co.uk

PRASHAD

Good neighbours HERN

The family heritage of those behind Prashad on the Leeds/Bradford border is Gujarati. Authentic North West Indian recipes are therefore what they know and love. Handed down by generation upon generation, they take this intricate food heritage and put their own twist on the recipes. prashad.co.uk

Hern, the neighbourhood restaurant in Chapel Allerton, Leeds from chef Rab Adams, has announced a series of events for autumn/ winter showcasing some of the brilliant talent in the nearby area. Adams has called on his chef friends to pull out all the stops for the series. The restaurant is known for its low key approach to dishes that are sourced locally wherever possible. hernrestaurant.com

CENTRE

OF

AT T E N T I O N MOSS & MOOR

GOJI CAFÉ The goji berry, sometimes called the happy berry, symbolises the type of experience Goji Café in York are striving to bring you; vibrant, colourful, joyful and life enhancing. Their food is vegetarian, wholesome, nutritious and lovingly prepared from start to finish. gojicafe.co.uk

Set against the backdrop of Ilkley Moor and the famous Cow and Calf rocks, Moss & Moor has taken the concept of a garden centre and given it a big shake. There's a wonderful restaurant, artisan food hall, and a home and lifestyle store all under one roof at this family-run destination. mossandmoor.co.uk

Twist and shout B I L L’ S

Bill’s – with restaurants dotted throughout the county - is launching a new and revived menu for the very first time in five years across all its sites. Diners can expect all their favourite classic dishes, but with a new and refreshing twist, including the OTT Black Gold Burger and Tirami Sub Zero, whilst over a third of the new menu is comprised of plant-based alternatives. bills-website.co.uk

MANGO R E S TA U R A N T This well-known Indian restaurant in Wetherby are specialists in gluten-free and vegan food, with a diverse and enticing menu to match. They also hold regular masterclasses so you can learn from the pros – the next one is on 10 May, a ‘Dosa Special’. mangovegetarian.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

PETER NEVILLE FOCUSES ON LOCAL PRODUCE WHERE POSSIBLE

Return to your

ROOTS

Acclaimed chef Peter Neville’s new restaurant and accommodation project, launched alongside his wife, is a true homecoming

By BETHAN ANDREWS

T

he Homestead Kitchen in Goathland, a restaurant and small accommodation offering recently opened by renowned chef Peter Neville and his wife Cecily Fearnley, is already making a name for itself for its organic and creative approach to food and hospitality. And I can’t say it comes as a surprise either, given the solid reputation Neville built up during his 12 years as head chef and co-owner at the Pheasant Hotel in Harome.

Having been a chef for over 20 years, Neville has worked under two Michelin starred chefs, at both the famous Star Inn at Harome under Andrew Pern, and as head chef at the worldrenowned Hibiscus under Claude Bosi.

But for Fearnley, setting up the Homestead Kitchen is particularly special

because, as the name would suggest, it marks a return to the village in which she grew up. It’s also now the family home, for themselves and their two sons, and it was important that they offer a real feeling of being welcomed and hosted when you choose to dine or stay with them.

The premise of the project, then? Over the coming years they hope to create a flourishing and vibrant space, growing their own family, growing on the land, and growing in the community, too. With other high-calibre restaurants having come and gone in this remote part of the moors, there’s been high praise for the fact that the two are making this their home and are in it for the long-haul.

“For both of us, we want to create something that is for local people, as well as being for tourists. I know how important it is for this village to keep the core for regulars,” says Fearnley. “We wanted to make somewhere where people feel connected. It’s also about creating a better balance in regards to Pete as a chef, the hours and our growing family – we can now eat our family meals together every day!”

The family element seeps into everything at The Homestead, with all of their staff currently residing in the village too. “It’s lovely because they already have that connection with the regulars who visit us,” says Fearnley. To take it one step further, Peter Hall, who is Neville’s right-hand man in the kitchen, worked with him 15 years ago at the Star Inn at Harome. Their oldest son, Wilfred, even takes a little space in the kitchen at times too, where he loves to learn about what they are cooking and what each ingredient is.

IT’S A REAL FAMILY AFFAIR

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

EXPECT A WARM WELCOME

“We want to focus around local ingredients.

We want people to get a taste of what the region is known for”

This idea of learning the land and celebrating the local area is at the heart of The Homestead. “We’re in the process of creating a Kitchen Garden, where we’ll be growing our own produce,” explains Fearnley. “We want to put back as much as we are taking to the local area, and that will also create jobs for local people.”

Neville is really keen on foraging, so they collect produce from the moors too and have recently created an A BEAUTIFUL SETTING

edible hedgerow. “I don’t like sitting at a desk and I love practical things,” he smiles. “I’m really interested in science and the outdoors, so it ties in nicely.”

When it comes to the food offerings at The Homestead Kitchen, what does Neville want to bring to the people who visit? “We’re trying to keep the menu small, so that we can keep it focused around local ingredients,” he says. “We want people to get a taste of what the region is known for. We’re very close to Whitby so we have all the fish from there. Smoked fish is very big, so we try smoked cod and kippers in a new way.”

One thing he’s sure of is that he doesn’t want to become a tasting menu

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only, destination restaurant that you go to once every few years. Despite not having moved too far from The Pheasant, Neville is revelling in finding new suppliers from the Goathland side of the moor, such as his organic cheesemaker from ten miles down the road.

There’s a real organic simplicity to the approach. “Once we start growing more vegetables, we want to get as much as we can out of the garden. It’s all about finding the best ingredients, and we want the food to look like the food that it is,” he says. “We don’t want to make the food look like a work of art, but it be unrecognisable when you say what it is. The concept is simple, but there’s a lot of hard work that goes behind it!’”

There’s a sustainability aspect that underscores all of this, too. “Restaurants are notoriously terrible for their environmental impact, so I’m currently looking at all the systems,” explains Fearnley. “We try to avoid food waste with the way that the menu works, and focus on seasonality. We only source European wines, for example, as we’re trying to cut down on food mileage. We’re trying to give back to the planet here, instead of just being about consumption.” thehomesteadgoathland.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESS LATHAN

THE MENU IS SMALL SO IT CAN BE FOCUSED AROUND LOCAL INGREDIENTS

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Meet the chef…

JON SMITH

T H E P LO U G H , S CA L BY

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FOOD & DRINK • Q&A

“Any plate highlighting fresh North Sea seafood probably best identifies me as a chef” A This is hands down my wood fire lamb

shoulder, with labneh, a Greek yoghurt strained to a soft-cheese consistency, and homemade lavash flatbreads. I have a pizza oven in my garden that we use all year round, this dish is a crowd-pleaser when hosting for friends and family.

Q What’s in your pantry/fridge at home?

A Hundreds of hot sauces, homemade

Q What first inspired you

to become a chef?

A Although I’d worked in kitchens previously, my first inspirational moment was in a restaurant called Zapotec. The owner David Taylor, who previously worked at the legendary Sharrow Bay (The Lake District), was a hugely influential character who taught me the real principles of good ingredients. He would dash through the door with bags of fresh langoustines and handpicked samphire, take trips abroad for weeks returning with containers full of exciting ingredients – his pure enthusiasm for food was my inspiration!

Q What is your proudest career moment?

A When I owned my farm shop The

Hare’s Leap, I had the honour of hosting a cream tea for the Queen. I actually have a story from this experience. In true ‘Yorkshire style’ I gifted Her Majesty with a food hamper featuring my homemade game pie. Strangely a few days later I received a letter from Buckingham Palace

THE PLOUGH’S FOOD IS A FIRM FAVOURITE IN SCALBY

requesting another pie. Obviously, no questions were asked and another pie was privately couriered to the royals. I was later informed that while hopping back into their helicopter, Prince Philip requested the hamper to fly with them so he could enjoy another slice of my pie. To Philips’s disappointment it was nowhere to be seen! Word has it as gifts are rarely accepted, the pie was innocently consumed by their security staff.

Q What’s your signature dish?

A I don’t have a specific dish as such,

but any plate highlighting fresh North Sea seafood probably best identifies me as a chef. I’m fortunate to live on a beautiful coast that hosts a delicious selection of fish and shellfish, making it a pleasure to support local fishermen and suppliers on the North Coast like Yorkshire Lobster and Hodgson’s Fish.

Q What’s your favourite dish to make

your friends and family at home?

pickles and chutneys. I also have an eightfoot spice rack filled with homemade curry blends, BBQ spice rubs and, an essential of mine, ras el hanout. This is a North African spice mix, which in Arabic means “head of the shop”, implying a mixture of the best spices the seller has to offer.

Q What’s your favourite food?

A Following on from my large collection of

hot sauces, it has to be Mexican. My wife and I have booked a two-week gastro tour around Mexico for my 50th next year. I’ve wanted to do this experience for a long time, and we thought it would be the ultimate way to celebrate the big 5-0 in style!

Q Do you have a favourite

Yorkshire delicacy?

A Potted Brown crab that’s Scarborough

landed or roast grouse from the North Yorkshire moors. Both these local dishes are often showcased on our specials board at The Plough and are a must-try if you’re visiting the area.

Q Where’s the best place you’ve

eaten in the county?

A I’ve been lucky enough to have eaten

at so many exceptional places. Visiting The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill, for an anniversary meal pre-covid, Francis Atkins’ tasting menu blew me away with its bold Yorkshire flavours. Also, Simon Rogan’s tasting menu at L’Enclume in Cartmel was truly inspirational, with his farm to table philosophy. And an all-time favourite of mine is The Pipe & Glass, Beverly, run by James and Kate Mackenzie. I’ve visited on numerous occasions and it never fails to impress.

T H E P LO U G H 21–23 High Street, Scalby, YO13 0PT 01723 362622 theploughscalby.co.uk

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Elope, (Just you two).

Celebrate with your Friends and Family.

© Copyright Skylark Aerial Photography

W E D D I N G S AT S T O R R S H A L L

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Storrs Hall, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3LG Tel. 015394 47111 | Email. reception@storrshall.com | www.storrshall.com AA 2 Rosette Culinary Excellence | AA 4 Star Hotel

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SPECI A L ISSUE a b s o l u te l y - w e d d i n g s .c o . u k

In this sect ion W E D D I N G S W I S H L I S T 60 L I S T E R H O R S F A L L 62 B E R R Y ’ S J E W E L L E R S 67 Y O R K S H I R E R O U N D U P 68 T H E S H O O T 72

Crafted with LOVE JOSHUA JAMES

Joshua James’ bespoke ring service and exquisite craftsmanship are unrivalled.

Create a completely unique wedding ring to capture the beauty of your wedding day, and discover their unique and luxury ring service at their beautiful consultation suite based in the heart of East Yorkshire.

Book in for your consultation today. joshuajames.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Bespoke Wedding Rings 2 The Weir, Hessle, HU13 0RU

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www.joshuajames.com

@joshuajamesjjj

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WEDDINGS • JEWELLERY

Moments to

REMEMBER Discover a ring buying experience like no other at Joshua James

Y “Newly engaged couples will have the memorable experience of designing their own wedding rings”

orkshire based jeweller Joshua James offers a unique and luxury take on the wedding ring buying experience with their lavish ring consultation room.

Here, newly engaged couples can join a jewellery expert for the unique and memorable experience of designing their own wedding rings.

Wedding rings are a true sentiment to the happiest day of your life. They become a constant reminder of the promise you've given to your other half; a lifetime of love and commitment. With that in mind, you'll want to get every last detail of your ring(s) perfect. Joshua James' bespoke ring experience allows you to design pieces entirely unique to you as a couple or individual.

The luxury space has been designed with style and comfort in mind. From velvet textures to mirrored surfaces, the space exudes the same luxury that the brand represents. The space is not only beautifully designed, but it even has its very own bar stocked with complimentary champagne and drinks options to suit all.

Once booked in for a consultation, couples can choose from two different levels of customised designs for their rings. Firstly, the standard step-by-step process, in which customers take control of the style of their ring based on existing customisable designs. This allows them to tailor the profile, style and diamonds to suit their style.

DESIGN SOMETHING UNIQUE TO YOU

Or the customer can opt for a complete bespoke package. This is a more thorough process in which they have complete control over every aspect of their ring.

Rather than choosing from a range of options, this service offers the customer full creative control when designing a genuinely unique piece suited to their requirements.

Initially, an individual from Joshua James will sit down with the client to discuss their wants and needs, asking in detail about the metals and stones they'd like to include. After this initial meeting, the customer will then receive an invite to a follow-up appointment in which they can go over the sketches that the designers have mocked up. Once these sketches have been approved and finalised, the customer will receive a 3D render and wax model.

The ring is handcrafted in the UK and promptly sent to Joshua James or their clients.

Expect an utterly memorable element of wedding planning.

J O S H UA JA M E S

IT'S A LUXURIOUS WAY TO DESIGN YOUR WEDDING RINGS

2 The Weir, Hessle HU13 0RU 01482 63896 joshuajamesjewellery.co.uk

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10 THINGS WE

Absolutely

LOVE Here are ten things we absolutely love for the season to come

EMMA DODI CAKES

Since founding her business in 2016, Emma Dodi has designed unique cakes and macarons that are both luxurious and visually spectacular. Her bespoke wedding cakes capture the personalities, characters and styles of her clients. emmadodicakes.com

PEPA & CO The new Celebration Collection by luxury childrenswear designer, Pepa & Co, has been designed for life’s most memorable moments. The line features a selection of timeless styles alongside a range of complementary accessories. pepaandcompany.com

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L EO C E COUTURE

The Nix wedding dress is a part of Leoce Couture’s luxury bridal collection, and is an elegant mermaid style gown, with a detailed lace bodice and a dreamy tulle skirt, £550 leocecouture.com

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WEDDINGS • 10 THINGS

LITTLE M I ST R E S S

JOULBERRY

This grey one-shoulder dress from Little Mistress is an absolute stunner. The pencil skirt cuts a classic silhouette and the intricate organza trim adds a gorgeous feminine twist, £75 little-mistress.com

Joulberry jewellery is renowned for distinctive designs, timeless elegance, integrity and understated beauty. The Luna White Gold Eclipse necklace features a beautiful circular layered cluster pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds, £1,350 joulberr y.com

MIRIAM FAITH The team at Miriam Faith Floral Design thrive on working closely with clients to create elegant, breathtaking bespoke floral arrangements that perfectly complement the atmosphere of their wedding. miriamfaith.com

K AT E S P A D E N E W YO R K

Whether you are a wedding guest or a blushing bride, Kate Spade New York’s Leeds wedding shop has everything needed to take you from the bridal shower to down the aisle, including these beautifully pearlescent Rosa Sandals, £275 katespade.co.uk

D U N E LO N D O N

Sparkle your way through wedding season with the glittery Binita clutch bag, £65 dunelondon.com

MICHAEL P L AT T

Michael Platt is an independent jeweller and master goldsmith, whose expertise in jewellery making spans over 40 years. michaelplatt.co.uk

J O M A LO N E LO N D O N

The Silk Blossoms Cologne captures the scent of nature’s blooms at their most tempting, £76 jomalone.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE NEW JEWELLERY SHOWROOM

Jewel of Halifax

Absolutely Yorkshire speaks to Gemma Moody

of Lister Horsfall to reflect on over a century of history and why now was the right time to introduce a new jewellery showroom

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Q Where does the Lister Horsfall story begin?

A Lister Horsfall opened its doors in 1902 and today, 120 years later, remains an independent, familyowned and run fine jewellery and luxury Swiss watch business. It is now run by Nick Horsfall, who is fourthgeneration to manage the business.

Q How has the company changed over the 100+ years in existence?

A The first shop opened in Halifax in 1902 and as of today the flagship Halifax showroom has expanded, with further expansion planned for this year and beyond. An Ilkley showroom was added in the 1970s and underwent extensive refurbishment and extension in 2019. In 2021 we opened a dedicated jewellery showroom in our hometown of Halifax, this time at the Woolshops shopping centre.

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WEDDINGS • FOCUS

Q Today, what kind of brands will we find in the showroom?

A Jewellery brands include FOPE, Georg Jensen, Gucci, Messika, Mikimoto, Shaun Leane and our own Lister Horsfall collections. Our watch ranges include Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Tudor, Longines, TAG Heuer, Montblanc, Tissot and Gucci.

Q Why has Halifax been the perfect home?

A Halifax is a dynamic town that has a rich history within the region. We’re proud to be part of that history and see it constantly evolve and be a real landmark of the region that attracts people from all over, for all sorts of reasons.

Q What would you say Lister Horsfall has become synonymous with?

A Luxury and some of the most desirable watch and jewellery brands in the world.

“Our bridal suite is the ideal environment for us to enhance the journey of finding a ring” Q Any doubts about doing this

Q What inspired the jewellery showroom expansion last year?

A The expansion of the jewellery showroom was inspired by our desire to bring a wider range of people into the Lister Horsfall experience. We wanted to create a dedicated space with a wider range of jewellery and to expand our own collections as well as more brands.

during the middle of a pandemic?

A No, though it has been a tough time for the retail industry, we were confident that our loyal customers who value the generational experience we offer would support us.

Q What do you showcase there?

A Our jewellery showroom showcases

leading luxury jewellery brands including FOPE, Georg Jensen, Gucci, Messika, Mikimoto, Shaun Leane as well as our own collections of Lister Horsfall Jewellery. Furthermore, our dedicated bridal suite offers a vast range of engagement and bridal jewellery, and we offer our in-house bespoke jewellery design service.

Q What do you offer with your bridal suite?

A Our bridal suite is the ideal environment for us to enhance the journey of finding your perfect engagement ring or bridal jewellery. A private area within the showroom where we can make you and your loved ones feel extra special and explore what’s possible within our vast ranges or discuss options with a member of our expert team.

Q What key advice do you offer brides looking for their wedding jewellery?

A Education is key. Know what you’re buying and speak to an expert. Our team of jewellery and diamond experts really can guide you to the best purchase for your special moment in time.

Q Finally, what would you say makes you different from the competition?

A We’re proud to remain a family-owned business, now 120 years since we started.

Nick’s ambition to continue to drive the business forward ensures we’re always investing in the right areas, whether it be physical expansion of space or technology that allows our team to thrive and the business to grow, there are always exciting plans for the future progression of Lister Horsfall. Our family-approach we think really sets us apart. We value dealing with customers throughout all of life’s most important times, and through generations.

listerhorsfall.co.uk

Q How do you look back on the past year?

A It’s been a challenging year in many respects, but we’re really proud of how our dynamic team have adapted to working in a more flexible way – such as refreshing our online presence so we were able to continue operating with relatively little disruption, despite not being able to be physically in-store.

That said, we really value face-to-face interaction so we’re glad to be open again, with more space to host our clients.

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The Ultimate in Personal Dressing Bespoke and Ready-to-Wear

Call us to make an appointment or book online 01423 562932 enquiries@juliefitzmaurice.com

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WEDDINGS • FOCUS LOVELIGHT EARRINGS, £39 LOVELIGHT HEART NECKLACE, £90

Journey to THE AISLE Absolutely Yorkshire takes a closer look at the jewellery brand that has everything you need for your upcoming nuptials

LOVELIGHT EARRINGS, £89

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omination Italy, based in York, has the gems you need to take you from your Hen Night right through to the moment you walk down the aisle and say “I do” to your Mr Right.

PURE ROMANCE

We can’t get enough of this 3D heart pendant, pictured right. It’s so romantic, so delicate, and yet strangely modern – but still so lovely, precious and traditional.

Nomination’s Lovelight collection has a great range of necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are perfect for you to wear on your special day. Necklace £99, Bracelet £119, Earrings £89, Small Earrings £39.

PERFECT PEARLS

Pearls are universally flattering and complement your skin tone – this is why we love them! So don’t shy away from this traditional jewellery choice, they can work their magic for you too.

KATE BRACELET, £59

Nomination’s Kate Collection is a simple single string of freshwater baroque pearls separated by a tiny bead. The Kate necklace will illuminate your face and add radiance to your skin.

Necklace £99, Bracelet (shown) £59.

HEN NIGHT BRACELETS

We love a keepsake and Nomination’s Composable collection has the perfect Hen Night keepsake gifts for your friends, family and bridesmaids. It’s a bracelet that you design yourself, link by link, for each of your friends. All you have to do is choose the symbols and clip the links together to create a bracelet.

We had a lot of fun picking out these charm links – we love the super cute Team Bride charms. And, yes, you can keep the bracelet and update it by adding more and more links as your life unfolds and your family grows.

HEN NIGHT BRACELETS, FROM £129

N O M I N AT I O N I TA LY 99 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HY 01904 675797 • yorkcharms.co.uk

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Exceptional service Exquisite fashions Every occassion Every size 8 -26

196 Willerby Road, Hull HU5 5JW | T: 01482 506953 | e: info@watsonfashion.co.uk | www.watsonfashion.co.uk WAT'S ON FASHION.indd 66

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WEDDINGS • JEWELLERY BERRY’S ART DECO MILLGRAIN DIAMOND PENDANT, £3,195

BERRY’S MARQUISE & ROUND BRILLIANT DIAMOND CLUSTER EARRINGS, £5,795

BERRY’S MARQUISE & ROUND BRILLIANT DIAMOND CLUSTER PENDANT, £4,395

CROWNING MOMENTS Make sure your bridal jewellery is as special as your big day with these choices from Berry’s Jewellers

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he most important pieces of jewellery at a wedding are of course the rings as they will become a part of everyday life, but your bridal jewellery is just as important.

Paying close attention to the finishing touches will make sure that you feel like the most beautiful bride in the world. Whatever your style, make sure that you choose jewellery that not only makes you dazzle on the day, but that you can wear again and again.

Diamonds and pearls will always

be the most popular choice for brides and are usually the go-to pieces every wedding season. For those brides that can’t decide between the two, why not mix them? They go perfectly together and look stunning with an ivory or off-white wedding gown.

When it comes to providing the sparkle for your wedding day, Berry’s Jewellers – with boutiques in Hull, Leeds and York – has the whole range. Beautiful wedding rings for bride and groom, gifts for the most important guests and a stunning collection of bridal jewellery to make you shine on your big day.

MIKIMOTO AKOYA PEARL & DIAMOND CLASSIC ELEGANCE PENDANT, £3,100

MIKIMOTO AKOYA PEARL & DIAMOND EMBRACE PENDANT, £3,100

WEDDING RINGS FOR ALL TASTES & STYLES

berrysjewellers.co.uk MIKIMOTO AKOYA PEARL & DIAMOND EMBRACE EARRINGS, £3,000

MIKIMOTO AKOYA PEARL & DIAMOND CLASSIC ELEGANCE EARRINGS, £3,400

BERRY’S BAGUETTE & ROUND BRILLIANT DIAMOND HALO CLUSTER EARRINGS, £5,995

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L I T T L E W H I T E B O O K The Yorkshire businesses who can help ensure your big day is an extra special one

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his is a lovely space full of grace with huge, dreamy sash windows, higher-than-high ceilings, a sweeping central staircase, and ivy around the door. It is just a ten-minute walk from York Minster and a five-minute walk from York registry office. The Bootham Room at No.1, York is a dream-cometrue of a private dining room perfect for hosting intimate events for up to 12 wedding guests. They can tailor the day to your needs and offer a range of dining options using locally sourced (wherever they can) and high quality (always) ingredients to create dishes that stir memories and bring joy.

ith its rich heritage, coupled with stunning formal gardens and enchanting grounds, Grantley Hall offers an unrivalled setting to create unforgettable memories for your special day. Whether you’re imagining an intimate celebration with close family and friends or an elaborate affair for hundreds of guests, they have a number of elegant spaces that exceed expectations, including Valeria’s Champagne and Cocktail bar – the perfect place to continue the celebrations into the small hours, before retiring to luxury rooms and suites. Grantley Hall provides your own dedicated team to orchestrate the finer details of your big day. One of their discreet and experienced event planners will meticulously plan each treasured moment, while their talented banqueting chef will create a tantalising culinary experience for you and your guests.

Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3ET 01765 620070 • hello@grantleyhall.co.uk grantleyhall.co.uk

NO. 1, YORK

No.1, 1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA 01904 644744 no1.events@guesthousehotels.co.uk guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-1-york

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WEDDINGS • PICKS

"THEY UNDERSTAND THAT SOMETIMES A PARTICULAR VISION NEEDS TO BE CRAFTED FROM SCRATCH"

BABA GANOUSH

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WAT’S ON

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hether you’re walking the dog or attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace, Wat’s On Boutique has beautiful clothes in sizes 8–26 for every day and every occasion. A casual lunch with friends, being mum of the bride or groom, or just a simple wardrobe refresh, they have two floors of different styles and colours for you to choose from. A relaxed, informal atmosphere awaits you to browse the rails, try on, and find exactly what you are looking for, even if you don’t know what that is.

196 Willerby Road, Hull, HU5 5JW 01482 506953 info@watsonfashion.co.uk watsonfashion.co.uk

WAT'S ON

LISTER HORSFALL

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t Lister Horsfall they understand that it’s both an emotional and exciting time when someone is about to propose, get married or enter into a civil partnership, so they make sure couples get the best experience possible. Their skilled jewellery experts can help you find the perfect piece of jewellery for your engagement and wedding day from an extensive range of exquisite designs. They also understand that sometimes a particular vision can only be made into a reality when it is crafted from scratch. That is why at Lister Horsfall, their team of jewellery experts are perfectly poised to help these dreams come to life through their bespoke jewellery design service. From engagement rings and wedding rings to any type of unique jewellery piece, they will guide you through from initial concept to fine jewellery creation.

aba Ganoush Catering are a multi award-winning catering team based in the incredible larder of Yorkshire. At the heart of their family-business is a genuine love of great food. Baba uses fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and love nothing more than bringing people together to share it.

From intimate to epic, rustic to formal, Baba Ganoush Catering create bespoke menus for weddings and events of all sizes across the North of England.

From sharing feasts to fine dining, they have a fantastic range of menus to choose from to suit any budget.

Unit 17, Evans Business Centre, Rose Avenue, York, YO26 6RR • 01904 848490 hello@babaganoushdining.com babaganoushdining.com

BABA GANOUSH

4 Woolshops, Halifax HX1 1RU 01422 399729 • listerhorsfall.co.uk LISTER HORSFALL

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THE HOVELS

THE WOODMAN INN

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ver 200 happy couples gave The Woodman Inn a five-star rating, voting it West Yorkshire’s Best Wedding Venue of 2022 in Hitched. This 18th century inn is the perfect setting for a beautiful wedding.

Fully licensed for civil ceremonies and with a choice of The Country Room for small intimate gatherings, or the glorious Garden Room, providing an elegant backdrop for larger celebrations. Their award-winning team is on hand to make your wedding dreams come true.

THE HOVELS

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he Hovels is the main event space at Harewood, sitting in the heart of this stunning private Estate in Yorkshire. The old converted stable block strikes the perfect balance between rustic country charm and premium luxe and class. Following a recent renovation, The Hovels stands proudly with a combination of wood, steel, glass and stone creating a building that’s oozing with character and interest; the old and the new working together in perfect harmony. The catering comes from the in-house multi-award winning Harewood Food & Drink Project team who have received widespread acclaim for their use of produce sourced from Harewood Estate. The Hovels also runs using sustainable energy from its own biomass plant.

There are nine holiday cottages within a five-minute walk for bridal parties and their guests can be accommodated too.

Thunder Bridge Lane, Kirkburton, HD8 0PX • 01484 605778 • events@ woodman-inn.com • woodman-inn.com

THE WOODMAN INN

JULIE FITZMAURICE

Harewood Yard, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LF • 0113 288 6252 • info@ harewoodfoodanddrink.com harewoodfoodanddrink.com JAMES' PLACES

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elcome to the Dream Wedding Collection from James’ Places.

Five stunning venues across Lancashire, the Ribble Valley and the Yorkshire Dales provide an unrivalled choice for the most special of days. Whether you are looking for a beautifully industrial mill, a rustic countryside inn or a grand manor house with period features, the Dream Wedding Collection has a venue to suit all. They are devoted to making sure that couples can find their perfect venue and they offer the help needed to bring their dream wedding to life. From high-glamour, luxurious weddings to smaller, intimate affairs, they will ensure your day is truly spectacular. jamesplaces.com

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JULIE FITZMAURICE

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ometimes the thought of being the mother of the bride, bridegroom or a special wedding guest can be quite daunting, especially when we are so used to wearing casual clothes these days. Take a look at the Julie Fitzmaurice website, where you will see the perfect outfits for your day. The easy to wear, yet glamourous dresses and coats can be adapted to the length of your choice, dyed to any colour and made in any size to fit your measurements. In fact, their dedicated team of stylists are there to help dress you from head to toe, including their wonderful range of gorgeous headwear.

38 Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2RL 01423 562932 • enquiries@juliefitzmaurice.com juliefitzmaurice.com

"THEIR TEAM OF STYLISTS ARE THERE TO HELP DRESS YOU FROM HEAD TO TOE"

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Haven't you done well?

Justifiably extravagant.

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Queen

OF HEARTS Rowley Hesselballe's new bridal collection is inspired by TV's The Queen's Gambit and a 1960s aesthetic R OW L EY H E S S E L BA L L E .CO M

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Photographer OSMAN OZEL Designer ROWLEY HESSELBALLE LONDON Stylist AYDAN SIVACI Model MARIA GORNOSTAEVA TAN Make up ANDREA SHEEHAN Hair ISMAIL INAN Production L'APPART ISTANBUL

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WEDDINGS • VENUE

Set the SCENE Head to the Lake District for a wedding venue that has it all

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torrs Hall is a beautiful and unique destination – arguably one of the most spectacular in the Lake District, if not the whole of the UK. It's rarer than you'd think to find such a strikingly elegant building, with private and peaceful lake frontage in the Lake District. Built in 1797 for a Yorkshire gentleman as an alternative to holidaying in the Swiss lakes, he chose the best location on Lake Windermere.

The Grade II* listed building is wrapped in 17 acres of grounds, enjoying miles of views both north and south. His choice of location was equally appreciated by Tatler, who rated it one of the 101 Best Hotels in the World, 2022. The

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Sunday Times listed it as one of the Top 80 British Hotels, 2021 – and it’s still working its magic.

With three grand period rooms licenced for your ceremony, and three outside spaces, you’re spoilt for choice – whether it’s just the two of you, or with all your friends and family taking exclusive use.

Newly licenced in 2022, the Boathouse Terrace is a unique ‘just for two’ venue, where the unusually large terrace with hot-tub, seating area, firepit and lily pond border the lake, with spectacular views north up Windermere to the central mountains. The luxuries of the Boathouse interiors match the location for your wedding night. Requiring a key code for its private grounds, and private parking, it really is something special and very exclusive.

The Garden Pavilion, wrought in lacy ornate ironwork, is romantically pretty, and with the lake behind is a photogenic location for your vows. It’s also a top spot for sunset proposals.

Newly licenced for ceremonies in 2022 is the South Lawn, between the hotel terraces and

the lakeshore, where woodland to either side ensures privacy.

It’s overlooked by the restaurant, conservatory, and drawing room.

Exclusive use maximum number of guests is 60-80, and you can speak to them about the possibility of a marquee on the south lawn.

Storrs has a very characterful bar – The Tower Bar, reclaimed from Blackpool Tower itself, a piece of high Victoriana in rich wood and stained glass, it adds another dimension to your celebrations.

Menus are devised totally to your tastes by their head chef and team.

Storrs Hall is easily accessible, being 30 minutes from junction 36 of the M6, two miles south of Bowness on Windermere – home to Windermere Lake Cruises, who will provide a private lake tour directly from their jetty, for the entertainment of your guests. They also have extensive private parking, and eight VendElectric EV charging points, and helicopter landing is available on the south lawn.

For wedding enquiries, email weddings@storrshall.com or call 015394 47111 / storrshall.com

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FA S H I O N

A N N I V E R SA RY PRESENT BERRY’S JEWELLERS

To mark Berry’s 125th anniversary, they are commemorating five generations of authentic British jewellery design with a special edition fine-jewellery collection – a celestial-inspired range of elegant diamond jewellery creations crafted from 18ct white gold and platinum. The special edition 125th Anniversary Collection will be available to view at Berry’s boutiques in Leeds, Hull and York and on their website from mid-May. berrysjewellers.co.uk

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SIAN GABBIDON

Q&A A P P R E N T I C E T U R N E D

M A ST ER Leeds born and bred Sian Gabbidon has cornered the loungewear market in the industry. Here she explains how she did it

By MARK KEBBLE

SPORTING HER LATEST COLLECTION

Q Tell us about your Leeds background…

A I was born and bred in Leeds and am

proud of my background. My parents both worked hard to provide for me when I was younger and we moved from council estates to eventually owning a house that they worked very hard to get. They taught me lots about working hard for what you want and never giving up.

Q Were you always interested in fashion?

A Yes! As a young girl I always loved

designing and clothes in general, but it wasn’t until I started college and studied textiles that I realised I could actually make a career out of it.

Q When did you discover

your creative side?

A When I was little and my mum and

dad would be working I’d spend lots of time with my grandparents, and it was here I discovered my creative side as me and nanna would be drawing or painting. Just being creative!

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FASHION • Q&A

SHE LOVES WHAT LEEDS HAS TO OFFER

“I WAS TOLD TO MOVE TO LONDON TO SUCCEED – I PROVED THEM WRONG” Q How did your life change after winning?

A Winning the Apprentice changed my

life as it gave me the investment to really turn my business from a small scale made to order style brand to a mass production model working now with major retailers.

Q How has Sian Marie evolved since then?

A We have gone from strength to strength.

Initially moving into mass production with swimwear to then evolving into loungewear, selling hoodies / tracksuits / puffer coats and more and are now looking to grow our retail offering in this sector. We recently launched nationwide in ASDA stores as well as being sold in a number of countries including Ireland, Dubai and Germany and more.

Q When did you consider fashion

to be a viable career option?

A Definitely during my college days when I was introduced to designing and producing garments. It was here where I was bought my first sewing machine from my parents and started to experiment with making clothes in my bedroom.

Q Is it true when studying you were told

you had to move to London to succeed?

A Yes, 100%. As I moved to university to

study fashion design I struggled with the opinion based course and was told that to be successful in this industry I’d need to move to London – I decided to prove them wrong.

Q What were the early designs that

kick-started your Sian Marie brand?

A It all began with swimwear. In truth this

was the easiest product to make myself on a sewing machine and I started to experiment with different designs that I then uploaded to my Instagram page and

eventually had stylists and celebrities interested in wearing the products. But since Covid, we diversified and moved into loungewear – and it’s been one of the best things we've done as a business.

Q Why did you apply to

enter The Apprentice?

A I’ve always been a huge fan of the

show – my dad and I used to watch it and I’d say ‘I’d love to go on there one day, I’d definitely win!’ Then one year later I decided to go for it and apply.

Q How do you look back on the experience?

A Mixed emotions as it was such a

crazy time of my life, but I actually look back now and feel proud of myself. I think as an entrepreneur / business person you sometimes forget to look at how far you’ve come because you're always striving to reach the next goal.

But I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how I handled the experience.

Q How do you see the brand

developing in the future?

A My aim is to continue to grow both our

online and retail offering and bring top quality products to customers. I want to crack the loungewear market, then potentially look at new sectors to evolve into.

Q And more TV work?

A I love getting out of the office and

getting to experience new things – being on Coach Trip last year was such a laugh and I met some forever friends.

I’m always up for new experiences!

Q Can you pick out your

favourite haunts in Leeds?

A OK, I have a list: favourite restaurant

is Issho Leeds, which is Japanese food; favourite bar is Angelica in the summer; favourite nightclub is the Playroom; and my favourite hotel is The Dakota. sianmarie.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Heart to heart The perfect jewellery to charm a loved one

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

HANNAN

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

AISHA BAKER

Another Day On The Terrace earrings, £59 shophannan.in

Shaun Leane rose gold vermeil heart bracelet, £195 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

All You Need earrings, £2,775 shop.aishabaker.com

DINNY HALL

WILHELMINA GARCIA

PAWNSHOP

Bijou folded heart bracelet, £110 dinnyhall.com

Red heart earring, £57 wilhelminagarcia.com

Gold plated heart charm bracelet, £70 pawnlondon.com

TADA & TOY

ANNOUSHKA

ANNI LU

Amelia Windsor bleeding heart earrings, £285 tadaandtoy.com

18ct gold & sapphire heart lovelock, £1,140 annoushka.com

Love earrings, £120 annilu.dk

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BRING ME

SUNSHINE How fashion label POM Amsterdam – stocked at Olivia Grace in Wetherby – is bringing bold colour and prints to Yorkshire this summer

P O M -A M S T E R DA M .C O M O L I V I AG R AC E FA S H I O N .C O. U K

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Specialists in bone and joint care

It’s why we’re one of the leading independent healthcare providers in the world.

Kindness, compassion, empathy… and knowing what matters most to our patients. These things are ingrained.

It’s what we call “People caring for people”. So from our quality private hospitals to our specialist consultants, delivering exceptional patient care remains at the heart of everything we do.

For fast access to treatment contact 01904 211 667 or visit cliftonparkhospital.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

COLOURFUL WORLD P H E N I X SA LO N S U I T E S

Head to One Deansgate and you're welcomed into the stunning Colour Bar, which is stocked with the COLOURS By Gina range, professional colour for Lifestyle Professionals to purchase. Alongside this you will find the

By Gina products of shampoo, conditioner and clutch hairspray for retail. Turn to page 96 to find out more. phenixsalonsuitesuk.com

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Yachts , yurts and

Y O R K S H I R E Y O G A Charting the meteoric rise of Ebru Evrim, who has taken her passion for yoga from the Yorkshire Dales to Southern Turkey B y J A N E E L L I S O N - B AT E S

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• XXXXX HEALTH &XXXXXXXX BEAUTY • PROFILE

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ot so many years ago in the UK, yoga was viewed by many with mild scepticism.

Today, along with its counterpart Pilates, it is firmly established in the zeitgeist, appealing across the board to 20-somethings right through to octogenarians. The physical and mental benefits are markedly improving thousands of lives across all demographics.

Making yoga and Pilates accessible in Yorkshire, Ebru Evrim is an entrepreneurial woman at the forefront of spreading the magic. In 2015, armed with just six mats, she began teaching yoga in village halls in the Yorkshire Dales. Now she is opening her second dedicated studio, has her own brand of activewear fashion, runs luxury retreat holidays at home and abroad, and has an enviable Instagram following worldwide.

Evrim’s journey to becoming a leading yoga guru is a surprising one. Born in Turkey, she began her working life as a pathologist in Istanbul. From pathology she actually moved into the contrasting busy, dizzy world of digital marketing, working with significant international clients including Microsoft, Cadbury and Colgate. City life and the fast pace of the digital media industry at that level was inevitably demanding and fastpaced, and Evrim took up yoga in 2007 as an antidote to the stress in her lifestyle.

Before long, she was hooked – enough to want to share the benefits and teach yoga to others. Soon after moving to the UK with her family, Evrim completed a 200hour intensive teacher training course in Ashtanga Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga with Lalit Kumar at the Himalaya Yoga Valley in Goa, India. Later she trained in Polestar Pilates under Claire Sparrow and Judith Lasater in Leeds. “Combining these disciplines, my passion is in balancing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the human experience to help people cope with the demands of 21st century living,” she says.

The popularity of Evrim’s Dales yoga classes grew exponentially as she attracted a cross section of pupils. Evrim began to dream of creating a dedicated space for them; warm, comfortable and fitted with state-of-the-art apparatus for physio reformer Pilates work.

Turning the dream into a reality, Evrim and her family moved into a former retail shop in the market town of Skipton and set about creating a stunning studio space.

Living on the top floor, overlooking the picturesque canal basin, she transformed the three-storey 19th century building to

“My passion is in balancing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the human experience” create a ground floor studio with reformer apparatus and a first-floor studio dedicated to mat work. Then along came Covid.

While the world battened-down the hatches and several fledgling businesses unfortunately failed, Evrim harnessed her inner resources and former marketing talents to adapt, channelling her offering to help the souls lost in lockdown and ensure her own commercial survival. More than ever, she knew, people needed the restorative healing of yoga and Pilates, so she became one of the earliest practitioners to harness Zoom as a means of continuing to offer classes.

Things didn’t stop at online classes.

Disappointed by the quality of some of the leggings and other leisurewear on the market, Evrim also used the time in lockdown to develop her own range of fitness clothing to sell online. Designed from a user’s perspective and sourcing ethical manufacturers, her activewear range of leggings, vests, hoodies and bras have already been widely endorsed.

EBRU EVRIM

As the world tentatively emerged from lockdown, and working with personal contacts in her Mediterranean homeland, luxury wellness holidays and yoga retreats were introduced into the Ebru Evrim brand mix.

Yachts, yurts and yoga form the perfect blend for mindfulness and meditation in Southern Turkey, while in the UK, Silverholme Manor in the Lake District provides a genteel country house setting for manifestation retreats.

With the Skipton studio approaching capacity, Evrim looked to expand within a comfortable radius of home. Considering the options did not take long. “What better location to choose than Harrogate, a savvy spa town already famed for championing wellness,” she says. Finding spacious premises in the centre of the town, on busy James Street, Evrim set about reproducing the same stylish blend of yoga and Pilates studio space alongside tantalisingly tasteful displays of retail fitnesswear to purchase. The new branch also has a café run by a catering partner specialising in food for wellness.

Despite the rapid growth of recent years, Evrim remains firmly grounded and along with her small team of like-minded professionals, guided by the lifestyle message she teaches. “The spiritual side is so important in yoga. The most important thing is for us each to remember who we are and carry this inner conscious into normal life.

It’s important not to lose sight of that.” ebruevrim.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Memberships from just £34.99 per month

Yoga, Pilates and beyond! Classes all day everyday

OPENING IN HARROGATE MAY 2022 JOIN OUR STUDIO!

www.ebruevrim.com info@ebruevrim.com 07734 955 476

Ebru Evrim Studio 3 James Street Harrogate HG1 1QQS

Start your #gatewaytohealthyliving today!

SALON PROFESSIONALS WANTED r este n! h c n Ma ow Ope ns N catio n! o L Soo don Lon oming C

• BE YOUR OWN BOSS • MONTHLY LICENSING • PRIVATE SUITES • SHARED SUITES

For further information or to register your interest contact: John Gillespie 07909 993491 • jgillespie@phenixsalonsuites.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y R AC H E L H O G G

NEW IN

FOCUS

A SUITE LIFE

fragrance HOUSE OF CREED

Discovering more about the US success story Phenix Salon Suites

After nearly five years of development, House of Creed has released its newest feminine fragrance: Wind Flowers. Inspired by the grace and strength of a dancer’s movement, master perfumer Oliver Creed created a fragrance that balances enchanting fresh, floral notes with undertones of sandalwood and musk, £260. creedfragrances.co.uk

Bright Under Eyes SKIN PROUD

Straight-talking brand Skin Proud’s new Bright Eye Cream is just the thing to moisturise and protect the delicate skin under your eyes. The lightweight gel-cream formula is infused with a nourishing combination of pomegranate, vitamin C, shea butter and 2% niacinamide, £14.95. boots.com

I NDULG E YOU RS EL F CHANEL

Fans of the sensual scent of Coco Mademoiselle are going to love indulging in Chanel’s newest launch, the Velvet Body Oil. A clear, drytextured body oil, that perfumes the body with the distinctive fragrance, and leaves skin feeling silky soft and radiant, £60. chanel.com

EDITOR’S PICK

P

henix Salon Suites is a premier luxury suite concept offering private space for the salon and beauty professional to own and operate their own business without the high cost associated with renting a traditional space or a chair in a salon.

Phenix Salon Suites has recently opened in Manchester with locations planned for the entire UK and Europe, including Yorkshire. Founded by celebrity stylist and UNDERCOVER BOSS guest, Gina Rivera (pictured above), there are 350 successful US locations. The concept provides beauty professionals with the opportunity to operate their business at a fraction of the cost of opening a multi-chair salon.

The uniquely designed space offers an open, upscale, light-filled environment for entrepreneurs to share ideas, collaborate on business building initiatives and, most importantly, to provide incredible service to their customers in the privacy of their own personally decorated suite.

“I am so grateful and humbled to have the honour of bringing Phenix Salon Suites to the UK and Europe,” says Gina Rivera. “I look forward to providing Beauty Professionals the opportunity to own their own business and build their dream.”

PHENIX SALON SUITES For more details, contact John Gillespie on 07909 993491 or email jgillespie@phenixsalonsuites.com

www.phenixsalonsuitesuk.com

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• XXXXX HEALTH &XXXXXXXX BEAUTY • PROFILE

THE SALONS ARE BRIGHT SPACES

Roots of

SUCCESS

Coming from a family with over 25 hairstylists who have been in the industry since 1929, Gina Rivera was destined to pursue a career in the world of beauty

G

ina Rivera was first introduced to the beauty industry when she was very young. At only 12 years of age, she started by sweeping hair from the floors of her parent’s salon. As soon as she could, Gina attended Beauty School in America and gained her cosmetology license.

She later moved to a ‘booth renter’ salon, which is like a chair rental salon in the UK. She quickly established a winning reputation, her clients loved her, and the staff adored her for sharing her knowledge and offering support where needed. It was while working in that environment that Gina realized that all salons were not created equal and that the majority of the renters had little or no support to ensure their success. With this, Phenix Salon Suites was born, establishing a new experience and opportunity for lifestyle professionals to own and operate a business at a fraction of the cost of traditional salon settings.

Gina opened her first Phenix Salon Suites location in Colorado Springs in 2007. She continued to open additional locations, but it wasn’t until 2012 that she started to franchise the concept. Gina quickly skyrocketed to success when Phenix Salon Suites became the fastest growing salon suite company in the beauty industry and the only one to ever be named in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 500 Franchise List. Today, Gina continues to flourish with over 350 locations in the United States and she has just recently opened her first location in Deansgate, Manchester, with extensive plans to rapidly grow in the UK and Europe, including Yorkshire.

To support stylists working inside and outside of her locations, Gina developed a complimentary business app called Gina’s Platform. The intuitive software provides a solution for client scheduling and communication, lead generation, point of sales system, financial reporting, online education, trending industry news and much more. Due to her tremendous success, Gina was a featured guest on the Emmy Award

winning show UNDERCOVER BOSS. This appearance generated a tremendous fan base inside and outside of the beauty world, both domestically and internationally.

In 2018, Gina curated her own professional hair colour line, COLOURS By Gina, that has been embraced by stylists for its ability to create beautiful colours while being an affordable solution. The unique line includes 60 shades of colour that have the ability to produce a multitude of shades and tones. The distinctive colour line has been featured and recommended in mainstream publications as well as utilized for hair collections and by top artists in the industry. Under the

by Gina brand, she also has a unique line of products that includes a professional wet line and styling tools designed with state-of-the-art infrared technology.

Gina also leads a well-established International Artistic Team that has appeared at events such as the GRAMMYs, NBA All Star Week, and the Coachella Music Festival as well as several other high-profile events. Together they create inspiring collections to share with Lifestyle Professionals across the US and now the UK. At the core of all her success, Gina is a hairstylist and an artist. Her family has a 90-year legacy in the industry that includes 25 Salon Professionals working primarily as hairstylist and barbers. Before she founded of a successful international company, Gina was a hairstylist and her passion remains deeply rooted in the business as she seeks to provide opportunities for those that are pursuing careers in the beauty, wellness and appearance industries. www.phenixsalonsuitesuk.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

LuLuLemon pieces designed with yoga in mind

By RACHEL HOGG

F O R M OV E M E N T The Align Tank is a fan favourite for a reason: the fit contours to your body and manages to be full coverage and incredibly flattering at the same time, £45.

AERIAL YOGA

DISCO YOGA

FOR COMFORT The Align High-Rise Pant is designed to minimise distractions and maximise comfort, and their next-to-nothing feel makes them a real closet staple, from £88.

FOR SUPPORT The Free to be Elevated Bra is just the thing for low-impact activities. The strappy open back allows for a full range of motion without sacrificing support, £38.

Available at lululemon.co.uk

YOGA WITH A TWIST Relax and unwind with these playful yoga classes DI S CO YO GA

LEEDS A E RI A L

Forget stretching, before this class you’ll need to glitter up instead. Disco Yoga is a fun and light-hearted alternative to a traditional yoga class. You will shimmy your way through your sun salutations and swap out Savasana for a disco nap. It’s the perfect way to connect with friends and you can experience it at University of Leeds, so plenty of opportunity to keep the party going. sport.leeds.ac.uk

You can take your practice to the skies at this Yorkshire aerial fitness school. Their aerial yoga classes are just the thing for someone looking to add a vertical challenge to their standard stretches. It’s a great way to relieve pressure in the joints, increase your muscular flexibility, and allow your spine to decompress. You'll stretch yourself to the limit and might even leave the class feeling a bit taller. leedsaerialarts.co.uk

A RTS

TO BY YOGA S HEFFIELD We all want to feel healthier, happier and more harmonious.

However, the growing pressure of modern life can get in the way leaving us feel tense, stressed out and overwhelmed. This is where Laughter Yoga could help put a spring in your step and a smile back on your face. You get the same physiological and psychological benefits from laughter exercises as you do from ‘real’ laughter. tobyyoga.com

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Your daughter.

Our priority.

Since 1878.

Visit us to meet our teachers and pupils and learn more about the exceptional opportunities available to girls aged 4-18 at Sheffield Girls’.

Email enquiries@she.gdst.net to book a visit at any time during the year. sheffieldhighschool.org.uk SHEFFIELD HIGH GIRLS.indd 100

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KIDS & EDUCATION

FAITHFUL FRIENDS Pets bring us all untold joy, but not just in the home. There is an increase in the number of schools who are introducing pets to the classroom to assist with pupils' learning. This could be soft skills, such as learning how to look after something much smaller, or simply a way to help a child deal with mental health issues. Turn over the page to read more.

Pets In Schools 102 • Dealing With Exams 111 • Scandi Parenting 118 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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PRIZED PETS How animals in the classroom can have lasting benefits

By S U E L A I D L AW

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FEATURE

M

any years ago, as an eager young teacher in my first post, I volunteered to look after the school guinea pig when other older and wiser members of staff chose to decline the opportunity.

The role was a dubious pleasure, partly because my animal preference is not for small to medium sized South American rodents, but also because the poor old thing had the guinea pig equivalent to piles and often had to have help in that area.

A few years later, in another teaching job, I decided to embrace my apprehension and suggest to the head that my class of young children would benefit from embracing a new member of the class – a hamster. My enthusiasm was encouraged and so off I went to adopt Harvey the Hamster who arrived in style, complete with shiny new cage and whirling wheel, in front of a class of six-year-olds, all excited to meet their new friend. Harvey and his classmates had great fun together – perhaps my wonderful teaching assistant and I, less so. As adoptive parents, we had a few worried nights when Harvey made a great escape, eventually being found behind a cupboard, making some sort of nest.

Nevertheless, these early intuitive moments in bringing children and animals together in a school setting proved to be positive, in so many ways.

Not only did all the children learn about caring for something or someone smaller and more vulnerable than themselves

“To improve mental health, we should have at least one dog in every single school” and to take responsibility, but it soon became obvious that those who were less able to communicate confidently with their human classmates were able to quietly bond with their new friend.

It is now well documented that simply by stroking a furry friend, heart rates slow and blood pressure reduces. Today, in our Laidlaw Education classrooms, we teach and support many anxious students of all ages. On occasions, we have welcomed a calm puppy or a family dog in with an anxious child or young person; this has always had a calming effect and aided the initial integration into our setting.

Therapy dogs are becoming increasingly popular in Yorkshire classrooms, particularly in SEN settings, and it is wonderful to witness the benefits that these specially trained dogs can bring to all children, especially to those with special needs. The dogs are trained to be good-natured, calm and patient. They obviously love human contact and having a soothing, calming effect. Sir Anthony Seldon, the well-known educator, has said: “The quickest and biggest hit that we can make to improve mental health in our schools, and to make them feel safe for children, is to have at least one dog in every single school in the country.”

This wonderful natural “therapy” has a great deal of scientific backing, although none of it is new. Sigmund Freud would often have his own dog, Jofi, in his psychotherapy sessions, as he observed that patients were comforted by her presence.

Research by Dr Boris Levinson, in the 1960s, formalised these scientific ideas.

More recently, psychologist Alan Beck and psychiatrist Aaron Katcher have followed through on the scientific validation.

So, from the poor old guinea pig that I looked after, to the scientific research of the present, it is very clear that the presence of animals in schools can have huge benefits.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP, Laidlaw Hall, a specialist education centre, and Laidlaw Virtual Academy.

For more call 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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an unforgettable

y e n r u o j

Register for our next Open Morning.

Saturday 21st May 10am - 12 noon We are happy.

We are succesful.

We are Cundall Manor School.

cundallmanorschool.com admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk 01423 360 200

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KIDS & EDUCATION • Q&A

Era Defining We speak to Cundall Manor School’s Fraser McPhearson about educating through a pandemic and a big change to come this September

Q Could you give us a brief overview of what Cundall Manor offers…

A Cundall Manor is a thriving coeducational independent school, catering for boys and girls between the ages of two and 16 years of age.

The school is situated in a magnificent 28-acre site in the Vale of York, between Ripon and Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

We are a community of committed and enthusiastic teaching staff, visionary governors and supportive parents. Our aim is simply to ensure that each and every child who comes to Cundall is fully prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Q What was the first thing the school did when Yorkshire went into lockdown?

A When changes had to be made for Covid, we decided that anything we altered needed to be sustainable for the foreseeable future. That way we felt that we could minimise the impact on our pupils. Our initial reaction was ensuring our community’s safety. All of our staff excluding key members were advised to work from home.

Q How did you cope with teaching pupils during the school’s enforced closure?

A We implemented an effective online education programme that allowed our pupils to feel as normal as possible apart from the fact they were at home. Live lessons with teachers were found to be the most effective way.

Q What things did pupils miss out on the most?

A Pupils missed out on face to face interaction. Cundall has a sense of one big family and pupils not being able to see their friends in person did have an impact. They also missed their daily games lessons. We have timetabled around ten hours of sport, so to go from that to none was quite a big loss. We tried to provide as much support as possible, but nothing can match a game of hockey or rugby.

Q Did anything surprise you with how your pupils responded?

A We were amazed by the levels of resilience shown by our community, having the ability to comfortably adapt to online education. Covid-19 taught us that we can overcome anything and that the true Cundall spirit is something tangible.

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KIDS & EDUCATION • Q&A

SPORT PLAYS A BIG ROLE AT CUNDALL MANOR

“Pupils walk into school excited, but after lockdown it was extra special” Q How nice was it to welcome pupils

back at the start of this school year?

A Regardless of Covid it is always so nice to welcome pupils back to school. Pupils and staff genuinely enjoy coming to school. Pupils walk into school excited and refreshed after the holidays. However, after lockdown and school reopened it was extra special. Cundall is a bizarre place when quiet, so it was fantastic to hear the happiness and joy around the grounds.

Q What adaptations did you have

to make to how the school was run?

A We installed outdoor wash stations and

even changed the format of the timetable to allow the bubbles, which were operating at the time, to be able to eat a hot, home-cooked meal in our Dining Room every day. These changes are still in place, continuing to keep everyone safe as we emerge from the pandemic.

106

Q What have been the highlights

for you during this school year?

A During this year it has been fantastic

to see the return of educational trips without any restrictions in place. Sporting fixtures versus our neighbouring school has been a highlight return to the calendar.

Q And what’s to come?

A Mrs Amanda Kirby will be retiring

at the end of this academic year. Mrs Kirby has been at the school for almost 20 years, eight of which as headmistress.

Throughout this time, she has been a strong and decisive leader who has demonstrated passion and commitment to the success of Cundall and the education of all pupils. She has taken the school through its most successful times and its most challenging times.

The baton is being passed to Mr Christopher James-Roll, who will start

THE PERFECT SETTING FOR PUPILS TO BLOOM

with us in September. Mr James-Roll is joining us from Sherfield School in Hampshire, where he currently holds the position of senior deputy head.

Restrictions allowing, we will be looking to restart our annual Chateau Trip, and many more educational trips abroad including a hockey tour to the Netherlands and a long-overdue ski trip.

If you want find out more about how we offer the best value-added for GCSE in the North, come along to our next Open Morning on Saturday 21 May. C U N DA L L M A N O R S C H O O L Cundall, North Yorkshire, YO61 2RW 01423 360 200 • cundallmanorschool.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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A world class education for your child.

Firmly established as one of the leading non-selective independent schools in Yorkshire, Huddersfield Grammar School places the development of character at the heart of all it does and provides a futurefacing curriculum for children age 3-16 in a nurturing and happy environment.

• • • • • • • • •

Engaging Excursions Spanish Lessons Forest School Rich Extra Curricular Programme Dance Classes Out of School & Holiday Clubs Peripatetic Music Tuition Swimming Lessons Early Years Funding

Leading independent school for girls and boys age 3-16

Huddersfield Grammar School Royds Mount, Luck Lane, Marsh Huddersfield, HD1 4QX TOP 100 PREP SCHOOL

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ISA Awards 2019 Winner

www.hudderfield-grammar.co.uk - Tel: 01484 424 549 e: admissions@huddersfield-grammar.co.uk Follow us on

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE The headmistress of Tranby school in East Yorkshire on how they inspire their pupils to head out into the world full of confidence

By ALEX WILSON

T

ranby is a thriving 3-18 HMC coeducational day school, providing a carefully judged blend of support and challenge amid the glorious surroundings of the historically significant Tranby Croft. We are committed to bringing out the best in everyone and have a ‘no ceilings’ approach to what our pupils can achieve.

Examination success is only part of the picture. Art, music, drama, dance, sport, community service projects and many clubs and societies create a vibrant atmosphere, and help all

pupils to flourish and enjoy their time at school. Everyone matters and the pastoral care at the school ensures pupils feel supported and valued throughout their time here.

Our short, medium and long-term development projects seek to build for the future and invest in the provision for each child in terms of sport, drama, academic opportunities as well as investment in the site so that we continue to nurture the potential of each individual, inspiring all pupils with a love of learning, developing curiosity and a passion for the subjects they are studying, and celebrating talent in whatever form that takes.

The education we provide is ambitious and full of opportunity,

“The education we provide is ambitious and full of opportunity”

KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

opening up the mind and experience of each individual, inspiring all to find their niche, make the most of their gifts and to thrive. It is much more than passing exams and teaches the students that their worth as human beings is not measured simply in academic success, but aims to give them the confidence to take risks, tackle challenges head on and have the confidence to re-write the story when necessary.

The best way to get to know the school is to come for a visit, experience the buzz and energy of Tranby Croft, enjoy the stunning grounds and, of course, meet the pupils who make it such an exciting place to work and learn.

You’ll be sure of a warm reception whether you are a prospective parent or pupil, or a former pupil.

Tranby prepares students for life, whilst instilling in them understanding of others and a desire to make a difference in the world.

T R A N BY Tranby Croft, Anlaby, HU10 7EH 01482 657016 • tranby.org.uk

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Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate An Excellent rated (ISI) school welcoming children aged 3 months to 19 years.

Find out how we can help support your child to achieve their aspirations in our unique prep, middle and senior four-school model.

Call to arrange a private tour or join us at our next open day on 14 May 2022. www.qe.org

“To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

Testing

TIMES

Building a positive approach to exams

T

his summer's GCSE, A-level and IB exams are set to go ahead for the first time since 2019.

That means this year’s A-level and IB cohort will become the first to sit sixth form exams without having taken formal GCSE papers in Year 11.

New research from private tuition and home-schooling company Enjoy Education finds that in light of exam cancellations over the last two years, exam anxiety is one of parents’ greatest concerns. The research, which surveyed 1,500 parents of schoolaged children, found that nearly two thirds of sixth form parents are worried that their teenager hasn’t sat national exams before, while 29% of students negatively impacted by returning to school this year are struggling with exam anxiety.

After two years of disrupted education, it’s more important than ever that exam students this year feel confident and prepared for their exams – and we all have a role to play in helping them feel ready this summer.

The research finds that despite the growing worries around exams, there is a bright side.

Lockdown learning has helped parents to feel closer than ever to their children’s learning, empowering parents to make decisions to help their children and teenagers feel confident ahead of exams this year: 61% of those surveyed said they had learnt something new about the way their child learns, while 60% feel they previously had misconceptions about their child’s learning style.

“As the research shows, there are unique pressures surrounding this year’s exam cohort and we are committed to making sure students have the support they need,” says Enjoy Education founder, Kate Shand.

“If your teenager is facing exams, they will likely need more help this year navigating the path positively and with confidence, which is why we’re offering all parents free consultations to make sure the right content, revision and exam strategies are in place during these final months.”

Book your free Revision and Exam Consultation with an expert consultant at Enjoy Education to help your teenager build a positive and achievable revision plan for exam success this summer. enjoyeducation.co.uk

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WHAT WILL YOU

DISCOVER? OPEN EVENT

Saturday 8th October 2022 (Rishworth and Heathfield Open Morning)

Rishworth is a vibrant independent, co-educational, boarding and day school set in 140 acres of stunning rural countryside. With its own Preparatory School, Heathfield, it offers a continuous education for children from age 3 to 18.

As well as specified Open Day events, we are welcoming families to visit us for pre-booked personal tours conducted at your convenience.

To find out more or to book an appointment, please call

Scholarships & Bursaries available

Flexi & Weekly Boarding available

01422 822 217

or email

admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk

Visit us at www.rishworth-school.co.uk or call 01422 822 217

AND

H E AT H F I E L D P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L

View our virtual tour

Rishworth, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom HX6 4QA. E: admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

LICENCE TO EDUCATE

Rishworth School in Halifax is full of adventure for its pupils to explore – and even has connections to a certain 007

J

ames Bond is a household name and a global franchise. However, the name Patrick Dalzel-Job is probably one you’ve not heard of. Dalzel-Job is rumoured to be one of author Ian Fleming’s inspirations for the character Bond, and even fewer people will know that the former Sub-Lieutenant worked at Rishworth School in Halifax.

During his time at Rishworth, DalzelJob ran the Combined Cadets Force (CCF) and led a group of students at the school.

In 1939 and as a young man, he sailed a small brigantine along the Arctic coast of Norway to the Russian border. In the following four and a half years of war, Dalzel-Job had many adventures and used his local knowledge and language skills, which helped save over 10,000 soldiers of the ill-fated Allied North West Expeditionary Force without loss.

He then – acting against specific orders – used his boats to evacuate all the women, children and elderly from Narvik just before it was destroyed by German bombers. He only escaped a court-martial when the King of Norway sent personal thanks to the British

RISHWORTH PUPILS ENJOY A VARIETY OF LESSONS

“Students have over 90 enrichment and extension activities available each week” Admiralty and presented Dalzel-Job with the Knight’s Cross of St Olav.

In 1944/45 he commanded a team of Ian Fleming’s “30 AU” working far ahead of the Allied advance in France and Germany. It is from here that there is strong anecdotal evidence that Fleming based his Bond character on Dalzel-Job. And Dalzel-Job’s legacy at Rishworth still lives on today. Life is action packed at Rishworth – students have over 90 enrichment and extension activities available to them each week including ski-ing, rock-climbing, astronomy and even mystery solving club. This further enhances student experience and development

and explains the school’s outstanding reputation for excellent education both inside and outside the classroom.

The school’s motto Res Non Verba (Deeds Not Words) epitomises DalzelJob’s spirit and this sense of adventure can be found right from the school’s prep school, Heathfield, where students explore their surrounding areas in forest school, through to the sixth form, where students are equally bold and courageous in both their academic and sporting achievements, with students every year heading off to top Universities such as Cambridge to study law, or even to take an exciting route such as commercial pilot training. Many students at the school represent their county and even their country in a variety of sports including pentathlon, cricket, rugby and dressage.

The Bond characteristics are well and truly alive in all Rishworthians.

For more information on Rishworth School, visit rishworth-school.co.uk or email admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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PREP | SENIOR | SIXTH FORM

Whole School Open Morning Saturday 14th May 2022

Scan to learn more about our School and what makes a Barney education so special Alternatively, contact 01833 696030 or email admissions@barneyschool.org.uk @BarnardCastleSchool

@barnardcastleschool

@barney_school

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

“We want Barnardians to be the types of people who light up a room”

Deciding

FACTORS

The headmaster of Barnard Castle on choosing a school that’s right for your child

By TO N Y JAC K S O N

C

hoosing a school for your child is one of the most challenging and important decisions you will have to make, and we do not underestimate the magnitude of such a judgement. We place enormous emphasis on ensuring each and every pupil feels a sense of belonging at ‘Barney’; only then will they come close to maximising their potential.

It is important your child flourishes whilst at school, which are the most important and formative years of their lives. At Barney, our students exceed their academic potential as a result of inspiring teaching, delivered in an easy, open and respectful environment at the heart of which are the caring relationships that exist between the teachers and students.

The achievements of Barney in recent times are as a direct consequence of the

teachers and wider ancillary staff who spend every day inspiring, supporting and guiding our young people. Barney has always possessed a wonderful environment, with happy children and staff at its heart.

Whilst we are extremely proud of what our students achieve academically, we also recognise the vital importance of preparing the next generation for an everchanging and increasingly competitive and global marketplace. We expect our pupils to work as hard as they can, and do as well as they can. However, we tell

them that academic success will only open a door; it is what they do when they walk through that door that counts.

As such, we pride ourselves on our co-curricular activities because it is in these environments that most life lessons are learned. We want our young people to problem-solve, work in a team, demonstrate leadership and have emotional intelligence.

Beyond the traditional spheres of music, drama and sport, we currently offer more than 100 activities to our students, which includes a bespoke ‘Mind, Body and Soul’ programme for Years 7 and 8.

We want Barnardians to be the types of people who light up a room when they enter it. This requires confidence, resilience and compassion, all built up over a period of time, and in a variety of ways, both within and beyond the classroom. No leader can achieve anything major without the influence of the staff who make it happen.

This is especially the case in our school.

We tell our parents that our collective role, as parents and teachers, is to arm our children with the tools with which to clear the path ahead of them, not to clear the path for them. This means we have to allow them to fail at times, in a supportive environment. If we do that together, we are doing our best to prepare our young people for the challenges ahead.

If you are interested in hearing more about what makes a Barney education so special, please get in touch with a member of the Admissions Team on 01833 696030 or admissions@barneyschool.org.uk barnardcastleschool.org.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NEWS

EDUCATION NEWS The latest from schools across Yorkshire

L ooking back to look ahead

What summers are made for This summer, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate will once again be opening its doors running various summer camps and short courses as part of the 2022 Summer@QE Programme.

Queen Ethelburga’s (QE) provides the perfect backdrop for summer fun and positive mental and physical wellbeing, in a beautiful but dynamic environment on its rural campus in the North Yorkshire countryside just outside of York. The programme includes five-day, non-residential short courses in Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Science. As well as the subject-specific five-day courses, QE will also be host over the summer to its resident multi-activity camp, Camp QE. Running throughout the summer holidays for children aged five (school Year 1) to 13, Camp QE offers an action-packed daily programme for children.

For prices and to book, visit qe.org/ summercamps

As part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, and ongoing celebrations for Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, pupils at Sheffield Girls’ have planted 15 trees across the school grounds, each of which will have its own dedication. This is the GDST’s Year of Sustainability and the school has been encouraging students to consider the ways in which their behaviours and decision-making impact the wider world, asking them what legacy they would like to leave for the future? The Jubilee celebrations will culminate in a whole-school Climate Action Day at the end of summer term. sheffieldhighschool.org.uk

O N C E V I S I T E D, NEVER F O R G OT T E N Ackworth School is a welcoming, digitally future-facing, day and boarding school creating exceptional academic results.

Set in the beautiful heart of Yorkshire, parents describe the wonderful feeling they get on their first visit to Ackworth School as, ‘when you know, you know’.

Pupils describe the diverse, co-educational school community as their second family, with many joining in the Nursery, studying right through to A-levels and staying in touch via the Old Scholars alumni network. Their pupils develop into thoughtful and successful adults who are team players, with the skills necessary to be successful in their life beyond school.

For more, call 01977 233 621 or email admissions@ackworthschool.com

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S C AN D I

PA R E N T I N G 5 ways you can parent the Swedish way

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he Scandinavian style of childrearing is practical, egalitarian and free from outdated myths. In Parenthood the Swedish Way, two leading Swedish medical specialists, Dr Cecilia Chrapkowska and Dr Agnes Wold, guide parents through a maze of information to help them raise healthy, happy families in the 21st century. Here are five tips they’ve shared to help you parent the Scandi way.

We suggest you draw up a partnership contract before the baby arrives. It should contain a plan for the split of parental leave and care in the first year. A partnership contract lays the foundation for active and equal involvement by both parents.

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D I TC H U N N EC E S SA RY PRODUCTS

Resentment occurs when one party in a relationship feels that they are not getting their fair share of something – often freedom, time, or money. The emotion of resentment can be a healthy and natural defence mechanism. Resentment should be taken seriously as a warning sign that one person in a relationship may be being exploited. Sharing parenting duties equally, down to the most minute level, will help guard against resentment and allow your child to have an equally strong relationship with both of their parents. When a baby is born, there will always be a certain amount of chaos, so you will need to plan in advance to avoid falling into the 80–20 model or the default model of your society, whether it’s 80–20, 70–30 or 99–1, ‘out of habit’.

There are masses of companies that thrive on expectant parents who want to be fully prepared and who don’t know yet how few things a newborn really needs. Don’t be taken in by special offers, and don’t buy anything unless you’re absolutely sure you’ll need it. A newborn needs a few clothes, a lot of nappies, something to be carried around or pushed in, and a car seat (if you have or use a car). If you choose to feed your baby on formula, you will need to spend money on the formula and bottles; if you choose to breastfeed, the mother will eat more, and so groceries will be a little more expensive. A changing table can be handy, but it isn’t an absolute must. A bed sounds important, but in fact homes are full of cots that babies have never slept in, so hold off on buying a cot – there are other alternatives that may be more suitable to start with. In particular, be sceptical about any type of product that is said to monitor or improve your baby’s health and safety – many monitors create more anxiety than peace of mind.

DR CECILIA CHRAPKOWSKA

DR AGNES WOLD

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PARENTING

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I T ’ S O K TO D R I N K A LCO H O L W H E N BREASTFEEDING

It is completely unnecessary for women to pump and discard their milk if they have drunk alcohol. Breast milk will always contain the same concentration of alcohol as the blood. If you weigh 60kg and quickly drink two glasses of wine, you’ll have around 0.05 per cent alcohol in your blood (50 milligrams per 100 millilitres). Your breast milk will then also contain 0.05 per cent alcohol, which is 40 times less than the alcohol concentration in low-alcohol beer (2.1 per cent). Such a

minimal alcohol level is not going to harm your baby. In fact, many natural foods – including yoghurt, fruit, juices, and other products containing alcohol-forming yeasts – have such minimal levels of alcohol.

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A LWAYS VACC I N AT E YO U R C H I LD R E N

Around 97 per cent of Swedish parents choose to vaccinate their children in accordance with the national immunisation program – one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. The effectiveness and safety of public vaccines is constantly monitored, and no vaccine is added to

“Draw up a partnership contract before the baby arrives”

the schedule unless there is a thoroughly satisfactory safety margin. Vaccinations are medical interventions that save many lives every day. By following your national immunisation program, you can provide your child with excellent protection against seriously dangerous diseases. Do it.

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AVO I D A LLE R GY TESTS

The definition of an allergy is having allergic symptoms to something that is not actually harmful. You may see offers for ‘allergy tests’ at clinics and online. The term ‘allergy tests’ is misleading because these tests can’t reveal whether or not a child is allergic. Instead, they show whether a child has IgE antibodies against various allergens, which is called being ‘sensitised’.

The presence of antibodies in a child’s system is not a symptom and, hence, is not evidence of an allergy. It is pointless finding out whether a child has been sensitised to something if they don’t exhibit any symptoms. Sensitisation without symptoms is very common, and should not be treated.

There is no research that suggests that a child should avoid a substance to which they have been sensitised.

Parenthood the Swedish Way Scribe UK, £16.99

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For modern living g It should always be Rodgers Fabric and leather sofas & chai chairs, beds bed be ds & bed bedroom bedr roo oom m ffurniture, urni ur nitu ture re, dining din di ning furn furniture, furni itur ture e, flo floor flooring, orin ing g, soft furnishings and lighting.

Monks Cross, York, YO32 9JR Tel: 01904 610570 Email: sales@rodgersofyork.co.uk Web: www.rodgersofyork.co.uk

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

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INTERIORS

MA D E WI TH LOVE VA N I L L A I N T E R I O R S

Vanilla Interiors, based in the North Yorkshire market town of Tadcaster, are renowned for their hand made, bespoke, soft furnishings.

Each item is made from start to finish on the premises by one of their skilled seamstresses.

The range of fabrics and wallpapers available to choose from is vast, with something for most budgets. vanillainteriors.co.uk

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

FRESH LIGHT HOUSEOF

Houseof specialises in creatively engineered lights with a strong focus on sustainability. Founded in 2019

by Helen White and Michael Jones, who between them had spent 20 years working for the high street's biggest names, the brand pledges to bring a fresh approach to a sometimes stale industry. This Tube table lamp is bold and stylish, £119. houseof.com

G LO S SY TO U C H HARTLEYS BEDROOMS

Dreaming of lazy, summer afternoons?

The colour scheme and overall design of your bedroom can have a dramatic effect on how you feel. A high white gloss finish will instantly brighten the space, transporting you to warmer climes as the sunlight is reflected around your room. hartleysbedrooms.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Stripes JOHN LEWIS Coastal Retreat picnicware johnlewis.com

G O LD E N AG E

M A K E A S TAT E M E N T

DE LE CUONA

NORTH BLINDS

Inspiring customers with their mobile showroom, Yorkshire’s own ‘cheeky blinders’ team from North Blinds in Skipton are the experts in measuring and fitting in the local area. They work with superior manufacturers to offer a complete range of choice. northblinds.co.uk

MINDTHEGAP Linen cushion, £129 mindtheg.com

De Le Cuona's new luxury fabrics embrace optimism and escapism with a touch of drama, recalling the Golden Age of the 1920s.

A luxurious palette of nuanced naturals with rich accents of silver and gold makes this a glamorous yet understated collection. delecuona.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Striped planter, £53 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

TORI MURPHY Striped napkins, £30 for two torimurphy.com

JONATHAN ADLER

DOWN UNDER ANTIPODREAM

Antipodream brings an exclusive range of products to the UK from some of the most exciting new artists and designers from Australia and New Zealand.

Brands include Kip & Co, Bimby + Roy, Sage x Clare, Society of Wanderers, Castle & Things, Bride & Wolfe, Tiff Manuell, Formantics and Mustard. antipodream.co.uk

Scala canister, £348 jonathanadler.com

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SWYFT MODEL 03

B O X F R E S H Can a sofa really fit in a box?

Absolutely Yorkshire finds out

By PENDLE HARTE

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

Checklist Choosing a new sofa can be challenging. Here Kelly Collins of Swyft Home offers her advice

Size matters

Quite possibly the most important question has to be: ‘does it fit?’. Many homes have tight entrances which can be tricky to navigate. It’s especially important to consider this in flats, because what if you’re not able to get it through the door or up the stairs? Some sofas might look great on Pinterest, but realistically it’s important to to think about what fits your space.

What look do you want?

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he seven boxes may be huge, and stacked up together they block all light from the window. But even so there has been no problem getting them inside the house, despite the narrow entrance. Because it’s a common problem – having spent months agonising over dimensions, you’ve finally decided on the perfect sofa. It’s going to look fabulous in your living room and you’re even feeling quite smug about your careful measurements. But when the big day arrives, the two-man delivery isn’t able to

manoeuvre the vast item through the front door, through the hall and into its rightful sitting room spot. The angles are too tight, the corner is prohibitive. The result: no sofa, a return negotiation and a new search.

But there is another way. A new generation of sofas solves the problem of access with the clever sofa in a box concept.

Or seven boxes, which is what I’m looking at. Inside this mountain of cardboard is a modular sofa just waiting to get out, though the idea of putting it together ourselves is a bit daunting. Apparently no tools are needed, apart from large scissors to attack the packaging. Instructions have been emailed separately, according to a large sticker on the box, but once we have got through the (frankly quite challenging)

A sofa is an investment piece, so it’s understandably nerve-wracking to make a final decision. Essentially, you have two options: statement or neutral. A statement sofa in a bold orange velvet is bound to add character to a space, but impact can be added just as well with bold cushions and throws. If you aren’t sure, why not try a neutral tone and go bigger on the accessories?

Go with the flow

It’s important that your sofa flows nicely with the design of the room. Modular sofas are a great choice for rooms that need to serve more than one purpose, as you can create just about any shape, from the popular L style to a curvy U. Try separating off a section of the living room with a chaise to make the sofa work for you in the space you have.

Form and function

What will you be using the sofa for and where will it be positioned? Will it be directly in front of the TV for chilling and lounging? Or you may want it spaced out for socialising with family and friends.

If you need to seat a large number of people, why not choose a three-seater sofa with an ottoman option for perching?

If you move your spaces around a lot, modular sofas are perfect as modules can be added or removed.

Focus on a solid frame

If you plan to make a lot of use of the sofa, make sure you invest in a good wood frame. Be wary of particleboard or metal construction, but a solid hardwood frame is a good option. Also, take note of the guarantee before you commit – always opt for manufacturers who offer at least a 15-year guarantee.

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“There are said to be 17 configurations, which is good news for anyone who enjoys moving their furniture around” SWYFT MODEL 03

cardboard and plastic, it’s apparent that there’s really no need for a diagram because the sofa’s construction is entirely selfexplanatory. Yes, putting it together is a two-man job, but only because the clever slip-and-slide mechanism needs a bit of force from both directions (but only a tiny bit – this isn’t a strength game). Even someone lacking in spatial skills can see immediately how it fits together, and with a little bit of strategic thought, we are able to construct the thing in minutes. In terms of difficulty, you could say it’s trickier than changing a lightbulb, but much easier than building, say, a Playmobil carpark, or a flatpack chest of drawers.

The box philosophy even solves the follow-up problem: moving house with a sofa, because dismantling is as simple as the initial build, and each piece can easily be carried by one person.

Swyft’s Model 03 is the only modular

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design, which you can see at displays at Lillian Daph in Saltburn and The Home Company in Skipton. Our threeseater with ottoman feels huge, solid and comfortable and it’s futureproof too – we could add to it with another piece if we needed and the stain-proof linen covering is designed to survive the worst that family life can throw at it. There are said to be 17 different possible configurations, which is good news for anyone who enjoys moving their furniture around.

And best of all, Swyft is not a believer in the six-week wait. They can deliver in as little as 24 hours. There are a few designs available at the moment, with more to come this year. So if a new sofa is on your list for 2022, you’ll be able to tick it off quickly and easily.

SWYFT MODEL 03

swyfthome.com

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Over 40 years of flooring expertise Residential & commercial floorings 01535 630732 | 07515 668428 www.hallscarpetsltd.co.uk | contact@hallscarpetsltd.co.uk Unit F3, Airedale Trading Park, Hardings Lane, Crosshills, BD20 7DS

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A sustainable

FO RC E

Absolutely Yorkshire takes a closer look at how Rodgers are at the forefront of design, while being environmentally conscious

STRESSLESS

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t Rodgers, they are proud to offer their customers a really wide choice – striking contemporary looks, classic and elegant collections, new designers and established names in furniture and furnishing. Whether you’re looking to refresh your dining area, carpeting your entire house, or tracking down exciting lighting and accessories, you’ll surely be inspired by their room sets and ranges.

As well as offering such a striking choice when it comes to your home, what also stands out about Rodgers is that they do as much as they can to operate in an environmentally way. They adopt a proactive approach to recycling – whether that’s all paper, cardboard and plastic packaging, through to bigger elements

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like recycling furniture and carpets collected from customer’s homes as part of their service – minimise landfill waste (just 15% of their waste goes to landfill), and also work in partnership with York Community Furniture Store, donating furniture to help those most in need.

Their environmental approach extends to the brands they feature, and here we pick out five that truly highlight how being sustainable does not impact on quality of design.

they have a 100% natural un–dyed wool range called Natural Choice, developed to minimize the impact on the environment, yet suitable for heavy wear applications.

They also produce a quality underlay called Axfelt Triple Layer Underlay, made from 100% recycled materials including old carpets and rubber tyres.

Good for the environment, but also for you: wool carpets improve air quality, thermal insulation, and boasts anti-allergy properties.

ULSTER CARPETS

WOODPECKER FLOORING

Ulster Carpets are the manufacturers of high quality wool carpets. Wool is classed as a rapidly renewable material – wool fleece is regrown in 12 months, providing a sustainable supply of high quality raw material.

Most of Ulster’s ranges are a blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon yarn, and

The manufacturers of the finest wooden floors, all of Woodpecker Flooring’s wood is sourced from responsibly managed sustainable forests and is fully certified to the highest standards. They also offer a range of bamboo floors, the most sustainable choice that grows even faster after cutting and regenerates every five years.

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INTERIORS • PROFILE

HYPNOS

Woodpecker are committed to becoming the first carbon negative flooring company by 2030, and they are also creating the Woodpecker forest of tomorrow, planting 50,000 saplings over 200 acres around their home in South Wales.

STRESSLESS To Stressless, being green is much more than a claim – it is a way of life.

The Norwegian company manufactures elegant sofas and chairs. They re-use materials to cut back on the need for additional resources, such as using the European beech for chair bases. The excess wood chips are collected and burned to produce the heat used in their factory and offices, and scrap leather is collected and sold to companies who make smaller leather products. Sustainable materials are sought, and they only use water based paints and lacquers.

When purchasing a Stressless product you are investing in comfort, but are also making a sustainable and responsible choice – their products are so well made they will last a lifetime.

VENJAKOB This company are a leading manufacturer of high quality living room and dining furniture. As a sustainable company, economy and ecology are of equal importance. Venjakob believe sustainability begins with design, therefore they strive for a timeless creation.

Venjakob was one of the first companies in the furniture industry to voluntarily offset its emissions fully in accordance with the ‘Clean Development Mechanism’.

Wood used is from hand-picked suppliers, their furniture is naturallyfinished and they contribute to the replanting of local deciduous forests.

“Woodpecker are committed to becoming the first carbon negative flooring company by 2030” WOODPECKER FLOORING

HYPNOS This bed manufacturer puts sustainability at the centre of everything they do, from the use of renewable natural resources to carbon offsetting progammes. They are the first carbon neutral bedmaker in the world, and have held this prestigious title for a decade, as well being holders of the Queens Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

All their beds and mattresses are completely recyclable, and they work hand in glove with the Red Tractor organization, Better Cotton Initiative and Cotton Connect.

Timber used for their bed bases is from managed sustainable forests, and they were the first bedmaker to comply with ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.

VENJAKOB

ULSTER CARPETS

RODGERS Monks Cross, York, YO32 9JR 01904 610 570 rodgersofyork.co.uk

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

Bright

HORIZONS The founder of AMC Design in Ilkley writes about colour, using space and why she loved working on one particular project on her doorstep

By ANN-MARIE COUSINS

I

grew up in a rambling Victorian farmhouse by the sea outside Dublin.

I remember my mum talking to a local designer about how to create warmth in the generous hall. She used Sanderson Suva wallpaper, which had great depth to the pattern, and I loved looking at it – and was in awe that the designer was able to work with such great materials all day. That was when I first thought I’d like to be an interior designer. I shared a room with my sister, and as she went to boarding school, I was able to decorate the room in my style. I always had an interest in the creative world, but I didn’t pursue this avenue – and instead started out studying law before going into a career in the City. When we bought our current home in 2011, I wasted no time renovating it, decorating and experimenting with colour. I did some work experience with the architect who we worked with on the house, and once the work was finished, friends started asking me to help decorate their homes – and AMC Design was born!

When I started the business, it was just me on my own, but we have grown gradually over the years and the business has really taken off in the last couple of years. There are now five of us in the team with plans to keep growing.

We’ve never been busier. We specialise in mixing colour, pattern and texture with effective and efficient use of space to transform houses into homes that truly reflect the people living in them.

I like to get to know my clients, pushing them to consider colours or pieces perhaps previously outside of their comfort zone, creating designs that not only meet the brief, but reflect their day-to-day routine. We place great importance on building relationships with our clients to find out how they live and what it is they like or dislike about their space.

We are based in Ilkley, which has lots going for it, it’s a really family friendly place with fantastic Victorian architecture and lends itself well to the outdoors life. There’s no shortage of walking, running and cycling trails around here.

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HARTLEYS FIT TING FURNITURE FOR YOU

a breath of spring

bespoke bedroom furniture

made locally just for you To request your

FREE design visit at home, call 01756 700471 or 01904 936146 Unit 3, The Business Centre, Snaygill Industrial Estate Keighley Road, Skipton, BD23 2QR Mon to Fri 9:30am-4:30pm Saturday by appointment

hartleysbedrooms.co.uk   

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

ANN-MARIE COUSINS

ARTWORK INSPIRED THE COLOURS USED

Ilkley Moor looms over the town and is great for scrambling over the rocks of the Cow and Calf or a more adventurous hike up to the Twelve Apostles stone circle. The River Wharfe runs straight through the town and is great for a more gentle stroll along the banks. It’s so accessible from Leeds and Bradford with the train connections from both so it’s a busy spot when the weather’s good. But there are plenty of independent cafes and restaurants to keep everyone well fed – our children are especially keen on the locally produced ice cream!

To showcase what we do, one recent project we took on was a home also in Ilkley, so just on our doorstep from the studio. I love to bring a home to life by blending function and eye-catching design. Like the homeowners, I also have young children, so I wanted to create an incredible space that was practical, but also reflected their personalities.

AMC Design was commissioned to bring a new lease of life to this 1970s property, by injecting colour and fun into the family’s main reception areas, including the sitting room and dining area, hallway and downstairs bathroom. However, this was a lockdown project, so we had the challenges of that, the clients’ availability (especially as they were juggling working full time with home schooling two little boys) and the scarcity of trades during the pandemic.

The homeowners were big fans of colours, having used it in their previous home. I wanted to uplift the space and be as bold as possible with the colour, whilst at the same time making sure it was durable and practical for family life.

The room has a large north facing window that allows in plenty of light, but it felt flat and cold. There are south facing French doors, but because of the proximity of the moor, the room wasn’t flooded with light as you'd expect. We needed to add warmth and create a dynamic ambiance for this busy, sociable family.

The client already had some great pieces

“I love to bring a home to life by blending function and eyecatching design”

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

THE C-SHAPED BENCH HELPED TO CREATE A FAMILY FRIENDLY SETTING

“I made sure the colour continued to flow freely throughout the rooms” of art, like the lion wall art above the sofa, so it was great to be able to integrate the colours from that into the furniture, lighting and accessories. Artwork is great because it gives us an insight into our clients’ style and what colours and patterns appeal to them.

Previously the dining table ran north to south, along the length of the dining room. We moved the door by 1m, so that we could create a dining area across the width of the room.

By gaining that extra metre, we could have the dining table under the window, creating a sociable and practical dining area. A C-shaped bench was built in order to maximise storage and to create family friendly seating.

I wanted to make sure the colour continued to flow freely throughout the rooms, so I picked out some of the colours in the existing artwork and used them in soft furnishings like the sofa throw and

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THE HALLWAY WAS ALSO BATHED IN BRIGHT COLOURS

scatter cushions. In the hallway, the bench has been covered in a bright magenta – which is also present in the wallpaper.

Alongside the living spaces, we also did the hallway and downstairs bathroom. It was important to bring the aesthetic through into these rooms, which we have done with the striking multi-coloured wallpapers combined with a gold mirror to add light into each space.

I love how adventurous my clients were and how they embraced colour. My favourite design touches are how well the bench worked. I love the detail on the face of the bench and I love the array of coloured cushions. And I adore the Cole & Sons wallpaper – it was a drab and kind of sad hallway before and colour (and good lighting) have brought it to life! amcinteriordesign.co.uk

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THINK STYLE THINK FOCUS “Our latest range of fires and stoves deliver the new ultimate in electric, gas and woodburning innovation.”

STOVES & LIVING

Trusted in York for 30 years | 2 stunning showrooms | 80 live displays | In-house registered fitters

Call 01904 400525 focusfireplacesyork.co.uk OPEN MON-SAT Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm Closed Sunday & Bank Holidays 5 mins from A64 Monk’s Cross Roundabout (NEXT TO DEANS) HETAS Approved The Bull Commercial Centre Stockton Lane, York Y032 9LE FOCUS FIREPLACE.indd 135

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I T C H E N R E N D S

INTERIORS • KITCHENS

UNIQUE SERVICE M A R K TAY L O R D E S I G N

As well as bespoke kitchens, Mark Taylor Design has developed a concept kitchen range, MeThD – a unique custom kitchen experience, designed to offer the quality, beauty and aftercare of bespoke with the affordability, speed of production and ease of installation of a custom range. MeThD incorporates MTD’s design elements borne out of 25 years expertise curated to produce four custom kitchen ranges and an innovative movable island. marktaylordesign.co.uk

GREEN DOORS RIPON INTERIORS

This is the perfect kitchen for you and your family to live work and play, and green is the colour for 2022. The earthy hues of Bay Green work beautifully in this larger space and the Carrera marble worktop is elegant and durable. The brass mixer adds a pleasing finishing touch.

Porter in Bay Green from Ripon Interiors, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon HG4 1QW, 01765 603502, riponinteriors.co.uk

PLANT LIFE B E ARDS AN D DAISIES

A B S O L U T E LY LISTS 6 TRENDS FOR A CONTEMPORARY K I TC H E N

Kitchens that look like living spaces are very much of the moment, and kitchens full of plants are a natural extension of this. Herb gardens, hanging plants, or just a single statement leafy feature, Beards and Diaises can advise on plants specifically suited to kitchens. (Pantry by hmillerbros.co.uk) beardsanddaisies.co.uk

By PENDLE HARTE

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INTERIORS • KITCHENS

THE WFH CORNER YO KO K LO ED EN

With more than a quarter of people set to continue working from home at least part of the time, the pressure on desk space is real.

Working from the kitchen table is not ideal, so creative solutions are needed. Pull-down desks like this are being installed in new kitchens all over town, providing a simple yet effective solution. They're great for home work too. yokokloeden.com

THE PANTRY T H E M Y ER S TO U C H

Kitchen designers are upping their game when it comes to storage, and the clever pantry is top of everyone's wishlist. Compartments for gadgets, shelves and pull-out drawers, bottle racks, spice racks and a dedicated space for everything will appeal to everyone's inner Marie Kondo. themyerstouch.co.uk

A BREAKFAST BAR F I N C H AT T O N

A breakfast bar is both social and practical, and not just for breakfast. Cocktails are as suited to the breakfast bar are as coffee, and it's a great space for homework too.

For easy dining, snacking and conversation, the breakfast bar is a kitchen essential.

This one is by design firm Finchatton. finchatton.com

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T H R E E D E CA D E S O F E X C E L L E N C E

Showrooms across Yorkshire showcasing 500 global brands

MONKS CROSS TILES & BATHROOMS Malton Road, Monks Cross, YORK YO32 9TE Phone: 01904 415527

Our showrooms across Yorkshire keep a wide variety of stock ready for you to take away today. We offer a range of in-store displays to inspire, and our friendly and professional teams offer a free design service to help you create the best bathroom for you.

NORTHALLERTON TILES & BATHROOMS Standard Way Industrial Estate, Standard Way, Northallerton DL6 2XE Phone: 01609 781166 SCARBOROUGH TILES & BATHROOMS 8-51 Westborough, Scarborough YO11 1TU Phone: 01723 372334

BATHROOMS | TILES | PORCELAIN STONEWARE thetilecompany.co.uk

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

Versatile OPTIONS Extend your style outside and learn to love your garden all year round with The Tile Company

T

he use of tiling for exterior floors has rocketed in popularity of late and, thanks to recent advancements in tile production technology, the range of options available to homeowners is now vast. While this increased level of choice is undoubtedly a good thing, it can be daunting – so it’s vital to choose a reliable supplier with not only the range of products, but the experience and knowledge to offer the right advice.

The Tile Company is a family business with more than 30 years’ experience – with six showrooms across Yorkshire offering the finest natural stone, new generation porcelain stoneware tiles and luxury bathroom products for projects ranging from homes, workspaces and hotels.

The Tile Company’s James O’Neill says their teams have kept at the forefront of the outdoor trend: “We have an excellent range of 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles in stock,” he says. “Porcelain tiles won’t draw moisture in the same way other paving materials do, which avoids surface staining and prevents algae and moss developing. These tiles are also fade and frost resistant, making them a great option for external areas as they will not lose their visual impact over time.

“If you’re looking to create an authentic modern look, the real beauty of porcelain tiles flowing from indoors to outdoors will seamlessly extend your living area with style,” he continues. “We have found that customers who are extending or renovating and having bi folds/patio doors want the outside space to be an extension of the indoor space. Matching the tiles you select in your living room or kitchen with those of an outdoor patio help create a continuous aesthetic across the interior and exterior, tying together the

feel of your home and garden beautifully.”

Whatever the style, The Tile Company offer a free design service. “We take great pride in our design flair, our product knowledge is second to none, so we always make sure customers get bathrooms or tiles which are right for them,” James says. “We’re also happy, approachable and we offer fantastic customer service.”

In York, The Tile Company can be found at Monk’s Cross Tiles and Bathrooms and The Discount Tile Depot (both at Monks Cross), plus The Tile and Bathroom Outlet (Stirling Road, Clifton Moor). Further afield, you’ll find them at Northallerton Tiles and Bathrooms and Direct Tile Importers Northallerton, and also Scarborough Tiles and Bathrooms incorporating Direct Tile Importers. thetilecompany.co.uk

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Call Just Shutters today on

01757 602 459

n o i t c e f r e P Shutter Enhance the style of your home

9.94/10

justshutters.co.uk Average Score

Family Business Based in Yorkshire A LocalA Local Family Business Based in Yorkshire T2990SHUTTERS.indd JS APR 2022 Absolutely JUST 142 Yorkshire 210x297.indd 1

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INTERIORS • TREND EDITOR’S PICK

SWYFT Model 04 In Vine Velvet 3 Seat Sofa Bed, £1,995, swyft home.com

LIGNE ROSET Ploum sofa, from £3,895 heals.com

CULT FURNITURE Effie 2 Seater Loveseat Sofa, £495 cultfurniture.com

SNUG SOFA The Big Chill 3 Seater Sofa in Navy Velvet, £1,339 snugsofa.com

OKA Tarma two seater Sofa, £2,195 oka.com

LIGNE ROSET Taru sofa, £4,182 chaplins.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Penny Sofa, £2,095 roseandgrey.co.uk

CASTING COUCH Sofas for extra comfort this season

LOAF Pudding sofa in Thyme Green vintage linen, £1,445 loaf.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E

SOFA.COM Larsen Corner Sofa In Cobalt, £2,940 sofa.com

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N.E.S.S. G AT E S & G A R A G E D O O R S LARGE SMALL

ENOUGH ENOUGH

TO COPE TO C A R E

A family business that will take your ideas to design, fabricate and install a system that suits your home and needs.

A family thatgates will take your ideas to design, fabricate install a system that suits your home and Yorkshire needs. YO11 3BY ■ Main Office: Redand Oaks, Cayton Low Road, Scarborough, North Bespoke stylish securebusiness automated and garage doors 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 01723 351133 • www.harrogateelectricgates.co.uk NESS_HP_ABS_MAY22.indd 1

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TheYork

Bed Company

Hand making beds for over 40 years Mattresses-Bed Sets-Divans-Head Boards

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INTERIORS • TREND

INNERMOST Hoxton ceiling light, £178 lightinglover.com

CARL HANSEN & SON Opal pendant, from £300 carlhansen.com

DAR LIGHTING Klaxon 1 light, £102 darlighting.co.uk

CULT FURNITURE Bhutan pendant, £139 cultfurniture.com

HUNG UP

ICONIC LIGHTS Cassini 4 way black ceiling bar light, £133 iconiclights.co.uk

WALLS AND FLOORS Terrazzo Hexagon Nevada Pink Porcelain Tile, £38.95 wallsandfloors.co.uk

All the best pendant lights

LOUIS POULSEN

By P E N D L E H A R T E

EDITOR’S PICK

PH5 pendant light, £765 conranshop.co.uk

DAR LIGHTING Teyana 9 light pendant, £1,560 darlighting.co.uk

ORIGINAL BTC Pebble pendant, £1,649 originalbtc.com

DOWSING AND REYNOLDS Connaught ceiling light, £539.99 dowsingandreynolds.com

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INTERIORS • TREND DAVID HUNT LIGHTING Scallop pendant, £POA davidhuntlighting.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Blue twister side table, £310 roseandgrey.co.uk

ORIGINAL BTC London table light, £615 originalbtc.com

CULT FURNITURE Century medium coffee table, £279 cultfurniture.com

CIELSHOP Cane curved screen black, £475 cielshopinteriors.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NEW WAVE

THE RUG RETAILER Orange retro rug, £71 therugretailer.co.uk

Curves and scalloping define the new look

By P E N D L E H A R T E

FIONA HOWARD Sway wallpaper, £69 fionahoward.com

POOKY Murphy table lamp, £110 pooky.com

ERCOL Heritage loveseat, £870 ercol.com

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THE HOUSE OFFICE Kastan curved edge console table, £221 thehouseoffice.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Evernest curved sofa, £4,465 sweetpeaandwillow.com

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Visit our showrooms We showcase the latest generation of fitted wardrobes: sliding, in-line sliding, folding & touch to open

HARVAL Bespoke fitted furniture “For 45 years we have fitted beautiful furniture that has enriched thousands of homes in Yorkshire.

Everything we know about design, innovation and quality is encompassed in your fitted furniture.”

WAKEFIELD SHOWROOM Horbury Junction Industrial Estate , Wakefield WF4 5ER Open: Mon-Thurs 9am-4.30pm Fri 9am-3.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm Tel: 01924 270121

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www.harval.co.uk

LEEDS SHOWROOM 2 Leeds Road, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6AX Open: Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm Tel: 0113 202 9696

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PROPERTY

KNOX HALL, LOW LAITHE HG3 4DQ OFFERS IN REGION OF

£870,000

magnificent Grade II detached family home, which has to be one of the region’s most iconic and renowned properties, boasting a secluded setting complete with an approx. four acre ‘enchanted wood’. The spacious accommodation includes sun room with glorious Nidderdale Valley views, dining room, master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, and three further bedrooms.

A

BEADNALL COPLEY

01423 503500 beadnallcopley.co.uk

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

MONEY CAN BUY… Absolutely Yorkshire takes a closer look at a wonderful property in Holmfirth WHERE High Royd Cottage, Northgate, Honley, Holmfirth, HD9 6QL WHAT An exceptionally beautiful, detached, period family home with a lovely elevated position and enjoying views out over its delightful gardens and further grounds beyond.

INSIDE Four large bedrooms, one with a stunning en-suite bathroom, plus a house bathroom.

There is a sitting room with windows that offer fabulous long-distance views, an impressive dining room, superb kitchen/dining room, large utility room, pantry, store, and downstairs WC. OUTSIDE High Royd Cottage has a long driveway leading from the road. The driveway leads round to the car parking area, which is particularly substantial, providing parking for a large number of vehicles.

The driveway in turn gives access to the gardens, grounds, and to the beautifully built detached double garage.

PRICE Offers in the region of £1,100,000.

SELLING AGENT Simon Blyth, 01484 689689 simonblyth.co.uk

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HOME WITH

HISTORY Myrings Estate Agents welcomes Absolutely Yorkshire into a wonderful property in Otley that perfectly combines the past with the present

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

M

eagill Hall is a stunning five/six bedroom stone built detached farmhouse. It dates back to the middle of the 17th century revealing many original features and standing in about six acres of south facing private grounds with a stable block, workshop and gardens enjoying far reaching views across open countryside.

With nearly 4,000 square feet of accommodation, and double glazing and oil fired central heating, the property features a host of amenities. There is a side entrance porch with storage and

cloaks cupboards, and a boot room with cupboards, plus guest cloakroom and inner hall. There is a breakfast kitchen with beamed ceilings, integrated appliances, granite work surfaces, recessed Aga, Belfast sink and Yorkshire stone flagged floors. The family room has a fabulous stone fireplace and recessed stove, with ceiling beams too.

In addition, there is a dining room and a study with a feature limestone fireplace and recessed bookcases to the chimney breast. Double doors lead to a front elevation and an inner hall leads to the main drawing room with French doors leading out onto the front pergola and also rear double doors.

On the first floor landing there is an airing/linen cupboard, and a principle bedroom with ceiling beams, large dressing room/bedroom 6 and a bathroom with separate shower stall. There are two further double bedrooms and a house bathroom, and a rear staircase leads to bedrooms four and five, both doubles with wardrobes and a shower room, with the layout lending flexibility to secondary accommodation for a relative, guest, nanny or teenager.

Meagill Hall stands in a peaceful unspoilt setting – the private land starts from the road side with a copse of trees and a pond. The formal gardens features a sandstone flagged sun terrace ideal for garden furniture, and a stable block, former orchard and adjoining vegetable garden. There is a side courtyard and workshop, a driveway with ample parking for several vehicles, potential for a garage block/carport, and front cottage walled gardens leading to a timber fenced four acre paddock.

“THE PROPERTY DATES BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE 17TH CENTURY REVEALING MANY ORIGINAL FEATURES”

M Y R I N G S E S TAT E AG E N T S The property in Blubberhouses, Otley, is on the market for a guide price of £1,250,000. For more information contact Myrings Estate Agents at 10 Princes Square, Harrogate, HG1 1LX. 01423 566400. myringsestateagents.com

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A typical Beal Homes street scene

STUNNING HOMES SOUGHT-AFTER LOCATIONS Discover our stunning developments across the East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

When buying a Beal home, you have the opportunity to spend the day with our team of expert designers in our award winning Design Lounge. This means you can create your bespoke, dream home exactly the way you want it.

To find out more call

Beverley

01482 977 776 or visit our website

Kirk Ella Goole

1

Welton

2

5 4

3 Hessle

6

7 Hull

Preston

beal-homes.co.uk Our East Yorkshire Developments: 1. The Greenways, Goole 5. West Hill II, Kirk Ella 2. St. Mary’s View, Beverley 6. Fruit Market, Hull 3. Turpins Chase, Welton 7. Holderness Chase, Preston 4. Pilgrim’s Walk, Hessle

Lincoln

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www.simonblyth.co.uk Whitegates Farm, Meltham Road, Honley, Holmfirth

£1,650,000

SUPERBLY SITUATED WITHIN ITS APPROXIMATELY 5.5 ACRES OF PADDOCKS, GARDENS AND GROUNDS, THIS SPECTACULAR LARGE DETACHED FAMILY HOME IS APPROACHED OVER A PARTICULARLY LONG DRIVEWAY GIVING ACCESS TO A DELIGHTFUL CENTRAL DRIVEWAY AND YARD AREA BEYOND. WITH AN INTERESTING MIX OF BUILDINGS INCLUDING LARGE BARN, STABLES, GARAGE, SUMMER HOUSE AND GREENHOUSE, WHITEGATES FARM HAS BEEN SUPERBLY ENHANCED BY WONDERFUL FITTINGS AND A CAREFUL EYE GIVING ATTENTION TO DETAILS THROUGHOUT THE ACCOMMODATION IS SURE TO SURPRISE AND PLEASE. ith magnificent rooms, the accommodation brie y comprises: entrance porch, spacious entrance hall, boot room, store room, downstairs w c , fabulous li ing dining kitchen with partial gla ed roof, ga, ad oining snug family room, impressi e sitting room, secondary hallway, huge games room with ad oining further kitchen Bedroom fi e, bedroom four and shower room are also on the ground oor le el irst oor, three double bedrooms, bedroom one with ensuite and dressing room and door to raised terrace and house bathroom Located ust out of the illage of onley, surrounded by wonderful rural countryside, and being close to the local amenities including highly regarded schools and shops hitegates arm is a well balanced home with superb outbuildings and ust the right amount of land

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BARNSLEY 01226 731730

HUDDERSFIELD 01484 651878

HALIFAX 01422 417000

KIRKBURTON 01484 603399

HOLMFIRTH 01484 689689

PENISTONE 01226 762400

SHEFFIELD 0114 3216590

WAKEFIELD 01924 361631 20/04/2022 16:20

BEADNALL Copley

www.beadnallcopley.co.uk

Estate Agents | Lettings | Valuers

LETTINGS

RIPON

HARROGATE

WETHERBY

01423 505458

01765 698100

01423 503500

01937 580850

8 Albert Street, Harrogate HG1 1JG

10 Fishergate, Ripon HG4 1DY

8 Albert Street, Harrogate HG1 1JG

3 Market Place, Wetherby LS22 6LQ

CHURCH LANE, BARDSEY, LEEDS

6 • • • •

6

4

Picturesque & historic village setting Gardens & paddock of approx. 6 acres Quadruple garage Stunning countryside views

Available for the first time in nearly 40 years, a unique detached family home offering exciting potential to remodel in an outstanding semi-rural setting with superb access to Leeds City Centre and the region’s motorway network. EPC: E

Apply Wetherby – Offers Region £1,900,000

JEWITT LANE, COLLINGHAM, WETHERBY

5 • • • •

4

2

A truly special Georgian family home Secluded mature grounds of approx. 1 acre Moments’ drive from all village amenities Outbuildings & parking for many cars

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On the market for the first time in over 60 years, a beautifully situated and most spacious stone built family home with an abundance of original features offering the opportunity to modernise, boasting far-reaching views and great privacy being surrounded by woodland. EPC: D

Apply Wetherby – Guide Price £1,400,000

20/04/2022 16:20

PROPERTY • INSIGHT

QUARRY HILL FARM, CHURCH LANE, BARDSEY, A PROPERTY ON THE MARKET WITH BEADNALL COPLEY

SPRING in its step The founder of Beadnall Copley Estate & Letting Agents offers up an overview of the current Yorkshire housing market

By ANDREW BEADNALL

T

he spring market is very much looking as though it will be a continuation of the last two years with demand outstripping supply, with the vast majority of properties we are selling going under offer within days, receiving multiple offers and in some cases selling for well in excess of the asking price.

There is, however, another market running just as strongly somewhat below the radar and this is the “off market” market. Here at Beadnall Copley we have been selling properties on a “low key” basis for years, primarily at the high end of the market where some clients want to sell, but do not want the exposure that comes with full marketing via the internet or in the press.

However, more recently with such a shortage of property available over the last 18 months, many of our clients have

struggled to find somewhere to move to.

We have found that it is no good simply just selling a property and thinking our job is done. We have taken a much more proactive approach in detailing exactly what our client’s wants and needs are then proactively going out and finding them their dream home.

Acting as a cross between a search agent and match maker, we have made use of the thousands of historic valuations undertaken over the years, direct social media posts and over the last 12 months we have sent out approximately 25,000 targeted letters to specific streets/property types in areas where our clients are searching.

We are always looking to do more for our clients and by offering an all-encompassing service at no extra cost, we can save buyers thousands of pounds when comparing against the traditional search agent.

This approach is obviously great for purchasers as it allows them to secure a property without potentially having to compete with hundreds of other buyers, but it also works incredibly well for our sellers as by matching the buyers to the property of their dreams they will always be the ones who will pay the highest premium in order to secure the house. Everybody wins, the buyers are happy to have secured a property even if they have had to a pay a premium, and the sellers find themselves in the best position to buy their next home.

ANDREW BEADNALL

BEADNALL COPLEY Beadnall Copley Estate & Letting Agents have offices in Harrogate, Ripon and Wetherby. Visit beadnallcopley.co.uk for more information or email wetherby@beadnallcopley.co.uk

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

THERE'S A VARIETY OF STYLE OF PROPERTY ON OFFER

VIEW FROM

THE TOP

A brand new development in Ripon features the best of modern living choices with rural harmony

W

hen visiting a new residential park, it’s very rare to come across a development that ticks off every possible item on your wish list, but Cathedral View manages just that. Of course, you’d expect a Yorkshire Dales location to provide glorious views, rugged landscapes, and captivating wildlife, and of course as you would expect they are pet friendly – you’ll not be disappointed here.

However, Cathedral View also combines the best of modern living choices, whilst situated in a quiet tranquil setting with

If you’re attracted to the location and are pleasantly surprised by the design features and high-spec finish of the homes on offer, you’ll be even more interested to know that park home living is not only desirable, it’s affordable too. Park homes offer exceptional value for money compared to traditional retirement bungalows. Great location, all mod-cons, variety of living options: Cathedral View certainly delivers on every level when you’re considering retirement living. cathedralviewripon.co.uk

a distinct countryside feel, but nestled in the heart of this historic city.

What’s abundantly clear, too, is Cathedral View offers up a wealth of choices when it comes to your plot, home style and size of property. You also have a choice of two prestigious manufacturers, Omar and Stately Albion.

At a glance, here’s what their homes offer: • Detached accommodation • Own garden with parking two spaces • Two double bedrooms • Modern style living and traditional layouts • En-suites and integrated kitchens.

• Pet friendly A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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omfort of yo ec ur h t

og hnol y • Fro ec m t st

CALL US NOW TO DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT

ome • For a ny nh ow

DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE roject • L of p at e ze si

Beautiful

bathrooms, kitchens bedrooms & home offices

CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME Visit our showroom, no appointment necessary: Boroughbridge Road, Ripon T: 01765 603502 E: info@riponinteriors.co.uk W: riponinteriors.co.uk

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