On the local sites that inspired a love of history
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Meet some of Berkshire's top solicitors
Visiting the Maidenhead restaurant that won over Grace Dent
SPECIAL
Over 30 pages of inspiration and insight
MUST HAVE AUTUMN
BRACKNELL
The latest addition to Oakford’s superb collection of new homes, Fabric delivers contemporary apartment living with all the comfort and convenience you could hope for.
These one- and two-bedroom apartments are set in six individual buildings, o ering an inspired specification. Each home is finished to an exceptional standard, with features such as underfloor heating, dedicated outside space, and integrated appliances.
Set in the Thameside town of Maidenhead, Fabric is a convenient location, with fantastic transport links for both road and rail, including the advent of Crossrail’s new Elizabeth line, which will connect you directly to London’s underground network. With a direct train to London Paddington in under 30 minutes†, it’s the ideal choice for those wanting the perfect work-life balance. With easy access to the city and capital, you can still enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere o ered by the natural open space of the countryside, which is just a stone’s throw away.
The best of both worlds: living on the fringes of town and edge of countryside, you get both a riverside town with idyllic walks and a thriving social scene. Delectable restaurants and pubs are in abundance nearby with Bray and Marlow boasting serious gastronomic credentials.
SmartHomes and KBO Security have blended design concepts in order to bring you the ultimate technology showroom in Windlesham, Surrey.
The Control4 certified demonstration suite combines the very latest in smart home technology with the most advanced security systems installed to NSI Gold Standards.
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EDITOR
MARK KEBBLE
ART DIRECTOR
PAWEL KUBA
SENIOR DESIGNERS
MIKE ROBERTS
SUZETTE SCOBLE
MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER KAI NICHOLLS
PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE
GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER
MEDIA CONSULTANTS
LOUISE PEARSON, STELLA ADAMS
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI
CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS
CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT
Iam writing this letter the day after the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II. What a momentous 10 days it has been, from all the pomp and ceremony, to the astonishing outpouring of grief and stoicism from those who queued up for over 10 hours to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty lying in state. I have heard from several readers across the county who did just that, describing it as one of the most powerful moments in their lives. In my 43 years, Queen Elizabeth II was all I knew. I never had any personal dealings with Her Majesty, but there are some connections – the amateur football club I am now chairman of saw its founder awarded an MBE from her two decades ago. The response to that from those in the club and outside was monumental, showing just what it meant to be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II. It also made me chuckle when he told me he chatted to Her Majesty about football tactics and she seemed to be interested in his thoughts on the beautiful game. It seemed Her Majesty had time for everyone.
The Queen had many different connections to this county, far too many for me to list here, but it's clear she will never be forgotten. A new era awaits and it's one I am sure we will all look upon with interest. Rest in peace Your Majesty. God save the King.
On
Molly Goddard's AW22 collection is full of bright colours and voluminous shapes for maximum autumn impact. mollygoddard.com
Jonathan Adler's Mustique collection pairs juicy, dimensional colour with bold, Memphis-y geometrics. Featuring swirling poppy tones, each Mustique vase brings one-of-a-kind shine to any modern tablescape. jonathanadler.com
PICK
Henry Holland's new collection of artisinal hand-blown glass includes this beautiful pink swirly concoction. henryhollandstudio.com
With a gentle nod to Scandinavian folk art, Bjørn Wiinblad's romantic, imaginative art is now reinterpreted in this modern, functional range of ceramics fit for a new generation. scandinavianshop.co.uk
A timeless, jewellery box staple from the Yoko London Classic Collection, Pink Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings fi nished in 18ct White Gold. £POA bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
Mustard Made's brightly coloured lockers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to bring locker room chic to any space. Pink is our favourite, naturally. mustardmade.com
Pink and red is an excellent colour combination and this marbley candle promises an interesting melt. £15 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Bold colours characterise Margo in Margate's eyecatching and characterful artworks. margomcdaid.com
Caran D'Ache's new collection takes the iconic 849 Ballpoint Pen and injects a range of pastel and bright block colours, creating a collection of bold and trend-led pens ideal for the stationary afi cionado. carandache.com
Paolita's Zephyr Bianca One Piece is a beautiful statement swimsuit that has an off -the-shoulder ruffl e with a delicate trim edging. harveynichols.com
harveynichols.com
The first Jumps meeting of the new season, a Halloween-themed family day out loaded with fairground fun and a fantastic fireworks spectacular after racing.
Tickets from £30 | Under 18s Go Free Fine Dining from £199 + VAT Book now at ascot.com
Oktoberfest is back at Newbury Racecourse across the flat season finale weekend on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 October, where top quality horse racing action meets a celebration of Bavarian culture, with beers, traditional food and games. Throughout the day you can enjoy a live oompah band whilst sharing a German stein and traditional food with your friends. Book now at newburyracecourse.co.uk
27 October-5 November
Meet Ben Bundle. He likes fishing and snorkelling, jumping o rocks and exploring the magical island of Bryher with his friends. But after an accident leaves Ben blind, he fears his days of adventure are over. Until one day he is swept into the realm of his favourite story, the ancient legend of King Arthur, and his world changes forever. watermill.org.uk
Housed on the top floor of the Corn Exchange Newbury is a full-time digital cinema, which specialises in arthouse, British and independent cinema. With its cosy style and just 40 seats, this town centre screen shows the best of new, independent, arthouse and British films every day. Season favourites in October/November 2022 include Don’t Worry Darling, Ticket to Paradise, The Lost King and Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, plus a fun-filled selection of Halloween classics during the October half term, and National Theatre Screenings of Prima Facie and The Seagull.
This year’s Cliveden Literary Festival line-up features in-conversations with leading authors and thinkers, as well as panel discussions about many of today’s most pressing issues. Highlights include the patriarch of British actors, Brian Cox, telling broadcaster Chris Evans about his journey from Shakespeare to Succession, to name just one. clivedenliteraryfestival.org
25-29 October
An absurdly funny new play by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, which delves into the inner workings of one of our most unique comedy minds. It’s the booming fifties, and Britain is in the clutches of Goon mania. While Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers get down to the serious business of becoming overnight celebrities, fellow Goon and chief writer Spike Milligan finds himself pushing the boundaries of comedy, and testing the patience of the BBC.
CANINE COOL IN SOHO Image-maker Daniel Sachon will reveal his new photography series BITCHES, featuring an all-star cast of famous and fabulous women, accompanied by a selection of stunning dogs that humorously mirror their human counterparts.
12-17 October, 59 Greek Street, W1 Free entry @imitatemodern
From 4.30pm-8.30pm, Daniel in Windsor will be hosting an evening of shopping and entertainment. You can expect Prosecco and canapes, live music, a balloon man, face painting and a charity ra e. It’s the ideal opportunity to pick up some early Christmas inspiration – and maybe pick yourself up something special too. danielstores.co.uk
The Glyndebourne Tour is resident at Milton Keynes Theatre 1-5 November. Enjoy two five star productions - Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and Puccini's La bohème - transferring straight from the flagship Opera Festival, plus a concert performance of Mozart's emotionally charged Requiem and a brand new chamber opera commission, glass human. An absolute must see. atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood is back from the band’s global tour to bring a new series of his incredible original paintings to historic Kenwood, unveiling a series of beautiful works. 14-16 October, Kenwood House, NW3 Free entry @ronniewood
Celebrated for its unexpected take on the traditional art fair, The Other Art Fair is back to disrupt the conventional Frieze Week experience, o ering switched on Londoners an unmissable programme of exciting features.
13-16 October The Old Truman Brewery, E1, @theotherartfair
orn Exchange Newbury and 101 Outdoor Arts and The Base Greenham are excited to be hosting a range of fantastic shows, events and workshops to keep families entertained this October half term.
On the stage, Fireman Sam and friends spring into action when a tiger gets loose at the circus on Friday 28 October, and young Laszlo faces his fear of the dark in a whimsical adaptation of the Lemony Snicket book, The Dark, for ages 4+ on Saturday 29 October. The Dark is accessible for blind and visually impaired children through integrated audio-description and touch tours. To round o the week, Morgan & West don their lab coats and get experimenting in Unbelievable Science for ages 7+ on Sunday 30 October.
For spooky screenings, head to the Corn Exchange’s 40-seat cinema and enjoy Disney’s Coco (2017), Halloween essential Hocus Pocus (1993), cult classic Labyrinth (1986), plus celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), all on the big screen.
For grown-ups looking for fang-tastic fun, the auditorium will show a late-night
screening of vampire classic, The Lost Boys (1987). Fancy dress is encouraged!
For those who like to get involved, the Learning Centre will host a series of fun-filled creative activities throughout the week, starting with Create and Make on Monday 24 October, where kids aged 5 to 11 can explore their artistic sides and make new friends. On Tuesday 25 October, children aged 7 to 11 can achieve their Arts Award in a morning, starting with drama at the Corn Exchange, a story session at Newbury Library and a tour of West Berkshire Museum.
Over at The Base, Greenham on Greenham Business Park, budding young artists aged 6-11 can get creative at the Half Term Art Club (24–27 October) where they’ll explore a range of art techniques with professional artists. On Saturday 29 October, those aged 6-11 can let their imaginations run wild and design and create a spooky t-shirt perfect for Halloween at the Children’s Screenprint a Halloween T-shirt workshop. And up at 101 Outdoor Arts on Greenham Business Park, Halloween lovers of all ages can carve and decorate pumpkins in the Pumpkin Carving Workshop on Sunday 30 October.
Pre-booking for all of these activities is advised to avoid disappointment. To book tickets or for prices and more information, call 01635 522733 or visit cornexchangenew.com
“The auditorium will show a latenight screening of The Lost Boys. Fancy dress is encouraged”FIREMAN SAM THE DARK MORGAN
From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her triumphant transformation against all odds into the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them.
Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her much-loved hits, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Olivier Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning
playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd. Presented in association with Tina Turner herself, TINA is an exhilarating celebration of the artist you know and love. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, selling more concert tickets than any other solo performer in music history.
TINA
Bestselling Berkshire-born historian Dan Jones has been enlightening global audiences with tales from the past for 15 years. Now he’s turning his hand to fiction
BY REBECCA PITCAIRNThis time of year is always pretty full on for me,” explains Reading-born historian Dan Jones as he tries to remember which town he’s speaking to me from. He’s on tour, somewhere in the Yorkshire Dales, having already stopped in Edinburgh and Manchester within the last 24 hours to promote his new book, Essex Dogs.
Having previously written ten bestselling history books including The Templars, Crusaders, and Powers and Thrones, as well as The Colour of Time and The World Aflame with Marina Amaral, the 41-year-old is used to the hectic nature of a book tour. However, this year he’s a little more nervous than usual because the book in question is his first novel.
“They are very di erent writing processes,” says Dan. “Non-fiction is taking a messy story and winnowing it down and giving it focus, but I’ve found fiction is a question of putting your feet
up and letting your imagination work on its own, letting the characters have fun – or not have fun depending on the scenario – and do what they feel like.”
Essex Dogs is the explosive first instalment of a planned trilogy set in the early stages of the Hundred Years War. It tells the stark story of ten ordinary soldiers in Edward III’s invading army, who land on the beaches of Normandy in the summer of 1346 and head into a battle that will forge nations, and shape the very fabric of human lives.
“It’s a deep dive into the imagined reality of life in a medieval army,” explains Dan. “The opening sequence is of a sort of medieval D-Day, except there’s no messerspitze and machine guns, instead you’ve got trebuchets and crossbows.”
If Dan’s other work is anything to go by (he’s sold over one million copies of his non-fiction books), Essex Dogs is bound to be a hit. But, I wonder, with such success in the non-fiction market, why the switch? “I couldn’t do this story in non-fiction because the chronicalists don’t really care about ordinary people, so there’s not enough
information to credibly build the world of ten individuals in a non-fiction way,” Dan tells me. “But if you create individuals, as I’ve done in the form of these ‘Essex Dogs’, then you can place them in a world that has historic credibility, but also develop a really exciting story around them.”
The story has all the right ingredients for a Hollywood blockbuster. Indeed, Sony Pictures International has the option of screen rights to the Essex Dogs trilogy. Dan refuses to be drawn on who he might like to play the characters, should it get that far. However, his work with artist Ash Fields on a window campaign to help bring the characters of the book to life in bookshops up and down the country was an “interesting casting process of sorts”.
“Ash is a fantastically gifted artist and he and I talked throughout his development process on what they looked like,” Dan explains. “What we’ve come up with are 10 visions of these guys, which to me are very true to my imagination of them.”
Dan’s vivid imagination of history’s much loved (and hated) figures can be
“I've found fiction is a question of putting your feet up and letting your imagination work”PHOTO: JOE MAGOWAN
somewhat attributed to his school years in Buckingham, where he grew up and attended The Royal Latin School, which celebrates its 600th anniversary next year.
“I had a very good teacher when I was 14/15, called Mr Green, who was just a wonderful storyteller,” he remembers. “We were learning about the Tudors and he just brought them so vividly to life that it didn’t feel like work, it felt like this extraordinary adventure. I’ve just written the forward for the o cial commemorative book about the history of the school so I’ve been reflecting on my time there a lot recently. I had a fantastic time.”
Through his non-fiction work, Dan is no stranger to the screen. He has written and hosted dozens of history-based TV shows and admits that “of course” he would love to see Essex Dogs played out on screen. But, for now, he is focusing on the book and the launch of his first podcast, This is History, which runs for 12 weeks in the lead up to Christmas.
“It’s a 24-part series about the first Plantagenets; Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and all the dramas with their kids,” he explains. “It’s a political story masquerading as a kitchen sink drama on steroids! But the podcast is not a chat show, it’s a crafted piece of audio storytelling with great sound engineering and design, and an original score, so it’s cinematic.
“I think one of the problems people used to have is that they’d say [history] was boring, but now there is lots of media for people who are capable of telling stories to tell stories. Our subject matter is the sum total of all human deed and achievement so you should be able to make it interesting, if you know what you’re doing.”
Essex Dogs by Dan Jones is out now in hardback, published by Head of Zeus, an AriesBook, RRP £16.99
Dan Jones on some things you may not know about him
My favourite character in history is Dick Whittington. He’s now been made into a weird panto character, but the real Richard Whittington, who was Mayor of London in the 14th-15th centuries, was a titan of medieval trade, a very adept politician and a great charitable guy.
• People are always surprised when they meet me at how tall I am. For some reason they think I’m tiny, but I’m actually a whisker under 6ft 3inches.
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My wife hasn’t read many of my non-fiction books. She claims to have read one or two, but she’s not the biggest history fan. She has however read all of Essex Dogs
•
I went to school three miles up the road from Stowe. Those amazing grounds and historical environment seemed intimidatingly ‘other’ to me as a child, but now I have come to appreciate it both as an historical place and part of the fabric of the county.
A I first met Isabella Blow when she came to stay at my family's hotel in Perthshire, where I was working in 2004.There I was, aged 17, welcoming the most stylish woman I have ever seen to our wee country house hotel.Isabella was wearing one of Alexander McQueen’s creations, a fashion legend she had founded. After discoveringI was studying fashion at Cardonald College in Glasgow, and had enrolled in a millinery course, Isabella took me under her wing, inviting me to assist on Philip Treacy’s fashion show at London's V&A Museum. It was an amazing experience! I was working alongside one of the most iconic women in fashion. She really did make her mark on who I am today and really inspires my EarSass creations.
A When everyday life ground to a halt during the pandemic, I had no work and a lot of time on my hands. I decided to create something fabulous to brighten up the long anxious days for my friends who were struggling with looming redundancy, sick family, endless Zoom meetings, and home-schooling.
A The first design, named The Issy of course, sold out straight away! Everyone seemed to love having something bright and sassy to wear during a Zoom quiz or meeting, and it was so great to see people spreading the love with selfies as my #EarSassers on social media. I also had great feedback on how lightweight the designs were, with no earlobe ache from a typical statement earring.
Q What’s the ethos behind EarSass?
A My ethos of “Get Your Sass On” is to encourage you to be proud of your sassiness, whatever shape, size, gender, and form, both physically and mentally.
Q How do you go about creating a new design?
A My aim is to design earrings that make a statement, and for such a small accessory, they can say such an awful lot. I love creating new designs taking inspiration from colours in my garden, colour trends on the catwalks, and creating designs that ooze sass and confidence. I've redesigned the statement earring to focus on lightweight creations that feel comfortable on all day. Many of my designs can be made as a clip-on earring for those without pierced ears.
Q Why do you name them after influential women in your life?
A Each design in my first collection was named after important and inspirational women in my life – many who had gone through tough times, but found fashion and jewellery helped to bring little hits of joy into their daily lives. I feel so lucky to have
so many supportive women in my life – not one of them judges or tries to alter who I am. They have only ever encouraged me to be me and pushed me to be as creative as my mind would let me be. I love my tribe of friends.
Q What’s new for AW22?
A I'm excited to launch my Christmas collection – think glitter, sparkle and sass! I've also started designing a Bridal collection after realising more brides wanted to wear something a little di erent to the traditional little pearl or diamond earrings. I’m creating a line that will fit with any style of wedding, but still focusing on colour and bold designs, and perhaps a little smaller.
Q What do you love about living in Ascot?
A I love being in the countryside, surrounded by fields and so close to woodland walks and the river. I grew up in Highland Perthshire and love the outdoors. But I also love being so close to London where it all happens!
Q As we head into autumn, are there outdoor spots you particularly love?
A I love being by the river, I find it so calming and love to watch the boats go by. My favourite spot is in Cookham, at The Odney Club, which I'm lucky to go to with
my incredible 90-year-old grandmother, who has been a member for decades.
Q If possible, can you pick out three places you love visiting in Ascot or further afield?
A Taking my nephews to Bekonscot Model Village is so magical. I visited many times as a child and it's such a special place. I love Marlow for the shops, my favourite being My Best Friend's Wardrobe and Scamp & Dude. We live very close to a fantastic Italian restaurant called Don Beni, full of atmosphere and incredible food!
Q How do you see EarSass evolving?
A I have always wanted to do a MANSASS collection, so I recently launched The Bowie, named after the legend himself, David Bowie. The design is a strike of lightning on a small gold halfmoon hoop. I can't wait to see these on some sassy guys (and gals!) and create some new designs.
“I want to encourage you to be proud of your sassiness”SHE'S
We meander through refined market towns, a world-famous university city, and riverside attractions that have something for all
By NATALIE LI
Well-heeled commuter market towns nudge shoulders with the rolling Chiltern Hills. There’s no denying the genteel and sophisticated nature of Oxfordshire; rich in history and peppered with stunning sights. With easy access roads, exploring this county and its endless chocolate box villages and chalk uplands is e ortless.
Over the centuries Oxford has captured the hearts and imaginations of many writers including Irish poet, writer and dramatist WB Yeats who described Oxford as a place to “dream and remember, the place is so beautiful”, he wrote to fellow writer Katharine Tyna while on a visit to the city in 1888.
Oxford still remains a place to dream and remember, a hive of culture at the heart of England. Teeming with visitors, approximately seven million flock to the City of Dreaming Spires, to visit the world’s greatest academic institution – Oxford University – and it’s a bustling place filled with an impressive array of museums to fine dining.
Harry Potter fans will be in their element exploring Oxford’s buildings which feature
in the films. Walking and bus tours include locations such as Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and New College and Christ Church College.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Oxford without culturally immersing yourself in the collections at the Ashmolean, Britain’s oldest public museum, which opened in 1682, when the wealthy antiquary Elias Ashmole gifted his collection to the University. A £61million refurbishment in 2009 has taken the museum to new heights with the extraordinary collection beautifully exhibited. Navigate your way through the stunning staircases to take in highlights ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art through to Guy Fawkes' iron lantern. The rooftop restaurant, with its absorbing city views, is a perfect pit stop for light bites or an indulgent afternoon tea.
Across the road from the Ashmolean and nudging shoulders with the University of Oxford’s iconic colleges, including St John’s and Trinity, is a 19th century building which houses The Randolph Hotel’s restaurant, The Alice, which opened in 2021 after an extensive refurbishment. Oxford alumni Lewis Carroll provides the inspiration for the all-day dining restaurant and bar that serves seasonal British fayre with a modern twist, supported by local farmers from Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire. Overseeing the food o ering is executive chef Chris Emery, who made his mark as a former head chef at Jason Atherton’s The Clocktower in New York and executive sous chef at Pollen Street Social in London. There’s plenty of other spaces in the hotel to wine and dine including an intimate cocktail lounge The Snug, The Morse Bar, The Lancaster Room and Drawing Room.
Sail away from the centre of Oxford and you'll discover a calmer and charming aspect of the city. Punting has been a muchloved feature of Oxford life since Victorian times, and it was not until the 1860s that the first ‘pleasure punts’ appeared. At Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, underneath Magdalen College Tower, at the lower end of Oxford’s world-famous high street you can hire traditionally crafted punts, rowing boats and pedalos and head up the River Cherwell. A perfect place to take a hamper full of goodies while absorbing the wildlife dotted along the banks. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will be as happy as a lark to stroll in Port Meadow, mentioned in the Domesday Book, which o ers delightful views of Oxford and grazing cattle. The River Thames flows through the heart of the meadow and was the spot
where Lewis Carroll first told the Alice in Wonderland stories to Alice Liddell and her sisters while boating along this stretch.
A short drive or cycle from the city centre and there’s plenty to explore in the Oxfordshire countryside. Highlights include the picture-perfect village of Brill, a 10-minute drive, and its famous hilly common and 17th century windmill. North of Oxford lies the pretty Georgian town of Woodstock, birthplace of Winston Churchill and home to Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site.
Heading east of the city is Thame, a modest and less showy market town to its counterparts. It packs a punch with its bustling high street filled with independent shops, the annual Thame Food Festival every September, and the Thame Arts & Literature Festival (cancelled this year). Heading west towards Oxford you’ll find Shotover Country Park, which o ers spectacular views across south Oxfordshire. A peaceful haven, this country park o ers 117 hectares of land filled with diverse habitats across its ancient woods, marshes, heaths, ponds, and flowery meadows.
A short drive south of Oxford and you’ve arrived in yet another refined and pictureperfect stretch of the county. The market town of Henley-on-Thames is synonymous
with the Royal Regatta, established in 1839, and one of the world’s most important amateur rowing tournaments, which takes place every July.
The town centre is filled with pretty boutiques, restaurants and bars and The River & Rowing Museum, which features exhibitions and stories of the river, including TheWind in the Willows; a perfect stop to please the whole family.
Stroll along the Thames Path in Henleyon-Thames, and you’ll soon find the beautiful green fields and wooded Chiltern Hills that span across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire and cover a total of 833km.
There’s no shortage of National Trust properties from Greys Court situated on the edge of town, which has featured in TV shows like Downton Abbey, and The Stonor Park & House, the ancient home of the Stonor family that dates back to the 12th century. Highlights include the grand Gothic revival hall, a long gallery opening onto Italianate gardens, with borders full of stunning seasonal flowers and lily ponds.
Finally, sampling handcrafted gins at The Henley Distillery, voted Best New Distillery at the Gin Guide Awards 2022, is just the tonic to round o an Oxfordshire jaunt.
Want to know more about Oxfordshire and some of the places mentioned? Visit experienceoxfordshire.org
1-9 October
Henley-on-Thames town centre comes alive with one of the UK’s most popular literary festivals.
10-16 October
A pop-up art exhibition in the windows of Thame town centre businesses, displaying artistic talent from professional to up-and-coming artists.
16 October
A flat 13.1-mile route that takes runners through the winding streets of historic Oxford. The route begins at Broad Street in the city centre and passes through Old Marston village, the River Cherwell, Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall, before finally finishing on Parks Road.
21-31 October
A spooky, a er-dark trail for all the family this half term.
“Henley-on-Thames is another refined and picture-perfect stretch”
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The team at Chiltern of Bovingdon Ltd have over 25 years’ experience of preparing and selling quality used Jaguars, and although you might know them for their Jaguar car sales, they can o er you much more. With the investment they have made into their Jaguar and Land Rover servicing department, they have all that their customers need in great aftersales too.
It has been five years now since Chiltern of Bovingdon relocated to their present Stokenchurch site because it o ered the expansion potential that they were looking for. It means that they can now o er all the facilities that you’d expect from a specialist dealership.
Once you have bought your vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it. That requires regular servicing and maintenance. Not only will it ensure that your vehicle is kept in the best possible condition and running e ciently and economically, but it will protect its resale value.
At Chiltern of Bovingdon, they have all that you need to take care of your Jaguar or Land Rover. This includes state-of-
the-art diagnostic equipment, access to the Jaguar/Land Rover tech website as well as the parts look-up service.
It is extremely important to have this done professionally if you want to keep the re-sale value of your car to the highest level. Also, this enables them to check for any updates, service bulletins and allows access to all workshop manuals and with the Jaguar/Land Rover diagnostic system they can programme new modules and replacement remotes/ keys. As well as carrying out routine servicing, diagnostics and repairs to your vehicle, they can also carry out air conditioning regassing and rectification.
Chiltern of Bovingdon was established back in 1994 and with the experienced and trained technicians and knowledgeable reception sta , they will have exactly what you want. Even if you own a vehicle
from a di erent manufacturer, the team can still give you their top-quality services – and that applies for both partexchange sales and servicing. There’s no reason not to give them a call.
If you own a vehicle from a di erent manufacturer, then the team are still able to help out. And they have an eye for the future too, with an MOT centre added in 2019, they are able to o er MOT’s on any make of car.
With their experienced background and the opportunity at Stokenchurch to continue their expansion. they are well worth a visit. Whether for sales or servicing, they look forward to welcoming you.
Unit 1 & 2, Independent Business Park, Mill Road, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HP14 3TP Service: 01442 832932 and Sales: 01442 833311 chilternjag.co.uk
All our work is community based. It’s those links and connections across communities that make our impact so successful. My team are all local, they seem to know everyone! Dash works collaboratively with multiple agencies across Berkshire, the Thames Valley and beyond to support people through the often long and di cult process of moving on from domestic abuse, and being able to live safely in their homes.
We are currently supporting around 200 clients in the local community, and we provide short term, crisis accommodation in our three refuges that can accommodate up to 14 women and 15 children at any one time. Referrals come from across the UK and we provide a bespoke support plan to help families move on safely with their lives.
There was a lot I didn’t know about domestic abuse, so I would be surprised if I’m alone in that. I think there’s a lot more awareness now, which is a good thing. The more a topic is being talked about, the more out in the open it is, then the easier it becomes for those experiencing it to talk to people; friends, family and professionals that will help keep them safe.
The opportunity to lead such a fantastic organisation and team was too good to be true. I could see that The Dash Charity was a space where I could bring my experience on board and make a real, visible di erence. That is very important to me.
There are a lot of challenges ahead for the clients we support, and those translate into the challenges that we need to tackle as a charity. Referrals and calls to our helpline have doubled in recent months, with the cost of living crisis playing a factor. Our refuge spaces fill up as soon as clients have moved on. Demand has never been higher for our services and support, which can be literally life-saving.
Imagine having to choose between staying in a dangerous home because you can’t a ord to leave? Being trapped in an abusive, dangerous relationship because you have no-one to talk to and can’t a ord to feed and put a roof over your head or your children’s heads?
Funding remains limited for services like ours, and so I have jumped straight into ensuring we do everything we can to secure the income needed to meet the growing demand.
We are a domestic abuse charity supporting victims of all ages and backgrounds who live in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire, but our referrals can come from much further afield.
We provide practical help and emotional support through a range of services:
• Telephone helpline;
• Adult Advocacy and Outreach Services;
• Children’s therapeutic support service;
• Three houses o ering refuge crisis accommodation for women and children;
• Women’s support groups;
• Educational programme for children and young people;
• Awareness campaigns.
Abusive behaviour can happen in any relationship, and that can continue even after the relationship has ended. Some of the things people are surprised to learn is the form domestic abuse takes. It can include aggression and physical violence, but other incidents and patterns can be just as damaging, such as emotional, physical, sexual, economic and psychological abuse.
I also think there’s an increasing public awareness that survivors of domestic abuse aren’t only women, and that females can be perpetrators too. Nationally, 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse. However, we find that demand for domestic abuse services –especially refuges – remains predominantly from women, often with their children.
You’ll be seeing more campaigns to raise awareness and to educate and empower people to understand, recognise and respond to domestic abuse. I also plan to lead the charity to expand its reach by working with even more like-minded agencies and organisations, so The Dash Charity can provide a spectrum of specialist services to meet the needs of those who need our life-changing support.
thedashcharity.org.uk
Nicola Miller has taken over as CEO of The Dash Charity, so we speak to her to find out more about their hugely important workNICOLA MILLER
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A I first developed an interest in law as a teenager having always enjoyed reading crime novels. I found the legal side of it fascinating.
Q Tell us about your practice?
A Many underestimate how complex private client law can be. You need to think outside the box in terms of how best to arrange people’s a airs, particularly with so many di erent family dynamics. Our team never takes things at face value; we always get a complete understanding of our clients’ circumstances to enable us to identify key issues and opportunities, whilst ultimately ensuring their wishes are carried out.
Q Tell us about a particularly important case for you recently…
A After creating a Will for a client some time ago, we contacted him as part of B
P Collins’ complimentary Will review service and learned he had remarried. Many people might not realise that if you marry after making a Will, it is immediately revoked, unless made in contemplation of that marriage. If we had not contacted him, his new spouse would have inherited a significant share of his estate, which was not his intention. The Will was quickly updated to accurately reflect his wishes, as he wished for his children to inherit as well.
Q What do you love best about your job?
A Private client law is very people centred and I enjoy having the opportunity to build relationships with clients. I love that by helping people arrange their a airs, the clients have the security of knowing their loved ones will be protected in the future.
Q What do you love about where you are based?
A B P Collins is a great place to work. Everyone is really supportive, and there is a strong focus on the teams’ wellbeing.
POSITION : Criminal Law Specialist and Senior Associate, Dispute Resolution team
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A There was an environmental law module in my geography degree, which sparked my interest. I subsequently went on to study law for two years, before starting my lawyer training contract.
Q Tell us about the practice you work for?
A We represent our clients from their initial interview under caution to the conclusion of any Court hearing, so they always see the same person throughout the whole process. This is hugely important when the client is going through what can be an extremely anxious time. As a solicitor advocate, I also represent clients in the Magistrates Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.
Q Tell us about a particularly important case for you recently…
A I represented a client who was charged and subsequently acquitted after his trial. The stakes were extremely high, as a conviction would have a ected his livelihood. Cases like these highlight that everyone is entitled to legal advice, and everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
Q What do you love best about your job?
A I like to help people who are in a vulnerable position to navigate a hugely complex justice system to achieve the best outcome possible in the circumstances.
Q What do you love about where you are based?
A As B P Collins is a lifecycle law firm with three o ces in Thames Valley and London, I can easily refer my clients to another team if they need advice in other areas of law, such as Wills, family, employment or corporate matters.
Absolutely sits down with 10 experts in law to discover why they love the industry and what first sparked their interest
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A At school I had a passion for subjects that involved problem solving, so when I started to think about a future career, the legal world appealed to me the most and this was cemented when I undertook a law degree at university.
Q Tell us about the practice you work for today?
A We have a large team of property lawyers advising on commercial and residential property matters. We understand that buying a property is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments our clients will make, so we know how important it is to have a trustworthy relationship with your solicitor.
Q Tell us about a particularly important case for you recently…
A Our team handles a variety of exciting and significant property matters for high-net-worth individuals including some spectacular luxury homes. Our ethos ensures that we go above and beyond for our clients, they feel protected, and they know they’re in the best possible hands.
Q What do you love best about your job?
A The people I work with on a dayto-day basis. I love helping clients purchase their dream house and I enjoy meeting other key people involved in buying or selling a property.
Q Where are you based and what do you love about it?
A Gerrards Cross. It’s in a prime location being central to the town and walking distance to the station where trains run into London. It means we are conveniently based to serve the local market and those making a move from London. bpcollins.co.uk
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A My brother studied law and would talk to me about the cases he had learned about. I’ve been fascinated ever since.
Q Tell us about the practice you work for today?
A Employment law is a very varied subject, and we aim to help companies and private individuals achieve their goals. Due to the quality of work we get, we have been instructed on leading cases on age discrimination and whistleblowing, which have established legal precedent and is really satisfying. However, we also do non-contentious work, for example helping clients to buy or sell a company or achieve an amicable exit for an employee.
Q Tell us about a particularly important case for you recently…
A One of my cases recently went to the Court of Appeal, where we argued an interesting point on illegality (which can prohibit an employee from pursuing a claim).
Q What do you love best about your job?
A Being a lawyer is a bit like playing chess – you have to work out your opponent’s next move and stay one step ahead. I find that the people, pace and problemsolving mean every day is di erent.
Q What do you love about where you are based?
A B P Collins is di erent because we provide a more relationshipbased approach. I really get to know my clients and it’s nice to deal with people who know and trust you.
bpcollins.co.uk
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A I studied law at A-level. I had a great teacher, who was a non-practising barrister, and enjoyed it so much that I decided to do a law degree.
Q Did you know early on what type of law you wanted to specialise in?
A I knew early on that I wanted to work in dispute resolution so I could apply, and hopefully make, the law.
Q Tell us about a particularly important case for you recently…
A All of my cases are important as you’re advising clients on an issue involving either their own home, which is hugely important, or on a property, which could be one of the biggest investments they have ever made. It can be a hugely stressful time for clients, so it’s a huge privilege that they put their trust in us to achieve the right outcome for them.
Q What do you love best about your job?
A It’s the people, whether that’s helping them through what can be one of the most challenging times of their personal or professional lives or working with my colleagues. I also love how there’s a balance between having the technical legal knowledge and applying it practically in the real world. And you are contributing towards something that is very tangible. I love to walk past a property and know that I helped to resolve a dispute between its tenant and landlord.
Q Where are you based and what do you love about it?
A I work in our Gerrards Cross and Barbican o ces. Both great locations, and convenient for our clients to get to.
BUSINESS: B P Collins POSITION : Family Partner
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A As a teenager I watched a TV programme about a solicitor and was enthralled by how he helped people by analysing and solving their problems. This and the direct relationship with clients attracted me to becoming a solicitor rather than a barrister.
Q Tell us about the practice you run today?
A We advise on all areas of family law from the inception of relationships –such as prenuptial and cohabitation agreements – to the breakdown of relationships, including child and financial arrangements.
Q Tell us about a particularly important case for you…
A All cases are important because whatever decisions are made will a ect my clients and their families for years. I always aim to put my clients at ease,
and to guide them to an outcome appropriate to them, while also seeking to ensure they can still have a relationship of sorts with their former partner, particularly when children are involved. I was involved in the Waggott v Waggott case, in which the Court of Appeal decided that a future income stream is not a resource which could be shared. This was a landmark decision which has influenced outcomes since.
Q What do you love best about your job?
A I love meeting people and helping them during di cult times, and then seeing them flourish and rebuild their lives, when matters conclude. I keep in touch with many clients, and one of my best friends is someone I advised 22 years ago.
Q Where are you based and what do you love about it?
A Living close to where I work in Gerrards Cross means I have many opportunities to build relationships within the local community – and no commute. What’s not to like!
bpcollins.co.uk
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A When I was around 10 or 11 I watched something on television and I was immediately interested. I decided I wanted to be a lawyer and never deviated from this career path.
Q What is your background in law?
A I started o as a student working with a Family Law Specialist and volunteering at the Nottingham Law Centre. My Training Contract was with IBB Law, a large multi-disciplinary firm, and then I moved to Pinto Potts where as a newly qualified lawyer I teamed up with Anne Leiper – the start of a long lasting partnership! Due to a personal relocation I moved to Goughs solicitors in Wiltshire and thereafter co-founded LGFL.
Q Tell us about the practice you run today?
A LGFL is completely unique, due to its holistic and bespoke approach to Family Law. Being boutique and Director led we have been able to shape our firm to be a dynamic client focused specialist practice.
We work collaboratively in a way with our clients that I have not seen in other firms.
Q Tell us about a particularly important case for you recently…
A Instead I would like to talk about the recent changes in Divorce law. On the launch of this landmark legal change on 6 April 2022, I took part in 6 radio interviews as an expert, including on BBC 5 Live with Nicky Campbell and on London Live TV and GB News. This was a testimony to the firm’s specialism and our unique and holistic approach to Family Law.
Q What do you love best about your job?
A For me it is the client contact as I am a people person. I love the nuances and shades of grey and how each case is di erent as every client is di erent. I love the fact that I can make a positive di erence in their life story.
Q Where are you based and what do you love about it?
A Wyvols Court, Swallowfield Berkshire. I love the mix of traditional and modern architecture and the fact that it is steep in history.
lgfamilylawyers.co.uk
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A I developed an interest in law as a teenager. I knew than I wanted to be a lawyer from when I was around 14 years of age.
Q Did you know early on what type of law you wanted to specialise in?
A No. I decided to specialise in Family Law during my articles (now Training Contract) at Paris Smith and Randall. I enjoyed my 6 months spent there and then was given the opportunity to run a family desk and case load due to maternity leave.
Q Tell us about the practice you run today?
A LGFL is a brilliant specialist niche family high end law practice. It delivers Director led, high level service to clients on complex cases.
Q Tell us about a particularly important case for you recently…
A I recently acted in an Intervenor case. It was incredibly important as it was a huge impact case for elderly parents who needed to recover their money for care costs. They had lent these funds to the married couple, their daughter and her husband. The husband claimed it was a gift and did not have to be repaid. The matter went to full trial and we won the case on behalf of the parents.
Q What do you love best about your job?
A I love the court work and also helping people to move forward to the next stage of their lives after the breakdown of their relationship.
Q Where are you based and what do you love about it?
A Swallowfield Berkshire – beautiful grounds to enjoy all year round.
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A My mother is a lawyer so it’s always been a part of my life. When I left school I did a specialist legal secretary course which sparked my interest.
Q Did you know early on what type of law you wanted to specialise in?
A Not at all. My first job in law was working for a large cigarette manufacturer in the legal department. I then took a job at a local high street law firm within their property department and that is when I started to realise what area I really wanted to specialise in.
Q Before working at your existing practice, what has been your background in law?
A I worked for a fantastic residential property lawyer who trained me whilst I was studying for my Legal Executive course and I worked my way up to being a fully qualified Legal Executive.
I worked for another high street practice for a couple of years, then returned to the original firm being made Head of the Residential Property Department and subsequently a Partner. I then made the decision to work for a larger Legal 500 Firm in Oxford where I received amazing exposure to totally di erent types of clients and work and an insight into a larger scale practice. I decided that my roots were with a high street law practice and that is why I am where I am today.
Q Tell us about the practice you work for today?
A We are local Buckinghamshire law firm. We o er services including property, family law and private client.
Q Tell us about a particularly important case for you recently…
A All my cases are important, and some might think that property is dull – believe me, it definitely is not! There are always unusual things that come to light throughout transactions, and we are constantly looking at ways to overcome those issues.
bwksolicitors.co.uk
Q When did you first develop an interest in law?
A When I was in secondary school, as I studied Law at A-level.
Q Did you know early on what type of law you wanted to specialise in?
A I knew that I wanted to work with and help individuals, so I naturally gravitated towards family law and criminal law. It was during my training that I decided to specialise in family law.
Q Before working at your existing practice, what has been your background in law?
A I trained in a small high street practice and remained there for a few months after I qualified as a Solicitor. I then went on to work in a large Legal 500 firm for just over six years, during my time there I also qualified as a Mediator. I then made the move, in January 2021, to BWK Solicitors as their Head of Family.
Q What do you love best about your job?
A Helping people to work through their situation and seeing them move forward with their life after my involvement.
In my role as a qualified Mediator, I am able to work with both individuals involved in the separation process. Being able to work with a couple to try and reach an outcome that works for them, in the most amicable way possible, is a refreshing way of working and incredibly satisfying when an outcome is reached.
bwksolicitors.co.uk
Centurion Club in St Albans, Hertfordshire, offers an exceptional dining experience in the warm, welcoming restaurant. What's more, you can enjoy Head Chef Calvin Hill's creations at your own private event, overlooking the famed golf course. Visit the website to see more. centurionclub.co.uk
The latest food and drink news from across the county
By MARK KEBBLEWine recommendations for the month
Clarendelle Bordeaux Rouge, Bordeaux
£19.80
This 2016 vintage is a colourful, fresh and fruity wine, with aromas of red fruit and blackcurrant alongside floral overtones reminiscent of violet. The elevated level of acidity gives it an admirable freshness and tremendous balance, without any hardness. hedonism.co.uk
Champagne Charlie, by Charles Heidsieck
£590
The prestigious Charles Heidsieck House, one of Champagne’s most admired producers, announces the newest edition of Champagne Charlie, a historic cuvée released to celebrate the bicentennial of the phenomenal founder, Charles-Camille Heidsieck. hedonism.co.uk
Cramele Recas Incanta Chardonnay, Romania
£7.99
This wine is ripe and well-rounded, with the sublime flavours of melon, cherry and tropical fruits mingling with classic Chardonnay qualities of toasted oak and butter. Its fresh acidity makes it a delicious pairing for a creamy mushroom risotto. majestic.co.uk
With autumn well and truly underway, The Ivy Royal Windsor Brasserie is delighted to be adding an array of new and exciting dishes to its already extensive menu. October also sees the restaurant celebrate all things Halloween with a limited edition dessert. From Saturday 29 until Monday 31 October guests will be able to sink their teeth into the Chilling Praline Parfait, a spooktacular combination of a frozen hazelnut co n with chocolate soil and raspberry sauce. theivywindsor.com
Situated in the heart of Wokingham, Chalk Restaurant is a magical place to celebrate Christmas. This winter, they invite you to experience your local restaurant at its best, with a whole host of special things on the bill. Join Chalk for their second year of Christmas celebrations with a complimentary chilled glass of Pommery Brut Champagne with every festive menu. chalkrestaurants.com
Popular all year round multi-award winning Campfire Cask Aged Gin from Puddingstone Distillery in Tring really comes into its own during the autumn. Fill your hip flask to sip neat on chilly outings, mix with rosso vermouth for a Fireside Manhattan cocktail or try their Apple Fayre cocktail and celebrate the many apple festivals held during October. puddingstonedistillery.com
Rajbhoog in Ascot specialises in the spectrum of flavours, fragrances and textures that epitomises India’s diverse and inspirational cuisine. Since 1986 East has met West at this distinguished venue, situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Sunninghill. raj-bhoog.com
Gurkha Royale in Windsor offer you much loved Nepalese, Indian and Oriental food with a modern twist, putting their own subtle variations to popular dishes. The freshness and quality of ingredients make each and every flavour work together to create wonderful combinations. gurkharoyale.co.uk
R S Troutt & Co Fine English Butchers is a family business that was started in 1965 by Roger Troutt in West Wycombe village. Troutt's made a name for themselves by providing only the very best quality produce and a service that is second to none, established and set by Roger from the start. Over the years Troutt's have continued this policy and believe that to be successful in their business they need to provide customers with what they are looking for, which is top quality produce delivered by knowledgeable and skilled butchery sta . rstrouttbutchers.co.uk
At Dipalee Lounge in Buckingham, they endeavour to maintain the original style of Indian cooking to bring you some of the finest dishes you'll want to taste again and again. In 2021 they were delighted to be awarded the Travellers' Choice Award by Tripadvisor. dipaleelounge.co.uk
The UK's largest Gin & Rum Festival tour is coming to Reading on 15 October. If you’re thirsty for knowledge or just want to party the night away, the Gin & Rum Festival is for you. Discover new favourites with samples from the hand-picked guest distillers and treat yourself at their themed bars.
On the back of Seasonality receiving a glowing review from Grace Dent, we meet chef and coowner Wesley Smalley to find out more
“My cooking style is light, flavour driven with influences from my travels”WESLEY
Q Congratulations on the Grace Dent review. How pleasing was it to read those words?
A We were honestly blown away by the Grace Dent review because she just got what we are and what we are trying to achieve.
Q What has the reaction been like since it was published?
A The response has been huge for us, we’ve been overwhelmed by it. We were confident that we were cooking well, sourcing the best ingredients we could and being innovative with our menu planning, we just needed more people to know about it and thankfully Grace was very helpful in that department.
A I’d always dreamed of having my own place, but it just didn’t seem possible with a growing family and other commitments –and then lockdown happened. We did some market research amongst our friends for our dine at home boxes, did a few test trials and they convinced us to give it a go. Our original plan was to o er restaurant quality produce with monthly pop-up dining events (which are now our supper events) and of
course the dine at home boxes. We received wonderful comments on the dining element of our business and customers started asking us if we were going to open more frequently, so we decided to give it a go.
A We have lived in Maidenhead for about five or six years now, and I knew there was nowhere in town o ering this style of cooking. Plus, with the regeneration of Maidenhead we hoped there would be opportunity. We found a site that we really loved, and that was within our budget (just) and built Seasonality around it.
Q When you opened, were you a shop first, restaurant later?
A Yes, that’s right, but when we started to have customers sit in for lunch and the pop-ups, the revenue stream was impossible to ignore.
Q How would you sum up the dining experience at Seasonality?
A Seasonality is an ingredient-led neighbourhood restaurant, which o ers a warm, relaxed service and a memorable food experience.
A We o er a fixed price lunch menu
together with an a la carte menu, which changes to reflect what our growers and producers are o ering.
Q Would you say you have a particular cooking style?
A My cooking style is light, flavour driven with influences from my travels.
Q What dishes right now do you love?
A I honestly love everything we put on the menu. If I had to choose one now it’s the Ginger Cured Mackerel, Oyster Custard, Radish, Ponzu and Lemon Verbena.
Q Where do you source your producers?
A I have long standing suppliers who I have supported, and they have supported me. Locally we use Maxwell and Webb Potager, which is a wonderful smallholding in Cookham Dean growing interesting vegetables, fruit, flowers, and herbs – the quality is amazing, and it works perfectly with our concept.
Q How is it running this operation with your wife, Francesca?
A Ha-ha, it can be challenging at times, but we’re lucky that we’ve both worked in the industry for a long time and have an honest sounding board that we can trust in each other. We have our own strengths and weaknesses that I think complement each other.
A I have lots of ideas for Seasonality for the future, but for now we are concentrating on evolving our o ering, training our team and concentrating on the consistency of our food.
seasonality.co.uk
Yes, it’s time to start thinking about that special festive event. Here we pick out three that have already caught our eye
If you are looking for somewhere special and unique this Christmas, then the Woodland Lodge on The Culden Faw estate in Henley is the perfect location. The Woodland Lodge is tucked away in a beautiful woodland, yet only about five minutes from Henley Town. The lodge seats up to 40 people for a Christmas lunch or dinner and has a capacity for up to 60 people standing for a more party like soiree with drinks and canapes. It has a cosy feel with a lovely fireplace, comfy seating, surround speakers and a balcony overlooking the woodland clearing. The lodge has got WIFI, so the space is suitable for a meeting followed by lunch or dinner, as well as space for a projector
and screen to be set up. Having the land in front of the lodge allows for activities such as falconry and clay pigeon shooting too as an addition to the Christmas party. To enquire please get in touch with the estate's event manager Camila Bentley by email cb@culdenfawltd.com or call 01491 635 726
Celebrate the festive season in style by setting sail on Hobbs of Henley’s stunning Mississippi style paddle steamer ‘The New Orleans’ on a Thames Christmas Lunch Cruise or a Christmas Party Night in December. Whether it is a festive get together with friends, family or work colleagues Hobbs of Henley have your Christmas party all wrapped up for
you. Choose either a two-course served Christmas Lunch Cruise, or if you’d prefer an evening cruise join them for a twocourse bu et style dinner or a three-course served Christmas menu. On both of the Party Nights their resident DJ will be on board for you to dance the night away, too. For this unique Christmas party book your tickets today to avoid disappointment. hobbsofhenley.com
At The Post they simply love to party! Why not choose a bespoke venue this year for an epic Christmas send o ? Prices start at £95 per person and include exclusive hire of The Post, a glass of Champagne upon arrival, a delicious three-course festive dinner with all the trimmings, co ee, mince pies and tru es and half a bottle of house wine. Then party the night away until midnight before carriages home (or two minutes down the road to their lovely hotel). For more information, email info@thepostbarn.co.uk
A warm welcome. A scent of mince pies. The roar of the fire. The pop of champagne. The ultimate festive feast. Coworth Park.
Argentina’s organic winery Domaine Bousquet has released the 2022 vintage of its Premium Rosé, one of the world's most sustainably produced rosés. A blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Viognier, the wine is unoaked to allow the fruit to shine through.
One Gin's brand new butterfly bottle has a unique twist – remove the labels and the bottle transforms into an elegant carafe, simply engraved with the word ‘WATER’ helping to reduce the number of bottles that never get recycled. Also, 10% of their profits go towards sustainable water programmes in the world’s poorest communities, via The One Foundation – and it's a delicious gin too, with a delicate hint of sage. thespiritofone.com
Aperol was created in 1919 in Paduaby the Barbieri brothers, specialists in liqueur production since 1880. They had the revolutionary idea of creating the lightest of liqueurs, an aperitif with an alcohol content of only 11%. Aperol is an infusion of precious herbs and roots in a perfectly balanced combination, its unique bitter-sweet taste deriving from a secret recipe that has remained unchanged over the course of time. One of the secrets for success is freshness: liqueur manufacturing is completed in one day and the day after the trucks are ready for shipment. Aperol Spritz is one of the most appreciated aperitifs in Italy and is the best-selling branded cocktail in the UK, in addition to being enjoyed as the sixth most popular cocktail globally. The serve is made by mixing Aperol with Prosecco and a splash of soda in a wine glass full of ice and a slice of orange. Light, sparkling and refreshing, it’s the ideal drink for starting the evening and for any social occasion.
The Equiano Rum Co. creates unique blends of rum from around the world. The world’s
African and Caribbean rums is a never-before-seen blend of two cultures
two distilleries from two continents.
of global company profits
every bottle sold to ground level freedom
organisations.
Overlooking St Paul's Cathedral, Madison's rooftop has transformed into an Ibiza-themed paradise with an influx of plants, palms, and touches of boho chic furnishing, along with a dedicated Aperol bar. Choices range from the classic bittersweet Aperol Spritz, through to limited-edition inspired creations from Madison. A cold Aperol Spritz is the perfect accompaniment while relaxing in the autumn sunshine on the iconic Madison rooftop.
Reflect by Jacqueline Rabun for Georg Jensen introduces a fresh take on the classic chain design. A series of organic-shaped links in sterling silver and 18ct gold are seamlessly interlocked to create a look that is bold and sculptural at once. Combining the edginess of Punk-inspired aesthetics with Georg Jensen’s century-long heritage, the collection is all about making a statement and celebrating the beauty of individuality. Browse the collection at Berry’s Windsor or berrysjewellers.co.uk
When it comes to earrings, we say go big or go home
By RACHEL HOGGShaun Leane Sabre Deco Twist Hoop Earrings crafted in Silver, £275, bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
Small Dot Gold Malachite Hoop Earrings, £605 net-a-porter.com
Bamboo Hoops in Translucent Blue, £104 wolfandbadger.com
Emerald, Ruby & Gold-Filled Hoop Earrings, £545 matchesfashion.com
Deia Chunky Medium Hoop Earrings, £150 monicavinader.com
Electric Goddess Blue Topaz Large Gold Hoops, £195 racheljacksonlondon.com
The Wicklow Celtic Hoops, £1,850 lylies.com
Jemma Gold-Tone Sodalite Earrings, £430 net-a-porter.com
Savi Dome Medium Gemstone Hoop Earrings, £135 uk.missoma.com
News just in… Headmasters
Half Price Colour Sale is now on. For inspiration on your next colour, why not look at their colour menu online, or book in for an appointment at their salons in Windsor and Reading. Book now at headmasters.com
It is nearly five years since the CrownWood MediSpa started welcoming clients to the extensive range of life-changing treatments they o er. Situated in Crown Row, Crown Wood, Bracknell, facilities for MediSpa clients have recently been refurbished with the clinic now boasting a beautiful, luxurious MediSpa suite.
If you are looking for expert laser skin treatments near to you in Berkshire, CrownWood MediSpa has the expertise to help with the superb ClearLift treatment –winner of the Best Anti-Ageing Treatment 2019-2020 at the My Face My Body Awards.
ClearLift is the latest laser skin remodelling and lifting treatment that combats agerelated imperfections including wrinkles, fine lines, photodamage, uneven skin tone and skin laxity. Known as a ‘lunchtime’ procedure because it takes only 20 minutes, it is safe for all skin types, is painless and doesn’t involve any downtime.
So, what does ClearLift treat? The list is extensive and includes fine lines and wrinkles on face and neck, prevention of signs of ageing, skin laxity, pigmentation and dark scars, dark eye circles and pu y under-eyes, excessive pore size and unwanted dermal filler and lumps from dermal filler.
And why choose ClearLift treatment at
“You can be confident of being in the safest of hands at CrownWood ”
CrownWood MediSpa? You can be confident of being in the safest of hands at CrownWood, who are proud to o er the services of their highly experienced MediSpa therapist, Alice Hau. With a passion for improving her patients’ skin health, Alice has a long and impressive background, having previously worked at a number of renowned clinics and beauty spas in Central London.
What’s more, to help clients prepare for the winter season, CrownWood MediSpa is launching a special 50% discount o er on ClearLift, available in November only. Running throughout November, clients are invited to book their sessions in advance to avoid disappointment. As well as looking and feeling fantastic, you’ll even be able to take advantage of 0% finance (subject to status).
CrownWood MediSpa also o ers a selection of facial rejuvenation therapies, including professional peels, to refresh your skin for a healthy and radiant complexion, HydraFacials, the deep cleansing and hydrating medical grade facial treatment, and a range of other deluxe facials to revitalise your skin for a more youthful look. Also very popular are stunning facial aesthetics with medical doctors to include wrinkle reduction and filler treatments that help to turn back time and provide natural looking skin rejuvenation.
To reserve a treatment or discuss your options, people are invited to call Lisa Bonello, the Patient Care CoOrdinator, on 01344 300 417 or 07765 333 768 or email her at pc@crownwooddental.co.uk.
There’s also plenty of information on all treatments at crownwoodmedispa.co.uk
With colder days and darker nights creeping up on us, now more than ever we want to feel confident that the food we eat supports our wellbeing as well as our waistline.
Using Almased meal replacement shakes in our caloriecontrolled, nutrient-rich weight loss programmes makes it easy to lose weight and stay healthy at the same time – and with an extra boost to your immune system, you’ll be fully prepared for everything winter throws at you. Almased meal replacements enable you to lose weight, while at the same time protecting your body's essential muscle and boosting your immune system –so it’s not hard to see why we’re Germany’s No 1 meal replacement for weight loss1. Looking after our immune system has become a priority, and with Almased, its proven formula has much more to offer than most other meal replacements.
Recent clinical studies have shown that Almased not only contributes to significant weight reduction, but also improves detrimental inflammatory markers in the body, boosting immune health while supporting energy levels2
Almased is formulated using natural, wholesome ingredients – soya, yogurt and enzyme-rich honey. This means it’s highly nutritious and delicious, and packed with essential protein as well as being low in calories.
With more than 30 years of scientific research behind it, you can feel confident that Almased offers healthy weight loss and optimum wellbeing.
Choose between Almased’s 14-day Plan or LongTerm Plan to lose weight, keep it off long-term, and look and feel perfectly healthy.
Clinically proven weight loss vs a fat-restricted low-calorie diet5
Reduces body fat while maintaining muscle4
Improves glycaemic control for Type 2 diabetes6
Rich in antioxidants and nutrients including Vitamin C and zinc7
Naturally free from gluten, artificial flavours, fillers, stimulants and preservatives
Suitable for vegetarians, athletes, and those with diabetes
UK AlmasedUK
The secret is in the science
Some great news for vegans, they no longer need to miss out on collagen’s many health benefits. Leading liquid collagen brand, Revive Collagen, has developed the world’s first clinically proven vegan liquid collagen substitute, which comes in handy ready-to-drink flavoured sachets, from £32.30. revivecollagen.com
Who doesn’t love a face mask, whether it be sheet, clay or powder? You read that right, Sisley’s new ‘Exfoliating Enzyme’ mask is a fine powder texture that becomes a rich cream upon contact with water. This innovative new product contains natural fruit enzymes that work to gently exfoliate and illuminate your skin, £90. sisley-paris.com
Between the sun, the sand and the sea, your skin o en needs extra attention on holiday. Don’t let yourself be limited by a clear plastic bag, with Ren’s new range you won’t have to abandon your skincare regime at security. All your favourite formulas are now available in easily transportable travel sizes, from £10. renskincare.com
After many years working for some of the largest prestigious clinics on Harley Street I could see a definite vision of what kind of experience I wanted for my clients. The huge volume and pressure from non medical managers in these establishments meant I didn’t have the creative control that was necessary to make it the first class experience I wanted to o er. This is where Emma York Clinic was founded and I could o er a service which put the customer exclusively at the forefront. All medical treatments are carried out personally by me. You will begin your journey with an in depth personal medical consultation and skin analysis. We will discuss your concerns and following this we will work through a bespoke treatment plan to address these areas. It is important to bear in mind that this may involve a course of treatment over a period of time. This is important to ensure we achieve natural results which avoid an ‘overly done’ look. I am not afraid to turn clients away who seek this kind of look as it is not in either parties’ best interests. I pride myself on results which create a natural look in line with individual age and skin condition. If I feel your requirements would be best addressed by another medical specialist I have many professional contacts who I can refer you to.
EMMA YORK CLINIC
End,
1NB,
Town,
Emma York on why she adopts the bespoke approach
By RACHEL HOGG
LA
HYPERION TILES
Hyperion Tiles’ new Ca’ Pietra Wild Botanicals Porcelain Tiles by artist Clarissa Hulse feature the silhouettes of British wild flowers and meadow grasses against a soft watercolour wash, showcased here in smoky green. These ultradurable tiles are ideal for interior and exterior walls and floors. hyperiontiles.co.uk
By PENDLE HARTE
The new Elsie bed linen collection is made from 70% cotton mixed with linen yarns, resulting in a fabric that has to be felt to be believed. Laundered to perfection, it has the relaxed look of linen, but the softness of cotton. The delicate, stunning embroidered border is embroidered and handattached. The set looks beautiful and feels incredible.
A new collection of wallpaper murals features warm tones and calming scenes from collections including the Royal Horticultural Society, Ashmolean Museum, and the V&A Pictured is 'Flowering Shrub and Mauflies' Wallpaper Mural from the V&A Collection. surfaceview.co.uk
touch
room
Fashion designer-turnedceramicist Henry Holland
launched his
collection
a specially designed fabric from Danish textile designer Kvadrat.
clad
artisinal glassware, all hand-blown in the UK with inspiration taken from Henry's own interpretation of the nerikomi pottery technique.
We work with farmers to source nature’s
materials, handcrafting beautifully stylish beds
help enhance your sleep, health and well-being.
pioneers of sustainable and ethical bed making,
believe sleep shouldn’t cost the Earth.
and design your dream bed. So, whether it’s for your master bedroom, spare, or kids’ bedroom, or you’re after a space saving bed with built in storage, there’s a quality sleep solution for every need in the showroom.
This includes Hypnos’ ground-breaking Origins Organic Collection, which is endorsed by the Eden Project; every single element within the range is traceable, ethical, and environmentally responsible – as well as 100% organic. From the GOTS certified wool and lambswool from British farmers sourced through The Woolkeepers®, to the patented wool and cotton sleep surface woven in British mills, each element has been certified by the Soil Association Certification.
enowned British bed manufacturer, Hypnos, is welcoming customers to its Princes Risborough factory showroom to see its latest collection of sustainably designed mattresses and stylish beds, handcrafted by master craftsmen.
Hypnos knows sleep is the ultimate luxury; working with the best materials nature has to offer and time-honoured manufacturing methods, they create beautifully stylish beds and supremely comfortable mattresses that can help enhance your health and wellbeing.
The showroom offers one of the UK’s largest collections of ethically-made beds on display, with an extensive range of beautiful and sustainably made mattresses, headboards and divans that offer practical storage solutions, as well as a team of sleep experts who are on hand to help you choose
For over a decade, Hypnos has been on a sustainable journey to create comfort with integrity, pushing the boundaries of sustainable bed design as part of its commitment to protecting the planet. They only use natural and sustainable materials in their beds – you won’t find any chemicalbased foams – ensuring you can drift off to sleep safe in the knowledge your Hypnos bed isn’t just good for you, it’s also good for the world around you too.
Indeed, their sustainability efforts culminated in Hypnos becoming the first carbon neutral bed manufacturer in the UK, having now been operating as carbon neutral for over a decade.
Hypnos has been creating handcrafted beds for over a century, earning a welldeserved reputation for Great British craftsmanship. With its master craftsmen creating made-to-order beds in its Buckinghamshire workshop, and Hypnos trusted to supply the finest homes, hotels and palaces, you can rest assured that investing in a Hypnos bed means you’re investing in a quality, award- winning, sustainable product that will give you a restful night’s sleep for years to come.
Going behind the scenes at Hypnos, who offer stylish, sustainable sleep solutions at their Princes Risborough showroom
Perfect for our special Home section is this unique opportunity to own a piece of history in Cholesbury
By MARK KEBBLEHead to Rays Hill in Cholesbury and you will come across this stunning landmark Grade II listed windmill. As it comes on to the market, we caught up with Nick Pounce, Head of Residential Sales for Savills Amersham, to discuss famous residents from the past, and what it offers to the 21st century dweller.
Q There is such a wonderful history attached to Rays Hill...
A It’s always nice to be able to embellish on the history of a property – it can provide an interesting conversation starter and help potential buyers feel more engaged. However, I think this property really speaks for itself. It’s clearly a place that people enjoyed inviting friends and family to,
and it was obviously an inspirational space that fired the imagination of many creative people, from authors and artists to actors and broadcasters.
Q It was just over a century ago that it was converted into a private residence. How di erent was the accommodation back then?
A It’s difficult to say – but the accommodation would most likely have been very basic. The mill was obviously fully operational so there wouldn’t have been any living quarters – those would be contained within the miller’s cottage. There would have been a lot of working parts and I’d have thought potentially quite noisy. That’s very different to how it is today. The accommodation has changed completely.
Q Is it rare to be selling a property that has had so many illustrious names linked to its past?
A We’re fortunate that we often have the privilege of selling homes that have a unique history or well-known former owners. However, what’s so unique about this property is just how many creative people were attracted to it. The first resident Gilbert Cannan and his wife Mary – who had previously been married to Peter Pan author
JM Barrie – invited many friends who had links to
the arts. Reputed visitors included DH Lawrence, Katherine Mansfield and Mark Gertler – the latter painting a famous picture of the mill, which is now in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. That relationship has endured. When the Cannans left it was rented by American actress Doris Keane, who used it as a weekend retreat whilst appearing in London theatre productions, and in the 1930s it was used as a studio by artist Bernard Adams. In more recent years it was the home of Sir David Hatch – director of BBC radio and a former member of the Cambridge Footlights alongside John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graham Chapman. It is obviously a very special place that gets the creative juices flowing.
“It is obviously a special place that gets the creative juices flowing”
Q When did the current incarnation of the residence really take shape?
A Great care and attention to detail has gone into refurbishing the property. Each of the previous owners has carried out some work or other – gradually improving and updating as the years have gone by. This has culminated with the current owners who have restored the windmill to its former glory, using materials and a design that copied the Victorian originals to replace the cap, sails and fantail so that they are now in full working order.
Q How would you say the space has been utilised?
A The living spaces have been designed very cleverly. It can sometimes be difficult to furnish a circular room, but the majority of the accommodation is in the more conventional cottage – so there’s plenty of opportunity to make the property your own. The reception hall leads into the inner hall of the cottage, with the two more formal, bright and spacious reception rooms each side. A spiral staircase leads to the lower ground floor and the dining room, where the original flywheel is on display, and the family sized kitchen/ breakfast room opens on to the front terrace. On the first floor there are three conventional bedrooms and two bathrooms, one en-suite to the main bedroom plus a beautiful circular fourth bedroom with an en-suite shower room, ideal for when guests visit. Another staircase leads to a fifth bedroom.
Q Do you have a favourite element of the residence?
A It’s very hard to say. Everything about the property is unique and I think what stands out for me is its character. It’s not every day that a windmill comes up for sale – so this is a very rare opportunity. There’s a real sense of history, complemented by several modern touches such as the kitchen and bathrooms.
Q Who do you think this is perfect for?
A It’s not necessarily for everyone. But in that sense it’s no different to any other Grade II listed home. Whoever buys it will likely have an interest in historic buildings and will enjoy being a custodian of a landmark property. It can be a very rewarding experience and I think it would suit anyone who wants a unique home in a fabulous location –something they can be proud to own, and which will provide a real talking point among family and friends. It’s a very picturesque and rural setting, yet larger towns such as Chesham, Amersham and Berkhamsted – with their links into London and range of amenities – are within easy reach.
When you come to Ripples, our talented bathroom designers will work with you to create your dream bathroom right down to the smallest details. You just tell us what makes you happy and what turns you off. Show us your ideas, your colour palettes, your Pinterest boards, and your favourite ‘likes’ on lnstagram. We’ll then blend all of our thoughts and ideas to deliver something truly exceptional.
Paint guru Annie Sloan has launched an online course to help bring more colour into our homes
Words PENDLE HARTE
II’m Annie and I’m here to help you make your house really lovely.” So begins Annie Sloan’s new online course, designed to instill confidence in all of us to add colour to our homes. Sloan is known for her own range of chalk paints that are versatile and easy to use, and throughout the course she uses her own colours, painting everything from floors and walls to ceramics, furniture and even textiles. Her philosophy is clear: there’s nothing that can’t be improved with a bit of colour.
Even post-Covid, online courses are a winner. This one belongs to Create Academy, where it sits alongside a world of
practical knowledge. There are gardening courses, cooking courses and lots of explo ration into decorative arts and interiors, all led by industry experts. You can cook with Thomasina Miers, arrange flowers with Willow Crossley and redesign your house with Kate Watson-Smyth, all from the comfort of your own desk. Complete each course in your own time, and return to it as often as you like – the idea is simple, and requiring little upfront commitment, we can all imagine ourselves as thriving amateur chefs/florists/upholsterers.
Or, in this case, painters. As Annie says from the start, it’s all about confidence. Painting your floor takes a bit of courage,
while deciding on which colour to paint an old chest of drawers is something you might need support with. Annie’s tone is gentle and encouraging. “Some people think they’re not creative and they need help – well, we all need help. This is about gaining confidence… People often don’t know what they want, so I want to help people bring what they want out.” So the course takes in a host of practical applications, including painting kitchen cup boards as well as more complicated tasks such as decoupage and stencilling, plus different finishes and advice on painting everything from lampshades to metal ornaments, and makes them all seem easy.
It all starts with her paint, which is designed to be accessible, easy to work with and quick to dry – and to stick to all surfaces without a primer. She developed it when her children were small and she was painting in a rush, hoping for her work to be dry before their little fingers smudged it. “I wanted to make tools for people to be creative. I’m not prescribing – these
are colours to mix. There’s no black in them; normal paints have lots of black pigment in them, but these don’t, so that you can mix them yourself and see how they work together, with tones and shadow.”
What Annie calls her ‘global perspective’ derives from having grandparents all born in different countries. When she went to art school she developed an interest in art from all over the world, and particularly in artists who do more than one thing. “Ben Nicholson, for instance, not only painted but also printed linocuts onto cloth. Salvador Dali made films and jewellery. So I’ve always taken inspiration from that,” she says.
We watch her wander around Sunbury An tiques Market, inspecting pieces with an eye on what she could paint. Damaged pieces are particularly good, she says. She’s interested in painted furniture and folk pieces, farm pieces and grand pieces, and is on the lookout for ways to add vitality and ‘little pops of colour’ to a room. The first thing to do, she believes, if you’re starting to think about colour, is to visit Charleston. You’ll come home wanting to paint everything, she believes. “I look around and think, what can I paint?”
The aim of this new course is “to give you joy and happiness in your own home. It’s about changing your whole way of looking at things. Painting is a way to express your individuality,” she says. And you can’t go wrong, because you can always repaint. Pretty much everything looks better painted, she maintains. “Even ugly ceramics covered in, say, fat cherubs. Just half close your eyes and imagine what it would look like painted.” We’ll start with that.
How to Fill Your Home With Colour, 22 lessons, costs £127 at createacademy.com
The first thing to do if you’re starting to think about colour, is to visit Charleston
With autumn on the horizon, a few tweaks to your home décor can refresh the look and feel of your space to better suit the upcoming season. In autumn, we’re looking to add warmth to our homes for a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Adding layers is one of the best ways to create a comfortable space. It can be as simple as mixing and matching a few different elements like shape, texture, colour, and pattern.
In line with autumn, the most important layering consideration is texture. Soft and cosy fabrics are a must-have when getting your home ready for the colder months ahead. Layering up thick fluff y throws and fringed cushions on the sofa or your bed may be the most obvious ways to add warmth, but also consider accessories. By mixing and matching textures through your home accessories, artworks and textiles, you can create a sophisticated look in your home.
Another way to incorporate layers in your interiors is to experiment with similar colour palettes. Autumn in particular is the perfect season for warm and earthy tones, so why not add in a range of different shades to create a layered effect in your home? A soft tan sofa would look even more inviting with copper cushions and a caramel throw.
Patterns of all kinds can be combined to create layers. From polka dots and checks to florals and stripes, there is an almost infinite number of patterns that you can use in your home. If you have patterned wallpaper, think about how you
can layer on top of that existing pattern with throws, paintings, or accessories that have complementary or contrasting patterns. Mixing and matching patterns in this way can help to make a room feel cosier and more comfortable as the room won’t look quite as sparse.
Layering shapes is a more unusual way to create layers in a space. Shapes can either tie back to our point about layering patterns, or you can use furniture pieces and accessories of different shapes and sizes to create layers. For example, a round lampshade placed in front of an octagonal mirror can create a rippled layer based on their slightly similar shape. You can build out these layers as far as you’d like by adding more complementary or contrasting shapes within the area.
When we approach our projects, we look at it as an opportunity to create a unique space individually tailored to our client’s needs and aspirations. This is a great way to approach redesigning your own space with a design tool like layering. Think about what you can include in your home design that’s unique to you – whether that be interesting shapes, textures, your favourite colours, or patterns. If you need help finding a starting point, an interior designer will be able to help you achieve your desired result.
Sarah Barclay is the founder of Barclay Interiors based in Ascot – for more information, visit barclay-interiors.com
How to introduce cosy layers in your home for warm autumnal interiors
Malvern Garden Buildings are offering the next generation of shoffice – introducing the Shoffice Plus.
This high end, multi-tasking garden building offers a shed, office and opensided deck combo for outdoor dining and relaxing or even the ideal space for a hot tub.
With unlimited options available – having three separate-but-connected living areas allows imaginations to go wild and customisation to become truly bespoke.
One of the first uses of the term was in the Wall Street Journal in late August 2014, reporting the trend for Londoners desperate for more living space installing shoffices in their “backyards”. The article goes on to say that having maximised every spare inch of space in attics and basements, these city dwellers had invested in a garden building as a more cost-effective way to expand their property’s footprint, rather than relocating.
The popularity of the shoffice has almost certainly been fuelled by the growing number of homeworkers looking for an office completely separate from the house with pleasant views of the garden.
These modern super-sheds are a far cry from the moss-covered, rusty tool stores of the past. Shoffices are designed and
fitted with every modern convenience, from insulated walls and underfloor heating to high speed wifi and luxury bathrooms.
They are favoured by people who have decorated their homes beautifully and now want a bespoke space in their gardens. Or owners of traditional houses who crave a more contemporary space.
Homeowners considering a shoffice will find most garden offices do not need planning permission if the building is a maximum height of 2.5 metres and if it is within two metres of the house boundary.
A structure is allowed if it does not take up more than 50% of the outside space and is not going to be used as a sleeping area.
If you live in a National Park, listed building or conservation area you need to seek permission from the local planning authority.
Download a copy of Malvern's free ‘Work from Home Forever’ guide for inspiration and to start to explore the options.
There are 11 Malvern Garden Buildings showsites across the UK displaying an extensive range of premium British-made garden rooms curated by a friendly team of garden building experts.
need a shoffice
Bathrooms everywhere are getting an upgrade as we are taking self-care more seriously than ever. What was once a place to get clean has now transformed into a retreat in which to relax and unwind after a busy day. Fortunately, there are plenty of wall tile designs, which can help you achieve a tranquil spa-style atmosphere in your bathroom.
Tiling all the way to the ceiling may seem dramatic, but the visual benefits are definitely worth it. After all, this will make a shower or bathing space instantly feel larger. What’s
more, most experts agree that shower tiles in particular should go to the ceiling. This way, you can keep your surrounding areas clean and dry. Ultra-durable porcelain and ceramic tiles will serve your purpose. Both sorts can withstand all sorts of wet, humid conditions and they will stand the test of time.
Bathroom wall tiles come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, from tiny mosaics to large format versions. You don’t have to stick to one size throughout your bathroom as you can play around with this to create depth and interest. Also, the bigger the tile, the easier it will be to clean with less grout lines and a smoother finish.
Using the same tiles on the floors and walls is one of the more distinctive ways to create an individual bathroom design. This will, after all, instantly create a sense of harmony and cohesion. However, it can also be impactful
if you select a unique tile, in colour, pattern, or material such as Hyperion Tiles new Ca’ Pietra Jungle Hexagon tiles (pictured below).
Pairing patterned and plain bathroom wall tiles in the same colourway can be incredibly striking in this setting. Or you can try various texture or pattern combinations to create your preferred design or style. However, the bathroom should create a calming space after a long day. Avoid too many bold or bright options – after all, there’s refinement in simplicity.
Why not create zones such as a shower backdrop, bath area, or splashback with decorative bathroom wall tiles or panels?
If you’re working with a theme, certain pat terns can help tie this together. Otherwise, mix and match finishes, such as matt and high-shine tiles, to show off areas of your bathroom haven.
Luxury bathroom tiles don’t have to mean blowing your budget, especially as the cost of living is rising. So, you can still be costeffective and creative by choosing to only tile certain areas. You can still demonstrate your individual style by selecting colours or patterns, which really appeal to you.
For more information and inspiration about bathroom wall tiles, visit Hyperion Tiles’ latest blog at hyperiontiles.co.uk
Thinking your bathroom is in desperate need of a makeover?
Hyperion Tiles reveal six ways you can refresh your bathing haven
With the autumn chill on its way, here's our buyer's guide to choosing the right stove
By RACHEL WEBB
toves are a great way of adding a cosy focal point to living spaces, and the right design can lift a room scheme – especially as you can choose from bold colours, and streamlined modern or elegant traditional models. There's a stove to suit just about any space and you don't even need a fireplace for many designs, just a suitable outside wall or roof space to accommodate the flue system.
But there's another good reason to consider investing in a new stove this autumn – bills. Unless you're planning an extended trip to the sun, staying warm this winter is a very real concern. It's something the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) is certainly hot on, also reminding us of the benefits of reducing reliance on central heating.
Stoves are never a recommended alternative to central heating, but an efficient, modern design will ramp up the cosiness and potentially offer a way of saving on other energy costs. This is something that SIA is emphasising, pointing to recent research about the "zonal heating" approach. This suggests that using a wood-burning stove while turning down your gas central heating to 18°C for three hours five times a week could save almost 8.5% on average
heating bills – potentially more if fuel bills continue to rise. Not only that, but you have the reassurance of staying cosy during a power cut (outages do happen) bringing peace of mind that can justify the outlay.
If you're warming to the idea of snuggling around the fire while saving money, here are five tips for choosing and running a stove.
If you're sitting in front of an open fire or running an older stove (10 years plus) it's almost certainly worth considering an upgrade to an Ecodesign-compliant model (for example clearSkies certified). The latest compliant stoves generate 80% fewer emissions than the older stoves, and 90% less than an open fire.
“An efficient modern stove will ramp up the cosiness and potentially offer a way of saving on energy costs”
If you're in a Smoke Control Area, as most of London and many surrounding areas are, you'll need to choose a stove that is Defra exempt. The penalties for breaching Smoke Control regulations can be hefty – so upgrading makes financial as well as ecological sense. Get advice from your stove retailer but, as a guide, look for clearSkies Level 3 and above stoves.
While the idea of a toasty room can be enticing, overheating (or underheating) will be a serious problem if you buy the wrong size. This is why it's important to
get a proper survey of the room you'll be heating. An authorised stove dealer and installer (HETAC or OFTEC registered) can advise on the right wattage, as well as undertaking a survey to ensure your chimney or other flue point is safely prepared. Also, look for a stove with responsive controls – you want a design you can adjust quickly and easily.
The right fuel is essential for safe and efficient stove operation. If you buy logs from a local dealer, they should be at or below 20% moisture content – this is for safety as well as smoke control compliance. If you buy logs from a variety of sources, look for the 'Ready to Burn' logo. Never burn wood that has been chemically treated or use the stove to incinerate paper and other rubbish. Also ensure you store logs safely – avoid stacking them too close to the heat of the fire.
Your stove chimney should be swept at least once a year by a registered chimney sweep (visit the Federation of Chimney Sweeps' page for local members). This is the best way to ensure safe and efficient running – and many insurers also insist chimneys are swept regularly. Sweeps are also a wonderful source of practical expertise on all things fireside.
For more advice, visit the SIA website at stoveindustryalliance.com
The Solution 5 (S4) has traditional styling but is available in a variety of contemporary colourways, including this 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, this Regency-inspired Cranmore 5 comes in matte black or coloured finishes and has a large picture window for cosy evenings fireside. From £1,864 in purple; charnwood.com
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
With easy-to-control settings that can turn up the heat in moments, this efficient stove is suitable for fireplace or freestanding installation and would be a classic addition to any living space. From £1,129; hunterstoves.co.uk
The Morsø 4043 cast iron stove 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
Terrazzo is still a major worktop trend, whether cement, porcelain or resin, and comes in a huge variety of shades and patterns. Or design your own with Diespeker's online tool. diespeker.com
A separate utility room is a must for every modern kitchen, as is a pantry. Or why not combine the two as in this clever design by Inglis Hall, incorporating storage as well as laundry. inglishall.com
Hyperion Tiles' new Ca’ Pietra Akazu Porcelain Mosaic tiles resemble the Akazu pottery of medieval Japan. This organic style features a crackle glaze in jewel-like tones, such as Emerald, which is showcased here. hyperiontiles.co.uk
One of the best things about British Standard Cupboards is that every cupboard comes primed and undercoated, ready for you to get painting in any shade you pick. We love a contrast interior too. britishstandardcupboards.co.uk
A kitchen island is practical, sociable and versatile. In Poggenpohl's Kitchen Architecture philosophy, functionality and aesthetics combine harmoniously to make the most of all available space. poggenpohl.com
Gilly Tilden’s McCarthy Stone home reflects her diverse influences and interests. “My style is an eclectic mix of traditional, antique and modern – like my fashion sense. I’d describe my space as warm, comfortable and happy. When people see it, they instantly say, ‘oh yes this is very Gilly!’”
Ann Carroll’s cheery retirement apartment is as colourful as her character. After living in Spain for 15 years, fun-loving Ann was keen to bring the sunshine to her new home, adding bright shades and daring art. “Life’s just better in colour!” she exclaims.
Graphic designer Lindsay Bradshaw’s apartment is constantly evolving. Its exuberant mix of unusual patterns, colours, and bold prints reflects his creativity. “Of course, it’s not to everyone’s taste, I admit,” he says with a chuckle. “But I’ve got a young outlook on life and I just thought ‘why not?’ The best thing you can do is to stick to neutrals first, then add pops of colour once you’ve lived in it for a while.”
McCarthy Stone retirement developments are found in prized locations close to local amenities and transport links. From sociable shared spaces to flexible domestic and care support, they provide an assortment of thoughtful facilities and services to make life easier and more enjoyable. With properties by the coast, in the countryside or at lively cultural hotpots, there’s a McCarthy Stone home for every retirement dream.
If you think that all retirement living properties are the same, think again. McCarthy Stone offers stunning homes for every preference, from popular apartments to brilliant bungalows. And while all of their properties are designed to be light, spacious, energyefficient and low maintenance, the fresh white walls provide the perfect blank canvas to create a unique, personal haven.
Meet three McCarthy Stone homeowners whose distinctive interior design styles are shaking up preconceptions around retirement living.
mccarthystone.co.uk
your style, you can create an elegant abode with McCarthy Stone that’s as unique as you are
Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess.
Award-winning Oakford Homes has brought an exciting new development to Maidenhead. Fabric is an impressive collection of luxury one and two bedroom apartments, perfectly located on the outskirts of the town, and for first-time buyers, the apartments are available with just a 5% deposit with Help to Buy.
This brand-new development of highly specified apartments is set within six individually designed apartment buildings and features an attractive central courtyard of landscaped green space. Each of the 51 apartments has been created with great attention to detail, with each home benefiting from premium materials, fittings and appliances.
The elegant, fully-fitted kitchens include integrated Smeg appliances, while the bathrooms and en-suites feature contemporary Roca and Hansgrohe fittings and sanitaryware. All bedrooms come with fitted wardrobes, and a combination of Minoli floor tiles and carpeting is provided throughout, along with underfloor heating to all rooms. Furthermore, the majority of apartments benefit from their own private outdoor space in the form of a balcony or terrace, and each apartment boasts at least one parking space, with provision for an electric charging point.
The development is surrounded by charming villages, including the foodie haven of Bray and traditional Cookham, which is well-placed for walks across National Trust land, including the grounds of the stunning 17th century Cliveden
House. The popular town of Marlow is also just over four miles away and boasts boutique shopping, restaurants, and high-end cafés and bars.
Maidenhead’s high street and Nicholsons shopping centre have much to offer, with a diverse mix of restaurants, cafés and pubs, from independent traders to high street favourites, such as Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and H&M. Other local amenities include several post offices, a library and a multiplex cinema.
The extensive sporting and leisure facilities in the area include an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre, golf at The Berkshire, horse racing at Ascot and Windsor, and rowing at Dorney Lake and Swinley Forest. Covering more than 3,000 acres of woodland, running across gently sloping hills, it is the perfect destination for long walks or mountain biking.
Maidenhead is ideally positioned to benefit from strong transport links. Maidenhead railway station provides regular direct services to London Paddington in around 30 minutes, and the arrival of Crossrail will further enhance commuting to the West End and the City, linking Maidenhead directly onto the existing underground network. The M4 and M40 are easily accessible via the A404 (M) or A308 (M).
is open daily from 10am-5pm. Available now are two-bedroom apartments from £385,000, and coming soon are further onebedroom apartments. Find out more by calling 01628 622131 or emailing fabric@hamptons.co.uk
The new Headmaster at St John’s Beaumont Preparatory School in Old Windsor, Dr Deneal Smith, does not only have a PhD in Astronomy, but has a great passion for reading. He’s been spending a lot of time in class with the children, getting to know them and sharing his love for books. For a chance to meet the new headmaster, book a visit to the school on SJBwindsor.uk/visit or call 01784 494 053
Awareness Week, from 3-9 October, is an important reminder of issues some children face – and why the outlook is in no way negative
By SUE LAIDLAWDid you know that about 10% of the UK population are dyslexic? You may, indeed, be dyslexic yourself or have a child who has dyslexic tendencies.
Dyslexia, derived from Greek, literally means “di culty with words” but, with specific teaching, strategies can help overcome these di culties. We are all di erent, dyslexic or not, but some of the positives of being dyslexic can include excellence in spatial awareness, problem solving, inventing and creativity, to name but a few.
Within our teaching centre, we house Laidlaw Hall, our specialist centre for the teaching of children and young people with dyslexia. We are a registered body with CReSTeD (Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils), the kitemark of excellence in this area of teaching. We are proud and humbled to work with schools, children and young people for whom dyslexia is part of their lives; we are not dismissive of how this can a ect each student, or how it can dent confidence, but we celebrate the hard work, tenacity and also the talents that can all
be part of having dyslexia as part of your profile. We have taught elite tennis players who have exceptional spatial awareness and have known students who have become architects, fashion designers and surgeons. There are many preconceived ideas about dyslexia. Indeed, even now in some quarters, dyslexia is dismissed as something that does not exist. So here is some myth busting…
• Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. There are plenty of dyslexic students who gain excellent GCSEs, A-levels and degrees, including those from Oxbridge.
• If your young child is finding it di cult to grasp the basics of reading and spelling, it does not mean that they are dyslexic. In fact, most educational psychologists do not want to make a formal diagnosis of dyslexia until a child is at least seven years of age. There are, of course, exceptions. If you have a family history of dyslexia, then this may be diagnosed earlier.
• It is not true that nothing can be done about dyslexia. Professional, targeted intervention can work wonders and, in turn, build self-esteem and a more positive approach to learning.
If you have a child who is struggling and you are concerned, do seek specialist teaching support. We try to explain it to the children as teaching them a di erent way of “cracking the code”.
Dyslexia Awareness Week is in October. The theme this year is ‘breaking through barriers’ and will allow us all to reflect on the barriers that those living with dyslexia often face. Let’s celebrate how the world needs us all to think in
di erent ways, with di erent strengths (and weaknesses). Let’s help each child to find their individual strengths and support them in their challenges.
And let’s hold on to the fact that dyslexia can come with unexpected bonuses.
Just look at the work of designer Paul Smith, or enjoy Jamie Oliver’s culinary talents or the dramatic work of Keira Knightley and Tom Cruise. Thank you all for your wonderful creative brains.
is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP.
For 30 years, Sue and her team have offered educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres, including Laidlaw Hall, a specialist centre for children with dyslexia and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy.
Find out more at laidlaweducation.co.uk or call 020 8487 9517
“Let’s help each child to find their individual strengths and support them”
Q What attracted you to taking over at Eton End School?
A Eton End has a real family feel and that is important to me as a head: education is about the whole child and working in partnership with families and the wider community. It is essential for me as a school leader to be part of a community and have meaningful daily contact with our pupils. I am also committed to independent education and the freedom that it o ers to our profession to always act in the best interests of the child and the family with regards to the curriculum, structure
of the school day and the enrichment programme we can o er to our pupils.
Eton End is completely independent, we are free to design the curriculum which works for our pupils and advise them, without bias, on future schools.
Q What have you learnt over your career in education?
A That no two children are the same and that emotional security and positive nurturing of children alongside high aspirations and a belief that anything is possible will enable all children to succeed
in a variety of fields. When I started teaching nearly 30 years ago there was a belief that children had a certain level of potential; we always talked about children meeting their potential. I have learnt that a child’s potential is limitless, it is capped only by those who try to define it and measure it. I am always mindful of the words of Einstein when he said, ‘Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.’
A Eton End is a traditional school with a forward-thinking approach to teaching and learning. We deliver an inspiring and ambitious education, both inside and outside the classroom centred on happy children who exemplify the school motto: I am, I can, I ought, I will. We value the uniqueness
Rachael Cox discusses why she wanted to take on the Headship at Eton End School and why she feels privileged in the classroomRACHAEL COX
of every child and their family and tailor our teaching to maximise their strengths and support them in the next steps in their learning. We are a school with a real focus on wellbeing and pastoral care, our High Five and Sunny Selves programme help support children’s character development, mental health and wellbeing enabling them to flourish and thrive at school.
Q How does the school motto fit in with your own approach to education?
A I am, I can, I ought, and I will is central to our philosophy of education here at Eton End. As I have previously mentioned children can all achieve great things when they have the mindset and support to do so from those around them. The school motto could not be more apt to represent what I believe about education, it is not only about imparting knowledge, but about creating members of society who make positive contributions with confidence, humility and compassion.
Q Is it a privilege to help introduce a love for learning to your pupils from 3-11 years?
A I trained as a teacher almost 30 years ago, I chose to specialise in the primary years because I believe that it is such a key part of children’s development. To be entrusted with someone else’s child in their formative years is an honour I find di cult to express in words. If I can play a small part in helping any child develop a love of learning, overcome
obstacles and be mindful of their own and others’ wellbeing, then there is no greater achievement or reward for the work I do.
Q What do you expect to see in a typical classroom?
A Happy, excited children, productive talk and lots of questions and curiosity. High levels of collaboration and empathy and evidence that the children are willing to take risks in their learning and step outside their comfort zones. We can only learn when we face challenge, as educators we must establish an environment where children feel it is safe to put themselves in that place of challenge.
Q How important are opportunities outside of the classroom to you?
A Vital. Reading, writing, and adding up are only one piece of the education pie! Children learn so much from other experiences; respect, teamwork, dignity and humility from sport are classic examples. Through the performing arts children gain confidence
and develop their imagination and public speaking skills. Co-curricular clubs present the chance to try new skills – the list is endless and one of the greatest advantages of an independent education is the option to take part in so many enrichment activities.
Q What are you looking forward to most as the school year begins?
A Getting to know everyone in the Eton End community and forging strong and productive working relationships has to be near the top of the list but, as always when a new school year dawns, I am looking forward to seeing that priceless look on a child’s face when they grasp a new concept for the first time, or achieve something that they have so worked hard for. That is why I come to school every day – because the children in my care have only one childhood, it is my responsibility to lead a school which celebrates that, protects it and provides memories that will last a lifetime.
“I want to lead a school that provides memories that last a lifetime”
George’s
Q Can you give us an overview of your career in education…
A After studying geography, and then a PGCE at Cambridge, my first job was at Bedford School. There I taught geography, coached a lot of hockey and did lots of outdoor ed. This pattern then followed with jobs at Marlborough College and RGS Guildford. I moved to St Mary’s Ascot in 2006 where I taught geography, was a Housemistress and then Deputy Head for seven years, before moving down the road to be Head at St George’s Ascot.
Q How long have you been Head at St George's Ascot and, initially, what attracted you to the role?
A This is my seventh year as Head, so all the girls at St George’s have only ever known me as their Head. What attracted me when I first looked around, and what all our visitors to the school comment on, is the warm, welcoming community and the confident, engaging and ambitious girls who take pride in showing visitors their school.
Q What does your school o er?
A We o er a mix of day, weekly and full boarding to 270 girls, which gives us a natural diversity of pupils and the school
is busy with a huge range of co-curricular activities in our fantastic facilities until late into the evening. The size of the school allows me to know each girl and importantly the girls know each other well and they form strong and meaningful relationships between girls of di erent ages.
Q Do you have a particular ethos when it comes to education?
A The girls will tell you that I speak to them a lot about ‘balance’. I think it is important that we have balance in our lives – academic work and co-curricular activities, hard work and good fun, and we talk to the girls about prioritising our own wellbeing. I like to think I model this approach with the girls too.
Q What do you enjoy most about your job?
A Interacting with the girls. Being around young people is energising, they are enthusiastic, engaging, diverse and funny. If I am dealing with something tricky, a quick trip to the dining room at break time definitely lifts my spirits.
Q What plans are in place for the new school year?
A St George’s has recently been awarded the prestigious Google for Education Reference School status and we have been nominated for a number of awards for our use of educational technology. We are looking forward to continuing our exciting work in learning innovation and sharing our growing expertise in this area with local and partner schools.
Q Out of work, where are you happiest?
A Either in the mountains or by the sea. I love travel, adventure holidays and exploring new places.
“The girls are energising, engaging, diverse and funny”
As the new academic year begins, Thorpe House Lower School has dived into an even more streamlined and exciting curriculum, which champions balance while placing significant and unwavering emphasis on English and maths. The boys’ days are designed to make mornings matter, with ‘hit the ground running’ engaging lessons, which place high priority on expectations of independence, self-belief and the appreciation that to learn one must have the confidence to ‘fail up’.
Thorpe House boys are nurtured to make good decisions and to support each other, share curiosity and collaborate in explorative teams, so that lessons provide time ‘in the learning pit’, and are well-paced, ensuring every boy makes marked
progress every step of the way.
Assessment practices guide teachers to facilitate these bespoke pupil learning journeys, removing gaps, unblocking access to moving on and building further skills and confidence. Their open-door communication policy develops targeted support for the boys in school and at home.
As success becomes its own reward their boys relish opportunities for investigative learning throughout the rich curriculum. Informal discussion and more o cial, often impromptu oratory is important to them, allowing the boys to express themselves and discuss their thought processes, learning and experiences. They find that this magical ingredient makes learning, knowledge and skills a shared celebration, confidence building notwithstanding. Being expected
to stand up in assembly and report on a trip, workshop, tournament or fixture, is normal practice.
Within the curriculum they ensure a bespoke learning journey for every boy. Their small family environment enables teachers to build up clear profiles of their pupils, enabling di erent teaching techniques and approaches to be utilised to engage varied learning styles.
A family school in every sense, they champion the individual and celebrate unique talents and ability. Their sports facilities are enviable, with the younger Lower School boys benefitting from an indoor swimming pool, seven acres of level playing field, a new sports hall and Lower School grounds. Sport is important to them as it provides fitness, team work and further confidence building. They believe that everyone can discover their sport at Thorpe House.
Following the completion of a boy’s time at his infant school, entry point into Year 3 includes the opportunity to apply for an academic scholarship. To be a Scholar, in this thriving community of learning, is an enviable position. They welcome the opportunity to discuss this with families who are interested in moving their son to a small, highly-academic and nurturing family school.
is an all-through school for boys aged 4-16. Find out more about Thorpe House Lower School and Scholarships at their Open Morning on Tuesday 15 November. Book your place at thorpehouse.co.uk
“Thorpe House boys are nurtured to make good decisions and to support each other”
and the sustained curiosity to question the surrounding world, life in the future is going to require a very di erent mindset.
Q How would you sum up what St George’s School Windsor Castle o ers today?
A An education firmly focused on the future. All of the world’s leading minds in education and industry are in agreement that the needs of tomorrow require a very di erent approach to the educational norms of today. From the World Economic Forum’s Schools for the Future report in 2020 to the very recent Times Education Commission’s 12-Point Plan for Education, there is broad acknowledgement that there needs to be a dramatic shift away from the current narrow focus on individual subjects and ‘teaching to the test’, towards developing a much broader range of knowledge and skills, while also reducing the extreme pressure placed on today’s children by a relentless assessment framework. From creative problem-solving abilities, international mindedness, entrepreneurialism, resilience
At St George’s we are actively taking steps to be at the forefront of this reform. By combining a pioneering new International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum with membership of the global Round Square network and a school-wide approach which prioritises mental wellbeing, we pride ourselves on nurturing children to be kind, resilient, inquisitive, internationally-minded and, as we call it, ‘Real World Ready’. As the first standalone prep school in the UK on track to become an IB World School, we are excited to be able to prove the value of our innovative new approach. It really is an exciting fusion of heritage and modernity, perhaps most aptly summed up by our announcement back in April that two of our female students had joined the choir of St George’s Chapel, marking the first time girl choristers had been admitted to the choir in its 674-year history.
A The location of the school is incredibly special. With our very own set of steps up to Windsor Castle and our playing fields located inside the castle’s private grounds, there really is nothing like it anywhere else
Head William Goldsmith explains why St George’s School Windsor Castle is so forward-thinking
in the country, possibly even the world!
The castle provides us with an incredible resource for learning, as well as an idyllic backdrop for sports fixtures, outdoor learning and nature walks.
It is highly unusual that we can o er this sense of freedom whilst also being located right in the heart of town; something which definitely has an appeal of its own, particularly for our more senior boarders.
Q What would we see in a typical classroom?
A Without wishing to sound clichéd, there is no such thing as a typical classroom. From toasting marshmallows in our purpose-built outdoor learning facility, going on nature walks in the castle grounds, scuba diving in our indoor pool, or taking part in a promenade drama performance, our students have extremely wide-ranging opportunities outside of
the traditional classroom setting.
Regardless of location, you can always see happy, inquisitive and creative learners, working with impassioned and inspirational teachers.Essentially, the school’s values of kindness, honesty and courage in action.
Q How important are opportunities outside of the classroom to you?
A Learning outside the classroom is incredibly important. So much so that this summer we appointed our first Learning Outside of the Classroom Coordinator.
This will allow us to formalise all of the amazing work already going on across the school to get the very best out of our incredible surroundings, as well as introduce new initiatives such as a fullyfledged Forest School experience.
We also already have a thriving cocurricular programme at St George’s with over 80 activities across the year, ranging from water polo to astronomy, film making and Eco Club.We are proud that this breadth of o ering enables our students to try new things and find and develop their own individual passions, and we are always thrilled to hear of our students going on to continue the pursuits they took up whilst at the school. Just over the summer, we’ve had news of elite level success in rowing, fencing and weightlifting to name but a few!
One of the other key ways we try to broaden the horizons of our students is through our partnership with Round Square. As the first standalone prep school in the country to join this network, it provides us with unrivalled opportunities to partner with schools across the globe, whether through interactive lessons, class projects or exchanges. This opens up a world of di erent perspectives and cultures, and ignites a spirit of adventure among our students. We are even in discussions to potentially host the organisation’s global conference in autumn 2024!
Q The new school year is here. What are you looking forward to most?
A There is always so much to look forward to with the start of a new term!
In the immediate term, seeing our regular boarders enjoying their newly refurbished boarding house and our wider student body reuniting with friends after the summer break has been a joy to behold. Longer term, it is all about continuing on our journey to provide an unrivalled, future-focused education, delivering the very best outcomes for every student who comes through our doors. We are continuing on the path to full accreditation as an IB World School, as well as pursuing membership of the Green Schools initiative and the Rainbow Flag award.We have also just launched a school bus service with routes from both Maidenhead and Gerrards Cross to make the school even more accessible to the wider community.
The whole community at Downe House School gathered on the morning of Friday 9 September in the school’s beautiful Chapel to remember and give thanks for the remarkable life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her contribution to her country and the Commonwealth.
The School Chaplain, Rev Anthea Platt, led a special service for the girls and their teachers, remembering and celebrating Her Majesty’s dedicated and loyal service, her deep interest in all those she met, her skills of diplomacy, her kindness and humility, as well as her wisdom and great sense of humour. As Revd Platt said: “Elizabeth II’s selfless leadership will remain an inspiration to us all.”
The pupils have been writing personal messages in books of condolence, which will be sent on to the Royal Family.
On the Sunday, in line with the Government’s guidance for National Mourning, the Union Jack was raised to full mast on the roof of the Murray Centre, at the heart of the school’s campus, to mark the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Charles III.
With a 900 seat performing arts centre to rival London’s West End, and six other state-of-the-art performance spaces, Wellington College stages multiple productions each year.
All performances are open to the public and any funds raised are made available to local schools as grants of up to £1,000, to aid their own arts education. The application window for schools to bid closes on the last days of September, January and April, each year. Previous recipients of grants have used them to purchase new staging and music equipment, hire performance lighting and replenish arts supplies.
This year’s performances include Legally Blonde The Musical, stage
Pupils at independent day and boarding school LVS Ascot, where pupils are given the support and opportunity to exceed expectations, celebrated a fantastic set of GCSE exam results back in the summer. An incredible 100% pass rate was achieved in English, Maths and Triple Science with an overall pass rate of 92%.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the LVS Ascot 2022 GCSE cohort have achieved a higher overall pass rate than the 2020 tag grades, with highlights including 100% BTEC pass rate and 36.74% grades 9-7.
School Principal, Christine Cunniffe, says: “We were delighted with the GCSE results, it is a testament to the brilliant work of our staff and pupils.”
adaptations of Shakespeare in Love and 1984, and the Festival of Musical Theatre. In addition, the legendary drum player Ralph Salmins leads the Festival of Drums and Percussions with students at Wellington and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, and the not-to-be-missed Alice and Wonderland Dance Show. To find out more and to book tickets visit the website.
