Absolutely South West September 2020

SOUTH WEST

South West SEPTEMBER 2020 / £3.95

SLEEP

SPECIAL News and views from all the best schools

OVER Our edit of the most stylish new hotels

SEPTEMBER 2020

MIND and

BODY Focus on wellness and healthcare

In the Bag Designing for leather with Mimi Berry

Style

FILE CHIC SEASONAL LOOKS

ZEST.LONDON

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Discover us online and in-store 15 Wigmore Street, London W1U 1PE | +44 (0) 20 3982 3252 | marylebone@carpediembeds.co.uk carpediembedsofsweden | #myunwind | www.carpediembeds.co.uk Bed: Vindรถ | Fabric: Designers Guild Glenville Oyster | Vindรถ Carpet: Light Beige | Bed Linen: Storm Pebble | Bedside Table: Holme Black

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents SEPTEMBER 2020

82

44 8

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 56 REFILL IT

WHAT'S ON

64 HEALTHCARE SPECIAL

PUBLIC ART

INTERIORS 82 HOME INSPIRATION

10 things we’re coveting this month

12

Your diary for September

14

Kensington and Chelsea Art Week approaches

18

FOOD & DRINK KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

News from the industry

This month's best beauty buys

16 pages of health essentials

Focus on trends

85 QUICK FIX

Five instant home updates

28 RECIPES

90 HOUSE TOUR

FA S H I O N 40 PROFILE

K I D S & E D U C AT I O N 101 SCHOOLS NEWS

Japanese soul food

Designer Mimi Berry on utility and style

44 ART HOUSE The shoot

28 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

An architect-designed house in Notting Hill

Updates as term begins again

140 GOOD AT GAMES

Focus on the importance of sport in schools

O N T H E C OV E R HOBBS AW20 hobbs.com

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR ABBIE SCHOFIELD EDUCATION EDITOR LIBBY NORMAN MEDIA CONSULTANT JEMMA HAYES ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE 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: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3981 7187 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

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HOME FIX

How to update your interior with some simple changes

Editor’s

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LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S September issue highlights

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SUMMER WINES

S

eptember always means back to school – and never has a new term been more hotly anticipated than now. Many children haven't been inside an educational establishment at all since March, and some fear that they've forgotten how to learn.

Schools will all be working hard to welcome pupils back with as much normality as possible in the new restrictions – and meanwhile the flurry of buying school shoes, filling pencil cases and dusting down blazers continues. We focus on all of this in this month's extensive Education section.

September is also the season of London Design Festival, which returns in a limited way this month, with online events taking place alongside smaller exhibitions which this year will lose their international following. We look at SCP's festival plans in this issue – and meanwhile we focus on our ususal mix of food, fashion and culture alongside a new spotlight on healthcare too. Enjoy September.

4 BACK TO SCHOOL

All the kit you need for the new term – and the things you want, such as Fresh'n'Rebel's new earbuds.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Because September is still the season for a glass of pink in the garden

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LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

SCP'S new designer collaborations – including Dutch ceramicist Floris Wybben

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FOOD NEWS

Camden Town's new shipping container eaterie

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

ABBIE SCHOFIELD

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H E AV E N S C E N T Inspired by Jo Malone's family holidays to the Italian mountains, this candle from Jo Loves will fill your home with the fresh scent of fig trees, accompanied by notes of sweet cassis and warm amber; £55 joloves.com

HIDDEN G EM STO N E

Carolin Stone uses ethicallysourced gemstones to create jewellery designed to harness the healing power of crystals. We love these flattering blue-hued pieces with icy topaz encased in sterling silver. Modern, minimalist, and unique; from £36.54 carolinstone.com

BLUE MOON

V I N TA G E V I B E

BIAS has collaborated with Partnership Editions to create three artist-designed slip dresses made from 100% silk. Each dress is in the artist's signature style, like this one by Venetia Berry named The Blue Moon; £295 partnershipeditions.com

This Dutchbone lounge chair has cosy velvet upholstery and an art deco-inspired structure. Dark wood and brass details complement the rich burgundy for a warm autumnal addition to your living room; £459 cuckooland.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

DENIM DREAM Outland Denim's Amy Former jean claims to be the most sustainable of its kind on the market, using 67% less water and 46% less energy than other vintage wash jeans.

Labour is fairly paid and safe too; £160 outlanddenim.co.uk

GOOD TIMES Net-a-Porter has launched The New Icons, an edit of luxurious watches and jewellery from the world's finest maisons. This Cartier timepiece is a real showstopper, encrusted with 18-karat diamonds; £59,500 net-a-porter.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NAILED IT You can't go wrong with a classic red manicure. It will effortlessly take you from summer through to autumn — and go with every outfit. The Givenchy Le Vernis Nail Polish in Carmin Escarpin is the perfect universal shade; £19.50 boots.com

CARRY ON

LOV E L AC E

Strathberry's Ceramic Collection is inspired by Japanese ornamental art. The mesmorising print is beautiful, and the design wouldn't be complete without the iconic Strathberry metal bar; £355 strathberry.com

Adorned with poppies and lace, this sultry underwear set by Aubade is fun and feminine. Available at lingerie specialist Amelie's Follies, you'll find your perfect fit right away; Bra £115, Briefs £65 ameliesfollies.co.uk

SEEING RED Cool new brand VienSo's first collection is full of elegance, with spicy reds, warm sands and baby blues evoking the designers' Mediterranean roots; Bernis Shirt €195 byvienso.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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C U LT U R E FAY DUNNAWAY AT BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL, TERRY O’NEILL, 1977; PART OF THE EXHIBITION 'FAME' AT BOX GALLERIES UNTIL 12 OCTOBER 2020

What's on 12 • Kensington and Chelsea Art Week 14 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

LO N D O N ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

T H E AT R E

Jesus Christ Superstar Until September 27 REGENT ’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE The Regent’s Park theatre has returned with a special production of Jesus Christ Superstar: The Concert, a gig staging of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary sell-out show. With fantastic music and a great cast lineup, grab tickets while you still can.

The Regent's Park, NW1 4NU; openairtheatre.com

KATRINA LALIC

UGO RONDINONE, COLD MOON AT THE HAYWARD GALLERY

A RT

Among the Trees HAY WA R D GA L L E RY • U NTI L 3 1 SEPTEMBER

Among the Trees is an exhibition that explores the relationship between humans and forests. Featuring 37 artists, it draws attention to the beauty and complexity of trees across the world, from a 9,550-year-old Swedish spruce to shrubs on a remote Japanese Island. At a time when the destruction of the world’s forests is rapidly accelerating, this show seems remarkedly poignant.

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX; southbankcentre.co.uk

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ART

Graduating Class of 2020 Until February 2021 THE HARI London hotel The Hari is showcasing the work of emerging graduate artists who sacrificed their degree shows due to lockdown. Featured artists were elected by peers and colleagues, and ones to watch include Olivia Sterling, Katrina Lalic and Sizuo Chen.

20 Chesham Place, SW1X 8HQ; thehari.com

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA

STREET

MU S I C

C EL EB R AT I O N S

Philharmonia Sessions

Festivals happening this month

Until 17 September ONLINE This series of digital concerts by Philharmonia Orchestra is designed to transport you to another world through the power of music. The last in its programme takes place on the 17th of this month and will see violinist Nicola Benedetti perform Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending followed by Beethoven’s First Symphony conducted by Paavo Järvi. philharmonia.co.uk

LIVE FROM LONDON ALL MONTH This global online vocal festival is taking place every Saturday throughout September. Viewers can purchase individual or season tickets and watch everything from classical to modern acapella performed by spectacular ensembles, with proceeds going to struggling artists and venues. voces8.foundation/livefromlondon

E X H I B I TI O N

DEREK JARMAN

MY GARDEN’S BOUNDARIES ARE THE HORIZON Until 20 September THE GARDEN MUSEUM Discover the story of Derek Jarman’s cottage garden in this exhibition that muses on nature, art and life. It features works of painting, sculpture and film by the late artist alongside personal artefacts borrowed from inside the cottage. From Jarman's emotive work from the 1980s after his HIV diagnosis to his more colourful, joyful pieces from the 1990s, the collection is memorably moving.

5 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB; gardenmuseum.org.uk

GREENWICH AND DOCKLANDS

GREENWICH AND DOCKLANDS

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL UNTIL 12 SEPTEMBER This free, family-friendly festival brings outdoor theatre and performing arts to the streets of southeast London. With everything from circus acts to dance, there's plenty to entertain. This year's theme is togetherness, with several installations celebrating the NHS. londondesignfestival.com

This Month’s Must See

DEREK JARMAN'S PROSPECT COTTAGE, DUNGENESS

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5- 8 SEPTEMBER • ON LIN E

n online selling exhibition featuring original works from 80 artists will raise money for Parkinson’s research this month.

Also, 11 fashion designers including Molly Goddard, Simone Roche and Giles Deacon have created special cubes to sell that will be on display in the windows of Fenwick’s Bond Street, coinciding with London Fashion Week.

cure3.co.uk

TOTALLY THAMES FESTIVAL 1-20 SEPTEMBER The Totally Thames Festival celebrates the capital’s iconic river through arts, activities, and education. It hopes to inform and inspire visitors to take to the water with its programme of events, including storytelling, live music, and even paddlesports such as kayaking. Most of the sessions are either free or of low cost. thamesfestivaltrust.org

ROKSANDA ILINČIĆ, COLOURFUL MIND

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CULTURE • LOCAL YINKA ILORI

CREATIVE

INDUSTRY Counting down to the start of Kensington and Chelsea Art Week

By EVE HERBERT

E “A diverse programme to celebrate the borough's artistic richness” TOYSTUDIO IN BLOOM

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leven days of public art festivities are set to pinpoint the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea as an artistic and cultural hotspot. The third edition of Kensington and Chelsea Art Week (KCAW), taking place from 1 to 11 October, is set to be the most extensive one yet with its dynamic calendar of events.

Hosting a diverse programme of talks, highlights, installations, exhibits and more, KCAW will present over 150 participants, including emerging as well as world-class institutions and cultural practitioners, to celebrate the borough’s artistic richness. Participants include The Design Museum, The Great Exhibition Festival collaboration with arts and science, Leighton House Museum, V&A, Chelsea Theatre, Kensington Town Hall, The Royal Society of Sculptors, the Pavilion Hive, Chelsea Arts Club and Goldfinger Factory, with many more to be announced.

Highlights of KCAW include an open call Public Art Trail with a new addition of Art In Windows project featuring local artists and creative studios activating store windows along King's Road and High Street Kensington through a series of exhibitions and imaginative interventions. As the high street responds to the pandemic, the festival will offer works by local artists for display in participating stores to engage passers-by in a celebration of culture and creativity.

The popular Lates Gallery Trail will return to with a chance to visit some of the borough’s best loved local galleries on 2 October as part of boroughwide culture night. This year will also see the return of the acclaimed photography competition by artist Alison Jackson’s ‘A Day In Your Life’.

KCAW Founder and Director Vestalia

BARNABY BARFORD'S THIS EARTH OF MAJESTY, THIS SEAT OF MARS

Chilton said: “Despite enormous uncertainties we maintained a strong team and more than doubled our festival activity for 2020. Our single ambition during these difficult times was to support our local cultural organisations and to endorse the resilience and hard work of our creative community.”

The Royal Borough has a long history of artistic collaboration, creative discourse and urban counterculture.

All activity during the week goes toward supporting the participating venues, galleries and artists.

K E N S I N GTO N A N D CHELSEA ART WEEK The full 2020 festival programme will be announced in September. For the latest news please visit kcaw.co.uk and @kcawlondon

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Bespoke Insurance Services

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FOOD & DRINK

FOOD HEROES SALLY CLARKE

Exciting news from Clarke's in Kensington Church Street – they're opening a new shop in Westbourne Grove. Here we'll be buying pastries and takeaway meals (pictured is salmon fishcake with lemon mayonnaise) as well as stopping for coffee. Absolutely hears all about it from Sally Clarke herself on page 22. sallyclarke.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Food notes 18 • Recipes 28 • Last of the summer wine 33 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

SAKE news

Japanese rice wines to sample this month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

B y R O B ATA

Kikusui Setsugoro Shuppinshu Daiginjo Genshu; Niigata, Japan £85 This sake is full bodied, with a creamy texture and elegant spicy and fruity aroma. It can be served hot or cold and provides sweet flavours of pear, a touch of vanilla and melona. Genshu (undiluted sake) contains approximately up to 20 per cent alcohol by volume.

Tamanohikari Junmai Daijingo Bizen; Kyoto, Japan £48 Made from rare Omachi rice which was discovered over a century ago, this is a dry rich sake with a fruity aroma and complex, fragrant flavour of vanilla and sweet rice.

It can be enjoyed hot or cold and pairs well with sushi and sashimi.

Akashi Tai Shiraume Umeshu; Hyogo, Japan £48 This is a luxurious liqueur using premium Ginjo Sake, made from Yamada Nishiki rice blended with ume plums. A great plum taste with a honey and almond flavour which can be served over ice, or works well as part of a stunning cocktail.

ROBATA ROBATA is an independent restaurant in Soho built on Japanese principals; friendly service, fresh food bursting with flavour, natural cooking techniques and food which is enjoyed with all five of the senses.

robata.co.uk

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Special delivery K I TC H E N TA B L E

Two Michelin-starred restaurant Kitchen Table has launched an at-home experience, delivering elaborate tasting menus to London homes. Samples dishes include hand-dived Orkney Island scallops with toasted hazelnut and herb butter and burrata from Puglia accompanied by fresh English cherries and wild fig leaf oil. kitchentablelondon.slerp.com

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES

TOP PLATES Standout dishes from ROBATA's menu

P R AW N TEMPURA ROLL

Wild card

The perfect start to your Japanese feast and a favourite amongst ROBATA’s customers is their uramaki-style Prawn Tempura Roll.

The deep fried prawn is served with cucumber, avocado, chives and wasabi mayo, topped with orange tobiko and unagi glaze.

WILDFLOWER

Buck Street Market, Camden High Street’s new conscious shopping and dining destination, is home to Adrian Martin’s Wildflower, a restaurant attempting to challenge preconceptions of fine dining. Housed in an upcycled shipping container, Wildflower will serve an eight-course vegan tasting menu with an optional paired wine flight.

Buck Street Market, NW1 8QP; wildflowerrestaurant.co.uk

SEOUL FOOD SEOUL BIRD

World-renowned Korean-American chef Judy Joo's new restaurant specialises in Korean fried chicken. Her signature burger combines a toasted potato bun with golden crispy chicken and a soy and gochujang glaze, topped with Kewpie mayo, onion and lettuce.

It’s KFC, but not as you know it.

Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, W12 7GF; seoul-bird.com

H AY F L A M E D BEEF FILLET Using traditional Warayaki-style (straw-roasted) cooking, this beef fillet is lightly smoked and cooked over hay at the robata grill and is then brought over to the customers so they can cook it themselves. The dish is also served with three different sauces – yakiniku, chimichurri, and chilli oil.

MARKET MENU TURNIPS

Spread joy JOY

Stevie Parle, the chef behind Pastaio, and British designer Tom Dixon have opened Joy on Portobello Docks. The space includes a bar, fresh produce shop The Goods Shed, bee hives producing honey to purchase and pop-up restaurant Flora. The seasonal menu features dishes such as clams cooked with butter and fresh peas, and red prawns with burned lemon and marjoram.

Portobello Docks, W10 5BU; joyatportobello.co.uk

M I S O AU B E R G I N E A vegan delight, ROBATA’s miso aubergine is lightly fried to soften the texture before being placed in the oven to finish cooking. The dish is then topped with a sweet miso glaze and garnished with pickled shimeji mushroom, robata-grilled red chillies and a dash of shichimi pepper.

56 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UE; robata.co.uk

Turnips, Borough Market stallholders for 30+ years, have launched a restaurant with chef Tomas Lidakevicius. Serving delicious small plates that celebrate vegetables, like sweet potato & lentil croquettes and sweet ’n’ sour cauliflower, meat eaters will love it too.

43 Borough Market, SE1 9AH; turnipsboroughmarket.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • PARTNERSHIP

Eat FRESH HelloFresh's hot hacks to make dinner simple

BBQ CHICKEN FLATBREAD WITH CORN

“We offset 100% of our carbon emissions by investing in green initiatives”

W

e all have different lifestyles, from working full time, ferrying kids and taking holidays. But whatever you do, one thing’s for sure: no two days are ever the same. That’s why choosing and cooking dinner at the end of a rough day can feel like an insurmountable challenge. We’re here to help you make the most of meal-times, whatever your lifestyle.

THE ADVENTURER

We all experience a bit of wanderlust. If you’re one of the lucky ones who gets to travel, you’ll agree when we say that no home-cooked food tastes as authentic as the ones you find on your adventures. But that’s about to change. Every week, HelloFresh offers 31 recipes inspired by food from around the globe. With a flexible subscription that lets you pause, cancel or send your food to wherever you’re staying in the UK, it’s a brilliant way to try different cuisines.

THE PLATE SPINNER

If your day is a blur of eat, sleep, school run, repeat, you’re not alone. Kids can be fussy when it comes to dinner. A survey commissioned by HelloFresh of 2,000 parents of 4-16 year-olds revealed 45% of UK parents cook more than one meal a night to appease fussy eaters. To help parents deal with this, we’ve created a range of familyfriendly meals that have the sticky thumbs up from parents and kids. Dinner is solved — now it's time to tackle the school run...

THE BUSY ONE

It can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to work, hit the gym and have some semblance of a social life. So dinner isn’t always the priority, especially when you don’t have time to go to the supermarket. That’s why HelloFresh is a great option for busy Londoners. With fresh, seasonal ingredients delivered straight to your door, you can skip the shops and cook dinners from scratch.

Think you don’t have time? Extra Rapid recipes bring dinner from pot to plate in 10 minutes, so whether it’s a last-minute laksa, tofu on time or curry in a hurry, there’s no excuse for not having a freshly cooked meal.

HALLOUMI TACOS

THE GREEN-FINGERED ONE

When it comes to sustainable eating, HelloFresh is your green best friend. With everything pre-portioned, all the food ends up on your plate which not only saves waste but money too.

We’re also the first global meal kit to offset 100% of our carbon emissions by investing in green initiatives via our partner, Planetly. With every HelloFresh box you order, you’re supporting eco-friendly projects around the world.

JOIN US AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE HELLO FRESH BOX

Get 50% off your first HelloFresh box and 35% off the next three with code HELLOZESTFRESH hellofresh.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Q&A

ShopTALK

Absolutely chats to Sally Clarke as she juggles reopening the restaurant with the creation of Shop No 2 Interview PENDLE HARTE

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FOOD & DRINK • PARTNERSHIP

“To me, the biggest sin on a menu is to include ingredients that have no place in that season” Q You're about to reopen the restaurant.

Will anything have changed?

A After 35 years we had to close our doors in mid-March, along with every other restaurant in Britain. Since then we have been busy getting ready to reopen this month – luckily for us, our tables are beautifully spaced anyway. The safety of our customers and staff remains paramount, so regular sanitising will of course be maintained and staff will be temperature-checked on a daily basis.

However, we do need to retain a sensible balance, so that customers will still feel that they are at Clarke’s and that the welcome, great menu and lovely service haven't changed. Our amazing suppliers are ready to send us fish and meat from Cornwall, Norfolk, Sussex and further afield and while the menus will be slightly pared down in terms of complexity, the essence will remain. Simplicity, seasonality and freshness through and through.

Q You recently celebrated 35 years

in Kensington Church Street, and the shop moved to a separate site opposite the restaurant. Why the move?

A After we received planning permission to expand the restaurant into the original shop space, by chance two of the antique shops in Campden Street were closing, so we were able to secure the leases relatively quickly. The extra space for the restaurant allowed us to update the layout, creating a private dining room and a beautiful Bar Room, and the Garden room which overlooks our little herb garden at the rear. This all happened a while ago now – but more recently we took over the

ROASTED CHICKEN PIE

fabulous corner site directly opposite us, which used to be Robert Kime’s showroom.

This Corner Shop is linked to our main shop and is open from 7.30am Monday to Saturday, serving coffee, pastries and filled sandwiches. Our fabulous selection of bread is displayed in the window on an antique brass bread rack which we found in France some years ago. It’s wonderful to be able to put this to good use.

menu each night without choices - and this idea was cemented even further on my many visits to Chez Panisse in California. Over the years, however, this format was becoming a little restrictive and we were at risk of becoming a ‘special occasion’ restaurant. We therefore started to relax the menu a little, and now we offer a small daily changing selection of dishes, appealing to all tastes.

Q How has your clientele changed over the

Q Bread is a huge part of your business.

years? And how has your food changed?

A When I first opened in 1984, our clientele was very local and very Kensington! I had worked in California for five years, so I had many American contacts – we seemed to attract an international crowd too. We have never been a cliquey restaurant and I think people feel comfortable coming to us for any occasion, at any time, whether they have booked weeks in advance or just strolled by.

The food has certainly evolved but what I have never lost sight of is seasonality.

To me the biggest sin on a menu is to include ingredients that have no place in that season. Ours are led by what the farmers and fishermen offer us.

My job, along with our chefs, is simply to put the ingredients together in a balanced, pleasing and delicious way.

Q Clarke's famously used to offer

a set menu with no choice. When and why did that change?

A I had a vision to open a simple restaurant, offering simple food which reflected only what was best and freshest in the market on the day. My career thoughts dating back to my teenage years were to offer one set

How did that come about? And how big is the wholesale business now?

A We baked our own breads from the first month 35 years ago. Using a basic whole wheat and honey recipe from my mother, we adjusted the ingredients slightly each day, adding apricots or hazelnuts or even raisins and rosemary - (still one of our customers’ favourites). We used to bake overnight in the restaurant ovens and within a few years we had grown the bread production to include outside customers such as Neal’s Yard Dairy and Monmouth Coffee. We soon had to move our baker and his equipment to a small unit just off Ladbroke Grove, from where we grew even more. 25 years on, we are now in even larger premises in North Kensington which includes not only the bread production but also a chilled croissant room, the cake room, biscuit and chocolate truffle rooms plus our Production Kitchen which creates the wonderful array of take home dishes sold in our shop. Our Wholesale Bakery delivers to well over 100 restaurants, cafes, shops and catering companies daily, with not only breads and pastries but also sweet and savoury tarts, biscuits and granola.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • PARTNERSHIP

THE RESTAURANT

Q Clarke's will always be associated with Lucian Freud. What are your memories of him?

A Mr Freud lived close by and would come to us for breakfast and lunch – he was often seen in our shop, his favourite treat being a huge pain au raisin or our home-made nougat which he managed to consume all by himself in one day - he certainly had a sweet tooth. He worked tirelessly and would often take family or friends, or the person who was sitting for him out for a meal during breaks. We would do our best to keep his visits as private as possible – he preferred not to be noticed, keeping himself to himself while being able to observe others around him.

Q Do you have a signature dish?

A I have been asked this question so

many times over the years and my answer is always the same. Depending on the weather, the occasion or the time of year, it has to be appropriate. So, in September perhaps a late summer salad of gloriously ripe tomatoes with ripped purple and green basil leaves, perhaps sliced red onion, Nicoise olives, lashings of olive oil, sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. We use burrata a lot and this creamy, rich mozzarella is a perfect accompaniment.

Dessert, for me, has again to be something smacking of the season. Perhaps a Clarke’s trifle made with luscious creme Anglaise with Genoese sponge cake and layers of late summer fruits, even a little damson sauce. Topped with a sprinkling of pistachio nuts, this is my dream dessert – it is hardly ever off the menu.

Q What's next for you and your business?

A We have created a new online delivery

service, providing Clarke’s treats to central London postcodes, using pedal bikes and recyclable boxes. Rather stuck in my laptop is my third book. It was on the back burner for the past year but we are confident that

it will be on the shelves soon. And last month we signed on our second shop. We had been searching for a perfect site for many years – and although signing in the midst of a pandemic was perhaps not the most sensible thing to do, we fell head-overheels for this sunny corner of Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road. We are so excited to be in the same neck of the woods as not only the Notting Hill Fish Shop, but also our friend Sir Paul Smith, the lovely team at Core restaurant, Bill and Natalie Granger’s wonderful eatery - and Gold just up the street from us. From here we will be able to offer breads, cakes and pastries, amazing take away meals, salads, soups and sandwiches and much more. There will even be space to perch while sipping an espresso with a croissant - and perhaps a mug of soup and a toasted cheese sandwich.

SOUFFLE SUISSESSE

Open Roasted Chicken Sandwich with basil INGREDIENTS • Approximately 100-150g cooked chicken - the best bits are those taken from the carcass after a lovely roast • 3 leaves basil - sliced finely Maldon sea salt and freshly ground pepper • 1 large ripe heritage tomato - any colour - or a handful of datterini tomatoes, cut in half • 1 large slice Clarke’s sourdough / Pugliese slow-fermented loaf • 1 small clove garlic, peeled • 1 large tablespoon lemon mayonnaise (homemade or Hellman’s is also good) • A few small salad leaves of your choice, washed and carefully spun dry • Wedge of lemon and good olive oil

METHOD

C L A R K E ' S R E STAU R A N T 124 Kensington Church Street, W8; 020 7221 9225

SA L LY C L A R K E S H O P S 121 Kensington Church Street, W8 283 Westbourne Grove, W11 sallyclarke.com • @sallyclarkeltd

1 First prepare the topping by shredding the chicken, and mixing in a small bowl with the basil, a little salt and pepper.

2 Cut the tomato into wedges or slice evenly.

3 Toast or grill the bread on both sides, then immediately rub both sides with the garlic clove, which will ‘melt’ into the rough surface of the toasted bread.

4 Place on the serving dish and spread generously with the mayonnaise.

Scatter with a handful of salad leaves, then tuck the tomato in and around.

5 Next add the chicken pieces, tucking them attractively into the salad. Gently squeeze the lemon wedge over and a little drizzle of olive oil.

6 Serve immediately.

This sandwich may easily be made without the chicken if preferred. Use flakey smoked salmon or mackerel perhaps, or for a meat/fish-free option, replace with slices of cucumber, radishes, pitted black olives and a ripped ball of buffalo mozzarella.

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24/07/2020 16:52

FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET

This month is all about cocktails

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

REVIEW

MOUNTAIN SPIRIT MOOSE Created in the Austrian Alps, Moose blends the botanicals of mint, mountain pine and gentian with chilli and Canadian maple syrup. The result is a naturally healthier drink, ideal as a base for cocktails. Moose has created Cocktail Boxes which include all the ingredients needed to make four speciality tipples, like the Moose Alpine Iced Tea and the Moose Mule.

From £20; themoosedrink.com

BERRY GOOD C O LW I T H FA R M D I ST I L L E RY Cornwall’s only ‘plough to bottle’ distillery has launched Seaberry Vodka. Using the fruit from Cornwall’s first sea buck plantation, Colwith Farm’s Aval Dor Vodka is infused with the tart seaberries before a sugar syrup is added, creating a honeyed taste with hints of citrus and mango.

£39 for 70cl; colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk

SHAKE IT UP T H E C O C K TA I L D E L I V E RY C O This new premium cocktail delivery service, created by expert mixologists, ships your favourite, freshly-made drinks (think Porn Star Martinis, Mojitos and Brambles) straight to your door, nationwide. For effortless hosting, there are also party boxes which can include enough cocktails for up to 100 guests.

From £25 for 5 servings; thecocktaildeliverycompany.co.uk

COFE

The app delivering contactless coffee

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

E

ver had a late night and wished that your morning cappuccino would appear at your bedside at the touch of a button? Well, that fantasy is almost a reality thanks to COFE, the game-changing service specialising in coffee deliveries.

The so-called ‘Deliveroo of coffee’ has recently launched in London, connecting coffee house chains and specialty coffee roasters to caffeine lovers by an easy-to-use app.

You can search for your favourite coffee shops (The Gentlemen Baristas, Bread Ahead and Farm Girl are just a couple of the London hot spots on COFE), personalise and place your order, and pay — all within the app.

Your drinks are then delivered to the location of your choice, whether that’s your home, office or a park. For now, it's only available in Greater London but there are plans to expand nationwide.

Originating in Kuwait in 2017, COFE soon became a hit in the Middle East, where big names like Costa, Nespresso and McCafé are involved alongside independent vendors.

Ali Al Ebrahim, founder and CEO of COFE, said, “COFE has already proved a huge success in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE and I’m confident its unique appeal will be a hit with coffee lovers in the UK. Nowhere else offers the breadth of deliverable caffeinated drinks we do, alongside the anywhere delivery and the support of small, independent businesses.”

Flat white, anyone?

COFE @cofe.uk cofeapp.com

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Japanese

SOUL Healthy, mindful and delicious recipes inspired by Japanese cuisine P h o t o g r a p h y H O WA R D S H O O T E R

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Chicken Ramen SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS For the Ramen • 1 quantity Chicken Chashu, chilled • 2 medium eggs • 10g (¼oz) dried black fungus mushrooms • 200g (7oz) dried buckwheat noodles • 1–2 tbsp garlic oil • 200g (7oz/4 cups) beansprouts • 125g (4½oz/1²/³ cups) iceberg lettuce, shredded • 1 carrot, shredded or coarsely grated For the Chicken stock • 2 chicken carcasses • 6 black peppercorns • 1 medium carrot • 1 garlic clove, smashed • ½ leek • 1 small onion, halved

T

he base of this ramen comes from making a simple chicken stock – just simmer the bones of the chicken and some vegetables in water to garner the goodness. You can make the chicken stock up to four days ahead if you need to and keep it stored in the fridge. It freezes well, too, for up to three months.

METHOD 1 Start by making the chicken stock.

Put the chicken carcasses into a large pan. Add the peppercorns, carrot, garlic, leek and onion. Pour over 2 litres (3½ pints) cold water, then cover the pan with a lid. Bring to the boil and, as soon as the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook on a very low simmer for 1 hour. Strain into a clean pan – there should be around 1.4 litres (2½ pints) stock. Add a splash more water if it needs topping up.

2 When you’re ready to make the ramen, take the chicken chashu out of the fridge to come up to room temperature.

3 Next, cook the eggs. Carefully lower the eggs into a saucepan of boiling water, reduce the heat a little and simmer for 7 minutes. Lift into a bowl of iced water and leave for 4–5 minutes. Remove and peel off the shells. Set aside.

4 While the eggs are boiling, put the dried black fungus mushrooms in a bowl of hot water and set aside to rehydrate.

5 Cook the noodles in a pan of boiling water, according to the instructions on the pack. Drain in a colander and cool under cold running water.

6 Put the chicken on a board, discarding the string, and slice into finger-width strips.

7 Pour the stock into a large pan and stir in the garlic oil. Add the noodles and the beansprouts, reserving a handful to garnish.

8 Divide this evenly among four large soup bowls. Divide up the chicken, black mushrooms, reserved beansprouts, lettuce and carrot equally and put on top of each bowl. Finally, slice the eggs in half and put a half on each bowl, then serve.

Double Salmon Roll

W

ith fresh salmon on the inside and layers on the outside, too these are rather clever as half the rolls are covered in salmon and half are covered in avocado slices. When you cut them into pieces, each roll is put back together, this time alternating the salmon roll and the avocado roll.

INGREDIENTS For the Inside-Out Maki • 180g (6oz/scant 1 cup) sushi rice • 3 tbsp seasoned vinegar for sushi rice 4 nori half sheets • 4 thin strips of sashmi-grade salmon each around 21cm (around 8¼in) long and 0.5cm (¼in) thick • 4 long slices of cucumber • 8–12 slices avocado To Cover • 1 avocado, halved and stoned • Around 20 thin slices of sashimi-grade salmon To Serve • Soy sauce, wasabi and sushi ginger

METHOD 1 Make the rice according to the instructions on page 14, using 220ml (8fl oz/1 cup) water and the seasoned vinegar.

Divide the rice roughly into four portions.

2 First make an inside-out maki.

Place a nori sheet on the sushi mat, shiny-side down with the longest edge lying horizontally. Spread a portion of the sushi rice across the nori to cover completely. Turn the nori over so the nori faces upwards.

3 Lay a strip of salmon lengthways in the middle of the nori, then do the same with the cucumber and 2–3 slices of avocado, ensuring the avocado is evenly spread.

4 Holding the ingredients securely in the middle with your fingers of both hands, roll the mat over and press so that half the roll is set. Then lift up the mat and roll it forward again so that the sushi is completely rolled, with the seam underneath. Remove the mat. Do the same to make 3 more rolls.

5 Peel the avocado and lay one half on a board. Finely slice at a 45° angle, into 1mm (less than ¹/8in) slices. Use a long, sharp knife to lift the avocado up and onto the roll and spread out gently to cover the rice.

Cover a second roll in this way. Cover each with clingfilm and press the mat on top, shaping to help the avocado stick to the rice.

6 Wrap around 10 slices of salmon over the top of each of the remaining rolls, spreading them out evenly, so that both are covered in salmon.

7 Slice each roll into eight pieces, then alternate each of the salmon rolls with each of the avocado rolls.

8 Arrange on plates and serve with soy sauce, wasabi and sushi ginger.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

TIP If you can’t get hold of kinako powder, use ground almonds or oat flour instead.

Green Tea and Pistachio Cookies MAKES 12

T

hese bite-size biscuits feature cornflakes for crunchiness, pistachios and nuggets of white chocolate for sweetness.

Lovely with after-dinner coffee, they also go well with Matcha Ice Cream and Black Sesame Ice Cream.

INGREDIENTS • 75g (3oz/¾ cup) plain flour • 20g (¾oz) kinako powder (see tip) 5g (¹/8oz) matcha powder • 50g (2oz/½ stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature • 50g (2oz/¼ cup) golden caster sugar • 1 medium egg yolk

• 10g (¼oz) shelled pistachios, chopped, plus 12 extra • 10g (¼oz) cornflakes • 25g (1oz) white chocolate, finely chopped

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

2 Put the flour, kinako powder and matcha powder in a bowl and mix together. Set aside.

3 Beat the butter in a separate bowl until it is soft and creamy. Add a third of the sugar and beat in, then do the same again twice more, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4 Add the egg yolk, a third at a time, and beat again after each addition until smooth.

5 Sift the flour mixture into the egg mixture and carefully fold together to combine. Add the chopped pistachios, cornflakes and white chocolate and fold in again.

6 Divide the mixture into 12 pieces and roll each into a ball. Place on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, leaving a

You can also freeze the cookie dough, once shaped. Put on a baking sheet and bake from frozen for 15–20 minutes at the same temperature above.

2cm (¾in) gap between each ball of dough.

7 Press each piece down with your hand to flatten and push a pistachio on top. Bake for 15 minutes or until the mixture looks pale golden brown around the edges.

8 Take out of the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight tin for up to five days.

Recipes taken from Japanese Cooking for the Soul. Published

by Ebury Press, £14.99

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FOOD & DRINK • WINE

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BORDEAUX

I N T H E P I N K

CLARENDELLE

REFRESHING LATE SUMMER WINES

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The Clarendelle brand is born from the desire to capitalise on the savoir-faire of the Bordeaux region, with its exceptional terroir.

The Rose 2019 is one of several Clarendelle wines, inspired by the iconic Haut-Brion estate. Domaine Clarence Dillon- Clarendelle Rose 2019, £10.89. clarendelle.com

2

PROVENCE LE G R AN D CLOS

Hailing from Côtes de Provence Aurelia was created to showcase the very best of the terroir at Le Grand Cros. It's a fuller-bodied, more structured and altogether more serious take on the region’s classically light rosé. £28.95. faulknerwine.com

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2

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PROVENCE SEA CHANGE

Eco-conscious wine brand Sea Change's first premium wine is a refreshing, crisp and light Provence Rosé from awarding-winning Chateau Pigoudet. It's fresh and zesty with delicate hints of grapefruit, white peach and tropical pineapple. £15.99 seachangewine.com

4

ASOLOMONTELLO PA L E F O X

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5

This new single vineyard sparkling wine from the hills of Northern Italy is made using renewable energy sources, is 100% plant-based and produced in the exclusive superior DOCG region of Asolo- Montello, resulting in a light, complex and highly drinkable Prosecco. £25.95 palefoxprosecco.com

5

PROVENCE M I R AB EAU

A luminous pink colour with lavish aromas, expressive red summer fruit remains the essence of this bestselling rosé. Mirabeau Classic has a beautiful concentration, with raspberry, strawberry and redcurrant flavours taking centre stage. £11.99. waitrose.com

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WINNER ‘’BEST EATING EXPERIENCE’’ FADA 2016

SAN ZO L O R E19N 69 since

bookings 0208 946 8463

www.sanlorenzowimbledon.com 38 WIMBLEDON HILL RD LONDON SANLORENZO.indd 1

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The shish taouk has been marinated in traditional earthy spices for 24 hours”

AYA

An exotic taste of the Lebanon in south Wimbledon

FOOD Lebanese sharing plates

B y EVE HERBERT

I

t’s no secret that food brings people together. The promise of a full belly can break even the toughest of ice, and getting everyone around the table to experience a meal together has been one of the simple pleasures we’ve begun to appreciate more since the Coronavirus lockdown.

Ran by husband and wife team Ali and Amira, Lebanese restaurant Aya is all about family-style food — the menu is largely Middle Eastern mezze plates, and they’re designed for getting stuck right in and sharing, so everyone can try a bit of each dish.

While Aya’s physical restaurant

is closed, you can order a takeaway on their website, by phone or via Just Eat. They’ll deliver, but if you pick it up yourself you can collect it in half the time — we’re extra hungry, so go for the latter.

For starters, we try the spicy soujok lamb sausages, which have a good kick and pair well with the fresh tabbouleh, fine chopped parsley, diced tomatoes and onion.

Of course, a mezze platter wouldn’t be complete without freshly-made hummus, and Aya uses the oldschool Lebanese recipe with lemon juice and a dash of olive oil. We scoop up the creamy and smooth chickpea dip with khubz, warm

DECOR Enjoy in your own dining room

PRICE Starters from £3.95, Mains from £5.95

VERDICT An affordable neighbourhood favourite

flatbread. The khubz also makes a good shell for DIY wraps which we stuff with falafel and halloumi.

For mains, Aya offers everything from chicken wings to shawarma, but we opt for the charcoal grilled meats. The shish taouk is chicken breast that has been marinated in traditional earthy spices for over 24 hours before being cooked on the fiery grill and served with rice. The lahame meshwe is equally impressive: barbecued cubes of lamb on skewers which we order with crispy fries.

Everything oozes with flavour. From the rich, smoky meat to the fresh herbs and vegetables, the simplicity of the ingredients shine through.

Aya is usually a bring-yourown booze restaurant (with no corkage fee) but of course, that’s not an issue when dining at home.

It’s also seriously affordable. Our meal for four costs around £35, impressive considering the quality of the meat and mezze dishes.

AYA L E B A N E S E C U I S I N E C O L L I E R S WO O D 24 Merton High Street, SW19 1DN;

ayacuisine.com

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• PARTNERSHIP • XXXXX FOOD & DRINK XXXXXXXX

Asian FLAIR

ROBATA specialises in Japan’s long-standing tradition of charcoal cooking

B

ringing the flavours of Japan to the heart of the West End, Robata is a unique dining experience where exceptional Asian flair meets 21st-century creativity.

Robata – meaning ‘fireside’ – specialises in robata grilled charcoal cooking, a Japanese tradition first introduced by ancient fishermen who took boxes of hot coals with them on their boats to warm their food as they gathered their day’s catch. While the cooking method has largely stayed the same, the menu is a modern interpretation of some of Japan’s most prized dishes as well as several Robata signatures. The concept is straightforward; the menu is broken down into five sections, with guests advised to share several dishes between them. Sections include: Small Plates, Raws and Sushi, Bao Buns, Robata Skewers, and Robata Large. Robata is the perfect pitstop for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch, an early evening bite, or a substantial dinner. The restaurant offers a lunchtime fixed menu where guests can choose three, four or five items (£12.50/£15.50/£18.50) from the menu. Dishes include J.fried Karaage with Gochujang mayo and fresh lime; miso aubergine topped with pickled shimiji mushroom and Robata red chilli; and sweet soy glaze and spring onion pork belly skewers. The pre-theatre menu follows in the same vein as the lunchtime offering and includes a glass of house wine or selected drinks within the price. The main menu contains satisfying and delicious plates with plenty of veggie and vegan options available.

The dishes are varied and diverse - soft shell crab rolls, kimchi gyoza, and Japanese chilli pepper squid. Robata’s charcoal-grilled skewers are not to be missed and are the

“THE MENU IS A MODERN INTERPRETATION OF SOME OF JAPAN'S MOST PRIZED DISHES” restaurant’s signature. Using the finest cuts of meat, the skewers are cooked over blazing hot charcoal, producing sensational results with plenty of flavour in every bite.

Signature dishes include the most tender piece of meat, Iberico pork pluma, and the beef fillet, smoked and cooked over burning hay. Robata is an independent restaurant where each menu item is created with care, passion and love. Everything about this place is built on Japanese principals: friendly service, fresh food bursting with flavour, natural cooking techniques and food which is enjoyed with all five of the senses. Robata has been reviewed by Willian Sitwell and was named as one of London’s best restaurants. It is currently ranked among the top 10 Japanese restaurants in London, according to Tripadvisor.

ROBATA'S SOHO RESTAURANT

R O B ATA 56 Old Compton Street, W1; 020 7287 5766; robata.co.uk

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77 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QB 020 7018 2373 www.silkandcashmere.com

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FASHION IN ASSOCIATION WITH

POP OF COLOUR MARC ELLA LONDON

Marc Ella's Monty bag is made from premium calf leather with a soft micro-suede lining. Available in an array of colours, from subtle sand to this cherry red, you'll want one in every shade; £325 marcellalondon.com

Meet handbag designer Mimi Berry 40 • Shoot: Nynne 44 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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H ID E AND S EEK Mimi Berry’s minimalist handbags have an international fan base. Absolutely chats to the designer at her Clapton HQ

By PENDLE HARTE

40

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

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FASHION • SPOTLIGHT

T “In my mind there’s no need at all for something that looks like a buckle but actually turns out to be a magnet ”

he psychology of handbag ownership is fascinating. The world of handbags is awash with status symbols, logos and signifiers of conspicuous consumption and a bag is a classic object of desire. The fabled Hermes Birkin bag costs thousands and has its own waiting list, with just 200,000 bags in existence (of which Victoria Beckham is said to possess 100). Bags are luxury.

But some bags are luxury without being flashy or blingy. Mimi Berry is a Londonbased bag designer with an international fan base, yet her bags started out without any sort of logo, not even a label. Her collection oozes luxury in its thick, veg tanned leather and simple lines, yet there are no embellishments and no unnecessary details.

'I describe my style as utilitarian,' she says.

Her ideals are strict, almost Spartan – she likes to see how far she can go with a single piece of leather, for instance, and a minimalist approach means no linings and a mistrust of fastenings. ‘If you don’t have it, it can’t go wrong,' she says.

Berry’s bags are hugely popular in Japan as well as in the UK and she has a loyal following of repeat customers. Not for her the endless chasing of the new – her core collection is stable, and she adds new shapes and colours each season, retiring

some and reviving others. Her popular Frank bag, a simple satchel with a brass twist fastening, has improved over the years while remaining mostly unchanged, despite having acquired a waiting list and a price tag of about £500. These are designs that are thoughtful and built for practicality and longevity. ‘You’ve got to think, where are you going to put your phone? You don’t want anything to stick into you or catch your clothes. So we wear test everything.’

Berry’s bags are made in the UK, in factories in Manchester, Frome and Hackney, with leather from tanneries in Belgium and Italy. One single factory in Portugal is her only non-UK production line; it’s important for the brand to retain its ethical manufacture. 'We know our machinists are earning a decent salary and that means a lot to me. We visit them and we know them – that would be much harder to do in the Far East.' Mimi Berry bags are mostly made from veg tanned leather, which will improve with age and has no environmental impact.

Berry started in fashion, with a fouryear clothing degree at St Martin’s. Her final collection featured hats and bags; she was working at Notting Hill’s The Cross boutique at the time and started selling her bags there. ‘This was about 2001, then I did Spitalfields market for about three years before taking on a lease on a shop in Cheshire Street with a friend. From there A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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“We know our machinists are earning a decent salary and that means a lot to me ”

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I had to keep moving after the landlord tripled my rent.’ Her first bag wasn’t a hard leather bag like her current staples. ‘It was a reversible triangle soft leather bag. It had no logo but when I started selling to shops they said I had to put my name inside.’ There’s a likeable lack of showiness to Berry herself, which is reflected in her bags. She’s honest and unpretentious, saying things like: ‘The key reason we changed to hard leather was because I used to get lots of returns with ripped lining and soon realised that if I used a harder leather it wouldn’t need a lining.

Lining gets dirty, and there can be lots of problems with it – but if you don’t have it, it can’t go wrong.’ She has a similarly pragmatic attitude to fastenings. ‘I can’t bear faux fastenings. We always use fitting that actually work. In my mind there’s no need at all for something that looks like a buckle but actually turns out to be a magnet. If it looks like a buckle it’s got to work like a buckle; if it’s a zip it’s got to work like a zip.’ Fastenings are another source of potential hazard: metal can tarnish and wear, so some bags simply have leather

straps to thread through while others use a simple solid brass twist fitting, similar to that used by Coach in the 1970s, because it’s ‘simple, solid and nothing can go wrong.’

Mimi’s new AW20 collection, pictured here, was photographed in late January, and she showed the collection in early March, pre-Covid. During lockdown she carried on, while homeschooling her son, and people continued to buy online, though they did see a huge dip. There were no couriers for a while so she wasn’t able to ship anything overseas – and tanneries in Belgium and Italy were all shut, as were factories here.

So the next 2021 collection is set to be smaller. But business is mostly back now, and she weathered the storm without having to do a massive sale ‘like everybody else’. Instead, they held the best sample sale they’d ever done. ‘It was our busiest one ever. Because it was online we had to photograph every single sample – but we sold three quarters of the stock in the first 15 minutes, then sold out totally in about half an hour.’

If handbags are very personal, a Mimi bag is especially so. The small workshop at the back of the shop is where she mocks up samples on a simple machine, and she’ll take in repairs of all her old bags. She shows me a broken strap on on a well-loved bag that’s about 10 years old, recently brought in for repair. ‘The owner didn’t want to part with it even temporarily,’ she says. That’s the kind of loyalty a Mimi Berry bag inspires. mimiberry.co.uk

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

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BACK TO SCHOOL PROMOTION *20% off lingerie for our customers under 25 years old, Teachers and NHS workers** *September 2020 only **proof of ID required

We are currently working by appointment only Book via the ‘book a fitting’ on our website or in our Instagram bio

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Lingerie and swimwear from A to J cup (size 8 to 20) GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE

34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk

21/08/2020 12:10

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A R T H O U S E Inspired by the expressionist movement of the 1940s, Nynne's new colour palette of burnt orange and black is taken from works by artist Joan Mitchell NYNNE .CO.UK

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Nature Calls Jewellery inspired by the great outdoors

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

50

ANNI LU

ANITA KO

JENNIFER MEYER

Wavechaser Bracelet; £55 annilu.dk

Medium Leaf Studs; £5,250 anitako.com

Daisy Necklace; $475 jennifermeyer.com

DAISY LONDON

JENNIFER MEYER

TIFFANY & CO

Coral Necklace; £89 daisyjewellery.com

Sapphire and Diamond Ring; $1,500 jennifermeyer.com

Schlumberger® Platinum and Yellow Gold Earrings; POA tiffany.co.uk

APPLES AND FIGS

WOUTERS & HENDRIX

LATELITA

Petit Moules Earrings; £250 applesandfigs.com

Freshwater Pearl Necklace; €245 shop.wouters-hendrix.com

Feathered Leaf Earrings; £195 latelita.com

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

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FASHION • THE EYE PLACE

Eye Candy

Stylish shades from London opticians, The Eye Place B y EVE HERBERT

RAYBAN

CELINE

You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic Ray-Ban sunglasses.

These frames are totally retro and inspired by the 1960s, when round eye sunglasses first originated. £125

Bold and oversized sunglasses are on trend for this autumn. Black frames are the perfect statement piece to match with any outfit throughout the year as a seasonless accessory and these Celine sunglasses are a classic example; £290

DITA

EYEVAN

Combining the boldness of a square frame with the attitude of a cat-eye, the Telemaker by DITA is an iconic pair of sunglasses. This frame features chunky acetate, intricate pressed detail, and custom hinges for extra durability; £375

Vintage-style eyewear is becoming increasingly popular. These round, gold sunglasses emanate the iconic Hollywood style, seen on many a celebrity throughout the decades; £335

MOSCOT

ANNE ET VALENTIN

The Miltzen frame by Moscot has been around since the 1930s and is one of their most popular pieces. Handcrafted using Italian acetate, the Miltzen is a household name to covet; £255

The Seyrig sunglasses by Anne et Valentin are bold and playful. For those with a slightly more eccentric sense of style, the design of these Frenchmade frames was inspired by colour and artistic impressions; £225

T H E E Y E P L AC E Belsize Park, Fleet Street, Fitzrovia, Spitalfields. Shop online at: the-eye-place.online A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE v

with T H E www.thesoke.uk SOKE

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21/08/2020 20/08/2020 13:00 19:30

HEALTH & BEAUTY IN ASSOCIATION WITH

FULL CIRCLE CHANEL

To celebrate the 40th birthday of Chanel's Joues Contraste Powder Blush, the most iconic shades have been released in limited edition packaging, adorned with a double C logo in deep burgundy. £36; chanel.com

GLOW GETTER ARMANI BEAUTY

To coincide with Armani Beauty's 20th anniversary, the iconic brand has launched the Luminous Silk Multi-Purpose Glow Concealer. Available in 20 shades, it provides hydrating yet ultra-high coverage. £34.50; armanibeauty.co.uk

Beauty Beautynotes notes5953• Fitness • Beauty61reviews • Healthcare 55 • Fitness special5964 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND BOBBI BROWN Perfectly Defined Long Wear Brow Pencil; £30, Refillable Cartridge £19 bobbibrown.co.uk

ISLE OF PARADISE Self Tanning Water; £18.95, Refill Pouch £14.95 theisleofparadise.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Hot Lips 2 Lipstick; £25, Refill £19; charlottetilbury.com

BOLT BEAUTY

MOLTON BROWN

Glow Don't Shine Skincare Capsules; £50, Refill Bag £45 bolt-beauty.com

Orange & Bergamot Liquid Hand Wash; £20 Refill, £32 moltonbrown.co.uk

GET A REFILL

KJAER WEIS Blossoming Cream Blush; $56, Refill $32 kjaerweis.com

Go sustainable with refillable beauty

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

DIPTYQUE

HOURGLASS Confession Refillable Lipstick; £31, Refill £22 cultbeauty.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

TATA HARPER Water-Lock Moisturizer; £52.31, Refill Pod £47.70 tataharperskincare.com

Softening Hand Wash; £45, Refill £26 diptyqueparis.com

OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo; £22, Refill £44 lookfantastic.com

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KJAER WEIS Concealer; $38, Refill $30 kjaerweis.com

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

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Global

Take control of your health.

With a plan that is designed to be used.

At Bupa Global, wellness is our business.

We’re committed to supporting people – physically, mentally and emotionally. We put you in control of your health with premium, holistic health plans and a passport to world-leading medical expertise.

We also provide worldwide coverage.

So, whether you are at home or overseas, you’ll receive the same premium level of medical cover for body and mind.

And it’s reassuring to know that we’ll help you get straight to the specialist care you need, without the need to wait for a referral.

With our Global Virtual Care app, no matter where you are if you are feeling unwell, you can be checked out by a trusted healthcare professional without delay. It provides access at your fingertips to same day consultations with international doctors by telephone or video call.

Just as important as dealing with health issues quickly, efficiently and effectively is looking after your all-round wellbeing.

At Bupa Global, we’re not just here for when you need us most. Our health plans are designed to be used. It’s why we offer a range of preventive health and wellbeing services, such as physiotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, depending on the level of cover you choose. Helping to keep you at your best, all year round.

Because we’re with you. Today, for the everyday and whatever’s next.

To find out how a Bupa Global health plan puts you in control of your health, talk to our Private Client team today on 0371 346 0409.

Visit bupaglobal.com/withyou

Calls may be recorded. Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Global Virtual Care service is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or by the Prudential Regulation Authority.

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Absolutely ad Nov 2019

Fixed price healthcare.

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Bupa Cromwell Hospital offers access to exceptional healthcare for everyone.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury beauty and fragrance B y PENDLE HARTE

REVIEW

VOLITION

FEEL FRESH

The skincare brand putting customers in control

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

AESOP

Aesop’s late summer products include the gorgeous new Citrus Melange Body Cleanser (£33) with its fresh, zingy scent and skin-softening silky feel and the Protective Facial Lotion (£39) which has an SPF of 25 to protect your skin without leaving it greasy. aesop.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Melt AWAY DR DENNIS GROSS

Dr Dennis Gross’s new Hyaluronic Marine Meltaway cleanser is an oil-free, nourishing cleanser that can be used with or without water to dissolve waterproof makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping the moisture barrier. Its lightweight formula creates a luxe feel and scent – and skin won’t be left tight or dry. £30 spacenk.com

HANDS ON G LOV E D

New from fragrance meister Tom Daxon is Gloved, a special range for hands in this age of handwashing. The super gentle hand wash and non-greasy lotion comes in a fine cedarwood fragrance that leaves your hands smelling fresh, soft and sanitized.

The bottles are beautiful too.

Hand wash £20, hand lotion £28.

T

he world's first consumerpowered beauty brand has just launched on Cult Beauty.

Founded by Patricia Santos and Brandy Hoffman, who have 40 years of industry experience between them, Volition's mission is to democratise beauty. Put simply, Volition allows its customers (or "innovators") to pitch ideas for new products and vote for which one is released next.

For example, Varika and her sister would rub strawberry stems onto their skin every summer – they were obsessed with the results as their skin became smoother and brighter. Vanika wanted to create a berry-powered product to get her fix year-round, so she took the idea to Volition who assessed its uniqueness and whether there was any demand. It then went to the voting stage, where consumers go to the website and choose which current idea they like best; Vanika's proved hugely popular. Just like that, Volition's pretty pink Strawberry-C Brightening Serum was born, packed with 20% strawberry-derived vitamin C as well as hyaluronic acid and cucumber fruit water. It really works, too. After four weeks of use, the acne scars on my chin have faded. I'm trying the superhyped Celery Green Cream next.

VOLITION Available on cultbeauty.co.uk

volitionbeauty.com

Gloved.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

ROLL

UP

NOTES

YOGA MATS TO BRING TO CLASS

By A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

KIN Kin’s yoga mats are made from natural rubber which is soft but with a strong grip, so you won’t slip around in class, and they’re easy to wipe down after each practice.

There’s also a slimmer mat called The Skinny, a mat/towel hybrid, perfect for carrying around town. kinyogamats.com

SAÏA SAÏA London has reinvented the traditional yoga mat bag as a stylish leather accessory. Available in three colourways, Cherry Blossom, Midnight and Teal, SAÏA carriers are made from vegan leather with gold hardware and include adjustable straps and shoulder padding for extra comfort. saia.london.com

L E S M I L L S Absolutely reviews the legendary fitness method’s at-home app

I P.VO LV E P.volve, the unique, sculpting fitness method by celeb trainer Stephen Pasterino, has launched the Precision Mat. Designed to make P.volve workouts extra effective and provide a visual cue for form, markings like lines and a clock face ensure your body alignment is correct. pvolve.com

am a fitness class junkie. I love the feeling of being pushed by a trainer, surrounded by a group’s electric energy.

So when Coronavirus struck and I had to workout solo, I sorely missed the excitement of my usual weekly yoga, barre and HIIT sessions.

When I discovered that fitness pioneer Les Mills had an app, I jumped at the chance to try it.

Les Mills is known for intense, adrenaline-filled workouts — the type that leave you sweaty and exhausted but with that glorious post-exercise buzz.

It all started in 1968, when

four-time Olympian Les Mills opened his first gym in Auckland, New Zealand, a small space for basic training. When his son Phillip started working there, he was inspired by the '80s aerobic phenomenon to deliver a new kind of workout, pairing movement with music. In 1990, business skyrocketed when Phillip introduced weights to the aerobic workouts, leading to the inception of the world-famous BODYPUMP class. Today, Les Mills classes are taught at over 20,000 fitness clubs worldwide. With a Facebook community of over 1,200,00 people, they’ve harnessed the

power of the internet too.

The Les Mills On Demand app is simple. You can search for individual workouts or follow a set programme depending on your goal, be it fat loss or strength building. Then you play the video and follow along with the instructors; you can also save videos for later.

Lots of classes require equipment like barbells, steps and resistance bands, but not all of them. A personal favourite of mine is SH’BAM, a Zumba-style dance workout that combines sassy moves with modern fusion music. It can get you burning over 400 calories in 45 minutes. But more than that, it’s fun and uplifting. lesmills.com/uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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®

We asked three busy ladies to trial our 14-day plan and share their own experience.

THE NO.1 MEAL REPLACEMENT IN WEIGHT LOSS

1

Simply Because it Works

Lara (left) “It’s a great kick-start to weight loss.”

Susie (centre) “It provided me with a lifestyle change and a nutritional boost.”

Alison (right) “I had a shake in the morning and it kept me full until lunchtime.”

Almased® is a calorie-controlled, nutrient-rich meal replacement which nourishes and provides your body with excellent nutritional value. With its high biological supply of protein and low glycaemic index, recent clinical studies have shown that when compared to a normal 2,000 calorie diet, a greater number of calories are expended and most significantly, a greater amount of fat2. Such continuous scientific research across the Almased® global network, validate our position as a No.1 meal replacement in weight loss and a most trusted weight loss brand voted by consumers, 2020†. Simply follow our 14-Day or Long-Term Plan to help you achieve your own weight loss goal!

SPECIAL EDITION Almased® Almond-Vanilla MADE WITH 100% N AT U R A L F L A V O U R

... sim ply bec au se it wo rks

ALMASED® BENEFITS Greater calorie and fat burning vs a normal 2,000 calorie diet2.

Reduces body fat without loss of essential muscle3.

THERE’S A REASON WHY WE WERE VOTED READER’S DIGEST “MOST TRUSTED WEIGHT LOSS BRAND, 2020”...†

Clinically proven weight loss vs a fat-restricted low calorie diet4.

Backed by science. 30 years of scientifically proven results.

Supports healthy immune system5. Packed full of antioxidants and essential nutrients such as Vitamin C and Zinc. *Contributes to weight loss when replacing 2 daily meals.

Maintains weight after weight loss by replacing one daily meal.

020 3463 9769

www.almased.co.uk

nutritionist@almased.co.uk

Almased UK

1.Euromonitor International (2019). 2. Oliveira, C et al (2020). Poster presented at: Canadian Nutrition Society 2020 Annual Conference; 2020 May 7-13. 3. Deibert, P et al (2004). Intl. Journal of Obesity; 28(10):1349-52. 4. König, D et al (2008). Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism; 52(1):74-78.

5. Vitamin C and Zinc contribute to the normal function of the immune system. † Reader’s Digest.

Trusted Brands 2020. Germany. *Substituting two daily meals of an energy restricted diet with meal replacements contributes to weight loss.

Natural. Contains no gluten, artificial flavours, fillers, stimulants or preservatives.

Suitable for vegetarians, sports enthusiasts and those with diabetes.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SUPPLEMENTS

1 1

SKIN DEEP SKINADE

M AG I C

Collagen breaks down as we age, causing wrinkles. So it only makes sense that drinking Skinade's liquid collagen leads to more hydrated, supple skin, shiny hair and nails and fewer fine lines. You'll see results in eight weeks. £115.50 for 30 days; skinade.com

P I L L

2

GLOW UP

5 OF THE BEST BEAUTY SUPPLEMENTS

LUMIT Y

Lumity's Morning and Night supplements contain amino acids, vitamins A, C and D, magnesium, zinc and more. Studies found 92% of people had healthier skin, hair and nails after 12 weeks, while 84% felt more energised. £65 per month; lumitylife.co.uk

2

3

GUT FEELING

4

SY M P ROVE

Probiotics are key to supporting a healthy gut microbiome, not only for digestion, but skin too. It's even been linked to mental health like anxiety. Take a capful of Symprove each morning before food and see for yourself what the fuss is about. £158 for 12 weeks; symprove.com

4

GIRL POWER EQUI

5

Formulated specifically for women, Equi delivers premium nutrients to the body with no binders or fillers.

The Beauty Oil contains Omega-3 rich krill oil plus hydrating choline and anti-inflammatories for calmer, hydrated and plumped skin. £35 for 30 days; equilondon.com

5

CLEVER CAPSULE LY M A

3

Huge amounts of science are in these little but luxurious copper capsules. A recipe of eight simple but extremely high-quality ingredients have a plethora of physical and mental benefits. Just ask Lyma's A-list enthusiasts. £149 per month; lyma.life

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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STRESS

BUSTER The experts at Bupa Global offer some advice on how to stay on top of stress

C

ity living can be stressful at the best of times. Add a pandemic to the mix, and it’s no surprise that many Londoners have been struggling with their mental health in 2020.

New research from University College London1 corroborates this. Researchers tracked the effects of the COVID-19 virus and social distancing measures on more than 70,000 UK adults and found that though levels of depression and anxiety did reduce as lockdown restrictions lifted, they remained higher among those living in urban areas.

Recent research from Bupa Global2 among high-net worth individuals in the UK also revealed that lockdown-related stress manifested itself via a range of physical symptoms. These included fatigue (31%), disturbed sleep (24%) and a general low mood (23%). Feelings of anger and impatience (23%) were also common.

But with so much happening in the world, how can people stay on top of stress? Dr Pablo Vandenabeele, Mental Health Clinical Director at Bupa Global, provides his advice here.

64

IDENTIFY YOUR TRIGGERS Conflict with a colleague, economic recession, existing health issues or even arguments over mounting bills – there are a multitude of triggers which might leave you feeling stressed at the moment. “Though they may feel obvious, formally identifying your triggers is an important and effective first step,” explains Dr Vandenabeele.

“Writing a list can not only help people distinguish between internal stresses (such as health fears) and external stresses (such as heightened workloads) but also help you recognise and avoid certain situations or people.”

STAY ACTIVE Exercise is a fantastic stress-reduction tool, releasing positive endorphins and decreasing levels of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. NHS studies3 show that regular exercise can also make you happier overall. Integrating exercise into your existing routine gives the best chance of long-term success, so try rediscovering your local park for an early morning jog or replacing your regular tube journey with a bike ride to the office.

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

ADDRESS ISSUES EARLY

“FORMALLY IDENTIFYING YOUR TRIGGERS IS AN IMPORTANT AND EFFECTIVE FIRST STEP TO REDUCING YOUR STRESS LEVELS”

SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES “The word ‘no’ can be incredibly effective when used correctly,” Dr Vandenabeele says. “Spreading yourself too thinly or allowing work issues to consistently creep into your home life can often lead you to a breaking point.”

To avoid this, lay down your limits clearly and calmly reinforce them if they are ignored. Self-imposed boundaries can be equally useful. This could include completely switching off from technology at least an hour before you go to bed, or limiting non-urgent work calls at weekends.

If you feel that you are unable to cope with the levels of stress and anxiety that you are experiencing, then it’s vital that you get professional help as soon as possible.

At Bupa Global, we believe that mental health and wellbeing are just as important as physical health. To support this, we have started to remove both annual and monetary limits across plans for in-patient and daypatient mental health treatment, and we also now include cover for ADHD, addiction and self-inflicted injuries.

Bupa Global also has multiple resources for those affected by mental health issues – including our Global Virtual Care service which provides confidential access to a global network of doctors available 24/7 in multiple languages, enabling you to speak to a specialist at a time that suits your busy schedule best.

B U PA G LO B A L

1. Figures taken from the 2020 COVID-19 Social Study, research run by University College London 2. Research from Bupa Global (August 2020), conducted by Opinium Research among 100 high net worth individuals from the UK, defined as those with over £1 million (or market currency equivalent) in annual salary and investable assets.

3. Figures taken from NHS England

For more information, talk to the Private Client team today on 0371 346 0409 or visit bupaglobal.com/withyou

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FITNESS REVOLUTION Absolutely meets the founder of WELD, the app bringing the power back to customers and PTs

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

FOUNDER BRADLEY WOODHOUSE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

THE WELD APP

H “WELD, WHICH STANDS FOR WELLNESS, EXERCISE, LIFESTYLE AND DIET, IS LIKE A MIXTURE BETWEEN BUMBLE, UBER, AND AIRBNB, BUT FOR FITNESS”

aving a personal trainer is expensive, right? Then there’s the travelling to and from the gym — why aren’t there more PTs locally? And if you find someone, how do you know if they’re any good?

These concerns are exactly what led Bradley Woodhouse to develop WELD, an app which allows customers to search for and book group exercise classes or personal training sessions with fitness professionals in their area. The location can be anywhere from your home to a local gym or park — and it’s affordable too.

The idea first came to Bradley in 2018 when his sister, who was pregnant with her second child at the time, was having trouble finding a way to book and pay for local fitness sessions with proper instructors.

She needed something good value and close by, where she could get the teacher to come to her or meet at her local park.

WELD, which stands for Wellness, Exercise, Lifestyle, Diet, is like a mixture between Bumble, Uber and Airbnb, but for fitness. As well as finding the right trainer and location for your session, people can rent out spaces in their houses for WELD classes.

Customer reviews provide peace of mind

that each trainer is top quality (they’re also required to have a DBS check and can post their qualifications on their profiles).

This is all done within the WELD app’s super-slick and easy-to-use interface.

WELD’s fitness marketplace concept may seem like a no-brainer success, but Bradley’s journey up until this point has been far from easy. He grew up in South Africa and after experiencing many health problems as a young man, at the age of 24 he was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent multiple life changing operations.

“After being temporarily paralysed during one of four brain surgeries, I had to seek out treatment from occupational therapists, personal trainers, physios and other rehab specialists,” he explains.

During his recovery, Bradley also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and survivor's guilt.

“I’d speak to health professionals a lot about their lives, mainly out of curiosity, and most of them said they did their job for the love of helping people. However, they didn’t earn a big salary, which surprised me because personal training and other one-to-one fitness sessions can be expensive. I found out that large corporate gyms were charging ground rent of 40-60%, which I thought was insane but they said it was the industry norm.”

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

WELD ENABLES AFFORDABLE PT SESSIONS

“USERS EARN 2% CASHBACK WITH EVERY CLASS BOOKED THROUGH THEIR UNIQUE LINK. IT'S A WIN-WIN FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE INDUSTRY”

Bradley went back to working in client services and digital innovation at a major corporation, and moved to the UK. But the feeling that he had something else to offer kept chipping away.

“People with cancer and other health problems were coming to me to ask how I coped with my cancer. I explained that I focused on my overall wellness and a maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eventually, something clicked and I decided I wanted to work in the health and fitness industry permanently. When you’re on that operating table, the furthest thing from your mind is money and material things. I thought, ‘I can really make a difference.’”

WELD facilitates affordable and convenient fitness sessions, but it’s not just those looking to exercise that benefit. The app is also a great solution for personal trainers and other health professionals finding it difficult to make a profit.

“UK PTs earn, on average, £20,000£25,000 per year,” says Bradley. “PT sessions are only expensive because gyms charge between 40-60% of the

class cost as their service fee.”

WELD takes just 8%, by far the lowest out of its competitors. “By doing this, we can give the power back to those who are providing the service, rather than those who have the deepest pockets,” says Bradley.

The perks don’t stop there — normal users also earn commission via unique links they can share with friends, family and followers. The user earns 2% cashback from every class purchased through that link.

It’s a win-win situation for both sides of the industry. PTs earn a fair wage and users earn money just for getting friends involved.

The health and fitness world has been hit hard by the Coronavirus pandemic, with gym closures and social distancing making it extremely difficult for health professionals to operate. For WELD, however, the number of users is up 44% since April. “For years I’ve been encouraging people to exercise outside,” Bradley comments. “Because of lockdown, people are now seeing the benefits of this and how easy it is to access.”

WELD has also expanded its offering with WELDLive, a free live streaming service. Unlike the classes posted on Instagram Live or Facebook Watch, with WELDLive the trainers running the class will earn money through advertising that appears at the side of the screen. This allows them to provide accessible content

while earning much-needed income.

With so much to offer, what are Bradley’s hopes for the future of WELD? “We hope to be at the forefront of the changing fitness landscape. The model hasn’t changed for 40 years and we’re at a point where we can define the future of the industry, making health and fitness accessible, convenient and affordable for everyone.”

WELD Available to download now on Apple and Android devices. @weld_health • weldbeing.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Need enlightening on whitening?

Our whitening expertise, successfully perfected over 15 years, employs the safest, leading edge treatments, to achieve a smile that’s worthy of the silver screen.

Call 020 8852 0442 for a free consultation

19 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath Village, London SE3 0TA, info@sparklysmile.co.uk, sparklysmile.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

TeethTALK Caring for your teeth is crucial. Here are some new products to help B y PENDLE HARTE

REVIEW

SparklySmile

SONIC BOOM

The practice is back B y EVE HERBERT

S

FOREO

Foreo’s Issa toothbrush is a state-of the-art piece of kit that uses sonic pulse technology to remove stains and prevent build-up. It’s unlike most other brushes in that it’s made of silicone – and also in that it lasts up to a year on a single charge. £129 foreo.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Lolly LOVE LAMAZUNA

Lamazuna’s innovative packaging-free toothpaste is a clever solid toothpaste comes on a lolly stick – just rub it on your brush and go. No tubes to waste.

French brand Lamazuna's products are all naturally derived, organic and plastic-free. lamazuna.com

BLUE WHITE ST Y L S M I L E

Stylsmile’s clever toothbrushing kit promises whiter teeth in a week with its sonic blue light brush that activates white bleach in its high tech non-peroxide toothpaste. Kits including brush, paste mouth trays and extra brush heads are £149.99. styltom.com

parklysmile in Blackheath has always been more than just a dental practice.

They have always stood by the facts that oral conditions can be linked to other parts of your body and general health. They also know that your oral health plays a large part in your mental well-being and we have all been reminded over the last few months that selfcare is as much about taking care of the mind as well as the body.

Despite the lockdown, Sparklysmile continued to run an advice service providing help and antibiotics where necessary and now, having been back to work for three months, they have assisted many local people with toothache and broken teeth.

Being used to dealing with high levels of infection control before the pandemic, it did not take them long to get everything in place to continue their good work face to face.

Sparklysmile can provide the full range of dental care: relieving pain, managing sore gums and mending broken teeth. Nilesh Parmar is placing implants and Stella Sarafi is fixing root canals and Jiten Vadukul has stepped in to help out with the ongoing care of orthodontic braces.

Their cosmetic service is also up and running with tooth whitening, composite bonding and smile makeovers available to help you look your best when you are on your Zoom Meetings.

SPARKLYSMILE 19 Montpelier Vale, SE3 0TA 020 8852 0442

sparklysmile.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • THE SOKE

T A L K I N G T H E R A P Y The Soke is a new psychotherapy centre putting its clients first

By EVE HERBERT

I

f you’ve tried and then dropped out of psychotherapy after a couple of sessions, congratulations, you’re not alone. In fact, it happens so much that there’s an official term for it: psychotherapy discontinuation. Ask a practitioner why this happens and they might (quite rightly) give you more official terms to add to the first one. Ask a client and these are three of the most common responses: • I didn’t think it was working • I’m not sure my therapist understood me • He/she just sat there Sometimes, of course, clients will be right in their assessment, but more often issues arise simply because they feel unable to address their questions directly to the therapist – and let’s face it, even if they did, they might not receive the sort of answer they're accustomed to when paying for a service.

So given that the ‘dropout’ problem is so

“We pay attention to people's actual experience of therapy” 72

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obvious, why does it remain so prevalent?

Step forward with the answer: The Soke, a new centre providing psychiatry, psychotherapy, family counselling and leadership development in the heart of South Kensington. According to the founder, Maryam Meddin, what the behavioural health sector lacks isn’t a slew of experts to understand individuals inside the consulting room. It’s the people who can understand a client’s service needs outside of it.

“Suggesting that someone goes to therapy is asking them to take a huge step outside their comfort zone. It’s only natural that they’re going to have questions and insecurities about the experience. It’s up to the providers to make clients feel safe and informed about the process, thereby encouraging

them to remain engaged with it.

"Unfortunately, practitioners aren’t really wired to think about the ‘service’ elements of their work. That’s why at The Soke we pay attention to people’s actual experience of therapy and make sure that we’re changing processes when we see room for improvement. We follow the client journey from the minute they start to consider talking to someone to their first physical entrance into the behavioural health world and well beyond the point when their ‘course’ is over."

The Soke aren’t just talking a good talk, they’re really putting their money where their mouth is. Their premises is a stunningly refurbished character building that offers luxurious consulting rooms and private “quiet pods” for clients to use. Their staff includes a Client Services Director too. Clearly, there’s a new name in town, and it’s going to shake things up.

THE SOKE Mental Health & Wellness Centre 241 Fulham Road, SW3 6HY thesoke.uk

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Finance options available from just £51.21 a month*

E C H E LO N F I T N E S S

IT’S YOUR TIME Echelon Fitness takes home fitness to the next level with its innovative interactive products and motivating professional classes. Echelon’s high-quality equipment deliver fantastic home workouts that connect you with fellow Echelon community members across the globe.

There’s more to Echelon than great interactive bikes. Our APP offers totally immersive workouts in the comfort and convenience of your own home, with thousands of on-demand classes, live classes and scenic rides. Plus a host of great bike-free classes like Zumba, yoga, kickboxing, meditation and even HIIT and strength workouts.

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Challenge yourself and your friends with the interactive Global Leaderboard and track your progress through apps like Strava and FitBit. Stay motivated with our professional and personable trainers on the Echelon Fit APP for great interactive training sessions to suit your fitness level, mood and schedule. It’s like having your own professional home studio.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

Q&A

Fresh

START

Dr Philip Bazire explains how to get healthy, for good

By EVE HERBERT

PRONOKAL'S AIM IS HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION AND EXERCISE

THE PNK METHOD FOLLOWS A KETOGENIC DIET

O

verweight and obesity are currently in the news because they can increase the severity of COVID-19.

In reality, they have been present for decades as an epidemic with enormous long-term health consequences, though political and social fears have prevented effective action from being taken. To find out more, Absolutely spoke to Dr Philip Bazire, Medical Director of PronoKal UK, a company dedicated to health through weight and lifestyle management.

Q Can dietary treatments for overweight

and obesity really be effective?

A Yes, they definitely can. I see it in my clinic every day. We use an integral nutrition and lifestyle programme, the PnK Method, performed under medical supervision. Our patients receive continual, individualised support from nutritionistcoaches and a personal trainer, regaining health through weight loss and moderate physical activity. And importantly, we follow this with dietary re-education to help patients develop their own preferred healthy diet that they can maintain long-term to prevent weight regain.

Q Don’t these diets leave you

feeling hungry and weak?

A No. One of the great advantages of the

benefits for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. Other ketogenic diets typically have a higher fat content, so weight loss is slower. And low-calorie diets often cannot provide sufficient protein, leading to a loss of muscle as well as fat.

Q How much weight can people lose?

A I say “How much weight do you want to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

PnK Method is its ketogenic diet, which minimises hunger despite the very low calorie intake. The body soon adapts to burning fat rather than sugars, keeping up energy levels; this means patients are still able to exercise, which, together with our extensively researched protein formula, maximises muscle preservation.

The very low fat content of the PnK diet means the fat you burn is from your own fat stores, so weight loss is rapid.

Q What’s the difference between

PronoKal and other programmes?

A The PnK Method is designed to protect

muscle and reduce inflammation, the underlying cause of obesity-related disease. The improvement in numerous metabolic alterations brings remarkable

lose?” With PronoKal, the aim is long-term health rather than a specific weight based on a medical index. I felt Boris was very halfhearted with his suggestion of five pounds, but even that improves health. While some of our patients only want to lose a few pounds, others need to lose two or three stone, or more, and with PronoKal they can achieve it. Just imagine their health benefit.

Q What about the risk of

obesity-related diseases?

A Apart from the current risk from

COVID-19, weight loss using a healthy programme such as PnK Method reduces the risks of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s and certain cancers.

PRONOKAL Visit the website or call 0207 183 2391 to talk to a nutritionist and find a PronoKal doctor near you. www.pronokal.com/uk

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When it comes to your health, you deserve the very best A world-class preventative health programme carefully tailored to your individual needs - now available right on your doorstep.

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21/02/2020 14:54

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

“CAR.O.L workouts are better than 30 minutes of cardio”

THE CAR.O.L BIKE

MEET CAR.O.L The 40 second AI HIIT workout – it’s exercise, but not as we know it

By EVE HERBERT

C

AR.O.L is the world’s first scientifically proven exercise bike that uses AI to give you a personalised HIIT workout in just 40 seconds of hard work. CAR.O.L’s game-changing workouts are short, push your body to its limit and give impressive results – working out on CAR.O.L is better than 30 minutes of cardio and has the same effect as a 45-minute jog.

CAR.O.L’s smart tech is for smart people who want to optimise their lives; the bike was invented by scientists to help people improve their fitness without wasting time at the gym. CAR.O.L is an exercise physiologist and personal trainer rolled into a stationary bike.

Its clever tech uses AI to customise and automate each ride and the more

you train her algorithms, the smarter she gets, and you reap the benefits of tailor-made rides, every time.

This high-octane bike is the future of exercise. You need three sessions a week on CAR.O.L, with only 2 x 20 seconds of intense sprints. The sprints are sandwiched between eight minutes of very slow pedalling, so in under nine minutes, it’s all over — but it will push you further than any spin class or personal training session. Because the sprints are so short, you will not get hot enough to sweat, so there is no need to change or shower.

CAR.O.L works by pushing your body to its maximum to rapidly deplete glycogen (sugar) stores, which in turn, triggers other chemicals. The result is a healthier, fitter and slimmer you. When your body’s glycogen depletion is so rapid, your body reacts like it’s being chased by a tiger — your thighs quickly use up their glycogen stores to provide the energy needed to get you away from the tiger as fast as possible.

These used-up energy stores need to be restocked, so the body starts mobilising sugar stores elsewhere in your body back into your thighs. This process requires insulin, a hormone that is a sugar transporter and a fat blocker. As you become more insulinsensitive, you are able to use fat for energy while processing sugar more effectively.

A randomised trial by the prestigious American Council on Exercise concluded that working out on CAR.O.L three times a week has made the government exercise guidelines (5 x 30 minute cardio sessions a week) obsolete.

Health is more important now than ever before. Yet, for millions of people, current exercise options are neither time efficient nor interesting. If you want to feel and look great but don’t have the time or the inclination to do lengthy exercise sessions, then you need a CAR.O.L. CA R .O. L £2,995 from Selfridges Smart Tech space or online.

Financing options available. carolfitai.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

ALMASED CONTAINS HIGH LEVELS OF PROTEIN

minerals. Almased's natural ingredients combine synergistically to supply the body with an array of important nutrients, enzymes, essential amino acids, bioactive peptides and phytochemicals to nourish the body throughout the weight loss process. Almased is free from gluten, artificial sweeteners, fillers, stimulants and preservatives. It is also suitable for those with diabetes thanks to its low glycaemic index and load.

Good

HEALTH

Meal replacement Almased not only supports weight loss, but is backed by science B y K AT I E H I P W E L L , A L M A S E D N U T R I T I O N I S T

M

eal replacements have gained much attention in recent years. Studies have proven that consuming meal replacements can result in clinically significant weight reduction of between 10-15% body weight and subsequent health benefits for obesity-related diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes.

Almased is Germany’s No.1* calorie controlled meal replacement which, when used in conjunction with a balanced diet, can help achieve healthy weight loss and permanent weight maintenance. With

over 30 years of scientific research and supported by a myriad of clinical studies, there's no wonder why so many loyal customers rely on the ‘Most Trusted Weight Loss Brand 2020’ to help them achieve their weight loss and wellbeing goals.

WHAT IS ALMASED? Almased is packed full of natural, wholesome ingredients and nutrients to not only support weight loss and weight maintenance but improve general wellbeing. The high-protein formula consists of a fermented blend of non-GMO soya, premium low-fat yogurt, enzymerich honey and essential vitamins and

SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN RESULTS Robust clinical research has explored the effect Almased has on body weight, satiety and the retention of muscle mass. These factors all influence metabolic activity and play an important role in healthy long-term weight maintenance¹. Further research found superior weight loss results in participants consuming Almased compared to those engaged in a normal low-fat diet².

Clinical testing from the University of Alberta, Canada, found that compared to a normal 2,000 calorie diet, healthy women consuming Almased burned a greater number of calories over 24 hours³.

SIMPLE AND CONVENIENT Almased can be used to replace any daily meal. Importantly, it provides the body with high levels of plant-based protein, essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Almased offers two weight loss programmes; a 14-Day or Long-Term Plan, which can be tailored to help anyone achieve their goals. *Euromonitor International (2019). 1. Deibert, P et al (2004). Intl. Journal of Obesity; 28(10):1349-52 2. König, D et al (2008). Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism; 52(1):74-78. 3.Oliveira, C et al (2020). Poster presented at: Canadian Nutrition Society 2020 Annual Conference; 2020 May 7-13. Reader‘s Digest. Trusted Brands 2020.

ALMASED Available in Lactose-Free and Almond-Vanilla, made with 100% natural flavours. Purchase today from Boots, Lloyds, Amazon and chemists. For further information, visit almased.co.uk

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Green A collection of authentic National Trust colours including original shades from the homes of Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and Beatrix Potter. Available now. littlegreene.com 0161 230 0880

London Showrooms Marylebone | Chelsea | Notting Hill Order your free colourcard, or find your nearest stockist at littlegreene.com Colour Consultancy service available nationwide

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INTERIORS

STR E TCH OUT R O S E & G R EY

The Chorlton corner sofa is perfect for families, or for two people to stretch out. The boxy silhouette and low legs have a contemporary aesthetic, yet the simple design of the sofa also lends itself to more traditional rooms.

From £2,195 roseandgrey.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Interior inspirations 82 • 5 Easy upgrades 85 • Colour trend: blue 89 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

RETRO MODERN JOHN LEWIS

Drawing on the mid-century modern of the 50s and the achingly cool 70s, John Lewis's new Retro Modernism is a sophisticated and sleek look. Easily achievable, it can be toned down or turned up to match your personal tastes. Stick to neutral walls and add colour to the room with furniture pieces in rich vermillion orange and plum tones. johnlewis.com

P U LL O U T LOAF

Loaf's Willow rattan chest of drawers fuses the trend for natural textures with the need for practical storage.

It's a roomy piece that will look great in a bedroom, or anywhere. ÂŁ795. loaf.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Dining chairs

BLOOMINGVILLE Bloomingville Friend chair in metal, £165 vivalagoon.com

SOUND SYS T E M

CO LO U R FA S T TOM DIXON

Swirl is a series of geometric forms stacked upon one another to create multidimensional, functional sculptures. A family of candleholders, bookends, vases and tables, each with their own distinct silhouette, colouration and personality. tomdixon.net

RUARK

VINCENT SHEPPARD Mona outdoor dining chair, £510 heals.com

Ruark Audio has launched Ruark R3, a new luxury design with the British brand's trademark sublime sound.

At home in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, study or bathroom, R3 can fit seamlessly anywhere. £629 ruarkaudio.com

JONATHAN ADLER Maxime Dining Chair in Rialto Charcoal, £1,400 sweetpeaandwillow.com

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Eichholtz Augustin Dining Chair, £640 sweetpeaandwillow.com

HABITAT Etta chair, £85 habitat.co.uk

CANE IT HADEDA

Available in natural, white, pink and black, Hadeda's handwoven cane chair will bring a homey, textured touch to a neutral or eclectic room.

Team it up with other textures to striking effect. £310 hadeda.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • TOP 5

H O M E U P G R A D E S 1

FIVE SIMPLE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR SPACE

1

C O LO U R C O D E A N N I E S L OA N

Painting a small area can be an excellent quick fix. Try painting a headboard on a wall above a bed, or take a brush to some tired furniture.

Painting a stencil pattern onto a floor is another effective weekend project – and with Annie Sloan chalk paint there's no need for sanding or priming. anniesloan.com

2

PRESSURE DROP

D OWS I N G A N D R E Y N O L D S

Replacing a tired tap in your kitchen or bathroom is a quick fire way to improve the space. Choose a new colour or finish, or a more contemporary shape from the vast selection at Dowsing and Reynolds. dowsingandreynolds.com

3

L I G H T TO U C H BUSTER + PUNCH

3 2

Getting the lighting right is a hugely important part of any scheme and installing dimmer switches is a simple task that makes a big difference. Home fashion company Buster and Punch has a selection of super stylish switches to finish your project with a touch of glamour. busterandpunch.com

4

WO R K O U T L I M E L AC E

A new splashback can create a kitchen update without the new kitchen. Try combining tiles and wallpaper for a fully stylish effect – and use colours to contrast with the worktop for dramatic effect.

Limelace has a great selection. limelace.co.uk

4

5

SORT IT

THE FIND STORE

5

The key to an orderly life is good storage. Every space looks and feels better when everything has its place. Simple solutions such as these hanging storage baskets – numbered for extra precision – can make an enormous difference. thefindstore.co.uk

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INTERIORS • DESIGN FLORIS WUBBEN

W I N D O W O N D E S I G N As part of London Design Festival, SCP’s designer collaborations make monthly exhibitions in the Curtain Road store

By P E A R L B OY D

JOCHEN HOLZ

“The ethos is simple: good design can improve the world around us” ALEX HELLUM

F

or this month’s London Design Festival SCP has devised an exhibition, “One Room Living”, at its Shoreditch showroom on Curtain Road.

The focus is on an exploration of self-reliance, practical necessity and the role good design has to play in our lives. One Room Living features new furniture, upholstery, accessories and textiles from the store’s established stable of designers Matthew Hilton, Sarah Kay, Phillipe Malouin, Donna Wilson, Faudet-Harrison and Reiko Kaneko; with a debut SCP product from Daniel Schofield and a exclusive collection by Floris Wubben. The London Design Festival also marks the start of a new series of Monthly Window Exhibitions at SCP Curtain Road.

Beginning with ceramic constructions from Floris Wubben in September, sculptural glass pieces by Jochen Holz in October and wonderful wooden assemblages by Alex Hellum in November, these offer something to enjoy when passing by. At SCP, the ethos is simple: good design can improve the world around us. In this important moment of re-assessment, when the conditions in which we live, work and play are under review, the store is committed to keep making products that are beautiful, functional and made to last.

The new SCP collection includes a tubular steel easy chair, wooden side table and sofa from Matthew Hilton. There is an armchair and stool from Philippe Malouin, wooden side table from Sarah Kay and a snug tub armchair from Faudet-Harrison.

Daniel Schofield has created an adaptable sofa, DonnaWilson textiles and Reiko Kaneko a much anticipated ceramic set.

Studio Floris Wubben’s exclusive editions for SCP during LDF include new side tables, where each piece is extruded from one shape before Wubben cuts away several parts, giving the table an entirely new form.

The collection also includes new vases that use the same technique. The unique products have a raw, architectural aesthetic.

Founded in Amsterdam in 2009, Studio Floris Wubben produces experimental ceramics and objects that push the boundaries of function and sculpture. All designs are made at their own workshop, where the focus is on on the development of processes and the design of machines for production. Nature and the use of natural materials are a key theme in the work of the studio, which alongside ceramic pieces, also produces lighting and furniture designs. scp.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • TREND LIGNE ROSET Outdoor living Saparella in blue, £POA ligne-roset.com

MICUCCI INTERIORS Gea Ceramic Vase, £280 micucci.co.uk

BLOCK DESIGN Small Reversible Vase Blue, £21 blockdesign.co.uk

LORIMA Hammam Towel Blue and White Stripe Pattern, £29 lorima.co.uk

LIME LACE Palm Trees Wallpaper Blue Eijffinger, £56.95 limelace.co.uk

SHIMU

EDITOR’S PICK

Set of Three Blue Glass Bud Vases, £195 shimu.co.uk

OKA Gourami Table Lamp Ink Blue, £295 oka.com

PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE Palm Springs Blue Porcelain Tiles, £66 porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

BLUE MONDAY

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Jonathan Adler Doris Chair in Varese Ash Blue, £1,895 sweetpeaandwillow.com

Shades of aqua, cerulean and navy abound this season

EDITOR’S PICK

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

SOUS CHEF CUCKOOLAND Fab Hab Jodhpur Outdoor Rug in Blue, £54.95 cuckooland.com

FRENCH BEDROOM CO Blue Block Print Cotton Blanket , £62 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Colour Pop Enamel Frying Pan And Serving Dish Cobalt Blue, £27.50 souschef.co.uk

HABITAT Ori Blue Led Metal Wall Light, £45 habitat.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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How 23 Architecture transformed this Victorian villa in west London into a spacious family home Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D

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hen the owners of this impressive white stucco Victorian villa in Notting Hill approached 23 Architecture, their aim was to completely reconfigure and extend the house. The four-storey 1850s villa was substantial, benefitting from a triple aspect and lots of natural light, but adding a basement would create a large open space for their four growing children.

As with most of 23 Architecture’s designs, the team focussed their attention on combining inter-connecting volumes and double height spaces together with a stunning staircase at the heart of their design.

A beautiful stone staircase housed in a geometric glass and steel enclosure stacks throughout the entire house from basement level up, terminating in a white plastered sculpture of a staircase at attic level. There is a circular rooflight which sits aloft the sculptural spiral stair and brings with it a tower of natural light that penetrates down into the centre of the basement plan. The floor plates on the upper floors were extended and completely reconfigured to house the new staircase, designed to connect views between floors via the openness and geometric design of the fireresistant glazed staircase enclosure. The reconstruction of the staircase and its extension down into the new basement level allows for the multiple floors of the house to tie together architecturally such that the basement rooms feel as though they are an extension of the above ground living space rather than separate and subordinate to it.

The basement has a generous floor-to-ceiling height and further enhanced by harnessing natural light into the basement via walk-on roof lights at garden level and external light wells.

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

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The best under the sun.

Even in the evening.

Designer awnings. Made in Germany.

Innovative technology and highest quality, outstanding when it comes to relaxing outdoors. Create the most alluring shade in the world. markilux.co.uk

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Churchill

C U R TA I N C L E A N I N G S E R V I C E S

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HEALTH INTERIORS & BEAUTY• •DESIGN NOTES

The main family space with generous proportions is situated at garden level and houses a large open plan kitchen, dining and family room with access onto a garden in what was once a series of low ancillary spaces under the main living floor. The kitchen forms the functional heart of the home with access to a front entrance, a bootroom to the side entrance and out onto the rear terrace through large, Crittal-style subdivided doors, running full width of the rear facade. This space was further enhanced by the incorporation of a double height area above the dining table, bathed in light from a new roof light located two floors above. What little floor space was lost from the floor above has been more than compensated for in the sense of drama, air and light created in the centre of the home. The staircase and its glazed enclosure is most dramatically expressed in this location as we can read the ‘floating’ stone edges of the staircase and its landings behind the screen while beyond we see the lines of the polished plaster balustrade twisting and turning up multiple flights.

The formal reception room sits on raised ground floor and adjoins the double height space from the floor above. A decision was made early onrelocating the formal reception room to the rear of the plan in order to benefit from the southerly aspect and also to occupy a lateral space across the rear facade, allowing for a dining room and study to

“Spiral steps are set back and enhanced by a ribbon of artificial light” be located on the front façade. Consent was also achieved to demolish and replace an existing side extension with a two-storey conservatory composed of masonry piers, generous windows and a glazed roof. The effect is a spacious formal reception area flooded with natural light.

The first floor was dedicated to a generous master suite which was rearranged so that the master bedroom enjoyed a twin aspect, east and south. A fireplace was installed, concealing a TV above in order to minimise visual clutter in the room. Generous hisand-hers dressing rooms with rosewood glossy veneer and brass accents and generous master bathroom were arranged across the front of the property.

As the main staircase rises through the house, it was required by the pitch of the mansard roof to compress a little in plan. As such, the straight flights forming the rectangular arrangement at lower levels contract into a spiral contained within a cylindrical shell. The sculptural spiral ribbon contrasts to the airy, floating, glazed enclosure below. The spiral steps are set back from the shell enclosing it to maintain the ‘floating’ detail, enhanced further by a ribbon of artificial light. The change in volume is reflected too in a change of material under foot as stone switches to timber within the spiral. The simplicity and elegance of the staircase is enhanced by a finely crafted solid oak handrail that twists up through the spiral. The reduced A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • DESIGN

size of the staircase within the upper floors provides a maximum of usable space for the bedrooms on these levels.

Children’s bedrooms and bathrooms are housed on the second and third floors, all with generous sash windows accentuating the feeling of height. The attic bedroom suite was originally conceived to be a den or playspace and to appear as the underside of a hull of a boat suspended within the roof. This concept evolved from a requirement to improve the ceiling height in the attic room by lowering its floor while avoiding slicing the generous dormer windows on the level below. As such, in section the floor plate curves up at each dormer to maximise ceiling heights in the room below and utilise what would otherwise be unused eaves space, maintaining airy volumes throughout the second floor. Two new roof lights in the attic suite supplement the generous rear dormer while a tiny arched dormer on the front facade provides a quirky reminder of the attic space that was previously there.

Between lower ground floor and basement there is a twostorey wine cellar, the upper floor being accessed from the half landing onto a suspended glass walkway - a little bit of drama to highlight the owners’ collection. The back lit rods supporting the wine bottles are lit by fibre optics and they together with the bottles appear to be suspended in space.

Initially the basement was developed as a large games room, with children in mind. However, as the project developed and the eldest children were entering teenage years, the basement spaces became a little more grownup in their design. A large home gym is accessed from the basement lobby at the foot of the stairs which leads to a

“A tiny arched dormer on the front facade is a quirky reminder of the attic space that was previously there” beautifully executed wellness area complete with sauna and steam room. The basement lobby leads into a large open plan games-room and cinema, complete with onyx and back lit marble bar, for an added touch of luxury. The entertainment space can be subdivided by a sliding partition or at the touch of a button blinds may draw down around the staircase enclosure and the windows to allow for the cinema experience. Multi-functionality was the key to the successful integration of this space into the family home.

The floors in formal areas and staircase are a buttery large-format marble, whereas engineered timber laid in a herringbone pattern softens the family room / kitchen. Likewise, wide smoked oak engineered boards provide warmth and texture underfoot throughout the bedrooms and the hallways to the upper floors. A simple grey poured resin was selected for the cinema, games room and gym for practical and aesthetic reasons.

A minimal palette of off-white is used for the walls and ceilings throughout, while small splashes of marble, stone, veneer, paint and lacquer provide visual accents to bathrooms, the kitchen and feature items of joinery.

23+GS / 318 STUDIO

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

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By EVE HERBERT

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ittle Greene has built up a well-deserved reputation for not just its imaginative colour palette but also for the outstanding quality of its paints. Its original finish, Absolute Matt Emulsion, is more popular than ever and appears to be the choice of Lockdown DIY enthusiasts. And it’s not hard to see why…

The last word in flat, matt paints, with a ‘barely-there’ low-sheen of only 3%, Absolute Matt Emulsion produces the sublime chalky finish, often referred to as ‘dead matt’.

This glorious, environmentally-friendly finish provides a more luxurious option to its Intelligent Matt cousin (which was formulated specifically to withstand the rough and tumble of busy households).

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Sophisticated, understated and supremely elegant, Absolute Matt Emulsion can be used on many different surfaces including walls, ceilings and plaster work.

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Being water-based, Absolute Matt Emulsion is quick-drying (two to four hours) and virtually odourless. Its superb coverage means that it is high in opacity, efficient, economical and easy to apply with minimal disruption; a room can easily be decorated in a day, meaning your home can, quite literally, be transformed from one day to the next.

Containing zero added VOCs, Absolute Matt Emulsion is kind to the environment, pet-friendly and, with child-safe certification under BS EN71-3:2019 (Toy Paint Regulations), it is also completely safe to use in children’s rooms, making it a very smart choice for the family home.

Absolute Matt Emulsion is available in all shades in the Little Greene colour palette. Superb in all hues, it appears especially rich and sumptuous in darker shades, such as Obsidian Green, Basalt and Lamp Black, as its flat matt finish affords a real depth to the colour due to the subtle texture of its chalky surface.

LITTLE GREENE Available at 500 nationwide stockists and their London showrooms in Marylebone, Notting Hill and Chelsea. Also pur­chase via mail, phone or online at littlegreene.com

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A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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DISCOVERMORE

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and discovery, laughter and friendship.

Open Open Events Days

Friday 25th September 2020 (9.45am) Novemberth1st/7th (9.30am/ 9.30am) Thursday 15 October 2020 (9.45am) th th/21st (7.00pm/ 9.30am) November415 Wednesday November 2020 (9.45am) st Tuesday 1 December 2020 (9.45am) th

November 29 (9.30am)

Book your place online:

www.kewhouseschool.com/openevents

T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com An independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

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@kewhouseschool

21/07/2020 17:33

EDUCATION SPECI AL

a b s o l u te l y - e d u c a t i o n .c o . u k

In this issue...

N E W S 102 B A C K T O S C H O O L K I T 113 C H I L D R E N A N D G A M B L I N G 116 L E A R N I N G F R O M H I S T O R Y 129 T H E S C R E E N T I M E D E B A T E 137 S P O T L I G H T O N S P O R T 140

Back to

SCHOOL TERM BEGINS...

The start of a new school year is an emotive time, especially now, when September marks the reopening of schools to all pupils for the first time since March. In this section we catch up with schools to find out the latest.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NEWS

Schools

NEWS Sucess stories from the world of education

By LIBBY NORMAN

Female lead Jane Lunnon will become the Head of Alleyn's in January 2021 – the first female to hold the post.

Currently Head of Wimbledon High School, Lunnon has previously held senior roles at Prior's Field and Wellington schools. She succeeds Dr Gary Savage at Alleyn's.

R O B OT TO A F R I CA Marty the Robot, featured in Ab Ed spring, is dancing into South Africa's townships as part of a 'tech for good' partnership to help students learn coding. He was created

by Edinburgh firm Robotical and this initiative, with Nokia and Got Game, aims to build STEM skills in a country where only 4% go on to university.

NEW HEAD Eddy Newton has been appointed Headmaster of Marlborough House in Cranbrook, Kent.

Previously Head of Felsted School, Chairman of IAPS and Chief Executive of The Cothill Trust, he is a Classics graduate of Jesus College, Cambridge. He takes up his role at the co-ed school – whose alumni include David Gower, Stephen Poliakoff and Rev. W. Awdry – this September.

M O N E Y M AT T E R S City Pay it Forward, aims to teach financial literacy to primary schools across the UK. The year 6 curriculum, developed with Rising Stars, was devised with assistance from teachers. City Pay it Forward is a charity established by parents with financial and business backgrounds that seeks to address issues around youth indebtedness.

Space science An experiment designed by a team from Tonbridge School and Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar earned a place on the NASA spacecraft Space X, CRS 20, now on the International Space Station. Their winning experiment, looks at whether yeast can sexually reproduce under the stress of microgravity.

“I will get my education, if it is in the home, school, or anyplace” M A L A L A YO U S A F Z A I

SOMETHING THEY SAID

“Strength does not come from winning.

Your struggles develop your strengths” A R N O L D S C H WA R Z E N E G G E R

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Babington House School Independent Day School from 3 to 18 years Grange Drive, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5ES Headmaster: Mr T Lello, MA, FRSA, NPQH, PGCE

Inspiring Teachers, Inspiring Children

You are invited to an

Open Morning (If we are unable to open the School this will be a Virtual Open Morning)

Saturday, 10th October 2020

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21/08/2020 22/07/2020 12:28 20:33

KIDS & EDUCATION • NEWS

E AT U P

M AT H S W H I Z Z Millfield sixth former Yuhka Machino was named one of the top young mathematical minds in Europe after coming second in the European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad. She is part of the squad from which the UK team for the International Mathematical Olympiad will be chosen.

Yuhka also won a bronze and honourable mention at the 2020 Romanian Master of Mathematics Competition.

A nationwide survey conducted

by Tilda Kids Rice revealed that our children’s favourite foods are exactly the same as their parents’ favourites when they were their age, with chicken nuggets, sausages and pizza coming out top. Brussels sprouts are still children’s most disliked food a whole generation later. The study also found that 90% of parents want children to have a more diverse diet. According to child psychologist Dr Sam Wass, “The density of taste buds in children’s mouths are different, meaning that they often prefer less strong-tasting foods”.

However, he says parents should still encourage children to try new things, “as this in turn helps their taste buds develop further.”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT Staff and pupils at Cheltenham Ladies’ College supported local communities during the coronavirus lockdown by sewing masks, donating PPE, and, in the case of Sixth Form students Tallulah and Alexia, planting and distributing sunflowers to share with vulnerable people through their ‘Sow a Smile’ initiative.

“Millfield's Yuhka Machino competed in the Maths Olympiad virtually from her home in Japan”

Smaller worlds Young people are being denied the chance to learn from mistakes and their worlds are smaller and more "curated" because of an aversion to risk, said DofE CEO Ruth Marvel in a recent interview. She said while parents are bombarded with stats about physical risks, social media presents a "wild west" of risky situations.

M E , M Y S E L F, I Dulwich College has hosted its first Identity Awareness Month.

The initiative, over three weeks in February, encouraged pupils to explore aspects of their own identity and that of the College community through books, music and talks. Working alongside costume designer Oona Brutton, pupils, parents and staff also designed their own badges.

“Never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small” F LO R E N C E N I G H T I N GA L E

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4th school in the Gardener Schools Group

Maida Vale School

NEW CO-EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT SENIOR SCHOOL FOR 11-18 YEAR OLDS

“Maida Vale School will be modern and innovative yet reflect many of the traditions and values established over 25 years at our schools.”

GARDENER SCHOOLS GROUP

OPEN EVENTS Monday 28 September 2020 9.45am Tuesday 13 October 2020 9.45am Tuesday 10 November 2020 9.45am Saturday 21 November 2020 9.45am Tuesday 1 December 2020 6.30pm

Book your place online

www.maidavaleschool.com/openevents

18 Saltram Crescent, London, W9 3HR 020 3196 1860 www.maidavaleschool.com Follow us @MaidaValeSchool

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NEWS

SPORT SUPPORT

Guiding words

Helping hand Eaton Square School in central London has launched a Hardship Fund to help parents affected by coronavirus. Principal Sebastian Hepher says that this is an unprecedented time for communities. He adds: “Many businesses and jobs will be experiencing large cash flow difficulties and we want to provide the necessary support where we can”.

London GP Dr Hannah Smith, an alumna of Sutton High School, has collaborated with two old school friends and medical colleagues to produce a new children’s book, Coronawho?, to help explain Coronavirus to very young (pre-school children).

The illustrated e-book has been written to help guide and reassure and follows the story of Elsie and her family through the pandemic. “We’ve had some really moving and profound messages about how it is helping the youngest of children to process these strange times,” says Dr Smith.

Download a free copy at elsiestayshome.com

New R ole In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Hurst College has created the new role of Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Housemistress Jami Edwards-Clarke will expand her existing role to take on the new position. “I hope to create opportunities for change within our academic and co-curricular programmes,” said Jami.

Mintridge Foundation, which works to enhance young people’s life skills through sporting role models, has recently partnered with EasyFundraising to help support its mentees, past and present, with their sporting journeys. The charity, which was established by Alex Wallace, has a team of Olympians, Paralympians and other sports stars who lead assemblies, host coaching clinics and provide one-on-one mentoring.

P L AY O N Bristol Plays Music responded to the closure of schools with a virtual academy, providing existing and new music students with individual music lessons.

The city’s award-winning music hub developed an online music lesson programme covering most instruments for young people of all levels aged 7-18. Students have been able to access music tutors vial video calls, and with bursaries available for children of key workers.

“We must believe that we are gifted for something” MARIE CURIE

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IS YOUR CHILD FUTURE READY? CREATIVITY & CODING CAMPS_ Learning to code through creative themes that engage and excite all kinds of curious kids

For children ages 5-12 Locations across London 19th - 30th October

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NEWS

New to Abbotsholme

ROCK ON Dorset schoolgirl Evie Swire, 12, has established a charity and campaign to have a statue of palaeontologist Mary Anning erected in the town of Lyme Regis. Her website (maryanningrocks.co.uk) has attracted support from, among others, Sir David Attenborough, Tracy Chevalier and Professor Alice Roberts. The campaign has also been written up in The Geological Society’s magazine Geoscientist.

“Evie Swire's campaign for a Mary Anning statue has support from Sir David Attenborough "

Staffordshire co-ed day and boarding school Abbotsholme has appointed Simon Ruscoe-Price as Headmaster. With over 27 years in education, he has worked across the world, including as director leading Wellington’s academics for its six schools in China, as well as spells working with schools in India and the government of UAE.

MAKING CHANGE More than 25,000 young women joined Norwich High School for Girls' Change Makers Summit 2020. The online conference reached across state and independent sectors and was supported by role models, including chef Prue Leith and engineer Yewande Akinola (left).

Farm watch Pupils everywhere been missing school friends, but spare a thought for children at Bredon, Gloucestershire, who are also missing a busy spring of new friends on their farm. School staff have kept their charges in the loop, updating them via social media on new arrivals, including chicks, lambs, piglets and, most recently, a beautiful bull calf.

V I R T UA L S H OW R O U N D Organising physical school visits for prospective parents has ceased for now, but necessity is the mother of invention. At Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, showrounds even include joining a live virtual class for around 15 minutes to understand more about school life.

“There are better starters than me but I’m a strong finisher” U S A I N B O LT

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Hawkesdown House School

& The Walnut Tree Nursery For Boys & Girls aged 2 to 11 years

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk HH.indd 20

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THE NEW NORMAL

Durston House's new Head reveals how the school has adapted to home learning

By GILES ENTWISLE

H

aving completed by far the most extraordinary term in my teaching career, the summer holidays has allowed time to reflect on Home Learning and my new post as Headmaster at Durston House from September. I have been involved in the Home Learning provision at Durston House as part of my handover and while these have been unprecedented times, it has also been heart-warming. Joining a school in such a period has allowed me to see how Durston has successfully adapted to Home Learning.

In the time BC, or beforeCOVID-19, Durston House’s Virtual Learning Environment was used for homework and sharing curriculum resources. The real learning still took place in person, with the teacher

in the classroom, on the fields, or out on adventures. The move to the alternative classroom, or Home Learning, came upon us incredibly swiftly. Teachers began live videoconference lessons and remote task setting. Pupils were quickly following a core subject focused timetable, receiving live, detailed tuition and immediate personalised remote feedback. Pupils and staff adjusted to ‘the new normal’.

Learning didn’t suffer; the boys embraced change and rapidly came to appreciate a whole lot more. Feedback from parents and pupils saw a pattern emerge, whereby pupils were enjoying greater family time and connection.

They talked about enjoying the simple things, like going for a walk, playing a game with family and appreciating, the world around them more.

Pupils spent more time developing their cooking, photography, art,

“The overarching message was clear: distance had brought us all much closer together”

KIDS & EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

design, building and musical skills following the Enrichment program.

Durston had remained open for children of key workers but welcomed back additional year groups and divided them into ‘pods’. Home Learning still continued for those who didn’t return but staff managed to expertly juggle both being in the classroom and being online.

It was only after properly reconnecting and talking with pupils and parents on their return that the overarching message became so clear. Distance had brought us all much closer together.

Durston managed to host assemblies as well as some of our usual events like Sports Day and House Competitions. Durston’s Got Talent was also a roaring success.

The ability to come together and celebrate achievements and take part in something created a palpable spirit of community, as well as allowing pupils to find comfort in the normality and familiarity these events offer.

I realise we will not see a return to complete normality by any means in September. We will need to keep learning and developing the provision for our pupils and staff. We will need to adapt energetically and with meticulous planning. I have no doubt that Durston House will continue to provide the highest quality education and finest pastoral care.

GILES ENTWISLE Headmaster, Durston House School, Ealing durstonhouse.org

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EDUCATION • ESSENTIALS

1 K I T O U T ALL THE BACK TO SCHOOL ESSENTIALS

1

SOUND OUT

FRESH'N'REBEL

The new Twins wireless earbuds from hip Dutch audio brand Fresh'n'Rebel offer amazing sound and stylish looks. They'll pair with your phone straight from the box and the noise-cancelling sound will delight any teenager. A great back to school gift. £79.99 freshnrebel.com

2

ON THE CASE E A S T PA K

Eastpak's pencil cases come in a variety of sizes and shapes, in utiliarian colours or bright prints to satisfy the most exacting of demands. Mix and match with your backpack and lunchbag. eastpak.com

3

N OT E P E R F EC T NEXT

3 2

Next's back to school offering goes beyond uniform and sports kit to include bags, water bottles and stationery. We love these A5 alphabet notebooks, £5. next.co.uk

4

ON POINT

C A R A N D 'A C H E

For the child whose pencil case has everything, here are Caran d'Ache's new scented pencils that evoke the spirit of the Alps. Four beautiful pencils carved out of fine, exotic woods will transport you to the snowy peaks of the Alpine region with hints of orange,nutmeg and musk. £35 carandache.com

4

5

G OT YO U R B AC K MILLICA N

5

New brand Millican's backpacks are made from natural and recycled materials. The Core roll pack has a laptop sleeve, clip-on bike light loop and water bottle pocket, making it an ideal school bag as well as a practical solution for daytrips. £80 homeofmillican.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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‘High expectations of the pupils enable them to attain excellent standards.’

‘Pupils show excellent self-confidence and resilience.’

ISI Educational Quality Inspection Report, 2019

The Study is a leading prep school situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village. We identify and nurture each girl’s unique academic, creative and sporting skills in a caring and supportive community.

For further details and to book a school visit, contact Katie Salt, Head of Admissions on 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk Registered Charity No. 271012

We welcome enquires about our scheme of assistance with fees for girls aged 7+ Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven

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28/08/2020 21/08/2020 11:37 13:39

KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

Creativity THRIVES

IN RESTRICTED TIMES Katharine Woodcock, Head of Sydenham High School GDST, discusses the impact of the pandemic on creativity and resilience

O

ver the past few months, education has been forced to adapt quickly to the unprecedented and challenging times we have found ourselves in.

A digital transformation in education has taken place which will undoubtedly have a profound and lasting impact for years to come. What has struck us, however, throughout our period of Guided Home Learning are two things: the adaptability and resilience of our pupils, and the thread of creativity which shone through all of their endeavours.

Staff and pupils have utilised new software such as Google’s Kami extension to annotate PDF past papers, Flipgrid to upload music pieces, and social media channels for mini sports challenge videos as well as daily Google Meets to maintain a sense of community. Creativity has filtered

into all subjects, encouraging innovation through the use of items found at home, from making model flowers for plant reproduction in biology to Dia de los Muertos masks in Spanish, to packing for a pilgrimage in RS, to a Year 7 maths class learning fractions through scaling a recipe. Staff as well as pupils have been encouraged to enter their creations into our Piece of the Week gallery and PSHE Bingo was a treasure trove of independent learning from film making to embroidery to random acts of kindness.

As a community we came together virtually for our SE26 Charity Challenge, raising £5,475 for NHS Charities Together, by participating in sponsored activities on the theme of 26. Staff and pupils also made visors and scrubs. This period has not only revolutionised teaching and learning but it has given renewed vigour to the education of the whole child and the importance of skills beyond those learnt in the classroom.

Our motto Fear Nothing could not have been more apt during these past

few months and the ‘can do’ approach which we instil in our pupils really shone through. Having a growth mindset during lockdown has proved to be invaluable and has unlocked further potential and talents in so many of our pupils. It is not just in our pupils that we have seen this, but also in our teachers, who have been modelling just what can be achieved if you put your mind to it, take that risk, step out of your comfort zone and believe in what you are doing.

To this end, our online delivery of lessons became exciting, creative, fearless and, above all, inspiring – which in turn allowed our pupils the opportunity to really dig deep and recognise that there are no barriers to their learning, despite being physically away from school. We have had to do things differently, but this new ‘different’ has afforded greater creativity and we have seen some truly remarkable teaching and learning as well as pupil outcomes.

Sydenham High School is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, a family of 25 schools, helping to shape the future of girls’ education. Virtual open events are bookable online this autumn.

SY D E N H A M H I G H S C H O O L 19 Westwood Hill, SE26 020 8557 7000 sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

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YOUNG G A M B L E R S Children are increasingly exposed to the world of betting, via advertising and gaming, so are young minds more susceptible to gambling and what should parents and educators know?

By LIBBY NORMAN

I

n October 2019, the NHS opened its first clinic to treat young people addicted to gambling and gaming – it is working with children as young as 13. Its arrival, which made national news, may have come as a shock to adults whose own betting experience extends to the odd lottery ticket or work sweepstake. But for those who watch or research the increasingly accessible world of gambling, the need for a dedicated youth treatment centre came as no surprise The scale of gambling issues among young people is hard to gauge accurately, but a 2018 Gambling Commission report estimated that 55,000 11 to 16-year-olds were problem gamblers; this estimate was a quadrupling of the figures from two years earlier. Another large-scale study by Cardiff University (over 37,000 children aged 11) found that over 40 per cent had gambled in the past year.

This is surprising if you consider that most forms of gambling are illegal for minors.

So what is the law? The National Lottery, including scratch cards and instant-win

116

bets are legal aged 16+, but there are no age restrictions for games machines in what’s known as category D – the kind of arcade games and fruit machines found in clubs, pubs and amusement arcades. Private bets and card games for money are, of course, impossible to regulate although both show up in surveys of young people’s habits.

It is the commercial betting landscape in plain sight – from ‘innocent’ scratch cards to adverts on TV to sponsorship of Premier League football – that is causing disquiet, even among industry insiders. “It’s normalising gambling for children, and that is dangerous,” said Paddy Power founder Stewart Kenny, speaking to journalist Becky Milligan last October in a report on teenage gambling for BBC Radio 4’s PM. Kenny, who has been publicly critical of the betting industry since his resignation from the company he founded, talked about the “barrage” of advertising young people have been exposed to, adding: “It became normal for children to think, well, soccer and gambling are the same thing”.

Professor Jim Orford, Emeritus Professor of Clinical & Community Psychology at

University of Birmingham and also Visiting Professor of Gambling Studies at King’s College London, is a long-time watcher of the industry. He, too, is concerned about the way in which gambling has become “normalised” through mainstream avenues – notably football. As he points out, it is emblazoned on shirts, stadia, the backdrop at post-match interviews.

“It is making a connection with sport, which young men are into," he says.

While we are bombarded with adverts – on TV, on billboards and increasingly on YouTube and other digital platforms young people use – advertising wasn’t always part of the digital ‘wallpaper’.

In fact, it’s thanks to 2005 legislation, says Orford. “Effectively, the legislation meant gambling became like any other entertainment product.” The industry was licensed to stimulate interest and grow its business. What no one foresaw was that this would coincide with the exponential rise of digital, enabling online betting avenues. The 2005 Act came into force in 2007 and a decade on UK gambling firms

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KIDS & EDUCATION • REPORT

BELOW Gambling problems may be hard to spot at first

“This is a guinea-pig generation – for a UK child born in 2007, gambling has always been just another form of entertainment”

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KIDS & EDUCATION • REPORT

“It is the betting in plain sight – from scratch cards to sponsorship of Premier League football – that is causing disquiet” had increased their takings from gamblers by 65%. Orford works with academic colleagues around the world, who look at the UK’s regime with interest – some with astonishment. “We are viewed as the wild west of gambling," he says.

Orford set up the website Gambling Watch UK in 2012 as a means of keeping ‘critical watch’ on gambling policy and making proposals for stronger legislation.

He is of the view that a new Gambling Act is needed that looks at it primarily as a public health issue. With specific concerns for young people, Gambling Watch UK argues for a minimum age of 18 for all gambling activities and clearer measures to stop children being introduced to it via social media.

among young people, and increasingly accessible through their devices.

There is much discussion about how the competitive and risk/reward elements of some games mimic gambling and could potentially help to stimulate demand for the real thing among young people. We have seen an explosion of gaming ‘tools’ that look similar to gambling – loot boxes especially. These mimic gambling by offering rewards for a ‘stake’ of money or virtual money. The current loot box market is estimated to be worth £20 billion worldwide, £700 million in the UK alone.

“You find a lot of gambling-like games,” says Orford, adding that with loot boxes there is a specific gambling format in that players “progress towards a material goal”.

Adam Bradford, who co-founded Safer Online Gambling Group with his father David Bradford (his father is a former gambling addict), believes that gaming is already becoming a problem for school-age children. “There is a whole new sector in loot box gaming. Kids can spend virtually unlimited amounts, from tens to hundreds of pounds, on games of chance.” Game design also provides, he believes, a gambling-like environment. Sound, fast pace and cartoon characters are among the elements used to draw young people in, with prompts such as ‘upgrade’, ‘advance’ and ‘get better’. “It’s often not clear A B OV E Football and that you have to pay to get a better gambling are now weapon or football player,” he says. bedfellows As to the gaming as gateway to gambling theory, Bradford believes that there are issues to address. He worries about the positioning of gambling adverts in places where young people are.

“These are on social media all the time, with no watershed,” he says. He also worries about the volume of gambling advertising – which has seen a 60% increase since 2015.

The gaming connection?

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of our current gambling climate is that it’s uncharted territory. We don’t know how great the impact of early exposure to gambling messaging will be so this is, effectively, a guinea-pig generation.

Consider this, for a child born in 2007 and now aged 13 gambling has always been just another form of entertainment.

If sport is now the national stage that places gambling in full view, some critics see gaming as the ‘gateway drug’ that is helping to stimulate interest in the real thing. Even parents who know their child doesn’t watch Premier League games can’t feel entirely at ease, since gaming is now so hugely popular

Addiction issues Problem gambling is a medical condition, similar to substance abuse in that it generates a dopamine high. Current research suggests males are somewhat more susceptible, possibly due to attitudes to risk taking. Of course, risk taking is nothing new – and nor is obsessional behaviour – and most young people move on unscathed. But the problem young gambler (or gamer) may be hard to spot.

Matt Blanks is a former gambler who now supports people with a gambling addiction and acts as a spokesperson for, among others, the free gambling self-exclusion organisation GAMSTOP. He began his own gambling journey very young; it was a win on the horses at odds of 33:1 that sparked his addiction. “I A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • REPORT

“Gaming’s loot box market is estimated to be worth £20 billion worldwide, £700 million in the UK alone” was 11 and my first experience was RIGHT Gambling adverts a rewarding one.” Today he sees can be found on parallels between his story and sites children use those of people he helps. “I’d say 90 per cent of clients I work with had a big early win, so for most of them their first experience was a rewarding one.” He believes this can lead some young people to believe that money is just waiting to be made.

In Blanks’ case, there was also early exposure to the social aspects – the camaraderie of a community. He believes seeking a sense of belonging can make some children more vulnerable, adding that gambling is “learned behaviour”.

(See Matt’s story, right).

Now a parent, Blanks is hyper aware of the exposure his son, aged 7, is already getting through gaming and says: “It frightens the life out of me”. For his son and his son’s peer group a passion for football makes the FIFA game irresistible, and then it’s natural to want to buy the extras on offer. “I can see that already gaming is opening a pathway where children are being encouraged to buy things without knowing Matt's parents split up when he was 11 and the outcome,” he says. He also has concerns his father moved in with his grandfathat gambling is being promoted too close ther. Each weekend when he visited, to the gaming sphere. He says: “Recently, Matt would watch his grandad place my son asked me if he could access Football horseracing bets. The first time Matt was allowed to choose a bet the horse came Index, which is a licensed gambling site. He

CASE:

Matt's story

in at 33:1 – and he was given £20 of the winnings. Matt began accompanying his grandfather to the betting shop, where he was made welcome and asked for his opinion on form. He began to believe he had a talent for spotting a winner. At school break times, he would play cards for money while his friends were outside playing football. By 15, he was visiting betting shops alone (always unchallenged) to place bets; at 17, he spent an inheritance from his grandmother on backing a horse, and lost. Matt went on to work within the betting industry, holding significant responsible roles, and quit gambling in June 2018. In the years he was gambling, Matt estimates he lost some £700,000.

found it advertised when he was gaming and thought this was another game”.

Blanks’ key advice to parents is to keep a watchful eye on any changes in mood and attitude. “It’s about being aware of your child’s behaviour, how they interact with people and how they behave around an iPad or an Xbox.” While lockdown means time spent gaming may have become an issue in many families, he believes this is an area for caution all the time. “Definitely monitor time in play and watch any money spent – and say no; it’s important to set limits.”

As to the future, recent betting legislation includes a dramatic reduction in allowable stakes on fixed odds betting terminals a ban on credit cards being used to place bets. Reappraisal may also be due for gaming; loot boxes now face much harsher legislation (even outright bans) in some countries and more could follow suit.

While our first NHS clinic for young gamblers and gamers is another sign the UK is waking up to a potential problem for this ‘guinea-pig generation’, 24/7 betting looks to be here to stay. Little wonder then that in some quarters there is growing conviction that legislation must be tougher – on both gambling and the gambling-like elements in gaming – to ensure that the house doesn’t always win.

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KIDS & EDUCATION • SPOTLIGHT

OPEN PLATFORM The Head of Notting Hill & Ealing High says schools should teach the value of open debate

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B y M AT T H E W S H O U LT S

he battlelines are drawn on freedom of speech on university campuses and 'no platforming'.

In one camp, academics and others are concerned that students wish to cocoon themselves and their peers from views they abhor and from exposure to un-woke opinions.

They believe that universities must insist that speakers of all hues are accommodated and political balance on campus is imposed.

In the other corner of the ring, The Times' Alice Thomson (among others)writes that students have every right not to invite people on to campus to promote their causes.

Alice Thomson insists that young

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people are perfectly aware of the range of opinions on controversial topics, but do not feel the need to indulge visitors who wish to push their own agendas. As Arron Banks, the self-proclaimed bad boy of Brexit was quizzed at the Oxford Union fairly recently, it would appear that some university platforms remain open. Yet there are many recent instances of invitations being rescinded or not issued to protect people from uncomfortable views or views unpopular with the audience.

Politics has always been tribal, and people will often cleave to those who share their views and step away from those who disagree, sometimes to extremes: if the Guardian crossed the threshold of my brother-in-law’s house, I think he might ring the police. But democracy only flourishes when

“Democracy only flourishes when the environment in which it takes place is structured so that people are forced to hear the different views on offer”

MATTHEW SHOULTS BELIEVES SCHOOLS MUST ADDRESS THE 'ECHO CHAMBER'

the environment in which it takes place is structured so that people are forced to hear the different views on offer. Fifteen years ago, in his excellent book Time to Start Thinking, Edward Luce analysed the demise of bipartisanship in US politics with one simple example of Democrats and Republicans deserting the Senate dining room, a space which had formerly forced them to rub shoulders and to find greater compromise.

Social media has only increased this tendency. Far from giving people access to a wider range of views, it tends merely to entrench and isolate political strands; indeed, Facebook’s algorithms will serve us content designed to match our views.

I have experienced myself the partisan nature of Facebook, in which my feed consists of friends and acquaintances churning out a one-sided invective, with mutually admiring comments beneath. This is the adult world, so hardly a fine example to set those who follow in our footsteps.

The point is that the sheer 'always on' nature of social media intensifies this echo chamber effect.Before the rot sets in, we need to give school students the tools to steer a healthier path. When my 11-year-old students learn public speaking with me, they practise debating, and they do not get to choose the argument they will be espousing. Challenged to promote the view that dogs are a menace to society (among a class of canine obsessives), my students were perfectly able to take on the proposition, and they also challenged their own assumptions doing so.

But without self-consciously looking for ways to see the other side of the argument, we so easily sleepwalk into the sort of intolerance shown on some university campuses and in our 'Yah Boo' political environment.

A friend and fellow head spent a number of years alternating newspapers across the week to force himself to read views across the political spectrum. We owe it to our school students to create similarly broadening experiences because this is the best way to challenge orthodoxies, be it on social media, our university campuses or in the wider world.

M AT T H E W S H O U LT S Headmaster Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST

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KIDS & EDUCATION • ONLINE

Home SCHOOL

The Lycée Winston Churchill is offering a new remote learning experience

By EVE HERBERT

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he new LIL Online programme starting this autumn allows homeschooled students to pursue a full, rigorous curriculum live and online.

The Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, an independent, bilingual, co-ed school in north London, has announced an ambitious new programme to offer a complete remote learning curriculum to students who are unable to physically attend school or whose families are seeking a more structured and communal homeschooling experience.

Starting in September, for children aged 11 (Year 7, 6ème) and above, the new LIL Online will match exactly the course of study followed by on-campus students in both French and English programmes, with structured, interactive classes on a regular schedule delivered online and via video by the school’s expert faculty. At any time during the year, participating students will be able to join a vibrant and international community, become part of classrooms “in the cloud”, make new friends, and enjoy the virtual presence of classmates and teachers — all while receiving a topnotch bilingual education from home. The programme affords a unique flexibility to families transitioning between work assignments, who can become a part of the school before or after they live in London.

Located on a five acre campus in Wembley, the Lycée Churchill currently serves 900 students aged 3 to 18 in two tracks: a bilingual French programme fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education that leads to the baccalauréat examinations; and an English-oriented track blending French and English educational models, leading to the globally-recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The school was rated Outstanding for Sixth Form and for personal development, behaviour, and welfare by Ofsted in 2019.

For families who choose homeschooling, LIL Online offers an enhanced educational environment where instruction is enlivened by highly trained and emotionally supportive teachers and staff. Equally important, the programme includes vital services and other advantages of school culture that are difficult to replicate at home: extensive wellbeing support, career and university counselling,

social interaction, and a deep sense of community and shared experience — including online school assemblies, birthday parties, and events for parents.

LIL Online builds on the success of Lycée Churchill’s response to the COVID-19 lockdown. The school’s ongoing teaching and pastoral care during the pandemic demonstrated the expert staff ’s agility and resourcefulness, their embrace of digital culture, and the strength of a proven technological foundation. Extending this platform to students unable to attend school in person is a natural step that opens the doors of this community to new families around the world.

The tuition fees for LIL Online will match those of regular programmes, minus the cost of school lunch.

LYC É E I N T E R N AT I O N A L D E LO N D R E S W I N STO N C H U R C H I L L +44 (0) 20 3824 4900 lyceeinternational.london

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Future PROOF How St Dunstan’s College is looking towards its exciting future

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

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t Dunstan’s College, in Catford, south London, is currently undergoing its most significant redevelopment since its foundation in 1888.

The school is transforming the entire west side of the site, building an architecturally stunning Junior School, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Centre and a Sixth Form Centre.

St Dunstan’s, which is today home to nearly 1,000 pupils aged 3–18, has a long history of investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and was one of the first schools in the country to invest in science laboratories and dedicated technology rooms.

With a focus on collaboration across the four fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, this centre will transform these specialist subjects, currently dispersed across the College.

Making the most of the latest technology and design available, this centre will also include cutting-edge facilities, building on historical roots in inspiring technical creativity and innovation.

Speaking about the new facilities, St Dunstan’s headmaster, Mr Nicholas Hewlett said: "This represents the most significant redevelopment of our College sites since the very first bricks were laid.

"I feel sure our founders and benefactors would be proud of the

“We are creating state-of-theart STEM facilities for the next generation of Dunstonians” innovative new buildings that are being constructed, as records show they were intent that a St Dunstan’s education should be ‘ahead of the current time’.

"As one of the first schools in the world to have invested in science and technology laboratories, it seems fitting that 130 years on, we are creating state-of-the-art STEM facilities for the next generation of Dunstonians."

The new Sixth Form Centre will be positioned within the heart and main central atrium of the STEM Block.

The design of this area is modelled on university-style learning, including large, independent study spaces, social areas and a sixth form café, which will feature outdoor seating for the students to enjoy.

By September 2021 and through fundraising, the College will be adding a new Performing Arts Centre and a Plaza (named by the pupils) at the back of the College which will be both a CCF parade and an outdoor performance venue, as well as enhance our sport and leisure centre.

The school also recently was awarded ‘excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The inspectors found that ‘the quality of the pupils’ academic achievement and other achievements is excellent,’ and

that ‘pupils of all ages display excellent knowledge, skills and understanding and become resilient in their learning as they move through the school’. The report’s key findings also found that St Dunstan’s pupils of all ages ‘have outstanding attitudes to learning and are effective independent learners and thinkers’ and that they ‘learn effectively by collaborating with their peers’.

"We will of course not become complacent," Nicholas Hewlett explained. "We see this as endorsement of our direction of travel and not an end point in its own right.

"There is still much to achieve and a huge amount to look forward to in the years that are to come; wonderful new buildings, the potential for some outstanding academic results and, above all else, grounded and rounded young people who are well prepared to face and challenge the vagaries of our society with understated confidence, resolute values and humility."

ST D U N STA N ' S C O L L E G E Find out more at one of St Dunstan's upcoming #DiscoverStDunstans open events or virtual Q&As with the headmaster. Book online at: stdunstans.org.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION • TALKING POINT

LEARNING from HISTORY What can school history lessons teach young people about both their past and the way we consider today’s live issues? We asked three leading practitioners to tackle age-old debates and give their assessment of why history matters today

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ust over a decade ago, a House of Lords debate discussed whether history teaching was in crisis as a subject declining in our schools. Along the way, it highlighted some age-old battlegrounds, notably the narrative view of history versus the critical enquiry approach. The debate may have seemed arcane to casual observers, but it highlighted something historians have long known – this is a field that is constantly scrutinised, debated and revised. And history is controversial – it’s a subject where argument and counter argument are encouraged.

So where does history fit in to our schools today? Some would argue that our National Curriculum has consigned history to the second tier of subjects, not as important to pupils as STEM or English, not as careeruseful as foreign languages. Yet you can’t help noticing how many leading barristers and civil servants – politicians even – studied history at university. So how useful is history for today’s society and what can young people gain from studying it in depth? We asked three historians for their take.

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people’s ability to think bigger picture, Julian Barnett believes it is up there in the gods with philosophy. “It may be unfashionable to say this, but history can be a hard, demanding and sometimes even at times an uncomfortable subject. But having the facts makes it enjoyable, and once students love a subject it is liberating for the mind. Taught in the right way, history is irresistible.”

“History uses all the skills” JULIAN BARNET T Southbank International School

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ith campuses in Hampstead, Kensington and Westminster, Southbank is an IB world school in the Cognita Group with a diverse UK and international cohort. History is a popular subject here, thanks in part to the inspired (and award winning) teaching of Julian Barnett. He says: “What history gives young people is breadth. History uses all the skills and all the subjects. It teaches skills in making an argument and knocking down an argument and in mastering and managing large amounts of information”.

Julian Barnett believes the old battleground of narrative v critical enquiry in history misses the point. “It requires both sides – you have got to have knowledge, but this is nothing without the analytical skills.” He adds that it is this combination in history that helps young people tackle really challenging questions – for instance, in a university interview – even if they are grilled on topics that they haven’t studied in coursework.

Southbank’s syllabus is, believes Julian Barnett, particularly well-suited to preparing young people for the onward journey to higher education. “The IB History course we teach here at Southbank is very carefully structured in that 25 per cent of the grade is judged via the Internal Assessment, a piece of independently researched coursework.

Students are encouraged to engage with their

local or national history for the 2,200-word paper.” Another element is the Extended Essay, a 4,000-word research paper that every IB student undertakes in the subject of their choosing. “The work undertaken puts them on a par with first-year undergraduate students – we know this because universities tell us they can spot an IB student.”

Not every student will take history to Diploma Level, but making it an engaging subject – especially for younger age groups – is key. “Fun and fascination are the key components and later they begin to grasp the hard skills,” says Julian Barnett. “One thing I do from early on is encourage students to out-argue me, outmanoeuvre me, by presenting substantive facts and logical arguments. It’s an important part of being a historian.”

This, of course, teaches great skills for life – how to question and not just accept things at face value – but it also goes to the crux of history’s intrinsic value in teaching skills for public life, be it bar or hustings.

“The skill is in teaching students that they need to employ facts to make their case, further their argument. They learn to use the right facts to stack the argument they want to make,” says Julian Barnett.

Of course, there are some arguments that may be ancient history but still step on to sensitive ground today. Julian Barnett believes that, when taught properly, history teaches us to remove ourselves from preconceptions – our own cultural or social biases – but he also believes in open debate. “There is nothing in history that cannot be discussed in classes provided it is handled carefully. Schools should be a cauldron of ideas and part of my role as teacher is to ensure students have the confidence to challenge. In a good classroom debate the teacher hardly has to say anything.”

As to history’s value for building young

“History gives us a questioning mind” KEELY ROGERS ACS International School Egham

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CS International School Egham is the only UK school to offer all four International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, from Primary Years to Diploma. It also has a star historian on its team in Keely Rogers, author of multiple history textbooks. She has no doubts about history’s relevance to today’s young people.

“One of my favourite historians Margaret MacMillan commented that we study history because it helps us to understand the world now, understand ourselves and others. That is the hook into history.”

What lies beyond for children is, she adds, far more complex. While history may give us a sense of identity – and understanding of culture, language, religion and identity – it also helps us to test where other people are coming from.

“Experts and leaders are using history all the time to justify policy. A knowledge of history gives us a questioning mind and a foundation to test these assertions. It means not accepting what people say without thinking through origin and intent.”

Keely Rogers believes that history is key in helping us engage with the world around us now, pointing out that at IB History Diploma level young people are asked to engage with parallel histories – those voices missing from our current narrations of the past – challenging stuff for historians of any age. The complexity of the final project can take young people into exciting and less well-charted territory; she cites one student undertaking individual research on black participation in the Boer War. But history A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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28/08/2020 09:54

KIDS & EDUCATION • TALKING POINT

SOUTHBANK'S JULIAN BARNETT SAYS HISTORY TEACHES BIG-PICTURE THINKING

can also be very challenging on a personal level, forcing young people to consider themselves in relation to past events. She says: “I like to use contemporary issues to draw students in. But it’s also important to engage them in a personal way. For instance, when I teach the course Wars (looking at causes, practices, effects), they come with no prior knowledge. In the opening lesson I will ask them: ‘What would you fight for?’ and ‘Would you be prepared to die for it?’.

This instantly gives them an understanding of what it is they are studying”.

As to the narrative v critical enquiry debate, Keely Rogers says both matter. “We need to have chronology, but then history is also about teaching the skills to challenge what we read.” Getting children to consider elements of causation, consequences and deciding what is or is not significant in sources is a valuable lesson in going deeper – making a critical analysis – but so too is using a variety of disparate sources to develop your own original narrative.

When it comes to the heated debates – from no platforming to revising the position of past heroes – Keely Rogers believes historians have a duty to consider the arguments for and against. “Perspectives change and it is important to recognise that in the 21st century we are asking different questions.”

She sees new priorities continually coming to the fore in history – more emphasis not only on areas such as black history and women’s history, but also on environmental history.

This keeps history fresh, ensuring students see its relevance. She has no doubts of its value to students’ future lives and careers, as well as to their sense of identity. “I would like it to be compulsory all the way through school. The skills it teaches are fundamental.”

“History develops highlevel analysis” JAMES ROBERTS Oakham School

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akham has a long history of academic excellence and it treats history as a core subject – all pupils study it up to the end of GCSE. It remains popular post 16, and the school offers both A-level and IB qualifications. Head of History James Roberts says it is a subject that builds sophisticated literacy and communication skills from an early stage.

“History requires precision in writing formally and using correct terminology.”

More than that, he believes history develops high-level skills in analysis and evaluation that present testing academic challenges. “In history, there’s a big step up post 16, with a particularly big transformation by the time you get to final year. I’m a big fan of the new A-level syllabus and one element is asking young people to consider change over 100 years, which has to be one of the toughest conceptual challenges.”

Skills of debate and analysis – and the ability to engage confidently with controversies – are valuable, with school history providing a safe environment to teach and test those skills. James Roberts says there is sensitive ground in history – the way certain areas and themes are introduced

needs care and teachers also have to take account of individual backgrounds. They must also recognise that our generation’s perspective has already altered for the next generation, as the events themselves become part of a more distant past. “As teachers, we must be careful in our assumptions of both previous knowledge and sensitivities.

There is always a sense though that we need to do a proper job on teaching areas such as Civil Rights and the Holocaust.”

First-hand and experiential history remain vital. The school’s trips to the First World War battlefields are, he says, “genuine fieldwork”, with children looking at maps, walking along what were the front lines and using the core elements of enquiry-based learning to further their understanding and sense of how this chapter in history unfolded. When it comes to engaging them in the classroom, James Roberts says subject knowledge from the teacher is key, but good teaching always needs a story to inspire. “I’m a great believer in narrative. That’s how history takes place and it’s essential that students have a strong grasp of narrative and chronology.”

Beyond telling the story, James Roberts believes history can help young people make sense of the complexities and challenges of our world – and understand more about context. “History, almost uniquely, is in a very strong position to do this, and schools are equipped to manage these controversies sensitively,” he says. This is something particularly relevant at a time of debates over no platforming. He cites Churchill as an example of how nuanced history can be, saying that if we consider Churchill in the context of WWII we have one perspective, but through the prism of, say, Indian or Iraqi history that perspective alters. “Presenting an individual in this way – and you could do the same for many other world leaders – is a way to get children to see why it’s important not to rush to judgement based on a particular context as that limits our understanding.” .

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

Screen Time K N O W H O W

Parents were concerned about children's screen time before lockdown, so how do we manage this issue when everything from school to social has gone virtual?

By LIBBY NORMAN

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here have been plenty of scare stories over the years about screen time, but lockdown has brought a whole new regime to test families. Of course, virtual school and social time have been saviours. They have helped to keep work and school life going and make families who are separated from loved ones feel closer. But the downside is that children are spending vastly more time online – and we don't always know what they are doing, let alone if they are being exposed to immediate risk or longer-term harm.

In mid-April, UNICEF issued a technical note warning that with 1.5 billion children and young people affected worldwide by school closures there was a heightened risk of exploitation and grooming because: "not all children have the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to keep themselves safe online". In May, Australia warned of a 'manual' circulating specifically to assist criminals who wanted to target children

during lockdown. Scary stuff indeed.

For families managing this necessary but sudden switch, cyber bullying and child exploitation are at the worst end of the threats scale. At the other end is that niggling concern about how our children's school and social lives have shrunk remorselessly to chair and screen. Should we attempt to moderate screen time right now and, more than that, how do we get them off the virtual and back to the real world when familiar routines return?

Perhaps the good news is that benefits outweigh negatives when it comes to the lockdown virtual existence we are all living through. "Perspective is absolutely key when it comes to screen time. There is a lot of scaremongering around the Internet and screen time is the poster child," says Jonny Pelter, founder of Simple Cyber Life, a membership site for families looking to ensure their online life is as secure as their real one. He adds: "There are long-term risks such as obesity, but in the context of lockdown, we're looking at a short- to medium-term effect." While schooling online

is enabling children to carry on learning, he believes that we also have to recognise the social use benefits – even when it's a Fortnite binge, they are likely to be doing it in company (virtually) with friends.

Reassurances aside, Jonny Pelter sees firsthand the issues that worry parents and believes many of them are well grounded.

His background is in the corporate cyber world (with clients such as HSBC and Aviva), but over time he found more and more friends turning to him for help with Internet issues – often as a last resort. It dawned on him that when safety breaks down for organisations it's serious; when it goes wrong for families there can be a profound realworld impact. Simple Cyber Life offers useful 'how to' advice, tutorials, self-help guides and expert one-to-one guidance if there's a problem you can't handle. It's also a place for members to share real-world concerns and get advice on pressing issues – from cyber bullying to hacked accounts. While it's a young company, it has already been selected for startup support under GCHQ's 'cyber accelerator' scheme. While the A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Outstanding education from 2 - 18

REGI

Founded 1553

FLAIR DISCIPLINE ACADEMIC RIGOUR

‘

Call our Admissions team to find out about joining Bromsgrove School Small classes and inspirational teaching

Individual visits available by appointment Contact Admissions to organise a visit or an online meeting admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk 01527 579679

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Exceptional results at A level, IB Diploma and GCSE A strong House and tutor system to look after your child’s pastoral and academic wellbeing An outstanding range of extra-curricular activities Day and Boarding, weekly boarding available from age 7 950 pupils aged 13-18 720 pupils aged 2 - 13

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

“At the better end of the 'online threats scale' is our concern that children's school and social lives have shrunk remorselessly to chair and screen”

VIRTUAL SOCIAL TIME IS A LIFELINE RIGHT NOW

majority of security issues can be addressed by installing the right protection, perennial family battlegrounds are not straightforward.

Enforcing rules around the amount of screen time children can have – be it for schoolwork or pleasure – is necessary, but these aren't easy to enforce. "Kids will never understand it – it's like bedtime. And when you have children of different ages and have to set different rules, expect them to contest it.

But you can go prepared with some of the scientific research that backs up your rules," says Jonny Pelter. Whether it's the impact on sleep quality or the importance of active time outdoors, there's sound information to draw on. "It's really hard for children at the moment, but we would say now, as always, that rest periods are important. Making sure they take a half-hour away from the screen after each one- or two-hour block of screen

time is healthy – and that's also an effective way of reducing overall screen time."

As to life after lockdown, he is positive that children will cope with a return to realworld life, even if some need what he calls a "transition period" – just as some adults may need to wean themselves off Zoom, Twitter and the rest. "While it may sound counterintuitive, given that I've founded Simple Cyber Life, I don't subscribe to Armageddon theories when it comes to children and screen time," adds Jonny Pelter. "There are some real positives about this period – kids have learned to code and done all sorts of other creative things because of the extra time spent recently at their screens."

Simple Cyber Life offers monthly subscriptions from £2.99. For a free trial, visit simplecyberlife.com

SECURITY CHECK ESSENTIAL FIXES FOR FAMILIES LOOKING TO ENHANCE ONLINE SECURITY

Have anti-virus software and keep it up to date • Ensure all devices with webcams also have anti-virus software • Use a password manager • Educate family and friends so you keep each other safe online

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S PO R T S FOCUS

Sport is integral to life, but how do schools balance the demands of the star players and the rest – including those who may not gravitate towards the usual team games? Absolutely Education asked schools to describe their winning combination

Clongowes Wood College SJ

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t Clongowes Wood College in County Kildare, sport is woven into the school fabric.

The College is set in 500 acres of grounds, and with superb on-site facilities, so there are plenty of opportunities for boys to develop their sporting prowess. Director of Sport John O’Donoghue says when it comes to high-level sports, this matches the overall school ethos.

“Sport fits in to our principles as a Jesuit school, in that we seek excellence in all that we do. As a boarding school, sports are also an important part of daily life.”

There is a great rugby tradition here, with many Old Clongowians distinguishing themselves on the field. It is a fixture in the top six in Leinster Schools’ league, with

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a good track record too on scholarships to universities. Rugby aside, it also offers options from football (Gaelic and soccer varieties) and basketball to kayaking, equestrian, golf and tennis. Cricket and swimming are notable school strengths. The 25m pool, plus weights room and gym, are well used, and especially valuable for elite athletes – often found training here.

While the very best get plenty of opportunities to develop, John O’Donoghue believes that sport needs to be inclusive.

“Our elite players get plenty of competition at a high level, but we offer sporting opportunities for all,” he says. “Some boys are playing more for fun, but they will still be competitive and enjoy the opportunity.”

He believes encouragement and support are cornerstones of developing enthusiasm for and ability at sport, and the school operates a buddy system to help bring on pupils. “It’s important to get every boy

playing and we put a lot of emphasis on having fun, as well as developing skills and teamworking.” John O’Donoghue says it is important to recognise that not every child develops at the same pace.

Of course, some pupils may prefer a turn round the golf course or running track – Clongowes has both – and the team are keen to help young people find activities they love. “For instance, we began offering fencing about two years ago and this has proved very popular with pupils who didn’t enjoy more traditional team sports,” says John O’Donoghue. “You will always find the student who is good at every sport, while others are not so sporty. The Jesuit principles we follow mean that we want boys to try their best – you can be gracious in victory and gracious in defeat. What matters most is unity and team spirit, and part of that team spirit is about caring for each individual.”

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

RUGBY AT CLONGOWES WOOD COLLEGE

“CHILDREN OF PREP-SCHOOL AGE ARE EASILY INFLUENCED SO GIVING THEM POSITIVE EXPERIENCES THAT MATCH THEIR PASSIONS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS THERE'S SPORTING VARIETY AT HEATHFIELD

Heathfield School

BEAUDESERT PARK GAMES

Beaudesert Park School

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eaudesert Park prep, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, offers exceptional facilities and Director of Sport Johnny Griffiths says there is a very clear ‘sport for all’ philosophy.

“We have high-fliers – with three boys’ sports scholarships awarded this year alone – but it’s about one team, one school. We have to challenge everyone – not just the best pupils.”

He welcomes school sport’s general shift away from emphasising results only. “Here we don’t just report the wins but the successes in other ways. Our Team of the Week is not awarded just to winners but to teams showing good values.”

In-school initiatives are designed to enable children to improve, with whole-group sessions to enable everyone to develop.

While core sports are important, so too is variety, with golf, table tennis, fencing, judo, cross-country and equestrian, as well as PE and more hybrid activities, on offer.

Johnny Griffiths says ensuring sport for all is about creating the right environment – be it soccer coaching with “champagne moments” to enthuse football crazy but less able pupils or orienteering to give tech wizards some exercise. “Children of prepschool age are so easily influenced, so giving them positive experiences that match their passions is what it’s all about.”

Beaudesert Park sees sport as adding a vital extra element to pupil development.

The school runs a year 8 leadership programme to enable older pupils to mentor the younger ones. But Johnny Griffiths also looks beyond the leadership qualities to the other key parts of character development.

“There’s the element of failure in sport – talked about a lot now – and we want children to understand that if they don’t fail they won’t progress. Sport ticks a lot of boxes to help children develop character and resilience. Above all, we focus on the idea of opportunity. If we can say as a school that we provide equal opportunities in sport then we have achieved our goal.”

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ith a stellar track record in sport, Heathfield School in Ascot also has exceptional former players on its staff. “Two of our lacrosse teachers played high-level lacrosse – one was on the England team for 13 years – and my background is in netball, where I played in the national league,” says Director of Sport Carys Willimott.

Talented girls can draw on the staff’s expertise, not just in playing but in training, nutrition and recovery. “It’s easy for students to only see the glitz and glamour and so part of our role is to help them understand that there’s a lot more to it.”

Carys Willimott is building the school’s existing strengths, as well as offering opportunities in other sports – basketball, hockey, tag rugby, water polo and volleyball, among them. “With our facilities we are able to bring in outside influences – Windsor Swimming Club train here, as do Eagles Netball Club. It’s good to have as it helps with motivating and inspiring our girls.”

Teenage girls can be inclined to reject sport, but the school works hard to keep enthusiasm levels up. “The question we ask is: ‘if they don’t enjoy traditional sports, what do they enjoy?’” she says. “I’m a A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

strong believer that there’s a physical activity to suit everybody.” A co-curricular activities programme assists with this, as do after-school clubs. But they are always keen to try new things. Trampolining has proved a real hit – also attracting girls who don’t gravitate towards conventional team sports. In fact, it’s been such a hit that Heathfield won the regional round and an individual gold medal in its first year competing regionally.

"Girls have to be comfortable playing sport. The post-16 drop-out rate among girls generally is huge, so it becomes critical to find something they enjoy enough to want to continue. If I can teach a student how to use the fitness equipment, I might have made her a gym goer for life,” says Carys Willimott.

As to sport’s value, she believes it teaches a lot of life skills – independence and leadership among them. “We actively encourage girls to take on leadership roles and they don’t have to be ‘sporty’ to do this. For instance, we have encouraged girls to learn about netball umpiring and take the Lacrosse Level 1 umpire course, so that even if they don’t play they can still be involved.”

HEATHFIELD

SPORT AT OAKHAM, WHERE THERE'S AN EQUAL SPLIT OF BOYS AND GIRLS

Oakham School

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port is a huge part of Oakham life and the Rutland co-ed offers exceptional facilities and plenty of opportunities to shine. But Director of Sport Iain Simpson says the school likes to avoid using the word ‘elite’ about its students. “We work with students who are talented and our job is to provide provision and the opportunity to develop their expertise. We don’t like to label students – their talent goes alongside attitude and commitment, and those are the areas where we can assist.”

While the gifted need to put in the hours, the school’s expertise can be useful for the other essentials – such as coping with pressure during competition and ensuring quality practice. “If we do it this way then they benefit even if they don’t make it at the highest level. While athletes might be focused on outcome, we’re more focused on process and the journey. This helps students to be better and stronger and can also assist if they ever choose to transition to another sport.”

Oakham’s approach is sports for all, and lots of it. The school fields something like 45 teams on a typical Saturday, so that

means lots of opportunities to be included.

“What we always have to be clear about is our objective – which is to develop a love of sport that carries on after school.”

The proof is in the feedback – something Iain Simpson is very keen on garnering.

A recent survey of Old Oakhamians, running all the way up to 65+, showed that this love of sport has stuck for many of them well into mid and later life.

At the core of the Oakham approach is developing people, not just athletes, and the team put a lot of thought into why some students end up in lower ability groups. It may come down to being youngest in the class. Other factors, such as older siblings they can play with and learn from, may give children an extra advantage. “We also tend to find that if parents view sport as valuable their children will be at a higher standard.”

However brilliantly or badly a child plays, the school’s most important premise after safety is ensuring they enjoy the sport they play. Iain Simpson says careful matching with others of similar ability reaps dividends in making children feel they are making progress. “If children feel they are going to fail at something they try to avoid it. So it’s about creating success at a different level and providing encouraging feedback.”

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L ON UA T I S RT A N VI RMSIO FO ES IN S

Eaton House Schools

An Outstanding Education

Come and see our outstanding single sex schools for boys and girls aged 4-13 for yourself

Eaton House Schools’ boys and girls are taught in single sex schools from the ages of 4-13, on two separate sites in Belgravia and Clapham. A non-selective entry at 4+ allows all pupils to blossom at the right pace for each child and the excellent results speak for themselves. A culture of wellbeing is at the heart of the schools’ success. Leavers achieve outstanding results, with a high percentage achieving offers to Westminster, St Paul’s, Eton, Winchester, Tonbridge and Wycombe Abbey, amongst other fine schools, with many scholarship wins.

Come and visit us or join us for a virtual information session Eaton House Belgravia: 3-5 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BA Eaton House The Manor: 58 Clapham Common North Side, London SW4 9RU Contact 020 3917 5050 | sfeilding@eatonhouseschools.com | www.eatonhouseschools.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

CRICKET AT EMANUEL

Emanuel School

A

t Emanuel in Battersea, there is ample sporting provision. “Our aim is for every pupil to enjoy their recreational time, improve and grow and confidence,” says Deputy Head Ravi Kothakota. “We operate six core sports, with a number of minor sports running alongside them.”

The school has exceptional talent within its fold, currently 20 sports scholars, and the track record in outside competition is impressive. In the past 12 months alone achievements have included representing Lambs RFC South East U18 teams, breaking British indoor rowing records and selection for Surrey CCC junior squads.

While elite pupils are nurtured, access to coaching and challenges is designed to bring on every level of ability. Not everyone gravitates towards the traditional games, so extra options – including dance, yoga and climbing – ensure all pupils can experience both the exercise and camaraderie benefits of sport. Among the 60 different co-curricular clubs and activities running at the school, dance club has become a definite hit, says Ravi Kothakota.

Pupils choose which sports they participate in from the start of Year 10 – the school finds that giving pupils ownership helps ensure they keep participating. “The key thing is that they are happy in their choices, making progress and getting the best from the opportunities on offer,” he adds.

The team here see sport as an opportunity to experience both success and failure in a controlled environment. “We are mindful that school life and teenage life is full of challenge,” says Ravi Kothakota. “A young person’s sense of self and worth needs to be made up of a range of school experiences, each balancing the other. One day, all may be going well in the classroom, but they have struggled with a team fixture; the next week, their sport is thriving and that Physics test could have gone better. It’s all about feeling they are not just about one part of school life.

For us, this makes healthy young people!”

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HOCKEY AT REPTON

Repton School

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t Repton, there is a clear aim to support performance athletes through their school career and on to the next stage. The South Derbyshire co-ed can boast alumni at the three most recent Olympic Games and it also has a strong track record of pupils transitioning to a full-time sports career. Supporting the very best is important but, says Director of Sport Ian Pollock, provision needs to work across the board. “A range of opportunities, competitions and fixtures at a variety of levels means that every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential during their school career.”

Repton specialist staff help elite athletes in key performance areas, including mobility, power and speed. Strength and conditioning are introduced as they get older, alongside rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Top-level players may need other specialist help, such as tutoring, so that academic work doesn’t suffe, and this wraparound care means they have the opportunity to shine in the classroom and achieve their sporting potential.

Of course, not every pupil has medals and glory ahead of them and Ian Pollock says Repton’s approach is about ensuring

opportunities for everyone to join in.

“It is important to help every pupil find their niche, from international performer through to weekly gym attender. We aim to ingrain positive habits that will stay with young people for life.”

He says the school’s barometer of success is finding the sporting and athletic potential in every pupil. This also means helping them to enjoy the camaraderie it brings. With over 25 sports on offer, and a plethora of teams representing Repton at all levels, there is a strong emphasis on choice. “Our inter-house sport is a thriving, naturally competitive activity beloved by all Reptonians,” he says. “Of course, every pupil is different and finds their own way. While some people choose to focus on specific sports, there is no reason why a performance athlete is not involved in team sports or vice-versa, when schedules allow it.”

Core school sports remain the key focus of the school day in earlier years, but Ian Pollock said the “controlled choice” is relaxed as children get older. There are no doubts in his mind that sport is an intrinsic part of life at Repton. As well as building a healthy and active lifestyle, he believes that it offers something much more. “Sport also develops young people's resilience and mental stamina.”

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

MEET THE HEAD

Vicky Ellis is set to take over at The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon

By EVE HERBERT

M

iss Vicky Ellis will take over the reins at the thriving all girls prep school from September. Most recently, Miss Ellis was Headteacher of Banstead Prep School, having previously taught and been Director of Studies at Redcliffe School in Chelsea, and taught and been Head of Early Years at Guildford High School.

After initially completing a first class honours BSc in Accounting and working at Andersen/ Deloitte, she turned to a career in teaching, and subsequently completed an MA in Educational Leadership and Management.

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She will now be Headteacher at The Study Prep, established in 1893, and based on two beautiful sites adjacent to Wimbledon Common. It is proudly non-selective at 4+, and is renowned for its nurturing, creative ethos. Academic rigour and excellent 11+ results are also hallmarks of the school, and its already outstanding record of scholarships and offers from leading senior schools has been surpassed this year, with a total of 40 scholarships offered to the 2020 Year 6 cohort. This brings the total of scholarship offers over the last three years to an impressive 104.

Miss Ellis says: "I am passionate about the value of Early Years and Primary education, giving children the best possible start,

“The school is proudly non-selective at 4+ and is renowned for its nurturing ethos”

ARTIST’S IMPRESSION OF NEW PERFORMANCE SPACE

while fostering a love of learning and a lifelong ‘can do’ attitude. I am excited to have been appointed to the headship of The Study, where these values are already so evident, and I am very much looking forward to joining the school community at this exciting time in its long history."

This is indeed an exciting time in the history of The Study, with the near completion of its ambitious building work at its Wilberforce House site which includes six new classrooms, a performing arts theatre, a library and a new visitors’ welcome area.

The Study’s new building development on the Camp Road site will be for the benefit of all the students, and the large performance hall space will in particular enhance the performing arts, drama and music experience for all the girls.

The development does not mean that there will be an increase in pupil numbers, which will stay at 320 across both sites, but it will have a positive impact and provide wonderful teaching and play facilities for the girls. The development is due for completion in the late autumn of this year.

T H E ST U DY P R E P thestudyprep.co.uk 020 8947 6969

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An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11

KEW GREEN preparatory school

Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” “Pupils of all ages benefit from a rich and exciting curriculum.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - July 2015

To book your place on an open morning, please go to www.kgps.co.uk/openmornings or phone 020 8948 5999

Kew Green Preparatory School

Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF

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Oakfield Preparatory School

A world of opportunity for boys and girls aged 2-11

Join us for Open Mornings on 22nd September and 13th October To register for a place email admissions@oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk Oakfield Prep SE London Advert - Sept 2020.indd 1

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125-128 Thurlow Park Road, West Dulwich, SE21 8HP 21/08/2020 13:27

28/08/2020 09:55

I ND E P E ND E NT DAY SCHO O L FO R GI RLS AGE D 4 TO 18 I N SO UT H K E N S I NGTO N

OUR TRADITION

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JUNIOR & SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN EVENTS FIND OUT MORE www.queensgate.org.uk South Kensington · 5-minute walk Gloucester Road · 6-minute walk

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28/08/2020 09:55

Next Open Event

Saturday 3rd October 2020

admissions@stedmunds.org.uk

RAVENSCOURT PARK

preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

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Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - March 2016

Open Mornings Open Mornings Open Mornings Thursday 8th October 2020 (9.00am)

9.15am 14th FULL November 5th MarchTuesday 2020 (9.00am) Tuesday 10th November 2020 (9.00am) 7th May 2020 (9.00am) th 9.15am Thursday January 2018 Thursday 14 January 18th 2021 (9.00am) 2nd June 2020 (9.00am) th Thursday 4 February 2021 (9.00am) 9.15am Thursday 1st February 2018

To book your place on an open morning, To book your place on an open morning, To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please go to www.rpps.co.uk/openmornings please go to www.rpps.co.uk/openmornings please phone or phone 020 0208 8846 846 91539153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk or phone 020 8846 9153

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Co-educational day and boarding school for 11 - 18

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Saturday 26 September

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Eltham College is a coeducational day school which welcomes girls and boys for entry in Years 3, 7 and Sixth Form. Visit us at an upcoming digital open event to find out more.

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TRAVEL

COUNTRY ESCAPE COWORTH PARK

This month's UK Getaway (p. 157) is perfect for city dwellers looking to switch off.

Pictured is the grand Tower House, part of the beautiful Coworth Park estate. .

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Home and away: new hotels to visit 158 • A stay at Rixos The Palm, Dubai 161 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Wednesday 14th October 2020

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WHAT TO EAT

C THE HOTEL

T

his striking Georgian manor sits in 240 acres of land — think flowering meadows, intricate rose gardens and a peaceful lake. Despite the grandiose historical exterior, decor inside is stylish and modern with nods to its rural surroundings.

Super-comfy beds, huge copper bathtubs and fluffy robes make it clear relaxation is a priority at Coworth Park. Separate to the manor house are more private two-story cottages, where rustic charm meets tranquil luxury.

LOCATION

Y

ou'll forget about the stresses of the city as soon as you arrive in this pastoral paradise.

A short way from Ascot, Coworth Park is around an hour’s drive from London making it the perfect choice for a weekend escape. There are also number of stunning parks and gardens nearby, noteably Windsor Great Park.

WHAT TO DO

B

egin your bucolic retreat with a roam around the grounds (use one of the hotel’s walking maps for guidance), or borrow bicycles to explore on two wheels; find a serene spot to enjoy a picnic hamper prepared by the chef. There’s two polo fields, a croquet lawn and tennis courts as well as horse riding, although that's currently on pause for beginners due to Covid precautions. On weekends, you

weekend

can practise al fresco yoga in the Lime Grove, and for the extra-adventurous, the hotel can arrange archery and clay pigeon shooting. On rainy days, head to the on-site spa for a swim in the amethyst-adorned pool followed by a relaxing massage; in keeping with social distancing guidelines, all spa visits must be pre-booked.

D ESTINATI O N S

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

hef Adam Smith is at the helm of Michelinstarred Restaurant Coworth Park. Reopening this month, guests can enjoy an elegant evening in the striking dining room while sampling fine cuisine made with seasonal, British produce. For a more casual experience, The Barn is a short golf buggy ride away from the main house, serving comforting — but nonetheless delicious — brasserie-style dishes with a beautiful view of the grounds. There’s also a classic afternoon tea service accompanied by a live pianist at weekends, perfect for relaxing after a day of country pursuits.

Pre-dinner, don't forget to head to the terrace and sip a cocktail while admiring the glorious gardens at sunset.

COWORTH PARK A S C O T, B E R K S H I R E

By A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

A luxurious manor house in idyllic grounds ROOMS FROM £400 PER NIGHT INCLUDING VAT Coworth Park, Sunningdale, Ascot, SL5 7SE dorchestercollection.com/ en/ascot/coworth-park

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Home and

A W A Y New hotel openings for an autumn escape…

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

HOTEL FARIONES

MODERN LUXURY

158

BACK TO NATURE

H OT E L FA R I O N E S , L A N Z A R OT E

BIRCH, UK

On the southeast coast of Lanzarote is Puerto del Carmen, a coastal town with a stunning palm-fringed beach and buzzing nightlife. It’s the perfect home for Hotel Fariones, a shiny, newly refurbished resort which pairs a sleek and modern design with a laid back vibe. There’s a sea view infinity pool, direct access to the idyllic sandy cove and brilliant restaurants serving fresh, local seafood. It’s not all lounging around though, as Hotel Fariones boasts four bars, including a rooftop with panoramic views and a beach bar as well as La Cueva de Doña, an elegant club set in a cave carved from rocks on the beach. Go with a group of friends and expect to snooze on a sunlounger all day and dance all night.

Birch is branded as a ‘lifestyle concept’.

Put simply, it looks like a hotel but feels like a festival. Or perhaps a wellness retreat.

There’s everything you need for a proper countryside escape, but it’s in Cheshunt, just 30 minutes outside of the city. Housed in a Grade II listed Georgian mansion in 55 acres of lush land, there’s an on-site farm, two restaurants, a co-working space, fitness centre, music and art rooms, pottery workshop and even a lido opening in the spring — plenty of activities to please everyone, although you do have to pay extra for most of them. It’s an oasis of calm where you can eat well, relax deeply and even work, if you want to, but who does when there’s so much fun to be had?

pyhotelsandresorts.com/en/fariones-hotel

birchcommunity.com

BIRCH

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TRAVEL • NEW HOTELS

RUSTIC PARADISE

PA R AG O N 70 0, I TA LY

A former Puglian palace, Paragon 700 has been restored to perfection. Inside the red brick building are magnificent cathedral ceilings, traditional fireplaces, and even a spa featuring a natural whirlpool dug into the ground. It’s intimate, with just 11 rooms (ideal for group holidays) and there’s a verdant garden, citrus grove and swimming pool to cool off in, while the hotel’s restaurant serves exquisite gourmet dishes in a centuries-old vault stone chamber.

A five minute walk from the main square of Ostuni, this boutique hotel is a great base for exploring Italy’s beautiful White City and the region’s stunning beaches — guests have priority access to loungers at Paragon 700’s sister beach club, P-Beach.

MAISON ILA

paragon700.com PARAGON 700

MEDITERRANEAN DREAM

MAISON ILA, FRANCE

Surrounded by olive groves and terraced vineyards, Maslina stretches across two hectares of pine forest overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Located on the island of Hvar, the stunning resort is a member of the eco and sustainable tourism body Green Pearls, and nature is also at the heart of the hotel’s design.

From room furnishings made from local materials to the restaurant produce grown in Maslina’s own garden, the hotel offers an array of wellness, adventure and culinary experiences that are both luxurious and mindful. Whether you explore the spa or lounge next to the infinity pool, relaxation is mandatory.

Skincare and spa brand ila are behind this charming villa in the Languedoc, southern France. Dedicated to health and healing, seven bedrooms are accompanied by yoga, sound healing and treatment rooms plus a communal dining area, all surrounded by picturesque blossoming gardens and natural pools, which guests can swim in. Food is central to the Maison ila experience, unsurprising considering it’s located in a region famed for its vineyards and produce. Tasty yet nutritious, mostly vegetarian food is served and intermittent fasting is encouraged (although a few glasses of wine are perfectly acceptable).

WELLNESS ESCAPE

M A S L I N A R E S O R T, C R OAT I A

MASLINA RESORT

maslinaresort.com

maisonila.com

FOODIE STAYCATION

THE MITRE, UK

The Mitre Hampton Court is a Grade IIlisted property dating back to 1665, when it was used as ancillary accommodation for guests of King Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace. It’s opening this month as a hotel with 36 bedrooms, two restaurants, an orangery and a riverside terrace. With stunning views of the River Thames, The Mitre makes for a gorgeous staycation, especially for foodies. Ronnie Kimbugwe, whose background includes over six years at Claridge's, has been appointed as Culinary & Operations Director and will serve his take on modern British comfort cooking.

Inside the hotel, interiors combine quirky British sensibility with elegant luxury. mitrehamptoncourt.com

THE MITRE

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The top performing

independent secondary school in the North of

England (The Sunday Times

Schools Guide 2020)

Limited places available for September 2020

An ‘Excellent’

rated, vibrant and supportive school

community welcoming boarders from

6 years to 19 years

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

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TRAVEL • DUBAI

“The top suites include a dedicated butler service and VIP features” GRAND KING SUITE

FAMILY POOL

Gulf LUXE

How Rixos The Palm Dubai is taking the concept of all inclusive to the next level

By JAMES FUSCHILLO

R ANJANA SPA

ixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites has been named one of Dubai’s best luxury beach resorts multiple times, thanks to its views of the Arabian Gulf, luxurious amenities and elegant accommodations. And now with the enhanced Ultra-All-Inclusive experience, guests can enjoy more opulence than ever. Taking luxury to the next level, the top suites in the Luxury Collection include dedicated butler service and VIP features such as a private swimming pool, BBQ area and outdoor jacuzzi.

An Ultra-All-Inclusive experience at Rixos The Palm Dubai takes guests on an epicurean adventure, providing limitless dining at 11 food and beverage outlets, from international all-day dining restaurants A La Turca and Turquoise, to a la carte dining at Italian restaurant L’Olivo Ristorante, Spanish meat joint Toro Loco Steakhouse, and seafood spot Aqua & More. Top that off with the fully upgraded premium beverage programme that now offers a staggering 100 international brands, there’s limitless indulgence to be had.

With gluten, allergen-free and vegetarian

menu options widely available and the services of a dedicated Wellbeing Chef who can tailor meals to specific health requirements, every guest is catered for.

For the health-conscious, the Rixos Sports Academy’s activities, like spin cycling, anti-gravity yoga and aqua fit, are included as part of the Ultra-All-Inclusive offering. With a newly renovated outdoor wellness area, expansive main swimming pool, indoor wellness studio and tennis court, there are multiple locations for guests to get their daily workout fix. The hotel’s 1-kilometre stretch of private beach and four temperature-controlled swimming pools offer ample opportunities to relax and take in the Palm Jumeirah setting.

Extending the VIP treatment, guests can enjoy complimentary pool and beach amenities such as ice-cold fruit kebabs, frozen lollies, refreshing Evian face mists and sub-zero face towels, plus a Sunglass Butler to ensure those mesmerizing palm views remain unobstructed. Guests seeking serious pampering can visit the Turkishinspired Anjana Spa and enjoy use of the complimentary facilities including the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. To take relaxation one step further, they can book a signature Turkish Hammam treatment or schedule a Meditation class with the resort’s in-house Wellness Director.

R I XO S T H E PA L M D U B A I An Ultra-All-Inclusive stay a Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites starts from AED1,500 per night based on two people staying in a Deluxe Room. moluptaquodi.com

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M o n d ay t o F r i d ay 9 a m – 4 p m S at u r d ay 1 0 : 3 0 a m – 3 p m C l o s e d a l l d ay S u n d ay

We have the largest Ted Todd display in the UK.

P lu s

th e f u ll r an g es f rom

Kahrs | Boen | Alton Oak 49 West Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1BU

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020 8942 5554 www.onewoodfloors.co.uk

350 West Barnes Lane, New Malden, Surrey KT3 6NB

26/06/2018 17:11

PROPERTY

BRIXTON HILL SW2

PRICES ON APPLICATION

oming soon to Brixton Hill is this modern new development of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Most apartments benefit from spacious private balconies, perfect for socialising al fresco. There’s also a secret garden at the back of the building which all residents can enjoy throughout the year. There has been a lot of early interest on 1this development, with a number OBC.indd of reservations already being made off-plan.

C

ACORN NEW HOMES 020 7089 6566 acorngroup.co.uk/newhomes

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www.johnmartinestates.com TO T W KE NE AR M

EALING BORDERS

ÂŁ950,000 Freehold

A unique, extended four bedroom semi-detached family home, well maintained and improved to a high standard with stunning views over local sports fields on the borders of Ealing. The ground floor offers breakfast room, kitchen and large lounge with the extended part comprising snug/office, bedroom and shower room. To the first floor are three further excellent sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property also benefits from an array of period style features, double glazed windows, 60’ rear garden and off street parking for multiple cars.

Energy Performance Certificate E

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“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”

TO T W KE NE AR M

EALING W5

£950,000 Freehold

A superb, bright and airy four bedroom centre terraced family home situated in the heart of the award winning Pitshanger Village. The ground floor offers a split level fitted kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, lounge, utility area and cloakroom. To the first floor are three good sized bedrooms and family bathroom and to the second floor a further bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room. The property also benefits from part double glazed windows, an array of period style features, gas fired central heating and a wonderful 65’ east facing rear garden. Energy Performance Certificate D.

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www.johnmartinestates.com TO T W KE NE AR M

EALING W5

ÂŁ575,000 Share of Freehold

An excellent sized, tastefully extended ground floor garden flat located in the heart of the Greystoke Estate with the added bonus of a studio outbuilding. The property offers a large through lounge, well-arranged fitted kitchen, bathroom, shower room, spacious double bedroom and impressive brick built outbuilding/studio. The property also benefits from a private entrance, array of period style features, gas fired central heating, uPVC double glazing and sole use of beautiful south east facing rear garden. There is also a hardstanding to the rear.

Energy Performance Certificate D

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“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”

EALING W13

£1,500 Per Calendar Month

A beautifully appointed two bed top floor apartment set in this sought after Art Deco development opposite Cleveland Park and a short walk from award winning Pitshanger Village. The property offers a large spacious lounge, well-arranged fitted kitchen, modern family bathroom and two double bedrooms. The property also benefits from excellent storage facilities, double glazed windows, gas fired central heating and entryphone system with delightful communal gardens. Offered unfurnished. Available immediately. Energy Performance Certificate E

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T R A N Q U I L WO O D L A N D SET T I NG I N A SCOT Photography of Holmwood House

Photography of Kitchen / Breakfast / Family area

Photography of Ensuite Bathroom

Photography of Woodland Walks

Holmwood House is a striking, individually-designed 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom family home with charming views over a tranquil pond. Large private south-facing garden backing onto woodland. Spacious kitchen/ breakfast/family area with double doors to patio; separate dining room, drawing room and study.

Call now to view Holmwood House – 01344 985 211 Ready to move into – £1,700,000 Showhomes open daily, London Road, Ascot SL5 8BE | bromptongardens@berkeleygroup.co.uk | 01344 985 211

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

BOOK

SM A RT

How ABC's Home Book Drop scheme kept kids reading during lockdown

T

he Acorn Book Club (ABC) had planned its most eventful year to date. 2020 was programmed full of library refurbishments, huge book donations and reading events to encourage children to explore more stories.

When the nationwide lockdown was announced in March, it became apparent that the ABC’s plans needed to be put on hold, but they were determined to continue getting books into

the hands of local children, whatever the circumstances.

After weeks of brainstorming ideas and organising the wonderful donations already in storage, the ABC launched their Home Book Drop scheme in early July. If you follow @acornbookclub on social media, you will have seen their campaign asking anyone who might be interested in books for their children (aged between 3-11) to email the charity with a list of their child’s interests and reading ability.

Bespoke bundles of books chosen specifically for each child were then delivered across London and Kent.

“Bespoke bundles of books were delivered across London” The campaign has been so well received that the Bromleybased charity have now made over 75 deliveries, and have been blown away by the reception from parents whose children have been stuck at home during lockdown.

One parent wrote "OMG!!!!

Thank you so much for the amazing selection of books!!!

He loves them... He just keeps asking to read them all!" Another exclaimed, "We really appreciate the new books, especially as the children have had to miss out on school and the local library."

The Acorn Book Club are still taking entries into their Home Book Drop scheme, albeit they are hopeful that come September, schools will be returning to some normality and their usual activities can resume in some capacity.

To see if you’re eligible to win a bundle of books for your child, email hello@acornbookclub.co.uk with your child’s age, their interests/reading ability and your postcode.

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020 8543 2828 343 - 345 Haydon’s Road Wimbledon | SW19 8LA

The best kept secret in SW19

Book your table now

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