OCTOBER 2023 / £3.95
PLUS MAKE AN IMPRESSION
The Leeds comic sending up celebrities
• GARDEN PARTY
The Yorkshire School of Garden Design turns one
•
GOING MEDIEVAL
Taking a trip back in time in Skipton
Over 30 pages of inspiration and insight
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Lisa Byrne suggests maybe keeping the lights on
As it’s the eve of Hallowe’en, I must confess that growing up in a haunted house on the outskirts of York, I have not only seen ghosts, but I’ve also heard and spoken to them. So many strange occurrences took place there which cannot be merely explained by science. Our historic home was dark, covered in wooded panelling with long, eerie corridors. My mum would often hear a girl crying in the guest room, and I su ered a horrifying experience when I was revising for my A-levels. Lying on my front in bed one evening I was reading when my door slowly creaked open.
Before I could turn my head, someone sat on my bed. It must have been a very fat ghost as the mattress nearly collapsed under its weight. A hand grabbed me round the back of my neck and started violently pushing my face into the pillow. I finally mustered the courage to scream an expletive and it disappeared, but I lay there until breakfast, too terrified to move. When my cousin Paul, who was a total supernatural cynic, came to stay, he woke up in the guest room swallowing blood and discovered he was having a heavy nosebleed. Rushing to the nearest loo for tissues, Paul opened the door only to find a little girl standing there who slowly tugged at the loo roll and held it to his nose. The girl stroked his face and only days later he developed a rash of small blisters, diagnosed as shingles, at exactly the same spot where she had touched him. But it appears our county is literally crawling with spooks. One of the most frightening parts of Yorkshire is the Jacobean mansion, Temple Newsam. Its former owner Lord Halifax came across so many ghosts that he recorded his experience in his popular Ghost Book of 1936. He spotted a member of the Knights Templar from the Middle Ages storming the grounds with a furious look on his face and a malevolent looking monk clad in a brown habit haunting the Long Gallery.
I hope I haven’t given you nightmares as I wish you a Happy Hallowe’en, and make sure on 31 October you sleep with a bottle of holy water and crucifix…
Bringing lily-livered London chums to the terrifying Hallowscream at York Maze.
Hiding in the Day of the Dead themed forest at Stockeld Park.
Searching for Yorkshire’s notorious witch Isabella Billington at a spooky new trail at Hole in Wand, York.
Staying calm during Trick or Treat visitations by taking the incredible calm patches from Ross Barr.
THE HAUNTED TEMPLE NEWSAM
10 things we Absolutely love
IKKS' pledge to stop using virgin polyester by 2025 is part of the brand's commitment to improving its carbon footprint in pursuit of real responsibility
in the fashion industry. ikks.com
Eberjey's pyjamas are offi cially the so est and most comfortable. We love this yellow set in jersey. eberjey.com
We love this Villeroy & Boch Artis Countertop Basin in Indian Summer – from £609.30 inc vat. riponinteriors.co.uk
Zou Zou is a compact cross-body bag with two tassles for extra pizazz. It fits all of the essentials and is handcra ed by skilled European artisans using the fi nest nappa bubble lambskin. tissafontaneda.com
fi nest nappa bubble lambskin.
Brodie is a boundary-pushing luxury clothing brand. Originating in Yorkshire, from a long family lineage steeped in cashmere manufacturing, the focus is on a responsible supply chain. brodiecashmere.com
Chanel's new Codes Couleur limited edition Mirror, Brush Set and Nail Files have been created in the brand's bright nail polish, Le Vernis Colours. chanel.com
This Lemonade Ceramic vase brings an amazing pop of colour to any room and is perfect for both fresh and dried fl owers. thehappyblossoms.com
British jewellery brand Rachel Jackson celebrates life’s beautiful moments by creating timeless personalised jewellery that is rich with symbolism. From humble beginnings on a market stall in Spitalfi elds, the brand is now sold in Selfridges and Liberty. racheljacksonlondon.com
We love this fun and cheerful yellow mirror with its statement wavy edge. Use on its own to brighten up a wall, or style with prints and other mirrors. roseandgrey.co.uk
Reina Olga is a female-led luxury swimwear brand using mostly recyled fabrics, biodegradable fabrics and small runs. reinaolga.com
12 OCTOBER, LEADMILL, SHEFFIELD In his new show, Paul Foot will be breaking new ground as a comedian and as a person. In the year 2022 AD something momentous changed for Paul, and in this show he will reveal how he discovered the secret of life on the outskirts of Lancaster. Inevitably he does get distracted by King Tutankhamun, the House of Lords, Sir Cliff Richard, officious lollipop ladies and what Jesus might have achieved if he’d been a plumber. leadmill.co.uk
13-15 OCTOBER, GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Art lovers and artists meet face to face at these Contemporary Art Fairs, to browse, to talk, to admire and to buy. Expect artwork to buy from £50 to £5,000, and workshops and demonstrations, from leading artists and galleries. At the Harrogate Art Fair you can expect to see over 100 curated artists, printmakers, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists and selected galleries from all over the UK.
harrogateartfair.co.uk
24 October CITY HALL, SHEFFIELD
The award-winning Tailenders podcast are heading out on their biggest live tour to date - The Inaugural (Annual)
Farewell Tour. Broadcaster and Radio
1 Breakfast Show host Greg James, musician and former Maccabees guitarist Felix White, and England's greatest cricketer Jimmy Anderson will take their alternative look at cricket on the road. Expect laughs and surprises. she eldcityhall.co.uk
MUSIC
19 October
BARBICAN YORK
Celebrating a momentous five decades in the industry, legendary musician Paul Carrack, who's ‘Golden Voice’ features on numerous classic worldwide hits such as ‘How Long’ (ACE), ‘Tempted’ (Squeeze), ‘The Living Years’, and ‘Over My Shoulder’ (Mike and the Mechanics) teams up with the 4 time GRAMMY Award-nominee
SWR Big Band & Strings on epic new album ‘Don’t Wait Too Long’. The covers album celebrates the pioneering golden era in music from the 50s and beyond. yorkbarbican.co.uk
FILM
22 October
LEEDS FIRST DIRECT ARENA
In celebration of the triple Oscar winning Jurassic Park’s 30th anniversary, the acclaimed blockbuster will be presented in venues around the country, while the film’s renowned award-winning John Williams score is performed live by a full orchestra. Giving audiences the chance to see the classic like never before, the 1993 Stephen Spielberg hit will be shown in HD on big screens, accompanied by the Hallé Orchestra, one of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles. firstdirectarena.com
10-14 October
ALHAMBRA THEATRE
Exploding with heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing, Dirty Dancing makes a magnificent return to the stage. Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from di erent worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. bradford-theatres.co.uk
19-22 OCTOBER, LEYBURN
Leyburn’s third festival features music for all. Events include some Jacqui Dankworth magic, Trad Jazz, 1930s Hot Club, young generation stars and composer in residence, Paul Edis. There is a stunning list of awardwinners. Jacqui Dankworth MBE, daughter of the legendary Cleo Laine; Ewan Hastie, BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year, with Ben Shankland; two winners of the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Award, Paul Edis and Toni Kofi. Not to mention the lovely Alligator Gumbo, Hot Club du Nord and more. leyburnjazz.co.uk
Enjoy the beauty of the dark skies above the North York Moors National Park during the annual Fringe Festival with stargazing and moonwatching sessions, nocturnal wildlife safaris, twilight mindfulness walks, night photography skills evenings as well as space-themed daytime events for youngsters all included in the 10-day programme. This year, the Fringe Festival will coincide with the appearance of
the full Hunter’s Moon and the huge planet of Jupiter being closest to Earth providing great opportunities to explore these natural wonders. National Parks are a stargazer’s paradise, with some of the best night skies in the country and we are excited to celebrate this with various Dark Skies Festivals throughout the year. It’s all about discovering, learning and enjoying the dark and the stars you can see as a result, with events suitable for all ages.
Since 2016's inaugural Festival in the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, Dark Skies Festivals throughout the UK have become an unmissable fixture in the stargazing calendar. Taking place throughout the country, there's never been a greater opportunity to get out and appreciate what's above. darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
Ste Todd on her first stand-up tour and how her e ervescent brand of comedy o ers pure escapism
By NATALIE LIEscapism comes in many forms, from a feel-good film to a hilarious TikTok video, and these provided a welcome distraction from uncertainty and boredom during the pandemic. Then there were those determined to make us laugh during such a di cult time.
Bingley-born Ste Todd took the opportunity to bring her hilarious celebrity impressions to the masses during lockdown in 2020. Millions of views across social media platforms have resulted in viral success for the former retail assistant and radio presenter.
“I love Peter Kay and Lee Mack – I feel like they o er pure escapism and that is what my comedy is like, silly and daft. There is nothing serious in there and no real message behind it. I just want people to come to my show and have fun,” Ste enthuses in her soft and distinctive Yorkshire accent.
Comedy was never the dream growing up, but Ste admits a yearning to perform
in some capacity. “I had no idea what I wanted to do,” she says. “I was drawn to performance and being on the stage, maybe dancing and singing. But it turns out I wasn’t good at either of those, but I just couldn’t work out what it was.”
Discovering a natural talent for impersonation was realised at a young age, adds Ste , who has supported comics Sara Pascoe and Dave Gorman on tour. “I used to come home from school and impersonate the teachers. I’d go on holiday and meet a family and I’d come back with an accent. I remember one of my first impressions was the character Alice Tinker from the Vicar of Dibley and I used to say, “Oh Vicar”, and my parents thought it was so good!
“I was obsessed with Joan Rivers’ humour growing up and I loved Absolutely Fabulous I came from a funny family and my humour has been influenced by them – there was always good banter. You don’t realise at the time what you’re taking away. My family take credit for my humour,” she chuckles.
Ste , who has performed at Bingley Arts Centre and attended tap dance classes in Shipley, grew up in the Yorkshire Dales, but left the rural setting for Leeds at the age of 18. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I started working in retail and living in Leeds. I felt like I was a student even though I wasn’t! It was all about going out, making friends – moving to a city was a big deal and it gave me comedy. I met some of the funniest people, it was a fun, non-stressful time.”
Ste finally plucked up the confidence to perform comedy gigs in Leeds and Manchester and attended a short course at The Arts Education Schools London and David Johnson School of Acting in Manchester. “I was working in radio with regular presenting shows on Pulse in West Yorkshire, Hallam FM, Lake Radio, Radio City, Rock FM and Key 103,” she explains. “I secured these paid slots after working for free. The hours were flexible on the stations, so I started doing stand-up gigs. I was secretive – you end up having not-
“I want to o er pure escapism with my comedy”
so-great gigs and I knew a lot of people in Leeds. I remember performing in Edinburgh in 2017, but I wasn’t taking it seriously. I started putting funny jokes on Twitter and uploading videos of celebrity impressions. I didn’t know anyone in comedy, so I just went for it – I did a few gigs here and there before lockdown.”
As lockdown hit, Ste turned her focus to uploading online video celebrity impressions of Katie Price, Gemma Collins, Paloma Faith, Cheryl Tweedy, and she created the Yorkshire Kardashians – an hilarious spoof of the TV show, Keeping up With the Kardashians. Ste ’s voice is dubbed over Kim, Kourtney, Kylie, Khloe, Kris and Kendall and features videos of them shopping in TK Maxx and Asda.
“I like the Kardashians and the way they support each other; they always argue but they’re loyal,” she says in support of the famous family. “To parody
them I do need to watch a lot of footage. Nothing really happens on their show, and you know what is going to come next – it’s an easy-going watch.”
As to whether the Kardashians have seen clips of Ste ’s spoofs is yet to be confirmed. “Khloe and Kris have a make-up artist called Ash who follows me on TikTok so who knows! I wonder if she’ll show them. I’d love to make them laugh, but I am not sure if they would relate to the Leeds references!”
Leeds plays a significant role in Ste ’s comedy and it’s clear she remains loyal to her roots and hopes to remain living in the county. “I have a real soft spot for Leeds, but I also love York and I spent most of my childhood holidays in Whitby. I love the Dales and Skipton.”
Celebrities including Amanda Holden, Sharon Osbourne and Katie Price have approved of Ste ’s impersonations – with the latter two sharing her
clips on social media channels.
As celebrities fall in and out of favour, Ste admits it takes work to keep up with who’s who, but she currently enjoys doing impressions of Loose Women presenter Ruth Langsford.
With commentary on podcast Love Island: The Morning After, and an appearance on ITV’s Stand-up Sketch Show under her belt, Ste is carving a name for herself.
As she prepares to take her ‘Guestlist’ tour on the road in October with seven dates in Manchester, London, Brighton, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Liverpool and a closing performance at the Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds, Ste reveals she hasn’t released too much of her stand-up set on social media – “I don’t want to burn out my material” – but she promises a slew of impressions and plenty of gags.
“It’s a big deal doing your first tour: there’s no-one there to back you up on stage,” she says. “You need to know your material, you’re in charge of ensuring the audience have fun. I simply want people to forget about things and have the best night. There is something magical about performing – being in the same room, all on the same wavelength. If all goes well, there could be more dates in 2024.”
ste todd.com
“I am not sure if the Kardashians would relate to the Leeds references”
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Q Have you always had an entrepreneurial spirit?
A Yes! When I was at college studying for a business degree, I used to read books about entrepreneurial people who were doing then, what I’m doing now. I always knew what I wanted to do. I think a lot of it comes down to character – I have always enjoyed taking risks, competitive sports, working and performing under pressure, and being part of a diverse team. It’s all of those traits that feed the entrepreneurial spirit.
Q What is Bayford Group?
A It’s a diverse group of companies linked to the energy, property, infrastructure and hospitality sectors which we either own, have acquired or are significant shareholders in
Q How did it feel to be named third on The Sunday Times 100 List – Britain's fastest-growing businesses list?
A I am very proud of my team and this achievement. They all work incredibly hard, so it’s nice to have their e orts recognised. We were 22nd on the list last year, so to jump all the way to third is a truly remarkable achievement.
Q How long have you owned Bowcli e Hall and The Yorke Arms?
A I have owned Bowcli e Hall since 2004, when I bought the business from my family. Since then, I have poured a lot of time, energy and resources into renovating and restoring the beautiful building and its grounds. I have always wanted to be in charge of my own destiny. I bought The Yorke Arms in
2017 as I wanted to make sure the wonderful business stayed in Yorkshire hands. The Yorke Arms renovation is testament to everything I love about Yorkshire. Every detail has been handpicked and curated, all the way down to the names of the guest bedrooms, which are of course Yorkshire-themed!
Q How have you made Bowcli e Hall a real go-to for events?
A We like to do things di erently at Bowcli e Hall. Essentially, our aim is to make every event completely bespoke and to meet the individual needs of each client. We are lucky to have such unique spaces across the estate, like the award-winning Blackburn Wing, which is a 2,000 sq ft treehouse shaped like an aeroplane wing, and the Drivers’ Club, our own exclusive members’ club. These magnificent spaces really set us apart from other venues. Our team is similarly unique and truly passionate about what they do. It’s an exciting career and one that is thoroughly rewarding – although it’s hard work, we like to have a lot of fun, too.
Q What does The Yorke Arms o er today?
A After the pandemic, the chef who had previously run The Yorke Arms as a restaurant decided to retire, so we took the opportunity to turn it into something completely unique. The Yorke Arms is now a fully-managed private events venue and
accommodation, perfect for weddings, corporate and event celebrations for up to 28 people. With a dedicated events team on-hand to ensure no detail is overlooked, the only limit to what we can host is someone’s imagination!
Q How does all of the above fit in with your personal life?
A My business and personal life are merged and I don’t have one or the other. I really love what I do, with whoever, wherever and whenever that may be. I know how very lucky I am to be able to say that.
Q How do you switch o ?
A I don’t. What would be the point of being ‘o ’?!
Q Whereabouts do you live in Yorkshire?
A North Yorkshire. I’m Yorkshire born and bred. It’s very quiet where I live, and very occasionally, I need some time to stop and take stock – so I can think up the next business opportunity!
Q Where do you love visiting in Yorkshire?
A Obviously Bowcli e Hall! It’s such a special place, full of really happy people and a building full of laughter. For business or pleasure, I truly believe that the estate is one of the most outstanding locations in Yorkshire. Nidderdale, where The Yorke Arms is located, is also beautiful and extremely picturesque. Pateley Bridge is at the heart of the area, which is a buzzing little town filled with local independent businesses. I also love Ripon, especially the cathedral. It’s impressively charming and interestingly also one of the smallest cities in the UK.
Q What does the future hold in store for you?
A The best way to predict our future is to create it. My future will be as it is now – full of smiling, happy people, all with a sense of purpose and keen to make a di erence.
bayford.co.uk
bowcli ehall.co.uk
theyorkearms.co.uk
“I truly believe the estate is one of the most outstanding locations in Yorkshire”
live on and on.
By HOLLY PHILLIPS
Skipton is a wonderful market town in North Yorkshire, just south east of the Yorkshire Dales. With a population of around 15,000 people, the town occupies a strong sense of community, maintaining many community groups and organisations, as well as being continually praised for its friendliness and warm welcomes to visitors. Besieged by breath-taking scenery, Skipton has proved to be a great location for many well-known films and television shows, such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves; All Creatures Great and Small; Wuthering Heights; and Calendar Girls. The town is a particularly popular location for canal boat holidays, as it is bound by the Liverpool and Leeds canal. With its neighbourly character, a boatload of personality and spectacular views, Skipton is undeniably worth a visit.
Sometimes known as Skipton-in-Craven, the town dates back to at least the time of the Doomsday Book and has evidence of residents going back to the Bronze Age. It is also home to one of the longest standing mills in England, High Corn Mill. While retaining strong links with its medieval past, the mill has been reconditioned. A new water turbine has been installed and it has been fitted with a modernised waterwheel. Neighbouring the mill is Skipton Castle Woods, a rare, ancient woodland concealed behind one of Britain’s most renowned medieval castles. Despite being 900-yearsold, Skipton Castle is one of the best preserved medieval castles in England. The castle was restored in the 17th century by Lady Anne Cli ord, who was responsible for the cherished cobbled courtyard, centred with a 250-year-old tree. As well as being rich with history, the castle proudly overlooks the fanciful streets of Skipton.
It’s not just Hollywood that is enamoured with this beautiful town in North Yorkshire
Skipton has in fact been recognised for its special charisma, acquiring many awards and status levels. In 2008, Skipton’s high street was crowned the winner of the Great Street of the Year Awards by the Academy of Urbanism, making it the UK’s best high street. The winning factors were its historic architecture, homely market and its overall a able nature. Its contemporary hospitality was also mentioned, acknowledging Stanforth Butchers and The Red Lion, in particular. The Castle and Craven Museum, which holds the Roebuck Art Collection, also contributed to winning the accolade. A few years later, in 2014, The Sunday Times labelled Skipton as Britain’s Best Place to Live.
“Skipton was labelled as Britain's Best Place to Live”HOLLYWOOD HAS COME CALLING SKIPTON CANAL PARCEVALL HALL GARDENS SKIPTON CASTLE WOODS SKIPTON CASTLE
Skipton is hedged with the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, so why not venture further afield and be transported into a landscape that beams with natural, raw beauty. Hop all aboard the steam train from Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and begin your journey to the picturesque Dales. The views are even better on horseback! No matter what age or ability you are, Draughton Riding Centre caters to all, o ering group lessons, private lessons or hacking.
You could even take sightseeing to a whole new level and gain a completely new perspective… from the sky. Embark on a once in a lifetime adventure by going up in a hot air balloon to experience the wanderlust that is Nidderdale. You will enjoy a birdseye view of Skipton Castle and the ruins of Bolton Abbey. If the sky is a bit far out of your comfort zone, you can always venture out on a canal boat.
If you’d prefer to stay grounded and experience the surroundings of Skipton
on foot, then there’s various locations that you can visit to enjoy the brisk autumnal weather, Parcevall Hall Gardens being one of them. The gardens hold a special quality, as they were laid out by the late Sir William Milner, who planted exotic plants that originate from places as far flung as China and the Himalayas. Broughton Hall Estate is also a brilliant day out, with over 3,000 acres of land to roam, additionally acting as a luxurious accommodation.
As Skipton hosts many annual events, such as the Skipton Sheep Day and Skipton Puppet Festival, it has a range of many character-driven places to hold fort for the night. It has accommodation to suit all budgets, styles and tastes. Stank House is a delightful farmhouse, built in 1744, featuring a log burner and a hot tub. The cosy quality of the farmhouse makes it a lovely location to spend an autumnal getaway. Wharfe View is a welcoming family-run bed and breakfast, who regularly welcome guests from all around the world. Other homely options are Angel Cottage and Wesleyan Chapel.
What’s
Milkron Theatre Company presents ‘A Force to be Reckoned With. Pioneering Women in the Police’ at Skipton Town Hall 14 October from 7.30pm
Pianist, Ethan Lock, takes to the stage 24 October at Skipton Town Hall
The Yorkshire Flea is back! A whole day of flea market fun from 9am until 4pm on 22 October
Skipton Musical Theatre Company presents Calendar Girls The Musical – A Musical by Gary Barlow Skipton Town Hall from 25 October until 28 October
Catch singer, Jade Helliwell, live at The Mess Room 16 October from 8pm
To find out more about any of the places we’ve mentioned, please visit welcometoskipton.com
TN Cook is a long established family firm based in Skipton – and the place to go for everything 'range cooking'. Everhot and Aga specialist, they're here to provide expert advice and help find the best range cooker for you with over 35 cookers on display. They believe in selling only tried and tested machines that they're happy to use themselves; after all, why should they sell you something they wouldn't be happy to have
at home? They focus on longevity, quality, and durability, which all lead to having to replace things less often. Re-use and recycling are important to them too – they all know there are limited resources, so using less helps everyone (and keeps the cost to a minimum too). They're both enthusiasts and specialists in what they do and cover a large area in the North of England. Close House Farm, Otley Road, BD23 6DR 01756 792491 tncook.co.uk
Skipton has a new home for stylish indoor and outdoor decorative lighting, plus those handy everyday lighting essentials for a weekend DIY project. The Lighthouse on Swadford Street is a friendly and welcoming place to browse a range of lighting styles to suit any home or garden. There is also expert advice on hand for utilising a range of plug and play LED kits, ideal for home and also very popular with campervans, caravans and motorhomes.
Nick Tolson, owner of The Lighthouse, also owns the shop’s parent company, Luxor Lighting in Birstall. As a business with over 30 years of experience, Luxor Lighting is a recognised and growing brand
for energy-e cient LED lighting. Nick explains: “Our aim for The Lighthouse is to bring LED lighting to the high street, and demonstrate that e ciency can also be elegant. We’ve had a great reception from the Skipton public and our thriving local business community. We listened to our customers and understood that there was also often the requirement for us to take care of the installation of their new lighting. We therefore decided to introduce an installation service from £50 to customers within a local radius.” 35 Swadford Street, Skipton BD23 1QY 01756 860200 luxorlighting.co.uk
Seasonal
Country
Immerse
Autumn
With a medieval castle standing at its centre, Craven's key town of Skipton earns its moniker as 'the gateway to the Dales' due to its strategic location on the edge of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. Renowned for regularly topping the list as the best place to live in the country by The Sunday Times, Skipton possesses a unique blend of rural tranquillity and the energy of a bustling tourist hub. Its excellent road and rail connections further enhance its attraction.
Skipton, along with its charming surrounding villages, not only o ers the serenity of the countryside, but also the vibrancy of a tourist hotspot. Fine & Country takes a distinctive approach to selling exclusive homes here, focusing on the local context while leveraging their international brand reach. They recognise that when people buy a home, they are not merely acquiring a property; they are investing in a lifestyle.
With this in mind they have created their bespoke marketing strategies that emphasise the little things that make a house a home and o er a unique approach to presenting and marketing premium homes. fineandcountry.co.uk
The bunting is up as Benjamin Opticians celebrates 70 years of looking after eyes in Skipton. You can expect exceptional service, an enhanced eye examination and a vast range of designer frames and sunglasses from this lovely independent business. Based in a distinguished Georgian building on Newmarket Street with a bright green door, the practice is a special place. Benjamins o ers a bespoke personal and personalized service from when you arrive, to when you collect your new spectacles. A comprehensive eye examination is at the heart of your visit, using state-of-the-art equipment and the best clinical advice.
Benjamins is a contact lens specialist and provides many other services with the latest technology. A dry eye clinic, colorimetry to help with children’s reading and Myopia management helping to stem short-sightedness in children.
This nationally recognized multi awardwinning private opticians is the place to go for eye care and top designer brands. benjamin-opticians.co.uk
George II was on the throne, George Washington, future president of America, was born. And in this year, 1732, John Alcock established a law firm in Skipton that is still flourishing today: AWB Charlesworth Solicitors.
Their Georgian o ces are situated on Otley Street, a pretty, cobbled street in the heart of Skipton.
Generations of Yorkshire families have gone to them for advice on house purchases, business sales, wills and much more besides. Throughout those 300 years, they’ve constantly changed, constantly updated. They’re both progressive and pragmatic, finding solutions to problems, and have been accredited with the Law Society quality mark, Lexcel.
Their clients feel the same; in recent feedback forms, 98.8% rated them as Excellent or Good. Given their location, they are particularly knowledgeable about all things farming and land, rural properties and inheritance. For your family life, for your business life, they’re here every step of the way. 23 Otley Street, BD23 1DY 01756 793333 awbclaw.co.uk
“SKIPTON POSSESSES A UNIQUE BLEND OF RURAL TRANQUILLITY AND THE ENERGY OF A TOURIST HUB”
The Yorkshire School of Garden Design has celebrated its first anniversary with an exhibition showcasing the work of the first cohort of Diploma in Garden Design graduates. Taking place at the school’s residence, the Grade I listed Harewood House, the graduates were joined by Yorkshire School of Garden Design founder, and worldrenowned landscape designer, Alistair Baldwin, tutors and guests to celebrate.
“I can’t believe it has been a year,” says Alistair. “We are so proud of what our students have achieved, and this next generation of landscape designers are truly something to behold. Their passion and skill are unparalleled, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve in their future careers.”
Throughout the evening, the students’ work and portfolios were displayed, showcasing and celebrating an exciting year of creativity, dedication and achievement. In addition, guests were treated to a brief lecture from award-winning landscape designer and broadcaster, Matthew Wilson.
The Yorkshire School of Garden Design launched in August 2022 to international praise. Alistair Baldwin, who started his landscape and architectural design consultancy AWB Associates in 2010, in Richmond, Yorkshire, founded this unique school to teach budding designers of the future how to work in the beautiful north of England terrain. Since launching with its flagship professional Diploma in Garden Design, the school has delivered a year’s course encompassing all aspects of landscape art, design and planting. “The Yorkshire School of Garden Design was born out of my passion for this great art, combined with my belief that all
garden designers should have an experience of working in northern landscapes, appreciating the nuances that resonate throughout this stunning region,” Alistair says. “I have lived and worked in North Yorkshire for over three decades and have developed an innate knowledge of its geology, terrain and climate, which plays such an important role in design development. I believe all students should have the opportunity to learn from and feel inspired by their peers, and to truly understand the di erent ways of working across the country.”
Tim Gray graduated with a distinction from the 2023 class. Following a career in hospitality, Tim jumped at the opportunity to retrain and explore a career in garden design. “I have always loved gardens and was
fascinated about understanding the deeper meaning and methodology of their design. When I heard about the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry, in a faceto-face environment, I jumped at the chance.
“The Diploma in Garden Design is such a unique course,” he adds, “as it o ers students the opportunity to learn the fundamental tools required for a career in garden design,
as opposed to solely landscape architecture or gardening, from some of the brightest minds in the industry. I had no hesitation that this was the course for me and relished the challenges and hard work it demanded.
“The friendships and lasting connections we have formed within our industry community over the past year have been remarkable and provided us with the opportunity to continue our tutorage in the years to come,” Tim continues. “I have found a real passion in garden design, and this course provided a diving board from which I am launching into my future career, full of opportunity. I will be starting a new role with a Yorkshire-based landscape designer in the autumn, and I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life.”
The Yorkshire School of Garden Design is now accepting applications for the 2024 Diploma in Garden Design and has released the details of its 2023-2024 inspirational short courses. The short courses give an individual the opportunity to explore the industry, with the guiding hand of some of the UK’s most talented tutors and practitioners.
The short courses have been created by Alistair Baldwin and the school’s tutors and will be taught at Harewood House. The courses include:
• Sketchup for Garden Designers: 1-3 November
• An Introduction to Garden Design: 14-16 February
• Freehand Sketching for Garden Designers: 10-12 April
• Seasonality and Layering: 30-31 May
• Designing with Plants: 12-14 June
Course spaces are limited to ensure that each student receives an in-depth and personal experience, so early booking is advised.
For further information on the Yorkshire School of Garden Design and all its courses, please visit ysgd.co.uk
“We are so proud of what our students have achieved”THE TERRACE, IMAGE COURTESY OF HAREWOOD HOUSE TRUST AND LEE BEAL ALISTAIR BALDWIN
Join us for a celebration of autumn and see the garden ablaze with stunning seasonal colour. Enjoy talks, garden tours, live music, as well as food and drinks, and lots of shopping, as we celebrate this spectacular season. Your visit supports our work as a charity. rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
THE ANGEL AT HETTON
Michael Wignall’s award-winning food at The Angel at Hetton is made with the highest quality ingredients from the local area and further afield. Michelin says his dishes at The Angel demonstrate ‘a natural simplicity that allows every ingredient on the plate to shine’. Now he has unveiled the refurbishments to their rooms, so you can make a real night of it. angelhetton.co.uk
‘Les Fruits Sauvages’ Grenache Rosé 2021, France £9.99
The grapes for this wine come from two terroirs: the Hérault plain which lends richness and roundness and the Aude area which gives character and freshness. Aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry enhanced by mineral notes. Very fresh and round on the palate.
‘Les Fruits Sauvages’ Malbec 2020/21, Languedoc £10.99
The grapes, with their aromas and flavours of tangy red berries, lend finesse and freshness to the wine. Ruby colour enhanced with red highlights. Aromas of liquorice and both red and black fruits, with spicy notes.
wine.
Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet £10.75
The vines of the Ormarine cellar overlook the Etang de Thau, a Natura 2000 classified area, and the Mediterranean Sea, which act as a thermal regulator and guarantee the freshness of the wine and the characteristic saline notes.
Available at majestic.co.uk
By MARK KEBBLE
The Angel at Hetton is opening new bedroom suites this month. They are refurbishing five existing rooms and adding another five bedrooms, one of which will be situated in the legendary Wine Cave. Widely regarded as the UK’s original gastropub, this ancient inn has 15th century origins and is now run by talented chef Michael Wignall, and his wife Johanna, who took over in 2018. In 2019, The Angel was awarded its first Michelin star and 4 AA Rosettes, and in 2021 came second in the National Restaurant Awards.
angelhetton.co.uk
FEARNE & ROSIE
BARBURRITO
Authentic Mexican street food eatery Barburrito, which has outlets in Leeds and She eld, has launched an exciting and innovative new menu influenced by some of South America’s most popular dishes. Earlier this year they gathered thousands of pieces of feedback from customers and the results inspired the creation of the new menu dishes and innovations. The menu features the introduction of tortas, tacos, a new range of salsas as well as lots of recipe improvements. barburrito.co.uk
SPHYNX TEQUILA
Get ready for a tequila renaissance from former, iconic Big Brother housemates and Yorkshire locals, Sukhvinder and Imran Javeed, as they proudly unveil their highly anticipated SPHYNX Tequila. The couple have embarked on a labour of love, immersing themselves in the heartland of tequila production in Mexico. Their quest was to rediscover the authentic ways of enjoying tequila and to craft a spirit so smooth that it would transcend expectations. The result is SPHYNX Tequila: a brand that epitomises sophistication. sphynxtequila.com
Wold Top Brewery's Scarborough Fair IPA took the accolade for the UK’s best English Style IPA at the 16th annual World Beer Awards. Scarborough Fair IPA, 6.0% ABV, is a strong, triple-hopped beer with a pale, Wold-grown malt base. woldtopbrewery.co.uk
Spread some goodness (in more ways than one) with Yorkshire-based Fearne & Rosie Reduced Sugar Jams. Their sweet Pudsey Edition jar sees Fearne & Rosie and BBC Children in Need working together for the second year to help raise vital funds for children and young people across the country. The partnership aims to raise in the region of £500,000. fearneandrosie.co.uk
Craghoppers is celebrating the launch of a limited edition run of Northern Monk's best-selling 'Faith brew' with a treasure hunt across iconic Northern locations. See more online, with prizes up to £1,000 to be won. craghoppers.com/northern-monk/
LOST & FOUND
The team at Yorkshire's first whisky distillery are celebrating a er being ranked in the top 10 of the Most Popular Whisky Distilleries in the UK and Ireland, coming seventh in the prestigious list of favourite distilleries. spiritofyorkshire.com
Push the boundaries of discovery and experience an immersive dining journey which relies solely on your sense of taste, touch and smell with ‘Dining in the Dark’ at The Lost & Found She eld. Taking place on Thursday 5 October and Thursday 23 November at 7pm, expect a blindfolded threecourse menu tasting experience where every dish is a surprise. Enjoy an unforgettable menu of elevated British classics bursting with flavour. the-lostandfound.co.uk/ restaurant/she eld
Maltese food icon Kevin Bonello has arrived at The Grand, York, with some big ideas for what will end up on our plates
There are major things happening at The Grand, York. Within these pages, we have already featured the amazing culinary o ering of Legacy, and the chef behind the cooking, Ahmed Abdalla. The Cookery School at The Grand has also been in the news in recent months thanks to some of the innovative things they are staging there, but now there is someone who supersedes it all, particularly as he will be overseeing the whole food operation at The Grand.
With an impressive culinary background that has spanned over two
decades, Kevin Bonello brings a wealth of foodie experience to York – and it all started in the kitchen of his Maltese home as a child. “From a young age, I was always behind my granny and mother in the kitchen,” he grins. “We all loved to entertain and cook for friends and family. I always remember the Sunday lunches that they would cook up. To start, we would often prepare an array of meze that would include soft and peppered sheep cheese Bigilla (a Maltese bean dip) and marinated courgette with lemon, mint and olive oil. The main dish would then vary from fried rabbit with onion, garlic and peas, or a roasted pork leg with roasted potatoes with fennel seeds and onion gravy. In the summertime, we would often host a BBQ night in the garden and cook up Maltese sausages and nice lamb kebabs or even a whole baked fish cooked with fresh herbs and tomatoes. Delicious!”
Despite this grounding, it wasn’t a given that food was the way forward for the young Kevin Bonello. “As a child, I wanted to be a pilot or an engineer,” he says, “but at 16 I did a summer job in a kitchen and loved it. It was my father who found me the summer job at the Cosmana Navarrra Restaurant. The aim was just for me to earn some money, but within a couple of weeks, I realised that this is what I want to do as a living.”
So began quite a career in the heat of the kitchen, which was initially shaped in the UK when he trained at London’s Berkeley Hotel. “At that time, it was something very new for a teen Maltese chef to go and work outside the
country – but I was very excited about the opportunity,” he says about making that leap. “I have very good memories of the time I was training there. I worked alongside great chefs who were constantly working towards perfection in every dish. This training ultimately gave me the opportunity to work in highly acclaimed restaurants such as The Aubergine with Gordon Ramsey, at the Park Lane Hotel with Marco Pierre White and Pied a Terre with Tom Aikens.”
For the last two decades, Kevin has been the culinary director at Xara Collection, a leading hospitality brand. During his tenure, Kevin has played a pivotal role in elevating the culinary o erings at the Collection’s host of venues. “It has to be gaining a Michelin star in 2020, when the first Michelin Guide came to Malta, whilst I was working at the de Mondion Restaurant in Mdina,” he says on the highlight of his time there. “It was a very proud moment for me both on a professional and personal level. The second highlight was being able to see students that I mentored and taught during my time moving up to sous chef or head chef positions in the various restaurants that I used to run.”
Now, though, York has come calling. “The Grand is an iconic hotel destination, which is a must-visit in my eyes,” he says on the job’s attraction. “The food o ering is outstanding across the board from Legacy, which o ers a modern British and Yorkshire-inspired tasting menu in an iconic setting, to The Rise, which o ers modern, simple cuisine and utilises the highest quality, local produce.
“The Grand, York’s food o ering is outstanding right across the board”THE GRAND, YORK KEVIN BONELLO
“Then there’s The Cookery School, which is like a Masterchef kitchen!” he laughs.
“The place is magical, and Marc Williams, The Cookery School director, is doing a great job with the classes being o ered. I love to see guests getting immersed in their cooking and forgetting about everything else when they are in the class.”
Kevin’s role will be overseeing the entire food operation at The Grand, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be sharing some of his culinary prowess too. “For me, the important things are always simplicity and freshness,” he says on his cooking style. “I like to use local ingredients as keeping mileage low is very important to both me and The Grand in general. I also always try and use the whole product to reduce waste, but also maximise flavour. When developing my dishes, I often take influence from my travels. In particular, I love to use Mediterranean produce.”
Is there one dish that sums up what he is all about as a chef? “It has to be suckling pig paired with fermented vegetables,
Serves 5
One popular Kevin Bonello recipe you can cook at home
• 5 large hen eggs - boiled for 4 minutes
• 250g sausage meat - skin removed
• 50g green apple - peeled and diced
• 50g onion - finely chopped
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• A few sage leaves - finely chopped
• ½ tsp parsley - finely chopped
• 50g flour
pickled date and mustard seed-tomato jus and salt baked celeriac. The idea is to use the whole pig from head to toe and accompany it with fermented vegetables to cut through the fattiness of the suckling pig. The mustard jus elevates the whole dish.
“Since I started my role, we have already made a few changes to the menu to reflect my cooking style,” he adds. “As much as possible, we would like to continue to focus on using seasonal produce from regional producers. For example, strawberries from Annabel’s Strawberry Farm are delicious so, when they are in season, we always want to utilise them in our dishes. We will also continue to adapt the menu at least three to four times a year.”
Kevin is just the latest addition to what is a burgeoning food scene in York – but there’s no doubt we are all expecting big things from his stint at The Grand, York. thegrandyork.co.uk
• 50g beaten eggs
• 100g panco
• Salt
• Freshly milled pepper
METHOD
1 Sweat the onion in olive oil with sage and thyme till soft.
2 Add the apple and cook for a further 5 minutes till soft.
3 Season with salt, pepper and chopped parsley and set aside to cool down.
4 When cooled down, mix with the sausage meat.
5 Gently peel the cooked eggs, making sure not to break them.
6 Wrap the cooked eggs in the sausage meat mixture evenly.
7 Flour, egg and panco the eggs and cook till golden brown in a 180C hot oven.
8 Season with salt & serve. Enjoy!
BERRY'S JEWELLERS
Perfect for layering, the new Verve Collection from Berry’s Jewellers seamlessly blends contemporary design with fine jewellery. The blend of diamonds and curve-inspired designs celebrate the beauty in simplicity, fluidity, and the eternal brilliance of diamonds, making this a collection that not only radiates sophistication and luxury, but that can be worn both day and night. Discover the collection at your nearest Berry’s showroom or berrysjewellers.co.uk
Fanfare Label 48 • The Shoot 50
Bradford-based Esther Knight is causing a stir in the fashion industry with her business, Fanfare Label. Here she tells Absolutely Yorkshire about why sustainability is at the heart of her work
Q When did sustainability first come on your radar?
A Sustainability first came on my radar more than 12 years ago, well before it became a popular concept in the mainstream fashion industry. During my early days in the fashion industry, I began researching sustainable fashion practices out of curiosity and a genuine concern for the environmental and social impact of the industry. At that time, sustainability was not yet a buzz word, but I could see the importance of addressing these issues and the potential for a shift towards more ethical and eco-friendly practices.
As I delved deeper into my research, I became increasingly aware of the detrimental e ects of the fashion industry on the planet. This awareness sparked a passion within me to champion sustainable fashion and promote responsible practices.
Q When did you launch Fanfare Label, and was it easy to get o the ground?
A I launched Fanfare Label in 2019 with a clear vision and a passion for sustainability. However, getting the brand o the ground was certainly not without its challenges. Starting a new fashion brand requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance.
From establishing the brand's identity and values to sourcing materials, developing designs, and building a customer base, every step of the process presented its own hurdles.
While launching Fanfare Label had its share of di culties, the overwhelming positive response and support we received from customers, industry professionals, and organisations like the British Fashion Council rea rmed the importance and relevance of our mission. It reinforced our determination to continue pushing boundaries, driving positive change, and contributing to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.
Q From day one, what did you want to o er?
A Right from the start, my goal with Fanfare Label was to shake up the fashion industry and bring something truly special to the table. I wanted to create a brand that stands apart from the rapid pace and disposable nature of the fashion industry and instead focuses on promoting sustainability, responsibility, and mindful consumption. My aim was to produce pieces that not only look and feel incredible, but also align with our values of
sustainability and responsibility. I wanted to give our amazing customers the chance to showcase their own sense of style and personality while making a real, positive di erence to the planet and the people that are employed in our supply chains. Our pieces are more than just clothes –they're a statement of our core values and a step towards a more sustainable future. From the design process to the materials we use, everything is carefully curated to ensure premium quality and enduring style.
Q What’s new right now?
A We have a new linen collection launching, inspired by terrazzo tiling, pottery, sea glass and water lilies. The goal was to create a timeless collection of statement pieces that embodies the beauty in organic shapes, textures and colours.
The main idea stemmed from the random shapes of the terrazzo tiles that can be seen in the structure of the garments as well as in the print. When creating this collection our designer was driven by her own desire to recycle in home decor, with sea glass, broken tiles and pottery.
The interaction between sea, glass, sand and water influenced the smoothness that can be seen in some of the garments as well as the colours used. This was to add some softness to the sharp and unpredictable shapes of broken tiles.
Q How do you ensure you are an ethical business?
A At Fanfare Label, being an ethical business is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of sustainability, responsibility, and transparency throughout our operations. We prioritise the use of sustainable materials in our production processes. We carefully source fabrics that have minimal environmental impact. By continuously evaluating and improving our practices, we ensure that every aspect of our business aligns with our ethical values, creating a positive and responsible impact on the fashion industry and the planet.
Q How do you see Fanfare Label evolving from here?
A Looking ahead, I see Fanfare Label evolving into a leading force in the sustainable fashion industry. One of our key focuses is to further develop our circular fashion model. We want to explore new avenues for sourcing materials and continue to incorporate recycled and repurposed fabrics into our collections. By embracing circularity, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.
fanfarelabel.com
The Edit by Barbour –found at their Beverley outlet – offers a blend of nostalgia and original designs with a futuredriven aesthetic
GLOW RECIPE
This hydrating, skin barrier strengthening cleanser is packed full of ceramides and pre and post-biotics. Avocado oil helps to break down make-up, whilst also nourishing the skin, £25. cultbeauty.co.uk
The founder of Rejuvenated writes about two decades in business and keeping things in the family
By KATHRYN DANZEY
This year marks my 50th anniversary in the health and beauty industry. While completing my A-levels, I started to study beauty part time and became instantly hooked. After initially specialising in holistic treatments, I decided to focus on how nutrition could a ect the skin and overall health. My career then pivoted to aesthetics, where I introduced several technical treatments into the mainstream beauty industry. Whilst working in aesthetics, we combined results-driven treatments and high quality skincare to boost optimum skin hydration and collagen production. It seemed logical to me that supplementing the skin with antioxidants and collagen would enhance aesthetic treatments and subsequent wellbeing. The beauty about supplementation is that it treats the whole body, rather than just the face.
When we launched Rejuvenated, the concept of ‘beauty from within’ was not widely well-known. I believed that the right supplements could truly make a di erence to how we look and feel. The industry in general was not open to the idea of supplementation until many years later.
I wanted to o er the consumer a collection of products that would genuinely make a di erence to how they look and feel. In addition to this, I knew that education was key. I strongly believe that Rejuvenated has grown by our ongoing commitment to this. When we first launched the brand, we wanted to o er support for total wellbeing, but had no idea that 20 years later, Rejuvenated would grow into an amazing community of people using our products to support their health from within.
I worked together with my husband, Rob, to provide aesthetic equipment and training to the beauty industry. Supplementation was an add-on to the products and services that we provided. This area of the business started in a very small way, but as this concept became more successful, we naturally started to focus on this side of things. Our son Russ worked in IT, so he came on board to work on the website and later our daughter, Lois, joined to help with social media. We naturally complement each other, although we do have some very intense discussions! At least with family, you always know you’ll get an honest opinion.
Rejuvenated has evolved over the last 20 years and we now sell a collection of products that encompass total health, including longevity, gut boosters and hormonal wellbeing. We have won 130 awards to date and are delighted to have won two awards this year alone for ‘Best Wellbeing Supplement Brand’. Our global bestseller is Collagen Shots. We’ve sold over 20 million shots worldwide and won 27 individual awards throughout the years. When I formulated this supplement drink, I wanted to create an e cacious formula that matched clinical studies. I then added some additional skin
boosting ingredients and, it’s safe to say, the results truly do speak for themselves.
Two of our latest launches have quickly become bestsellers within the range. Regenerate is an advanced formula that contains eight youth boosting plant molecules to support cellular energy and healthy DNA. Female Hormone Support instils harmony to out of sync hormones.
To celebrate our 20th year, we’ve rebranded and unveiled new colourful packaging. The response from both customers and press have been wonderfully positive. In January, we launched a new website which focussed on user experience. We also opened our own warehouse to improve quality of service.
Looking back, it hasn’t been easy, both Brexit and Covid have naturally had a huge impact on us as a business. I’d like to think that we have been adaptable and risen to the challenges we’ve faced. Throughout the years, we have been fortunate enough to receive business support within Yorkshire, and this has helped us fund projects that we would not have been able to achieve otherwise.
rejuvenated.com
“THE CONCEPT OF BEAUTY FROM WITHIN WAS NOT WIDELY WELL-KNOWN”
ESTÉE LAUDER
The Summer Look
Eyeshadow Palette, £45 net-a-porter.com
GLOSSIER
Skywash in Pool, £18 uk.glossier.com
GLISTEN COSMETICS
Split Liner, £11.50 sephora.co.uk
GLOSSIER
PAT MCGRATH LABS
Luxe Eyeshadow Quad: Passion Fleur, £55 patmcgrath.com
Skywash in Pool, £18 uk.glossier.com
EDITOR’S PICK
MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Metallics Eye Palette, £50 makeupbymario.com
RARE BEAUTY Discovery Eyeshadow Palette, £30 rarebeauty.com
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS
Mini Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol.3, £33 beautybay.com
By CARLY GLENDINNING
MILK MAKEUP Color Chalk 3G, £17 spacenk.com
SISLEY PARIS
Les Phyto-Ombres Eyeshadow, £40 net-a-porter.com
UPCIRCLE
Kaolin Clay Face Mask, £18.99 upcirclebeauty.com
EMOLYNE
Eyeshadow Crème in Bwindi Forest, £24 emolyne.com
ISHGA
A blend of clean and natural ingredients, the Balancing Marine Cream from ishga contains seaweed extract and Hebridean spring water, which together yield 86 vitamins and minerals, £54. ishga.com
EDITOR’S PICK
EIGHTH DAY
Eighth Day’s supercharged Regenerative Serum was formulated by Dr. Anthony Nakhla in a clinical setting. The magical blend of high-potency, nutrient rich ingredients is designed to stimulate your own cells, promoting healing, repair, and renewal, £270.
Award-winning beauty sleep brand, Kiss the Moon, have revamped their popular aromatherapy pillow mists for autumn 2023. 100% natural and made with pure essential oils in two of Kiss the Moon’s night-time aromatherapy blends. Each one taps into the power of nature’s most relaxing essences to help you quieten the mind at the end of the day and transform your bedroom into a haven for sleep. Which blend will you choose?
LOVE: luxurious rose with undertones of frankincense. For a rejuvenating beauty sleep that helps you wake up feeling your best.
DREAM: soothing lavender with a twist of bergamot. To help ease light sleepers into a deeper, more restorative night’s rest. Spritz into the air around pillows and bedding each night and then let the aromatherapy oils work their magic. Also works wonders in the bathroom – just spritz in the air next to towels and bathrobes and put them on the radiator and let them scent the air while you have a relaxing bath or shower before bed.
GLOW GETTER and 100% natural, made without cruelty to
Based in the English countryside, Kiss the Moon create beauty and wellness products that tap in to the power of nature’s most soothing ingredients to help you sleep well and wake up feeling gorgeous. Everything in the range is 100% natural, made without cruelty to animals and proudly made in the UK.
Australian brand Tropicology use the healing and restorative powers of antioxidantrich organic avocado oil. Suitable for all skin types, the range is cruelty, soap, paraben, and sulphate free. tropicology.com.au
KISS THE MOON
powers of antioxidant-
Kiss the Moon A er Dark Pillow Mists - £18 for 100ml. Available online at kissthemoon.com or visit their shop near Richmond, North Yorkshire (call 01748 822888 for directions and opening times).
I t shou l d a l wa y s be Rodger s
Fabric and leather sofas & chairs, bric chai beds & bedroomfurniture, ds bedroom furniture, diningfurniture flooring, ning furniture, softfurnishings and lighting.
Monks Cross, York, YO32 9JR
Tel: 01904 610570
Email: sales@rodgersofyork.co.uk
Web: www.rodgersofyork.co.uk
Take a break in the Rodgers Tea Room for morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea.
DESIGN NEWS, THE LATEST LAUNCHES p66
DARLINGS OF CHELSEA’S YORKSHIRE ROOTS p68
INSIDE RITA KONIG’S STUNNING HOME p72
THE LATEST MUST-HAVE TREND p93
RODGERS
Design is central to ercol – design for comfort, design for function, design for looks. The Marinello epitomises this philosophy where all this criteria is met in a design concept that creates a contemporary and elegant sofa range which has the ercol signature, with a solid timber leg that frames the upholstered cushions. rodgersofyork.co.uk
The beautiful Foxmoor display cabinet is perfect for storing your best dinner service, your collection of object d'art, or even your favourite books. It features a roomy cupboard space, fitted with a fixed shelf and three adjustable shelves in the cabinet top. With a depth of just 37.4cm it will fit unobtrusively into most spaces.
johnlewis.com
Studio Nest are a design-led furniture and interior design studio, taking inspiration from timeless trends that reflect their design values. Nature and Minimaluxe are two of their top trends right now. studionest.co.uk
ERA, the glass AGA, is a mix of evolution and revolution. It’s where technology meets design and where heritage meets modernity. And it’s where glass is used extensively for the fi rst time to create a striking, unifi ed aesthetic. tncook.co.uk
Grind's collaboration with Henry Holland features a stylish limited edition Grind coffee tin, printed with his signature marble print, and a special limited edition hand built mug. The partnership brings together two East London brands that are each celebrated for their cra . grind.co.uk
Diptyque's Glass strives upwards while summoning up the iconography of antique lamps. Lovingly, the flame candle lids extol the memory of fire dancing in the darkness, like replica flames blown into being by the heat. diptyqueparis.com
Yorkshire born John Darling is celebrating 20 years of his designer sofa and bed business, Darlings of Chelsea. Here, he tells Absolutely how he did it
Yorkshireman John Darling is the charismatic founder of Darlings of Chelsea – the designer sofa and bed specialists. Darlings of Chelsea offer fabulous handcrafted, contemporary and traditional pieces in a range of premium fabrics and leathers. John studied Business Management at Newcastle University before starting his first job with the search engine Excite and then joining Debenhams as an affiliate manager. Darlings of Chelsea was launched in 2004.
The brand’s first showroom in Chelsea was tiny with room to display just five sofas. Keeping showroom costs low allowed John to sell high-quality handmade sofas at very competitive prices and word spread quickly. Darlings of Chelsea turned over £70,000 in the first month of trading and now this much-loved Great British brand has a hugely successful online operation and four showrooms located in Surrey, Hertford, Birmingham and London where you can sit, snuggle, lounge or lie back on the range of sofa styles featuring everything from high backs and deep seats to curved arms and classic finishes.
“I’ve put my life and soul into building Darlings of Chelsea and played every role along the wayfrom designer to showroom manager and delivery driver,” John says. “I’ve got a fantastic team who are committed as I am to offering outstanding customer service alongside an unrivalled choice of designs and fabrics. It’s a winning combination which I believe will keep us ahead of the competition.” Absolutely Yorkshire decided to find out a little more from the man himself…
Q Where were you born and raised?
A On a farm outside Richmond, North Yorkshire. It was idyllic really – lots of local friends, animals, sport and outdoors.
Q What’s the one thing you really miss about being in Yorkshire on a daily basis?
A Yorkshire humour!
Q Were there any traits you picked up that would become invaluable running your own business?
A I helped out on the farm from a young age, so I guess I started to learn about getting stuck in to anything that comes up.
Q When you were first plotting your career path, was running a business that initially produced handmade sofas on your radar?
A Not at all – my first business was selling villas in Spain and Portugal when I was 24-years-old. But I was having to wait up to 12 months to get my commission so it was hard work on the cash flow. I built it up to four full time sales people, but when Darlings of Chelsea started to take off I moved everyone over to the sofa side.
Q What inspired Darlings of Chelsea?
A I bought a sofa for my flat in Clapham and it took six months to arrive from China. I felt if I could deliver UK handmade sofas within six weeks it may go well. I found a few suppliers on Ask Jeeves (yes it’s that long ago ) and we still work with them today.
Q What was the biggest challenge when you first launched?
A Delivery damage – I chose the cheapest delivery company around and they were damaging a lot and letting us down. I quickly learned to choose a quality delivery company.
Q Why do you think you stood out in those early days?
A We’ve since changed our logo, but back then we sold a lot of Chesterfield leather sofas and the branding and name suited that style and gained trust with customers.
Q How have you evolved in the nigh on two decades since launching?
A Our product range is much more appealing, on trend and we have embraced technology. We have a photo realistic sofa configurator on the website where you can see your fabric choice on the sofa, with full HD
zoom, 360 spin for every angle and even drop the sofa into your space at home using our Augmented Reality feature on your mobile.
Q What kind of fabrics do you now offer?
A Stain resistant and easy clean fabrics are great for busy family homes and we also offer some recycled fabrics for the more eco conscious. All come as velvets, linens, cottons and boucle, and so on.
Q How do you go about coming up with a new design?
A We keep a close eye on trends and are always assessing where we feel our range is lacking. We ask our customers in store too and those that didn’t buy from us – where did they buy and what style. We start with some rough sketches and discuss with the sales team. We will then prototype and check for comfort and dimensions and refine until we are happy. Some designs take six weeks, some take six months to get right.
Q Over the years, what has been your favourite creation and why?
A Probably the Weymouth Sofabed – extra long thick memory foam mattress, feather cushions and doesn’t look like a sofabed at all!
Q Do you have big plans for your 20th anniversary next year?
A Yes – we are going to have a big party and invite suppliers, ex staff, top trade customers etc… We will also be having our biggest sale to date.
Q Finally, could there be a showroom in Yorkshire one day?
A Yes – I can’t wait to bring Darlings of Chelsea to Yorkshire. I think it will be our next destination and maybe a good way to celebrate 20 years.
darlingsofchelsea.co.uk
“I think Yorkshire will be our next destination, maybe a way to celebrate 20 years”MIDDLETON GRAND SOFA IN WAXY SEMI ANILINE TAN, £3,563 CANTERBURY 3.5-SEATER SOFA BED IN TWEED ATMOSPHERE, £2,913
Internationally renowned interior designer Rita Konig talks about the joys of meticulously transforming her farmhouse
By NATALIE LI
Home is where the heart is and there’s plenty of soul at North Farm on the borders of Durham and the Yorkshire Dales.
Rita Konig, daughter of influential interior designer Nina Campbell, threw her energies into transforming the 19th century farmhouse into a deliciously warm and comforting family home infused with rich layers of colour, fabric, and thoughtfully selected antiques.
It’s a true display of her quirky, signature style while honouring the legacy and energy of the building. “When I’m decorating, I have the circumstances and place in mind and my aim was to create a cosy feeling,” explains Rita.
The devil is in the detail and no expense has been spared in the luxury eight-bedroom home, close to Barnard Castle. From the Robert Kime rug in the sitting room alongside Edward Bulmer Natural paints on the walls to transforming an enclosed “dark and
introspective” staircase into an open, central hall.
The house was inherited from Rita’s (now ex-husband) biographer Philip Eade, part of his family estate since the late 1700s. They had very different ideas of what the home would be used for. “I saw it as a family home and Philip wanted to create a holiday let,” reveals Rita.
North Farm serves as both a holiday retreat for 14 guests and a country bolthole where the family spend school holidays with their nine-year-old daughter Margot. Rita was resolute in her vision for the home and holiday let. “I simply didn’t want it to become a holiday let with generic furniture and no charm!”
Striking features can be found in every corner of the beautifully restored home: from the Portuguese lettuce chinaware to the Barber Wilson & Co taps (found in Buckingham Palace) in the kitchen. “It’s the hub of the home and a large dining table was important. It has the loveliest
morning light and wonderful views,” enthuses Rita.
“I hate it when you rent somewhere expensive to find that the plates are from Ikea – it’s so boring. Visitors like to play ‘doll’s house’ in someone else’s place. It’s like trying on someone else’s clothes.”
Rita’s labour of love is an eclectic mix of old and new. Some pieces of furniture came from her London home and her mother who had a warehouse full of furniture, art and more. “I loved renovating it; the buying was fun! Yes, there’s new stuff, but I had to beg and borrow. My mother had plenty in storage and I selected what I considered were uncool, 1990s pieces.
“Funnily enough, the bits I felt snooty about actually make the house, for example six oracular prints from my mother’s great friend Stephanie Hoppen now sit in one of the bedrooms and they are perfect – just like the ottoman in the TV room.
“It’s those funny things that I wouldn’t have thought worked is where the magic
happens. If you buy all new pieces, it can lack the energy and softness of old pieces.”
Uncovering gems from auction houses like Tennants in Leyburn, North Yorkshire and poking around Barnard Castle were part of the design process, Rita tells me. Notably en-suite bathrooms are excluded from the farmhouse – mainly due to budget and Rita’s personal preferences for the “buzz of corridor life” and a sense of privacy. “I feel there should be a distance between a bathroom and bedroom – a vestibule in between helps create privacy between couples.”
Three equally sized master bedrooms were also of high importance. “You often rent with other families and it’s awful when there’s one obviously amazing bedroom, so I was very conscious of that.” No complaints from her guests reassures Rita that her considered choices work well. “People comment that North Farm looks like a house, but works like a hotel,” adds the designer.
After a stint as an assistant to author and fashion journalist Meredith EtheringtonSmith – “a brilliant, eccentric person” –Rita secured a regular column in Vogue magazine after meeting former editor Alexandra Shulman.
“During a lunch someone spilt red wine and I suggested they remove it with vodka. Alex was keen to start a domestic tips column and that’s how I got into writing.”
Rita wrote for several publications offering home and interior tips. Her work featured in House & Garden, the Telegraph and The New York Times and
she even landed a book deal, releasing Domestic Bliss.
Carving a name in her own right was paramount to Rita who, aged 27, embarked on her interior design career working with “high profile women of independent means”.
“I couldn’t work out where nepotism started and my talent began, or if I even had any talent,” she admits. “It was a terrifying thing to do but a planned leap of faith.”
She has since worked on high-profile projects in London and the US. She cites the renovation of a home in Mill Valley, California as a seminal job where she formed a firm friendship with architect Gil Schafer.
North Farm is the subject of Rita’s popular interior online course with Create Academy. “I really enjoy the sharing of
knowledge. The course helps viewers to bring their own style to their homes whether they’re rented or owned.”
Plans are in progress for a second course which will follow the current renovation of her London flat. Rita, who recently turned 50, reveals her excitement for the project, but tells me about her fears in creating a “boring space” with brown linen on the walls. “It’s going to have a different feel, it’s all very grown-up, but I will bring some splashes of humour!”
With her inimitable style, flair, and confidence I find it hard to imagine anything she creates ever being termed as boring.
Rita Konig’s online video course ‘An Ultimate Guide to Interior Design’, which was filmed at North Farm, is available now priced £147 for lifetime access at createacademy.com
Decorum reigned in the Victorian dining room, which would be decorated in rich colours and lined with family portraits. In the contemporary version, this space can still conjure up a sense of occasion, but with far less formality. Now, it is more common for the eating area to work in conjunction with other rooms of the house, such as an adjoining living space or as part of an open-plan kitchen. Large or small, these spaces offer plenty of scope to bring together the best of old and new.
With affluent Victorians enjoying meals that could last up to nine courses, the dining room was where guests would have had plenty of time to sit and admire their host’s taste, and
the decor needed to impress accordingly. At the time, the dining room was often the first space to be decorated, in a style that tended towards darker, richer and what were seen as more ‘masculine’ colours. Shades such as claret and deep green were also practical, as they hid the sooty residue left by gas lights, candles and open fires. The intricate patterns of plaster ceiling roses were also both decorative and functional, catching the worst of the soot; some designs even included flues to direct the smoke outside.
Traditionally, the dining room would have an austere and imposing black fireplace, balanced by a lighter version in white marble in the drawing room. A mahogany dining table, upholstered chairs and a sideboard displaying the best china were standard; on the floor, a rug might have been topped by a drugget,
The Victorian dining room might seem outdated –but interior designer Susannah Parker has transformed hers into a contemporary space
a simple woven cloth for catching crumbs or spills. A dado rail would have run around the room to protect wallpaper from scuffs when chairs were pushed back against the wall. Naturally, the pattern-loving Victorians took the opportunity to use the dado rail as a visual divider, with different decoration above and below, while the rail itself might also be painted with small decorative motifs.
Every part of the dining experience was carefully considered, from the ornaments to the dishes that were served. Isabella Beeton is associated with cookery today, but her books and magazine columns also included plenty of advice on how the mistress of the house should conduct herself and maintain a harmonious home. The rise of such manuals was a sign that society was in flux. The middle-class wife – not to mention her servants – was slotting into a changing urban world, where information was handed down in the form of a book or newspaper article rather than from mother to daughter.
Of course, in the Victorian home the hard work that went on in the kitchen remained behind closed doors, and the layouts of our 19th-century houses attest to this. But today we prefer our dining rooms to be connected
to the kitchen, rather than separated from it. Cooking has become a social activity, making the kitchen-diner the hub of family life.
The rear kitchen-diner extension is a common feature of many updated urban Victorian homes, often with rooflights and glass doors opening onto the garden. When sensitively done, extending into the side return or back garden can create extra space that works harmoniously with the proportions of the original layout. If you’re planning an extension with lots of glazing, a solar-control coating on the glass will prevent it from getting uncomfortably hot in summer; in colder months, double- or triple-glazing will reduce heat waste. Acoustic layers can also be laminated between panes of toughened glass to provide sound insulation – useful in busy city locations.
Interior designer Susannah Parker’s dining room comes into its own in the evening, when the candles are lit and reflective surfaces catch the light. The proportions of the furniture are also important, with the long antique table complementing the mid-century Ercol dining chairs surprisingly well. The original shutters have been painted in the same shade as the walls for a seamless continuity.
This feature is an edited extract from Victorian Modern: A Design Bible for the Victorian Home, Thames & Hudson, Jo Leevers and Rachael Smith, £30
“Today we prefer our dining rooms to be connected to the kitchen, rather than separated from it”Susannah Parker’s dining room comes into its own in the evening, when the candles are lit
Moving into a new home or embarking on any kind of home improvement project can be both daunting and overwhelming. You may have a good idea of the kind of finished space that you are looking to create, but knowing where to start and how to make sense of it all is a whole different matter.
For some people this discovery phase and collecting ideas is all part of the fun of the project, but many people just don’t have either the time, inclination, or both, to do this. Others recognise that while they may like to be involved, they aren’t experts in this field, and they can really see the value of calling in the professionals to help.
Every project we get involved with is as different and unique as the clients whose home it is. We try to be flexible in our approach to the services we offer as not everyone is looking for the same level of service. Some of our clients just want help with some new bespoke curtains and re-upholstery, others want us to totally transform their whole house.
We offer a straight-forward showroom appointment for those wanting to choose from our extensive library of designer fabrics and wallcoverings, while for the bigger projects we offer a range of packages that include a home interior design visit. Our team of professional interior designers can also offer a technical drawings service for floor plans, internal elevations and 3D models if required.
When the owners of the stunning property pictured on these pages called us in to help, they were keen to put their own stamp on it and chose to use our home interior design consultation package. The brief was to create a beautiful space to relax in, both by themselves and with large groups of family and friends. With beautiful period features such as ornate coving and original wooden shutters still in place, this provided a starting point for designing the room.
Deciding not to add any further window treatments meant that the other elements in the room had to work harder to provide interest and texture. For the walls, which were originally white, a warmer stone colour from Paint & Paper Library was specified, which provides a dramatic contrast to the beautiful skirting boards, dado rail and coving painted in white.
Bespoke furniture pieces were designed to add shape, colour and texture as well as considering the practical aspect of providing enough seating for guests. Additional upholstered cubes were introduced for occasional seating and to be stored under marble topped console tables when not in use.
A patterned rug was selected to position in the middle of the room to add another layer of comfort, while not detracting from the beautiful wooden floor. A set of glass circular nesting coffee tables was chosen to sit in the middle to mirror the curves on the sofa.
Accessories and artwork were chosen to complement the colours in the furniture pieces and to pull the
different elements together to form a cohesive, relaxing space that both they and their guests can enjoy.
All of this was put together and then presented back to our clients in our showroom using mood boards, spatial plans, and drawings, together with fabric and finishes swatches to bring it all to life. Once agreed, our installations team went to do a check measure before everything was ordered and put into production, and then ultimately delivered and put in situ.
If this sounds like the sort of service that could help to bring your home to life, get in touch either online or by calling your local showroom to book a complimentary 30 minute discovery appointment.
FURNISH
Wetherby – 01937 581451. Pocklington – 01759 487437
furnishandfettle.co.uk
“We offer a straight-forward showroom appointment”
Morsø cast iron stoves can generate plenty of heat even in the tightest space, thanks to its ergonomic design and sleek chimney, plus it has a handle that always stays cold. From £1,999. morsoe.com
With easy-to-control settings that can turn up the heat in moments, this effi cient stove is suitable for fi replace or freestanding installation and would be a classic addition to any living space. From £1,129. hunterstoves.co.uk
The ACR Rowandale is a handsome multifuel design with an air wash feature to make sure the glass stays clean. This stove is suitable for wood burning in smokeless zones. From £1,799 in cream. directstoves.com
The Solution 5 (S4) has traditional styling, but is available in a variety of contemporary colourways, including a rich Miami blue. All of Arada's stoves meet the latest eco-ready credentials. From £849. aradastoves.com
Designed and made on the Isle of Wight, the Regency-inspired Cranmore 5 comes in matte black or coloured fi nishes and has a large picture window for cosy evenings fi reside. From £1,864. charnwood.com
Are you looking to replace an open fire with a more efficient way of heating your home? Or keen to add an additional form of heating during the winter months? Modern wood-burning stoves or log burners are more efficient and therefore cheaper to run than traditional gas and electric heaters.
In addition to providing an efficient form of heating, wood burners add character, style and a focal point. With their combination of heat and the visual impact of roaring flames, there’s nothing better when it’s cold outside than to snuggle up in front of a log burner.
Focus Fireplaces and Stoves has been established in York for over 35 years, with over 20,000 installations and a reputation
for delivering exceptional service and the latest innovative products. Director, Mike White, explains the benefits of buying and running a wood-burning stove. “There's a variety of different types to choose from,” he says. “These include radiant stoves, convection stoves, boiler stoves, pellet stoves and multi-fuel stoves, which have proven popular thanks to the convenience of being able to burn both wood and smokeless fuels.”
What are the benefits of wood-burning stoves? “They are ideal for supplementary use when you need a sudden burst of heat during cold winter months. Wood provides a more intense heat in a room compared to a radiator or underfloor heating and the heat can also be emitted for longer,” explains Mike. “They’re also a low emission and low carbon way to heat your home. Plus there’s the lower running cost. An efficient Ecodesign
wood-burning stove costs about a third of the price of electric heating, and 10% less than gas central heating for the average household.
“There’s also a mental health benefit,” Mike adds. “According to a recent study, 93% of those surveyed recognise their stoves’ positive impact on their wellbeing. Lighting a fire encourages us to slow down and cosy up.”
Mike offers the following tips when purchasing wood-burning stoves. “A stove is quite a considerable investment and one that is likely to remain part of your living room for many years, so attention to design, fitting and aftersales is essential.”
Mike recommends having a site survey by their in-house qualified HETAS engineers before purchasing a new heating appliance. “Our engineer will take into consideration the appropriate heat output for the room, the relevant location within the house, and the most appropriate flue system for your appliance, to ensure it is suitable,” he says.
Mike says that offering a large choice of products is crucial. “Viewing live displays is essential. Our showrooms display fireplaces and stoves to suit all requirements, but whether it’s the ultimate model or something to suit a more modest budget, we never compromise on quality. Our products are meant to last, and be at the centre of people’s lives, and we never forget that.”
Focus Fireplaces & Stoves
01904 400525
focusfireplacesyork.co.uk
Lucy Pittaway, the UK’s mostpublished artist three years running, continues to see growth following a series of significant investments – and shows no sign of slowing down. The award-winning artist continues to invest in her business as well as taking steps towards future diversification.
In spring 2022, the business underwent a substantial project to expand its production, logistics, and shipping capacity from its North Yorkshire head office. This included building a 3,300 sq. ft dedicated warehouse facility, adding an extra 1,000 sq. ft of production space, creating more office space, a photography suite, and installing electrical vehicle charging points. The new premises opened back in January 2023.
The recent acquisition of specialist equipment, stock, and highly skilled staff from Wensleydale Galleries has significantly bolstered Lucy Pittaway’s core business offerings and in-house services.
With decades of experience in framing, restoration, and conservation, Wensleydale Galleries brings a wealth of expertise that has seamlessly integrated into the Lucy Pittaway brand since March 2023.
Andy Richardson, formerly of Wensleydale Galleries, explains that the move to combine their services with Lucy Pittaway was a natural step. Having worked closely with Lucy for almost 14 years, he understands the level of quality she seeks in her supplier chain. With their 30 years of experience in creating hand-crafted picture frames for artists, commercial clients, and the public, it makes perfect sense to join forces.
Lucy Pittaway expresses excitement about offering a new range of bespoke framing services from her Bromptonon-Swale Gallery. “Having worked with Wensleydale Galleries for many years to frame my own artwork, bringing their expert craftsmanship in-house was the natural progression for my business,” she says. “This means we can now offer bespoke picture framing for fine art originals, photographs, needlework, mirrors, and made-to-measure memorabilia. Andy’s reputation for excellence adds great value to the Lucy Pittaway brand.”
Moreover, now that the physical footprint of the head office has been expanded, production capacity has been increased with additional investment in new equipment. The business can capture original artwork in-house using HiResolution Contact-Free Scanning via the WideTEK36 Art Fine Art Scanner, alongside an additional second printer to double their printing capacity.
All in all, the merger with Wensleydale Galleries and the additional investments and expansions have positioned Lucy Pittaway’s business for continued growth and success, providing an even wider range of services to their customers.
For more details, call 01748 810 965 or visit the Brompton-on-Swale gallery at Unit 7 & 8, Station Road, Brompton-onSwale, Richmond, DL10 7SN
Britain’s comfiest premium furniture and homeware brand, Loaf, is opening its tenth Shack (its take on a showroom) in Redbrick Mill, Batley, South Yorkshire for October 2023.
Situated in one of the North’s most desirable retail destinations, Redbrick Mill, the new Shack will be Loaf’s largest showroom to date (double the size of their Edinburgh Shack that opened in February 2023). The two floor, 15,500 sq ft, open-plan standalone site is housed in one of the old mill buildings, attached
to the main shopping complex, and will pay homage to life in the slow lane (it's a slowroom, not a showroom!).
As well as oodles of Loaf’s signature squish and latest laid-back wares, the Shack will house a mattress testing area, dedicated areas for their modular sofas, sofa beds and beds, plus their largest space to shop its range of homewares (think cushions, tableware, home fragrance, slippers and socks).
Table football and retro sweet machines will be on hand for little (and not-so-little) Loafers to enjoy. Or take five in one of the snugs to watch
Paddington the movie. It’s a haven for kicking back and relaxing!
Last but certainly not least, customers can find a Biscuit Bar at the front counter where they can enjoy a cuppa and a sweet treat. Or kick back by a built-in fireplace whilst they mull over any design decisions.
Loaf’s CEO, Sam Perkins, says: “We’ve had high customer demand to open another Shack in the North of England and we’re thrilled to be introducing our tenth showroom in Leeds. Redbrick Mill is one of the UK’s top retail destinations for furniture and interiors, and we know that our largest space to date will be amongst great company. We look forward to opening the doors to Loaf’s laid-back world!”
With plenty of on-site parking, Loaf can’t wait to introduce the new Shack to the city of Leeds.”
WHERE
johnlewis.com
By PENDLE HARTE
BEAUTIFUL WALLS
Floral
SAINTS GO Burgundy Eucalyptus Stems, £39 wheresaintsgo.co.uk
EARTHBORN PAINTS Lady Bug, £54 earthbornpaints.co.uk
POOKY Murphy table lamp, £110 pooky.com
SHIMU Viscount Rug Burgundy, £129 shimu.co.uk
Impressions Leaves and Berries, £42.98 beautifulwalls.co.uk
EICHHOLTZ Trapezium Chair, £1,124 sweetpeaandwillow.com
THE FRENCH HOUSE Buttoned Tub Armchair, £950 thefrenchhouse.co.uk
FLOS Captain Flint Outdoor Wall Light, £799 inspyerlighting.co.uk
VICTORY COLOURS
About Damson No 50, £44.95 victorycolours.co.uk
LIGNE ROSET Taru One Arm Settee, £3,620 ligne-roset.com
J ADAMS Spot Desk Light, £588 jadamsandco.com
BODE LIVING Pink Ceramic Check Lamp, £120 bode-living.com
DAR LIGHTING
Erna 1 Light Table Lamp, £87 darlighting.co.uk
SAZY Oron Dome Table Lamp, £110 sazy.com
HOUSEOF Charcoal Grey Tube Table Lamp, £199 houseof.com
MICUCCI INTERIORS
Firefl y Portable Table Lamp Lotus, £320 micucci.co.uk
All the best table lamps
By PENDLE HARTE
RV ASTLEY Irwell Table Lamp, £291 limelace.co.uk
FRENCH BEDROOM
J ADAMS Luna Table Light, £1,500 jadamsandco.com
Toile Blue Table Lamp, £295 frenchbedroom.co.uk
NICHOLAS ENGERT INTERIORS Table Lamp Sorry Giotto, £975 nicholasengert.co.uk
THE FRENCH HOUSE
Vintage Table Lamp, £100 thefrenchhouse.co.uk
HOUSEOF Olive green marble column table lamp, £199 houseof.com
HOUSEOF Teal Xou Table Lamp, £299 houseof.com
We design and install beautiful, bespoke furniture and interiors across Yorkshire. Contact our studio to arrange your complimentary design consultation.
CROSSWATER Lever Basin Side Deck Mixer in Slate, £429 crosswater.co.uk
DRENCH
Burlington Gold Riviera Basin Pillar Taps, £168.99, drench.co.uk
DOWSING & REYNOLDS
Tinkisso Colour Pop Kitchen Tap Miami Pink, £146.99 dowsingandreynolds.com
CROSSWATER
Beck Cloakroom Basin and Tap, £520 crosswater.com
GROHE
Minta Blue Pure Filtered Water Tap, £615 grohe.co.uk
BIG BATHROOM SHOP
Milano Elizabeth Traditional Crosshead Basin Pillar Taps, £99.99 bigbathroomshop.co.uk
It's all in the details: here are some of the finest taps
By PENDLE HARTE
PLANK HARDWARE Armstrong Kitchen Tap, £139.95 plankhardware.com
BATHROOM MOUNTAIN
Trent Brushed Brass Wall Mounted Basin Mixer Tap, £89.99 bathroommountain.co.uk
CROSSWATER Beck Cloakroom Basin and Tap, £520 crosswater.com
UK BATHROOMS
20% o meals with any 3-night stay or more in October & November
The Weston Hotel is an independent, family-run hotel. We are located on the prestigious Esplanade, overlooking Scarborough's South Bay and this handsome Victorian building provides 32 en-suite bedrooms, of which 18 enjoy panoramic views of the bay from Scarborough Castle to Cayton.
New restaurant service is available from the end of September.
Weston Hotel, 33/34 Esplanade, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2AR westonhotel.co.uk | 01723 373423 | info@westonhotel.co.uk
MALLORCA
Mallorca's Carrossa Hotel and Spa is a luxurious retreat with a strong focus on gastronomy. The location is impressive too, with beautiful views over the eastern part of the island, and a great base to visit the Catedral de Mallorca. carrossa.com
Nestled in the magnificent tranquillity of the Mallorcan countryside, Carrossa Hotel & Spa stands tall in a trident of luxury: stunning hospitality, an immersive spa and first-class food. The Manor House itself blends historic charm with contemporary luxury. Views look out across the house’s garden or patio and the olive trees beyond; each room and suite is air-conditioned and equipped with everything you need for a luxurious stay.
The destination is famed for its flagship Restaurant Carrossa, a fine dining experience set to sprawling panoramic views across eastern Mallorca. Though the four-course gourmet menu is evidently inspired by cuisine from around the world, its roots remain firmly planted in the Mediterranean; many dishes feature freshly caught seafood from the island’s coast, just 15 minutes away by car.
Alternatively, Bistro Badia is a relaxed and exquisitely furnished restaurant overlooking the Bay of Alcúdia. Throughout the day, the
Mallorca's Carrossa Hotel and Spa is an oasis of calm in a beautiful part of the island
kitchen serves an eclectic selection of tapas as well as classic dishes; in the evenings – from Wednesday to Sunday each week –guests can enjoy prix fixe menus that change daily, showcasing the talented kitchen sta with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
For pre-or post-meal drinks, the elegant Bar Oro is well-stocked with a variety of wines and serves lovingly prepared cocktails. A rustic bodega featuring some of the finest wines from around the globe is overseen by a knowledgeable in-house sommelier, making it the ideal setting for unforgettable tasting sessions.
For guests looking to truly indulge in this relaxing paradise, Carrossa also boasts a 1,500m2 spa packed with facilities to suit every taste. A 20m infinity pool is perfect for basking in Mediterranean sun, while inside a heated pool awaits in the colder months. The resort’s team pour hours of dedicated care into keeping the surrounding gardens in immaculate condition, and by reflecting the beauty of distant views in flora no more than a few feet away, the spa can completely immerse guests in the island’s colourful countryside.
Every aspect of the spa is geared towards giving guests complete control, none more so than the ‘world of saunas’: a diverse trio that ensures something for everyone. With a choice of a traditional Finnish Sauna, cooler Bio Sauna or revitalising Steam Bath, guests are free to take advantage of whichever they please. At the heart of the world of saunas is the spacious Spa Lounge, with ample room to relax and enjoy refreshments.
For a more personal touch, Carrossa o ers a vast programme of treatments, each delivered by the resort’s experienced therapists. Head-to-toe pampering awaits, ranging from massages to hot stone
treatments and everything in between. Guests can also browse a broad selection of beauty and cosmetic treatments.
To complete an impressive array of selfcare facilities, Carrossa’s state-of-the-art gym is a perfect workout space full of the latest cardiovascular and weight training equipment. This is where regular, expertled yoga classes take place, suitable for beginners and veterans of the discipline alike.
Though you’ll probably never want to leave the hotel, there’s plenty to do in the immediate area. From cycling and nearby beaches to golf, it’s hard to imagine a better place for a leisure holiday. Every Tuesday, the nearby town of Artà comes alive with a bustling market that thousands flock to sample.
The rest of the time, though, this side of Mallorca is as far removed as you can get from the neon nightlife that continues to draw so many to the island. In fact, it’s the antithesis: an oasis with a lifestyle so relaxed that – unlewss you step into the Finnish sauna – you’ll barely break a sweat.
carrossa.com
“A fine dining experience set to sprawling panoramic views across eastern Mallorca”
Abrand-new Christmas light trail, AGLOW, will dazzle visitors to Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland this festive season, with the tallest Christmas tree in the North, the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country, as well as 17 other breath-taking light installations, making it one of the largest light trails in England
Taking place from 22 November to 31 December 2023 (excluding Christmas Day), AGLOW is a glittering one-and-a-half-mile long trail through the ancient Castle grounds, taking in the Deer Park, River Gaunless and a specially created Santa’s Village, complete with a performance stage. The scenery of the Castle and grounds have been utilised to their full extent, making every twist and turn of the 1.5 hour-long illuminated route a Christmas experience like no other.
Whilst exploring AGLOW, visitors will see Auckland Castle in a whole new
light, with stunning projections on the Castle walls and glowing rainbow-hued spheres of light covering the bowling green. A sparkling 100 metre-long tunnel of 100,000 stars leads into the parkland where large-scale illuminations with lasers, neon ropes, mirror balls, LED vines and starburst trees will dazzle and delight.
Life-size illuminated deer graze amongst silk flower lanterns at the Deer House, while dancing water fountains make the River Gaunless spring to life and daring illuminations featuring real fire make for after-dark drama.
Towering over Santa’s Village is a giant redwood or Wellingtonia tree beside the river, festooned with almost one kilometre of colourful lights – at 32 metres/104 feet high the tree claims the title of tallest Christmas tree in the North.
On the stage, Santa and his mischievous elves will entertain children and adults alike with a live show performed regularly throughout the evening. For some interactive
fun there are bubble installations and musical tree stumps, as well as vintage fairground rides including a 1934 children’s train with carriages named after towns in North East England, a 1950s Chair-o-plane and a popular Hook-a-Duck stall o ering prizes every time.
For those making a day of it, The Auckland Project has plenty more to o er with Auckland Castle, the Spanish Gallery, Faith Museum and Mining Art Gallery, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30am–4pm (separate tickets required). Entry times for the trail are at 30-minute intervals from 4.30pm–8.30pm each day and please allow at least 90 minutes to complete the trail.
Tickets are £21.50 for adults, £14.50 for children or £66.50 for families (consisting of one adult and three children, or two adults and two children). Children aged 2 and under enter for free. The Auckland Project Annual Pass Holders receive 20% discount on the ticket prices.
See more at aucklandproject.org
“It claims the title of the tallest Christmas tree in the North”
Staycation treats in Yorkshire and nearby for you to get away this season
Ivy House is a beautifully renovated Georgian home at the foot of Warkworth Castle in Northumberland. This quirky, double-fronted building exudes character and charm while providing visitors with a wealth of contemporary comforts. The house can sleep up to eight guests in four bedrooms and is pet-friendly too. It features an enclosed garden with stunning views of the Northumbrian countryside and is only a 15-minute walk from Warkworth Beach, meaning you can make the most of both coast and country.
Conveniently situated on the main street, you will find restaurants, bars, independent shops, and art galleries on the doorstep. In addition, the River Coquet flows around the village, providing lovely walks and a hotspot for kayakers and paddleboarders alike. Whether you relax indoors or explore the surrounding area, this holiday home is the perfect base for a memorable getaway. 01665 710700 coquetcottages.co.uk
GOURMET GETAWAY
An overnight stay in a bedroom of your choice, a bottle of house Champagne in the room on arrival, our seasonally inspired six course tasting menu served in our 2AA rosette restaurant and a hearty full Yorkshire breakfast the following morning.
TWO PEOPLE IN A CLASSIC
If you’re looking to recharge the batteries then Flittermouse Barn, located in the grounds of Weatherhill Farm, ticks all the boxes and is perfect for a luxury break. Lovingly restored in 2022, this 200-year-old barn features open ceilings, exposed brickwork and polished concrete floors. Decorated and furnished in a calm yet luxurious style and all on one level, guests will not be disappointed as they enter the gorgeous open plan living area, home to a well equipped kitchen, dining area and comfortable sitting area with wood burning stove. The master bedroom and main bathroom are oozing with character and each window throughout frames the views Flittermouse Barn nestles itself in. 01969 600 600 yorkshirehideaways.co.uk
‘Boltholes’ is a collection of characterful self-catering residences located in the Yorkshire Dales and Derbyshire’s Peak District. As well as pretty, chocolate-box like cottages, there are traditional stone farmhouses, contemporary styled barns, elegant villas, shepherd’s huts, a chapel and a Hunting Tower. Their stylish interiors to rival that of any luxurious hotel, always in keeping with the traditional country lifestyle, where dogs are welcome too. The Duke and the Duchess take a great personal interest to ensure that the accommodation not only reflects the country lifestyle, and also enjoys a ‘home-from-home’ feel, with antiques, sumptuous soft furnishings, original artwork and book collections, complemented by modern lifestyle touches, such as Netflix and Alexa. The Chatsworth Collection, the ‘signature’ collection, comprises eight magnificent, well-equipped properties in close proximity to Chatsworth, or even on the Estate itself. Properties include an impressive Hunting Tower (c1582) romantically perched with views across the estate. devonshirehotels.co.uk/boltholes
Largest of the Thirley Cotes Farm cottages, Sycamore sleeps ten guests across five bedrooms and is located in Harwood Dale, between Scarborough and Whitby. This traditionally restored self-catering holiday retreat is made for an autumnal getaway, complete with 21 acres of surrounding wildlife and woodland.
Sycamore is an upside-down property (bedrooms below, living spaces above) and features an enclosed front-facing terrace garden with a private hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day's exploring or simply when you want to spend an afternoon 'at home'. Two dogs of any size can also be accommodated. Seven-night stays Oct-Dec start from £1,496 and save 25% on last minute breaks booked within four weeks of arrival OR book four nights for the price of three on midweek breaks. thirleycotesfarm.co.uk
Ox Pasture Hall Hotel is pleased to welcome Thomas Carr with the opening of his new restaurant, Thomas Carr @ the Coast, located at Ox Pasture Hall. Thomas Carr held a Michelin star for seven years from 2016 to 2022 at his two previous restaurants in North Devon – The Olive Room and 1873, before relocating to Scarborough North Yorkshire in 2023 to open his new seafood restaurant Thomas Carr @ The Coast.
Ox Pasture Hall Hotel is a relaxing and romantic place to stay. A former country house which has been transformed into a luxury country house hotel located in the magnificent North Yorkshire Moors National Park just outside Scarborough. Perfect for a relaxing break or luxury hotel getaway on the Yorkshire coast. oxpasturehallhotel.com
SILCOATES SCHOOL
Silcoates School has invested in a stateof-the-art Sixth Form Study Centre and Admissions and Careers Hub, both meticulously designed to empower students on their academic journeys and guide them toward promising careers. These spaces embody Silcoates’ commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. silcoates.org.uk
Nobody ever said growing up was easy, but these days it can be particularly tough – especially for girls.
That’s where Dr Zoe Williams comes in, with a desire to create a new guide for the 9+ age group – not just focusing on the physical changes of puberty, but the social and emotional pressures of 21st life. You Grow Girl! The Complete No Worries Guide to Growing Up is the result.
Dr Zoe Williams is a well-placed voice of authority, a London GP, with day-today experience of the issues young people encounter. She is also a familiar and trusted medic on our screens, including slots on BBC and ITV shows. Her schedule includes roles with the Royal College of General Practitioners and British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. Oh, and she’s a former rugby player (Blaydon Women’s RFC) and appeared as ‘Amazon’ on Sky 1’s Gladiators. By anyone’s lights – but especially if you’re a girl growing up –that last bit adds up to pretty cool.
She is clear about the challenges girls face today – and they go way beyond the physical changes that make puberty such a confusing time. “It was really important to me to make sure we included topics that young people are not only interested in, but should be aware of,” she says. The book gives all the sound advice you’d hope for (looking after your body and healthy eating), but also covers o everything from building body confidence to being empowered to speak up when something doesn’t seem right.
Zoe thinks that the information children are exposed to in real time makes trusted sources and sound guidance more important than
ever. “If I think about myself, I had limited access to information. I could ask my parents, my teachers, find a book or magazine or ask my friends. Whereas now young people can find information on anything online. And they may get good sources of information, or they find information that is incorrect or misleading or dangerous,” she says.
She believes young people today are more attuned to the society in which they are growing up. “I think when we were young, we didn’t feel war and global issues were any of our business, whereas young people do now – and rightly so. They are not just feeling the weight of their personal experience of growing up on their shoulders.”
While You Grow Girl! focuses mostly on supporting children through their own individual journey, it also provides inspiring case studies and guidance to reflect these bigger-picture concerns. These include topical issues such as poverty (food insecurity and period poverty). Zoe felt it was important for the book to acknowledge and support people with the most challenging lives.
“People who are experiencing poverty benefit, but actually poverty a ects all of us,
“Young people are not just feeling the weight of their personal experience of growing up on their shoulders”
A working GP, and a familiar face on TV, Dr Zoe Williams has written a new book designed to guide girls through the physical, mental and social trials of growing up
so the more aware we are the kinder and more supportive we can be as a society.”
The book provides thought-provoking, analysis around bullying. “It’s not just about the person being bullied or the bully, we all have the responsibility and an ability to support both the bully and the person doing the bullying. It’s important, at a deeper level, for young people to feel, empowered and to know they have the permission to speak out and do the right thing.”
Sex, mental health and consent are all covered in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, but also with that ‘dip in’ tips and pointers approach that is so useful in helping young people absorb information without feeling overwhelmed. Zoe is also excellent on inspiring case studies, including drawing on her own recollections as she was growing up. She gives a great account of how she learned to improve her own body confidence on Gladiators and
o ers advice on adopting a gladiator name and stance in testing situations. “All evidence based,” she says. “Your body language in, say, an interview or a situation where you don’t feel that confident can make a huge di erence to how you come across.”
Body confidence is a major issue for girls as they grow, and she delivers insights about this by talking about her own teenage insecurities and her game-changing moment – in the communal showers after her first competitive rugby game. She had prepared for anything, bringing along a bikini. Then everyone just stripped o and got in the shower. “And there was this sudden realisation that nobody cared what I looked like,” she says. “Everyone is di erent, there is no normal. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that, and that’s why I’m telling the young people reading my book.” She thinks that, as adults, we have a duty to
approach the whole business of dispensing advice to young people with care, and also due respect for their intelligence. “We have to give young people credit for the knowledge they already have,” she says. On areas such as consent and sexual identity, she suggests young people are often more aware than we realise, arguably a bit more savvy on some things than we adults.
“As a parent, teacher or grown up, it’s about saying: ‘you know what, you might know more than me on this. I’ll share what I know, and I’d really appreciate it if you’d share what you know, and then maybe we’ll both end up with more knowledge and be empowered’. What a wonderful thing to do, rather than the parent, the teacher or the doctor always being the educator and the young person always being the recipient of knowledge.”
“Everyone is di erent, there is no normal – I wish I could go back and tell myself that, and that’s why I’m telling the young people reading my book”
The Mount School York has been selected as finalists at the Independent School Awards.
“Our recognition in the ‘Small Independent School of the Year’ category matches The Mount’s motto, ‘faithfulness in small things’. It echoes our values as a small, family-led school with large ambitions for our pupils,” comments principal, David Gri ths. “Mount pupils know that being a small school is not a hindrance; if anything, it encourages pupils to look beyond limitations and see, instead, potential in themselves and the world around them.”
The Mount’s Quaker ethos lies at the heart of its educational philosophy, encouraging pupils to respect and value every individual, understand the importance of being themselves, and embody compassion. This
distinct approach to education not only fosters academic excellence, but also nurtures essential qualities that prepare pupils to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
Pupils are continually encouraged to broaden their horizons and push their boundaries, both academically and personally. This commitment to holistic education is evident through a rich tapestry of opportunities that extend beyond the school gates.
Mount pupils hone their public speaking and diplomatic skills through participation in competitions such as the Model United Nations. Pupils engage in debates and develop their understanding of global issues.
Academic excellence is exemplified by The Mount’s participation in competitions, such as the UK Maths Challenge. These contests allow pupils to showcase their academic prowess, enhance problem-solving skills, and compete at a high level.
The performing arts are at the forefront of the school's vibrant extra-curricular programme. Young talents display their creativity and artistry in concerts and performing arts contests, including the esteemed Northern Ballet Competition.
A sense of adventure is nurtured, through a myriad of trips. Junior School children explore the Yorkshire countryside, embarking on excursions to the coast and local museums. These trips provide hands-on learning opportunities.
Senior School pupils have unique opportunities to make a di erence on a global scale. They can participate in volunteering trips to Namibia, engaging in meaningful service projects that contribute to the well-being of communities. Additionally, research expeditions to Iceland and Greenland allow pupils to delve into scientific exploration and environmental research.
The Mount School has forged strategic partnerships with local organisations, elevating its facilities and opportunities not only for its pupils, but also for the broader community. Collaborations with the York City Football Foundation, the Patricia Veale School of Dance, and Adam’s Aquatics have o ered students a diverse range of skill-building activities.
mountschoolyork.co.uk
“We encourage pupils to look beyond limitations and see potential in themselves”
Giggleswick Junior School has made the decision to change its name to Giggleswick Prep School. The announcement follows a fantastic year for the school, which has seen the launch of a refreshed curriculum, expansion of its extensive co-curricular programme, the reintroduction of boarding from Year 4 and the extension of all-inclusive wraparound care from 8am until 6pm. These changes mean that the school’s structure is now more in keeping with that of a Prep School and the name change will help to celebrate this new focus. Prep School headmaster, James Mundell, says: “We are confident that these changes will continue to enhance the educational experience for pupils at Giggleswick Prep School. Our commitment to academic excellence and a nurturing environment remains unwavering. We look forward to welcoming new families into our community and embarking on this exciting journey together.”
For admissions enquiries at Giggleswick Prep School, please contact 01729 893 189 or email admissions@ giggleswick.org.uk
Pupils at the top ranked secondary school in the north, Sheffield High School for Girls GDST, were in high spirits as they celebrated achieving amongst the top GCSE grades in the region, across a broad range of subjects. Nationally, changes to grade boundaries this year have led to fewer candidates achieving the top grades, with only 22% of grades in England awarded at 7-9 and 68% at a ‘pass’ mark of 4 or above. At Sheffield Girls’ 77% of grades were at 7-9 and a staggering 37% of these were at grade 9.
In a year when the gap between attainment for girls and boys has slightly declined in key subjects, and when boys have again achieved better results in
Discover the transformative benefits of Silcoates’ cutting-edge study spaces. The innovative Sixth Form Study Centre and state-of-the-art Careers Hub open doors to a world of opportunities. These userfriendly, space-efficient areas are meticulously designed to not only maximize study time, but also foster collaboration among students. However, it’s not just about academic pursuits; these spaces create a serene yet professional atmosphere, promoting mature behaviour and positive well-being. The introduction of the groundbreaking Careers Hub is a true gamechanger. As the first of its kind, it provides students with a dedicated space to explore and actualize their future selves. With engaging business talks and entrepreneurial opportunities, students will gain invaluable career insights. silcoates.org.uk
maths, pupils at the only all-girls school in South Yorkshire have bucked the trend with top grades across the full range of subjects. Head, Nina Gunson says: “Our Year 11 students are such a terrific bunch. They have so many talents and these superb results really are only half the story.” sheffieldhighschool.org.uk
SLADE COTTAGE
YO74RW
GUIDE PRICE
£575,000
This is a charming three-bedroom period property in the popular village of Sandhutton, enjoying countryside views, close to Thirsk. The ground floor has five comfortable, flexible reception rooms, and on the first floor there are three double bedrooms, all similar proportions and dual aspect. The property is beautifully designed throughout.
STRUTT & PARKER HARROGATE 01423 561274 struttandparker.com
Why this property in Thorner will send your spirits soaring
WHERE Flying Horse Farm House, Thorner, LS15 4NH.
WHAT
Flying Horse Farm House is a luxury, Grade II listed detached home that has been fully restored to a superb standard retaining many of the original features to combine the original character and charm with all of the requirements for modern day living
INSIDE
Internally the property boasts large, light, bright rooms spanning approximately 2,800 sq. ft. The spacious main entrance lobby has a cloakroom and access to the stunning open plan kitchen. The hallway opens onto the kitchen, family diner with island and bi-fold doors to a south facing garden and uninterrupted countryside views. There is a separate lounge area with feature fireplace and wood burning stove and ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom. From the rear entrance lobby, you will find a shower room, utility with space for washing machine and tumble dryer. There is also a separate study ideal for working from home or alternatively could be a fifth bedroom. Stairs lead to the lower ground floor to a unique wine cellar.
To the first floor, the landing provides access to the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two further bedrooms and family bathroom and separate useful storage space.
Externally, there is a three bay covered timber frame carport with car charging point and additional driveway. The spacious south facing private garden is enclosed with access from the family room or utility room.
PRICE
£1,300,000
AGENT
Fine & Country Leeds
0113 2034939
leeds@fineandcountry.com
Discover luxury living in East Yorkshire thanks to Beal Homes and their sought-after developments
Looking for a brand new, luxury home, designed to your personal tastes, in some of East Yorkshire’s most desirable areas? Then look no further than Beal Homes – the family-run housebuilder renowned for creating the finest new homes and exceptional developments in prestigious locations. Based in East Yorkshire and with more than 55 years of experience, they know a thing or two about creating communities in places where people love to live.
In East Yorkshire, they o er an outstanding choice of house types in highly sought-after locations such as Kirk Ella, Welton, Hessle and Beverley. With first-rate amenities, including a Waitrose supermarket on the doorstep, and stunning countryside close at hand, West Hill II in Kirk Ella features three, four and five-bedroom homes.
Nestled in one of East Yorkshire’s most picturesque communities, Turpin’s Chase in Welton o ers three, four and five-bedroom homes, plus three-bedroom bungalows, delivering everything you’d want from village life.
Beal’s Pilgrims Walk development in historic Hessle has been so popular that there is now just one four-bedroom home
available. With excellent transport links and a bustling town centre nearby, it’s a popular choice for discerning homebuyers. St Mary’s View in beautiful Beverley is only a mile from the charming town centre and borders the Beverley Westwood pasture land. This standout development has proven to be a big hit with locals and incomers alike, with just a few three and four-bedroom homes remaining for sale.
When you choose a Beal home, you get so much more as standard. In fact, their “standard” is extraordinary. They o er fixtures, fittings and finishes from many of the very finest brands as standard, with a host of additional options and
luxury upgrades available to make your new home truly one of a kind.
They believe in ensuring your new home is ideally suited to your lifestyle and tastes from the very start. That’s why you can customise every detail of your new Beal home, making it as individual as you are. Their in-house designers are ready to bring your dream home to life through their unique and hugely popular Design Lounge service. As a Beal buyer you have the flexibility to reconfigure room layouts and choose from a huge selection of options to create a home that’s truly bespoke.
Beal also provides a comprehensive garden design service to make the very best of your outdoor space. They o er features such as composite decked areas, garden o ce pods, planting schemes and potting sheds, to name but a few.
Get in touch today to find your perfect new place and begin your journey to a bespoke Beal home. For more information, visit beal-homes.co.uk or call 01482 977 776
“They o er the very finest brands as standard with a host of additional options”
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, has o cially opened Guiseley Manor, New Care’s second care home in Yorkshire. Located on Otley Road, the £12 million state-of-the-art care facility will o er exceptional residential, dementia and 24 hour nursing care services.
The Lord Mayor was invited by awardwinning care home operator New Care to cut a red ribbon to declare the home o cially open and enjoy a guided tour of the new facility. The Lord Mayor also met key members of the New Care team, including sta from Guiseley Manor, and learnt more about the company.
Working closely with the local authority, Guiseley Manor has been expertly designed by both architect and clinical
lead to ensure it delivers exceptional care from a high quality new build property that combines style and function to ensure a safe, secure and comfortable home-from-home for residents.
Featuring 74 fully furnished bedrooms, each with a private en-suite wet room, plus a selection of communal lounges, reading rooms and dining rooms, spa-assisted bathrooms, a nail bar, hair salon and access to landscaped communal gardens and terraces, Guiseley Manor provides a stunning living environment for its residents who enjoy person-centred individual care, freshly prepared nutritious meals and a daily programme of wellbeing activities.
Commenting on the opening, The Lord Mayor of Leeds says: “I was extremely impressed with the facilities on o er at Guiseley Manor. They have clearly given it a lot of thought, o ering their residents a high standard of care. The
gardens are superb and will provide a welcoming environment for all.”
Commissioning director at New Care, Dawn Collett, adds: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Lord Mayor to Guiseley Manor as our guest of honour and we’re delighted she was able to o cially declare the care home open. It was wonderful talking to her and her consort.”
Now open and welcoming its first residents, Guiseley Manor is recruiting locally with approximately 100 jobs expected to be created locally over the next 12 months in multiple roles including nurses, carers, hospitality, housekeeping, wellbeing and activities, maintenance and catering. Guiseley Manor perfectly complements New Care’s first care facility in the locality, Adel Manor also on Otley Road, which opened last year. Part of the McGo Group, New Care is one of the UK’s leading care home providers. Its portfolio of purposebuilt ‘new generation’ care centres is fast gaining an enviable reputation for outstanding care that is second to none.
For further information on Guiseley Manor or to book an appointment to view the home, contact the team on 0113 323 0200 or email enquiries@newcarehomes.com. Alternatively, visit newcarehomes.com
The perfect package to see you through your retirement years.
When you move to a Westward CareApartment you are doing more than buying the perfect home. You get to retain your independence whilst also gaining the reassurance and peace of mind that care and support is on hand 24/7.
Prices from £190,000 – £475,000 One
Luxurious high-end finish
Locations in Headingley and Roundhay
Active social programmes
Freshly cooked meals prepared daily
Contact Catherine Reuben
to arrange your visit: creuben@westwardcare.co.uk
07834 804 186
Headingley
Hall 5
why everyone is talking about…
An increase in the demand for its services has led charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People to put out an urgent appeal for volunteer puppy trainers. The charity has 37 vacancies for full-time puppy trainers, and a further 13 for short-term trainers to help care for its hearing dog puppies in Yorkshire.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains clever dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds, including smoke alarms, intruder alarms, oven timers, alarm clocks and even baby monitors. Its dogs also provide constant emotional support and companionship – helping deaf people to leave loneliness behind.
Deafness is on the rise in the UK; by 2035, it is estimated that one in five British people (over 15 million) will experience hearing loss, and the increase the charity is seeing in the number of people coming to it for help reflects this.
The charity receives no government funding, but is very fortunate to have the support of a network of committed volunteers. There are two types of volunteer roles the charity urgently needs to fill: permanent puppy trainers, who will look after a puppy for the duration of its training (usually between 18 months and two years), and short-term trainers to cover times when other trainers are on holiday.
Victoria Leedham, Head of Volunteering at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, says: “Our dogs do so much to help deaf people and the hard work put in by our wonderful volunteers is absolutely integral to that. Anyone who volunteers for us can expect to feel like part of our family. No previous experience is necessary, and volunteers will receive lots of support and training to ensure they feel fully equipped to care for one of our dogs.
“The charity will also cover all costs involved, from the moment the volunteer takes the puppy home, to when it is handed over to one of our deaf partners after its training is complete,” she adds.
Joanna Thompson, from Tadcaster, highlights the charity's important work. Joanna was partnered with her hearing dog Joey in 2016. “I struggled for many years with tinnitus and mild hearing loss, and it came as a shock when my hearing deteriorated so much I needed hearing aids. My day-today life became increasingly di cult.”
When hearing dog Joey bounded into Joanna’s life in 2016, it changed completely. “He gave me a new-found confidence, so much so that I am now a volunteer speaker for Hearing Dogs,” smiles Joanna.
Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People can visit hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer
“I struggled for many years, but Joey gave me a new-found confidence”
