Absolutely Berkshire September 2023

WHY DR NYLA : Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021.  With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry. Over her 20 years in medical aesthetics, she has transcended across the years to personally understand how to manage the menopause.

: Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021.  With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry. Over her 20 years in medical aesthetics, she has transcended across the years to personally understand how to manage the menopause.

AESTHETICS IN MENOPAUSE

AESTHETICS IN MENOPAUSE

The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment, which Dr Nyla has designed to treat many of the ageing affects the menopause can cause. Unique to the medispa group, this treatment, combines a variety of incredible anti ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns –from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.

The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment, which Dr Nyla has designed to treat many of the ageing affects the menopause can cause. Unique to the medispa group, this treatment, combines a variety of incredible anti ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns –from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.

During menopause, lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Skin looses elasticity making open pores much more visible. Skin is also much less hydrated. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs using the Dr Nyla skincare collection.

During menopause, lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Skin looses elasticity making open pores much more visible. Skin is also much less hydrated. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs using the Dr Nyla skincare collection.

EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH

ABIGAIL GARDNER

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

LOUISE PEARSON, STELLA ADAMS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

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

For advertising enquiries please call 07977 195732 or email: abi@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588

Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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Website absolutely-buckinghamshire.co.uk

LETTER Editor’s

During my first stint with Covid, back in the summer of 2021, I lost my sense of smell. Having an incredibly smelly cat at home at the time meant this was almost a blessing, but my sense of taste remained unaffected. It did make me realise, however, how lucky we are to be able to experience all that life throws at us.

I was reminded of this time when chatting to James Grant, founder of cheesemonger No.2 Pound Street in Wendover, this month. Back in 2015 he was diagnosed with neck cancer and, as a side effect of treatment, he lost his sense of taste, which given his profession must have been horrible to experience.

Thankfully, he has made a full recovery and now is determined to make us all think a little more about what goes in our mouths. He has launched the Great British Cheddar Challenge, which promises to put many dairy products to the test and give all of our wonderful cheesemongers the opportunity to say theirs is best. Turn to page 42 to read more.

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Lighting Trends

Ways to illuminate the home (p75)

Talking careers, this month also marks our education special, where one feature looks at how schools are introducing future departments to map the careers of pupils out in more detail. Not sure I'd get away with saying 'footballer' like I did at my careers meetings..

4

Interiors Products

Homes are pretty in pink (p87)

highlights 3 2

Natalie Livingstone On the 7th Cliveden Literary Festival (p16)

Education Special Insider views at the county's best schools (p91)

ABSOLUTELY’S September issue

No2 Pound Street Why the founder is launching the Great British Cheddar Challenge (p42)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Wish LIST

EDITOR’S

THREAD COUNT

Celebrating strong prints, colours and hand-sewn embroideries, Raff ya offers contemporary clothes and accessories in modern, romantic design forms. Arabella embroidered dress, £195. ra ya.com

BEST FIT

A coral hue that suits all skin tones, Empreinte Cassiopée Papaya enhances the fi gure with the unique fit of Empreinte’s seamless lingerie. ameliesfollies.co.uk

HAPPY MEMORIES

The Montana sandal collection has been designed to embrace hope and happiness. rosamundmuir.com

SHELL PIECE

The Shell Scallop Platter is part of the Le Sol collection, cra ed with care in South Africa using three types of locally sourced stoneware clay with a handpainted motif. conranshop.co.uk

CHARM SCHOOL

The Norwegian Lucky Troll is Crystal Haze's signature pendant. The colourful jewellery collection has a playful, 1980s feel that we love. crystalhazejewelry.com

CURVE APPEAL

The cream glaze, scalloped edge and practical handles makes this roasting dish deliciously different. Made from fi ne china it's a natural oven to table beauty. habitat.co.uk

FINAL CUT

PATTERN HOUSE

Christian Lacroix Maison has teamed up with Schmidt to launch this fi gurative feather-swirled motif for walls and upholstery. christian-lacroix.com

Allday Goods have partnered with one of Sheffi eld's last remaining knife makers to create these knives with handles made from local plastic waste in a variety of bold marbled colourways. alldaygoods.co.uk

CASE CLOSED

The beautiful deep green colour of this Zoe jewellery case from Wolf is the perfect match for its gold-coloured zip and elegant pink and yellow fl ower design. berrysjewellers.co.uk

SUPER SERUM

Eighth Day's gamechanging serum is built around the notion that aged skin is wounded skin – and, given the right tools, it can be healed. Give it just two weeks to work, £270. harrods.com

CULTURE AUTUMN RACES

NEWBURY RACECOURSE

Join Newbury Racecourse for an actionpacked autumn schedule. Dubai Duty Free International Weekend kick starts the autumn season on 22-23 September headlined by the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes. The flat season concludes at the BetVictor Flat Finale with Oktoberfest on 27-28 October. With two Group 3 races on the card, the season rounds off in traditional Bavarian style complete with Bierkeller. newburyracecourse.co.uk

The Agenda

COMEDY

SEPTEMBER'S HOTTEST EVENTS

Ruby Wax

15 SEPTEMBER, AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE

Ruby Wax returns to the stage following her critically acclaimed, sell out tour, How To Be Human. See her in the rawest, darkest and funniest stage show yet. “The original idea behind this show was based on the extreme journeys that I wanted to take in order to find an antidote to living a frazzled life,” says Ruby. “However, after some transcendent experiences, I ended up in a mental institution...”

atgtickets.com/Aylesbury

FAMILY

Day Out with Thomas

7-8 October

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE

Thomas the Tank Engine really is real and he’s coming all the way from Sodor to visit Buckinghamshire for a special ‘Day Out with Thomas’ event - and Sir Topham Hatt, Percy, Trevor and Rusty & Dusty the Station Sweepers will be there too. Make your children’s dreams come true by bringing them for a train ride. bucksrailcentre.org

COMEDY

Paul Foot

30 September

SOUTH STREET, READING

In his new show, Paul Foot will be breaking new ground as a comedian and as a person. In the year 2022 AD something momentous changed for Paul, and in this show he will reveal how he discovered the secret of life on the outskirts of Lancaster. Inevitably he does get distracted by King Tutankhamun, the House of Lords, Sir Cli Richard, o cious lollipop ladies and what Jesus might have achieved if he’d been a plumber. paulfoot.tv

EVENT

NEWBURY SHOW

16-17 September

NEWBURY SHOWGROUND

After a three year hiatus, the Newbury Show is back for 2023. Join them for Berkshire’s big weekend of farming, food and fun. This is a hands-on countryside adventure for all the family, with the show o ering a variety of demonstrations and displays. Livestock, crafts, horse-riding, food trucks, British food, farming, and horticultural displays are among the highlights. newburyshowground.co.uk

Doug Hyde

On-going CLARENDON GALLERY, MARLOW

Doug Hyde celebrates 20 remarkable years as one of the UK’s most successful artists, promoting positivity and inclusion through his life a rming artworks. Doug’s 20th anniversary collection ‘ONE LOVE’ comprises approximately 30 new pieces, a mixture of his iconic pastels, sculpture and limited editions. Doug conveys both artistic and personal messages, his stylish and contemporary approach to life, love, and art removes the superfluous, allowing his ideas to shine with irresistible force across the entire canvas. clarendonfineart.com

Eclectic

BILLING

Corn Exchange Newbury has plenty to excite this month

There’s a whole host of events this month at Corn Exchange Newbury, perfect for all the family. Enjoy a joyful retelling of Die Hard, as Yippee Ki Yay (22 September) pays tribute to this fan favourite festive classic. For an outrageous evening of thrills and fun, Viva Burlesque (9 September) includes some of Europe’s most in-demand burlesque performers, whilst the acclaimed Southpaw Dance Company’s Speakeasy (21 September) features a spectacular 1920s themed set, world-class projection visuals and a cinematic soundtrack comprising of big band classics and contemporary hits. Audiences can also experience iconic songs from their favourite artists

This Month’s Must See

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

An exciting new motoring event is taking place at Stonor Park this autumn, with a unique collection of several hundred outstanding cars, including historic racers, classics, sportscars and supercars. The Stonor Park Autumn Meeting of Classics, Sports and Supercars features some of the finest cars of the last 120 years. Notable car clubs including Aston Martin are also exhibiting, imparting their specialist knowledge. stonor.com

right on their doorstep, with tribute performances from Songbook of Marvin Gaye (7 September), Some Guys Have All The Luck – The Rod Stewart Story (16 September), Mercury – The Ultimate Queen Tribute (23 September), and Dreams of Fleetwood Mac (29 September). 101 Outdoor Arts is opening its doors once more for an Open Day (12 September), giving local residents an insight into what happens at 101. Have a look around the facilities and find out about opportunities that people of all ages and abilities in West Berkshire can get involved in.

cornexchangenew.com

24 SEPTEMBER, STONOR PARK

SONGBOOK OF MARVIN GAYE

DREAMS OF FLEETWOOD MAC

“The first time I walked into the great hall at Cliveden I was mesmerized”

The literati of CLIVEDEN

By REBECCA PITCAIRN

At seven-years-old, Cliveden Literary Festival may seem like a mere baby compared to its Cheltenham, Oxford and Hay counterparts, but its historical setting has played host to literary greats for centuries.

Cliveden House, a Grade I listed Italianate mansion, which sits among 376 acres of National Trust grounds on the banks of the River Thames in Taplow, has been home to a Prince of Wales, two Dukes, an Earl, and viscounts, as well as notable political scandal.

In the latter century the house (now one of the UK’s most luxurious country hotels, run by billionaire property developers Richard and Ian Livingstone) was probably

most famous for being synonymous with the Profumo A air – its outdoor swimming pool setting the scene for the illicit relationship between John Profumo and Christine Keeler in the 1960s.

However, the manor house had been a haven for lovers of literature and a source of literary inspiration ever since it was built, back in 1666, by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a hunting lodge and gift to his mistress.

It was while researching some of the historic estate’s beguiling back stories for her first book, The Mistresses of Cliveden, that Natalie Livingstone – journalist, author and wife of Ian Livingstone – had the idea to set up the literary festival.

“The book was about the story of Cliveden House from the perspective of the extraordinary women who lived there over some 350 years,” explains Natalie,

a Cambridge history graduate. “The first time I walked into the great hall at Cliveden, in 2012, I was mesmerized and really seduced by this magical place and all these fabulous portraits of women who had stories that I really wanted to understand, and that’s why I decided to write the book.

“In the course of my research, I was expecting to find numerous giants from history’s hall of fame, like Churchill and Queen Victoria,” she continues, “but what I wasn’t so prepared for was how many amazing literary figures there are in Cliveden’s history.”

Natalie, who began her career as a journalist on the Daily Express and continues to contribute to magazines and national newspapers like Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar, The Times and The Mail on Sunday, found that everyone from Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift to Alfred Lord Tennyson

This September Taplow’s historic Cliveden House will play host to its seventh literary festival and chairman, Natalie Livingstone, says it will be the best yet

and Rudyard Kipling had visited Cliveden over the years – indeed the guestlist read like a who’s who of the literary glitterati.

“Cliveden was a real literary salon and I just thought how wonderful it would be to continue that legacy,” adds Natalie of her decision to launch the festival in 2017, together with fellow historians Andrew Roberts, Simon Sebag Montefiore and Catherine Ostler.

Since its inception, the festival has welcomed Scottish author William Boyd, former Tatler editor Tina Brown, artist Flora Yukhnovich, novelist Jessie Burton andSuccession star Brian Cox to name only a few. Historic fiction writer, Robert Harris, has described the festival ‘like a rolling intellectual house party to which everyone is invited’, while celebrated author and philosopher, Alain de Botton, has said it is ‘the most dignified and beautiful literary festival on the planet’.

This year the likes of Mary Beard, Peter Frankopan, Marlon James, Maggie O’Farrell and Zadie Smith join the lineup for the two-day programme, which runs from 30 September to 1 October.

While Natalie and her fellow cofounders’ impeccable ability to curate an exciting and dynamic panel of speakers from the worlds of literature, art, history and politics plays a huge part, there’s no doubt that the stunning backdrop of Cliveden is key to what makes this particular festival so special.

“There’s something about the house, it’s big enough to be majestic, yet it’s small enough to inspire scandal and intrigue,” says Natalie, who published a second book, The Women of Rothschild, in 2021, and is in the research phase for another about the female characters involved in the Nuremberg trials. “It’s the really magical and seductive combination of a gorgeous view, beautiful architecture, greenery and the wonderful history. If only walls could talk of the people who have walked in and out of Cliveden in the last 350 years.”

Indeed, the fascination around Cliveden has been so profound that Natalie’s first book about its historic chatelaines became a Sunday Times bestseller and has been optioned by Carnival Films, the television drama company behind Downton Abbey.

“I’ve been to a writers’ room [where writers gather to write and refine scripts], which was a lot of fun and it’s going to be amazing to have film crews at Cliveden – Cliveden is something that’s very hard to replicate so there’s no doubt it will be filmed there,” Natalie enthuses.

While the drama will no doubt shine a new light on the author and her family

as the current custodians of Cliveden, Natalie says their story is far less intriguing than those that have come before.

“I’m more like Sybil Fawlty than a chatelaine,” she jokes in reference to the beloved Fawlty Towers’ character played by Prunella Scales. “My husband is a hotelier and that’s our family business so I feel very grateful that Cliveden has come into my life, but I am under absolutely no illusion about the role I play in its story, apart from that it’s very much to serve the guests that come and stay in the hotel.”

Tickets to the Cliveden Literary Festival are on sale now at clivedenliteraryfestival.org

“Cliveden was a real literary salon and it was great to continue that legacy”

EDWARD ENNINFUL AT CLIVEDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL 2022

BRIAN COX AND ANNE MCELVOY AT THE 2022 FESTIVAL

ANTONIA ROMEO AND LOUISE PERRY AT CLIVEDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL 2022

Get to know… LISA JOHNSON

BUSINESS STRATEGIST AND AUTHOR OF MAKE MONEY ONLINE WHO LIVES IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Q Did you show an entrepreneurial spirit when you were younger?

A I hadn’t realised I did until I wrote my book recently and was thinking of stories to use. They generally consist of me as a bored yet aspirational teen, coming up with some sure-fire business success idea and roping my sister Marie and best friend Hazel in to do the leg work, while I sat and “supervised”. These included cleaning cars, a paper round and a short-lived venture into being Avon Ladies – aged 14.

Other ideas included creating a small “crib sheet” for exam questions that I could remember having answered, giving some nice, neat little bullet points and tips that could easily be absorbed and recalled by most students and used to expand their answers when they took the exam.

I got Hazel to print these o on the photocopier at her dad’s o ce, and I then sold them to fellow students for 20p or something. This worked reasonably well until word got around and my fellow students realised they could just share one sheet!

Q How would you sum up your early working career?

A I think varied would be the best way to describe it. My first job was as a chicken farmer, which being allergic to pretty much everything wasn’t the career for me. I then worked as a PA and also dabbled with acting (my true love) and TV presenting, so maybe these last two had an impact on how much I love presenting now – either on stage or online.

Q What inspired you to go it alone and run your own business?

A I wanted to call the shots. I wanted to choose when I worked and when I didn’t

work, and this was only made more important to me when my twin boys were born. I also always had an inkling I could do something, but I just didn’t know what!

Q How did you end up becoming a strategist?

A When I started to be fully booked with my wedding planning business about seven years ago, lots of people wanted to know how I’d done it. So, I started helping them out with things like highlighting their ideal client and getting their messaging right. After a while, I thought “I could (and should) charge for this”! This was the start of my coaching business, which grew into my strategist business. I explain it like this: a coach helps you find the answers within yourself. A strategist tells you what to do. No excuses accepted.

Q What exactly do you o er now?

A I provide a number of online courses, memberships and masterminds for people at varying stages of their business journeys. I believe that a) business isn’t complicated – it is people who complicate it, and b) everyone has knowledge that they can use to create an online product that people would pay for. Remember – your knowledge is not common knowledge. It just needs an

audience and to be packed up in a way that would appeal to those potential customers.

Q What is passive income?

A Passive income is not a new thing. It simply means not trading time for money. Renting out your spare room is passive income for example. In my world, it mainly means online courses and memberships. Imagine you are a personal trainer. You can be the best in the business, but you can only fit in a certain amount of clients per day before you run out of hours. However, if you create a fitness course that people pay a fee and sign up for with weekly sessions online, there is no limit to your earning potential.

Q How does all this fit in with your family life?

A Unsurprisingly it fits in brilliantly! I work on average 30 hours a month, more at launch times or when I have live events, but the whole reason for creating this business model was to create a lifestyle where I could spend more time with my husband and kids, and spend all summer travelling. I need the sun!

Q I believe you have bought a home in Milton Keynes. What has attracted you to the area?

A We are in a small village 15 minutes from Milton Keynes, so it ticked boxes for both my husband and for me. I like the perks of a big town – shops, cinema, theatre, restaurants and he likes the countryside. Milton Keynes has absolutely everything

we could need, and our village has lovely pubs and the countryside on our doorstep.

Q Generally, what do you love about Buckinghamshire?

A Well, I am a bit of a newbie, but so far, I love the variety and the number of activities and places to visit there are for us and the kids that are nearby. Plus, a major selling point is that I can be in London in 35 minutes on the train yet feel totally removed from it when I get home.

Q Do you already have some favourite spots?

A I’m still exploring, but I do love a walk through the woods from our house over the border to Woburn, the kids love the Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park, and just a wander around Aylesbury is always fun.

Q How do you see the future of your business evolving?

A I want to keep helping people realise the potential they have inside. Plus, very exciting things are happening that I can’t say too much about yet, but let’s just say I want to revolutionise the online business world. Watch this space!

lisajohnson.com

“A strategist tells you what to do. No excuses”

MILTON KEYNES OFFERS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE

CINEMA IS A FAMILY TREAT

THEATRES CLOSE BY ARE A PLUS

THE LOCAL WILDLIFE PARK IS A MUST VISIT

Why we love… READING

A town that has plenty claims to fame, from royal connections to an iconic campaigning artist

By RHIANE KIRKBY

Biscuits, beer, and bulbs may not sound like strong foundations for a town, but Reading would beg to di er. With its royal heritage, rich industrial past, and modern-day reputation as a technological powerhouse, this jewel in the M4 corridor has, throughout history, gone from strength to strength to strength. It may not, on the face of it, look like the most attractive place, but as the English poet, Sir John Betjeman, pointed out, “few towns better repay exploration”. Henry I is buried here, it’s where Jane Austen went to school, and the place Oscar Wilde was jailed. It’s also proud to call itself the birthplace of HRH Catherine, Princess of Wales, Kate Winslet and (in the mind of author Michael Bond at least) the most famous of bears, Paddington. But, despite its location in the heart of the Royal Borough, its regal past and its ability to attract the greatest global technology giants, it has never, despite several attempts, been granted city status and remains the largest town (by population at least) in England.

OSCAR WILDE BY BANKSY

Fit for a king

No visit to Reading would be complete without a stop at the Abbey ruins. At its geographical heart, it is, in fact, where it all began. Built by Henry I way back in 1121 as penance for the loss of his only son in a shipping accident, it came to be one of the most important places in medieval Britain, housing not only royalty, but Parliament. It put Reading firmly on the map and 900 years of history are encased in its walls.

Just a short walk away is one of the town’s best kept secrets and, according to some, its shrewdest investment. The world’s only full-sized replica of the Bayeux tapestry was painstakingly reproduced by a group of women from Sta ordshire back in the late 1800s and bought by the then Mayor of Reading with £300 of his own money. It’s a unique piece of history that’s free to view in Reading Museum and said to be better presented than the original. It's not just about medieval art here though, there’s also a Banksy – and one that’s proving to be more controversial than most. The street artist has o ered to sell the stencil used to create his mural of prison inmate, Oscar Wilde, which now adorns the former prison walls, so that the building can be bought from the Ministry of Justice and turned into a cultural centre. An o er that’s still very much on the table. Banksy, along with a host of stars from Dame Judi Dench to Sir Kenneth Branagh, are campaigning hard to stop this piece of history being turned into flats.

Hall of fame

Prison building or no prison building, the arts are a massive part of Reading. There’s the world-famous Reading Festival, which started out as a pilgrimage for rock fans back in the 1970s. Its o ering, now more eclectic, has come to be a rite of passage for young festival goers ever since. The list of past headliners reads like a Hall of Fame – The Rolling Stones, Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters and Fleetwood Mac, to name but a few. It’s not just about music though; multiarts venues are scattered all over town. For mainstream theatre, comedy, and dance there’s The Hexagon, the Concert Hall hosts acclaimed classical and folk musicians, and Progress Theatre is an intimate venue which moves productions outside to the Abbey ruins every summer. South Street Arts Centre is more than worthy of a mention; nationally renowned and acclaimed for its innovative programme of events, both inside its theatre space and out. Poetry’s a big thing too and it’s a hub for writers, so much so that an independent newspaper was confident enough to launch a new print title here a couple of years ago against a backdrop of local newspaper culls.

Café culture

Writers, along with so many of us, crave co ee shops and there’s no shortage. You’ll find the usual chains, but independents really are the cream of the crop. Co ee Under Pressure is tucked away behind the Minster. It oozes warmth, both on its sun-drenched terrace and from the hearts of its Greek owners Maria and Nasos. The Grumpy Goat serves locally roasted Anonymous co ee – the perfect accompaniment to their legendary toasted cheese sandwiches, but with 500 craft beers, 50 types of cheese and a vast array of foodie delights.

THE ABBEY RUINS

“No visit to Reading would be complete without a stop at the Abbey ruins”

READING MUSEUM

Paradise for commuters

Once you’ve had your ca eine fix, a short and picturesque walk over the bridge will take you to Caversham, a commuter’s delight with its Shoreditch vibes and brilliant transport links to the capital. Add to that a mix of open space, urban charm and indie shops and restaurants, and you can see why its houses are so coveted.

Nandana Syamala and her husband Sharat recently made the trip across the bridge with their restaurant, Clay’s, which started out in London Street in the heart of Reading. Looking for a larger venue they’ve taken over Wetherspoons, painting it a ‘you really don’t want to miss us’ bright yellow. And you absolutely don’t. Want

to miss them, that is. Theirs is authentic Hyderabadi food at its finest. Food, the owners openly admit, they’ve poured their hearts and souls into. And it shows.

Talking of hearts, no love letter to Reading would be complete without a mention of water. Sitting, as it does, on the banks of both the Thames and the Kennet, it enjoys a seven-mile stretch of unspoilt riverbanks, and even has its own inland beach made from former quarry pits. You can see it all at a leisurely pace on board one of Thames River Cruise regular cruises from Caversham Pier.

Caversham Lakes is a premium water sports venue with open water swimming, rowing, paddleboarding, and an inflatable aqua park. For something more sensational and sedate there’s the not-to-be-missed, top of the tourist attractions, Thames Lido, a tranquil oasis in the heart of town that perfectly combines open-water swimming, with a renowned spa, and a restaurant with a reputation. This Edwardian pool, restored beyond its former glory is – and will continue to be – the talk of this town.

WHAT’S ON IN September

A ernoon Tea at Thames Lido FROM SEPTEMBER

Be amongst the first to try out an afternoon tea with a di erence, Mediterranean style. Dips, flatbreads and rose water traybakes replace sarnies and scones.

Tours2Order Bespoke Trails

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Create your bespoke trip around Reading with fount of knowledge, Graham Horn. What he doesn’t know, isn’t worth knowing.

Write Your Family History Workshop

9 SEPTEMBER

Put your family tree on paper with this interactive workshop from the Family History Society.

Science Saved the World at The Hexagon

24 SEPTEMBER

A must-see show that’s 100% educational, but 200% entertaining.

If you’d like to know more about Reading and Caversham, head to visit-reading.com and whatsonreading.com/whats-on

KATE WINSLET WAS BORN IN READING

CAVERSHAM LAKES

“Caversham is a commuter's delight, with its Shoreditch vibes and brilliant transport links”

READING HOUSES A WONDERFUL COPY OF THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY

P lay SPACE

The new Young V&A is a museum dedicated to children, not childhood

By EVE HERBERT

The former Museum of Childhood in London has reopened as Young V&A after an extensive £13m three-year redevelopment. Billed as the UK’s first musuem dedicated entirely to children, it’s a temple dedicated to the transformative power of creativity, displaying inspiring stories of children’s ingenuity alongside approximately 2,000 works from the V&A’s collections. Dating from 2,300 BC to today and from all around the world, objects are displayed in unique and imaginative ways to ensure Young V&A is packed full of serious fun and playful learning at every turn.

The redevelopment is the most significant intervention in the Grade II* listed building’s 150-year history, and has completely transformed the museum. Encompassing three new galleries, a suite of new, larger and better equipped workshop and learning spaces, a gallery for showcasing major exhibitions, a new shop and café, the entire museum has been redesigned

around children, young people, schools and families. Over 22,000 schoolchildren, teachers, Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and community groups, families and local people helped shape the project, and their impact and ideas can be seen throughout the museum.

The new galleries Play, Imagine and Design are designed with di erent age groups in mind, from babies to teens. Each features new interactives and activities inspired by the collections, where children and their families can have fun together expressing their creativity, with immersive optical illusions, a performance area and stage, a marble run, self-portrait maker and open design studio, plus much more.

The project celebrates and restores the building’s iconic Victorian architecture – original windows have been uncovered allowing natural light to flood into the space, and the 19th century marble mosaic floor has been restored. Spaces have been designed with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, with significant improvements to circulation and noise, and galleries designed consciously around the needs of SEND visitors.

“The UK’s first musuem dedicated entirely to children”

No ordinary ART FAIR

Fresh: Art Fair returns to Ascot Racecourse in September. Co-founder

Fresh: is di erent. Unlike many art fairs, we host galleries rather than individual artists, which means we show much more work by many more artists – a wider range of art than any other British fair. Our exhibitors are experts in their markets and are happy to answer questions and give advice.

We host 45 galleries showing original prints and paintings, sculpture, glass and ceramics by 450 artists. Unlike other fairs, you’ll see everything from fresh young talent to serious players like Hockney, Banksy, Matisse and Dali. You’ll see spectacular art from £50 to £30,000 or more, although most of it well within your budget.

There will be artists demonstrating their work and answering your questions, and talks on art and related topics. We are the only art fair with a dedicated outdoor Sculpture Park showing 25 amazing garden sculptures.

Because we’re called Fresh: we always invite exhibitors new to the Fair, with 12 new galleries to explore this time. Our visitors tell us they want choice and that is precisely what we give them.

Fresh: is for everyone from new art lovers to established collectors.The Grandstand at Ascot Racecourse is a spectacular venue.With free parking, licensed cafés, talks, artist demos and an outdoor Sculpture Park, Fresh: really is the easiest way to browse and buy art.

FRESH: ART FAIR

Ascot Racecourse 22–24 September 2023

Private View Thursday 21 September 5.30–9.00pm with free wine

Tickets from £8 online Free parking. Unlimited free returns. Under 16s go free. Everyone goes free on the Friday freshartfair.net

Anthony Wardle tells us what to expect

WOODBINE CONTEMPORARY ARTS, TUSS TUSS, WHATEVER YOU WISH

FRESH: ART FAIR

HIDDEN GALLERY - SALVADOR DALI, LE TÉLÉPHONE

“You'll see fresh talent to serious players like Hockney, Banksy, Matisse and Dali”

WOVEN BY ADAM SMITH

A fresh vision. A personal approach. A respect for nature’s calendar. A passion for stories. A sense of nostalgia.

ABSOLUTELY ATTENDS

ROYAL ASCOT

Royal Ascot, the annual flat racing meeting, took place once again for five days of incredible racing, fashion and millinery.

This year saw an incredible array of guests including The Princess of Wales, Princess Beatrice, Dame Judi Dench, Charlotte Hawkins, Jessica Ennis Hill, Sabrina Elba, Amanda Holden, Zara Tindall and Georgia To olo.

Stylish racegoers wowed in their striking outfits and millinery throughout the five days, as they enjoyed the sunshine and incredible horse racing.

For the first time in over a decade, Ascot Racecourse unveiled a brand-new look and feel for its annual Style Guide, which saw it launch as The Royal Ascot Lookbook – a piece of fashion editorial created to inspire racegoers with their outfit choices pre-race week. Partnering with world renowned photographer Damian Foxe and legendary stylist Luke Je erson Day, the new Lookbook perfectly encapsulated the zeitgeist of occasion wear dressing for Royal Ascot 2023.

In addition, each year Royal Ascot runs a competition to support up and coming student designers in the local Berkshire area and 2023 saw this competition supported by LK Bennett. Royal Ascot and LK Bennett invited students aged 15 years+ from schools and colleges in the region to submit their designs for their dream Royal Ascot outfit.

Iola Gilder was the 2023 winner and she had the exciting opportunity to see her outfit turned into a reality with a trip to LK Bennett HQ in London, to choose fabrics and learn more about the design and production process. Iola was also involved in the design of her own hat, working with leading designer Sarah Marshall of John Boyd Hats to bring her millinery masterpiece to life. Iola was invited to attend Royal Ascot, where she showcased her bespoke outfit.

Top racing and stunning fashion came together for five memorable days

STREETS AHEAD

Faye Tozer first flew into the public consciousness as one fifth of the much-loved band Steps in the late 1990s, but she has also forged an impressive nearly two-decade long career in musical theatre alongside the band’s continuing success. She’s now touring the UK in 42nd Street, which comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from 28 August-2 September.

Q Audiences may know you best for your time in Steps, but you’re a hugely experienced musical theatre performer. What was the transition into musical theatre like for you?

A I was very lucky to get my first musical in 2004, which was Tell Me On A Sunday, but I actually wanted to get into musical theatre from a really young age. It was

amazing having Steps come first, and then having a wonderful life in musical theatre as well. The transition for me was quite interesting, mostly because of how people initially perceived me, but it’s been so wonderful to be somebody who surprises audience members who might have a preconceived idea of me. I just absolutely absorb myself in the show and in my love of theatre and I’m so lucky to tread the boards in between the times that I’m with Steps.

Q Steps are of course hugely well loved by fans for their choreographed routines, and 42nd Street shares a love of dance. What is it about dance that you particularly enjoy?

A As Steps we are of course well-known for our dance routines, but dance for me has always been such a hugely special thing in my life because I just feel so joyful

when I dance. My mum sent me and my sister to dance school when we were tiny to burn o all our energy, but it’s so much more than that. It’s just joyful to watch people dance and do it so brilliantly as well. To be part of 42nd Street, which is all to do with dance and tap, is like my childhood self’s dream! When I was about 12-years-old, we performed some numbers from 42nd Street so the fact that I’m now doing it as a professional is such a wonderful full circle moment. It’s dreamy to watch the ensemble perform all these incredible numbers every night.

Absolutely chats to Faye Tozer about Steps, musicals and what’s in her travel bag as she heads to Milton Keynes

“IT'S WONDERFUL TO SURPRISE AUDIENCE MEMBERS”

FAYE TOZER AS 'MAGGIE JONES' AND LES DENNIS AS 'BERT BARRY'

PHOTOS: JOHAN PERSSON

Q Your character Maggie Jones is the writing partner of Bert Barry, played by entertainment icon, Les Dennis. What’s it been like working with Les?

A Oh, wonderful Les! Les and I actually have a little bit of history via Steps because he came and did a sketch for us for Steps Into Summer, a television programme we did. Over the years I’ve bumped into him at game shows and things, but what a joy to be sharing the stage with him.

Q You’re experienced at touring life both as a musician and theatre performer, what are some of your must-have items for life on the road, and is there anything you like to do when you arrive in each town or city?

A I am an absolute pro when it comes to touring as I’ve been doing it since I was 18! I always have a prepped bathroom bag with all my bottles ready to go – when I come home at the weekend I fill the bottles

back up and then they go back in the bag. I’ve got di erent bags for di erent sizes of cases as well, and I’ve got my magic overnight bag ready to go. In terms of things I like to take with me, I have a tiny speaker which is amazing and I’ve got a plug that has all my leads in it ready to go, so I can just plug it in at the hotel or wherever and I know I can charge my watch, my phone, my iPad. I always take my iPad with me when travelling so it’s loaded with all the programmes I’m watching.

Q You’re a very busy person, so what do you like to do during your downtime or do you have anything planned for when you next have a break?

A In my downtime I love to be at home, cuddle my son, my dogs, and my husband, and just enjoy really normal things. I’m so blessed to live 10-minutes from the sea, so going down to the beach and just

getting fresh sea air is incredible. If I’m in London or around friends then I love to catch a show, I’m a huge fan of musicals so I see as many as I can, and of course I love good food and good company, just catching up with friends is so lovely.

Q With the wealth of experience you’ve since gained, is there any piece of advice you’d go back and give your younger self at the start of your career in music and theatre?

A That’s an interesting question. I think if I could have told myself, my 18-year-old self, anything I’d say to enjoy life a bit more and not take it so seriously, and also not compare myself to other people and find joy in what makes me a bit di erent. The thing is though, that’s nice advice to give, but part of your learning and growing up is going through all those things. All the things we might call mistakes are important life experiences that teach us where we could be going forward to. Overall, I just feel really happy and blessed to be where I am. I’m proud of my career so far, and also incredibly excited by what I’m able to be doing right now.

atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes

MICHAEL PRAED AS 'JULIAN MARSH'

FAYE TOZER

‘Vinos De España’

Spanish Wine Dinner

Thursday 21st of September

Join us for an elegant evening featuring a five-course tasting menu and Spanish wines. Glass of Sparkling Wine, Five-Course Tasting Menu

Accompanied Wine Flight, Tea, Coffee and Petit Fours

Guests Speake r

NV Mas Sardana Cava Brut Nature, Massard ~

Tomato Gazpachio, Basil Croutons

2019 Blanc Vi Natural White Organic, Vins Petxina Celler 9+ ~

Grilled Octopus, Chorizo Mayo, Saffron Potato Puree

2020 Orange Wine Albarino, Martin Codax ~

Rabbit Roulade, Asparagus, Truffl e Cream Potato, Thyme Cream

2021 El Mago Organic Garnacha, Massard ~

Orange Sorbet, Orange Peel NV Xeco Amontillado NV Xeco Sherry ~

Basque Cheescake, Quince Ice Cream

2019 Coleccion 125 Vendimia Tardia, Chivite Family Estates

All wines from the evening can be bought at a retail price. Priced at £70 per person

To book a table please call us direct on 01189 798 805 or email us at enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com

Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU

FOOD & DRINK

PRESTIGIOUS COOKING

CÔTE

Côte Wokingham and Newbury has announced the return of the Prestige set menu featuring high quality French dishes at affordable prices. The exciting menu showcases exquisite food specially selected as a luxurious treat, but at a delicious set menu price. The Menu Prestige has been designed by Côte executive chef Steve Allen, who has previously worked alongside Gordon Ramsay at his Michelin starred restaurants including London’s iconic Claridges and Petrus. cote.co.uk

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By WHEN IN ROME

NOTES TASTING

The latest launches and news from across the county

By MARK KEBBLE

tannins.

The taste is soft and fresh, but robust, with notes of red fruit, plums, chocolate and vanilla. The finish is long and persistent, with soft tannins.It comes in a sustainable paper bottle.

Pinot Grigio, Terre De Chieti  can, £2.50

Full-bodied and fresh, this pleasant fruity and floral vegan white has hints of melon and lemon. You can taste the sunshine that’s been captured in the juicy, succulent grapes. It comes in a picnic-friendly can.

Rosato, Puglia  £10

A blend of Montepulciano, Bombino and Nero di Troia grapes, this Rosato is unusual by local standards - it’s much lighter in colour than most Cerasuoli (“pale cherry red” in Italian),yet it retains the same zippy acidity.

wheninromewine.com

Great start

THE COACH

The Coach, led by Head Chef Sarah Hayward, has launched a new weekend breakfast menu to put the magic back in your mornings. “I love breakfast and I wanted to show that it can be a refined occasion, taken at leisure and made to be enjoyed,” Sarah says. “I wanted to include a couple of more interesting dishes like the Shakshuka and Breakfast Mu n, and I’m excited to hear feedback from the locals and our regulars.”

thecoachmarlow.co.uk

Primitivo, Puglia, £10

MEAT AND GREET

Three to make the most of game season

FOOD WITH A VIEW

STONOR PARK

Fit for royalty

THE CASTLE HOTEL

Hugely talented Suhas Lokhande has been appointed as the new pastry chef at The Castle Hotel in Windsor to further elevate their exquisite Royal Afternoon Tea. The delicate new handmade patisseries and touches added by Suhas have created a truly indulgent experience. The Royal Afternoon Tea includes a delicious variety of freshly made sandwiches and smoked salmon and dill mousse on a savoury choux bun. castlehotelwindsor.com

This Aylesbury favourite features a wide variety of classic and contemporary dishes, and their Mindful Grill showcases locally sourced meats from suppliers such as D’Oyleys, Stadhampton; Hollands Farm, Great Milton; and Wild Venison & Game, Wood Eaton. thedintonhermit.co.uk

Stonor Park, the 850-year-old estate near Henley-on-Thames, has launched a new Friday night dining experience, where guests enjoy a magical evening of delicious food and drink. In a secluded tipi with panoramic views over the historic parkland, The Hideaway gives guests the opportunity to wind down while enjoying delicious wood-fired pizzas and a choice of local, quality drinks. stonor.com

A proper grilling

BEEFEATER

Get fired up this summer across the county at grill house, Beefeater, with its new ’74 range. With a legacy dating back to 1974, experience the thrill of the grill with signature dishes including the hand-crafted '74 House Stack Burger, featuring two beef patties stacked with oak-smoked bacon cheddar, ’74 BBQ sauce and lashings of burger sauce, and the '74 B Dawg, a hot dog made with prime cuts of British pork, topped with salsa and served in a soft brioche roll. beefeater.co.uk

From their free range rare breed meat and sustainably caught fish through to seasonal produce, every effort has been made at The Pilgrim to source and prepare the best ingredients available both locally in Buckinghamshire and further afield. thepilgrimpub.co.uk

Feeling FULL

COCONUT TREE

Located in West Berkshire, The Pot Kiln has for 18 years been serving up the finest in sustainable food. They have a whole host of game on the menu, but our pick is the Pithivier Game Pie, slow cooked bird & ground game braised in a red wine stock. potkiln.org

Coconut Tree has proved to be a real success on King’s Road in Reading, and great food is complemented by exciting events. The restaurant is playing host to a variety of fun o ers, from Bottomless Beach Brunches to Thursday Night Beach Parties with prize wheels, to new recipes and community events and charity fundraisers like Power Out Night (raising funds for a children’s charity in Sri Lanka). thecoconut-tree.com

THE POT KILN

THE PILGRIM

THE DINTON HERMIT

the TONGUE Tip of

Trauma inspired the founder of No2 Pound Street in Wendover to embrace the experience of taste

JAMES GRANT

James Grant remembers vividly the moment he discovered he had neck cancer. “It was two days before my twin boys’ 11th birthday,” he says quietly. “The phone rang, I was in the kitchen. The consultant told me. My heart stopped. All I could think about was my family and not being there for them.”

Thankfully, it didn’t come to that and James took the fight to the cancer – but one side e ect was particularly galling for the man behind cheesemonger, No2 Pound Street. “Losing my sense of taste was the single worst physical thing that has ever happened to me,” he says. “Also I was mentally challenged. I lost the ability to appreciate the wonder of taste and the ability of truly appreciating the nuances of flavour that food and beverage give us. During my recovery period I challenged my taste buds with new flavours daily. Months in I started to pick out savoury and sweet. Cauliflower cheese made me cry over Sunday lunch as I tasted the earthiness of the vegetable and savoury fruity notes of the cheese sauce. This was a eureka moment as my taste was forming again.”

Five years since his original diagnosis, in May 2023 James was informed that he was in remission. With his fully recovered sense of taste and reinvigorated sense of purpose, James has launched the Great British Cheddar Challenge to fly the flag for artisan cheddar and celebrate the nuanced and layered flavour profiles that are being created by cheesemakers across Britain. There’s no better person to do this, either. No2 Pound Street is a hugely popular cheesemonger in Wendover, which has grown steadily over the years as cheese lovers have flocked to sample their produce. “We started with just six artisan primary cheeses and were very much wine forward, although we sold rarely found artisan cheese,” James says on the early days. “Today we sell just over 90 artisan British cheeses. We now wholesale to restaurants and retailers and have an online shop. We are cheese educators and often talk about cheese at festivals and private events.”

And, now, the main event has come to No2 Pound Street with the Great British Cheddar Challenge. “To celebrate taste and the subtle di erences each artisan cheddar gives,” James says on the idea behind the event. “To share a unified love of taste with the great British public and talk about it. To celebrate all that is great with artisan cheese. To discuss sustainable and ethical farming and how this can positively impact our health when choosing our food. To collaborate with passionate retailers and cheese makers in celebration of great cheese and what that means.”

Calling for cheese lovers everywhere to get involved, the Great British Cheddar Challenge will see cheesemongers across the country selling tasting boxes of six unlabelled artisan cheddars. These will then be discussed during an online blind tasting event on 16 September, presented by comedian and cheese judge, Marcus Brigstocke, alongside experts from the cheese industry.

The Great British Cheddar Challenge will invite cheese lovers to challenge their perceptions of cheddar. With artisan cheddar accounting for only 3% of cheddar sales in the UK, Marcus and co. will guide viewers through some of the finest examples of artisan cheddar ever made – exploring how the seasons, the grass, the cows, the makers and the unique microflora in maturing rooms have influenced each truckle – before a People’s Choice Award vote to find the nation’s favourite cheddar.

Ultimately, though, James has a very simple way to sum up what he hopes to achieve with the challenge, a statement that rings so true when considering what he has been through: “To celebrate unity, life and collaboration.”

The Great British Cheddar Challenge will take place on Saturday 16 September. Tasting boxes for the online event will be available to purchase for £35 from independent cheesemongers across the country, including No2 Pound Street via 2poundstreet.com

“Cauliflower cheese made me cry as I tasted the savoury fruity notes of the cheese sauce”

In good TASTE

Here are three local businesses that were recognised in the Great Taste Awards recently

COPAS

The Copas family has been rearing high welfare Christmas turkeys on their Berkshire farm for over 65 years. Tom Copas and his wife Verity are at the helm these days and use traditional artisanal farming methods to ensure their award-winning free range birds are the best in the country. Based in the picturesque Berkshire countryside, the turkeys are free to roam the fields and cherry orchards, watched over by a herd of alpacas that keep the foxes away.

But it’s not just all about turkey though. In this year’s prestigious Great Taste Awards, their Thoughtful Producer Chickens and brand new Rosemary Gin won 1-star awards. If you visit the farm in Cookham between July-Nov, you will see the turkeys and alpacas from the footpath that runs through the valley. There is even a small farm shop onsite selling frozen meats, jars and sauces, gifts and delicious tubs of gelato that are made on the farm. Opposite the farm you will find Bisham Woods, the inspiration for Kenneth Grahame’s Wind In the Willows, well worth a visit. copasturkeys.co.uk

TOM AND VERITY COPAS

BRAY CURED

Averitable galaxy of stars has descended upon the spiritual home of fine British food in Bray, Berkshire, with Bray Cured's stellar set of eight Great Taste Awards this year. Four two-star awards, and a further four singles, show how the judges recognised Bray Cured's continued commitment to the use of exceptional British rare breed meat. With 13 Great Taste awards overall in less than two years, Bray Cured is establishing a fine reputation for charcuterie from our region.

English Coppa

A crowd-pleasing, moreish, savoury ham from the shoulder of heritage breed pigs. Slowly dried after curing in a subtle blend of herbs and spices, it does everything, goes with everything and is the simple, secret favourite of many-a-charcutier.

Flower Meadow Hogget Bresaola

A lean, serene dream of rich, tasty hogget, cured in herbs the animals graze in the flower meadow. The natural alchemy of ingredients, place and space create an eating experience that is simply right: the way things should be. Soft-textured, low fat, a great partner for sheep's cheese and a pinot noir or a BBQ wine.

English Pancetta

It’s just bacon really. Just really good bacon. Just spectacularly tasty bacon made from heritage breed pigs. Just the thing to set your carbonara, your pizza, your caesar salad, your three bean stew or your bacon butty ablaze with flavour. Just the bacon you need, really.

Venison Old Fashioned Salami

A salami born of a craving for cocktails. Wild fallow deer from around Marlow and High Wycombe is combined with brown sugar, whisky and bitters. The whole thing is smoked, because why wouldn't it be, and a twist of citrus completes a thoroughly unusual, thoroughly sophisticated proposition.

English Lomo

Feast your eyes upon a slice of this, part lomo, part lardo, all delicious. Works like a fresh, slightly spiced prosciutto, and hangs out in all the same places – the breakfast table, with eggs, on a pizza or sandwich, or folded elegantly onto a charcuterie board. Perfect partner for all fizz, but particularly pink.

Longhorn Bresaola

There’s nothing like British beef, and soon there will be no bresaola like British bresaola. Bray Cured firmly believe this, with the quality of our heritage breed meat leading to a gorgeous and lean piece of charcuterie at home on a plate, sandwich or board. Alongside some other great British bresaolas, on its way to becoming a world charcuterie icon. braycured.com

OLIPHANT & POMEROY

As seen in Bicester Village, Oliphant & Pomeroy are artisan ice cream makers and bakers based in the heart of rural Buckinghamshire. Founded in 2013, Oliphant’s is an independent, family-run producer that applies an artisanal and sustainable ethos to the products that they make.

Oliphant’s have been great taste producers since 2015 and hold awards for both their ice cream and bakery products. This year, they have won four in the Great Taste Awards, including a coveted 3-star award, given only to exceptional products. This has been awarded to their version of the classic croissant, in plant-based form. They have creatively developed a laminated dough that, in the opinion of the great taste panel, tastes as light, flakey and buttery as its dairy counterpart.

Oliphant’s, known notably for their popular all-butter Cinnamon Buns, have also won a 2-star Great Taste Award for their new plant-based Cinnamon Buns(v). Using their plant-based croissant pastry, Oliphant’s form a tight roll of cinnamon filling, which when baked, makes a Cinnamon swirl both crisp and flakey on the surface, and soft and gooey in the centre. Judges’ comments include: “For a home-bake-o product, this is impressive. Light, crispy, pleasingly irregular and tearable, sweet and nicely spiced… we actually couldn’t taste the di erence from one that would have dairy products in it.”

All Oliphant’s viennoiseries, whether all-butter or all-plant based, are available online through their web shop as a part-baked product, sustainably and elegantly packaged, and delivered nationwide. Perfect gifting for a sweetheart with a sweet-tooth. oliphantandpomeroy.co.uk

“IT'S JUST SPECTACULARLY TASTY BACON MADE FROM HERITAGE BREED PIGS”

A WINNING SELECTION FROM BRAY CURED

OLIPHANT'S POPULAR CINNAMON BUNS

Thoughtful Producer Free Range Whole Chicken

This is a neat looking bird with an appealing golden skin. The breast and thigh are both fairly tender and succulent and have plenty of traditional meaty texture. The avour is rich and almost gamey with gentle hints of herbs. We thought this would make an excellent feast.

Great Taste Awards 1-Star Winner

2023

CABINET DRINKS

What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

ENGLISH ROSE

BOURNE & HOLLINGSWORTH

Creative cocktail institution Bourne & Hollingsworth is bringing flavours of the ocean to Rathbone Place with the launch of a unique street bar in partnership with Lanique Spirit of Rose. The showstopping ‘A Rose a Day, Oysters Away’ combines Lanique Spirit of Rose with gin, nectarine liqueur and Bonanto Aperitivo before being topped with Prosecco. lanique.co.uk

VENETIAN SPRITZ

SELECT

Forget Aperol, and move on from Campari. Our favourite aperitivo is the bitter (but not too bitter) botanical Select, born in Venice in 1920 and currently having a moment in the spotlight. Make it a spritz with Prosecco and a dash of soda – and don't forget the olive. selectaperitivo.it

SPIRIT of NATURE

THIRLINGS DRY GIN

Ad Gefrin's new Thirlings dry gin captures the essence of the distillery's Northumberland surroundings:heather and pine from the hills, elderberry and dill from the hedgerow, and Irish moss and sea buckthornfrom the coast. adgefrin.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

Free spirit

Botivo's non-alcoholic drink has all the flavour

By EVE HERBERT

Trying to avoid alcohol, but stuck for something to sip with soda at 6pm? Botivo could be the answer. This handmade, small batch non-alcholic drink works brilliantly as a cocktail ingredient – it's a good substitute for Campari, and its citrusy notes work well in sours too. The botanical savoury notes means it even makes a good accompaniment to food, and holds up against a good dose of spice. It won a Gold at the Low/No Alc Awards.

Key is how they make it: unlike a lot of similar styles of non-alcoholic drinks, it uses fresh botanicals which are steeped (also unusually) in apple cider vinegar, which means that there is a fermentation process allowing for flavours from the herbs and citrus to embed themselves in the liquid, creating a layered flavour with a long finish.

Along with the apple cider vinegar base, it's made with organic wildflower honey, gentian, wormwood, rosemary, thyme and orange zest, with only 20% added water. It also has some good health notes: it's good for gut health due the vingear aspect and it is the only non-alcoholic 'spirit-style' with no potassium sulphate, it isn't a 'mimic' drink, so sober people can have it. At 0.1% ABV, it contains trace elements of alcohol; the industry definition of alcohol-free/non-alc drinks is anything from 0.5% and below.

The founders want Botivo to feel inclusive, in that it appeals to a lot of people and is great on lots of occasions, but they really do see it as a premium brand, something that co-founder Imme feels is missing from the category. Plus, the label artwork is pretty special too.

FASHION

Diamond DAYS

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

“Free the diamond” is Valérie Messika’s mantra. In her vision, the diamond should be a living companion to the wearer. Unlike traditional jewellery, in her pieces the diamond moves, twists, plays and lives. The seamless ergonomic harmony of Messika jewellery makes their pieces easy to wear, perfect for casual days or elegant nights. The diamond’s role is to subtly enhance the look of its owner, rather than standing in her way. Discover the Messika range at your nearest Berry’s boutique or berrysjewellers.co.uk

FEET FIRST

Q Did your time living in di erent countries influence your approach to footwear design?

A Absolutely, my time spent living in di erent countries has definitely had an impact on footwear design. For instance, holidaying at our family home in Puglia, surrounded by the fabulous star-topped trullo houses and magical starlit skies, massively inspired the design of the Star Collection. The unique atmosphere and experiences I share with my children in that region have undeniably left their mark on my designs. Furthermore, my circle of friends from various nationalities has played a crucial role in shaping my design perspective. Interacting with people from di erent cultures has enriched my life and also understanding of aesthetics, preferences, and styles; ultimately influencing the way I design footwear.

Q Why did you decide to follow your passion for shoes?

A I’m a total shoe addict! So the decision to pursue my passion for shoes was a natural one, rooted in my lifelong love of heeled footwear. From a young age, I found myself captivated by shoes, often wearing my grandmother's heels and noticing how they transformed her sense of femininity and confidence. This had left a huge impression

Rosamund Muir on how a healthy addiction to shoes evolved into a successful business producing statement footwear

ROSAMUND MUIR

AURORA GOLD COBRA AND BORDEAUX EVENING

ROMERA GOLD COBRA AND BLACK

BEATRIX GREEN

ANNABEL BLACK AND WHITE LIZARD

on me and sparked the desire to create a similar experience for our customers. My love for heels and vibrant colours serves as a driving force behind my design choices. I've always found that colours have the ability to uplift moods, and I wanted to share this positive energy with our customers.

Q Has being a mother inspired your creations in any way?

A Absolutely, being a mother has been an immense source of inspiration for my creations. Raising my three children has provided me with very valuable insights into the practical challenges that mothers often face with footwear. I remember too well moments of wearing heels to special occasions like weddings and christenings and looking after my young children required me to be on my feet constantly. The discomfort caused by poorly designed and crafted designer shoes was a reality that drove me to prioritise both style and comfort in my designs. As a woman designing for fellow women, I understand the expectations and needs of those seeking stylish footwear which don’t compromise on comfort. This empathy has fueled my commitment to crafting heels that not only o er elegance, but also o er the ease and support required for mothers and women with active lifestyles.

Moreover, as a mother, I have experienced too well societal judgments and expectations placed upon women's fashion choices, particularly when it comes to wearing heels. I aim to challenge these norms and empower fellow mothers to make footwear decisions based on their personal preferences and comfort.

Q What does Rosamund Muir o er today?

A Rosamund Muir provides exquisitely handcrafted statement heeled footwear aimed at all ages, which embrace and celebrate individual style. Our brand is dedicated to the principles of slow fashion, steering clear of fleeting seasonal trends. Each pair of our footwear is meticulously crafted in limited quantities from surplus stock leathers, exemplifying our commitment to sustainability and uniqueness.

Q Are there elements of your approach that you believe makes you stand out?

A I believe our stand out factor lies in our genuine commitment to sustainability. While many brands claim to o er sustainable footwear, we distinguish ourselves by practicing what we preach. Our approach involves creating slow fashion footwear through the use of only by product surplus stock leathers. This ensures that we avoid

contributing to environmental harm caused by tanning processes and excessive water consumption. Also our sustainable ethos revolves around zero waste, and any leather pieces which are unusable for our shoes are given to schools for use in craft projects.

Q Who are the artisans you work with?

A We have a very small atelier of six very experienced sta and each has their own role in the shoe making process. For example, I discuss patterns with Elena and she develops them, Gina hand cuts the upper and lining leathers, Lili and Ruxi work on stitching and adding accessories, and Mihai and Cris work with placing the stitched footwear on to the lasts and attaching the soles and heels.

Q What’s new for AW23?

A I’m so excited to introduce a fabulous collection of loafers and boots, online from 1 September. These collections have a strong focus incorporating beautiful reptile textures such as lizard, snake and crocodile. These patterns are printed onto by-product cow leathers, a conscious choice aimed at raising awareness about the inhumane breeding of real lizards, snakes, and crocodiles solely for their skins. By using only by-product cow leathers with reptile textures, we are o ering a stunning range of footwear and also contributing to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry. These collections represents our commitment to both style and environmental responsibility, providing our customers choices which align with their values.

rosamundmuir.com

VENEZIA RED

AMOR

DESIGNER PIECES AT GREAT PRICES

We have a wide range of items including... handbags, dresses, coats and shoes from top designers such as Zimmermann, Balmain, Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.

-

In the SPIRIT

Introducing ‘Verve’, the latest collection by Berry’s Jewellers, which seamlessly blends contemporary design with fine jewellery. Designed by Berrys’ in-house designer, Emily Holdich, the Verve collection celebrates individuality and femininity.

Drawing inspiration from geometric curves, clean lines and contrasts, this modern and e ortless collection combines highly polished metals with vivacious diamonds in a series of stunning pieces. The seamless blend of diamonds and curveinspired designs celebrate the beauty in simplicity, fluidity, and the eternal brilliance of diamonds, making this a collection that not only radiates sophistication and luxury, but one that can be worn both day and night. The Verve collection includes a pendant, necklace, bracelet, earrings and three rings, and is available in 18ct white gold, 18ct yellow gold or a mix of both, meaning there’s a style and look for every preference.

Verve is available exclusively in-store and online at Berry’s. Head to berrysjewellers.co.uk to explore the range in full and to find your nearest showroom

The latest collection from Berry’s Jewellers is one to get enthusiastic about

“Verve seamlessly blends modern design with fine jewellery”

MATCH Mix &

This cool collaboration between Bay Garnett and Penelope Chilvers, stocked at Roxtons in Hungerford, will send you feet first into autumn style

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WILD BEAUTY

CHANTECAILLE

Chantecaille's new limited edition Wild Mustangs of North America make-up collection supports the American Wild Horse Campaign and their work protecting a recently discovered isolated herd of wild horses in Utah’s Cedar Mountains. chantecaille.co.uk

Eat well

By JESS HILLARD

Protein is widely known predominantly for its ability to help grow and repair muscles. However, many people do not know that protein has many other great benefits for the body.

Surprisingly, protein has a higher satiety status than any of the other macronutrients (carbohydrates and fat). This is due to protein reducing Ghrelin, commonly understood as the hunger hormone. Therefore, it can be a crucial part in helping with weight loss. By increasing protein consumption while decreasing carbohydrate consumption, you can stay full throughout the day, yet be consuming less calories and also helping to rebuild muscle while exercising during this weight loss journey too.

This increase in satiety with fewer calories in one meal can also help with avoiding snacks throughout the day and thereby decreasing the number of calories consumed throughout the day.

High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease, including heart attacks. Research has found that increased protein diets lower systolic blood pressure readings by 1.76mm Hg and diastolic by 1.5 mm Hg. Likewise, other research suggests that protein not only lowers blood pressure, but LDL cholesterol levels too. This LDL cholesterol is not good for the body as it builds up as plaque within arteries, increasing blood pressure and risk of heart attacks etc. Another surprising fact which many are not aware of is that protein actually helps red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, giving the body energy where it is needed. The protein haemoglobin is a key molecule which carries oxygen. Red blood cells contain this as a compound which carries oxygen around the body, helping to keep the body energised with oxygen, nutrients and energy. Without this key molecule/consuming protein, the body would feel very lacklustre,

at risk of dizziness and feeling faint. Although most people think that calcium is the ‘golden child’ for bone health, protein also comes into the mix. Protein is essential for optimal bone mass growth, predominately in key growth periods during childhood. Not only this but it is key for preserving bone mass as we age. Research has found links to increased protein consumption, reducing risk of osteoporosis and bone fragmentation.

Jess Hillard is a Sports

at Warrior, teamwarrior.com

“Protein has a higher satiety status than any of the other macronutrients”

Nutritionist

Why protein isn’t just a fitness thing

PROBLEM SOLVERS

Your holiday has come to an end, and you want to maintain that refreshed glow. Don’t let it fade into the post-holiday blues with help from The Cosmetic Skin Clinic – a multi-awardwinning clinic specialising in non-invasive treatments. Here is their guide focusing on refreshing the skin, addressing pigmentation, sagging skin and more.

PROBLEM: Pigmentation and sunspots

SOLUTION: Forever Young BBL for clear, younger looking skin

Forever Young BBL – a patient favourite – is a revolutionary skin revitalising treatment that uses non-surgical lightbased therapy (BBL – Broadband Light). It stimulates collagen renewal with its photorejuvenation technology, adding a

healthy, luminous glow. Initial results can be seen in just a few days after the treatment.

PROBLEM: Sagging and loose skin SOLUTION: Ultherapy and Thermage FLX for skin tightening

The Cosmetic Skin Clinic o ers an Ultherapy and Thermage FLX combination treatment to gain maximal results for sagging and loose skin. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production, resulting in tighter and smoother skin. Ultherapy is the leading ultrasound lifting procedure for tighter, better fitting and firmer skin. Using micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) energy,Ultherapyreboots the body’s skin repair process to stimulate the natural renewal of our collagen and elastin levels. What's more, The Cosmetic Skin Clinic is theUK’s No 1 Ultherapy clinic for the ninthyear in a row.

PROBLEM: Dehydrated, dull skin SOLUTION: Profhilo for real glow

Tighten, moisturise and strengthen the skin withProfhilo, the breakthrough antiageing treatment known as the‘injectable moisturiser’.Profhilo treats the source of ageing and not just the symptoms. Say yes to hydrated, revitalised and dewyskin tightening and liftingresults that will make everyone want a bit of your glow.

PROBLEM: Volume loss and fine lines

SOLUTION: Dermal fillers for a refreshed look

Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillersare a clear favourite skin saver. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic experts work their magic with tough, restoring nutrients, lifting the skin to look youthful and refreshed. At The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, they only use premium FDAapproved facial fillers to deliver exceptionally long-lasting and much-loved results.

Invest in post-holiday cosmetic ‘tweakments’ to refresh, target concerns and take time for self-care with The Cosmetic Skin Clinic. Their expert team work collaboratively to create a bespoke journey that ensures the very best outcome: restoring, maintaining and enhancing. Embrace your post-holiday glow and enhance your natural beauty and well-being.

THE COSMETIC SKIN CLINIC

For more information, visit cosmeticskinclinic.com or call 0330 173 3087 for a consultation. On-site parking is available at 84 Rogers Lanes, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4LF

Don’t let the post-holiday blues a ect your skincare thanks to some top tips from The Cosmetic Skin Clinic

“Invest in postholiday treatments to refresh, target concerns and take time for self-care”

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

BUFF UP

MIRROR WATER

A cutting edge treatment for skin rejuvenation, writes

Dr Selena Langdon of Berkshire Aesthetics

SELF DEFENCE

EDITOR’S

NATURAL Curl

This clever heatless hair curler can be worn in the day (as well as at night). Easy to set and even easier to remove, it creates beautiful natural curls without causing any heat damage to your hair. From £35. counterculturestore.co.uk

Restoring skin firmness and elasticity, Ameela is an e ective treatment used to target fine lines and wrinkles and is particularly e ective for the delicate eye area. Ameela is a bio-stimulating injectable gel, and while it is often compared to Profhilo (a hyaluronic acid-based treatment), it is in fact a marinebased polynucleotide (purified DNA fragments), derived from the sperm cells of salmon. Polynucleotides are one of the most e ective treatments used in regenerative medicine as they trigger the body to repair itself. The repair mechanism that Ameela triggers makes it unique and provides several benefits. Skin Regeneration: stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. AntiAging: enhances the skin’s natural rejuvenation processes and promotes a more youthful appearance. Wound Healing: by promoting the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) it supports tissue repair. In our clinic, Ameela is often used alongside other longstanding aesthetic treatments including Botox (which reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles) and dermal fillers (which restore lost volume or improve facial symmetry). Ameela is the ideal product for those wanting to improve skin health whilst maintaining a natural yet youthful appearance. The optimal treatment plan consists of two to three sessions, spaced four weeks apart

Formulated with 99.9% natural ingredients including refining salts and shea nut shell, this weekly body exfoliator sloughs away dead skin cells, without stripping the skin, £47. mirrorwater.earth BERKSHIRE

GROWN ALCHEMIST

This lightweight, gel-based serum strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier and protects against environmental aggressors by increasing the skin’s natural ability to self-defend overnight, £58. grownalchemist.com

CORDINA HAIR

COMPLETE THE SET

Home and commercial gyms in the United Kingdom and Ireland are about to level up

One of the USA’s top gym equipment brands has joined forces with the UK’s largest speciality fitness retailer, which is sure to make your workout even more e ective. Starting this summer, Bodypower Sports Ltd. (trading as Fitness Superstore) will carry a large range of REP Fitness equipment. This expansion was in response to a growing demand from lifters overseas, after REP took the US by storm. It kicks o the launch of REP products throughout all of Europe, so more people can have access to REP’s versatile, quality, innovative equipment at a ordable prices.

REP, founded a decade ago in Colorado by two gym-loving brothers, has risen to become

America’s most popular brand in the home gym market (with cost in mind). It o ers a full line of gym gear, all designed by in-house, weightlifting engineers. REP’s award-winning power racks, benches, functional training gyms, and more will soon be available for UK customers to try out and order in Fitness Superstore showrooms across the UK (11 stores). Fitness Superstore, founded in 1994, is the largest supplier of specialist fitness equipment in the UK and is proud to feature the largest fitness equipment showrooms in the UK. Fitness Superstore will also carry REP on its website, to be delivered throughout the UK and Ireland.

“Fitness Superstore are proud to exclusively represent this fantastic and innovative brand in the UK,” says Paul Walker, Fitness Superstore managing director and owner.

Ryan McGrotty, co-founder of REP, echoes that. He says Fitness Superstore and REP make a great partnership because both are sta ed by real-life fitness enthusiasts and professionals; they both o er a full range of equipment, and they both value creating community and making fitness accessible to all.

“We’re excited to be working with such a strong partner in the UK with Fitness Superstore. We know they will o er a great shopping experience for all our fans in the UK who have been eagerly awaiting the availability of our products,” says Ryan McGrotty. “Their broad store footprint will make it convenient for everyone to easily see and test our products before taking them home.”

fitness-superstore.co.uk

MODERN BRITISH CLASSICS

NEPTUNE

The new oak-topped Ardingly desk smoothly folds into an elegant console table. Look out for this and more new designs at Neptune stores in Chesham and Reading. As British furniture designers, Neptune values the beauty of natural materials, thoughtful and practical design, and sustainable craftsmanship to create homes that feel both timeless and contemporary. Explore the new collection at neptune.com

NOTES INTERIORS

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

DREAM GARDEN

SECRET LINEN STORE

Secret Linen Store has collaborated with the brilliantly talented Kitty McCall to print her joyful and vibrant Summer Garden design on their high quality European 100% linen. Pair with gorgeously green coordinating throws and cushion covers for bedtime perfection.

secretlinenstore.com

ON THE BALL

VLUV

VLUV products are a great way to keep you active, to get fit and to keep your spine and muscles strong. The ergonomic Kapsul desk chair adds movement, balance and activity into the working day and, at just £150, it's an affordable alternative to an ergonomic chair. backinaction.co.uk

BUBBLE BUBBLE

HAY

Hay's lovely Peas rug is woven in India. The coloured wool felt balls have slight nuances that give the collection a unique and versatile expression, and a comforting feeling underfoot. skandium.com

TAKE FIVE

Bookends...

HUNG UP

DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

David Hunt Lighting's new petite version of the treasured Scallop Pendant offers more flexibility when designing smaller spaces, giving scope for grouping multiple pendants together, whether it be in a hallway or to make a statement above a kitchen table or island. davidhuntlighting.co.uk

CLEAR WINNER

DURALEX

French glassware manufacturer

Duralex's iconic glasses inspire nostalgia – especially the iconic Picardie, known as “the original French tumbler”, which launched in 1945. It now comes in a stylish new amber shade, which has a 1970s feel as well as a contemporary vibe. duralex.com

LIGNE ROSET Marble Bookends, £76 ligne-roset.com

THE FARTHING Gold mouse bookends, £27.99 thefarthing.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Midas Bookends, £95 sweetpeaandwillow.com

AFTER NOAH Deco Style Head Bookends, £59 a ernoah.com

OKA Misse And Turlu Bookends, £80 oka.com

ILLUMINATING EFFECT

Absolutely heads to Newport Pagnall to discover how best to light our homes in the 21st century

With sustainability at the forefront of many homeowners’ minds, from how products are made to accessing how much energy we use, reviewing how we light our homes is a good place to start when looking to make environmentally conscious changes.

Piero De Marchis, director at Detail Lighting based in Newport Pagnall, sat down with Absolutely to share his insight on how to achieve e cient lighting design, without compromising on luxury, to take your home from ordinary to extraordinary.

“It can be easy to get carried away when designing your lighting scheme, so when you think about ambient, accent and task lighting, only include what is necessary and avoid over-lighting where possible,” he starts. “While it is important to layer lighting to create a luxurious feeling space,

fixed lighting should achieve lighting levels appropriate to the activity in the space – so opt for a more pared-back design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.”

Whether a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, another great option is to ensure you take advantage of the natural light available to you and pair it with reflective surfaces as this will help bounce light around the room, removing the need for excessive lighting in the space.

“Outdoor lighting can be e ective at creating something from nothing – what during the day might be a wall, or a stairway, can become a dramatic feature at night with clever lighting,” Piero advises. “Wash walls with wide beams of light from below or above, or position lighting close to surfaces to accentuate natural textures and shadows to create spaces that are extensions of the home.

“When designing e cient interior and exterior schemes, it’s important to consider layering, light focus and light output,” he continues. “When layering, light fittings

should have local controls to allow for the separate control of lighting in each space or zone. Personalising dimming levels is a key part of that and will ensure there is no generic scene setting that can dilute and weaken the lighting scheme. For light output, specify the light fittings correctly by assessing the right beam angle and where you want to highlight, the colour temperature and the colour rendering. All of these contribute to creating the required e ect – and choosing the wrong output can change the overall ambience of the space.”

What is a key consideration when taking sustainability into account? “Repairing and re-using is a significant part of sustainable design to maximise longevity and minimise waste,” Piero says. “Investing in quality lighting that can easily be repaired, instead of needing to be regularly replaced and therefore resulting in wasted time, money and product, will benefit you and the environment in the long-term – so buy well and buy once.”

Established in 2000, Detail Lighting o ers beautiful, functional lighting design that separates projects from the ordinary. Supplying the commercial, hospitality and residential sector, Detail Lighting combines unparalleled expertise with a comprehensive portfolio of stylish, technical and well-designed products to deliver the very best in LED lighting solutions.

detaillighting.co.uk

PHOTO: MARCO JOE FAZIO

Behind closed DOORS

Eight of the best to enjoy across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire during Heritage Open Days this month

GOTHIC TEMPLE

STOWE LANDSCAPE GARDENS, STOWE, BUCKINGHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, MK18 5DF

A rare chance to see inside the Gothic Temple, a splendid folly built in 1741 by architect James Gibbs. It was one of Lord Cobham’s last additions to his famous landscape at Stowe and dedicated by him ‘To the Liberties of our Ancestors’.

This Temple, built in 1741, is a high point in the famous landscape gardens at Stowe, created for Lord Cobham by Charles Bridgeman and his successor, William Kent. Also in 1741, Capability Brown arrived as a gardener, to begin his own transformation of the landscape, and the Gothic Temple reflects the shift in tastes in both architecture and landscape. Inside, the rooms are all circular and the dome of the central space is bright with gilded heraldic mosaics, with a gallery running all around. Rescued by the Landmark Trust in the 1970s and now normally let for holidays, bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom are squeezed into the turrets. This is a rare chance too to take in The Temple’s unique views of the famous landscape in which it stands.

EVENT TIMES

Saturday 16-17 September: 10.30am-4.30pm

WEST BERKSHIRE MUSEUM

1 THE WHARF, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, RG14 5AS

Meet members from the Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers who will show you some of the traditional skills associated with the original purpose of 17th century Cloth Hall, and then explore the attic. This is part of the museum building that is not usually open to visitors and can only be accessed by a narrow and steep staircase. Although this is a drop-in event, you might be asked to wait a short time to gain access to the attic, as the number of visitors will be restricted.

EVENT TIMES

Saturday 9-10 September: 10.30am-3pm

THE POINT

MIDSUMMER BOULEVARD, MILTON KEYNES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, MK9 3NB

This is a celebration of one of Milton Keynes’ most distinctive buildings. The event will be collecting your memories and memorabilia as part of a much larger project on this iconic landmark, so if you have any badges, flyers or anything else Pointrelated, do bring them along, have a chat, reminisce and take a look at an exhibition of photos of The Point across the years.

EVENT TIMES

Saturday 9 September: 1pm-4pm

JUNCTION ARCH

READING OLD CEMETERY, LONDON ROAD, READING, BERKSHIRE, RG1 4LSU

For their 2023 Heritage Open Day, Junction Arch Heritage & Arts (JAHA) will be hosting an exhibition of the work of heritage photographer Matt Emmett at the iconic Grade II Listed Junction Arch at Cemetery Junction in Reading.

Matt Emmett is a former Heritage Open Days photographer, whose awards include Architectural Photographer of the Year 2016, Historic Photographer of the Year 2017 and the Visual Art Open in 2021. The

exhibition will take us on a journey of discovery through ruins and forgotten heritage across the UK and the European mainland.

Many of the subjects of Matt’s work have since been lost, but his photographs have preserved them for us and future generations. “The more ways we cut ties with the past the more we diminish our future. Even if the only way we preserve the memory of a building is through images then that is worth something,” he says.

The Cemetery Junction Arch is a fitting venue for Matt’s exhibition as it is currently vacant and at serious risk. JAHA are finalising plans to repurpose the building as a vibrant space for the local community.

EVENT TIMES

Sunday 10 September: 10am-5pm

HUGHENDEN

NATIONAL TRUST, HUGHENDEN MANOR, HUGHENDEN PARK, HUGHENDEN, HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, HP14 4LA

Discover the country home of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli and learn more about Hughenden’s secret role in WWII. Set in an unspoiled Chiltern Valley with views of ancient woodlands and rolling hills, Hughenden o ers a restful retreat as it did for Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin

THE POINT

WEST BERKSHIRE MUSEUM

HERITAGE PHOTOGRAPHY AT JUNCTION ARCH

Disraeli and his wife Mary Anne. Inside the manor, you can discover the top secret Second World War Operation codenamed ‘Hillside’. Learn more about Disraeli’s Jewish ancestry during the European Days of Jewish Culture 2023 in the Judaism and Disraeli Talks. There will be demonstrations from a volunteer Rustic Produce team where they will be showcasing their woodworking skills, refurbishing pole lathes and using a shave horse.

EVENT TIMES

Saturday 9 September: 10am-5pm

Wednesday 13 September: 10am-5pm

BASILDON PARK

NATIONAL TRUST, LOWER BASILDON, READING, BERKSHIRE, RG8 9NR

Discover 400 acres of historic parkland and gardens with an 18th century house at its heart. The impressive mansion and picturesque pleasure grounds will be open to explore throughout the day.

Basildon Park is a cinematic property featuring stunning Palladian architecture and rolling landscapes. With extraordinary vision, Lord and Lady Ili e (who bought the property in the 1950s), brought Basildon

Park back to life, acquiring a collection of fine furnishings and carefully selected Old Masters. The wooded parkland o ers glorious seasonal colour, while the landscape has been carefully restored to o er wonderful views, peaceful trails and picnic places, with areas for children to run and play.

EVENT TIMES

Monday 11-16 September: 10am-4pm

GREENHAM AIR BASE

BUILDING 274, BUCKNER-CROKE WAY, GREENHAM BUSINESS PARK, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, RG19 6HX

A rare opportunity to gain access to the Decontamination Suite that formed part of the Cold War US Airbase at Greenham Common, with guided tours through the facility explaining the history of the building.

Greenham Common was active as a US Army Air Force and US Air Force airfield for various periods from WWII onwards, most famously during the Cold War. Between 1982-1991, it was home to the US Air Force

501st Tactical Missile Wing and operated 96 cruise missiles. It was the site for the famous Greenham women’s peace protests. Few buildings remain from this period. Greenham Control Tower is the only building now open to the public as a visitor centre. The charity that runs Greenham Control Tower has arranged special permission to open the Decontamination Suite within building 274 to the public as part of Heritage Open Days. This section of building 274 is attached to what was the command centre for the 501st Tactical Missile Wing. Parts of the building have walls of blast-proof steel-reinforced concrete and solid blast-proof doors. The purpose of the decontamination section would have been to cleanse personnel of nerve agents in the event of a chemical attack. Part of building 274 was designed as a hardened area to be self-su cient in air, water and sanitation if a complete shut-down of the base occurred following an enemy attack.

EVENT TIMES

Saturday 9-10 September: 11am-4pm

BRADWELL ABBEY

MILTON KEYNES CITY

DISCOVERY CENTRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, MK13 9AP

With pilgrims, live Chaucer from a medieval wagon, medieval stalls and re-enactors, archery, mead, food and special guests CLASP, there is something for everyone at this special event for Heritage Open Days. Medieval specialists will be declaiming from the Canterbury Tales, and special community archaeology guests CLASP will be in attendance with their display of artefacts. There will be Chapel tours, guided talks of the site, and we hear that the 12th century Grumpy Prior will be in attendance. Fancy yourself on target? Then test your skills at have-a-go-archery before you pit your strength against the sword in the stone under the watchful eye of King Arthur.

EVENT TIMES

Sunday 10 September: 11am-3pm

Find more on these events, and what else is happening across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, at heritageopendays.org.uk

BRADWELL ABBEY

BASILDON PARK

HUGHENDEN

GREENHAM AIR BASE

SCANDINAVIAN

HYGGE

Preserving Danish design classics at Carl Hansen & Søn

Founded in 1908, design company Carl Hansen & Søn is a third-generation family-run Danish business. At Carl Hansen & Søn, they believe that iconic design is a combination of simplicity, aesthetics and functionality brought to life through skillful work with the highest quality materials.

Through the years, Carl Hansen & Søn has maintained a strong focus on preserving Danish design classics while continuing to expand their collection to represent influential new designers.

As an extra element in all Flagship Stores, a broad and exciting accessories program has been developed. A program that matches their furniture and helps to give the interior the special touch that makes it di erent and personal. They use nature’s own produce, wood, Carl Hansen & Søn’s most important material, along with other sustainable materials, such as clay, glass, wool, linen and paper.

Carl Hansen & Søn’s accessory range also creates new and exciting experiences and relations. And for their customers, many exciting items, made in the spirit of passion and good conscience, both for decoration or as a fun and functional thing in the everyday life.

carlhansen.com

“Iconic design is a combination of simplicity, aesthetics and functionality”

Burning AMBITION

It’s 60 years since Diptyque invented the scented candle as we know it

By EVE HERBERT

Everyone loves a scented candle, and especially a Diptyque one. The Diptyque candle, in its signature simple glass with elegant illustrated label, is an icon that has spawned countless copies – but the original remains the gift that everyone wants to receive.

And this year the candle is celebrating its 60th birthday. Born in Paris from the imaginations of the Diptyque’s three founders, a trio of candles were first introduced in 1963: Aubépine (Hawthorn), Cannelle (Cinnamon) and Thé (Tea). Since then, the brand has expanded its collection to a dream-like herbarium of almost 50 scents, designed to be burned alone or combined with others to create another unique olfactory landscape. Thanks to its timeless design, beloved fragrances and recognisable codes, the classic Diptyque candle has become a recognisable icon that speaks to every generation.

Desmond Knox-Leet, Christiane

Montadre-Gautrot and Yves Coueslant were three aesthetically oriented friends united by their sense of beauty and love of nature. Just two years after the opening of their Boulevard Saint-Germain boutique, a place rich in objects and rare finds from around the world, they went on to reinvent the scented candle – which until then was an item used purely for practical purposes – as an object with sensorial and decorative qualities. The claim was that it was possible to travel without leaving your living room, because of the extraordinary and emotive power of scent. They could not have predicted that their simple candles would become the standard bearers that they are today.

“Diptyque's candle is an icon that has spawned countless copies”

BEAUTIFUL FUSED GLASS INTERIOR PIECES AND BESPOKE ARCHITECTURAL INSTALLATIONS, HANDMADE AT OUR CORNWALL STUDIO

GLASS FUSING WORKSHOPS ALSO AVAILABLE AT OUR SUNNINGDALE GALLERY

15% off any purchase over £30*when you enter ’AB30’ at checkout or present this advert in the gallery *Excludes private commissions & workshops. Not available in conjunction with any other offers.

1 Station Parade, London Road, Sunningdale, SL5 0EP www.jodowns.com

KOKET Pink Bloom Chair, £5,120 bykoket.com

BODE LIVING

ZigZag Mirror, £110 bode-living.com

EDITOR’S

BRAIDED RUG COMPANY

Dusty Pink Placemat, £7.50 braided-rug.co.uk

RAJ TENT CLUB

Riviera Parasol, £325 rajtentclubshop.com

BURLINGTON

Confetti Pink Edwardian Basin, £342 tapnshower.com

A BARBIE WORLD

Pink is the colour of 2023

By PENDLE HARTE

ROSE & GREY

Curly Martini Glasses, £32 for two roseandgrey.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER Mustique Cone Vase, £125 jonathanadler.com

RAJ TENT CLUB

Egyptian Glass Candlesticks, £20 each rajtentclubshop.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE

Outdoor Cushion, £24 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

ERCOL

Marlia Armchair, £1,060 ercol.com

BOBBI BECK

Barbie Dreamhouse

Ice Cream Stripes

Wallpaper, £75 bobbibeck.com

SPICER AND WOOD

Hot Pink Ceramic Vase, £22 spicerandwood.co.uk

RUG STORE specialise in a wide selection of new, old and Antique Persian, Turkish, Caucasian and Turkmen Carpets. Various antique, old and new Kilims are available. We o er a professional hand-cleaning and restoration service. We buy old and antique carpetseven damaged rugs. Part exchange and evaluations.

SPACE SAVERS

CLEVER PIECES WITH SMALLER DIMENSIONS

DINNER PARTY DANETTI

With a subtle brass sheen detailing and oak veneer fi nish, this dining table effortlessly transform your space into dinner party perfection, seating 4-6 normally and extending to 10. danetti.com

TIGHT SPACE LOAF

If space is tight go for Loaf's Tight Spaces Store bed as, instead of drawers, the mattress li s up to reveal lots of space for all your bedsheets and other bedroom essentials. loaf.com

STACK IT PEPPER SQ

3

2 4 5

The Bogart dining chair is a space saving stackable design handcra ed from beech wood along with a paper cord seat expertly handwoven to achieve the intricate and durable woven seat. peppersq.com

NEST EGG CULT FURNITURE

The Madison nesting coffee tables are a must for the home when you need space-saving solutions with a Art Deco twist. In brass metal with a white marble top, the Madison is compact and easy to move around. cultfurniture.com

SLIM LINE ATKIN & THYME

A slim, space-saving design perfect for smaller hallways and landings, the Zen Console is a beautifully textured travertine stone console table that complements all interiors. atkinandthyme.co.uk

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING

Wednesday 27 September 6pm – 8pm

Tobook email:

WHOLE SCHOOL

Saturday 7 October 9.45am to 12 noon

BRIGHT OUTLOOK

MALTMAN'S GREEN

At Maltman’s Green there are no limits to learning. They believe that girls need to face challenges and take risks every day, and while not pushing them too far outside of their comfort zone, they also ensure that they do not hold them back.

Read more about the school on page 118.

Model STUDENTS

The Head of Heathfield School, Ascot, on nurturing talent for the fashion industry

By SARAH ROLLINGS

If your daughter has a penchant for fashion and you truly believe she could go far, take a look at my school in leafy Ascot, Berkshire. Heathfield School is an independent girls’ school rated Excellent in all areas by the ISI, set in a stunning Italianate mansion surrounded by 36 acre grounds. A hive of creativity, Heathfield has nurtured the talent of famous figures such as Isabella Blow, the fashionable, hat-loving aristocrat, who discovered young designer Alexander McQueen, who later became head designer of the Louis Vuitton-owned Givenchy fashion line. Other Heathfield students of note

include Tamara Mellon OBE, British fashion entrepreneur and co-founder of the luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo; model and actress Sienna Miller; model Amber Le Bon – daughter of supermodel Yasmin Le Bon; and fashion stylist Charlotte Stockdale, whose credits include styling and fashion direction for British Vogue, I-D, and GARAGE, as well as shows for Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, and Viktor&Rolf.

So how does Heathfield take its girls’ talents to the next level? Strong partnerships with global leaders in art and design such as Parsons Paris – the European campus of Parsons School of Design, NY, ranked as the number one

art college in the USA, as well as one of the top three in the world – and Falmouth School of Art have been instrumental in raising the bar for students at Heathfield. Heathfield is the only UK school to enter into an unprecedented collaboration agreement with Parsons Paris, in recognition of the outstanding fashion and textiles produced by its students. As a small school, to be acknowledged nationally as a leading provider for secondary art education is superb. To be revered internationally is exceptional, with this unique agreement being the only one of its kind in existence.

Parsons’ approach to merging disciplines to cultivate design-led problem solvers is aligned with Heathfield’s own philosophy for creative arts education. Parsons’ close-knit community, which o ers a bespoke curriculum, is reflective of our best practice at Heathfield. This exciting collaboration benefits art and design students in a variety of ways, including the creation of extra-curricular and scholarship opportunities for KS 3, 4 and 5 for instance, and through fashion events which Parsons attends. Parsons is also on hand to review the portfolios and presentations of students applying to study art and design at university. Students aged 16+ also receive a 10% discount on the Parsons Paris Summer Programme, which o ers high school, college, and adult students the opportunity to immerse themselves in subjects like fashion design, fashion business, design management, and fine arts, all from a global perspective.

Heathfield is also the only school in the UK to form a Creative Partnership with Falmouth School of Art. Course leaders for this year’s Falmouth Challenge Competition

“Each student is nurtured to help discover their talents”

HEATHFIELD'S PRIMAVERA FASHION SHOW IN ACTION

SARAH ROLLINGS

set our students the same brief as their University students and were incredibly impressed with the breadth and range of excellent ideas Heathfield girls explored. Heathfield continues to flourish, as part of an international community of excellence and innovation. There is no finer accolade or one more fitting for our pupils.

In 2019 students were also lucky enough to benefit from the professional input of fashion industry expert Stephen Lisseman, who approached the school to share his experiences of working in the sector alongside big names such as Karl Lagerfeld, Christopher Bailey, Gucci and Tom Ford. During the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, Stephen worked with GCSE and A-level students on one-to-one tutorials aimed at consolidating design skills and delivered a series of lectures on topics including Theory of Design, New Aesthetics, Fabric Selection, Portfolio Preparation and Building a Collection.

Our talented sta within the Art Department are instrumental in the girls’ success in fashion. From the moment they arrive at Heathfield, each student is nurtured and helped to discover and develop their individual talents and abilities.

Fashion and Textiles students at Heathfield are encouraged to work across a wide range of disciplines, including print making, painting and drawing, lens-based media, and

sculpture, as well as the more traditional skills, such as pattern cutting, fashion illustration, costume, jewellery and branding.

Rachel Payne, Designer in Residence –who has a degree in Fashion Design from Nottingham Trent University – says: “I love helping them to learn new techniques, processes and inspiring them on their own textile and fashion journey. It’s really rewarding to see their work progress and watch their own styles evolve.”

Head of Art and Design, Angela Farrugia, provides an innovative and dynamic curriculum for Heathfield students where they thrive and develop their own artistic style. “I believe that art and design is imperative in schools as it not only teaches students to think

critically and be creative, but also teaches them key life skills such as perseverance, commitment and focus,” she says.

Since starting at Heathfield, one of Angela’s personal highlights has been producing the 2023 Fashion Show ‘Primavera’, which encompassed all that Heathfield stands for. Students demonstrated the confidence and self-belief to go way beyond their own preconceived abilities.

A huge networking event for the students and industry professionals, the show provides many ‘behind the scenes’ opportunities for the girls to flex their creative talents –from photographing the outfits, to creating a magazine that showcases all the work undertaken, to dressing the models and organising accessories. It is a collaborative event that intends to give the students a ‘taste’ of what it’s like to work in the fashion industry.

Angela’s mission is to encourage students to become motivated, skilful and passionate about Art and Design in preparation for the time when they move on from Heathfield and enter industry. Every year students are accepted at top choice colleges and universities, such as Central St Martins, London College of Fashion, Falmouth College of Art & Design, and Parsons New York.

For more on Heathfield School, visit heathfieldschool.net or call 01344 898343

THE PRIMAVERA CATWALK

Looking AHEAD

Exploring the rise of ‘futures departments’ in schools and how they are innovating

By SARAH BARNARD

ith a new academic year on the horizon, more and more schools are looking to widen pupil exposure to the greater range of educational and career paths available today. From degree apprenticeships to international opportunities and more creative careers, there is much to learn. This is perhaps why futures departments in schools today are becoming more and more important.

Making decisions about the future is a complex and daunting task for an adult, let alone a teenager who has likely already experienced a certain level of disruption to their educational journey courtesy of the pandemic. But the key to success always lies in making an informed decision. For students to choose a course, career or an alternative pathway, they need to

Wbe furnished with as much support and guidance as possible. It is also important not to focus simply on knowledge-driven pathways, but also skills-based options.

Opportunities for students have changed considerably over recent years, not least due to the fact that education became compulsory until 18 in 2015, which changed provision requirements. The introduction of T-levels and the ever-growing number of apprenticeships has meant that there is a real appetite and emphasis on skills-based training. University has now been a natural next step for many students rather than just those that were considered to be highly academic and the range of courses now on o er is vast. Students are also more aware of global opportunities with more and more universities o ering degrees that are taught in English.

The sheer increase in the volume of students applying to universities outside of the UK is equally very visible. Historically,

we would have had no more than 10% of a year group applying overseas, whereas this year we have seen over 30% and this is a number that steadily increased during Covid and looks set to continue. Students are also looking at degree apprenticeships as a possible alternative to the traditional degree route. This is due to a series of factors, but my experience has been that they want a more ‘hands on’ form of training, and are also questioning the value for money that the universities o er.

Likewise, students are keen to understand more about the opportunities available post-school, from a much younger age. We have students in Year 8 and 9 who want to know more about what qualifications might be helpful to pursue at GCSE, as well as parents looking to see how they can best support their children on a successful post-school route. We are also very aware, given the fast-paced technological world that we live in, that students are more skills

DOWNE HOUSE SIXTH FORM STUDENTS

aware today and, as a result, schools are seeing requests for more training related to soft skills. At Downe House, we have really looked at how we can best embed this across the curriculum especially when it comes to communication, resilience and adaptability.

In the interests of innovation, schools like Downe have been using virtual reality headsets to undertake interview practice. This has the two-fold benefit of allowing schools to provide interview experience for Year 12 students as well as supporting the move towards an age where more companies are using recorded platforms for recruitment, whereby a student may not be talking face to face with a physical person. Many schools like ours have also launched global internships programmes, so students can gain experience of working at companies across the globe and gain experience in networking internationally even before they have left school.

It is important to meet with all students in

Year 11 to 13 on a one-to-one basis to provide bespoke guidance about options, choices and routes post-school. It can also be helpful to have specialists on site who can advise students on making applications for Oxbridge, Medical, Creative, Overseas and degree apprenticeships courses for instance. Downe House has been fortunate enough to host the University Guys International Universities Roadshow for those who cannot always physically visit international options. We also run workshops for younger students in Year 7 to 9 so that they can better understand their own strengths and weaknesses early on. We know that self-awareness is also critical to successfully choosing the best route later in life, so this is vital at a younger stage.

Introducing students to soft skills from an early age is also key, as many students are simply unaware that even something as simple as playing a team sport can help them to develop superb collaborative and

leadership skills. Ultimately, these softer skills need to be embedded more broadly within the curriculum and, like analysis, be given greater emphasis as an academic skill. Greater links with workplaces through alumni connections can also be helpful in introducing students to workplace skills via entrepreneurial workshops or team building challenges. As future options for young people continue to evolve, schools will need to ensure that time is devoted to helping their students to leave ‘world ready’ rather than simply academically knowledgeable. As ever in education, time is always an issue, but giving sta and students the opportunity to embed these skills in both a theoretical and practical sense is key. Greater links between education and workplaces may be one way of addressing this, as might more collaboration between schools to help pool human resources. Engaging with our students around what they want is also crucial as young people are often further ahead of the game in terms of how society is evolving and what will be important to them in their future. Given that universities may change considerably over the next decade, especially in terms of how they engage with students, schools should expect to continually adapt their provisions in line with this.

Sarah Barnard is Director of Futures at Downe House School in Berkshire. Find out more about the school at downehouse.net

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GAME CHANGER

Chris

There are moments in the development of a school where a relatively simple change to the curriculum can have a dramatic e ect. Moving from a single-sex to a co-educational sports programme at Ravenscourt Park Prep School (RPPS) was one such moment.

RPPS is a co-ed school on the border of Hammersmith and Chiswick and located on the south side of Ravenscourt Park. We are very fortunate to have access to the park’s facilities, including bookable grass spaces, tennis and netball courts, and an Astroturf.

We used to follow a traditional sports programme from Year 3. Boys participated in football, ruby and cricket, while girls played netball and rounders. If girls wanted to play football and cricket, they had to join clubs outside school – and an increasing number were doing just that. If we were going to meet the needs and interests of our pupils, we needed to make a change.

In 2016, I put the case for change to the Headmaster Carl Howes and he agreed. The new programme was launched in September 2017. For Years 3 and 4, all sports were now played together. There were blocks of time allocated for netball, rugby, football, rounders, cricket and cross-country. After feedback from the children, hockey was added for Year 4. Children in Years 5 and 6 were given the opportunity to select the sports that they wanted to play each term, and the number of fixtures against other schools increased.

Park Prep School

Initially, there were concerns that it would be challenging to find other schools willing to bring along co-ed teams, and also that increasing sporting disciplines would reduce specialist coaching time. Neither concern has been realised. Many local schools have been delighted to provide mixed teams, or to permit our co-ed teams to play rugby against all-boys teams. As for sporting achievement, our U11 Netballers recently qualified for the IAPS finals for the second time in two years. Other teams are frequently placed in local tournaments, so we have not seen any diminution at the top level.

What of the other benefits? Children now participate in a minimum of three fixtures per term, so all represent their school in a team. We have seen a mutual respect for

the sporting interests and abilities among the children – playground football involves boys and girls, as does shooting practice at the netball posts. This attitude is also reflected in the classroom – there is never any fuss if boys and girls are partnered up to work on a collaborative task.

With last year’s Euro triumph for the Lionesses, and runner-up positions for women’s cricket and rugby teams in the 2021 World Cups, there has never been a better time to make these sports available to girls. This has also coincided with the emergence of national successes in ‘non-mainstream’ men’s sports. And, in this increasingly co-ed world, why not involve boys and girls together in sport until the age of 11?

“We have seen a mutual respect for the sporting interests among the children – this attitude is also reflected in the classroom”

Bryan of Ravenscourt

discusses the positive benefits, on and o the sports field, of a 2017 move to co-ed sports

CHRIS BRYAN Head of PE and Games Ravenscourt Park Prep School

THORPE HOUSE SCHOOL

Creating the Future

Thorpe House Sixth Form

Our Thorpians have gone on to be leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, athletes and artists, to name but a few. Whatever the future holds for our students aged 4 to 16, we support, challenge and empower each unique individual to explore their passions, develop their talents and fulfil their ambitions.

Your future awaits at Thorpe House School…

Open Days:

Saturday 7th October 2023, 10am–1pm

Tuesday 10th October 2023, 9–11am Scan the QR code to find out more and book your place.

CO-EDUCATIONAL Launching

September 2024

In the heart of Gerrards Cross, our brand new Sixth Form offers first class teaching, with an emphasis on academic achievement, the development of key life skills, leadership and exploration, extended pastoral care, and bespoke university and careers guidance. Discover more at our Open Evening on Tuesday 21st November 2023, 6.30–8pm

GOOD OF ALL FOR THE

Day Prep School Head, Carl

Q How long have you been Head at Davenies?

A I have been in post for eight years. I was attracted to Davenies because it presented an opportunity to lead a school with aspirations, it educated pupils up to 13 years old, and it provided the chance to work in a truly independent school.

Q How would you describe your setting?

A We are in the middle of Beaconsfield, a thriving town within easy reach of London. A mix of historical and modern buildings that have been architecturally well thought out, wide ranging and excellent facilities, green spaces and playing fields on site, all contribute to a fabulous learning environment and a wonderful place to spend the day.

Q Could you give us a snapshot of the school’s history? What is the school's motto?

A Founded in 1940, throughout the war, the school housed around a dozen boarders, in addition to a handful of day pupils. The Headmaster, Reverend Newton, kept various animals and tended his beehives from which he sold the honey as sugar, which was in short supply during the war. And so the school’s motto ‘singulus pro fraternitate laborans’ – ‘each striving for the good of all’ – was founded as Reverend Newton observed the sense of community in his hives and captured this in a school where the boys would embrace service and enjoy each other’s company. By 1948 the school had grown to 68 pupils, and then, following a parent led buyout, the

Beaconsfield Educational Trust Ltd was created in 1962 to administer the school, which it does to this day. Over the last 20 years in particular, the governors have overseen considerable investment in the school and, today, it continues as a thriving day school for boys with 350 pupils on roll.

Q How privileged do you feel to be overseeing the start of a pupil’s educational journey?

A The formative years of a child’s education very much set the pattern for their life of learning. Positive attitudes and a thirst for knowledge are fostered, emotional and social skills are nurtured, and the learning environment is a joyous one. Su ce to say I feel incredibly privileged to play a part in this.

Davenies

Rycroft, on the origins of their motto and how they help children to thrive in the classroom

Q At an early age, how do you look to inspire a love for learning?

A Enthusiastic teachers, stimulating resources and active learning are the key – in essence we engage, inspire and challenge the pupils.

Q How would you say the curriculum evolves as pupils progress through the year groups?

A Increasingly, as the pupils progress up the school, their independent and collaborative skills evolve, the subject matter, and indeed the amount of subjects, increases and assessment becomes more wide ranging in its methodology. As they get older, communication skills advance, the pupils take greater responsibility for their learning and cultivate research skills, their leadership is developed and the curriculum experience fosters entrepreneurship and oracy.

Q What would we find in a class?

A Active learning – boys engage in learning through collaboration, role play and through the use of a practical and visual approach. We adopt the visible learning method that develops key learning attributes of enthusiasm, curiosity, courage, perseverance and reflection. All classrooms are modern and digitally advanced, with full interactive capabilities that can be used by pupils and sta alike; they are airy, light and spacious, with additional space available adjacent to all classrooms that can be used for breakout activities.

Q What else do you o er outside of the classroom that aids a pupil’s wellbeing?

A Sport and exercise, creative and performing arts, considerable extracurricular opportunity, socialising and a level of autonomy – these all contribute to individual pupil wellbeing.

Q When pupils leave you, what are they prepared for?

A They are ready to thrive in the next stage of their educational journey and beyond. They have well established values and a sense of service. As one senior school head put it, Davenies’ pupils typically “roll their sleeves up and give things a go”. They will embrace opportunity and look to lead. As learners they have the attributes to apply themselves to whatever lies ahead, they have the skills to be fluid, aspirational and to communicate. They will be active members of whatever community they are part of and be good friends to many. As Davenies’ pupils successfully move on to a wide range of senior schools, we are confident that they are prepared holistically, in terms of their personal development and their academic potential.

Q What are you looking forward to most ahead of the new school year?

A The excitement of a new school year is energising. Being a Headteacher is a privilege, working alongside pupils and colleagues as we all move forwards is rewarding. A new school year brings new personalities into our community, which is enriching and stimulating in equal measure, and I am looking forward to getting back to it and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead for us all.

davenies.co.uk

BOYS’ MOTIVATION

David Wingfield, Headmaster of Eaton House

The Manor Pre-Prep School for boys aged 4-8, discusses how to build self-motivated learners

It’s not that I can’t do it, it’s that I can’t do it yet!’ is an oft-repeated phrase at Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep. We believe in encouraging boys to have a go, even if the path forward is not immediately illuminated. With the average number of jobs per lifetime increasing with each generation, it is more important than ever that those first few years of school build a deep-rooted love of learning. As educators, it is our duty to foster an environment in which children are not only stretched, but wish to stretch themselves. We want them to relish each new challenge, rather than run from it. With this in mind, I have broken down the strategies that we use to motivate the boys in our charge to want to expand their own potential.

CHAMPION CREATIVITY

We know that one of the surest ways to build resilient motivation is to support boys’ individuality and freedom of expression, while challenging ‘permission culture’ and anxious perfectionism in relation to schoolwork. It boils down to encouraging children’s natural ability to want to push boundaries, do things

their way, take risks and have a go, and it applies equally to English and mathematics.

SMALL STEPS TO SUCCESS

We support every child, by breaking each task down into small, achievable steps that form part of a challenging trajectory. Teachers make hundreds of micro-assessments in every lesson to gauge how each pupil is progressing through a task, and how that task may be adapted ‘on the fly’ in order to enable them to make progress during the lesson. Whether a boy has taken his first steps in forming a letter or a number, remembered – at long last! – to include capital letters and full stops, or written a self-motivated description of their favourite food, well-judged praised for e ort reinforces self-esteem and builds motivation.

MOTIVATION CAN EBB

We do not expect our pupils to be robots, with equal levels of motivation every hour of every day. We treat them with empathy and understanding when things just will not flow. Our aim is to help them to view dips

and slips as part of the process of deep and e ective learning, rather than a cause for disappointment and despondency.

FOSTER A MASTERY APPROACH

We use a multi-sensory and graduated teaching style that prioritises depth of conceptual understanding as the foundation of pace and fluency of procedure – from developing a deep understanding of composition of the number six, to considering how commas may be used in clauses. We run welcoming and inclusive classrooms, with a culture of high expectations. Activities and lessons are designed so that boys across the attainment spectrum may commence a task – often choosing it themselves – that is pitched at a level ‘just right’ for them, before moving on to progressively more challenging activities.

DAVID

Our aim is to educate pupils to be adventurous, curious, and brave. This starts in our classrooms, and it quickly spreads beyond the walls of the school because the insights above, I believe, are as valuable for progress in life as they are for academia.

WINGFIELD Headmaster Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep

“Our aim is to educate pupils to be adventurous, curious, and brave”

PUPILS AT EATON HOUSE THE MANOR PRE-PREP

Exercise BENEFITS

Iwas talking with parents the other day about preparing for 11+ entrance exams in London. Their children were being educated at state schools and they were incredibly anxious about the competitive system they had entered. The high standard required of candidates applying to many of our independent senior schools was taking a toll on the whole family.

One mother explained that she had a network of tutors providing extra support so that her son could reach the academic level needed. It transpired that his entire week was taken up with studies beyond the school day and there was little time for anything else. My heart sank. I passionately believe that a proper education – not to mention a proper childhood – should involve physical activity, including access and exposure to a wide range of sports. It is easy to become so obsessed with planning for the future, that we forget our children are living their childhoods now: give them the present of the present!

At Broomwood, our boys and girls enjoy a co-ed setting until the age of eight when they move to our single-sex prep schools. We believe this gives them the chance to mature academically at their own rates, but at the same time, they do come together for selected sports and a whole range of learning and social activities beyond the classroom. When it comes to sport, we are ambitious for them in the broadest sense. Of course, we want them to win trophies

and tournaments (and they do), but we also want to instil in each of them a love of physical exercise, regardless of gender or ability.

We are in the process of increasing the number of sports sessions in school, but this is not the trend nationally. A recent report by the Education and Training Inspectorate found that 74% of primary schools are unable to provide the minimum government requirement of two hours a week. Playing football, sliding in the mud and 20 seconds later becoming a hero teaches our children valuable life lessons: teamwork, camaraderie, self-discipline and tenacity. Even those who do not see themselves as ‘naturals’ can improve immeasurably when they are well coached. The satisfaction on the faces of girls and boys who realise they can do something beyond what they thought possible is a joy to see.

Schools should be taking the lead here, providing exposure to a

wide range of di erent sports and inclusion for all. Boys shouldn’t be discouraged from trying sports traditionally associated with girls, like netball or lacrosse, and although girls are beginning to achieve considerable international success, with sports like football through the Lionesses, there is still much to do at grassroots level.

Much has been written about the e ect the pandemic had on our children. Teachers across the country have noticed a deterioration in behaviour and a decline in classroom engagement and emotional health. I would argue that a large part of the problem is connected with the denial of sporting engagements. It is critically important for the wellbeing of our children that we bring back balance in their education. Sport, and proper physical exercise, is the way to do it.

Kevin Doble of Broomwood, a group of London prep and pre-preps, on how sport teaches the important lessons in life and why our children need more of it

“It is easy to become so obsessed with the future that we forget our children are living their childhoods now – give them the present of the present!”

KEVIN DOBLE Principal Broomwood

FUN ON THE FIELD AT BROOMWOOD

World of Experience

RMS may be one of the oldest girls’ schools in the country, but they o er a truly 21st century approach to learning

Founded in 1788, RMS for Girls is one of the oldest girls’ schools in England. The school moved to its current Rickmansworth location in 1934 where it is situated amidst 315 acres of stunning green parkland, and yet just a short walk to Rickmansworth train/ London underground station.

With so much space, RMS o ers extensive facilities such as a sports centre that also houses a fitness suite, dance studio and squash courts; an indoor heated swimming pool; an Astroturf pitch; a six-hole golf course together with multiple tennis and netball courts and cricket pitches. There are separate departments for art, textiles and photography, as well as a dedicated performing arts centre that includes a recital suite, a green room and a recording studio. The younger pupils enjoy

the Forest School and all pupils have access to the planetarium.

RMS welcomes girls from Nursery to Sixth Form. The broad and varied curriculum together with a co-curricular programme o ering 100+ activities ensures that every girl discovers her niche and thrives. The cosmopolitan boarding community provides a happy and supportive home to flexi, weekly and full boarders, and the extensive daily bus service provides easy access for day girls.

The Prep School, known to the RMS community as Cadogan House, o ers an exciting and stimulating environment. The Early Years Lead works closely with the Head of the Nursery to ensure a smooth transition from Nursery to Reception. All sta at RMS appreciate that every girl is unique and they take time to get to know every individual and are fully committed to bringing out the best in every girl. All year groups benefit

from a broad range of academic and co-curricular opportunities ensuring full use of their extensive grounds and facilities. With the aim of continually improving their o ering, Sixth Form facilities have been extended this year with the introduction of a co ee shop, a wellbeing room, a new futures (careers) centre and a conference room.

Pupils at RMS are challenged daily and the learning style inspires pupils to dig deeper, often resulting in futures they had not imagined. As experts in girls’ education, RMS understands how girls prefer to learn. The school ably guides, supports and nurtures, and provides the opportunity to expand horizons. RMS pupils are encouraged to think critically, creatively and collaboratively. Above all, RMS girls are happy and balanced and will become the best version of themselves.

rmsforgirls.com

“All year groups benefi t from a broad range of academic and co-curricular opportunities”

THE STUNNING GROUNDS

THE ARTS ARE IMPORTANT AT RMS

Personalised LEARNING

The International School of London (ISL) has been o ering the International Baccalaureate programme to all its students (from age 3 to 18) for almost 50 years, and our students benefit from the consistently personalised learning approach we o er, as they are encouraged to find ways to follow their individual passions.

This September, ISL will be launching an adaptation of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grade 6 students (equivalent to Year 7 in the British system) that aims to increase the focus on product-based learning and create a tailored approach for each student. The revised curriculum will be more interdisciplinary than before, with students carrying out research and building to a final output using the full spectrum of academic subjects together, rather than learning subjects in separate silos.

This approach requires students to apply conceptual and procedural knowledge to real-world scenarios, in contrast to traditional didactic instruction. It is a hands-on approach that enhances students’ collaborative skills, problem-solving skills and learning motivation. This productbased learning aims to equip students with contemporary competencies, making their learning relevant to real-world situations.

Working in interdisciplinary teams will allow students to go at their own pace, pursue their own interests and build their strengths, as well as receiving

targeted support and guidance as needed. For some parts of the school week, yeargroup classes will be merged, with multiple subject teachers joining these larger groups to collaborate across disciplines.

For example, students will experience one full day per week of STEM teaching and another full day of Humanities, during which time they will be able to explore more deeply those areas that motivate and stimulate their learning. In addition, students will continue to make the most of the rich and varied learning opportunities on o er in their real-world surroundings.

The ISL academic leadership team has been working with Lucy RycroftSmith, a curriculum expert and Cambridge mathematician, to develop the new curriculum, ensuring that all learning modules expected in each Grade are covered, but taught in such a way as to contribute to the output of each unit. In this way, students will learn through the creation of a final product or

presentation, using student-centred teaching techniques that give more autonomy –allowing them to ‘play to their strengths’.

As Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate organisation, recently commented: “Students… need to become independent learners, to challenge what they are learning and why, and to problem-solve with courage and imagination. It is not either knowledge or life skills, it is both, in a way that is meaningful to the students in the world they have inherited.”

ISL is passionate about giving students the scope to pursue their interests and research areas of study that will motivate them to perform to the highest level.

This change to our curriculum will be a breakthrough in understanding how traditional ‘school subjects’ interact in the real world – and the new approach will give our students the tools to approach and solve genuine issues that will arise in their future lives.

RICHARD PARKER Head of School International School of London (ISL)

The Head of the International School of London on how its enhanced IB Middle Years Programme is set to o er truly personalised and real-world learning

“This change to our curriculum will give our students the tools to solve genuine issues that will arise in their future lives”

Shining LIGHT

Absolutely catches up with The Beacon School Head, Nick Baker, to reflect on a first year that featured pyrotechnics, food and a 90th birthday

Q We last spoke to you a year ago ahead of your first year at The Beacon. How has it gone?

A It has been great fun and immensely rewarding. The exit group was as strong as ever and we ended up with many more boys on the school roll than we started the year with. Coming back ‘home’ to Amersham (the town where I grew up) has been very nostalgic and everything is reassuringly familiar.

Q Looking back, what have been the highlights?

A School food is not always easy to get right, but the food here is as good as

I have experienced anywhere before. Holding Speech Day at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in front of over 1,000 people was a very impressive production, as were the school plays throughout the year; pyrotechnics, smoke and snow machines, confetti cannons – you don’t expect those things at prep school, but it seems all very normal at The Beacon!

Q Has anything surprised you about The Beacon School?

A I have to be honest and say nothing really. I knew the school very well as one of the best prep schools in the country and everything I have experienced this year has just rea rmed that view.

Q I believe this year is the school’s 90th anniversary. Have you made any plans to mark this?

A We had two alumni events last year: a lunch for those old boys from the 40s, 50s and 60s in March, then a garden party to also celebrate (retiring Senior Master) James Skea’s 20 years at the school in June. Past pupils, parents and sta have a great a ection for this school and we want to make these sort of events annual occasions going forward. For Speech Day this year, Kerry Inch (our Marketing Manager) made a really moving video comparing The Beacon then and now – it is worth watching for anyone who grew up in the 1970s, whether they went to The Beacon or not (you can view the video in all its glory at beaconschool.co.uk/90-years).

“It has been very nostalgic and familiar”

NICK BAKER IN CLASS

Q Is it a privilege to be Head during this period of the school’s history?

A It’s a privilege to be the Head of any school at any time, but I suppose I feel a bit of a fraud celebrating 90 years when I have only been here for one. I will make sure I’m here for the next ten so I have a decent body of work when we note our centenary in 2033.

Q Can you tell us a little bit about the bursaries you o er?

A We have a growing number of boys on part and full bursaries due to the generosity of those parents past and present who support our Bursary Fund.

Q How would you sum up the teaching we can expect to see at The Beacon School?

A For Beacon boys (or any pupil in any

school for that matter) there has to be a high challenge in all subjects as if lesson content is too easy, they can get bored very quickly. I teach Geography to all the Year 5 boys and from my experience this year, the boys are very eager to learn and have an intellectual curiosity that keeps even the most seasoned teacher on their toes.

Q When pupils leave you, where do they tend to head o to?

A We continue to be the biggest feeders to Dr Challoner’s and Berkhamsted School, but we are proud to feed a wide variety of state, independent day and boarding schools. This year we fed 14 di erent day schools and 8 di erent boarding schools –our parents are increasingly considering di erent options for their sons.

Q Anniversary aside, what else are you looking forward to in the new school year?

A We are exploring a number of ambitious capital projects that hopefully will progress this year, but in the main it’s another normal, energetic and forward thinking year at The Beacon in 2023/2024. Boys might want to check their letter boxes at home near their birthdays, but that’s top secret so don’t put that in the magazine…

beaconschool.co.uk

“We are exploring a number of di erent capital projects”

HEAD NICK BAKER

Optimistic OUTLOOK

Maltman’s Green School: preparing young girls for a bright future

Maltman’s Green School, a prestigious all-girls independent day school located in Buckinghamshire, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. It was founded by Beatrice Chambers and started as a progressive girls boarding school. Over the years, the school has grown and evolved, o ering a first-class education to young girls from ages two to 11 in a beautiful 12 acre site in leafy Gerrards Cross.

Today, Maltman’s Green School provides a warm and nurturing day school environment where girls can thrive and develop into confident, well-rounded individuals. The school prides itself on o ering an education that balances academic excellence with creativity, personal development, and social responsibility.

Overseeing a young girl's educational journey at Maltman’s Green School is a privilege. From

the very first day, the whole team ensures that each girl feels valued and supported. Teachers foster a positive, respectful environment, which empowers the girls to explore and develop their passions.

One of the significant benefits of Maltman’s Green School is that it provides a girls-only environment. Research has shown that this environment promotes self-confidence, independence, and encourages girls to develop a broad range of interests and talents. The girls feel comfortable expressing themselves and engaging in discussion, which allows them to build supportive relationships that can last a lifetime.

The spacious classrooms at Maltman’s Green are a hive of colour, activity and excitement.

Teachers create stimulating learning experiences that capture the girls' interests and inspire them to engage actively. Whether it's through activities or discussion groups, the girls develop a thirst for knowledge.

As the girls progress through the school, the teaching evolves to meet their changing needs. At every age level, the sta encourages independent thinking and creative problemsolving. Moreover, they foster a love of learning, which ensures that the girls remain motivated and engaged throughout their educational journey. Maltman’s Green School o ers a range of excellent facilities to support the girls' education. The state-of-the-art science labs, the brand new STEAM lab, the modern Art and Design Studio, the extensive ICT resources, the performance centre, the dedicated gymnasium and the gorgeous indoor swimming complex are just some of the excellent facilities available.

When the girls leave Maltman’s Green School, they are well-prepared to face any challenge that comes their way. The girls receive a robust education that prepares them to excel academically, but also instils a strong sense of ethics, leadership, and community responsibility. With an 86% success rate in the Bucks 11+ in 2023, and 12 academic scholarships to internationally renowned senior schools, for a Maltman's girl, the sky is the limit.

To visit Maltman's Green School email registrar@maltmansgreen. com or call Mrs Day on 01753 883022. The next Open Day is 13 October 9.30-11.30am

“Teachers create stimulating learning experiences that capture the girls' interests”

Enjoy the journey

WARM WELCOME

The Headteacher of Coleshill Infant School on why they o er the best start to a child’s educational journey

By SARAH HEWAT

elcome to Coleshill Infant School, a cosy village infant school with small class sizes and a warm, nurturing environment. Choosing the right school for your child is a crucial decision that sets the foundation for their education and we aim to be the perfect choice for families seeking an exceptional start to their child’s educational journey.

Located in the heart of Buckinghamshire’s charming village of Coleshill, less than

Wthree miles from Amersham, our school is dedicated to providing a warm, inclusive, and stimulating environment for your children. Our class sizes are up to 20 children and we have an excellent sta to pupil ratio, enabling us to give your child the attention they deserve.

As well as a wide and varied curriculum, we o er unforgettable forest school experiences in our bespoke area that awaken curiosity and deepen connections with the natural world. Through hands-on outdoor exploration, children learn problem-solving, resilience, and a deep appreciation for our environment. We aim to inspire a love of learning from

the very beginning, and we enjoy a variety of school activities as well as clubs such as gymnastics, yoga, football and gym.

We understand the demands of modern family life, which is why we provide flexible wrap-around care options designed to support working parents. Coleshill Infant School is committed to fostering the holistic development of each and every child. The school recognizes that each child is unique, with individual strengths and areas for growth. Step into our school, and you’ll feel the warmth and care of a small, nurturing environment. Our dedicated sta build strong relationships with both students and parents, fostering open communication and collaboration. Our aim is for every child to “let your light shine”.

If you have a child who is due to start school in September 2024, we’d love to invite you to come and visit our school on one of our next open mornings in the autumn term. These take place at 9.30am on Thursday 21 September and Tuesday 21 November.

Contact o ce@coleshillceinfant. school to book a place for one of the open mornings, and find out more at coleshillvillageschool.co.uk

“Our forest school awakens curiosity and deepens connections with the natural world”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

This year marks 175 years of Elstree School. Initially founded in Elstree, Hertfordshire, the school has a strong intellectual background and soon built a reputation for academic success, becoming a feeder school to Harrow. At the start of WWII, the school’s proximity to London meant that it was relocated to a 150-acre country estate in Woolhampton, where the school happily remains today. A lot has changed since Elstree started –and indeed since it moved to West Berkshire. The strict austerity of boarding schools in the 1800s has been carefully redefined with experience and insight to ensure that the pastoral wellbeing of children is paramount. In 2020, Elstree welcomed girls to the school, choosing to educate children in a way that reflects the wider world.

Elstree believes in a proper childhood, one where children learn through play, adventure and in understanding the merits of fun and hard work. In making mistakes, they find the courage, resilience, and confidence to

know that today’s defeat will be tomorrow’s success. Elstree o ers the time, space and opportunities to find out what it is that every child thrives at – be that academically, or at sports, music, art, drama or DT. Crucially, Elstree is a nurturing environment.

In keeping with a year deserving of celebration, 2023 also sees Elstree Leavers going on to leading Senior Schools in the country. Ten of these children achieved an outstanding array of scholarships and exhibitions to Winchester, Radley, Downe House and Harrow.

And so, the summer of 2023 has seen Elstree School mark this remarkable milestone with justly deserved celebrations. The girls and boys shrieked with joy and laughter as they ran around the Elstree grounds, the pink and blue Elstree colours raining down on them. The school held a special church service, musical concerts and celebratory cricket matches, and the Grand Finale was the 175 Ball, held at the very end of term.

Over 450 Elstree Old Boys and Girls, current families and sta past and present came flooding back to the school. With so many happy memories shared, it was a humbling moment for a school that has played a happy role in the lives of so many – and long may it continue to do so.

Elstree’s next Open Morning is on Friday 29 September, 10am–12 noon. Please email registrar@elstreeschool.org.uk or call 0118 971 3302 to book your place

As Elstree School celebrates its 175th anniversary, Absolutely takes a look back at some of the key moments in its history

HEAD SID INGLIS AND WIFE OLIVIA

Watch Here

Welcoming girls in Year 7

‘Whatever you dream of, you can do it here!’

~ Lorenzo, Year 8

Book Here Discover the academic and co-curricular opportunities Reading Blue Coat has to offer your child

Open Morning

Saturday 7 October

A Co-educational Independent Day School 11-18

rbcs.org.uk

PLANET fantastic

Award-winning eco-education at Hertford Barns Day Nursery

There was cause for celebration at Hertford Barns Day Nursery in Cole Green as proud children and colleagues learnt that they had received the top accreditation in the international EcoSchools scheme. Following a sustained environmental project and curriculum of sustainable focus topics involving children of all ages, pre-schoolers from the countryside setting were delighted to scoop the prestigious Green Flag, which is awarded for exceptional environmental awareness and conservation practices.

The initiatives, which include creating habitats for local wildlife in the paddock to encourage biodiversity and making masterpieces using natural and recycled materials, are designed to promote the development of personal, social and emotional life skills, all whilst introducing children to basic maths and science messages ready for school. In the idyllic outdoor space, pre-schoolers tend to seasonal herbs and vegetables all-year round, which are then

used in meals by talented nursery chefs to extend the learning experience from plant to plate, as well as promoting the importance of good nutrition to healthy lifestyles.

In the grounds of the stunning character building and converted stable block, children take part in litter picking sessions to encourage care for the planet and good citizenship, as well as nature scavenger hunts and insect observations in resident bug hotels, armed with magnifying glasses. Using fishing nets, children learn about the e ects of ocean pollution whilst scooping litter from special water trays to rescue the marine life and discover life cycles first-hand with real creature encounters. Hertford Barns also has its own dedicated Eco-Committee, which is led by a devoted Eco-Representative and made up of a number of pre-school children.

Spacious classrooms are home to stimulating learning spaces, state of the art ICT, toys and equipment, messy play stations, ‘role play’ areas and purpose-built facilities including a children’s shaker style kitchen for cooking and baking activities, with days planned around personal interests. The nursery also boasts a comprehensive school readiness programme, with topics ranging from phonics to self-care.

Childbase Partnership has recently been named ‘Early Years Provider of the Year’ by Keep Britain Tidy for earning the Eco-Schools ‘Green Flag’ award in every single nursery setting, a record-breaking sector first.

For more information, call 01707 392999 or email hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com

“Initiatives include creating habitats for local wildlife”

EDUCATION NEWS

The latest news from schools across the county

Making a splash

Local swim school, Puddle Ducks North Hampshire & Reading, are celebrating their 10th successful year in business, providing swimming lessons to children across the area. Led by owner, Jo Gribben (pictured), the business has grown to considerable success and popularity over the last ten years, teaching hundreds of children across six pools.

Puddle Ducks North Hampshire & Reading weathered the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic, thanks to loyal customers and a team that stayed together, quickly getting back up to speed and returning to a normal service as soon as it was possible.

Providing classes for babies and preschoolers right through to Swim Academy for school-aged children, Puddle Ducks North Hampshire & Reading have no plans to slow down.

The swim school takes an innovative approach to swimming, employing highly trained teachers who can identify a child’s level of ability and adapt lessons and activities accordingly. Puddle Ducks also has small class sizes and incorporates rhyme and movement based on extensive child development research. Through these techniques, they can nurture confidence and encourage natural swimming ability. puddleducks.com

Take a bow

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts has announced the retirement of its longstanding and accomplished Principal Stefan Anderson, following a distinguished 21-year career at the school and over 40 years in education. A er a rigorous selection process to find a worthy successor, the school is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon LarterEvans, effective from 1 September 2023. Commenting on his retirement, Stefan says: “Tring Park School is unique and will hold a special place in my heart. It has been an honour to work with the most dedicated teaching staff and incredibly talented young people over the past 21 years.”

Simon explains why he was attracted to the role: “Tring Park School is a vibrant hub of extraordinary talent. I’ve known of the school for decades and am aware of its reputation of being a real centre of excellence for young performers, with a wonderfully strong sense of community that people carry for life. My aim is to build on the already fantastic achievements the school has.” tringpark.com

Motoring along

Conveniently located in Caversham, Queen Anne’s School has an excellent local transport network that ensures easy and safe commuting for students. Due to increased demand from parts of Berkshire and Oxfordshire, they have an updated route from this September. This gives parents that may find the school run difficult an alternative travel choice, providing families with the ease of mind that school transport brings. At Queen Anne’s they have a ‘no limits’ approach to the girls’ learning. qas.org.uk

Going global

St George’s School Windsor Castle, a pioneering prep school for children aged three to 13, has been presented with a commemorative flag during a private service in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, marking the school becoming a Global Member of the Round Square network. The first standalone prep in the UK to achieve full membership, St George’s now joins over 250 schools in 50 countries committed to promoting the six Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service among its students. Opening up opportunities to collaborate internationally and learn about other cultures first-hand, children at the school have already benefited from an online leadership conference with schools in Pakistan and India. stgwindsor.org

Forward thinking

RMS for Girls likes to think differently and, as experts in girls’ education, seek to bring out the best in every pupil. Located in 315 acres of parkland and yet just a short walk to Rickmansworth train/London underground station, RMS welcomes girls from nursery to Sixth Form. The broad and varied curriculum together with a co-curricular programme offering 100+ activities, ensures that every girl discovers her niche and thrives. The cosmopolitan boarding community provides a happy and supportive home to flexi, weekly and full

boarders and the extensive daily bus service provides easy access for day girls.

In addition to numerous sports facilities and a Forest School, RMS boasts a performing arts centre with a green room and a recording studio. The school even has a planetarium! RMS pupils are challenged daily with a learning style that inspires them to dig deep, o en leading to futures they had not imagined. An RMS education equips pupils with the tools to achieve their dreams, whilst shaping them as influential and compassionate women. rmsforgirls.com

Try something new

Whether it is for pleasure, leisure or personal development, Buckinghamshire Adult Learning provides short courses and workshops suitable for anyone over the age of 19. Want to learn a language? Try a new creative art? Or maybe get some interior design and gardening tips for those finishing touches on your home? They offer all these subjects and so many more. Their 5-week short courses are perfect for those with busy lives who can’t commit months ahead, and their one-day workshops are an ideal way to get an immersive

experience or have fun with friends. For more time-intensive subjects like languages they follow academic terms, with online distance learning courses also available if you wish to give your career a boost. Their centres cover the county, including Amersham, Chesham, Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross, offering part-time courses in Tai Chi, Pilates, Flamenco Dancing, Drawing, Painting, Digital Photography, Pottery, Silver Jewellery Making, Textiles, Indian Cooking, Upcycling, Upholstery, Yoga, and much more.

adultlearningbc.ac.uk

Milton Keynes College Group

How the education specialists will train the next generation of motorsport professionals

Milton Keynes College Group has entered an exciting partnership with Red Bull Racing to create an Education Centre at the Red Bull Technology Campus in the city. The new talent pipeline will aim to significantly increase diversity and inclusion in the sport in line with the two organisations’ shared values – the College Group’s Fairer Futures ambitions and the racing Team’s Drive For Change strategy.

Targeted at 9 to 14-year-olds, the Education Centre aims to open the world of motorsport to a new generation of young people to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects – subjects in high demand in the city and the wider country.

The partners will work together to develop courses in line with the national curriculum, guided by a Curriculum Advisory Board made up of selected technology industry partners to support and advise on the skills needed for the future. Understanding potential skills gaps and challenges facing the sector provides a unique perspective and opportunity to inspire students with the art of the possible: jobs beyond motorsport in the wider world of tech, in non-traditional roles that often don’t yet exist.

MK College Group CEO and Group Principal, Sally Alexander, says: “I congratulate colleagues at the College Group for negotiating yet another massive collaboration with a major engineering partner. It’s by working with employers, large and small, that we ensure that what we’re teaching is what business needs, and science and engineering are two of the key in-demand skills across the UK. Just as the College Group is dedicated to opening up opportunities for potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds, so is Red Bull Technology Campus, so we’re looking forward to a partnership that will greatly improve the life chances of so many in the city.”

Being within a high-visibility and highly varied STEM careers environment, the Education Centre further aims to use this platform to deliver curriculum-relevant inspiring away-days for schools and students from all backgrounds. Pre-work packages will be o ered to teachers so students can enjoy a 4-6 week programme of motorsport themed learning, culminating with the in-person visit to the Red Bull Technology Campus to experience interactive and experiential learning at the heart of the sport. F1 in Schools are also set to be supporting the project with their Mini-Challenge cars, enabling students to get hands-on with building and racing their own car as part of the experience. The Education Centre is scheduled to open in 2024.

mkcollege.ac.uk

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