16 AGENDA
Our pick of the best events across the county in October
The Overtones lead singer on touring and loving life in Leeds
28 WAKEFIELD
How a new cultural hub is the cherry on top for the city
Celebrating 20 years of making the most out of maize
48
Are you prepared for a ghost tour at this iconic landmark?
50 WETLANDS
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust on what we need to protect in the county
Tuck into what's on the county's plate this month
The Harrogate restaurant that looks and tastes great
The Scarborough business getting all set for Christmas
The experts who reinvent old gems into new sparkles
Joe Browns latest will get you ready for autumn
The latest must-haves from the health and beauty industry
Our special launches with a look at the top new releases
The Leeds shop specialising in bringing Nordic charm to life
Inside the property that is really putting the wind in our sails
Blue has a calming effect on our interiors, so here are several ways to introduce it into your design
143 OPENER
The section launches with a stunner from Finest Properties
A unique award-winning home comes on to the market
153 INSIGHT
What Dales & Peaks is bringing to the Sheffield market
A behind the scenes tour of the latest penthouse launch at this iconic site in the heart of York
We meet 10 of Yorkshire's top female entrepreneurs, plus interview Griselda Tobogo (p35)
The inside track on a unique art installation at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (p24)
Heard the one about the Harry Potter fictional game that's a big thing in schools today? (p91)
The online guide to inspirational local living.
Joe Browns AW22 (joebrowns.co.uk)
The royal links with Yorkshire run long and deep. With ownership of plenty of farmland across Yorkshire, as part of the Duchy of Lancashire, the Queen was long inherently linked to the green pastures that make up much of our landscape – and fiercely proud and protective of them, too. And her direct connections don’t end there, either, with the Queen proudly owning 16 Yorkshire beaches, including the wonderful Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes, stunning Runswick Bay and, cream of the crop, Flamborough Head. It’s not surprising then that from the very year her reign began, Queen Elizabeth II was already making a point of visiting Yorkshire and forging a strong
relationship with our beautiful county. With horse racing her greatest passion, it’s perfectly fitting that her first visit to Yorkshire as Queen was in 1953 when she watched her horse, Aureole, in the St Leger at Doncaster Racecourse.
Yorkshire has long been loved by royalty, with many monarchs throughout the years choosing to support and celebrate local heritage across the county. According to Leeds Heritage Theatres, in 1858 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Leeds to see its major expansion in the wake of the industrial revolution. As Leeds Heritage Theatres report: “[Prince Albert] remarked
that Leeds needed a ‘first-class theatre’ and that ‘nothing was more calculated to promote culture and raise the tone of the people’ than this.” Fast forward 20 years and, in 1878, Leeds Grand Theatre opened its doors. Nearly 100 years later, in 1958, Queen Elizabeth II visited to witness what her ancestors had created, a night that solidified the royal success of the theatre.
And the Queen continued this theme of support – she was always passionate about celebrating and understanding heritage sites and UK history. Heritage England used her Platinum Jubilee to draw attention to this and encourage others to celebrate the meaning and history behind their own local areas. An interactive map, produced for the celebration earlier this year, saw a fair few Yorkshire places flagged as areas that the Queen made a point of visiting and celebrating, including Ripon Cathedral, Harrogate Theatre, Great Yorkshire Show, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Wakefield Cathedral, Beverley Racecourse, the Humber Bridge, and Yorkshire Museum.
Her final visit to the county was to Richmond Castle in 2015, a trip that was to mark the formation of a new regiment, the Royal Lancers. Luckily for us, many of the Queen’s visits have been well documented and preserved for the history books. A particularly special archive shows the records from local photographer Bertram Unné, whose collection the North Yorkshire County Record O ce still hold today, when she captured the Queen’s iconic visit to the Great Yorkshire Show in 1957.
Yorkshire has, and always will, be there to celebrate the wonderful life and achievements of Queen Elizabeth II.
As we celebrate the incredible life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, we take a look at some of her favourite links to our countyRICHMOND CASTLE FLAMBOROUGH HEAD
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
MEDIA CONSULTANTS
AMANDA KEY, MELANIE HARDCASTLE, RACHEL STEAD, BECKY BAIRD 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
Lisa Byrne on close encounters with the best and worst kinds – and why the county always has its face on
During my 20 years working on glossy magazines, I met a multitude of the world’s most famed beauties while attending events across the globe. Despite being very glamorous Madonna appeared too ‘done’, Angelina too skinny and J Lo far too perfect. But if I had to pinpoint one woman who was the epitome of natural beauty – a stark contrast to today’s copycat look of sharpie pencil brows, duck lips and blowup bottoms – it would be Sienna Miller.
I was having an awful day when I met Sienna. I had a business meeting with the notorious lech Harvey Weinstein at The Savoy. Arriving at his suite Weinstein opened the door, clad in – what else? – a white towelling dressing gown, a garment he is now notorious for greeting his victims in. Thankfully, he was surrounded by his children who had joined him on a family trip. Throughout the
meeting it was impossible to concentrate as Weinstein downed can after can of Diet Coke making a constant foul gurgling noise.
Later that I evening I had to attend Miramax’s pre-Bafta party in Mayfair.
After a brisk hello to Weinstein, I dashed to the bar searching for someone to talk to and noticed Sienna, chilling on the floor sipping a drink. After grabbing a martini, I went over to tell her how much I enjoyed her latest film. Inviting me to sit down, Sienna was charm personified. Chatting away, she didn’t seem at all bothered that I was a journalist. She possessed such a rarefied beauty – appearing to be devoid of make-up, oozing confidence and obviously following a very healthy skincare routine.
Just like Sienna, I’m a skincare obsessive and since moving back to Yorkshire I’ve been keen to try out regional products. York’s Clockface Beauty boasts a huge range, but I particularly love slathering on their signature facial serum. I also adore Harrogate’s world famous Neom Organics with their Wonder Balm being a firm favourite. Over in Ilkley, Sereia Skincare have produced an incredible range of marine inspired products and I’m obsessed by their smoothing body mitt and cleansing bar.
With Yorkshire’s booming skincare industry, it’s great to know that we can now buy some of the world’s best beauty brands on our doorstep. Sadly though, I can’t promise that any of us will end up looking like Sienna.
Email lisabyrneyork@gmail.com with launches, events etc, and follow on Instagram lisabyrnepr and Twitter LisaByrnePR
Feasting on food created by genius chef Luke Sanderson at Allium at The Vices in York.
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Experiencing spooky post-sunset adventure ‘Sundown Sessions’ at Go Ape in Temple Newsam.
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Enjoying an evening with my favourite broadcaster Graham Norton at York Theatre Royal.
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Interviewing Philippa Langley, who discovered the remains of King Richard III, for the film The Lost King.
LISA NATURAL SIENNA MILLER
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
Henry Holland's new collection of artisinal hand-blown glass includes this beautiful pink swirly concoction. henryhollandstudio.com
The Sierra rug in a so rose pink from UK Home Living is available in a choice of four sizes from only £47.13 inc vat and delivery. ukhomeliving.com
BY
EDITOR’S
These gold vermeil hoop earrings feature a pink opal gemstone at their centre – and the stones are interchangeable for a truly versatile look. lilyblanche.com
Laura Ashley is one of the world’s bestloved home and lifestyle brands. The Tapestry Floral is just one of an extensive collection of timeless classics. The full range is now available in the so furnishings department at Rodgers, Monks Cross, York. rodgersofyork.co.uk
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
harveynichols.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.
Designed and produced by
Award-winning art and sculpture, fascinating heritage, innovative food and drink venues, a vibrant live music scene, and breath-taking green spaces – the Wakefield district has it all. This festive season, take advantage of a jampacked programme of events: from the tallest spire in Yorkshire towering over Wakefield Cathedral and outstanding exhibitions at both the Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, to the Light Up Festival in November, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. experiencewakefield.co.uk
8-9
Discover a wealth of artistic and creative talent hidden behind the studio doors of Beverley. For two weekends in the middle of October, Beverley artists will be opening up their studios and homes to the public. Visitors will be able to chat to the artists, watch them at work, hear about what inspires them - and what challenges them - and there is, of course, the opportunity to buy that special piece of work directly from the artist.
beverleyopenstudios.co.uk
14 October ST GEORGE’S HALL, BRADFORD Don’t Stop Believin’ – The End of the Night Anthem Show guarantees a crazy night of non-stop, singalong favourites. This electrifying, high-energy theatre production features 30 of the biggest end-of-night anthems – all brought to life in full colour with a sizzling cast, fantastic costumes, and amazing light show. bradford-theatres.co.uk
13 October YORK BARBICAN
Kris James has long been stunning audiences. An experienced and talented performer with songs that never fail to disappoint, Kris has now announced the release of a brand new single, The Way You Move, out in early October. He will also be touring the UK supporting Will Young on his upcoming commemorative 20 Years Tour, including this date at York Barbican. yorkbarbican.co.uk
MUSIC
MUSIC
Kris James
ART
As the seasons change, Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) refreshes the displays of art outdoors including new sculptures in the landscape and the return of Antony Gormley’s One and Other (2000). New works include Vanessa da Silva, Muamba Grove #3 and Muamba Grove #4, 2019; Peter RandallPage, Mind Walk, 2022; and Ro Robertson, Stone (Butch), 2021. ysp.org.uk
Have a LAUGH
Three to make you chuckle at The Studio, Bradford
3 OCTOBER
Star of Spitting Image, Steph’s Packed Lunch and with over 10 million views of his online videos, Luke Kempner is one of the UK’s hottest mimics and stand-up comics. With a hilariously razor sharp roster of contemporary impressions ranging from Piers Morgan and Bojo to Ru Paul, Luke has become a household name.
Until 15 October
TANYA MOISEIWITSCH PLAYHOUSE
An irrepressible, shape-shifting fraudster known only as The Maniac is brought into Police Headquarters just as the officers inside prepare for a judicial review of the ‘accidental’ death of a suspect while held in custody weeks earlier. Unable to the resist the opportunity to hold court, The Maniac dupes the police into performing a farcical recreation of the incident, exposing the absurd corruption at the heart of the system. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
The countdown to Christmas starts here… Join The Carriageworks to find out if the glass slipper fits and if Cinderella will make it to the ball and back again before midnight. Featuring breath-taking special e ects, spectacular scenery and sparkling costumes along with plenty of traditional panto mayhem, laughter and chances for you to join in the fun. The clock is ticking to Leeds’ most magical pantomime yet. carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
A matinee idol born in the wrong era, Troy Hawke brings his latest show to The Studio. Last year he found the nefarious link between IKEA, the Nazis and Kanye West. Now the 1930s throwback home-schooled investigator battles a new enemy on behalf of all people everywhere…
18 OCTOBER
Comedian Francis Foster from TRIGGERnometry, the hit political and cultural YouTube show with over 3 million downloads a month, is performing his first solo stand-up show. Francis talks about the important things in life, like failure and how to deal with having a psychopath for a mother.
Find out more at bradford-theatres.co.uk
25 NOVEMBER-8 JANUARY, THE CARRIAGEWORKS, LEEDS
ART
TROY HAWKE SIGMUND TROY’D!
17 CULTURE • DIARY ABSOLUTELY magazines ANTONY GORMLEY ONE AND OTHER 2000 COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND YSP, PHOTO ©JONTY WILDE
“In the last four years I have realised how important our music is to people”PHOTO: JOSEPH SINCLAIR
It’s been a hectic year for The Overtones. The four-piece soul vocal harmony group made up of Mike Crawshaw, Mark Franks, Jay James and Darren Everest have been touring non-stop, so it’s by some miracle that we have managed to find some time to talk to the latter.
Despite his love of being on the road and soaking up the audience’s energy, Darren always looks forward to returning home to his fiancée and former Coronation Street actress Rhea Bailey, and their oneyear-old daughter Ilaria. “It was hard being away in Mexico for ten days. I don’t want to miss anything!” he exclaims with a big grin. “Rhea is the most amazing mum and it’s great to come back home to them. Ilaria is amazing and such a character. We laugh every day; she loves her food and is always giggling and laughing. She loves Stevie Wonder! I am besotted with her,” he gushes.
It’s evident that becoming a dad has made a huge impact on 41-year-old Darren as he proudly shares his journey over the last year. “Ilaria fits into our lifestyle in the most amazing way,” he continues.
By NATALIE LI“She came on tour with The Overtones for a few dates and we’ve travelled to LA, Spain, and Italy with her. It’s a dream to see her from the stage as I perform.”
Darren and Rhea, younger sister of Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, moved to Roundhay in Leeds with their rescue dog Binkie after meeting five years ago at a party. “Rhea was born and bred in Leeds so it made sense to move up north,” explains Darren. “I am always up for different experiences and so is Rhea. She lived in LA for six years and I’ve moved around a bit. I love Yorkshire, everyone is so friendly, and people really do have time for you up here.”
With family still living in Essex where Darren grew up, he speaks fondly of his life there. “I still have a lot of friends in Essex, and I always love visiting my nan, who lives in Barkingside and my family in Chigwell. We usually go for a lovely meal at The Bell Sit, an Italian restaurant in Woodford.”
Recalling his early years, football was the ultimate dream. His football career ambitions, however, dissipated after Darren caught glandular fever which “wiped him out”
for a year, forcing him to change direction. Some might call it serendipity, but this led him to music. “I was at a point where I had the potential to get signed to a club, but after glandular fever I fell into music and at that time I never thought of it as a career. I started going to auditions and open mic nights, but I never knew it would take so long. I am happy it all happened for me later in life. I have seen people get jaded when they get into this business so early on.”
At the age of 28, like a scene out of a film, Darren and his bandmates were working as painters and decorators on Oxford Street and were discovered by Warner Bros while singing on a tea break. It’s the stuff of dreams. Ditching paintbrushes for perfect harmonies, The Overtones have since racked up multi-platinum record sales, released six studio albums, toured with Cliff Richard – and even performed at The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at Buckingham Palace.
But after the tragic death of their bandmate Timmy Matley in 2018 (later replaced by Jay James), it forced the band to reevaluate their future. “After Timmy passed
The Overtones singer Darren Everest is embracing change. He chats to Absolutely Yorkshire about becoming a dad, moving to Leeds, and learning to be present
away, we hid under a rock,” recalls Darren, “we didn’t know whether we’d continue, but ultimately we wanted to carry on his legacy. Our job is to make people smile.
“In the last four years I’ve realised how important our music is for people,” he continues. “We get so many messages and emails thanking us for helping people in their lives. I feel blessed to be in a band that makes people feel good and smile.
“I love vocal harmony, soul and appreciate it even more. We now have our own label; it eases the pressure, and you can enjoy the moment a bit more. I remember not enjoying special moments along the way because you get so nervous and worked up, especially being on a major label. It’s easy to become obsessed with getting a number one album and charting high, dreaming of making it in America, and packing out arenas. I’m learning to be more present – it’s easy to be obsessed with what is next.”
When he’s not touring or with family, Darren also manages two acts: Ramzi and Princes to Kings. “I’ve always wanted to manage talent and develop them,” he says.
“Ramzi is a multi-instrumentalist and Princes to Kings are two brothers from Hertfordshire and they are developing into a serious pop group, they write and produce their own music. They are getting better and better. I want the music to be organic – it’s important that they’re at peace and happy with their work.”
As if life couldn’t get any busier, there’s plenty more in the pipeline – a wedding to plan, and potentially more kids to add to the fold. “I am a workaholic and a dreamer, but having Ilaria has chilled me out a bit,” Darren reflects.
“We do want more kids, but now we have one we realise how tiring it is! Let’s see what happens. We do want a little sibling for her to play with and we have a boy’s name ready. Rhea and I would love to get married in Italy or Yorkshire next year or in 2024.”
Ahead of that, Indonesia beckons in December as The Overtones head on tour once again. “There’s also been talk of returning to Mexico and having a crack at South America, and we’d love to return to Germany as we have a great fan base,” Darren says. “We’re in a great place and having the best time on stage together. We just want to keep making music that makes people smile.”
The singer picks out his favourite Yorkshire spots
We love it here, it’s the biggest park in Europe.
We stumbled across this place and it’s one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to, one of our favourite Yorkshire haunts. They make an amazing Aperol spritz.
I am a coffee snob and lucky to have so many great coffee shops nearby, but this is my favourite.
We held Ilaria’s first birthday party here – a chance to celebrate making it through her first year with our friends and family to the soundtrack of Encanto, Moana and, of course, Stevie Wonder!
THE IMPRESSIVE ROUNDHAY PARK DARREN ON STAGE HE HAS FALLEN FOR LEEDS TAPPINO’S MAKE A MEAN APEROL SPRITZ THE MUSTARD POT PHOTO: POLLY LANGFORD
Interview by BETHAN ANDREWS
Q You’ve had quite the year. How did your art career take off in the first place?
A It’s just really been a constant in my life. Since primary school, I was always more interested in drawing, painting, or illustrating an answer to a problem rather than sitting and working things out academically. I had a wonderful teacher, Mrs Dawson, who introduced me to people like Seurat and Matisse and it blew my mind. So yes, I’ve always been creative, but would never have originally considered myself an artist – perhaps because I was a designer first and foremost in a professional capacity and this felt more accepted… Or perhaps there’s a bit of imposter syndrome there?!
Q What have been the highlights of your career so far?
A Oh goodness! I feel very fortunate to be in the position I’m in now. The exhibition this year at Yorkshire Sculpture Park has definitely been a cherry on the top. But, other highlights, let’s think… Winning the Newcomer Award at Holmfirth Art Festival in 2019 sealed the deal as far as I was concerned that I should perhaps take my painting more seriously.
Q Talk to us about your exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. How did that come about and what do you hope people take away from it?
A I was invited by Amanda Peach, the retail manager, to exhibit – our paths had crossed a few times and she had seen my work and loved the direction it was going in. I was bowled over by her invitation. I hope that people can connect with the places and spaces and perhaps remind them of the beauty of familiarity and how diverse and
JANINE BURROWS, A BREW, BISCUITS AND A BUNCH OF DAFFODILS, 2022. IMAGE © THE ARTIST. PHOTO © RED PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK PHOTO: JONTY WILDEbrilliant Yorkshire is! I also hope there will be many conversations inspired by the work that will encourage others to see our space in a different light. The best thing was being able to explore what Yorkshire means to me on a personal level.
Q What do you love most about Yorkshire Sculpture Park?
A It has everything! Rolling hills, history, architecture, nature, art in abundance – it’s such an inspiring environment from the front gate to the lake, to any of the gallery spaces. I think it breaks down any art stigmas, too. It is for all, for each and for every person to enjoy and embrace. In fact, it makes me quite emotional thinking about it.
Q Your work really showcases how well you know Yorkshire and how much you love it - what is the process of creating and how do you make sure that comes across?
A The process is quite simple really, from sketching on site I also take plenty of photographs of the surrounding area taking note of certain sights and sounds and how I might replicate those back at the studio. The sketches are simple and often just thumbnails, but it’s enough for me to consider the composition and how the balance of a piece might work. Back at the studio, I then work straight onto the surface,
usually wood but occasionally canvas. Using emulsion, acrylic, pencil, pastel in lots of layers. I feel that the colours I use are a big factor in shaping how a piece will feel and connect with the viewer. So, even though the style is naive it will still be recognisable and hold a narrative. That’s the important part for me, the narrative.
Q You are a proud Yorkshire person. What do you love most about where you live and the rest of the county?
A I love the diversity of where we are –nestled amongst rolling hills, yet the throng of the city is just around the corner. We have everything and it’s definitely not grim! The coastline in Yorkshire, in particular, has so much charm and so many tales to tell. I feel incredibly lucky to be here and to have all this inspiration just outside my front door.
Q When it comes to the rest of Yorkshire, what areas of the county do you love the most? Are there any places in Yorkshire you like to escape to when not working?
A I guess the areas that mean the most do go back to childhood. Hawes in the Dales was where we would spend family holidays. We would walk for miles, eat picnics regardless of the weather and have a cheeky half pint of shandy at the pub – there was something so invigorating about this part of the world and it felt so different to our home town even though it's not that far away! Scarborough, Flamborough and Robin Hood's Bay were also special getaway places and still are to this day. I think, because Mirfield is so centrally located inland, it feels as far from the sea as you can get.
So, I think that explains my penchant to be by the sea and I’m hoping one day we can make that a permanent thing!
janineburrows.co.uk
“The exhibition at YSP has been the cherry on top”JANINE BURROWS, BRIGHT DAY AT THE BAY, 2022. IMAGE © THE ARTIST. PHOTO © RED PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK SCARBOROUGH YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK MIRFIELD JANINE BURROWS, MY YORKSHIRE ROSE, 2022. IMAGE © THE ARTIST COURTESY OF YSP
Despite the huge success Studio Morison has seen, having grown up in a working class background, Heather Peak didn’t necessarily expect to be able to make a career out of being an artist. “I found out about art through my local library and looking at a lot of David Hockney, which is very relevant to Yorkshire,” she tells me. “I then ended up picking up a catalogue from a show by an artist called Helen Chadwick. She’d done a printmaking degree at Brighton, so I thought I’ll give that a go. That’s where I met Ivan who was doing fine art, but it was still a bit of a preposterous idea just leaving college and being an artist. You needed to have connections, an understanding of the art world and some financial stability – and I didn’t have any of those things.”
Heather and Ivan went to London and got intern jobs in the art world, and she
tells me how the late nineties in London was an extraordinary time for contemporary art. Heather explains how Ivan got a job working for Frieze Magazine and how she worked for the art newspaper, and it meant that they had invites to amazing art events such as Sensations. She credits this with giving them both an amazing apprenticeship in art and meeting incredible artists. Fast forward to today, and now married with two children, the two have managed to work for 20 years exclusively as successful, professional artists.
So, how did Studio Morison first come about and what is the main ethos? “I think we played around with all kinds of ways of being an artist in the world, but having a studio means that it gives you a nice framework for working with all kinds of people,” says Heather. “As time has gone on, we’ve expanded our experience and range of things that we have done. Every piece of work is completely bespoke and never been done before.” As artists, they have established an ambitious collaborative practice that transcends traditional divisions between art, architecture, theatre and activism. Their art is often performance-based and site-specific, existing as one-off events, social projects, or large-scale installations and buildings in public spaces.
It’s not surprising, then, that Studio Morison have been in conversation with the Yorkshire Sculpture Park for nearly
15 years. “We’ve got to know them, and they’ve got to know us, and you build up a lot of trust in that time,” says Heather. Clearly, this was a match made in heaven, and Studio Morison’s first artwork for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Silence –Alone in a World of Wounds, has recently been nominated for a Dezeen Award.
The project came about in the pandemic, where Heather talks of the real emotional shift that everyone had in that time. The work mirrors this, as it is incredibly in touch with nature and it’s calming, comforting and tender, but it’s also about seeing the harsh truth in our surroundings, too. Responding to the question 'Can art save us from extinction?', Studio Morison developed a sculptural space made of natural materials including timber and thatch. It acts as an extended open pavilion and becomes a framework and quiet space set within nature. The artwork invites visitors to stop and connect, to consider and experience and to listen to their natural surroundings. Over time, the work will become part of the landscape as the natural
weather contributes to its decomposition, leaving only a slight indent and trace of a ring in the ground in years to come.
This connection between nature, art and humans is central to Studio Morison as artists. Heather tells me how privileged they were to have the chance to stay the night at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and immerse themselves in nature to understand that connection and how they wanted it to come across to the public.
“Working in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an extraordinary privilege. I stayed up all night with my kids and wandered around, and it was magic,” she beams.
“Where you see where Silence is, we laid down there for hours at night to understand it that closely. The work is built entirely from materials found in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park or from our land at home.”
We talk about how cleverly Studio Morison bridges the gap between art and architecture, and Heather explains exactly how that has evolved. “I like art that you can step into, that you go over a threshold and that is almost portal-like, so that’s thematic
“I like art that you can step into, that you go over a threshold and that is almost portal-like”INSTALLING SILENCE – ALONE IN A WORLD OF WOUNDS AT YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK. PHOTO © ADAM VAUGHAN HEATHER PEAK AND IVAN MORISON, SILENCE – ALONE IN A WORLD OF WOUNDS, INSTALLATION VIEW AT YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK. PHOTO © CHARLES EMERSON
throughout our work,” she says. “To get that, you have to combine architecture and the art world.” It’s this that allows a sense of connection and full immersion in their work, so it’s not a surprise that this is Heather’s answer when I ask what she hopes people take away from Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds. “Connection, definitely,” she smiles. “Connection to us, connection to the earth and connection to the weather.”
It turns out that Heather feels pretty connected to Yorkshire, too. “There’s a narrative sometimes that art is a bit of an add-on in life, but it’s actually integral to being a human,” she says. “This idea is never questioned at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and it doesn’t happen everywhere else in the country, so I love that about working there. Yorkshire is really beautiful, too, and it’s so beautifully looked after as well.”
I wonder what Heather feels is most important to them about creating art, in general. “It’s actually really simple, I think, and it’s about creating art for public good – there’s no two ways about that,” she smiles. “I’m working on something at the moment that I can’t say too much about, but it’s looking at some of the philanthropists from the 18th century who built our libraries, town halls, art galleries and museums. They had at the heart of everything that they did work for the public good – I like the simplicity of that.”
peakmorison.org; ysp.org.uk
PICTURED ON THIS PAGE: INSTALLATION VIEWS AT YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK.
PHOTO © CHARLES EMERSON
There really is something for everyone this Autumn!
For more information go to:
Haris Tyler Haus of Haris Tyler
By BETHAN ANDREWS
There’s good reason why Wakefield is the talk of the UK right now, not just because of new exciting developments landing in the Yorkshire city, but because they’ve only further gone and shone a spotlight on the already thriving creativity scene. From mining history to sculptural fame, and perhaps most importantly, creativity in droves, there is a multitude of reasons why Wakefield is attracting new visitors.
And with Wakefield set to become home to the largest community of creatives outside of London through the introduction of the first installation of Tileyard North this month, what better time to celebrate the
city and its rich history. Tileyard London is Europe’s largest music-centric creative community, so for something so huge and creative to land in Wakefield, it’s sure to put the Yorkshire city on the map as the heart of a northern creative centre. Opening in the Grade II-listed Rutland Mills complex neighbouring The Hepworth Wakefield on the city’s waterfront, the hope is that the regeneration of this area for Tileyard North will facilitate the talent already in the region.
Up until the eighties, Wakefield was mainly known for being a mining city, with coalmining making up the backbone of the area. Fast forward to today and the open cast collieries have been filled and turned into nature reserves and parks, but as a nod to the past, the Caphouse Colliery is now England’s
National Coal Mining Museum. Nestled in a valley below the Yorkshire Moors, you’re spoilt for choice with rural prowess, too, and sweeping countryside views.
Historically, Wakefield was known for its position in the wool trade, with the first wool market starting in the city in 1308, which meant cloth weavers and makers
THEATRE ROYAL
THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD (C) WAKEFIELD FIRST
decided to settle there from around 1400.
By the 16th century, alongside its popular Halifax neighbour, Wakefield had become a centre for cloth finishing and dyeing, with the 19th and 20th centuries seeing it flourish as the heart of the woollen cloth industry.
It was the waterfront and waterways that allowed Wakefield to prosper in the early ages, with the transport links allowing it to be a hub of industry, lined with mills and warehouses, maltings and other businesses.
According to the Wakefield Historical Society, the waterfront was “made navigable for boats in 1761 and became part of a through waterway route for goods to industrial Lancashire and Cheshire with the opening of the Rochdale Canal throughout in 1804 and then the opening of the Huddersfield (narrow) Canal in 1811,” allowing the city to be connected and important. Naturally, trades were attracted to Wakefield due to its good transport links and soft water for dyes. You can still see remnants of the many industries that came to the city now, such as textile manufacturing, corn merchanting, malting, boat owning, and building and repairing.
The city centre of Wakefield is small, which is a benefit to tourists who just
want to wander and soak up the historical architecture and feelings of the old centre. Wood Street, just next to the Cathedral, is a great place to start to see a glimpse of old Wakefield through the buildings and design. You’ll find four iconic buildings here: the Court House of 1810, The Music Saloon of 1821, the Town Hall of 1880 and County Hall of 1898.
The Cathedral, complete with Yorkshire’s highest spire, is certainly worth a visit for history buffs. A blend of medieval and Victorian architecture, the impressive place of worship is filled with avantgarde art. It’s also worth seeking out the Chantry Chapel, which is one of only three bridge chapels left in the country.
While we’re on the topic of architecture and beauty, Wakefield is a place that does this very well, and just down the road from the Cathedral, the Theatre Royal is a building that shows this off beautifully. The Victorian theatre building is the design and vision of famous architect Frank Matcham and the Grade II* listed theatre, built in 1894, is the smallest surviving
Matcham theatre auditorium. Keep your eyes peeled for Heritage Days in the city, where you may be lucky enough to step behind the scenes to areas of the theatre usually hidden from the public. With new funding just announced for the building, too, there will be a lot more coming from the popular theatre in the year to come.
You can’t exactly talk about Wakefield without talking about the wonder that is the award-winning Hepworth Wakefield, set within the historic waterfront, overlooking the River Calder. The gallery opened in May 2011 and was awarded Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017. Named after Barbara Hepworth, one of the most important artists of the 20th century who was born and brought up in Wakefield, the gallery presents major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art. It is also home to Wakefield’s art collection – an impressive compendium of modern British and contemporary art – and has dedicated galleries exploring Hepworth’s art and working process.
While in Wakefield, it would be rude not to pay a visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, too. The Hepworth Wakefield and The Yorkshire Sculpture
YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK
WAKEFIELD CATHEDRAL
Park were both recipients of the world’s largest museum prize – the Art Fund Museum of the Year award.
Tileyard North is not the first foray into creativity – Wakefield has been showcasing the arts for years. Clearly, it has a rich artistic culture and history, and a recent project set within the city is one to look out for if you want to find out more about the artsy past of the area. Artist Ekaterina Sheath has designed an outdoor trail along Upper Westgate, which is designed to allow the public to re-imagine the history of Wakefield. Part of a four-year programme, the art is promoting the Upper Westgate Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) area and is a collaboration between Wakefield Council and Historic England. Taking inspiration from the industrial heritage of this part of the city, the art trail is bold and exciting to witness and is a brilliant way to enjoy a tour of Wakefield while engaging with history. You’ll find the pieces on lampposts and around six
adjoining listed buildings including Unity Hall, the Theatre Royal Wakefield and The Lodge at the Orangery, and each one illustrates a unique story relating to the sites.
The Art House is also well worth a visit, a place where artists and audiences of all kinds are welcome to engage with the creative process through a year-round programme of exhibitions and events. Plus, the city does festivals in a big way, with the annual Rhubarb Festival taking over the city for a whole week in winter, an eclectic mix of food, drink, art, heritage, live music, comedy and performances. Then, in spring, it’s time for Long Division. This vibrant love-letter to independent music brings together the perfect balance of established artists with upand-coming acts at venues all over the city. In summer, you’ll find Seaside in the City, with thrilling street theatre and a giant sandpit.
It's clear whatever takes your fancy, from history to contemporary art, Wakefield ticks every box going.
Find out more at experiencewakefield.co.uk
What’s on in
Daniel Arsham at YSP
From 1 October
Relics in the Landscape is the first UK museum display of work by the highly acclaimed North American artist Daniel Arsham.
The Wakefield Model Railway Exhibition, organised by the Wakefield Railway Modellers’ Society, returns for 2022 – the first show in three years.
From 20 October
The Hepworth Wakefield will present the first major survey of British photographer Hannah Starkey.
This Halloween, Wakefield BID is turning Wakefield into the spooky centre of Yorkshire with Wicked Wakey!
“Tileyard North is not the first foray into creativity – Wakefield has been showcasing the arts for years”WAKEFIELD
dramatic as the town’s Castle. The Robin Hood is an award-winning example, with a dedication of 12 rotating pumps. It’s run by Henry Smith Brewery, who brew in Castleford and also run the 250-yearold Bradley Arms in Featherstone.
The Merrie City is also home to many restaurants. For a taste of Eritrea, head straight to Corarima to discover authentic Abyssinian cuisine. This lovely restaurant, located in the Civic Quarter, offers exquisite vegetarian, largely vegan and gluten-free fare.
Wakefield’s reputation as the “Merrie City” can be traced back to the Middle Ages. And whilst it would be difficult to predict what medieval socialites would have made of chilli stouts, guava induced IPAs and rhubarb ales, it’s safe to say their thirst for good times would be thoroughly quenched by the district’s modern-day assortment of real ale and craft beer establishments.
Ossett Brewery is an independent beer creator based in the district, with a growing portfolio of pubs and bars. Within Wakefield city centre, The Hop’s outdoor courtyard and frequent rotation of ales is a perennial favourite. But be sure to take note too of Luis Bar (with its own onsite microbrewery) and the beautiful King’s Arms sat atop the peaceful Heath Common just a few minutes’ drive from the centre. And if you’re keen to get backstage, the brewery in Ossett offers guided tours.
Pontefract is home to an array of inviting pubs, many with histories as long and
Only a few minutes away and described as the meeting of Yorkshire and the Pacific, Robatary combines Japanese style cooking with influences from Indonesia, Peru and the West coast of America for a tantalising culinary experience like no other. Robatary’s dishes embrace fireside cooking, in which your food is cooked over hot charcoal.
For those who prefer great British dining, Iris creates modern cuisine that excite the taste buds with a relaxed dining experience that sources local seasonal produce of the highest quality to create a unique menu.
Farms shops are also aplenty across the district. Farmer Copleys’ 2019 trophy for the Best Farm Shop of the year from the Guild of Fine Food speaks for itself. Based in Pontefract, it boasts lovely attentive and welcoming staff, great choice and reasonable prices in one place, with an excellent vegetable stall and fantastic butchery.
One of the first farm shops in the district, Blacker Hall Farm pride themselves on the fact that 75% of everything sold in the shop is produced and prepared on site, especially their famous award-winning beef products. And if you’re near Castleford and are looking for a good honest down-to-earth farm shop with no frills, Methey Bridge Farm shop is the one.
Find out more at experiencewakefield.co.uk
Experience Wakefield take us deeper into a tour of the city with a look at the fabulous food and drink optionsFARMER COPLEYS ROBATARY OSSETT BREWERY TAPROOM
Q You have had such a successful career in business, but have you always had this drive and ambition?
A Growing up, I was told things I could and couldn’t do as a woman, and that didn’t sit right with me. This motivated me to prove nay-sayers and critics wrong. So, when I was told I couldn’t run a successful business, I went on to prove that I could. Now, as a mum, I am constantly told that women can’t have it all. Although I agree there is only so much you can do, I am motivated to define success for myself and to create success on my own terms. I was also inspired by my mum’s journey and watching her break down the same barriers.
Q Nestled in your CV is the role of CEO of forwardladies.com – how did the site originally come about?
A I moved to Leeds with my husband
and came across this women's network called Forward Ladies. I was driven by my experiences with my mother to support women, so I decided to buy the business when it became available and to make it relevant for the future. Forwardladies. com is now a global digital platform supporting women achieve their goals.
Q In a nutshell, what does it offer?
A We help women achieve their professional and business goals by creating programmes that connect them to experts, networks and opportunities.
Q What kind of events do you hold?
A We have monthly mentoring sessions with our members at forwardladies.com. This is where we bring in subject matter experts and mentors to teach and mentor on topics that would help our members thrive at work.
We also have our annual awards programme, which we host at the fabulous Royal Armouries. It is a celebration and recognition programme for women's contributions to business across industries.
Q Finally, for any would-be female entrepreneurs out there starting out, what one piece of advice would you offer them?
A We, women, tend to underestimate our abilities to start and scale businesses. This is due to societal bias passed on in our homes, schools, workplace and the wider community. Believe in yourself and believe that you have what it takes to start and run your business. You will be amazed at how far that belief can take you.
I've written a book, Unstoppable Women: Female Entrepreneurs' Stories to Inspire and Motivate. It showcases 26 short stories of inspirational everyday women who have started, scaled and exited their ventures. My intention in writing this book is to inspire women to know they too can gain the strength, wisdom, determination and resilience you need to succeed in what is still largely a man's world. Each of the women profiled openly and candidly shares their journeys. Their stories provide invaluable 'golden nuggets' and advice to other women. Along with the inspiring stories of these women, there is a workbook section for you to record and plan your journey so that you, too, will become unstoppable. The book is an excellent tool to enable women from all walks of life to fulfil their dreams and manage their journey to success.
GRISELDA TOBOGOBUSINESS: Werk fine jewellers
POSITION: Co-owner/designer
Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A I always wanted to be a designer and from an early age had a pencil and sketch book in hand.
Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?
A Meeting my husband and business partner changed my direction from working in commercial jewellery design into bespoke one of a kind of jewellery.
Q Tell us about the business you run today?
A We are a small jewellery boutique based in the heart of historic York where we design and create one of a kind jewellery and bespoke jewellery.
Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?
A I love designing jewellery. But the best part is when the jewellery is collected and is cherished by its wearer.
Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?
A At home with my family and our darling beagle Belle.
Q How do you ensure a work/life balance?
A I try to switch my phone off from 7.30pm and Sundays are family days.
Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?
A I am lucky that I live in a small hamlet outside York surrounded by nature which inspires all my designs.
jewellersinyork.co.uk
COMPANY: Botastic MediSpa
POSITION: Director
Q When you were younger what did you want to be when you grew up?
A One of my earliest memories is receiving a nurse doll from my grandmother and a nurse kit and uniform from my other grandmother. I loved playing with both and from a very young age I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Sadly, both my grandmothers are no longer with us, but they both saw me achieve my dream of becoming a nurse. I think they each secretly took credit for my career choice.
Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped you career?
A In 2005 my husband was diagnosed with a chronic illness that meant we had to change our life plan, we sold our home and he gave up work. Looking back, it was a sink or swim moment. Although having been back
We meet 10 of Yorkshire’s forward thinkers when it comes to businessEVE BIRD
to university to become a nurse prescriber and autonomous nurse practitioner, my career always took second place. I worked part time and picked up the slack at home, which I was more than happy to do. But due to my husband’s health and resulting change in our circumstances I effectively needed to up my game. While working P/T in the NHS I set up Botastic in the background. Over the next few years I worked both jobs (and did very little else). As the business grew I gradually reduced down my NHS commitment before eventually taking the plunge to give it up completely. Had it not been for my husband's illness I would never have been forced out of my comfort zone and had the opportunity to develop myself and build a successful business.
A I run a Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated Medispa in Anlaby, East Riding of Yorkshire. I have a team of six nurses and skin therapists, together we provide medical skin treatments and aesthetic procedures, such as PDO threads, dermal fillers and Endymed Radio Frequency. I am passionate about what I do and my number one priority is to provide safe and effective treatments.
The aesthetic industry is severely under regulated and sadly we deal with a lot of complications because of ‘back room’ treatments performed by unqualified/non regulated practitioners. Aesthetic treatments such as PDO threads, dermal fillers and botox should only be administered by a Doctor, Dentist or Nurse Prescriber. Clinics providing PDO threads legally need to be registered with the CQC. We always advise patients to do their research and ensure their treatments are done by a medic in an appropriately regulated clinic.
A I think it is really important to switch off completely from work regularly to recharge your batteries. In the past I have been guilty of not adhering to this, I ended up stressed, anxious, and not sleeping properly. I now make a conscious effort to have one day a week where I switch off from Botastic completely.
botastic.co.uk
BUSINESS: Lucy Pittaway Ltd
POSITION: Managing Director and Principal Artist
Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A I wanted to be, and actually became, a florist. I watched as my mother and stepmother created fabulous displays and I wanted to be able to do that myself.
Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?
A I love being outdoors, nature not only inspires me as an artist but invigorates my soul so when we spend time as a family, you’ll probably find us somewhere in the Lake District either walking, on our bikes or paddleboarding if weather permits. It’s times like those when I’m very happy.
Q How do you ensure a work/life balance?
A I practice mindfulness including meditations, journaling, and yoga. These forms of exercises really help me feel balanced, which is great when the work/life balance is a challenge.
Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?
A I currently live in North Yorkshire and have lived in the North East/ North Yorkshire region most of my life. The sheer size of Yorkshire affords us so many opportunities to enjoy diverse landscapes such as fells and valleys, amazing coast lines and vibrant cities – there is something for everyone.
Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
A I’ve learned a few life lessons the hard way over the years. The first which is useful for anyone starting a new adventure or endeavour; always expect the unexpected, things will rarely go to plan. But the one I live by the most now, is to follow your heart and trust that fate will lend a hand to guide you.
lucypittaway.co.uk
LUCY PITTAWAY“FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND TRUST THAT FATE WILL LEND A HAND TO GUIDE YOU"
Q What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day work?
A The beauty of owning a small retail business is that you are involved in every element. I have a real passion for shoes and with every changing season, we have the exciting task of putting new collections together. Our day-to-day work is all about the people. We are traditional in our service and get so much pleasure from ensuring our customers leave the shop with something they love.
Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A As a little girl, I always wanted to be a dancer. Unfortunately, my flat feet and child bearing hips probably always meant I was never going to make a prima ballerina! Throughout my teenage years I had a desire to open a restaurant, which influenced my decision to study hospitality management at university. Strange how things turn out because I never would have imagined in my twenties that I would one day own a shoe shop.
Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?
A Yes there was! Having had two children with challenging feet, I was always left feeling slightly disappointed with my shoe shopping experience.
One day I pulled into a parking space in the Market Place in Pocklington and saw an empty retail unit in front of me. It literally sprang into my head that it would make a brilliant location for a children’s shoe shop. I am not an impulsive person, but this felt instinctively right. I studied the area, did my research and I undertook numerous training courses to ensure I knew everything I possibly could about shoes and shoe fitting.
Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?
A I will be honest; I am now a bit of a home bird. There is nothing I like more than spending time with my friends and family. I love entertaining. I adore flowers, and find flower arranging very therapeutic. I am easily pleased.
footlooseshoes.co.uk
BUSINESS: PAB Studios ltd, The Hive Wakefield, Clobberswap Ltd
POSITION: Director / Founder of Clobber Swap Ltd
Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A When I was younger, I had a desire to be an actress, TV makeup artist and even West End performer. I have always been creative and danced 3-4 times per week from the age of seven, so I was always interested in media and the arts. I remember writing to Yorkshire TV on Kirkstall Road, Leeds about becoming a film/TV makeup artist and set my heart after studying performing arts at A-level in becoming a children’s TV presenter. I went to Salford university to study a BA Hons in media and performance but unfortunately, I didn’t have the financial or emotional support needed to make it work, plus I only went with £40 and a week’s worth of clothes, so when the money ran out, I came home.
Q Tell us about the business you run today?
A I am part owner of PAB Studios Ltd and The Hive Wakefield. PAB Studios Ltd is an advertising and marketing agency looking after all trades but mainly Automotive. It was formed in 1989 and I joined in 1995, it’s now my 27th year since joining. We were doing a couple of million in turnover back then and with hard work I helped to grow the agency to a whopping 8 million with nearly 40 employees and four offices. When the pandemic struck and the marketing tap turned off, unfortunately we had to make a lot of people redundant as clients weren’t spending the same after lockdown, which meant there was a lot of available space at PAB Studios, Wakefield. I’m proud PAB Studios has now rebuilt itself over the last 12-18 months and doing well with a smaller knit team, I was able to create my second business, which is The Hive, Wakefield, which is a co-working, meeting room / private office space on the second floor of PAB Studios. I also created a sustainable fashion business called Clobber Swap Ltd during lockdown, which now has 8,000 members who love to swap, buy and sell pre-loved clothing in a community group on Facebook. It’s a subscription model business, where members pay £2.99 per month to swap, buy and sell all day long, which is thriving more than ever as it means we can look good and feel fabulous as well as reduce wastage going to landfill, helping our
Helen Sissons BUSINESS: HELEN SISSONSplanet. The group worked so well, I produce my own podcast every Sunday at 10am, which is listened to by people all over the world, you can listen on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts if you search, Clobber Cast.
Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
A I lost my dad to alcoholism early when I was just seven years old, my early years were filled of fear and dread and when he died it left just me and mum. I was the youngest of six children, but my siblings were older than me, so my mum was left to bring me up alone when she had no money, no car and was depressed, living each day on her widow’s pension.
I knew very early on that I didn’t want to ever be in a position when I grew up living life on a shoestring. My advice to myself as a child would have been, don’t ever let anyone dampen your desire to achieve. It took me a while to realise this, as even my own mother wasn’t the most encouraging, but that’s because her life was very different to mine growing up and she couldn’t ever imagine herself in a business meeting. Now she’s proud of what I’ve achieved, and she has had a wonderful life as a result of my success, which makes me very proud.
pabstudios.co.uk, clobberswap.co.uk, thehivewakefield.co.uk
BUSINESS: Legacy Jewellery POSITION: Director / Owner
Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A A vet or a horse.
Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?
A A lady called Nicky accidentally transformed our business.
Her experience ultimately led to the creation of what has become Legacy Jewellery. Nicky asked us to create a ring using her late mum’s jewellery. At that point, my own mum was in the final stages of dementia and my father had just been diagnosed with cancer. I lost them both within ten months. Nicky’s emotional response to her beautiful Legacy ring was one I will never forget. It was a feeling I wanted. One I wanted other women to experience too.
Q Tell us about the business you run today?
A At Legacy, we reimagine old and
inherited jewellery, creating a piece bursting with love and meaning. It is a privilege to be a part of each unique and very personal Legacy journey.
Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?
A Speaking to clients at the start of their journey to discover the individual stories behind their old jewellery.
Q Out of work, where or when are you happiest?
A Traipsing around the countryside on a dog walk with hubby and our three kids.
Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
A The worst things sometimes do happen. Be brave. Leap when you need to. Cherish every moment that makes you smile.
yourjewelleryreimagined.com
SARAH STONER CAMILLE JOHNSONBUSINESS: Myrings Estate Agents Ltd – Harrogate
POSITION: Founder - Managing Director
Q Tell us about your business...
A Myrings is an independent family owned and run property business engaged in the Residential Sales and Lettings business in Harrogate and the surrounding villages. Simon, my brother, and I run the business on a day to day basis, assisted by dad (Charles) at times. Our business’s philosophy has always been and will remain client satisfaction with our services, this is our core value and I genuinely believe we have installed this conviction into all of our team members, it's paramount to the continued development and growth of our business model.
Nothing pleases me more when I read a positive client feedback review as to how a sale or letting has been conducted, it proves that we are
BUSINESS: Kendall’s Jewellers in Wetherby
POSITION: Owner
Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A I knew I wanted to work in the diamond industry as I had worked so hard towards my diamond grading courses. I thought I would be a diamond buyer, but found myself learning so much more so I could utilise my knowledge for much more than buying alone.
Q Tell us about your business...
A Kendall’s Jewellers is a small bustling place to work and it’s never a quiet day! We specialise in bespoke jewellery and pre owned watches. We love working alongside our customers, many of which have become dear friends over the years.
Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?
A I enjoy seeing who comes through the door and what their requests are, it could be wedding bands, a bespoke piece, a specific watch someone is looking for or a watch battery. It is always different and keeps us all on our toes!
Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?
A I currently live at Rudding Park whilst looking for the ideal house to renovate. Although I do love all the space Rudding has to offer for long walks with my two dogs Thelma and Mostsi.
kendallsjewellers.co.uk
BUSINESS: Simon Blyth Estate Agents (Holmfirth Office)
POSITION: Branch Manager
Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?
A Coming back to Simon Blyth! After working here for over five years, I left to join another estate agency (a corporate firm) and whilst I enjoyed the role of Senior Sales Negotiator/ Valuer, I felt the corporate world was not the best environment for myself and I was delighted to re-join Simon Blyth Estate Agents at Manager level, which adds more dimensions including working with my team to get the best out of them, whilst still getting to deal with all different types of cases.
Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?
A I love my job, I have the opportunity to not only deal with some fabulous properties, but also to deal with some delightful and interesting people. I have always been a people person and have wanted to help. I didn’t expect to be so involved in people's lives by simply dealing with their house sale or purchase. However, due to the many varied reasons why people move house, there are so many fascinating back stories. There is never a dull moment in this job and I can honestly say there are no two days the same – I love being kept on my toes and constantly facing varied situations.
Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
A The advice I would give to the younger Emma would be to be more confident. I would often doubt my abilities and expect others to doubt them because of my age. Starting in the estate agency industry at the age of 17, much of the work was on the telephone where people didn’t know my tender age, allowing my young competence to build and therefore my confidence.
simonblyth.co.uk
ELAINE LILLEY
EMMA BATTYE
BUSINESS: Julie Ball Designed Interiors
POSITION: Business owner, Designer & Project manager
Q When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A I did want to be an air hostess so I could travel the world. I’m definitely the explorer type, but I drifted off that idea…
Q Was there a particular ‘sliding doors’ moment that shaped your career?
A More of a 'secret doors' moment; we went to Harewood House on a school trip and I remember being blown away when the curator revealed the bookcase in the Library was in fact a secret door… We are actually re-creating this of sorts on a project in Kirkella.
Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?
A There are two things really. I enjoy meeting the clients the best, I love to visit them at home, hear about their aspirations and issues,
making ourselves stand out from the crowd for the right positive reasons.
Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?
A We are a business and that can’t be forgotten. A busy set of offices (sales and rentals) creates a buzz.
I genuinely love the teamwork and camaraderie that along with my brother I feel we have installed in our teams as part of the Myring “DNA”. Clients, new and established, come to Myrings for numerous reasons, unfortunately some sad, but the majority seeking either the initial first purchase, or a family home, or maybe downsizing. Whatever the reason we are here to listen, advise and help –the three pillars of our philosophy.
Q Where do you live and what do you love about it?
A We live as a family in Harrogate –and feel blessed. It really is a super place, we are fortunate to be located in
the centre of town in a glorious, listed building, which allows for myself and our teams to interact with clients on a regular basis. I get stopped in the street for a chat regularly by clients, or maybe they are simply passing and call into our accessible office.
The list of positive aspects to living and working in Harrogate, our Spa town, is extensive, it has so much to offer and why we love it, be it the Grade A highly acclaimed public and private schools, the thriving and safe town centre shopping and leisure environment, or the wonderful numerous Georgian and Victorian buildings that litter the town and surrounding villages, or maybe the wonderful world renowned Stray. Furthermore we are only a short hop skip and a jump away from either the Yorkshire Dales or my favourite department store John Lewis in Leeds City Centre for a spot of retail therapy. The list seems endless.
myringsestateagents.com
then I love to put the ideas onto a plan and present them. It’s an exhilarating feeling when they fall in love with the ideas too. The other thing is the transformation, being part of this and being part of the process is incredibly rewarding.
Q If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
A I always wanted to be a business owner and if only I knew I could do it, instead of listening to the doubters that put me off my dreams. That said there’s an awful lot to learn about this profession.
I have to be not only a designer, a sales person, a buyer, and project manager, but I have to think like a joiner, a tiler, an electrician, a plumber and a decorator!
julieballdesign.co.uk
“IT'S AN EXHILARATING FEELING WHEN THEY FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR IDEAS TOO"GEMMA MYRING
Scarborough Castle is full of historical interest. You can get a sense of history by going to watch for invaders in the North Sea from the ruins of the Roman signal station. The castle is the only place in the town where you can enjoy fantastic views of both the north and south bays of Scarborough. Read more about it on page 48.
York Maze Wildlife Trust
York Maze is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so Absolutely Yorkshire caught up with farmer Tom Pearcy to weave around two decades of fun
Q This year you are celebrating your 20th anniversary – but how did the maze originally come about?
A I was looking for ways to diversify the farming business following the foot and mouth crisis that closed much of the countryside. I had stumbled across a maize maze down south and thought it would work well in a tourist area like York. York Maze first opened in 2002.
Q Was it just the maze initially, or were there other attractions from the start?
A It started just as a Maize Maze, then other activities were added to make it more of a day out. A sandpit, football area and giant garden games were first followed by a tractor ride and an opportunity to meet the cows who eat the maize.
Q How would you say York Maze has evolved over two decades?
A We were forced to move location in 2008 to make way for the University of York’s new campus and sports centre expansion. Relocating the business to an old farm on Elvington Lane was both a challenge and an opportunity. It gave me a blank canvas to create a new York Maze with investment in a big sand and water play area, coffee shop, toilets and other new attractions. York
Maze has continued to evolve adding new shows and attractions each year. Where once visitors would stay only for a couple of hours, York Maze is now a full day out with over 20 attractions, rides and shows.
Q How tricky would you say the actual maze is to navigate?
A Although it is the largest maize maze in Europe, I try not to make it too challenging. There is so much to do at York Maze we find visitors don’t want to be stuck in the Maize Maze all day!
Q What would you say makes the maze stand out?
A We get a lot of praise for our amazing staff, which is lovely to see. We recruit and train welcoming funloving people. We challenge them to make every visitor's day amazing!
Q Which of the other attractions are particularly popular?
A For many years it was the House of Cornfusion that was our most popular attraction. It's our quirky version of a fun house with over a dozen different zones including a mirror maze, shrinking corridor, and anti-gravity room. In 2021 we opened the new Crowmania Ride, which has quickly become our most popular attraction. Guests are seated on a trailer pulled by a big tractor through the woods where they meet a variety of corn themed animatronic creatures like the AfriCORN Elephant and the Spitting COBbras. We also meet a scaredy Scarecrow, the Crowfessor and the evil Crowman. It's a sort of panto on wheels, lasts about 20 minutes and involves lots of water splashes. Kids love getting wet!
Q Have you introduced anything new to mark the 20 years in 2022?
A For our 20th anniversary year, we teamed up with LEGO to create the LEGO 90 years of Play Maze. We also opened a new show tent with a big three-storey stage to host our family shows that take place three times a day. Cornula 1 was a new addition for 2022, four cob cars race each other powered by the cheers of the crowd. The Musical Maze was our fourth new attraction for 2022, a dozen strange instruments hidden around a maze you have to find and play.
Q How would you say 2022 has gone for you so far?
A It has been an amazing summer. We have had incredible feedback for our friendly staff, our great range of attractions and what great value a full day out at York Maze is.
Q There’s plenty of family fun, but you also stage weddings too. How long have you been doing that and what do you offer?
A When the maze season and Halloween have finished, we pack everything away and transform York Maze into a magical barn wedding venue. We only hold one wedding a week from April to June. A York Maze wedding includes three days venue hire meaning our couples have the opportunity to put their stamp on the event. We've hosted festivalstyle weddings with glamping, fairgrounds, axe throwing, in fact anything is possible!
Q We will soon have Hallowscream to look forward to. What can we expect to encounter?
A Hallowscream is a night-time scarefest, a heady mixture of fear and fun with five live action scare houses, stage show, fire & light show, street theatre, roving characters, fairground rides, DJ, bar, food court and more. We employ over 100 actors each night to bring Hallowscream to life. We are proud to have won many awards including Yorkshire Event of the Year and the Best Scream Park in the UK. We open this year for 18 nights from Thursday 13 October to Saturday 5 November. Tickets must be booked online and the popular nights often sell out.
A Hallowtween is a slightly less scary version of Hallowscream and takes place from 12.30pm-5.30pm during October half term. It is aimed at families with children aged 1015. We open four of the Hallowscream scare houses, but without the actors who inhabit them at night. There are two different shows that take place on the stage throughout the afternoon, street theatre characters, fairground rides, hot food and more.
“MOVING TO ELVINGTON LANE GAVE ME A BLANK CANVAS TO CREATE A NEW YORK MAZE”
With its stunning location, fascinating history and panoramic views over the coast, Scarborough Castle is one of North Yorkshire’s finest historic sites. This once-mighty fortress has endured attacks from Vikings, medieval barons, Tudor rebels and a Parliamentary army during an epic Civil War siege.
Today you can explore the castle’s majestic ruins, follow the long curtain wall with its many towers and climb viewing platforms in the Inner Bailey and the 12th-century Great Tower. Set on a 16-acre headland home to wildflowers and wildlife, it’s the perfect place for a family-friendly adventure in the fresh air.
On your visit to Scarborough Castle look out for Ryan Gander’s sculpture We are only human (Incomplete sculpture for Scarborough to be finished by snow). Set on the headland, the sculpture also functions as a seating structure and a viewpoint for clifftop wildlife and incredible sea views.
And, of course, with Halloween round the corner, are you brave enough to take a ghost tour at Scarborough Castle? They will be running during the evenings of 28-31 October, where you can join their storytellers as they guide you on a journey through the past with tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors from history.
english-heritage.org.uk
Our wetlands are wonderous places –so precious for our wildlife and spellbinding for our senses at any time of year; it’s hard to capture their glistening glory in mere words. Wetlands are incredible for biodiversity – where open water meets golden reeds, woodland or willow, wetlands support more species than any other type of habitat.
Yorkshire’s wetlands are both ancient
and new; some are historic remnants of a wilder landscape, now surrounded by urban sprawl; whilst others are reclaimed from industry, representing a new start for nature and wildlife. They are permanently or seasonally filled with water, from ponds and shallow lakes to estuaries, peatlands and flooded meadows.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust manages over 25 spectacular wetland nature reserves, providing vital havens for species that depend on them and welcoming the thousands of visitors who come to see them and enjoy the beauty of these wild places.
KINGFISHER © JON HAWKINS
Experience Yorkshire’s wonderful wetlands this autumn
POTTERIC CARR RESERVE © JOHN POTTER
This is the remnant of an ancient fenland, an urban oasis nestled on the outskirts of Doncaster. It has miles of flat and easy walking routes through woodland, alongside meadow and around numerous pools. Just over a third of the UK’s dragonfly and damselfly species make their home here. The reserve is also home to 902 species of moth and 20% of Yorkshire’s breeding bitterns.
Near Hull, this is a fantastic example of a 21st century nature reserve. It includes a lovely one mile circular walk, with hides from where you can spot an array of ducks, as well as kingfisher, green woodpecker and barn owl. The reserve has 2% of the UK’s breeding avocets, alongside one of Yorkshire’s biggest sand martin colonies. Last year, marsh harriers bred here for the first time.
Near York, this is a keystone site for shovelers, garganeys and curlews, as well as host to 50% of the UK breeding population of spotted crake. The beautiful summer hay meadow becomes a winter wetland when the River Derwent floods, usually in November. An osprey rested here on migration south in the last week. Wheldrake now supports England’s largest colony of little egrets since they arrived in 2009. A linear walk along the edge of the reserve and several hides provide extensive views across the reserve.
Sadly, the future of Yorkshire’s wetlands is far from certain. Wetlands are vanishing at an astounding rate: the UK has lost 90% of its wetland habitat through drainage and building works in the last 60 years. The heatwave that hit the country in July and August dried out some lakes at Potteric Carr completely. The reserve will recover, but the more often this happens, the longer it will take the reserve to recover and the higher the risk of irreparable damage.
Where once our wetlands could selfregulate through natural processes, we
must now manage them manually through pumps, building dams and planting reeds – and climate change will make this increasingly di cult. A verdant landscape once teeming with wildlife is now fragmented and drying out.
In the coming decades people, as well as wildlife, will rely on wetlands for safety as the climate emergency increases the risk of extreme flooding. Healthy wetlands filter water and provide a crucial natural flood defence. When it rains, they fill up, protecting communities from the often disastrous e ects of flooding by slowly trickling water back into our streams and rivers. Both Potteric Carr and North Cave Wetlands are vital parts of their local flood alleviation schemes.
For decades Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have been protecting and creating wetlands across Yorkshire, but as costs rise more support is needed to safeguard these critical water networks for wildlife and people. But there is still hope. Together we can create a glistening lifeline for threatened wildlife and a chance for survival for water voles, curlews, dragonflies and so much more. By making a donation to their Wilder Wetlands appeal you can help keep these unique places special for wildlife and people.
ywt.org.uk/wilder-wetlands
WHELDRAKE INGS RESERVE © JOHN POTTER
WATER VOLE
BLACK WINGED STILT POTTERIC CARR © JOHN POTTER
BANDED DEMOISELLE DRAGONFLY
© RICHARD WILLISON
HERON AT POTTERIC CARR © JOHN POTTER
The season of spreading joy and well-wishes to our nearest and dearest comes around quickly every year, and at Booths they know that treating your loved ones to the best food and drink over the festive period is just one way to show them you care. For 175 years, Booths have brought to you showstopper centrepieces, mouth-watering desserts and an endless choice of Christmas treats to celebrate in style. booths.co.uk
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
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
54 ABSOLUTELY magazines £7.99
North Yorkshire’s Farmison & Co work with local, small holdings farms in and around the county. Championing eating better meat, Farmison & Co are passionate about ethical farming, regenerative agriculture, heritage breeds and quality food. Farmison & Co is a firm believer in eating with the seasons. Not only does eating seasonally mean your food tastes better, it's far more sustainable too. farmison.com
The latest launches and news from across Yorkshire
NOTES
The Ivy Asia will be launching its Asian-inspired concept in Leeds this autumn. Located within the heart of Leeds on Vicar Lane, above sister restaurant, The Ivy Victoria Quarter, the vibrant restaurant will offer theatrical drinks, cocktails, and tantalising dishes from day to night. Whether guests are looking for a light lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or a weekend brunch, The Ivy Asia dining concept, overseen by Executive Chef Simon Gregory, is all about small plates and sharing dishes.
theivyasialeeds.com
Yorkshire’s Black Sheep Brewery celebrated its 30th anniversary in September by relaunching its awardwinning IPA, Pathmaker. Originally brewed in 2015 in homage to its founder, Paul Theakston, Pathmaker is an unapologetic IPA at 4.0%, brewed with Chinook hops for an adventurous malty mouth feel and a moreish, crisp bitter finish.
blacksheepbrewery.com
The Aagrah Group of Restaurants are an award winning Kashmiri restaurant group, first established in 1977. The restaurant group currently boasts 12 restaurants, primarily in the Yorkshire region, and a visit to one is always a winner. aagrah.com
DREAMY
Mumtaz's mission is simple: to delight customers with the rare taste of authentic Indian cuisine and to excite them with rich, aromatic sauces and authentic flavours. Mumtaz stands proudly at the top of Bradford's Great Horton Road, where the original Mumtaz shop was founded in 1979. mumtaz.co.uk
Heavenly Desserts is an international luxury dessert franchise with 42 stores across the UK including in York and Bately – and they have just announced the launch of its brandnew menu. The refreshed selection of sweet treats features an innovative range of tapas tasting plates, the exciting ‘Grow Up’ cheesecake Oreo pot, and a bespoke vegan menu.
heavenlydesserts.co.uk
The Spiced Mango is a traditional Indian restaurant located in Middlestown, Wakefield. They serve high quality and authentic Indian cuisine, ranging from traditional Tikka Masala to Spicy Vindaloo and many other traditional Indian dishes. thespicedmango.co.uk
55 Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort has announced they’re now serving a traditional Yorkshire Sunday lunch. A haven to find a balance between peace and quiet and the bright lights, Oulton Hall has everything you could need for the perfect relaxing Sunday with friends or family. The Sunday lunch menu will be served at their newly refurbished Claret Jug Restaurant & Bar. You can enjoy two courses for £21.50 or three courses for £25.50. oultonhallhotel.co.uk
The Pickled Sprout is quickly becoming a foodie hotspot in Harrogate. Absolutely Yorkshire meets Head Chef, Darren Danby, to find out what makes it tick
For Instagram lovers out there, The Pickled Sprout will put a smile on your face.
The restaurant, based at The Yorkshire Hotel, is one of Harrogate’s most photogenic locations, complete with a secret garden with a suspended floral ceiling bringing the outside in. The food is pretty damn good too.
For Head Chef, Darren Danby, The Pickled Sprout marks something of a homecoming. “I left school quite young,” he recollects, “and went to work at The Imperial Hotel, which is now The Yorkshire Hotel. I have come full circle!” There’s been plenty too in the middle of that circle: he worked with Neil Perry at The Rockpool restaurant in Sydney, and at some two AA Rosette restaurants back here in the UK, before opening his own restaurant, Southbank, in Boston Spa – and making an appearance on series two of Masterchef: The Professionals.
Returning ‘home’ in March of this year, Darren has overseen a menu that’s a bonafide crowd pleaser. “I like to mix cuisines,” he says on his approach to cooking. “PanAsian, Italian, modern British… For me, the taste is number one. I would rather a dish tasted great than looking like an oil painting. I like quirky, but without pretence.”
With this in mind, how has he approached the menus? “Seasonality and ingredients are very important to me,” Darren says. “I change the specials two or three times a week, so that there’s always something new on o er. I like to put the food that I love on our menus, dishes that I know diners will love too.”
Darren mentions some favourites that are currently on the menu when we speak –“My personal favourite is Beef Carpaccio,” he says. “We use the best Yorkshire dry aged beef, and serve it with Harry’s Bar dressing, tru e croutons, parmesan and rocket” – and this autumn we can expect some new additions too. “There are some
fantastic dishes coming on to the menu,” he grins. “Confit Duck with Valpolicella sauce, roasted pears and blackberries; a Malaysian Prawn Curry; and Moroccan Lamb Koftas, with flatbread and honey hummus. We also have some new ‘superfood’ dishes coming on the menu, including a Vegan Buddha Bowl, and a Halloumi and Pomegranate Salad.”
On the ingredients themselves, Darren stresses local is best. “We source as much as we can from the north,” he states. “We are lucky to have some of the most fantastic suppliers in this part of England. I am a big advocate of supporting the smaller suppliers.”
He says this is something that rubs o on to locals as well. “As a general rule, Harrogate people love to support the smaller, independent establishments,” he says. What does he make of the area’s dining scene? “It’s great. It has that old culture with classics like Betty’s, a stalwart of the Harrogate dining scene. We also have some wonderful independent restaurants. There’s something for everyone here.”
With its eye-catching interior design and hearty menu, The Pickled Sprout is certainly a crowd pleaser. One last question, though: why the name? “It’s a bit of an inside joke!” Darren laughs, simply adding to the quirky appeal. thepickledsprout.co.uk
“I would rather a dish tasted great than looking like an oil painting”DARREN DANBY EXPECT
Five Star Collection, based in Scarborough, on what makes their venues stand out and why they can’t wait for the Christmas period
Q What originally inspired the launch of Five Star Collection?
A As our portfolio of eateries and accommodation continued to grow, we made the decision to create a collective company. Making it easier for customers to explore our venues from one site and book or visit any of our venues at ease, knowing they’ll experience that great Five Star hospitality they’ve learnt to trust.
Q Why is Scarborough the hub of the operation?
A Our Yorkshire-based company is owned by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Nick and Sandra Thomas, who live locally in Scarborough. The family have a big involvement in the day-today operation of the business, fuelled by their aspiration to give people the opportunity to enjoy amazing Yorkshire food, drink and hospitality in their hometown, just as much as they do!
Q What makes Five Star Collection stand out from other similar operations?
A Although our venues carry the same principles, they appeal to an array of customers due to their unique offerings and individually styled menus. Along with our welcoming atmosphere, we attract a diverse stream of local clientele, as well as visitors all year round.
Q What are some of the collection’s biggest achievements over the past few years?
A We always hoped to achieve recognition of our Yorkshire inspired menu at The Plough, so in 2019 we were thrilled to be featured in the longest-standing dining out guide in Britain, ‘The Good Food Guide’, followed by this year’s ‘Culinary Excellence Rosette’ from the AA. We’re also immensely proud of continuing to maintain an AA and Visit England 5* rating at all our Five Star Stay properties.
But we feel one of our biggest recent successes is achieving recordbreaking customer numbers, while continuing to employ around 110 local people following a difficult period, navigating the pandemic. This resulted in the opportunity to invest a further £600,000 into the company, supporting
local tradespeople who undertook the refurbishments. On making the investment Nick said: “Our aim is to continually make improvements to our business and dream up new and exciting offerings.”
Q With each new opening, is there a particular ethos portrayed throughout all venues?
A Over the past 10 years the company has expanded extensively and now comprises 4 eateries and 15 holiday properties. We have clear values and operating principles, portrayed perfectly by our first-class team, who take enormous pride in extending the warm Yorkshire welcome and hospitality expected to locals, visitors and guest alike.
Q Is there one stand out feature at each of The Plough, The Copper Horse, The Mayfield and The Yew Tree?
A It’s difficult to pick out one feature for each, but these are a couple of points we feel are appreciated most by our customers.
The Plough focuses highly on creating exciting flavours using local and seasonal produce, proudly growing their own fresh herbs and vegetables on site to feature on the menu.
“ONE OF OUR BIGGEST RECENT SUCCESSES IS ACHIEVING RECORD-BREAKING CUSTOMER NUMBERS”THE COPPER HORSE
The Copper Horse cleverly combines classic dishes with rich flavours from their Bertha charcoal oven, and along with their relaxed dining environment it’s ideal for casual or special occasions.
The Mayfield is a traditional English family-friendly pub, well-known for its delicious home-cooked carvery, soft-play area, live entertainment and function room.
The Yew Tree is a quaint and charming café in a picturesque village surrounding, renowned for its excellent variety of freshly baked cakes and treats, including their trademark afternoon tea.
Q Are the menus similar at each, or do each have an individual approach?
A Although our menus are all produced using high-quality, local and regional produce, each site has a unique food o ering.
Q What will each venue be o ering over the festive season?
A The Copper Horse and The Plough throughout December will both be serving a delicious 2 or 3 course festive menu.
The Mayfield will serve their festive menu, a new bottomless brunch and an excellent choice of sell-out tribute party nights. The Yew Tree will be o ering their special festive afternoon tea and selection of Christmas treats and cakes.
Q What are some of the signature festive dishes on the menus?
A The Plough this year has another exceptional fish option, Seared Seabass with baby leeks, pink fir potatoes, salted grapes, brown shrimp & caper butter.
The Mayfield burgers are always popular, so their Festive Burger, a 6oz beef burger topped with bacon, brie and cranberry sauce, will definitely be a favourite.
A top choice at The Copper Horse is their Slow Roasted Beef Brisket with homemade Yorkshire pudding, creamy mash, seasonal vegetables and baby onion & bacon gravy.
Q What is Five Star Stays?
A Luxury 5* self-catering holiday cottages nestled in the pretty villages of Seamer and Scalby. Immaculately presented
with modern features and pet-friendly, making them the ideal hub to explore Scarborough's beautiful surrounding coast and countryside, or to just relax with our eateries on the doorstep.
Q What kind of accommodation will be available over the Christmas period?
A All our festive dining experiences can be extended by a stay in our accommodation.
Both The Mayfield and The Plough o er en-suite rooms with breakfast. Five Star Stay cottages are available for short breaks or long stays over the full festive period. These all book up fast, contact us direct so we can o er you our best rates and any extras to make your stay really special.
Q What are you looking forward to most as we approach the festive season this year?
A We’re looking forward to hosting Christmas the Five Star way this year, we have lots of festivities planned and can’t wait to welcome everyone. Whether you’re in charge of planning the company Christmas party, a seasonal get together with family or just want to relax with exceptional Yorkshire food and drink, look no further!
FIVE STAR STAYS OFFER LUXURY FESTIVE CARVERY AT THE MAYFIELD FABULOUS ENTERTAINMENT AT THE MAYFIELD
By PENDLE HARTE
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
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.
domainebousquet.com
The Equiano Rum Co. creates unique blends of rum from around the world. The world’s first African and Caribbean rums is a never-before-seen blend of two cultures and two distilleries from two continents. They pledge 5% of global company profits and $2 of every bottle sold to ground level freedom and equality organisations. equianorum.com
SPOTLIGHTAperol 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.
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.
madisonlondon.net
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 Leeds & York or berrysjewellers.co.uk
When it comes to earrings, we say go big or go home
By RACHEL HOGG
ANNOUSHKA
Bamboo Gold Hoop Earrings, £2,500 annoushka.com
LISTER HORSFALL
Messika Creoles Lucky Move Earrings, £3,950 listerhorsfall.co.uk
18ct White Gold Diamond Half Hoop Hinged Earrings, £1,695 berrysjewellers.co.uk
LYLIE
The Wicklow Celtic Hoops, £1,850 lylies.com
GUCCI
Gucci GG Running 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Hoops, £2,380 berrysjewellers.co.uk
MUSA BY BOBBIE
Emerald, Ruby & Gold-Filled Hoop Earrings, £545 matchesfashion.com
RACHEL JACKSONElectric Goddess Blue Topaz Large Gold Hoops, £195 racheljacksonlondon.com
Savi Dome Medium Gemstone Hoop Earrings, £135 uk.missoma.com
MISSOMA
CHLOÉ
Jemma Gold-Tone Sodalite Earrings, £430 net-a-porter.com
Legacy Jewellery specialises in creating bespoke jewellery by reimagining old, unworn, and inherited gemstones and precious metal from their clients' existing collections.
Based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Legacy Jewellery is a female led team headed by Sarah Stoner.
Legacy Jewellery was created after Sarah watched her husband, and established designer, Christopher Stoner present a reimagined piece of jewellery to a client. She had seen him present reimagined pieces many times, yet it was words the client used about ‘having a connection to her mum again’, given her mum had died several years earlier, that struck a chord.
Sarah explains: “It wasn’t unusual for clients to become visibly emotional when they were presented with their reimagined jewellery. Each presentation felt like the television program The Repair Shop. Jewellery has this incredible ability to store emotion, history, people, events. This is heightened further when the items belonged to loved ones no longer around.”
Sarah knew from listening to clients that these old, unworn, unsuitable, and inherited pieces of jewellery often had both sentimental and monetary value. She also knew that most women of a certain age owned jewellery they rarely, if ever, wore. She also discovered many women felt guilt and shame over owning these unappreciated treasures, often with incredible family history. “I felt strongly that reimagining jewellery had to be a stand-alone business,” Sarah says, “and calling it Legacy seemed like the most appropriate name.”
Sarah, along with a small team, and with Chris as Creative Director, started work in 2020 on Legacy Jewellery. “There were many lessons we needed to learn if we were going to make Legacy Jewellery a success,” Sarah says. “Every Legacy
piece we create is totally bespoke, and the service we have created is designed to make every client feel very special at every stage, from initial contact, design process, to our lifetime aftercare service.”
After talking about the Legacy Jewellery service on social media, Sarah and her team were inundated with women all throughout the UK wanting to know more. This led to the successful creation of hundreds of bespoke Legacy pieces during 2021, and the launch of the Legacy brand at the start of 2022.
Every review has been five-star due to the care, attention and dedication of Sarah and her team. Many of the Legacy pieces created can be found on the Legacy Jewellery social media pages under the #yourjewelleryreimagined hashtag.
yourjewelleryreimagined.com
Absolutely Yorkshire takes a closer look at a Harrogate-based jewellery business that is reimagining cherished old jewellery into newTHE TEAM AT LEGACY JEWELLERY
Autumn is well and truly here, if Joe Browns’ latest collection – found at their stores in York and Sheffield – is anything to go by
JOEBROWNS.CO.UK
The effect of tooth loss can have a major impact on the comfort and confidence that an individual will have about their teeth and about their smile. Traditionally dentures and bridges were the mainstay for tooth replacement, but dental implants are now viewed as routine and the gold standard option. Based in Ilkley, U Dentistry cover all aspects of dental care from routine through to complex dental needs in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Read more on page 77. udental.co.uk
With Spire Healthcare you’ll see a leading specialist in a hospital where safety comes first. When you book an appointment with us, you can be sure that you’ll receive expert care in a secure environment.
You can see one of our specialists quickly, because less waiting means less worrying.
We use the latest technology and techniques wherever possible to get the best outcome.
Our hospitals have thorough protection measures in place to keep you safe.
Interest free finance – 0% representative APR available
Credit is subject to status.
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
Dental implants are an anchor, usually made of titanium which are inserted in a minor surgical procedure into the jaw bone. Once in place bone effectively knits with the implant surface creating a very strong attachment, a process termed as osseointegration. Implants can be used in various ways, so contact U Dentistry for more. udental.co.uk
Finding out more about The Harlow, which aims to support women returning to work
Between the sun, the sand and the sea, your skin often 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
New Harrogate therapy & coaching centre The Harlow is launching a new six week course for women. ‘What Do You Do? which aims to create a safe and supportive environment to empower women, equipping them to move forwards in their lives with confidence and self-belief. The course will: Help you develop a strong, positive mindset to overcome obstacles and reach your goals; Help you recognise and take charge of your inner voice and free yourself from doubts and fears; Review your self-care, covering mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, sleep, hydration and gut health. Andrea Bethell (pictured), Managing Partner at The Harlow, says: “‘What Do You Do’ is aimed at parents who feel a bit out of touch with the world of work and want to get their confidence and independence back. We have various partners coming in to lead individual sessions and I can’t wait to help inspire and motivate some of the wonderful women I know this content will relate to.” ‘What Do You Do?’ is a six-week course running weekly on Tuesdays between 10am1pm from 1 November-6 December.
The Harlow offers a range of therapy services, and its team of dedicated, experienced and ethical therapists and coaches are equipped to help people of all ages through times of challenge.
Find out more about the courses at theharlow.co.uk
VENUE EDITOR’S PICK
The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. With prices starting from £3,500 for a 2 bed, £4,410 for a 3 bed and £4,840 for a 4 bed for 7 nights.
Find out more:
GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR +44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM
The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneaglesto provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may beobtained by contacted us via the above methods.
Dolce Rose eau de toilette 50ml, £67 johnlewis.com
COCHINE Frangipani & Neroli eau de parfum 50ml, £110 cochine.co.uk
CARRIE ELIZABETH Aura, 50ml, £65 carrieelizabeth.co.uk
CREED Wind Flowers, 75ml, £260 creedfragrances.co.uk
Musc Noir Rose Eau de Parfum, 100ml, £101.50 johnlewis.com
de Berlin 50ml, £110 sergelutens.com
BULGARI Rose Goldea Blossom Delight 75ml, £93 bulgari.com
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Kindness, compassion, empathy… and knowing what matters most to our patients. These things are ingrained. It’s what we call “ People caring for people”. So from our quality private hospitals to our specialist consultants, delivering exceptional patient care remains at the heart of everything we do. For fast access to treatment contact 01904 211 667 or visit cliftonparkhospital.co.uk
It’s why we’re one of the leading independent healthcare providers in the world.
St Leonard’s Hospice’s Make a Will Month is taking place throughout October. This annual initiative sees local solicitors providing their Will writing services free of charge, allowing you to make or amend a Will, in exchange for a donation towards patient care.
In addition to educating about the importance of having a professionally written Will, the month is also designed to raise awareness of leaving legacy
gifts and how fundamental they are in funding patient care at the Hospice.
Emma Johnson, Chief Executive at St Leonard’s Hospice, says: “Last year the care and support we were able to provide to one in every four patients was funded by legacy gifts. This is why Make a Will Month is such an important, and mutually beneficial, initiative.
“Not only are we helping local people get their affairs in order with a professionally written Will, but we are also raising significant funds that will make a huge difference to local people in the future.”
The Hospice has teamed up with six solicitors for this year’s Make a Will Month, with each donating a set number of appointments between 1-31 October 2022. The solicitors taking part are Crombie Wilkinson, Cowling, Swift & Kitchin, ISON Harrison, Lupton Fawcett, RG Law plus Ware & Kay.
Sian Foster, Director of Private Client at Ware & Kay, adds: “A Will is one of the most important legal documents that you will ever prepare. It gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your affairs are in order and your money, possessions and property are distributed as you decide. Ware & Kay is pleased to support St Leonard’s Hospice continue their invaluable work by being a part of the Make a Will Month.”
For full contact details and further information visit stleonardshospice.org.uk/ makeawill22, call 01904 777 777 or email legacies@stleonardshospice.nhs.uk
My mother was looked after by the wonderful people at St Leonard’s over Christmas 1989.
I was working away at the time, but travelled up every weekend and that Christmas spent at the Hospice was one of the best I have had – unusual perhaps but true, and all down to the nursing staff and volunteers. They made a dreadful experience for this only child much more bearable.
I have made a bequest to St Leonard’s in my Will. This is something that many people maybe don’t want to address, but we never know what is around the corner and for which of us their services will be so vital. If you have no Will, no one will be able to act on your wishes.
ALISON DALBYA special awareness event is taking place at St Leonard’s Hospice this month.
Visit
01422 822 217
Open Morning: Sat 1st October – Heathfield
Open Morning: Sat 8th October – Rishworth
Open Evening: Tues 1st November – Sixth Form
Rishworth is a vibrant independent, co-educational, boarding and day school set in 140 acres of stunning rural countryside. With its own Preparatory School, Heathfield, it offers a continuous education for children from age 3 to 18.
As well as specified Open Day events, we are welcoming families to visit us for pre-booked personal tours conducted at your convenience.
To find out more or to book an appointment, please call 01422 822 217 or email admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk
For Rishworth students, every day is an adventure, because they recognise that learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. Rishworth is more than ISI rated excellent – it is a happy, tight-knit community where intellectual curiosity is nurtured and individuality is encouraged. They appreciate the benefits of a strong work ethic, but they don’t forget to have fun either, with over 90 different enrichment and extension activities. rishworth-school.co.uk
Dyslexia 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 “difficulty with words” but, with specific teaching, strategies can help overcome these difficulties. We are all different, 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 affect 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 difficult 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.
TOM CRUISE HAS NOT LET DYSLEXIA HOLD HIM BACKIf 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 different 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
different ways, with different 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”SUE LAIDLAW
A I joined Wakefield Girls’ in 2018 hot on the heels of several years at The Girls’ Day School Trust. My move to Wakefield Girls’ gave me an irresistible opportunity to run a wonderful historic school steeped with a long service of empowering girls and a unique chance to deliver an education that is relevant for the 21st century. I feel that my 12 years working in a girls’ only environment has prepared me for the biggest role yet. Over the past four years we have adapted our teaching and learning framework to
help all the girls we teach make even greater gains with each developing the cognitive skills, values, attitudes and attributes needed to succeed in her learning and life. Yorkshire is very important to us and we enjoy active roles in the community. Highlights include hosting an event as part of Wakefield’s wonderful Artwalk and musical concerts at Pinderfields Hospital and supporting lots of local charities; our students have devoted just under 2,000 hours to community projects. I’m delighted we’ve also made our mark as Yorkshire Cricket champions, under 14 Yorkshire
Netball champions, West Yorkshire Athletics champions and Wharfedale Music Festival winners. We value smiles as much as success and we have re-looked at how we positively manage wellbeing. We now have over 50 student and staff mental health first aiders throughout school. Not stopping there, we are also about to launch our powHER panel full of wonderful female role models for our students, ensuring true diversity and inclusivity. We all truly believe that Wakefield Girls’ is, and must remain, a place that will enrich all our lives.
A Over the last four years we’ve become accredited as a world class school for our teaching framework, ranked as one of the North’s top 10 independent schools by The Sunday Times and have grown with more
As Head of Wakefield Girls’, Heidi-Jayne Boyes leads a team which delivers top academics and empowers girls. We meet herHEIDI-JAYNE BOYES
students coming to enjoy learning, leaving us extremely well equipped and ready for their future choices. The challenge, therefore, is keeping our consistently small classes and providing the innovative academic, extra-curricular and personal support programmes that develop each student so each is intellectually and socially confident, work-place and life-ready with a global outlook and concern for others. Each year we are improving our campus and thinking of new ways to introduce learning with girls’ needs and preferences at the fore. Our Pathways to Success programme is a great example of this, where we are fortunate to be supported by many of our high achieving alumnae who share their
advice with our students. One in five of our students receive either a bursary or scholarship assistance and it is very important to us that students who show academic merit, continue to benefit from bursaries and scholarships every year.
Q What's to come this new school year?
A A warm welcome, whether it is for the first time or a welcome back. We have plenty of events to help settle our students, new or returning, into the new academic year. Everyone was out of school the first week back on team building activities, which is a great time to reconnect, build friendships and develop new skills. Our academic year hinges around all the things
that will help girls succeed as adult women. We’re very proud of our academic success, but equally our well balanced, positive and uplifting culture. Our school is imbued with the values needed for students to become accomplished committed women and along the way we have plenty of traditions that we celebrate as well as competitions and activities that we enjoy. We continue to offer our very popular EDGE programme so everyone can take part in a selection of extra-curricular activities from the amazing 80+ we have on offer.
A As girls grow and enjoy different things, it’s very hard to pick out just three. The galleries, theatre, sporting clubs and museums in Wakefield are fabulous. The Hepworth (named after our famous alumna), Theatre Royal and Yorkshire Sculpture Park are favourites as they provide what I think girls need –opportunities to be courageous, resilient, to grow in confidence and experience new things. How these elements work together in their boldest way, with academic learning, is what matters most and the key to success for girls, now and for the future.
wakefieldgirls.org.uk
“We're very proud of our academic success, but equally our positive culture”
A once fictional game is finding a loyal following among students. We catch up with QuidditchUK to find out the state of play
By LIBBY NORMANQuidditch – that game in Harry Potter that required wizard powers and real broomsticks – has, by some strange magic, become a sport. Not only that, but it's played in some 40 countries and with a set of rules and grassroots approach that make it fast-paced, fun and with a great sense of community. In fact, if you are looking for a case study that ticks boxes for 21stcentury sporting ideals around inclusivity, quidditch would be a good place to start.
It emerged when a couple of Vermont college students set out to take the rules from the Harry Potter books and codify them to create a game Muggles could play. This was back in 2005, and since then it has developed structures, nationally and internationally. QuidditchUK (QUK) started out playing to those Vermont rules, but it is now a full member of the International Quidditch Association. Other active nations include Canada, Chile, Australia, Argentina, Turkey and several European countries. There are emerging and associate members spanning the globe, from Japan and Pakistan to Uganda and Vietnam.
As a full member, QUK participates in rule making and changing – ensuring the game works as it continues to grow.
Beck Throup, QUK Media Director, began playing the sport while she was at University of Bristol and believes the secret of its growth is the community spirit involved. "It's a well-loved sport – a small community of a few hundred players in the UK, but it's such a tight community," she says. It may be diminutive but it's gathering momentum and QUK recently hosted its national championships involving a community league for the first time, alongside the university league.
When you consider that a full team complement is 21 players (due to the number of substitutions), you get the sense of what an inclusive activity this can be. Also, and this is vital, it's mixed sex and with scope for every body type. "There's no stereotypical quidditch player. I'm five foot two and then you've got six-foot rugby lads – you've got so many different ways of playing the game and so many tactics involved that it always ends up fairly evenly matched. The only thing that tends to affect the outcome is if one team doesn't have its full roster of 21 players."
Beck was drawn in, like a lot of people, by the idea of playing a game she'd read about. "I did love the Harry Potter books and I met the captain of the quidditch team at a party and I promised I'd come to training – and about a year later I showed up!" She enjoys the fact that this is a game of equals. "That's important to us to a degree where it's actually in the international rule book. We have a Gender Rule, where you can only have four people
of any one gender on the pitch at any one time. Referees and officials are made aware of all the players on each team's gender for when they are subbing on and off." This ensures a balance of weight and strength or, as Beck puts it: "You don't have a team of seven rugby lads on the pitch at any time."
QUK is building a youth outreach programme to work with younger players – including through schools who want to organise games or taster sessions. There are also, curiously, a fair few enquiries from stag and hen parties who want something different. "There's a lot of goodwill," says Beck. "Even when people retire from play a lot of them stick around in the community and volunteer, as well as coming to tournaments. These volunteers are essential to running the sport."
Watch a game in play, and you can see why people stick around – there's a lot happening on the pitch. "It's essentially a cross between rugby, dodgeball and wrestling," says Beck. "It's great fun to watch." There's enough complexity in quidditch to keep those who love rules in clover, while those who don't will still find it thrilling, if mystifying.
With seven players on each team in play at any time, the aim is to outscore opponents by getting the quaffle (a volleyball) through
one of three opposition hoops. Each team defends their own hoops with tackles and bludgers (dodgeballs). The game ends when the winning team has a legal catch on the snitch (a neutral player, who enters play 15 minutes in wearing what is effectively a tennis ball in a sock attached to the back of their shorts) or when one team has a 30-point lead. You can understand why students love it: fast, fun and a bit wacky – you play while holding what is effectively a broom handle between your legs in homage to the fictional game.
While quidditch is, at 17 years of age, a newcomer, it's looking ahead. One current discussion centres on whether the name should be changed. "As we're moving away from 'oh there's that sport in the Harry Potter books', it will be interesting to see where we go," says Beck. A two-year goal for QUK is to get quidditch recognised here as a sport. So, next stop the Olympics? Beck believes there's a fair way to go yet. But then again, 30 years ago no one would have bet on skateboarding or BMX earning Olympic stripes. For quidditch fans everywhere, there's everything to play for –and they're also having a wizard time.
quidditchuk.org
“There's a lot happening on the pitch in quidditch – it's essentially a cross between rugby, dodgeball and wrestling”WARWICK VS OXFORD AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS LIVERPOOL
HOOP
Mount School York
Inspiring and empowering confident young women, enabling them to believe nothing is beyond their reach.
Our leading day and boarding School in the heart of York offers weekly and flexi boarding to Senior School girls age 11-18.
“I am really glad I chose to weekly board. The extra academic support with my school work during the evenings is extremely helpful, for both my progress and finishing homework. My parents and I enjoy blissful work-free weekends, my relationship with them is better than ever before.” Mount Sixth Form Pupil
An exceptional education for girls age 3-18
We are leaders in educating girls and understanding their needs.
In January The Mount School York, the city’s only all-girl school for girls aged 3-18, welcomed a new Principal, David Griffiths. “It has been a great privilege to get to know the pupils, parents, and the wider Mount family,” he says. “The Mount has a friendly, positive, and caring community. I have seen and learned very quickly how significant it is to be able to create space for girls and women to flourish on their own terms.
“I would say my biggest achievement has been the introduction of our new SuperCurricular programme featuring activities and opportunities that promote academic learning and enquiry beyond the confines of the classroom and the curriculum. This included the launch of The Mount’s Borealis Society, a society that features a winter lecture programme fostering knowledge
and understanding of matters relating to the wider world and to the northern realms of our planet. At the epicentre of this society is the opportunity for members of the Sixth Form to take part in extensive, self-sufficient, mountaineering and trekking expeditions to boreal wilderness areas.
“The first expedition to Iceland took place in July,” he continues. “A group of College girls and staff spent three weeks in the remotest part of Iceland, Norðurstrandir in the isolated north-west of the country. We explored the secluded fjords and ascended the mountains around Iceland’s northernmost ice cap.
“It was a wonderful trip described by the pupils as ‘life changing’. I was immensely proud that we had managed to design and organise this expedition for the girls in four months and that they had so palpably gained so much from their experiences.
“It has been a very exciting year for me at The Mount and that will be continuing with several upcoming initiatives. Academic excellence is, of course, extremely important to us and following the appointment of our new Director of Studies and Academic Outreach and Head of Humanities we will be seeking to develop our curriculum further in both depth and breadth.
“It is a key part of my strategy that we continually update and refresh our facilities and provision for our girls. We have created a new Fitness and Conditioning Centre within our Sports Hall, with brand new weights and cardio equipment to provide girls with a first-rate facility for their own exercise and training needs. I have also put an emphasis on community engagement as this truly befits our Quaker foundation. And we are very excited to be the new base of York City Football Foundation for their femalepathway programmes inspiring the “Lionesses” of the future.”
“My biggest achievement has been the introduction of a Super-Curricular programme”
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With no knots, buckles (or fuss!), French brand Studio Romeo’s Parma Baby Carrier is made from two loops of super soft 100% organic fabric. Put it on criss cross, pop your little one in, and you’re good to go! Simple, stylish and most importantly super comfy for you and your baby. We’ll take one in every colourway... studio-romeo.com @studio_romeo
MARIE
away the blues SINGING
Absolutely Mama finds out how group singing is helping new mothers recover from postnatal depression…
If you’re a new mum, you’ve probably sat on the floor of your local children’s centre singing Wheels on the Bus, babies happily rolling around on the floor in front of you. Getting out of the house in those early days can feel like a gargantuan effort though, and you’d be forgiven for wondering if your baby would really be able to tell the difference if you were just singing nursery rhymes in your living room.
However, you might be surprised to learn that ground-breaking research from The Royal College of Music and Imperial College London has proved that singing with other mums can have an astonishing impact on the effects of postnatal depression. It’s this research that
98 ABSOLUTELY magazines Words CARLY GLENDINNING
not-for-profit social enterprise Breathe Arts Health Research used to inspire their free group singing programme: Breathe Melodies for Mums.
The weekly sessions aim to support new mums who may be experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, and social isolation. Led by a specialist arts and health singing leader, you won’t find Wheels on the Bus or Wind the Bobbin Up here; rather, powerful and uplifting songs ranging from folk to gospel and sung in a variety of different languages, allowing participants to build connection through shared experiences and cultures.
The results have been astonishing, with one study showing that after just six weeks of singing, mums had experienced a decrease of nearly 35%
in their symptoms of PND and 65% no longer had moderate-severe symptoms of PND.
One of the mums who has taken part is Jenny, who had a complicated first birth and her son was taken into neonatal care for a week. She had to adjust to being a new parent, without being near her baby. After she took him home, she found herself struggling with progressively low moods and couldn’t understand why at a time when everybody tells you you’re supposed to be filled with joy, she felt so down.
“Asking for help is difficult,” she says. “I’d brought a new human into the world. It was a huge adjustment that affected my emotional and mental health. I constantly had the nagging feeling that something
was wrong. I was wondering, what’s going on? Why am I feeling like this?”
Jenny felt like this for several months, before hearing about Breathe Melodies for Mums at a baby weigh-in clinic. “I felt so safe in the class,” says Jenny. The group leaders were so warm and welcoming. There was no stigma. We were all just there singing and trying to find ourselves through music.” She found that her mood improved as the sessions went on. “The sessions really increase your energy level and mood which is vital when you have a baby. They reminded me that as a mum, you have to count yourself as important. You can’t neglect yourself.”
Ruth had a difficult time after she gave birth too. Her son arrived during the height of Covid-19. Her husband wasn’t allowed in the hospital while she was in labour, and after giving birth she had to quarantine in the hospital as there was a Covid-19 case on her ward. When she finally went home, the winter lockdown hit.
“Normally when there is a new baby you have your friends and family around helping with cleaning and cooking, there was none of that”, says Ruth. “We had this beautiful baby we wanted to show off but couldn’t do anything about it.”
Once Ruth’s husband went back to work, she really started to feel the effects of being a new mum in the pandemic. “I was at a point where I
was feeling really isolated and alone, I couldn’t speak to others about how I was feeling.”
After seeing an advert for Breathe Melodies for Mums on social media she signed up for the classes, which were online at the time due to the pandemic. She began to feel the benefits almost immediately. “Singing is an endorphin hit just like exercise,” she says. “It helps you with your mental health. I always felt better after Breathe Melodies for Mums no matter how I felt at the start. It broke up the same monotonous daily routine of changing nappies, feeding, and putting my baby to bed.”
Whilst reducing symptoms of PND, group singing through Breathe Melodies for Mums is also linked with enhanced well-being and self-esteem in mothers, as well as a greater increase in mother-baby closeness and a greater reduction in cortisol levels (the stress hormone) than other mother-baby interventions.
This effective intervention has huge potential as a treatment tool and Breathe Arts Health Research and King’s College London are in the process of conducting further research on the scaling up of Breathe Melodies for Mums with a view to embedding it in clinical pathways, strengthening the case for longerterm funding. The hope is to build a case for these singing groups to be available nationally through the NHS, so more new mothers experiencing poor mental health can benefit.
As Jenny says, “if you could reach the goal of making it standard for all women to get this kind of support that would be amazing. I would recommend it to any new mums. People don’t realise how powerful the arts can be for your mental health.”
If you’re affected by any of the issues in this article, and you’re based in London with a baby aged 0-9 months, you can join Breathe Melodies for Mums. Their 10-week London programme starts in October 2022. Participation is free.
“After just six weeks of singing, mums had experienced a decrease of nearly 35% in their symptoms of PND"
Edx Education launches a new back-toschool-ready range of educational toys...
For parents wanting to help boost their child’s learning as they head back to nursery and primary school, Edx Education’s www.shopedx. co.uk website is the perfect destination. With an extensive range of award-winning ‘learning through play’ toy ranges, learning has never been so much fun!
Working closely with educational experts from around the world, Edx Education has been creating educational toys for schools for over 25 years and are experts in early years education. The ranges have been created to complement classroom learning at home, and include construction kits, active play ranges and maths learning products for hours of educational, screen-free, entertainment.
Edx Education’s My Gears® construction range is coming soon. Starting at just £27, the collection includes five kits: Junior Gears (4y+), Starter Gears (6y+), Transport Gears (6y+), Animal Gears (6y+) and Machine Gears (6y+). The range has been designed to spark curiosity and ignite little imaginations, whilst developing early engineering skills – including teaching the basic principles of gears and mechanics – and encourage creative thinking, problem
solving and fine motor skill development.
The Transport Gears, Animal Gears and Machine Gears sets have all been awarded STEAM accreditation by esteemed child development expert and founder of The Good Play Guide, Dr Amanda Gummer. The ranges were noted for their extensive play and interest potential, and easy-to-follow instructions in the activity booklets. Children can also enjoy using their imagination to create their own models, demonstrating the limitless creative possibilities and hours of entertainment of the ranges.
For car obsessed children, the My Gears® Transport Set includes a guide book with clear instructions to build eight di erent moving transport models, including diggers, cars and more, which can be played with for hours on end. The set can also be paired with Edx Education’s 2cm linking cubes and 4cm bricks, extending the play potential and creative possibilities for young imaginations.
Mini David Attenboroughs will love the My Gears® Animal Set, which includes eight fun and interesting animal models – complete with moving legs, arms and tails! The kit includes an instruction booklet to build each model and as your child’s confidence grows, the open-ended educational toy can
be used to get creative, by building unique creatures, whilst developing key problem solving and critical thinking skills.
For budding engineers, the My Gears® Machine Set has eight machine models (complete with chains) to build, so they can have fun learning the basic principles of movement and force. Kids can also experiment by linking several gears together with the chain to invent amazing machines that inspire young minds!
For more information on the My Gears® collections, including local and online stockists. edxeducation.com
THE MY GEARS® RANGE FROM EDX EDUCATION
Metanium’s resident midwife Marley Hall has practised midwifery in various settings over the past 13 years covering both the NHS and private sectors. She now works as a midwife outside of the NHS providing support to new and expectant mothers both on and offline.
Q My baby recovers from a bout of nappy rash and then it’s back again a few weeks later, what can I do?’
A The main cause of nappy rash is usually baby’s skin being in contact with wee or poo for a prolonged period. As babies spend a lot of time in nappies, it’s not unusual for nappy rash to keep occurring but parents can be reassured, nappy rash is extremely common, and, in most cases, will clear up within a few days.
To help protect your little one from recurring nappy rash, when changing baby’s nappy, I’d recommend lying them on a towel and letting them go nappy free whenever you have the opportunity. If you can do this daily, nappy rash is much less likely to occur, with air being allowed to freely flow within the nappy area and the skin on your baby’s bottom will be all the better.
If you are in any way concerned, be sure to speak to your health visitor or pharmacist, or if the rash is severe, contact your GP for advice.
Q What are the things that make nappy rash worse?
A There are seven key triggers that can make little ones more prone to developing nappy rash in those first few years. Introducing solid foods at the weaning stage, changes in milk, common colds, teething, upset stomachs and taking antibiotics can all cause babies to have runny poo and in some cases diarrhoea.
Your choice of nappy can affect nappy rash too, particularly if the nappy is too tight or too loose for your baby’s size. Too tight and there’s no air circulating around your baby’s bottom and chaffing can occur, too loose and your baby’s wee and poo can spread further across the surface area of the skin.
Parents should also avoid tight fitting plastic pants over nappies as they hold moisture easily and can make symptoms worse. Be sure to clean the affected area thoroughly at every nappy change – dry baby’s bottom gently with a soft towel, or a muslin cloth and then apply a pea-sized amount of nappy rash treatment cream to the affected area. You can also help to keep the area clean with daily baths. Make sure you are not bathing your little one more than twice a day though, as water can dry out baby’s sensitive skin and make it sore.
Q My baby doesn’t have nappy rash at the moment, but should I be using a barrier ointment?
A Nappy rash can be uncomfortable for little ones so it’s worth adding an extra step to your baby’s nappy change routine to help protect their delicate skin, even when they aren’t directly suffering from a case of nappy rash. Using products such as Metanium’s Everyday Barrier Ointment after each nappy change help form a protective layer on baby’s bottom, helping to shield the skin from the irritationinducing nasties that can cause nappy rash. As well as protecting the skin, the gentle formula seals in the skin’s natural moisture keeping skin soft, smooth, and supple too.
Metanium’s Everyday Barrier Ointment is suitable for use from birth, unscented and suitable for vegans. Available from: Asda, Boots, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco, Waitrose, Wilkinson, Lloyds Pharmacy and independent chemists. RRP 40g/80g £3.50 / £5.90
Join the Metanium conversation at metanium.co.uk or on Instagram and Facebook
Marley Hall, BA RM DIPHE
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Autumn is the perfect time to refresh your interiors ready for the long winter evenings, and it’s easy to bring a cosy feel to your home with décor choices of rich colours and patinas. Hartleys bespoke furniture presents a wide range of fi nishes including a selection of appealing woodgrains that can instantly add warmth to your space. hartleysbedrooms.co.uk
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HENRY HOLLAND
Fashion designer-turnedceramicist Henry Holland has launched his first collection of artisinal glassware, all hand-blown in the UK with inspiration taken from Henry's own interpretation of the nerikomi pottery technique. henryhollandstudio.co.uk
For AW22, the Modern Country trend celebrates a connection to simple pleasures, cra s and rituals with honest and utilitarian materials and a focus on natural forms. johnlewis.co.uk
107ABSOLUTELY magazines Jaipur hand-painted stainless steel serving bowl,
We meet self-taught designer Kamil Wangin, who has recently founded the popular North Home in Leeds
By BETHAN ANDREWS
My gran always used to say ‘we’re too poor to buy cheap stuff’,” smiles Kamil Wangin. Conscious designing is something that shines through when I sit down to chat with Kamil, designer and founder of North Home, a new, independent interiors store that is exclusive to the Victoria Quarter in Leeds. The ethos of the store is rooted in Nordic design and his gran’s own motto of quality, curation and timelessness, and through it Kamil is slowly bringing Nordic design to the masses in Yorkshire.
So, how did he come to be in the design and interiors world? Half Norwegian, half Polish and having grown up in Poland, Kamil has always been passionate about design and interiors. He tells me about how he designed five rooms in his parents’ house as a teenager and that after being a buyer for a store in Chelsea and immersing himself in Paris trade shows, he realised how much he loved sourcing interiors products and spending money wisely. Although not formally trained in design, Kamil moved to Yorkshire and this led to him designing his partner’s Leeds restaurant, Fint, alongside and with the support of acclaimed interior designer Vivienne Hayman. “When I was
buying crockery for the restaurant, people were always asking where it was from, so I started sourcing pieces directly for customers,” says Kamil. “It made me realise there was a missing shop and opportunity in Leeds and Yorkshire that wasn’t mass production, old fashioned and British.”
Fast forward to today, North Home is off to a flying start and Kamil is looking forward to doing some more private design work, working with people to help with their interior design issues. When it comes to his own design ethos, how would he sum it up? Although he prefers not to refer to trend-led names such as Japandi (a combination of Japanese and Scandi design), he’s clear that this is where his influences and design style come from. Instead, he believes that Nordic design covers all of this.
North Home, designed by Kamil himself, really epitomises this, and the minimalistic influences of Japanese culture and style shine through amongst the curated Nordic designs and products. Asking about what some of the main elements of Nordic design are, Kamil is quick to tell me that a lot of it comes down to feelings and emotions. That is, a huge part of the Scandinavian design ethos is about what feelings the interiors can evoke through their design. “It’s more about the thought behind the products in Scandinavia and about the simplicity of beautiful things,” explains Kamil. “There’s a less is more idea in both Japanese and Scandinavian design. It’s all about the cosiness you can evoke, too. Because it’s cold outside, in Nordic design you put lights on the windowsills to create a feeling of warmth inside and to bring the light in from outside. It looks amazing and inviting from outside, too. We don’t do this in
Britain, so I try to tell people about this concept. The Scandinavian design ethos is about bringing feelings of positivity.”
But it’s also about the conscious, waste-free element of design for Kamil, and he really does live by the motto his gran taught him. “My love for design really came from my gran, and the way that she chose stuff for her house so that everything had value,” smiles Kamil. “It made me realise that everything has to have a thought behind the buying of it, which is better for the planet, too. I love buying stuff, but I hate waste and always make sure something is timeless and going to last.”
Kamil is incredibly detail orientated, and it comes across in every aspect of his design work, presentation and life. It’s perhaps not surprising, coming from a man who has completed three different Masters degrees. “With the design of Fint and North Home, I thought about what the customer would see and feel in every corner of the space,” says Kamil. “The details are really important in design so the lines of the shelves all match with the lines of the display tables and the staircase and windows.”
Considering so much of his inspiration comes from Scandinavia and Japan, I can’t help but wonder how Kamil ended up in Yorkshire and if he’s inspired by the county around him. “Oh, absolutely!” he beams. “The greenery and the access to the landscape and countryside is amazing. I read somewhere about the angle of the sun being different here, so it makes everything greener.”
So, what trends does Kamil see emerging this autumn and winter in the Nordic design world? “It’s about shouty and screaming colours. Last year it was all about natural green, but this year there’s a lot of screaming pink, and a really bright colour,” he says. “We need some joy after the last few years, and I think this season is about colour pops bringing joy to our lives.”
northhome.co
1
Get a feel for the space: understand what the space will be used for, what will be needed, what you want there, what you want from it.
2
Keep your colour palette light and bright, or opt for pastels. It depends on the use of the space and personal preference, but go for off whites, sage green, warm greys, and dusty pinks.
Think about textures: layers of fabric like sheepskins, different materials, wool, wood in warmer shades like oak, ash, and walnut, and metallic details, decor accents, cushions, blankets, objects, vases, wall art. Bringing some nature in really helps with products such as potted plants, dry or fresh flowers.
4
With lighting, remember to refer back to point number one, but use lots of smaller lights, and then create ambience and accents with floor and table lights.
5
For the furniture, think clean lines and organic shapes, and slick and modern furniture. Nordic design is functional with natural elements. It’s still comfortable, but fit for purpose. Think lounge chairs and lots of side tables.
“This season is all about colour pops bringing joy to our lives”KAMIL WANGIN
A unique property has come on to the market in York, The Windmill. Absolutely Yorkshire talks to the current owner, Phil Wilby, about history, concerts and stunning views
Q When did you first come across The Windmill and what was the first thing to catch your eye?
A There is no doubt that The Windmill has the ‘wow factor’. Apart from its physical presence, being some 70 feet tall, it enjoys superb panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorkshire Moors.
Q What can you tell us about its history?
A The mill was first opened in 1822 as the cornmill for the Newby Hall Estate. However, in spite of its 200 years’ history, there is evidence that the site was also used in prehistory and formed part of Roman and Brigantes’ pilgrim ways to the henges at Thornborough. Standing as it does on a hill above the meeting of two ancient rivers has made it historically significant for thousands of years.
Q Why were you keen on living there?
A When we moved in nearly 25 years ago, our two daughters lived at home. Over time we have extended the property to include a paddock and orchard and we have developed the flower gardens. The open views across the farmland change with the seasons and are very attractive to wildlife. It is lovely to live in, and easy and safe to leave when we go away. We were the first owners to live in the developed mill.
Q Have you changed much?
A Looking around today, it is surprising how much development has taken place. The two old gardens have been developed with taller fences and heightened walls to create flower gardens with shelter for tender plants. However, some 20 years ago, we collaborated with our two neighbours to buy a strip of agricultural land. This has been developed into a fertile orchard with mixed fruit trees, a paddock, and areas set aside for wildlife. We have developed these more agricultural spaces with greenhouses and space for chickens. In addition to our oil-fired central heating, we have also added a pair of log burners to the living spaces. Last, but not least, we have created a new office space next to the carport. The daily commute, through the roses of the garden, is a delight.
Q How many levels are there, and what’s the view like from the top?
A There are seven floors, with an internal staircase and a room on each floor. Occasionally the developer created two rooms on each floor for office space, or to contain the family bathroom adjacent to our current nursery/bedroom.
“Apart from its physical presence, it enjoys superb panoramic views”
The roof can be accessed through a secure hatch. The view is endlessly interesting and played a significant role in the Mill’s 200th birthday party this year when the Lake Wobegon Brass Band from Minnesota gave a small concert in the paddock joined by four extra players playing from the roof.
Q How many bedrooms are there?
A There are three main bedrooms on different floors plus a room which is currently in use as a nursery.
Q At a glance, what other accommodation does The Windmill offer?
A It offers a variety of flexible spaces. There are bathroom facilities on every other floor, so everything is within easy reach. We have used it as a family house, with music room, television lounge, dining room, and so on. However, it has a pleasing ability to adapt itself to the needs of any new owner. It will always offer vertical living and always offer the pleasures of life in the country, but is flexible enough to wrap itself around any requirements.
Q Do you have a favourite room?
A I enjoy my office, where I compose music for a living. However, each family member will offer a different answer to this question. When the family are together, we all enjoy the large round kitchen.
Q What outside space does The Windmill have?
A As I have outlined above, the spaces divide into horticulture and agriculture at present. There would be opportunities to develop the paddock for a horse, and adequate provision for stabling. Equally, our two neighbouring properties have space for motor cars, tractors, and motorhomes. We have also used our paddock for extra parking and the odd music concert!
Q What does Kirby Hill have to offer?
A Kirby Hill sports a nice pub with good food, and a vibrant ancient church. It joins on to the larger town of Boroughbridge, which offers a doctors’ surgery, a dentist, excellent independent shopping, a newly refurbished hotel, and some delightful dining facilities.
Q What will you miss most when you leave?
A We will miss The Windmill dearly when we start a new chapter in our lives. However, it is a family home, and deserves to be used to its fullest potential. We will take with us the fondest memories, and no regrets.
The Windmill is on the market for £850,000 with Hopkinsons Estate Agents. For more information, call 01423 501 201 or visit hopkinsons.net
As the days get shorter and we spend more time indoors, we begin to focus on the comfort that the home brings. Many of us will start to notice the rooms in our home that might need a little upgrade, or a complete makeover, as it no longer works for our needs or our taste. Here are three ideas for you to consider.
Grey continues to be the most popular colour for kitchens and will remain so for a timeless style. However, brighter, bolder colours have gained popularity, perhaps as we have needed something more vibrant to look at after spending so much time at home during lockdown. Blues, greens and pink kitchens have increased in interest, often combining the two with two-tone cupboards. Need real
life inspiration? You’ll find all these colour options and more at the new MKM Home showroom in Hull. With over 13 roomsets in a range of colours and styles, plus a selection suite to ‘moodboard’ your choice of door along with handles, worktops and flooring, you can see your desired look in action.
For a modern yet timeless upgrade to your bathroom, consider adding black accessories. From showers and taps to shower enclosure frames or finishing touches such as toilet roll holders or flush plates, black can offer a spa-like feel and works alongside any other colours. With over 28 stylish bathroom displays including working showers, a tap bar and basin display, you can explore hundreds of options at the new MKM Home showroom, or work with a specialist to redesign your space completely.
Summer might be over, but it’s never too early to consider plans for next spring. One of the most sought-after trends of 2022 was outdoor kitchens. Expanding from the humble barbeque to a deluxe kitchen station, the expansion of our home into the garden shows no signs of letting up, and we’ll start to see gardens getting even bigger and better. See one in real life and speak to the specialists to see how an outdoor kitchen can be brought to life in your garden at MKM Home.
At MKM Home you’ll find a best-in-class showroom showcasing kitchens, bathrooms and garden materials plus tiles, doors, windows, flooring and a new area dedicated to sustainable energy solutions. With a free kitchen and bathroom design service plus a new finance offering, there’s only one place you need to go for home inspiration
Open seven days a week, you’ll find MKM Home on Foster Street, Hull, HU8 8BT, mkmhome.co.uk
MKM Home suggest the top three interior styles for your next home upgrade
Since going it alone and setting up his own fine furniture making business, talented Tom Addison has already proved that he has all the qualities needed to make it as a top drawer cabinet maker.
The former English fell running cham pion, who moved from the Lake District to Wensleydale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales after meeting his wife, is already gaining a reputation of being a creative craftsman who brings a sense of style to the handmade contemporary furniture that he designs and fashions.
His meticulous attention to detail has already won him rave reviews from clients across the country.
Tom, a father-of-two, was inspired by the hills surrounding his rural home to start the bespoke furniture making business after honing his craft for almost a decade alongside some of the best makers in the country. In his traditional workshop near
Askrigg, Tom produces one-of-a-kind fur niture for sale and commission focussing on using handmade methods to achieve the fine quality finish that only comes from years of experience and practice.
The 2014 fell running champion's busi ness has now got a firm foothold with a growing client base and some of his work has been delivered to stylish London homes including a large table with bench seats and the functional Ribblesdale Desk, which is a prime example of how Tom's surroundings are ingrained in the furniture he makes.
The Ribblesdale desk has features reflec tive of the iconic Ribblesdale landscape and is made from prime grade quarter sawn oak and sycamore. The dovetails run the full length of the top edges mir roring the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. The rippled grain of the sycamore and oak runs through the piece, shimmering like the flowing River Ribble.
The outline shape created by the delicate under storage units and the angle of the
frame of the lower desk resemble that of the steeped profile of Pen-y-Ghent.
''The customer was delighted when they saw it as it helped remind them of their childhood growing up in the Yorkshire Dales,'' says Tom, who sources sustain able timber from trusted suppliers.
''I take great inspiration from the land scape. I get such a great feeling when I'm amongst the stunning scenery and I just want to try and put that feeling into my pieces. When you are surrounded by beauty all the time it's hard to not want to try to create something that's as equally beautiful.''
Tom brings a personable touch to the process of commissioning bespoke furni ture. ''I love working closely with clients to create something truly bespoke and stun ning to them,'' adds Tom. ''It's a creative journey you go on together and my role is to help bring their own vision to life.
''Seeing their reactions when the final piece is delivered to them is very rewarding. It's what I envision seeing when I'm making it for them; their reaction and love for their new piece of furniture that they will go on to treasure for years to come.''
TOM ADDISONContact Tom at tom@tafinefurniture.co.uk, visit tafinefurniture.co.uk, or call 07585 952951
THE ELLERKIN TABLE IN THE WORKSHOP GETTING INSPIRATION WITH SPOT THE DOG
Interested to know how a mattress is created? The York Bed Company take us behind the scenes
aking a custom mattress takes years of training. Understanding what goes on from start to finish and how to use those layers to provide ultimate support is a special skill. This is where York Bed Company’s 50 plus years of experience comes in handy. They have seen all different types of sizes, materials and constructions, allowing them to really understand what works and what stands the test of time.
They start with a base layer comprised of a high quality core. This is either coil-based, with inner springs or with hybrid models with foam or latex supportive layers. This serves as the foundation of the mattress acting as the main point of support as you move around. Therefore, ensuring the materials used in the construction of the core is of top priority so they know it will support you for years to come.
Next, a frame is added on top of the core. This is done by hog-ringing a metal frame to the core. By doing so, they can add an additional level of support and robustness to the mattress and aids in maintaining shape.
Perhaps one of the most important steps, choosing the right fillings and ratios can mean the difference from a good mattress to an excellent one. This is why they carefully hand select and place their fillings in their mattresses. Fillings can range from hand teased horse tail hair, bamboo fibres, cashmere, English wool, coco coir, cotton, wool, latex and foam. All of these fillings perform differently from one another, allowing them to create a range of different mattresses.
There are a range of different fabrics that they use to cover their mattresses. They carefully measure and cut fabric to size. The boarder and fabric is then placed on top of the fillings and needled in place in preparation for tape edging.
This is where real skill is needed. The mattress is hand stitched on the tape edger by their expert craftsmen. This takes years to perfect to make sure every stitch is even and correct.
The mattress is loaded into a tufting holder and each tuft is loaded and pushed through by hand. This makes sure that all the fillings are held in place.
yorkbeds.co.uk
“The York Bed Company really understand what works and what stands the test of time”A MASTER CRAFTSMAN AT WORK FILLINGS ARE AN IMPORTANT STEP
LARGE ENOUGH TO COPE SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE
A family business that will take your ideas to design, fabricate and install a system that suits your home and needs.
Bespoke stylish secure automated gates and garage doors ■ Main Office: Red Oaks, Cayton Low Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 3BY 01723 351133 ■ www.harrogateelectricgates.co.uk
A family business that will take your ideas to design, fabricate and install a system that suits your home and needs.
Bespoke stylish secure automated gates and garage doors • Main Office: Red Oaks, Cayton Low Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 3BY 01723 351133 • www.harrogateelectricgates.co.uk
The straplines in the above heading are what N.E.S.S use, and have done for many years, whilst specialising in the manufacture, installation, service and repair of all forms of electric gates and garage doors.
The first glimpse of your property would, 99% of the time, incorporate a look at your gates or garage doors. Be it either a traditional classic ornamental iron look, to a modern contemporary design for your gates or a classic white insulated roller door, to a Georgian panelled golden oak or solid timber sectional garage door with patterned inlay, you can say exactly as you please about your property. Often that
first impression can make the difference to your valuation too.
However, at N.E.S.S it isn’t a case of style over substance – one aspect that isn’t overlooked is security. This is one of, if not the main reason as to why people choose N.E.S.S to have electric gates or garage doors installed. Any intruders that want to gain access to your property will be faced with an immediate obstacle. Again, contemplating first impressions, a robust, well built, secure gate may be off putting enough to deter any intruder.
Further factors taken into consideration, particularly with automated gates, is from a safety aspect with the added benefit of convenience, is that if your gates close behind you, there is no need to worry about children or pets running out into the road. Plus, the need
to stop and get out of the car on the darker nights that loom to do this manually could be a thing of the past.
Whatever the style, whatever the reason, N.E.S.S take pride in the work they do, offering that personal touch. They will sit down with you to create a design, style and system suitable for any home. They can turn your ideas into reality with added benefits of security, or as the family at N.E.S.S say, security with style… at the touch of a button – and all from a local family business.
01723 351133
northeastsecurityshutters.co.uk
At the touch of button. Why N.E.S.S are large enough to cope, but small enough to care
“They will create a design suitable for any home”
Once we have gathered all our ideas, we invite our clients back into the showroom for a presentation. Most people love their schemes just as they are presented, but if tweaks are needed, adjustments are made to ensure the client is completely satisfied with the finished proposal.
Starting a refurbishment project at home is not something that can be undertaken lightly. There is not only a significant financial commitment to be made, but also an upheaval and many decisions to be made. Faced with unlimited choices, and the fear of getting it wrong, many people can find the whole process very stressful.
This really doesn’t have to be the case. The comments from most of our clients at the end of their project is that not only do they love the finished results, but that they enjoyed the process too. Like most things in life, it’s good to have an idea of what it is you are wanting to achieve, and then to formulate a plan in order to make that happen – which is where we can help.
Our process usually starts with a complimentary 30-minute discovery appointment with a friendly designer at one of our showrooms in Wetherby, Harrogate
or Pocklington. We encourage people to bring along with them any plans, photos and ideas that they might have.
Once we know what is required, we can then discuss which is the best way to proceed. Most people opt for our home interior design consultation package, which includes a home visit and up to five hours of design time pulling together schemes and suggestions. For larger projects we propose a custom package to suit the scale of project and the level of help required.
This is then when the fun starts. It’s as simple as being honest with the designer about budget and expectations and then leaving it to us to work our magic. With our expert knowledge, and working as part of an experienced team, we can work efficiently, pulling schemes together and make suggestions that you might never have thought of. We also have access to specialist suppliers and trusted trades people to ensure that all our clients are provided with something bespoke.
When a scheme has been agreed, we get to work to providing accurate quotes for the supply and installation. We have our own employed installations manager, Ian Beal, who has been installing luxury interiors for over 30 years, so there isn’t much that he hasn’t already seen or done before (although our design team do like to challenge him!).
Seeing everything come together is definitely the most wonderful experience both for us and for our clients. A fabulously finished result, expensive mistakes avoided and a fun, stress free process. It can be hard saying goodbye at the end of the project, although that rarely happens as most clients call in to say hello at showrooms whenever they are passing, and some even get the bug to start another project.
Harrogate: 01423 560757
Wetherby: 01937 581451
Pocklington: 01759 487437 furnishandfettle.co.uk
“We might make suggestions you never thought of”
Eleanor Goddard, co-owner of Furnish & Fettle, explains why using the services of an interior designer could well be a very sound investment
If you are looking for inspiration when it comes to creating a beautiful new look for your home, then the newly launched Rooms of Skipton is the place to go. As its name suggests, the showroom has room upon room of beautiful and value-for-money products for your home with upholstery, dining room sets, cabinets, rugs and artwork, along with an extensive range of home accessories for those all-important finishing touches.
From traditional furniture styles, to something more unusual and quirky in the industrial area and rustic room, there is certainly something to suit all tastes in this Aladdin’s cave of a store. If you are looking for a sofa, then Rooms has an impressive selection of brands on offer, including Alstons, Alexander & James, Westbridge to name a few. However, what will really catch your eye is their Tetrad sofa gallery, which has been crafted to look like you are wandering through a cosy, country living room that is warm and inviting. The sofas here offer a great mix of top-quality rustic leather and Harris Tweed fabric combinations, which are full of character and charm.
Rooms is an independent, family-owned furniture business, set up by Andrew Foster over ten years ago. Since that time, thanks to its focus on providing a personal customer service, the store has expanded, with the Skipton store joining the flagship Keighley and Whitby showrooms. Rooms is proud to look after its customers, so along with a warm welcome and expert advice at the showroom you can always expect free local
delivery of items, saving you a little extra money during these testing times.
The sales assistants at Rooms are fully trained on all the ranges, so if you want to know the origin of an item, how it has been produced or how best to look after it, just ask one of the members of staff. Their expert knowledge across all the products will help you choose the perfect piece for your home.
If you are looking to refresh your living space, the doors to the Skipton showroom are open seven days a week, with three floors of fabulous furniture to discover. Find the store at 20 Swadford Street, Skipton, BD23 1RD, 01756 701376
An Aladdin’s cave of a store with something special for everywhere in the home
INSPIRATION
ABSOLUTELY magazines 127 “The showroom has room upon room of beautiful products”
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
These new ceramic wall tiles closely mimics authentic and traditional zellige tiles. Each colour option offers a melange of shades with a subtle gloss finish which highlights the surface contours. mandarinstone.com
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
MONKS CROSS TILES & BATHROOMS
Malton Road, Monks Cross, YORK YO32
Phone: 01904 415527
NORTHALLERTON TILES &
Standard Way Industrial Estate, Standard Way, Northallerton DL6 2XE
Phone: 01609 781166
SCARBOROUGH TILES
8-51 Westborough,
Phone: 01723 372334
YO11
By RACHEL WEBB
Stoves 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.
CHARLTON & JENRICK GO ECO WIDE MULTIFUEL STOVE, £649“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
HUNTER STOVES ASPECT COMPACT ECO STOVE, £999 CHARNWOOD ISLAND ONE BLU ECODESIGN STOVE, £2,418
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
SWEETPEA
JONATHAN
by Laura Ashley,
is
HK
department at
Cross,
All the best blue pieces this season
By PENDLE HARTE
This Remo
gorgeous
ZAHA HADID
GISELA GRAHAM
MICUCCI
Paint guru Annie Sloan has launched an online course to help bring more colour into our homes
Words PENDLE HARTE
I’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. Annie 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 appli cations, 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 or naments, and makes them all seem easy.
It all starts with her paint, which is de signed to be accessible, easy to work with and quick to dry – and to stick to all sur faces 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;
“The first thing to do if you’re starting to think about colour, is to visit Charleston”ANNIE SLOAN AT HOME IN OXFORD
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 Nichol son, 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 Antiques 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 Charles ton. 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 ceram ics 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
“I look around and think, what can I paint?”
To make an appointment to view, or to discuss your individual requirements in detail, please talk to our Sales Adviser on 07925 138483.
Wynyard Homes has crafted a collection of 25 homes set in over 11 acres of private parkland consisting of 3, 4, and 5 bedroom properties, each carefully designed with a balance of contemporary and traditional elements providing unrivalled comfort and luxury. Quality features including porticos and sash windows, echo the classic familiarity and charm of the local surroundings. Generously specified with premium appliances and quality fittings, every property is assured to exceed expectations.
Kneeton Lane, Middleton Tyas, North Yorkshire DL10 6SF. sales@wynyard-homes.co.uk wynyard-homes.co.uk
Sadberge Hall is a Grade II listed mansion with wonderfully elegant reception rooms, a luxurious leisure suite and spectacular landscaped gardens. The hall and grounds extend to around 31.5 acres in all. Superb equestrian facilities include an indoor riding school, horse walker, all-weather canter track and paddocks. A three-bedroom Gate Lodge benefits from a further 10 acres of land.
0330 111 2266 contact@finestgroup.co.uk
The open plan primary bedroom benefits from underfloor heating as well as air conditioning, finished to the very highest of standards, en-suite with Porcelanosa wall and floor tiles, open concept glazed shower with recessed rainfall showerhead, body jet shower system, Porcelanosa Krion sink and WC, and bespoke walk-in wardrobe.
Offered to the open market for the very first time, this is an extensively renovated award winning four bedroom property with outstanding views over open countryside. The detached contemporary property has been specifically designed to offer fantastic light and bright living accommodation throughout.
As you enter the home you are welcomed into the double height glazed entrance hall with bespoke powder coated blue staircase and exposed steel work, affording an abundance of natural light into the ground and first floor.
To the first floor, the property boasts large open plan, modern living accommodation leading into the kitchen/diner area fitted with Porcelanosa cabinetry, angled Krion worktop to enjoy the picture window views.
From the living area, sliding pocket doors with an open corner system afford access to the balcony enjoying a South Westerly aspect, with unobstructed views over open countryside at seating level with frameless glass balustrades.
Bedroom three is a substantial double with dual aspect windows, underfloor heating, air conditioning and top of the range en-suite with walk-in glazed shower and unique Roca W+W sustainable design combined sink and WC. Bedroom four is a good sized double with electric opening rooflight and vaulted ceiling.
The house bathroom is a masterpiece with polished concrete walls, freestanding bath, Porcelanosa vanity units, sink and mirror.
Externally, the property takes entertainment to the next level with a bespoke bar featuring designer wallpaper, custom made serving bar and bi-folding door and window. There is alfresco dining to the rear with private courtyard garden leading to the spa and gym. The spa is stunningly modern with all the latest wellness facilities including underfloor heating, floor recessed professional six person Jacuzzi®, bespoke sauna, gym area, and shower and WC.
The property offers a unique opportunity to acquire a stunning modern home in a sought after semi-rural location.
Judy Haigh Lane, Thornhill, WF12 0QB, is on the market for £975,000 with Fine & Country. See more at manningstainton.co.uk
chance to own an awardwinning property in Thornhill
Farm View Hall is a fabulous stone built detached country farmhouse built in 2005 standing in about 4 acres of grounds with 12 stables, a feed room with solarium, two field shelters, 40 x 20 horse arena together with a separate three bedroom bed and breakfast potential situated in the heart of the beautiful Nidderdale countryside.
With over 3,300 square feet of accommodation, entrance porch, and main reception hall with a guest WC. Sitting room with a feature solid fuel burning stove. Leading through to a dining room with double doors leading out onto the gardens. Farmhouse style breakfast kitchen with integrated appliances and a recessed range cooker. Utility room with access to the rear walled courtyards and a porcelain tiled wet room. First floor landing, principal bedroom with a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a sunken bath. Three further bedrooms and a separate house bathroom. Second floor landing with two further double bedrooms and a shower room.
Ample courtyard parking for multiple vehicles. Potential to build a double green Oak framed carport/garage subject to the usual planning consents. Landscaped front family lawned gardens enjoying views across open fields. Rear stone walled flagged courtyard ideal for entertaining and garden furniture.
To arrange a viewing, please call 01423 566 400 or email sales@myringsestateagents.com
Cut from a di erent cloth, multi award winning Estate Agent, Dales & Peaks, headed up by business owner Tom Currey, has a track record of achieving impressive results for owners of some of the most beautiful homes across the Derbyshire Dales & The Peak District – and now brings its forward-thinking concept to West She eld, with their recent shop launch in Dore.
Throwing the "old-fashioned" ways out the window, Dales & Peaks was re-imagined in 2017, promising proactive marketing and presentation. Since then, Tom boasts in excess of £300m worth of sales under his belt, the monopoly of the region's prime homes, an awards cabinet some agents can only dream of, and a business that has seen growth and a marketing reach untouched by any competitor.
“The area truly is a hotspot for buyers all over the country, so sticking to the outdated ways and only employing a local marketing campaign just doesn't have the full impact,” he says. “We're selling hundreds of millions of pounds worth of
properties and buyers are coming from far and wide to live in our area, so they need to be reached with informative and impactful marketing that excites them.
“We can all take nice photos, we can all make a house look impressive, but it's what we do with that content that sets us apart,”
Tom continues. “Rightmove, as important as it is to our industry, is a completely reactive system and does nothing more than wait for A buyer to search specific homes, whereas channels like social media help us launch homes with huge impact, target a
range of demographics and can see some homes reach tens of thousands of viewers in just a matter of days. We're the most followed and most viewed independent estate agent in the area and since bringing this fresh and proactive marketing into our standard day-to-day marketing, we've seen results that smash the old ways.
“The industry has a stigma for being full of old men with tweed jackets,” Tom continues. “We're championing young, passionate people, we're bringing equality into the forefront of what we do, we have 20 sta of which 17 are females, we have four valuers fronting the company, of which three are females, and they're absolutely thriving after being held back in other companies. We plan to continue breaking the mould.”
dalesandpeaks.co.ukDales & Peaks has brought its innovative approach to Estate Agency to West She eld. We meet the owner, Tom Currey, to find out moreTOM CURREY
An outstanding, stone built 5 bedroom property occupying a private gated plot measuring approximately 1 acre in this most sought after location. Situated in Brookside, on Chatsworth Road, the property is within walking distance of the cosmopolitan suburb of Brampton, where you’ll find a selection of boutique shops, cafes and independent restaurants, whilst being just minutes from the Peak District National Park and is surrounded by simply beautiful Derbyshire countryside.
Offering 3790 sqft of accommodation over 2 storeys, the property features 3 ground floor reception rooms all enjoying stunning views over the south-facing garden, ample work-from-home space, an island kitchen with separate utility room, spacious bedrooms including the en-suite master bedroom with balcony overlooking the garden, annex accommodation with its own access and a partially converted integral garage.
property. The views are magnificent, you will be able to hear the roar of the crowds on race day and if you look up you can see one of the faces of the clock right above you. It would be a fabulous place for entertaining or simply relaxing.”
The penthouse interior is no less special. The living accommodation is on the first level, flooded with light from a large feature window. The separate dining kitchen has dual aspect windows, a separate utility room and a pantry. This floor also includes a guest cloakroom.
Terry’s Clock Tower has been a distinctive feature on the York landscape since 1926. Over the last 18 months heritage specialists The PJ Livesey Group have been converting the Grade II listed landmark into 21 unique homes.
The painstaking process has involved teams of skilled craftsmen working their way from the ground floor to the top, creating individual properties, each with its own features and 20 of apartments have been sold. Now the most spectacular penthouse has been released for sale and it offers the final opportunity to invest in this piece of living York history.
Penthouse 401 offers expansive living space, ultra-high specification kitchen, three self-contained bedroom suites and best of all a large private roof terrace with far-reaching views.
Anne Haggas, Associate Director with selling agent Savills, says: “The terrace has to be the stand out feature of this
The second level is dedicated to the master bedroom suite, which offers a sumptuous shower room and fully fitted dressing room. The terrace is accessed from this level. On the third level are two more bedroom suites each with its own private shower room and a useful linen cupboard.
The penthouse is fitted throughout with high quality privacy blinds, all flooring and feature lighting. It also comes with two allocated parking spaces and the EV charging is available on site.
Anne adds: “It is one of the most exceptional and distinctive properties in York and is equally suited to someone looking for a Pied a Terre. The location could not be better and now the interior has been completed we can’t wait to welcome people inside to look around. The skill of PJ Livesey is in bringing heritage buildings like the Clock Tower back into use as wonderful homes and this property is the very best example of this.”
Penthouse 401 is priced at £749,950. Call Anne Haggas on 0800 151 0960 to make an appointment to view
A towering opportunity to buy a piece of York history
Blenheim Architecture are dedicated and passionate about creating exceptional individual homes. Born out of the growing success of Blenheim Park Developments, who are renowned for building luxury homes across the UK, Blenheim Architecture meticulously design and craft homes tailored to its client’s every needs and dreams.
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