Absolutely Yorkshire Magazine March 2025 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

Over 20 pages of inspiration and insight SPECIAL

NEW COLLECTION

Inspired by our heritage, designed for the modern bedroom. The Iconic Collection features floating beds with unparalleled comfort and exclusive fabrics. Handmade in Sweden

NEW ARRIVAL Bed: Hällsö Walnut I MattressFabric: Kvadrat’s Fjord 0322 I Rug: Hemsedal 2300 I Bed Linen: Vindstilla I Headboard: Pinnö

2-night weekend breaks with a late 6pmwithdepartureSunday Sundaydeparture

EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

MAGAZINE DESIGNER

MARIANA SUZUKI

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

MELANIE HARDCASTLE

RACHEL STEAD

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES

JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

With its beautiful countryside, pretty villages and historic market towns, Yorkshire is the perfect choice when it comes to choosing a holiday destination here in the UK.

Yorkshire Hideaways is a holiday cottage agency showcasing an ever-growing portfolio of self-catering properties throughout the county – from cosy cottages full of rural charm to luxury retreats oozing coastal chic.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a dog-friendly break or somewhere for that large family get-together, you are sure to nd that perfect holiday property with us. Find your

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

For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588

Website absolutelymagazines.com

Askrigg Chapel, Askrigg

14 / 16 CORN MARKET HALIFAX, HX1 1TH

HALIFAX

ILKLEY 2 THE GROVE

ILKLEY, LS29 9EG

Yorkshire YATTER

Lisa Byrne looks at ways to put a spring in her step

I’ve never been one to spring out of bed full of the joys of life – it takes what seems like an eternity for my brain and body to click into any kind of semblance of life. But in recent years my energy levels have totally deteriorated, being more akin to a hibernating snail than a 54-year-old woman juggling work, family, elderly relations etc. However, deciding to be more proactive about my sloth-like state, I investigated what actions I could take to improve my quality of life. Firstly, I visited the website Get A Drip, which is a national service o ering a vitamin boost service, where you can order anything from a basic hydration IV (£100) to a Limitless Drip (£850) which boasts a huge selection of minerals. Because I was heading to Ireland for a few days

to see a host of relatives, I opted for their best-selling Energy Drip which is crammed packed with Vitamin B12, Magnesium and Amino Acids (£150). A lovely lady called Clare Jackson performed the IV which took around 40 minutes in her Clifton Moor o ce (home visits are available). And what a huge di erence this vitamin bag made. Usually when I come back from Ireland, I feel shattered, a combination of burning the candle at both ends and feeling mournful saying goodbye to my family. On this occasion I was bouncing around like a Duracell bunny for weeks afterwards. I then read the bestselling menopausal women’s Bible: Liz Earle’s book A Better Second Half. I decided to get hold of NMN Sublingual Powder – which Liz hugely recommends – from wellness brand Youth&Earth. Following the stated prescription I have taken two level scoops under my tongue every morning. This helps boost metabolism, physical activity, DNA repair and heart function. It’s been a game changer. Finally, LYMA capsules created by Leeds entrepreneur Lucy Go have also been revolutionary for my immunity and wellbeing. Each supplement has ten powerful ingredients, including Ashwagandha and Turmeric extracts and has helped in every area of my life from sleep, anxiety to focus. Trust a Leeds lass to have invented something so utterly brilliant.

My highlights for the month of March

Watching the carpet of egg yolk-coloured daﬀodils spread across the mound of Cliﬀord’s Tower and city walls.

Treating myself to the beautiful Daﬀodil Pendant by Yorkbased Bradley’s Jewellers

Watching my favourite band The Darkness at the Barbican Centre

Attending the oﬃ cial opening of the Brontë Birthplace in Thornton.

LISA BYRNE

IV DRIPS ARE HUGELY POPULAR TODAY

Wish LIST

FLEECY FEEL

We're coveting Wyse's Celia borg jacket with its cosy feel, chic faux leather detail, mock horn buttons and boxy ﬁt, £295. wyselondon.com

PRETTY IN PINK

This unique design features a spectacular cushion cut pink tourmaline held inside a double four claw setting. The pink tourmaline stone is accompanied by a baguette cut diamond and two oval cut diamonds on each side. berrysjewellers.co.uk

SCENE SET

Disney and Sanderson have joined together to bring a collection of enchanting fabrics in delicious, vintageinspires hues. From deep within the Sanderson archive emerges a newly discovered selection of classic fabrics, sprinkled in magic. sandersondesigngroup.com

WHITE OR BROWN

Richard Hart's long-awaited book on intuitive sourdough baking is here – a must for bakers everywhere, £28. hardiegrant.com

SEE ME

Eyesight failing you? No problem. We love Bloobloom's selection of specs for their stylish colours and shapes. How many pairs do we need? bloobloom.com

NEARLY NUDE

For a wide range of lingerie in all shapes and colours, visit Amelie's Follies' colourful website. We love this set by Aubade Lingerie. ameliesfollies.co.uk

BISCUIT SHADES

Born out of a love for high-quality fabrics and exquisite cra smanship, ILA's everyday styles celebrate an elegant and playful attitude with reﬁ ned attention to detail. ilao cial.co.uk

RED HOT

The Ember collection from Berry’s Jewellers, with its dynamic interplay of spark and ﬂ ame, invites wearers to embrace jewellery as an experience and a statement. Whether you prefer minimalist elegance or bold statement designs, Ember oﬀers versatility for all tastes and styles. berrysjewellers.co.uk

FELT TOP

Simba's Stormur slipper is designed to mimic the relaxing sensation of Reﬂ exology by applying gentle, cushioned pressure to key points on the soles of your feet. Which makes them super comfortable, £69. simbasleep.com

WAX LYRICAL

This ﬁ ve-armed candelabra was designed exclusively for Cerabella and is the creation of designer Sybilla, £76. scp.co.uk

CULTURE Picturing

UNTIL 26 APRIL

SCARBOROUGH ART GALLERY

Scarborough Pride, in collaboration with Scarborough Museums and Galleries, proudly presents Picturing Pride, an evocative new exhibition created by photographer Aidan Brooks. This vibrant collection of portraits, captured during Scarborough Pride 2024, offers a striking visual celebration of the town’s diverse LGBTQ+ community. scarboroughpride.co.uk

The Agenda

MARCH'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

Springtime Babies

Until 20 May TEMPLE NEWSAM

Visit Home Farm as they gear up for spring and welcome their new born lambs, piglets and other farm animals. There will be crafts in the Joiner's Shop and a trail round the farm. Home Farm is Temple Newsam's working conservation farm, and is one of the largest rare-breed centres in Europe. museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

The Darkness

12 MARCH, CONNEXIN ARENA, HULL

Legends of rock, The Darkness, have returned to bedazzle and amaze once more as they serve up their eighth studio album Dreams On Toast in March 2025. Not only will Dreams On Toast feature arguably their best collection of songs yet, but The Darkness will also be hitting the road for their largest headline tour of the UK in years.

connexinlivehull.com MUSIC

15-16 March

THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD

The Hepworth Wakeﬁeld’s Print Fair – the go-to place in the north to buy and explore all things print – returns. Make a weekend of it with family activities, street food and discounted exhibition entry. Visitors to The Hepworth Wakeﬁeld will be able to buy directly from over 60 emerging and established artists and collectives.

hepworthwakeﬁeld.org

COMEDY

THEATRE

A Streetcar Named Desire

1-29 March

CRUCIBLE THEATRE, SHEFFIELD

In the sultry back streets of 1940s New Orleans, fading Southern belle Blanche DuBois (Joanna Vanderham, pictured) seeks solace with her estranged sister Stella. Blanche’s delicate sensibilities create instant suspicion in Stella’s unrestrained husband Stanley, as they collide in a struggle for Stella’s heart. she eldtheatres.co.uk

SATURDAY COMEDY CLUB

On-going

HIFI COMEDY CLUB

They say laughter is the best medicine and comedy lovers in Leeds are now in for an extra dose from the city’s bestloved and longest established comedy club. The HiFi Comedy Club, which has been running its hugely popular show every Saturday night since 2001, is now adding a new Saturday afternoon performance to its schedule. thehificlub.co.uk

Giovanna Fletcher on starring as Rachel in The Girl On The Train at the Lyceum Sheffield from 4-8 March

Who is Rachel?

This Month’s

Russell Wilson

Must See A

n exhibition of new nature-inspired paintings by Russell Wilson opens at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) this spring. A Spring Table showcases 48 colourful new paintings by the Derbyshirebased artist. Celebrating the abundance of nature on display in spring, each painting captures a feeling of optimism, with bright light and warmth. ysp.org.uk

When we meet Rachel at the start of the play she's clearly not at the best point in her life. Every day she gets on the train to work, and she is completely captivated by this couple who basically are living the life that she feels she should have had, but everything's gone south for her. She's an alcoholic, she's divorced, there's so much that's gone wrong for her, and she sees this couple and totally idolises them. Then one day she's on the train and she sees the woman in that couple kissing someone else. All her dreams of them as this perfect couple are shattered. The next day the lady goes missing, so the rest of the play is all about Rachel trying to piece together what, if any, her involvement in that is.

Are there surprises in store for people who have read the book or have seen the ﬁlm version?

Yes, absolutely. I read the play first. I hadn't read the book or the film, so I read the play first and then I went back and read the novel and watched the movie. It's interesting to see the different takes and the way that each version really leans into whatever device is being used to tell the story. The wonderful thing about theatre is that it's live, so you don't know what's coming next. If you're a fan of the book or the film, amazing – come along and you'll love it. If you've never read the book or seen the film, don't worry –you're absolutely going to be able to follow what's going on because it's a great piece of storytelling.

she eldtheatres.co.uk

MASTER work at

The National Science and Media Museum has reopened with an exhibition by Bradford-born artist David Hockney

As the National Science and Media Museum enters a new era, its inaugural temporary exhibition David Hockney: Pieced Together showcases the world-renowned, Bradford-born artist’s pioneering use of photography and ﬁlm.

The exhibition showcases Hockney’s video installation capturing Woldgate Woods in the East Riding of Yorkshire through the four seasons, with multiple screens showing a di erent perspective of the country lane. Alongside this immersive work, the exhibition explores the artistic and technical parallels of Hockney’s early ‘joiner’ photocollages, two of which are part of the museum’s collection. One of the joiners on display shows the museum in its early days as the National Museum of

Photography, Film and Television in 1985, and has not been on display in 25 years.

Known for his paintings, Hockney has also embraced using technology to create his art. Making visual 'collages' with still and video cameras, he captures the way we see scenes in real life. These works push the boundaries of how ﬁlm and photographic technologies can record images with a trueto-life sense of time, scale and perspective.

Hockney’s scepticism about photography’s capacity to deliver a true representation of perspective led him to push the boundaries of the medium, combining multiple viewpoints in a single work of art. Talking about this experimentation in the 1970s and 80s, Hockney commented: “The joiners were much closer to the way we actually look at things, closer to the truth of the experience.”

In recent decades, Hockney has embraced technology further, using video and more recently iPad to create artworks at scale, giving the viewer an immersive experience.

The Four Seasons, Woldgate Woods (Spring 2011, Summer 2010, Autumn 2010, Winter 2010) mirrors the approach of the joiners, in that each ﬁlm (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) is a composite of nine separate videos. Each ﬁlm was originally just under an hour long, which Hockney edited down to four minutes. The presentation of the whole work across four walls surrounding the visitor creates a real sense of place.

The exhibition continues until 18th May and visitors can enjoy related screenings in Pictureville Cinema. The opening weekend in January was marked with a screening of Hockney (2014), with an introduction from Kate Burnett, the exhibition’s Interpretation Developer, and A Bigger Splash (1973). The documentary weaves together contributions from Hockney and those close to him as well as exclusive footage from his personal archive, reﬂecting on Hockney’s formative years in the British art scene and his experience during the AIDs crisis. Pictureville will

DAVID HOCKNEY CREATING A JOINER OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND MEDIA MUSEUM, BRADFORD, JULY 1985

also host a specially curated Artists on Film strand to close the exhibition in May.

David Hockney has been at the forefront of the international art world for more than six decades. He emerged as one of the exceptional talents in the new generation of British artists in the early 1960s. Throughout his extraordinarily proliﬁc career, he remains endlessly inventive and committed to celebrating the world around him. In the darkest days of the Covid lockdown, he delighted the world with his iPad paintings of spring and renewal, an antidote to the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.

Hockney is fascinated by the language of representation in a variety of forms. He explores the conventions of Chinese and Japanese painting as well as the traditions of European art. He experimented with abstraction; however, he steadfastly remains a ﬁgurative artist. Constantly questioning the world around him, he draws and paints from life, from memory, and from imagination.

Across his career he has created many bodies of works and numerous individual paintings which are now viewed as iconic. His experimental paintings in the early 1960s announced the arrival of a new artistic voice. These were followed by a celebrated series of Hollywood swimming pools where the young Hockney arrived in 1964, documenting the city’s seductive charm and ambience from the position of an outsider. Often poetically titled, works such as A Bigger Splash and Beverly Hills Housewife have become celebrated paintings and part of the modern vernacular.

A deep fascination with perspective and a desire to investigate how we see and represent the world initiated a long and complicated relationship with the camera and lens. Hockney’s photographic

collages in the 1980s, with their cubist language and reliance on the fundamental concepts of drawing, challenged the limitations of the lens. Never afraid to push against the accepted doctrines of art history, his focus on past masters’ reliance on the lens as a painting device resulted in an in-depth study of the subject in both a book and BBC documentary, Secret Knowledge, published in 2001.

From painting, drawing, printmaking, set design, and photography to media ranging from fax machines to iPads, Hockney demonstrates his deep understanding of art history coupled with his interest in modern technology to create new ways of seeing and presenting. Hockney’s rich and enduring body of work reveals his passion for contemporary life and curiosity about the world, epitomized by his signature phrase, “Love Life”.

Commenting on the exhibition

Jo Quinton-Tulloch, Director of the National Science and Media Museum,

says: “Reopening the museum with this remarkable exhibition feels incredibly fitting. David Hockney has continually pushed the boundaries of art, including in his pioneering approach to photography and film. David Hockney: Pieced Together provides a unique opportunity to experience this lesser-seen side to his work, including two of his iconic joiners from the museum’s collection – on display for the first time in 25 years. One of these joiners, created by Hockney of the museum when it first opened, weaves a lovely connection between his art and the museum itself. Showcasing Hockney’s groundbreaking work through his Bradford roots makes it the perfect exhibition to begin 2025 with, marking an exciting chapter in our history.”

The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire, opened in 1983, and has since become one of the most visited UK museums outside London.

scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

DAVID HOCKNEY MAKING THE FOUR SEASONS , WOLDGATE WOODS

PHOTO BY JEAN-PIERRE GONCALVES DE LIMA

THE FOUR SEASONS , WOLDGATE WOODS PHOTO BY JEAN-PIERRE GONCALVES DE LIMA

TOP 10

SPRING EVEN

Bored of the dark, dreary winter months? Yorkshire will help you banish those blues with some sparkling ways to embrace the new season

SPRINGTIME LIVE SUPER SPANIELS

“Bradford's moment under the spotlight is well under way –with plenty more to come”

BRADFORD CITY OF CULTURE

bradford2025.co.uk

Bradford’s moment under the spotlight is well under way, with a whole host of fabulous events still to come. To celebrate Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Bradford District Museums and Galleries and 125 young people from the district were o ered the opportunity to create a new exhibition with artworks from the Government Art Collection. The result is I Am Me, which runs until 5th May.

Erica Whyman directs a one-night-only celebration of one of Bradford’s most distinctive voices, Andrea Dunbar, on 12th March. Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey opens on 13th March, where you can get up close with artworks from the hit BBC One series at this exhibition in Loading Bay, the new pop-up venue in Bradford. And this is merely three events amongst a host of stunning shows – check out the website for more.

FESTIVAL OF THE OUTDOORS

welcometoshe eld.co.uk

Every March, as the days are getting longer, drier, and warmer, Welcome to She eld celebrates what it means to be The Outdoor City by hosting the Festival of the Outdoors. You’ll ﬁnd everything from large-scale international sporting events to small community gatherings; from guided walks to some of the world’s hardest bouldering

problems; outdoor markets to ﬁlm festivals. There’s plenty that will make you want to embrace the great outdoors.

SCARBOROUGH FILM FESTIVAL

scarboroughﬁlmfestival.co.uk

This festival started life as a chance encounter between Elizabeth Boag and Martha Cattell, both wanting to change the film scene in Scarborough. Many co ees and beers later this developed into a film festival. Created from a DIY ethic for change, the festival aims to bring alternative film to the town whilst championing local makers and creators. Keep an eye on the website for information of what’s on, when, from March.

SPRINGTIME LIVE!

springtimelive.co.uk

Springtime Live! is a family farming event, attracting thousands of visitors to the Great Yorkshire Showground every year. Children can get close to a host of farm animals from piglets to calves, goats and rare breed sheep. Once inside the event, all demonstrations and hands-on workshops are free and this year’s event will be held on Saturday 5th April.

Last year featured animal shows, a crazy climbing wall and mini Land Rover rides. There were a host of farm animals from pigs and goats, to ferrets and giant tortoises. For the ﬁrst time, there were two performances

SHEFFIELD

SCARBOROUGH SPA

WHERE IT BEGAN, OSMAN YOUSEFZADA

PHOTO BY DAVID LINDSAY

of Super Spaniel Shows, which covered 24 hours in the life of an Assistance Dog. Hosted by Chloé Fuller, her incredible dogs have wowed audiences at various events, generating millions of views on social media. It was certainly one to remember.

YORK CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL yorkfoodfestival.com

The ever so tasty Chocolate Festival returns to Parliament Street from 16th-20th April and there will be a host of goodies to look forward to. The Chocolate Festival Market will showcase a selection of chocolatiers, confectioners, and everything in between. Even some traditionally savoury products with a sweet twist will be showcased at the festival market, from independent traders local to the area.

Then there’s the Chocolate Festival Taste Trail, a self-guided walking trail around the city of York and an opportunity to try samples from some of the best of York’s food scene. The trail features 10+ sample stops and you will receive a map and guide of the various participating

“Expect chocolatiers, confectioners and much more”

businesses, along with a schedule of when each business is open and o ering samples. The Taste Trail is a fun and engaging way for visitors to sample a variety of local food and drink o erings and experience the unique ﬂavours and culture of York.

THE NORTH LEEDS FOOD FESTIVAL northleedsfoodfestival.co.uk

Scheduled for 10th-11th May at Roundhay Park, the North Leeds Food Festival returns with its biggest line-up to date. Attendees can indulge in a variety of street food, artisan markets, and specialist independent bars. The festival also features live music, cookery demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and families alike.

LEEDS RUNNING FESTIVAL leedsrunningfestival.com

On 20th April, Roundhay Park will host the Leeds Running Festival, o ering chip-timed 5k, 10k, and half marathon races. Catering to runners of all abilities, the event provides a scenic route through one of Europe’s largest city parks. Participants will receive unique venue-themed medals, and the festival atmosphere includes music and refreshments, fostering a sense of community and achievement.

YORK OPEN STUDIOS yorkopenstudios.co.uk

April 2025 will see over 160 artists from across York opening their studios and welcoming visitors. This annual event gives

YORK CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

NORTH LEEDS FOOD FESTIVAL

“There will be 166 artists and makers throwing open their doors”

a rare glimpse into the creative methods of artists and o ers an opportunity to buy work directly from the artists themselves.

Over the weekends of 5th-6th April and 12th-13th April there will be 166 artists and makers throwing open their doors, across over 117 locations – with 38 of those artists brand new to the event. It’s little surprise this wonderful event is fast approaching a quarter of the century since the launch of the ﬁrst open studios.

STEAM GALA

kwvr.co.uk/thesteamgala

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through time as the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (K&WVR) once again steams into action with its much-anticipated annual Steam Gala, running from 20th-23rd March. This beloved event is a firm fixture in the UK’s heritage railway calendar, promising four thrilling days of vintage locomotion along West Yorkshire’s picturesque five-mile branch line.

This year’s line-up is nothing short of spectacular, with a diverse roster of historic

locomotives set to take centre stage. Two distinguished guest engines, two powerful industrial workhorses, and the railway’s own home ﬂeet will come together to create a dazzling display of steam power.

HUDDERSFIELD

LITERATURE FESTIVAL

huddlitfest.org.uk

Huddersﬁeld Literature Festival is an award-winning two-week event held annually in the spring (this year 8th-18th May). A blended festival of around 70 digital, outdoor and venue-based events held online and at accessible spaces in Huddersﬁeld, HuddLitFest champions accessibility, diversity and underrepresented groups.

Showcasing emerging writers and artists alongside major names, the festival o ers a diverse programme of author talks, workshops, discussion topics, performance poetry, multi-arts performances, wellbeing projects, events for young people and family friendly events.

YORK OPEN STUDIOS

HUDDERSFIELD LITERATURE FESTIVAL STEAM GALA PHOTO BY ROB BATTY

Fresh outlook

A new team has been appointed to manage

The Walled Gardens at Raby Castle, making it a must visit for 2025

Creative gardener and artist Becky Crowley has been appointed as Raby Castle, Park and Garden’s assistant head gardener in the remodelled 18th century Walled Gardens. The revitalised 300-year-old Walled Gardens, which feature three di erent gardens encased within the historic brick walls, reopened in summer last year following a collaboration between Lady Barnard, creative director and custodian of Raby Castle, and world-renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei.

Introduced by Luciano, and with a specialism in cut flower gardens, Becky will work alongside gardens and landscape manager Dickon Harding and his team to ensure the vision for the five-acre space is fulfilled.

Becky says: “Every garden naturally takes on a life and soul of its own and our priority is to make sure we understand Lady Barnard and Luciano’s overall vision. We will be working closely with Luciano to nurture his design and help develop this as the gardens and plants mature.

“It was a great experience to work with Luciano and his team on the development of the cutting garden at such an early stage, and now I am really looking forward to seeing it all ﬂourish in its ﬁrst full year. There’s also a gentle understatement within the overall space and the planting. The opportunity to work with such a friendly and welcoming team in a place steeped in history doesn’t come along very often at all – it really is the whole package – and I feel very fortunate to be working here.”

Luciano and Lady Barnard have retained the gardens’ distinctive spirit; one in which the character of Raby and its rich history is deeply embedded. The East Garden is home to a ﬂower garden of grasses and perennials above the tiered grass amphitheatre capable of seating 300 people; the Formal Garden is where guests can see the historic Raby Yew hedge; and the productive West Garden is dedicated to growing an abundance of ﬂowers for cutting.

Dickon adds: “The Walled Gardens have always been a special place, but the remodelling by Luciano and Lady Barnard has produced something even more wonderful. It’s been incredible to be part of the journey so far, from overseeing the construction phase to now looking after and nurturing the gardens.

I am really looking forward to seeing how the plants and spaces develop and welcoming visitors to this beautiful everchanging space throughout the seasons.”

Lady Barnard led the Walled Gardens project, which was part of a major twoyear restoration development at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to create a new lifestyle destination in the North East, and believes the gardens can be a cultural and calming retreat for visitors.

Lady Barnard says: “The gardens have been inspired by Raby’s heritage however now incorporate contemporary planting, Amelanchier woodlands and a series of unique mazes, as well as a tiered grass amphitheatre where people can relax as they look out to the castle and enjoy musical and theatrical events.

“It was a joy to work with Luciano on this project – his talent shines through and I think green ﬁngered visitors, and those not so adept in the garden, will appreciate his planting schemes which are just inspired!”

raby.co.uk/raby-castle

BECKY CROWLEY

PHOTO:

bridging THE GAP

Discover how proactive ﬁnancial planning can help women achieve their ﬁnancial independence

By DEB JACOBS

The gender-pension gap presents signiﬁcant challenges for women. On average, we retire with less than half the income men receive, yet we typically live four years longer. When it comes to preparing for retirement, we haven’t always had the focus we deserve, so planning is vital. Marking International Women’s Day, we highlight how women can take control of their ﬁnances, securing a stronger future for themselves and their family.

PRIORITISE YOUR PENSION

As women, we often place the needs of others ahead of our own, so ﬁnancial planning beyond day-to-day needs often falls to the bottom of the ‘to-do’ list. But it’s never too late – or too early – to prioritise

your pension. Starting early gives you the advantage of compound growth, essentially earning growth on growth. Interestingly, studies show that women often outperform men as investors, thanks to our disciplined, patient approach. Strategies like consolidating pension pots or increasing contributions can boost your retirement prospects, even when starting later. Increasing contributions isn’t always easy, or an option, but having a plan can increase your chances of achieving your goals.

UNDERSTAND YOUR PENSION

Review your current contributions. A clear understanding of where you stand is the ﬁrst step, but something we tend to put o . After a long day, ‘pensions’ are not something I want to delve into, but knowledge is power and once you understand your starting point, you can build on it.

MAXIMISE OPPORTUNITIES

Take advantage of workplace pension schemes and explore tax-e cient savings options, like ISAs or salary sacrifice. These can boost your retirement fund, forming part of a wider plan. As women, we tend to like a plan, so why should financial planning be any di erent? With a plan, you’re more likely to achieve your goals and it’s the same for your finances.

GET EXPERT ADVICE

Many of us reach out to an expert when we need help – a solicitor for a Will, even a personal trainer for fitness goals. Why not reach out to a financial expert? Feeling good about your finances can help overall wellbeing, reducing stress, enhancing emotional and physical health, and letting us focus on what matters. PenLife is committed to supporting you on this journey, providing time and understanding to help you feel confident in your decisions. Call 01904 661140 or email enquiries@pen-life.co.uk for a no-obligation chat. Our first consultation is free.

PLEASE NOTE

This article is for information only, it does not constitute advice and is aimed at retail clients. Investments can fall or rise, and you may not get back the full amount invested. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance.

Deb Jacobs is a Director and Chartered Financial Planner at PenLife Associates. See more at pen-life.co.uk

DEB JACOBS

The BUSINESS

It’s a tough time ﬁnancially for many companies, but to mark International Women's Day this month, here are locals whose stories will inspire

Beth Hughes

Founder, Beth Hughes Nutrition bethhughesnutrition.com

Q What originally convinced you to try Nutritional Therapy?

A I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis aged 32, after the birth of my second child. I was prescribed medication that suppressed my joint pain, but I was still exhausted, anxious and had digestive issues. I couldn’t accept that this was the best I could expect for the rest of my life and started looking at what else I could do to help. I discovered nutritional therapy and made some dramatic changes to my diet and lifestyle. Now I’m able to keep my rheumatoid arthritis in remission through nutrition and daily practices and have gone from weekly injections to being medication free.

Q How did it change your life?

A Dramatically! The huge improvements in health and wellbeing I experienced motivated me to study an MSc in Nutrition Science and Practice and I now have a new career as a nutritional therapist.

Q When did you start your own business and what services do you o er?

A Since launching Beth Hughes Nutrition in October 2020 I’ve helped hundreds of clients improve their health through holistic nutrition support. I o er a range of services including 1:1 packages, group courses and corporate webinars and workshops.

Q Could you give us a case study of a client whose life you have helped to change?

A Julie came to see me looking for help with anxiety, bloating and poor digestion. In her words: “I was a bit broken and bewildered when I arrived at my appointment with Beth. I had a love hate relationship with food and wanted to feel di erently. My anxiety was terrible and bloating and digestive stress were stopping me from doing everyday things.

“Even from the ﬁrst appointment I knew Beth understood me and I was in safe hands. She suggested small changes which worked almost immediately. The whole process has been invaluable, it’s made me take care of myself better. A total education, I feel like a di erent person.”

BETH HUGHES

Yvette Langton

Founder, YL Introductions ylintroductions.co.uk

Q Before launching your business, what was your working background?

A My background before launching my business was property and insolvency, ﬁnding solutions and putting the right people together in order to save a business by developing commercial properties.

Q What inspired you to launch your business?

A I had lots of friends who were both exasperated and disappointed with their experiences of online dating. I said to myself, what happened to old fashioned Matchmakers – or so I thought!

Q What do you think makes you di erent?

A I decided to bring a di erent approach to Matchmaking. By meeting all my clients face to face and having my own personal life experiences such as divorce, toxic relationships and other life experiences, I am very conﬁdent and able to identify with clients on a personal level. I pride myself on the fact that my clients only deal with me and I only match clients who have paid and are fully invested and genuine. I also provide opportunities for clients to attend sporting events such as rugby, racing, polo, shooting, golf and exclusive dining events.

Q On a personal level, what are your hopes and dreams for this year?

A I get such satisfaction from what I do and I am very happy to carry on doing just that. There are still plenty of places I'd like to explore with my daughter travel-wise, however.

Stephanie Hall-Stead

Founder, Evans & James Heritage Consultants evansandjames.co.uk

Q Pre-Evans & James, what was your working background?

A I spent over nine years with the National Trust, working across the Midlands and the East of England in various roles. In 2019, I moved to North Yorkshire to take on the role of Head of Built Environment at Castle Howard. There, I expanded the in-house conservation team and oversaw key projects such as the renewal of the East Wing roof covering, the expansion of the lakesource heating system, and internal refurbishments, including the West Wing bedrooms and dressing rooms. I also played a role in securing listed building consent and planning the early stages of the Tapestry Drawing Room restoration. I felt privileged to be able to manage the project in the ﬁrst few months on site, sourcing reclaimed ﬂoorboards and watching the skilled plasterers running the beautiful cornicing.

Q What inspired the launch of the business?

A I had wanted to start my own business for years, but with a young family and the opportunity to work on incredible projects in my previous roles, the timing was never quite right. While I loved my time at Castle Howard, I found myself missing

the variety of working with di erent buildings, architectural styles, and communities that have meaningful ambitions for their heritage sites.

Last year, I realised that the ‘perfect’ time would never come – there would always be one more project I wanted to see through to completion. So, I took the plunge, and I haven’t looked back.

Q In a nutshell, what do you o er?

A I o er building surveying and project management services to private residential clients, community groups and charities and larger organisations for traditional and heritage buildings. From a homebuyer survey through to managing a large-scale restoration and everything in-between.

Q What exciting projects are you currently involved in?

A I am currently working with the National Trust on several exciting projects, and in an unexpected but exciting development, I have been commissioned to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment for a Premier League football club – an opportunity I never imagined I’d have!

This year, I have been selected as a jury member for the RIBA Awards 2025. We have gone through the tough process of short listing and I am looking forward to visiting the sites within the next few weeks. On the residential side, starting in March, I’ll be collaborating with a wonderful couple to restore the façade of their Victorian villa, a wonderful project to be a part of.

STEPHANIE HALL-STEAD

YVETTE LANGTON

Camille Johnson

Director PAB Studios, The Hive Wakeﬁeld and Founder of Clobber Swap pabstudios.co.uk / thehivewakeﬁeld.co.uk clobberswap.co.uk

Q How would you describe what PAB Studios o er?

A We aren’t your usual marketing agency. We bring straight-talking marketing expertise without the jargon, with over 35 years of experience under our belt. As an unbiased, full service agency we advise clients on everything from digital marketing to traditional radio / TV advertising, from social media to email marketing and back to good old direct mail and print. Our clients are from a range of industries, so we can really adapt to anything! The team are passionate about marketing and love what they do, which makes all the di erence and is well-reﬂected in the fantastic results we achieve each month.

Q What projects have you been involved in that you are particularly proud of?

A This February, I worked with fashion design expert Victoria Reddington to create a sustainable fashion show for my online fashion community group on Facebook, Clobber Swap – something I’ve dreamed of doing for ﬁve years. It was one of the hardest projects I’ve

ever worked on and the pressure was unreal, but after 8 weeks of promotion and preparation it was a sell-out. We created bespoke branding for the event at PAB Studios, which was used across various forms of media and perfectly reﬂected the ‘Galentines’ theme of the show. Some of our own Clobber Swap members walked the catwalk in clothes they felt amazing in, despite having no prior modelling experience and feeling very nervous!

That’s what Clobber Swap is all about; our community is "more than just clothes". We are about sustainability, female empowerment and human kindness and connection. We featured clothing from local designers

Blonde and Wise, Halo Millinery and Ali Cat Vintage – all taking a sustainable approach to fashion. I was very emotional on the night and couldn’t believe my vision had come to life. The event raised £1,067 for CoppaFeel, which is a phenomenal result I’m immensely proud of.

Q How are things going with Clobber Swap?

A Clobber Swap is doing better than ever, and I’m so proud of the community I’ve grown. The group has always been driven by a passion for fashion, sustainability and friendships, and this continues to be my motivation for making Clobber Swap bigger yearon-year. We’ve now been nominated twice for an award at the Wakeﬁeld Business Awards, which is incredible.

Danielle Bushby

Manager, The Farrier the-farrier.co.uk

Q Is The Farrier a true family-run business?

A Yes indeed, The Farrier is truly a family-run business. Our story began in 2015 when, as a family, we decided to purchase the former The Blacksmiths Arms public house. At that time it was closed and destined to become housing. We all felt that to lose this historic hostelry that had served our village for hundreds of years would be a tragedy, and so we set about the purchase and painstaking renovation that would take us three years to complete.

Q What do you look to o er with the menu?

A Our menu is designed to o er a wide array of choices that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. We focus on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create dishes that are not only delicious but also sustainable. Our o ering ranges from hearty, traditional, comfort foods to innovative culinary creations, our goal being to o er something for everyone.

Q What accommodation do you o er?

A We are proud to have once again achieved our 5 Star Gold Award and we were absolutely delighted, and humbled, to receive the prestigious AA Inn of the Year Award, which has made us feel determined to maintain the high standards of accommodation that we have achieved thus far. All our equestrian themed rooms are designed to sympathetically reﬂect the history of the former blacksmiths workshop whilst o ering the luxury, comfort and convenience that we genuinely enjoy being able to o er to our guests. Each room features modern amenities which complement the quintessential 'Yorkshire' charm that our guests love. Additionally, we have a dog-friendly room, ensuring that even your furry family members can enjoy The Farrier too.

Q How important is your team to what The Farrier is all about?

A We are enormously proud of our team, many of whom have been with us since we opened our doors for the very ﬁrst time in 2018 and we are not afraid to acknowledge that they are

CAMILLE JOHNSON

“WE WERE DELIGHTED TO RECEIVE THE AA INN OF THE YEAR AWARD”

truly the backbone of The Farrier. We recognize that our success is a result of the hard work, dedication, and passion given, every day, by all our dedicated team members. Their commitment to excellence, along with their genuine care about the experience our guests receive whilst they are with us are what make The Farrier truly special. It would be true to say that without them we simply would not have been able to achieve the wonderful reviews or awards that we have been so grateful to receive, or perhaps, more importantly, the genuine warmth and appreciation that we are so appreciative of, from our guests.

Liz Green

Founder, Caché La Boutique cacheboutique.co.uk

Q What originally inspired you to launch Caché?

A A love of fashion, replicating the style of the French Riviera and to run my own business. During the pandemic, I knew I wanted to open Caché La Boutique. I was watching other boutiques selling on social media and reaching many women. If there were gold medals for shopping, I would have several! That passion transfers into my curating and selling style. I had a long and successful career with the BBC, but it was time to change.

Q What would we ﬁnd in your boutique?

A Gorgeous looks for women over 35. We are inspired by colour, di erent styles at a ordable prices. This boutique is exquisite inside – art on the walls, space to enjoy. We carry everyday clothes, beautiful dresses carefully chosen for women with a lifestyle which they need to look chic. Clothes for events, cruises, ladies who lunch who demand a unique style. We carry a premier range of designers

such as Diane Logan, who works with Zandra's Rhodes – Diane ‘up cycles’ jackets which are unique. We also carry a ready to wear range from Yorkshire designer and atelier Meg J Gardner. Our ranges include regular pricing with a Boho focus and a superb Curve range. We are di erent. Our customer service is exceptional AND we have a Caché cat – a wood one – who welcomes our ladies. That and a resident artist, Art By Ashley, whose work hangs in the shop.

Q What are your ambitions for the future of Caché?

A So many! The boutique goes from strength to strength. In November of 2025 we are creating a fashion event called UP NORTH RUNWAY which will celebrate our Yorkshire textile heritage and celebrate our innovative designers. One venue will be Halifax Minster for a unique fashion event. We are featuring emerging designers as well as established ones. Keep your diary free! Caché La Boutique is a destination for fashion and style. Many have discovered a ordable clothing which is unique. That Riviera touch adds a certain something to a work, social calendar or black tie event. From a T-shirt to a curve outﬁt for Royal Ascot – you will ﬁnd it here. That will continue.

LIZ GREEN

DANIELLE BUSHBY

Anna Wilby

Head, The Mount School York mountschoolyork.co.uk

Q Can you give us a snapshot of your career in education to date?

A I knew I was meant to be a teacher from the moment I stepped foot into a classroom. Being a music teacher combined my two loves of Music and working with young people. I have worked in single sex and coeducational schools and, most recently, I was Deputy Head: Co-Curricular at Ashville College, Harrogate.

Q What attracted you to working at The Mount School?

A I was attracted to a small school where everyone is heard. I love the combination of The Mount’s modern outlook, steeped in heritage and traditions. I have always enjoyed working in all-through day and boarding schools. It’s great that The Mount Junior School is now co-educational; currently welcoming boys into Pre-school and Reception, plus Year 1 from September 2025.

I’m also a ﬁrm believer in the all-girls’ Senior School model, where girls thrive and excel without interruption or distraction, where they can become their true authentic selves. Ensuring girls’ opportunities are limitless is very close to my heart having been inspired by my trailblazing mother.

Q What do you feel makes your school di erent?

A The Mount is a small and happy Quaker school with wonderful values of ‘respecting others’ and ‘making a positive di erence’. It is a great choice for families seeking a friendly environment with bespoke service. Here, pupils are immersed in an academically ambitious yet supportive environment, overlaid with an exciting co-curricular programme and excellent, proactive pastoral care.

Q What are you looking forward to in 2025 at the school?

A 2025 is a special year for The Mount as we celebrate 240 years of excellence. I am enjoying working with both colleagues and pupils to launch a bespoke Sixth Form programme which will o er amazing opportunities to develop life skills and ensure that our girls are ready for the future.

I look forward to seeing our passionate pupils revelling in the joy of learning, encouraged by their teachers through engaging, challenging and exciting lessons to look beyond exam syllabi, take part in co-curricular activities, live adventurously and discover lifelong interests.

I can’t wait to work with the whole school community to ensure The Mount goes from strength to strength.

A ﬁnalist in Independent School of the Year two years’ running, our fantastic school has so much to o er. Intrigued? Nothing beats a visit.

“I AM ALWAYS KEEN TO MAKE SURE WE ARE BEING INNOVATIVE”

Amy Martin

CEO, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate qe.org

Q What do you love about being CEO of Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate?

A Being in the position to support our team of sta who provide the most amazing opportunities to the students in our care. Knowing that we have a school that fits around our students, and that students don’t need to fit ‘the mould’. I love being part of a team that is constantly looking for new and exciting ideas to help students to grow and find their passions – we are simply a springboard to their success.

Q Can you give us an idea of how your day to day works, the kinds of things you are involved in?

A Whilst we are a large independent school with over 700 sta and 1,200 students, I’m always keen to make sure we’re being innovative and future-prooﬁng our business so I can go from a planning meeting with one of our operations team, to getting an update from the Principal on all things student-focused, to getting the latest updates on our new adult learning centre QE Academy, or walking around the latest capital project we are working on to improve the campus. This is in between lots of sta popping in to catch up – I have an open door

ANNA WILBY

policy which is important to me.

Q It sounds like QE had a successful 2024 based an awards recognition and exam results?

A Striving for excellence, with a student focus, is part of our everyday. Winning ISA Senior School of the Year and being named Top Independent School in the North for academic excellence for the fourth year running creates such a buzz for students and sta as it means that hard work is given the recognition it deserves. Our exam results are testament of the talent and dedication of our students, and the sta supporting each individual to succeed on a pathway that suits them.

Q What does the rest of 2025 hold in store?

A It’s a challenging year ahead for the private sector with the introduction of VAT on school fees, so we are regularly looking at how we can continue to develop our provision for our students and families whilst managing costs to try and keep independent education a ordable. The Spring and Summer terms, whilst home to exam season, are full of events and exciting trips which bring all our students together which is great to see. Our 2025 Speech Day is set to be another good one, and that is always a highlight of the year!

Sarah Clough

Founder, The Ageless Movement Coach thevitalityblueprint.com/challenge

Q In a nutshell, what do you o er with your business?

A As a Pilates teacher and movement coach my passion is empowering women over 50 to stay strong, resilient and active for life. Through my programme, The Vitality Blueprint, I combine Pilates, the science of movement and longevity, and systems for living to build deep core strength, improve bone health, and enhance overall vitality – without a gruelling workout, restrictive diet, or overwhelming routine in sight!

Q Why do you believe Pilates to be a life changer?

A Pilates isn’t just exercise – it’s a fundamental shift in how we move, feel, and function. It builds strength from the inside out, improves posture, and restores balance and ﬂexibility. For women navigating age-related changes, or a family history of things like osteoporosis, it’s a game-changer because it reinforces the body’s natural support system, helping to prevent fractures, reduce pain, and maintain independence for decades to come. By training the body to move e ciently and safely, we can elevate our conﬁdence in our body and ourselves and boost our energy.

Q Who do you aim The Vitality Blueprint at?

A Women who have a family history of osteoporosis or who are noticing a decline in their strength and ﬁtness – perhaps it’s recurring lower back ache, feeling sti er, or pain in their joints – and they want to be proactive. Many feel unsure about what exercises are safe or worry about the future. I give them the support, tools, knowledge, and conﬁdence to move safely and live without fear.

Q What are you looking forward to in 2025?

A This year, I’m excited to expand my impact and reach more women globally. I’m focusing on raising awareness about osteoporosis, collaborating with experts, and creating more resources to help women take charge of their bone health, build strength and feel invincible. As part of this I host a monthly 3-day live event, 'The Body Reset and Rebalance Challenge'. It’s free because I am passionate about educating, inspiring and motivating more women to take back control of their health, helping them find strength, vitality, and confidence. I want every woman I reach to feel unstoppable, ready to embrace life fully, and participate in the world with confidence and joy. Because when we are strong and resilient, there are no limits to what we can achieve!

AMY MARTIN

SARAH CLOUGH

Ruth Davany

CEO, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) chsf.org.uk

Q What is your working background?

A Predominantly in charities – over 20 years (18 in a leadership role)! It’s part of who I am. I’ve been lucky to have a rich and varied career within the women’s, refugee and health sectors. The golden thread throughout being my commitment to building services with communities to ensure we are visible and accessible to all who need our help.

Q How has being a woman inﬂuenced your career choices to date?

A International Women’s Day, for me, is about recognising the unique experiences of women. My career has been experience led. I started as a Caseworker and moved through opportunities, taking my time, pausing to reﬂect and continuously learning. I put a lot of importance on my professional relationships, and I sought out mentors – both formal and informal, and at 46 I am ﬁnally working towards my Masters and still seeking out new challenges. I think there is something characteristically female about my career choices, I’m proud of that.

Q And what inspired you to work for CHSF in particular?

A CHSF has a huge heart! Over the last two years we have supported

over 1,000 families across Yorkshire and Humberside with travel and food vouchers, welfare and ﬁnancial support and well-being activities, and supported a further 578 to access family accommodation. Whatever our families need, we are there. We fundraise to provide equipment and resources, such as mobile devices to enable families to take readings at home with minimum disruption to their daily life.

Q What kind of people fundraise for your charity?

A Ordinary working families who have experienced an extraordinary heart journey fundraise for us, along with community groups, schools and businesses – the support is amazing. Our growing relationships with corporate partners this year is important to us. Through shared initiatives we can make life-saving di erences for some of the most poorly people in our community.

Q What can people do to help the cause right now?

A We are completely self-funded. Nominate us for charity support at work, sign-up for a challenge event or make a regular donation. We’re also looking for new ambassadors who can champion the needs of people born with congenital heart disease (CHD) across their networks. If you can help, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

“I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING CHARACTERISTICALLY FEMALE ABOUT MY CAREER CHOICES AND I AM PROUD OF THAT”

Rachel Ayres

Director, Evolve Medical evolvemedical.co.uk

Q What can you tell us about Evolve Medical?

A Evolve Medical opened its doors in 2014. After graduating as a nurse in 2001 and working within the NHS until 2010, I decided to transition into medical aesthetics in 2009. Our clinic, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is fully registered and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This ensures our clients can conﬁdently book procedures, knowing they will receive the highest standard of care. We are fortunate to o er a variety of exceptional services, including medical aesthetics, skin treatments, facials, a private GP service, and surgical procedures performed by Prof. Ajay L. Mahajan MBBS, FRCSI, M Med Sc, MD, FRCS (Plast), as well as minor surgeries. The success of Evolve Medical is due to our dedicated team members, who strive to provide outstanding service. We aim to help clients boost their self-conﬁdence and well-being, which is one of the many reasons our patients travel from all over the country to visit our award-winning clinic.

Q What do you o er that makes you a little di erent?

A We implement the highest level of

RUTH DAVANY

regulations for both surgery and our medical aesthetics services, making us one of the safest places to visit in the Yorkshire area, all under one roof.

Q What does your day to day job entail?

A Overseeing the clinic and all its departments. Ensuring that all policies and regulations are updated daily, while also administering medical aesthetics for our valued clients.

Q What’s to come in 2025 that you are particularly excited about?

A Each year, our clinic strengthens its commitment to helping you achieve optimal health. We stay current with the latest trends and innovations in the aesthetics industry and are expanding our general practice and nursing team to provide private health screenings and blood testing. In 2025, we will continue to develop our Surgical Suite in partnership with Professor Mahajan, o ering a variety of plastic surgery options. Additionally, we are focusing on expanding our minor surgical department to provide procedures such as cyst and mole removals.

RACHEL AYRES

Holly Price

Director, Price Independent Estate Agents priceestateagents.com

Q What inspired you to launch your own business?

A I’ve worked in the property industry for 13 years, and throughout that time, I’ve developed a real passion for helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives – buying or selling a home. I launched Price Independent Estate Agents in early 2022 because I wanted to create a service that was not just about transactions, but about people. Having seen ﬁrst-hand how impersonal and sales-driven the industry can sometimes be, I wanted to o er something di erent: a bespoke, client-focused approach that prioritises transparency, trust, and outstanding marketing.

Q How do you want to do things di erently?

A We combine traditional values –like genuine, honest advice – with innovative marketing strategies. High-quality presentation is at the heart of what we do, from outstanding photography and videography to targeted social media campaigns that ensure our properties reach the right audience. Our goal is to go above

and beyond, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients. We also pride ourselves on being approachable and personal, as clients aren’t just numbers to us; they’re people (who even turn into good friends) with unique needs.

Q What do you love about York?

A Living and working in York is an absolute privilege. The city is a perfect blend of rich history and vibrant modern life. York’s property market is diverse, o ering everything from charming period homes to new builds, making it an exciting place to work as an agent.

Q How has the past year been for the company?

A The past year has been an incredible journey for us. We expanded our o ce twice and brought on team members, allowing us to better serve our growing client base. We were also thrilled to be recognised for our hard work and dedication through multiple awards, including Best Independent Estate Agency in York from SME News and Customer Service Award 2024 at The Yorkshire Choice Awards, along with nominations for New Business of The Year 2024 and Independent Business of the Year 2025, both again through YCAwards. These motivate us to continue pushing boundaries in the industry.

HOLLY PRICE

Karen Livock

Founder, Sur ouse sur ouseinteriors.co.uk

Q What inspired you to launch Surfhouse?

A I can’t really pin-point one speciﬁc thing that inspired me to start Surfhouse; it’s a mix of my own experience and my dismay at the way some properties are presented for sale, together with a passion for creating interiors. The ‘Surfhouse’ name came from my search for a little place to escape to. Surfhouse is a feeling, and that’s what I aim to create – spaces with a bit of soul.

Q Have your services evolved over time?

A Oh yes! I’m all for evolution, but it was a surprise that I was asked to undertake interior design work not long after starting the business, simply because home staging and interior design are actually quite di erent. I studied interior design and soft furnishing design over 25 years ago, so it was already in the Surfhouse toolkit,

and it was great to be able to help a commercial client with a full o ce redesign. I actually love the diversity of the work I do – I am never bored and my service continues to evolve.

Q What are you currently working on that is really exciting you?

A I am currently working on a bathroom redesign for a client I have worked with before. Surfhouse is evolving again! It’s a small space that is currently a cloakroom in a stunning period property. It’s a mix of contemporary elements and vintage pieces, and ﬁtting a shower in is currently a challenge. I am also involved in another book which is super exciting and I can’t wait to share that!

Q What do your award wins mean to you?

A This makes me smile. To me, the awards show that I’m doing what I set out to do. It’s amazing to get them, and I am incredibly grateful, however that is nothing compared to knowing that I have helped my clients achieve what they wanted to achieve.

Alex Wilson

Incoming Head, Sheﬃeld Girls’ GDST sheﬃeldhighschool.org.uk

KAREN LIVOCK

Q Were you always interested in teaching, or was there a particular moment that inspired you to go into education?

A I was very fortunate to go to a school with some incredibly passionate teachers who inspired me from an early age to go into teaching myself in order to share my subject passion. However, I recall a particular incident aged 13 or 14 when a teacher whom I greatly respected in the classroom, and whose subject I loved, demonstrated incredible kindness and care towards me as a person. This moment cemented for me that I wanted to become a teacher and the particular style that would underpin my own approach to my pupils. This interaction has stayed with me, and I always try to ensure that kindness and care continue to underpin my teaching and leadership.

Q What are you most excited to see at She eld Girls’?

A I’m looking forward to seeing the values of the school acted out in real life...

Courage: seeing the girls take risks and put themselves out there, trying something new, or having another go at something they don’t feel sure about. Positivity: seeing happy conﬁdent girls who want to be there and want to take advantage of their opportunities whilst really giving back to the

“I TRY TO ENSURE KINDNESS AND CARE UNDERPIN MY TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP”

school and the wider community. Kindness: I want to see this in the relationships between the girls and the sta and see them understand how important the little kindnesses are – perhaps when they don’t know anyone is looking!

Q Do you have a particular leadership style?

A I like to be visible and accessible around school and for my sta to feel there are good clear communication channels between school leadership and departments. As much as possible, I try to protect certain times in the day so that busy teachers can share their thoughts, ideas, problems or concerns with me directly, without the need to book a meeting or schedule anything formal. I try to be in the senior sta room every morning break and I currently take an early lunch to be with my junior school sta as many times in the week as I can. It’s a great way to ‘take the temperature’ of the school and foster a sense of community, collaboration, openness and honesty between sta groups.

Lubna Khan-Salim

Founder, Bloom Longevity Labs @bloomlongevitylabs

Q What was your background in the beauty industry pre-Bloom?

A As a cosmetic surgeon my background in beauty was really my training in medicine and plastic surgery. Understanding the skin anatomically, physiologically and at a cellular level, I have a unique perspective as I treat the skin just like any other organ by bringing it back to the body and helping my clients see that it’s not what you put on your skin that matters, it’s what happens on the inside and how the skin relates to your health.

Q What inspired you to launch Bloom?

A Women deserve better, they always have! Women have been let down across the board when it comes to their unique health needs as they age; ignored from medical research

for decades we have a long way to go. I felt there was a need to create a service aimed at women to feel empowered about ageing, not fearful of it and to ﬁght back against the usual ‘anti-ageing’ rhetoric that feeds women’s insecurities. I want to level the playing ﬁeld and show how beauty and health can be done better.

Q Can you give us an idea of what you o er?

A We o er a bespoke lifestyle service aimed to give women the tools they need to understand their body and health and to have agency. From skin health and beauty, to MOTs to hormones to mental health, we have a service that covers all the bases to help women feel their best selves inside and out.

Q Are you looking to evolve the business in any way?

A We aim to o er a complete ecosystem to help women age well covering all the pillars of health – nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, to the care of the skin and body.

“WOMEN DESERVE BETTER, THEY ALWAYS HAVE”

ALEX WILSON

LUBNA KHAN-SALIM

FOOD & DRINK

NEXT BIG THING

PLATED

An initiative to support the next generation of chefs in Yorkshire has been launched – with a whopping £10K prize pot. Plated, by Goodfellow & Goodfellow and North Yorkshire-based TRUEfoods, is a competition aimed at giving young chefs a national platform to showcase their talent, plating and creative skills. See more at: goodf.co.uk/blog/plated-competition

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

The Society's Austrian Riesling 2023

 £9.95

With delicate aromas of orange blossom and quince, this is a ﬁne example of the crisp, dry style of riesling Austria does so well. Weingut Wess is a small familyowned winery in the beautiful town of Krems in Lower Austria.

The Society's Champagne Rosé NV  £39.31

Cellarmaster at Alfred Gratien, Nicolas Jaeger, now sources grapes with speciﬁc characteristics for the rosé to create a pink wine fully in the Alfred Gratien house style – rich and fresh with hints of strawberry fruit, delightful on its own but with the substance to be enjoyed with food too.

Xinomavro Jeunes Vignes, Thymiopoulos 2022

 £13.50

A fantastic introduction to the xinomavro grape of Greece, showing juicy red fruits on the palate, herbs and hints of sundried tomato. The 2022 is supple and generous with soft tannins and great balance.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.

The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 oﬀ toward your ﬁrst order. thewinesociety.com

NOTES TASTING

Food news and the most exciting openings across Yorkshire

By MARK KEBBLE

Say cheese

The Wensleydale Creamery has announced the launch of a ‘Cheesy Afternoon Tea for Two’ in Calvert’s Restaurant at its Visitor Centre, based at Hawes. The menu includes a classic Three Cheese Quiche, an indulgent oozy Wensleydale Mac 'n' Cheese, and the ‘Ultimate Wensleydale Creamery Rarebit’ made to a secret recipe featuring Yorkshire Wensleydale, Double Yorkshire and Yorkshire Cheddar with Black Sheep Ale. wensleydale.co.uk

WENSLEYDALE CREAMERY

Crafty cocktails

LIQUOR STUDIO

The Liquor Studio in Leeds is thrilled to announce a revolutionary new masterclass that teaches the art of crafting delicious cocktails packed with depth and ﬂavour, all without the alcohol. This unique experience promises all the fun and ﬂavour of expertly crafted drinks, without the morningafter hangover. The session runs every Thursday for an hour and a half, from 7-8.30pm, and takes place in the Liquor Studio on Lower Briggate. liquorstudio.co.uk

Good taste

FISH&FOREST

Fish&Forest is an independent restaurant on Grape Lane, York, serving seasonal and sustainable ﬁsh, game and forest foods. Absolutely sampled their February menu and was blown away by the likes of Monk cheek, daal and onion jam; Venison, tortellini and smoked potato; and Sea bass, miso, squash and cavolo. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for March. ﬁshandforestrestaurant.com

TAKE THREE

Feeling pink for Mother's Day

DELLA VITE PROSECCO

Della Vite’s DOC Treviso Rosé comes in a rose gold embossed gi box, a perfect gi . With an aromatic nose of wild berries and rhubarb and a clean palate of delicate fruit ﬂavours, it's a real treat, £21.50. dellavite.com

MERMAID PINK GIN

Aromatic and refreshing, Mermaid Pink Gin infuses the ﬂavour of fresh Island strawberries grown in the rich and fertile microclimate of the Arreton Valley with the smooth yet complex taste of the award-winning Mermaid Gin, £38. isleofwightdistillery.com

SAPLING SPIRIT VODKA

This raspberry and hibiscus vodka is made from visually ‘imperfect’ raspberries that are rejected by supermarkets, combined with the delicate hibiscus ﬂavours resulting in the perfectly pink tipple, £34. saplingspirits.com

THE PLOUGH

Following on from The Plough, Wombleton’s recent inclusion in The Michelin Guide, the couple behind the North Yorkshire Inn are celebrating being included in Estrella Damm’s list of the UK’s Top 100 Gastropubs. Richard and Lindsey Johns are thrilled to have been included in the prestigious list for the second consecutive year. ploughwombleton.uk

Raise a GLASS

NEEPSEND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

The team behind awardwinning Peddler Market have announced they will be bringing a brand new beer festival to She eld. Neepsend Craft Beer Festival will take place from 28 February-1 March and will see some of the most exciting craft beer on the market coming to the city for an event to remember. welcometoshe eld.co.uk

I HAVE BROUGHT A LOVE OF PUTTING WEIRDER INGREDIENTS ON A PLATE TO SWINTON

JOSH BARNES

JOINING THE TABLE

Chef

Josh Barnes on creating a unique culinary experience at Swinton Estate, working in some of the UK’s ﬁnest restaurants and passing on his knowledge

Josh Barnes brings years of culinary experience in some of the UK’s finest kitchens to the Swinton Estate including his most recent role as Head Chef for the Galvin Company; impressively retaining its highly coveted Michelin Star, 3 AA rosettes and a spot in the Good Food Guide. Alongside these achievements, Josh was also awarded the title for London’s best vegan and vegetarian tasting menus. He’s a passionate forager of mushrooms, wild herbs and flowers, as well as other interesting ingredients, to create dishes inspired by the land that celebrate seasonality, which he has already brought to the Swinton Estate. Josh has created a fresh culinary experience like no other at Chef’s Table, combining intimate fine-dining with the very best produce grown, reared and foraged on the Swinton Estate, Yorkshire and the North East.

Located in the Cookery School and proudly featured in the Michelin Guide, Chef’s Table by Josh Barnes is an exclusive chance to immerse yourself within the world of culinary arts and see the magic unfold ‘behind-the-scenes’; asking Josh any cooking questions you may have as you are navigated through an exploratory tasting journey. Taking him at his word, Absolutely sat down with the acclaimed chef to ﬁnd out more.

Q What was your ﬁrst professional role in a kitchen?

A My first professional role was at The Olive Branch in Clipsham in Rutland – it was one of the first pubs in the UK to receive a Michelin star. There were probably only four or five of us in the kitchen on a service and it was my first experience of proper cooking. You wouldn’t get a piece of foie gras or a prepared scallop – that kitchen was all about the process. So, we would get full carcasses in and everything was cut, prepared and cooked in that kitchen. I think my experience at The Olive Branch probably shaped me, and all of us on that chef team have been doing well since.

“WE SERVE SQUIRREL AS A WONTON ”

Q What kitchens have you worked in since that have helped to shape the chef you are today?

A Galvin was a massive kitchen – working there shaped so much about me as a chef. It’s a Michelin starred kitchen and very organised. I learnt business management and how to oversee a team. My people skills really came to the fore as we had a lot of apprentices and it was imperative to spend time nurturing them, which is so important. Teaching junior chefs new skills and mentoring the next generation is what so much of this job is about.

Another place that helped to shape the chef I am today was Auberge du Lac in Hertfordshire. I was there with Marcus McGuinness who had come over from Hibiscus. It was quite an intense experience, and we were working with unconventional combinations in that kitchen. I’ve deﬁnitely brought that love for putting some weirder ingredients together on a plate to Swinton. We do a bit of that at Chef’s Table.

Q What has enticed you to Swinton Estate?

A The draw to Swinton Estate was about everything that’s right on the doorstep. There’s so much going on around the 20,000 acres, which inspires the plates and menus that we deliver. We’ve got fantastic Estate meat including sensational game and an enormous kitchen garden for fruits and vegetables and herbs and more. We don’t have to go too far for anything we need on our weekly menus. And what we

can’t source from the Estate itself, we get from brilliant local suppliers – I’m talking local cider, rapeseed oil, cheese... It helps that my wife is from Harrogate, too, so Swinton really does feel like home.

Q What kind of food can we expect at Chef’s Table?

A What you get at Chef’s Table is relaxed but fabulous dining – it’s a tasting menu dining experience where my sous chef and I guide you through the prep and execution of the dishes. We have this ‘estate to plate’ ethos across all of the restaurants at Swinton, and this makes the Estate a bit of a food lover’s paradise. The whole Estate is also really committed to sustainability as well as responsible sourcing. This isn’t restricted to Chef’s Table, but it’s deﬁnitely very evident in our dishes. We want to minimise food waste and sometimes that means using less popular meat cuts that other kitchens would have disregarded and discarded. But we’ll create something clever and good looking and, of course, great tasting. All of this means that we can celebrate the best of Yorkshire during every service.

Q Why are you keen to have a place to interact with diners?

A The countertop design at Chef’s Table was always a very important part of the original restaurant plan. There are 12 seats at the pass, so our guests get to watch us work. Every meal is di erent

for the diners, and it means that we get to interact with our audience – so every service can be very di erent for us, too. The way I see it is that you can go to amazing restaurants and eat incredible food, but the ambience can be lacking – you can hear a pin drop in some of these places. Our guests are often into their food and into wine and we get to chat with them and ﬁnd out what makes them tick – all unscripted, not cold and rehearsed.

Q Are there a couple of dishes or ingredients you have created recently that really stand out for you – and why?

A I’ve just put a new rhubarb dish on the menu after a trip to the coast. We foraged some red dulse seaweed, which has quite a minerally ﬂavour. I actually used to eat red dulse as a kid – we used to dry it out, so it was like a kind of jerky. But for now, the dulce seaweed is part of a new rhubarb and milk dessert at Chef’s Table. And game season’s coming to an end now, but recently we’ve had venison on the menu as well as hare, pheasant, rabbit and more… Even squirrel, which we have served as a wonton. That went down pretty well as a little “ambush” on the main course. People realise they like squirrel once they try the wontons. These are pests that get shot and if we don’t use them on the menu, they would be simply thrown away, which is a huge shame.

swintonestate.com/dining

Have a hoppy Easter with our delicious range, available to order online between 3 rd March and the 8 th of April

Order online at orders.booths.

FASHION

THE SERENE BIRTHSTONE

BERRY’S JEWELLERS

Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, captivates with its tranquil blue hues reminiscent of the ocean. Its cool tones mix perfectly with diamonds and complement any style, making it a timeless favourite that can transition easily from day to night. Discover the stunning range of Aquamarine jewellery at your nearest Berry’s boutique or at berrysjewellers.co.uk

TIMELESS luxury

Exploring what it means for Lister Horsfall to be an Authorised Rolex Service Centre

Lister Horsfall in Halifax and Ilkley are proud to be part of the worldwide network of O cial Rolex Retailers, allowed to sell and maintain Rolex watches. As an O cial Rolex Retailer with an Authorised Service Centre, Lister Horsfall is authorised to receive your Rolex watch for servicing. With the necessary knowledge, skills and technical know-how, they are at your disposal to advise you on all the technical aspects of Rolex watches. Here, Absolutely chats to Luke Mills about his role at Lister Horsfall, the joys of working with Rolex, and his top tips on looking after your luxury timepiece.

Q Did you always know you wanted to work with watches?

A From a young age, I developed an interest in watches, particularly in disassembling and reassembling old movements. However, it was not until the age of 18 that I fully realized the potential to pursue a career in horology. This realisation came after receiving my first luxury watch from Lister Horsfall Jewellers in 2019. It was a gift from all of my family who all chipped in for my 18th birthday to get me it as they knew I had a love of watches, and ultimately it led me down my path of watch making. It was also at this first purchase I met some of the helpful sta who would later become my colleagues. Following this, my fascination with watches intensified, leading me to research and explore the possibility of a career in horology. I ultimately discovered the British School of Watchmaking, where I was able to pursue formal education and training to become a watchmaker.

Q What were your earliest in-roads into the industry?

A After expressing an interest in studying watchmaking to my uncle, he mentioned his friend Nick Horsfall was the owner of Lister Horsfall Jewellers and asked if he had any advice on how to get started in the industry. After talking to Nick, he suggested it would be useful to get hands on with the timepieces. I soon started working on the shopﬂoor at the Halifax showroom to get experience and knowledge in luxury timepieces and the watch industry. I then applied for a place on the British School Of Watchmaking, 3000 Hour course and was successful. With the help of Nick and the Lister Horsfall team I began my studies. I studied at the BSOW for two years and graduated from the school as a qualiﬁed watchmaker.

“WE UPHOLD ROLEX’S REPUTATION AS A HIGH-QUALITY AND ROBUST TIMEPIECE”

Q When did you ﬁrst start working with Rolex?

A Upon graduating from the BSOW, I recognized the next step was obtaining my Rolex accreditation. While our brand-new workshop was under construction, I worked under the stewardship of an experienced Rolex watchmaker at a service centre near Halifax and commenced studying for my accreditation in March 2022. It was an extraordinary experience to be collaborating with such a renowned and highly esteemed brand that holds immense recognition both within and outside the industry.

Q What does it mean to be a Rolex accredited watchmaker?

A Upon obtaining my accreditation in December 2022, I was o cially authorized by Rolex to work on their timepieces. The

LUKE MILLS

standard of my work was deemed high enough to uphold Rolex’s reputation as a high-quality and robust timepiece. This accreditation also enabled me to issue the Rolex international service warranty, which is applied by Rolex’s service centres worldwide.

Q How do you care for the watches?

A The process commences with an analysis of the watch upon arrival. Subsequently, the disassembly process commences, involving the removal of the bracelet from the watch head, the movement from the case, the hands and dial from the movement, and the disassembly of the case into its constituent parts, while ensuring all components are inspected for wear and tear. The movement is then disassembled piece by piece, thoroughly inspecting each individual component for signs of wear and replacing any worn components to restore the watch’s performance to its optimal level. Once fully disassembled, the movement components are placed in a specially designed cleaning machine to remove debris and old oils. After cleaning, the movement is meticulously reassembled with appropriate oils and lubrication, and the movement is adjusted to ensure correct operation.

The case and bracelet are then reﬁnished to restore the watch’s original lustre and cleaned. The case is then reassembled with new gaskets in place and tested to verify its waterproofness. The dial and hands are ﬁtted to the movement, and the movement is secured back into the case. Finally, the fully reassembled watch undergoes a rigorous four-day quality control process to ensure it meets the exceptional standards set by Rolex.

Q Of all the watches you have serviced, what has been your favourite one?

A My preferred watches to service are those with a rich history or stories associated with them. Occasionally, it is a family heirloom that has been passed down through multiple generations, or a watch that has been worn on the same wrist for its entire life. Each of these watches carries a unique story that has shaped them in di erent ways, and this is evident in every watch that comes across my bench. What distinguishes them is the stories they hold and the milestones they represent.

Q What advice would you give on the care of a Rolex watch?

A A Rolex watch is a tough and robust timepiece made to withstand extreme conditions. Such a watch requires rather

“MY PREFERRED WATCHES TO SERVICE ARE THOSE WITH A RICH HISTORY OR STORIES ASSOCIATED WITH THEM”

LUKE AT WORK

infrequent intervention. However, it is recommended that a 10 year service interval is important to ensure the longevity of the watch and if anything feels out of place between services to bring it to an accredited workshop as soon as possible. For context, a Rolex watch movement produces 8 beats per second, or 28,800 beats per hour, so it’s incredible that Rolex only recommends servicing your timepiece once every ten years.

Q What recent Rolex launches/ collections stand out for you?

A My personal favourite model in the collection is the Explorer. Its rich history dating back to 1953 as one of Rolex’s earliest professional models commemorates the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Its timeless design and robust nature have made it an iconic timepiece in the collection ever since.

Q What makes the Rolex Authorised Service Centre at Lister Horsfall so special?

A At Lister Horsfall, we’re proud to o er a truly personal touch. Your watch is cared for by our skilled team, who treat every timepiece as if it were their own. From the moment you bring your Rolex to us, we ensure each step of the servicing process is handled with the utmost precision and care. It’s not just about maintaining your watch; it’s about giving you peace of mind, knowing it’s in the hands

of experts who are as passionate about your timepiece as you are.

Q What does having a centre such as this o er clients?

A Having a Rolex Authorised Service Centre at Lister Horsfall means our clients enjoy the convenience of local service while maintaining the assurance of Rolex’s global standards. Your timepiece is expertly cared for right here in Halifax, yet it beneﬁts from the same international warranty o ered at Rolex service centres worldwide. This unique combination of accessibility and quality ensures our clients receive exceptional service with the conﬁdence and prestige that only Rolex can provide.

Q What else do you think makes the Lister Horsfall experience so special?

A At Lister Horsfall, we’re more than just a jeweller – we’re a part of the community, proudly carrying over 120 years of legacy. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to make every visit to our Halifax and Ilkley showrooms truly special. We take the time to understand your needs, o ering expert advice and a warm welcome to everyone who walks through our doors. For us, it’s about more than exceptional watches and jewellery; it’s about building lasting relationships and being a trusted part of your life’s milestones.

listerhorsfall.co.uk

WONDER STUFF

Celia B’s Wanderlust collection will welcome in spring with a colourful burst of creativity

Sales of ﬁ ne watches, jewellery, ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE items, ranging from Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer. Our showroom includes Whitefriars glass, Murano, Silver items, paintings, objects of desire and lots more gifts.

Heart Felt

Cool girl pieces to mark Love Awareness Month

By CARLY GLENDINNING

MARIE LICHTENBERG

18K Yellow Gold, and White Diamonds Love Collar Clip, £5,305 carolinabucci.com

EDEN PRESLEY

14K Yellow Gold, Pink Sapphire, and Opal Love Transformer Earrings, £1,630 edenpresley.com

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

18ct White & Rose Gold Entwined Double Heart Diamond Pendant, £2,395 berrysjewellers.co.uk

HEAVENLY VICES Pink Sapphire Love Lock, £5,700 heavenlyvicesﬁnejewelry.com

LISTER HORSFALL

Endless Collection Heart Pendant set with 2.04ct brilliant diamonds, £5,775 listerhorsfall.co.uk

CCWW DESIGNS

14K Gold, Diamonds, White Sapphires, and Ebony Heart Earrings, £2,124 ccwwdesigns.com

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

Gucci Icon 18ct Rose Gold Open Heart Necklace, £2,120 berrysjewellers.co.uk

JULIANA KRYS

18K Gold, Rubies, and Diamonds Besos Ring, £6,500 julianakrysjewelry.com

JADE TRAU

18K Yellow Gold, and Diamonds Friendship Charm Earrings, £2,915 (pair) jadetrau.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

SOUND OF STILLNESS

TITANIC SPA

National Sleep Day falls in March, so for us here at Absolutely that means we need to head down to one of our finest spas and just let go of it all. Titanic Spa is a multi-award-winning destination spa that places equal emphasis on the wellbeing of both guests and the environment. Set amongst the majestic hills of the Pennines, the beautifully restored 20th-century textile mill blends stunning architecture with modern state of the art spa facilities. Now, just close your eyes... titanicspa.com

BEAUTY

NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

EARL OF EAST

Earl of East has debuted its ﬁrst soap bars. A sustainable alternative to bottled cleansers, they’re available in the brand’s signature scents – Smoke & Musk, Wildﬂower, and Shinrin-Yoku, £15 each. earlofeast.com

MAKE WAVES SOAP IT UP

MAGIC WAND

NIRA

The NIRA Laser bundle is clinically proven to reduce lines and wrinkles, stimulating collagen production. I’ve been using mine for several months and can deﬁnitely report younger looking skin, £898.20. niraskin.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CURLSMITH

Jam-packed with superfoods to nourish your hair, Curlsmith’s ‘Wavy Discovery Kit’ contains everything you need to look after your curls. Gentle enough to use on my daughter’s hair, these products gave her curls a beautiful bounce, £57. curlsmith.com

TITANIC SPA

The iconic Yorkshire destination is 20 years old

The original pioneers of sustainability within the industry, Titanic Spa is a multi-award-winning destination spa that places equal emphasis on the wellbeing of both guests and the environment. Set amongst the majestic hills of the Pennines, the beautifully restored 20thcentury textile mill blends stunning architecture with modern state of the art spa facilities and apartmentstyle accommodation. Whether it’s an overnight break, day or evening spa visit that you are looking for, they have something for everyone to enjoy, along with a wide range of luxurious treatments to complete your time there. During your visit, you can indulge in locally sourced food and sip on delectable drinks that provide guests with a unique and unsurpassed spa experience of escapism, relaxation and indulgence. This year, Titanic Spa is celebrating 20 years of being at the forefront of the spa industry. Over this time, Titanic spa has created an awardwinning destination spa incorporating their passion for beauty and wellness with a desire to protect the world we live in. They o er guests a holistic spa experience where everyone is treated as an individual and receives the very best care and attention. Their spa is designed to appeal to both men and women o ering a calm environment away from the stresses of everyday life. They source the highest quality products, treatments and spa experiences which have the ability to soothe, relax and rejuvenate while producing highly visible results.

TITANIC SPA 01484 843544 titanicspa.com

oil, £34 malinandgoetz.co.uk

Wonder blading lip stain masque , £18 wonderskin.com

First Friday of every month 10am - 12pm We welcome our local community to join us for a delightful coﬀee morning. We look forward to getting to know our neighbours and local groups over a cup of tea and cake. No need to book just pop by on the day! Call today 01904 937 449

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE

How SpineArt and the man behind it, Dr Dan Fagan, can o er treatment to cure all manner of back and spine issues

Dr Dan Fagan FRCS is a leading consultant spinal surgeon with over 25 years’ experience based in Yorkshire and the North East, who specialises in adult degenerative spinal conditions and minimally invasive spinal surgery. His work is focused at Circle Health Woodlands Hospital and Nu eld Tees Hospital.

He created his practice, SpineArt, in 2010 to help people with spinal problems with the empathy, consideration, and advanced techniques that successful treatment of these conditions demand. This is summed up by Dr Fagan as “choosing the right operation for the right condition at the right time” for his patients.

“From the ﬁrst point of contact with us, we see people quickly and no referral is necessary,” he explains. “Bev, my practice

manager, will guide patients through the process, and we have access to MRI scans and tests done elsewhere in the country which can be easily transferred. This is all underpinned by a modern electronic booking and records system making your patient journey as seamless as possible.” Safety and excellence is very important in your experience with SpineArt. Dr Fagan is a respected clinical leader and has been an advisor for the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). He is currently a Clinical Chairman at Circle Health Group, which involves clinical service and governance development for spinal services at national level in his role as Chairman of the Spinal Steering Group. More recently he has completed the Circle Health Senior Leadership course and has a postgraduate degree in Executive Management from Liverpool Business School.

“There are some common misconceptions in the treatment of back pain and sciatica, the commonest of which is that continued exercise is beneficial and can cure all cases,” Dr Fagan continues. “Often back pain and sciatica gets better naturally within 6 to 12 weeks, but beyond that time exercise and even walking can cause persistent or worsening symptoms. Weight bearing exercise and the heel strike when walking or running causes axial impact force which radiates up the leg to the spine and causes pain in an inflamed disc or nerve root. In my practice, we use specific exercise and rehabilitation techniques to minimise spinal pain and inflammation, in conjunction with interventional treatment.”

People who have already been seen by a physiotherapist for their pain and might be waiting for an appointment with their GP, or on the waiting list for an NHS consultation, may be interested in ﬁnding out how the advances in spine surgery can help them to get back to a full life.

“People who have sciatica and back pain need a diagnosis,” Dr Fagan states. “There are di erent reasons for the pain and a range of di erent treatments. We have the equipment and the expertise, right here at Circle Woodlands, to be able to o er patients the most cutting-edge treatment for conditions that can prevent them living their best lives.

“In my practice we can solve all manner of spinal conditions including neck pain due to spondylosis (or wear and tear), trapped nerves in the neck, lumbar spinal pain and sciatica due to a slipped disc, and osteoporotic fractures in older patients or impaction fractures in championship jockeys and sportsmen.”

If you would like to arrange a consultation, please contact Beverley Johnston on 07539330360 or email secretary@ spineart.org. For more information or to book online, visit spineart.org

DR DAN FAGAN

Inside this section

VINTAGE SOFA CO. p68

CARPE DIEM BEDS p72

FIONA LEAHY p74

TWO-TONE KITCHENS p79

GARDEN DESIGN p83

FLOURISHING FURNISHING S

Greycaine is a designer Italian furniture emporium that combines timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship and Italian artistry to create an unparalleled collection of furniture. From beautifully crafted sofas to impeccably designed dining sets and bespoke items, every piece in the Greycaine collection is a testament to artistry, comfort and sophistication. greycaine.co.uk

GREYCAINE

Sitting comfortably

Halifax’s Vintage Sofa Co. has taken home comforts to a whole new level. Absolutely meets the co-founder, Katy Hawes, to ﬁnd out how they have done it

In the sofa-manufacturing industry, dominated by greys and beiges, coowner of Yorkshire-based Vintage Sofa Co., Katy Hawes, is bucking the trend and turning heads with her colourdrenched, maximalist sofa-style. It’s an approach that’s been taken to the hearts of a growing, loyal UK-wide customer base from a renovated mill in the heart of Halifax.

Absolutely visited their wonderful showroom to take a seat with Katy and discover what inspired the launch of the business, how they have evolved, and their aim to bring a whole heap of colour into our lives.

Q Before you moved to Yorkshire, were you always interested in vintage sofas?

A I was brought up in auction houses, my dad was an auctioneer and I followed in his footsteps undertaking training to do the same. I absorbed his love of beautiful, crafted, unusual objects, things that tell a story and delight you. At home we would always opt for well-made second hand over poorly made ﬂatpacks. I’ve always

believed in buying once and well, and had a passion for sofas. A good sofa marries practicality and beauty, it’s the stage for life’s precious moments with family and friends, and provides a welcome spot to relax at the end of a long day.

Q What inspired you to move north?

A I moved north to home school my daughter who was being bullied at school. The move gave us a fresh start and allowed us to take a step back and focus on spending time together more as a family as we managed on one full time wage. We lived a very simple life, but it was enormously fulﬁlling. Yorkshire has become my true home, I love the people, the spirit, the beautiful countryside and the history. I love working with local people, supporting the local economy, doing what I can to give back and help others.

Q Did you have a grand plan for a business when first settling into the county?

A No, absolutely not. By luck we found the mill for sale and fell head over heels in love. We naively thought we would be able to

“A good sofa marries practicality and beauty”

renovate it ourselves, but soon realised it was a huge undertaking and we were out of our depth as we didn’t have the skills or money to do it properly. We got turned down for a mortgage and our only asset was 12 vintage sofas that we’d collected over the years so I decided to list them on eBay to help with emergency repairs and they were quickly snapped up.

Q How did you find out there was a demand for cleaning up and restoring vintage sofas?

A After selling our sofas so rapidly, it was obvious there was a demand but keeping up with supply was tricky. It was a very physical job, lots of lifting, cleaning and repairing. Pete (my husband) would be out in the van collecting old sofas and delivering ones we sold. It was hard work, but we loved it.

Q How quickly did this lead to you launching Vintage Sofa Co.?

A Over time we slowly managed to cover the cost of essential repairs of the building and transformed the ground ﬂoor into a

KATY HAWES

“We have banished grey and beige with our new collection”

warehouse of second-hand sofas. Within six months we were selling 60 second-hand sofas a week. This was the start of our showroom journey. Eventually, as supply of second-hand sofas ran low, I had a lightbulb moment and connected with a local manufacturer in Lancashire, to design our Oskar sofa – a new Chesterﬁeld inspired by the vintage style Chesterﬁelds we’d been restoring. Here began the story of Vintage Sofa Co. the business you see today.

Q How would you say you have evolved?

A These days our business has grown, with a bigger team, a dedicated customer service team and a fully realised showroom, but our core concept remains the same – selling what we love at a good price. We are blessed to have the most fantastic customer base, who like us share our love of vibrant, beautiful sofas. Now eight years on, people want the whole look so it’s expanded from sofas to home furnishings. We bring that cosy, haven-like comfort with rugs, cushions, furniture and trinkets. I’m in the privileged position to also now work with my family everyday as my daughters, son and sonin-law are now all working with Pete and I.

Q Today, in a nutshell, what do you oﬀer?

A Beautiful, well made sofas, fairly priced, designed to be passed on down the generations, just as things used to be.

Q What would you say your ethos is?

A Do to others as you would expect to be done to yourself – what you know to be

right. This is the right thing to do in every given situation. It’s important to act with integrity and not let money cloud your judgement. This permeates every aspect of my company.

Q How do you go about making a new piece to sell?

A I get so excited about the design process. I love the creativity of it. I love designing products and seeing them ﬁnally make it to the showroom. I consider it a bit like having a new baby. I’m so excited to meet them. I’ll design the colour, the fabric, the internals, the arm. I’ll work with local manufacturers to realise the concept. I’ll head over to the maker to give it the “sit test”, to ensure it’s as comfy as it looks and reﬁne it from there. I tend to take prototypes and live with them for a while at home too.

Q Do you have a favourite piece?

A Ah well, my heart is stolen by the Oskar, my ﬁrst love so I can’t say anything else! I love the timeless British design, the way the beautiful aniline leather wears in, not out, and the fact that each piece is ﬁnished with hand-pulled deep buttons. It’s a sofa made for passing down the generations and I love the fact that it doesn’t need primping and plumping to look great. It just is.

Q What kind of things are you looking to introduce in 2025?

A This year is turning out to be very exciting. Part of my creativity comes from looking around at what the industry does and what we could oﬀer that’s diﬀerent. We have developed a new range of garden furniture quite unlike anything else on the market, it encapsulates our love of colour and unbridled joy. Designed to make you smile, the Blossom Collection celebrates colour – it brings sunshine vibes no matter what the weather. We have banished grey and beige, there’s quite enough of that on the market already!

Q What can we see at your showroom?

A We always say you come to the showroom as a visitor but hopefully leave as family. The showroom is an experience. It used to be our home and we welcome you in the same way – with a cuppa and slice of cake, and leave you to explore. We hope you’ll ﬁnd our showroom inspiring, it’s a maximalist wonderland, ﬁlled with joyful colour, beautiful sofas and unusual trinkets.

Q What comes next for you?

A We’ve set up Grace & Favour, a trade business which showcases our unique style and allows other stores and showrooms around the country to have a splash of colour in. We’ve also got plenty of new products in the pipeline, so watch this space!

vintagesofa.co.uk

Sleep TALK

Carpe Diem Beds is expanding The Iconic Collection and releasing new products for the bedroom sanctuary

IIn celebration of this year’s 30th anniversary, Carpe Diem Beds has expanded The Iconic Collection, an innovative series of floating luxury beds first released last May. The brand is adding their best-selling bed model, Sandö, to the collection and releasing a range of new products to help customers turn their bedrooms into sanctuaries. The Iconic Collection debuted with four innovative designs: Kungsö, Hällsö Walnut, Hällsö Upholstery, and Vindö. Known for their innovative style, these beds feature a distinctive centred leg design, creating an ethereal floating effect. With the addition of Sandö Iconic, the collection continues to set new standards for luxury and innovation in the world of sleep.

REIMAGINING A CLASSIC

As Carpe Diem Beds’ most popular continental bed model, Sandö has been thoughtfully reimagined to align with the rest of The Iconic Collection. Its updated design incorporates the centred leg, giving it the ethereal ﬂoating appearance while maintaining the ergonomic excellence that has made it a customer favourite.

Sandö Iconic stands out due to its unique combination of three patented spring systems. Like all beds in the collection, Sandö Iconic includes both the Contour Pocket System and Visco Elastic Bottom Layer. The third layer, the X-pocket, is positioned between the top and bottom spring systems, providing exceptional suspension depth that creates an unparalleled sensation of weightlessnes and enhances the sleep experience, oﬀering an ideal balance of support and relaxation.

New standards for luxury and innovation in the world of sleep

ADDING TO THE BEDROOM SANCTUARY

Carpe Diem Beds oﬀers more than just luxury beds; they provide a variety of bedroom furniture and accessories that inspire customers to create their own bedroom sanctuary. The concept of a 360° view is central to the company’s philosophy, as they believe the bedroom should be the heart of the home – a space where one can truly unwind.

Among the new releases are the Otterö Headboard, Holme Walnut Nightstand, Holme Walnut Top and Cylinder Bed Leg in Walnut, all crafted from walnut, highlighting a commitment to materials that embody beauty, tranquillity, and lasting quality. This aligns with one of the company’s primary sources of design inspiration: nature. The new releases also include Holme Upholstery, Sälö, and Holme Plexi Top. Holme Upholstery is a soft, fabric-padded version of the popular Holme Nightstand. Sälö is an upholstered back panel designed to complement the walnut headboard models Pinnö and Otterö. The Holme Plexi Top is speciﬁcally designed for the Holme nightstands. This transparent top adds a modern touch while providing a protective surface.

Each new oﬀering is thoughtfully created to enhance the sleeping experience, reﬂecting meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

Find out more by visiting carpediembeds.co.uk

SANDÖ ICONIC

TABLE

TALK

Event designer Fiona Leahy is launching a ‘table wardrobe’ of stylish accessories for the home. Absolutely has a preview

By PEARL BOYD

If anyone knows about tablescaping, it’s Fiona Leahy. The dining table has long served this Irish-born stylist as a canvas for creating atmospheric scenes of whimsy, intrigue and magical thinking. And now she has launched a collection of table essentials, which she is calling a ‘table wardrobe’, a collection of accessories to

help us all recreate our mealtimes in the style of Chanel, Dior or Harrods’ glamorous events.

The Fiona Leahy Emporium brings Fiona’s creative vision and flair into this collection of expertly designed, beautiful, functional pieces that add elegance, colour and interest to every table. Alongside in-house designed core collections

of table linens, candle holders and accessories, one-off pieces will digitally drop on a regular basis alongside pieces from favourite makers Fiona has worked with for nearly 20 years. These new essentials are created to be layered, mixed and matched in the way she would do when staging distinctive, dramatic and daring events around the world.

Tablecloths and napkins made from premium linens have been uniquely colour matched in 12 shades inspired by a copy of the 1930s British Colour Standard book Fiona found in a second-hand bookstore. Rich, deep shades such Venetian Pink, Opaline Green, Vintage Peach, Cacao and Coral Kiss as well as Riley’s Patch and Genie Pink (named in honour of Fiona’s two beloved rescue pups) have been created and extensively colour tested for use in a single sweep of monochrome colourblocking or mixed according to mood.

Fiona began her career as a fashion stylist before pioneering her unique creative style of event design by founding her own production agency Fiona Leahy Design in 2005. She instantly became a vital collaborator for prestigious private clients around the world, including Chanel, Dior, Fendi, The Row, and retailers such as Tiffany & Co, Harrods and Asprey. Recognised for her pioneering approach to tabletop design, Fiona brings her intricate bird’s eye vision and flair to offer expertly designed, made, finished pieces.

The first in-house designed collection, Illumination, comprises four translucent tinted glass hurricanes in soothing tones of pearl, rose, peach and honey designed to allow for a fresh approach to playing

with the allure of candlelight. There are also Candleware pieces featuring glass, chrome and brass; thin 35cm taper candles available in nine unique colours.

She has also curated a selection of special heirloom vintage and antique tabletop pieces collected on her travels over many years (from antique silver candle wands, porcelain oyster plates and vintage embroidered linens to unusual art de la table accessories) alongside artisanal homewares from makers with whom Fiona has worked across her career in event design, including Laboratorio Paravicini, Greggio and Kaneko Kohyo. Having special pieces custom made for each event, whether it was a tablecloth or place holder, from Los Angeles, Mexico to Baku and Doha, has always been integral to the stylist’s success.

“It was always the biggest sign of approval when guests wanted to take everything on the table home (and quite often they did),” says Fiona. “I wanted to design a collection of my most loved items imbued with my experience, expertise and passion that will bring people at home the same joy I get from filling a space or dressing a table with unforgettable moments of magic.”

fionaleahy.com

“It is a fresh approach to playing with the allure of candlelight”

“Their showroom is a great find to seek out all the finer details”

Exploring why

kitchen heart & soul OF THE

Walter Dix & Co have everything you need for your dream kitchen

Walter Dix & Co are an established and leading kitchen appliance retailer in the North of England. They provide a selection of the best premium and quality cookers and refrigeration products on the market. If you are planning a new kitchen and want to source that little something which is unique and has fantastic design elements, colour ﬁnishes and bespoke options then there is sure to be something which Walter Dix & Co can oﬀer.

In a heavily saturated market, with most retailers withdrawing from actual products physically on display their showroom located in Gateshead, conveniently off the A1, is a destination store with a difference. Well worth a visit to see products on display and to gain valuable advice from their expert staff.

The range cookers at Walter Dix & Co oﬀer more capacity across one area for cooking than their built-in counterparts so having a statement piece often coupled with either a built-in cooker hood overhead or a built-in hood can provide a fantastic presence in any kitchen. Premium brands such as LaCornue, LaCanche, Bertazzoni, Ilve Wolf, Fulgor Milano, Falcon, Lofra, AGA Mercury and AGA Masterchef are all on display. Heat storage range cookers from AGA, Everhot and Rayburn also have a large presence in designated displays with the latest of model options.

Quality premium refrigeration is on display from Subzero, Bertazzoni and Fisher & Paykel

and they take centre stage next to their cooking counterparts. Extraction options, wine storage, dishwasher drawers, hobs and cookware can also be viewed.

With ﬁnancing options available, price promise and free UK delivery on all range cookers and refrigeration, then if you’re feeling inspired and would like further information or assistance, get in touch with the team at Walter Dix & Co.

The showroom is open 6 days a week with plenty of free parking outside the door.

WALTER DIX & CO

1 Stirling Court, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0JF wdix.co.uk | 0191 4820033

set the TONE

Second Nature, who have a host of stockists across Yorkshire, analyse a key trend in kitchen design

Two-toned kitchens are the latest design trend to oﬀer a stunning blend of style and functionality. By combining contrasting colours, textures and materials, this design approach creates depth and visual interest whilst allowing homeowners to express their personal style. Second Nature oﬀers a range of cupboard doors and accessories to create the perfect two-toned kitchen which will elevate the home.

When creating a two-toned design, selecting the appropriate colours is essential. The ﬁrst step is to decide which tones will complement one another without clashing, with some of the most popular combinations being lighter shades like white, grey or cream and contrasting them with deeper hues such as navy, charcoal and burnt orange. A homeowner could opt for a dramatic contrast or a more subtle approach, dependent on the style of home and the space available.

A two-toned approach not only enhances visual interest, but also offers practical benefits. Lighter tones can create an open and airy atmosphere, while darker hues will hide scuffs and stains, making a space more functional. To fully embrace the trend, homeowners can also experiment with different textures and materials. For example, glossy finishes can add a contemporary

feel whilst natural wood tones oﬀer warmth and charm. Additionally, contrasting hardware, splashbacks and worktops can elevate the two-toned design to create a cohesive and sophisticated look.

The Mornington Beaded design is a prime example of how to incorporate two contrasting tones in the kitchen. Opt for one wall of cabinetry in a lighter colour and another wall in a more vibrant hue to create a dynamic visual eﬀect which adds personality and energy to the overall space. Whilst the light cabinetry prevents a smaller kitchen from feeling cramped, the bold contrast adds warmth and character. Tie the space together by opting for a similarly bold kitchen island to create a focal point.

Emma Sandford, brand manager at Second Nature, comments: “This particular trend has gained traction because it oﬀers endless customisation options, allowing homeowners to make a statement whilst keeping the design timeless. It’s the perfect trend for those who want

“This trend has gained traction because it offers endless customisation options”

their kitchen to feel modern yet welcoming. Whether you prefer bold contrasts or subtle transitions, a two-toned kitchen is a creative way to personalise your space.” Available through a network of over 180 independent retailers and showrooms, Second Nature is ready and waiting across the UK to help every homeowner create their perfect space. Whether it’s re-imagining an entire house or providing the ﬁnishing touch to a smaller room, aﬀordability, exceptional customer service and quality products are at the heart of the brand’s ethos.

Find out more at sncollection.co.uk

ﬁngers GREEN

The Yorkshire School of Garden Design launch new courses led by Alistair Baldwin

The Yorkshire School of Garden Design, founded by acclaimed garden designer Alistair Baldwin, has announced the launch of a new suite of expertly crafted garden design courses. Aimed at budding designers and practicing professionals, these tailored courses will oﬀer students the opportunity to learn from one of the UK’s leading garden designers at the school’s new home in Ripon, Yorkshire.

Alistair Baldwin has created a range of courses that cater to all levels, from beginners eager to explore the fundamentals of garden design to professionals seeking to enhance their skills. These courses are designed to provide in-depth, practical knowledge alongside the creative inspiration that has deﬁned Alistair’s own distinguished career. All courses will be led by Alistair

and his expert design team, with input from special guest speakers hand-picked from Alistair’s international network of friends and contacts in the industry.

The Yorkshire School of Garden Design, formerly of Harewood House, West Yorkshire, is now situated in a Victorian, Grade II listed building in the city of Ripon. It features spacious learning areas and sits above the all-new Alistair W Baldwin design studio.

Alistair, who is ranked in House and Garden’s top 50 designers, believes that the key to nurturing designers of the future is providing them with access to educators who are professionals within their ﬁeld and who can deliver practical experience and insight in design. Alistair, who has worked on high-proﬁle projects throughout the UK including Raby Castle, Wynyard Hall and the stunning boutique hotel Grantley Hall, brings his wealth of experience, creative vision, and passion to the school’s curriculum.

“The new suite of courses at The Yorkshire School of Garden Design reﬂects my commitment to nurturing the next generation of garden designers,” says Alistair. “We’ve brought together some of the leading lights of the garden design world to deliver engaging, up-todate and fun learning experiences, right in the heart of Yorkshire.

“We will be entering our third year since launching the school in September 2022 and it's been wonderful to attract students from across the country in this time,” he continues. “We’ve seen people travel to study on our courses from as far as London and Edinburgh. For me, the intention has always been to connect budding designers of the north to the garden design profession at national and international levels. Our school continues to help shape the gardens of tomorrow.”

Full details on course oﬀerings can be found on the website at ysgd.co.uk

CLASSIC ELEGANCE

In 2022, Marianne Tuxen created the Tulip Pendant for the restoration of Carlsberg founder J.C. Jacobsen’s historic and imposing villa in Copenhagen. Blending classic elegance with modern aesthetics, the Tulip Pendant, which until now has only adorned the Pompeii Hall in the Carlsberg Academy, is now available for a broader audience for the very rst time. Price: from £ 442

Børge Mogensen is well-known for his ability to design furniture for everyday use yet with high aesthetic appeal, and the dining table is no exception. At rst glance, his BM0121 seems very simple, but on closer inspection it conceals several complex details that demand a high level of craftsmanship. Price: £ 2,549

Børge Mogensen Marianne Tuxen

By PENDLE HARTE

SORT CODES

SQUARE ROUTE ANTLER

1 5

BIN IT BRABANTIA

Nobody wants a rubbish bin to look rubbish. Ever on-trend Brabantia have released a new colourway for their stylish and practical bins (intelligent opening, silent closing). Because in 2025, everything is brown. Even your new bin. brabantia.com

SHELF LIFE UMBRA

With three expandable tiers, you can customise this shelf to best ﬁt your cupboard, countertop or shelf space. Made with recycled plastic and sustainable wood materials, it's a great storage solution. umbra.com

To anyone who has resisted packing cubes so far, we say one thing: Antler. These cubes in various sizes have a clever compression zip that magically makes everything smaller. Not only can you compartmentalise everything, but you can ﬁt so much more in your suitcase, £50. antler.co.uk 1 3 4 5 2 3 2 4

PICK IT UP

JOSEPH JOSEPH Banish bathroom clutter with a simple yet ingenius storage caddy. This Joseph Joseph one has space for toothbrushes and all the paraphenalia that collects around the sink, £28. josephjoseph.com

HUNG UP ABODE LIVING

This is a shelf, but with a hanging rail. With one sleek looking item, you can solve several organisational problems at once. It even comes with hooks too, £77. abodeliving.com

A Timeless Approach to Kitchen Design

Meticulously Made

Here at 1909 Kitchens, traditional joinery meets meticulous modern making. Ask us our single most defining character trait and we’d say our attention to detail. We carefully consider every last inch of your in-frame, painted furniture to achieve an individually tailored union of

Concept Kitchens, Weatherby, LS23 7FG Ripon Interiors, Ripon, HG4

Jolly Kitchens, Richmond, DL10

Fox Kitchens, Settle, BD24

FIVE OF THE BEST

QUORN STONE PICK OUT THEIR FLOORING TRENDS FOR 2025

As we celebrate 30 years of Quorn Stone this year, our passion for beautiful stone flooring remains at the core of who we are. Read on for our top 5 ﬂooring trends for 2025 and be inspired for your own project.

Textured Floor Tiles

2025 is all about texture in the home and textured limestone is at the top of our list for flooring. Natural stone tiles remain an enduring and diverse choice when it comes to floor tiles, used for centuries in estates and country homes, loved for their beauty and practicality. Across the interiors industry, we have seen more wanting to create this timeless feel in their kitchens, whilst also wanting to incorporate the trend of textured and tactile finishes. Opt for textured grey stone flooring for a contemporary yet organic take on traditional kitchen flooring.

Ivory Stone Effect Tiles

Ivory stone effect tiles are set to be a key floor trend for 2025, offering a

calming neutral aesthetic that perfectly complements modern or traditional country interiors. Stone eﬀect porcelain is a wonderful alternative to natural stone, with the prints available more realistic than ever, oﬀering blends of soft ivory and white that will brighten any space.

Marble Flooring

Marble is a timeless material that has been used in the home for hundreds of years and has seen a resurgence in recent years as flooring. Marble tiles offer both charm and practicality, exuding a luxurious feel, and are available in a whole host of shades and patterns, from a classic Carrara white marble to bolder more dramatic hues. Marble flooring as chequerboard or with cabochon inserts will instantly elevate a hallway and create an effortlessly inviting space.

Honey Beige Limestone

any interior and any style, complementing all colour palettes. Limestone tiles are versatile and hardwearing options for the home with these warmer toned hues and ﬁnishes being a popular choice for ﬂooring that will stand the test of time.

Herringbone Flooring

The final flooring trend for 2025 we are seeing is herringbone floor tiles. Herringbone has been a much-loved laying pattern as wall tiles for many years, but now homeowners are choosing this design for ﬂooring, with limestone bricks or ‘stackers’ providing a rustic and natural take on herringbone tiles.

When it comes to ﬂooring, certain styles never date, and honey beige limestone is the one material you can guarantee will work in mystoneﬂoor.com

TEXTURED: CLERMONT GRIS® AGED TUMBLED LIMESTONE TILES

ALNWICK IVORY STONE EFFECT PORCELAIN TILES

HONEY BEIGE: DIJON TUMBLED LIMESTONE TILES

“They curate stylish spaces that inspire timeless design”

Three for all

Yorkshire companies who can add that ﬁnishing touch to your interior design scheme

RICHARD GRAFTON INTERIORS

A cosy corner of the newly refurbished Richard Grafton Interiors Ilkley showroom highlights an elegant composition of textures and colours. A neutral toned armchair with warm brown accents and piping epitomises the style and look they have opted for. A simple yet stylish base layered with accessories and materials which are striking and create talking points. The throw, pictured right and available in a variety of colours, creates a perfect balance of vibrancy and comfort. The new display reﬂects their commitment to curating stylish and inviting spaces that inspire timeless interior design.

richardgraftoninteriors.com

STUDIO NEST

At Studio Nest, their clients are increasingly drawn to kitchen designs that feature a mix of colours and finishes to add depth, character, and a bespoke touch to their homes. Popular combinations blend bold, dark colours or earthy green tones with warm oaks or walnut and soft off-whites to create a timeless look. This approach not only defines zones and breaks up a large kitchen space, but also allows for easy personalisation and a unique design. The key is balance – mixing materials and coordinating accessories brings the design together. A well-chosen palette creates a kitchen that feels current yet enduring, adapting beautifully over the years. Plus, with painted wooden kitchens, colours can be easily updated as trends evolve and tastes change, ensuring your space remains fresh and timeless. If you are looking for a beautiful, bespoke kitchen design, please contact their studio to arrange a free consultation. studionest.co.uk

THE FRENCH HOUSE

Established three decades ago, The French House in York oﬀers a wide range of authentic French furniture, from farmhouse tables and upholstered seating to gilt mirrors, period lighting and homewares. The French House caters and delivers to private buyers and interior designers across the UK and beyond, as well as oﬀering additional services such as restoration, re-upholstery and bespoke furniture. Located on the outskirts of York, the 400sqm showroom is open to the public Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm, with free parking available. Stock can also be viewed on the website at thefrenchhouse.co.uk. york@thefrenchhouse.co.uk 01904 400561

THE FRENCH HOUSE

RICHARD GRAFTON INTERIORS

STUDIO NEST

BRINGING YOU closer TO THE CARIBBEAN

Scattered across nine idyllic Caribbean islands discover 18 breathtaking resorts, designed exclusively for adults. Each resort is nestled along the shores of the most exquisite beaches, boasting crystal-clear waters and powdery soft white sands. Experience unparalleled luxury as you float eﬀortlessly in captivating infinity pools or dive into a thrilling new watersport. And when it’s time to relax and unwind your luxurious private sanctuary awaits. The beauty of the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resorts is that everything is included, allowing you the freedom to indulge in endless possibilities or simply enjoy the serenity of paradise.

TRAVEL

Island life

CYPRUS

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus has been a coveted prize for empires and civilisations through time. And it's easy to see why – see more over the page.

Crabtree

the Essence of CYPRUS

A luxurious break on the island of ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and the warmest welcome

By SANDY CADIZ-SMITH

Ajourney to Cyprus o ers a unique blend of sun-soaked relaxation and rich history. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the island has been a coveted prize for empires and civilisations through time. Divided into the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkishcontrolled Northern Cyprus, following the invasion ﬁve decades ago, the island is home to ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and the warmest welcome. Perhaps that’s because the sun shines an average of 320 days a year.

A direct ﬂight from Limassol whisks us away to our island escape and the luxury of Parklane: A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, a short drive from the airport. Our Monopolyplaying days remind us of Park Lane on the board – the pinnacle of luxury and style. And its namesake does not disappoint.

A sweeping driveway, sparkling fountain, and expansive, dazzling marble foyer welcome us and we’re soon escorted to our beautiful room. It’s a sanctuary of modern elegance with sleek minimalist furnishings

and a huge marble bathroom with a deep bathtub and roomy shower. The ﬂoor-toceiling glass doors lead to a large balcony with azure sea and pool views. The stunning tropical gardens weave their way throughout the resort and there’s a lot to explore.

Parklane has three large, shimmering swimming pools surrounded by extra-plush sun loungers. There’s a large private beach and pretty cabanas laid out along the edge of the gardens for private relaxation. The facilities are sprinkled like treasures to be discovered throughout the grounds. Winding pathways lead through verdant lawns and tumbling blooms and the pure natural beauty of our setting soon envelops us.

Parklane days begin very happily with the vast breakfast bu et at Lanes. This sets the tone for what turns out to be a very foodie trip. The resort prides itself on its exceptional cuisine, produced using the freshest of ingredients and we truly feasted in style. There are six restaurants and bars, each with its own clear personality which is reﬂected in the food. LPM (La Petite Maison) serves inventive cocktails and dishes

inspired by the French Riviera. Think luscious garlic snails, sea bream baked with Provencal herbs, and duck conﬁt. There’s fresh ﬁsh and seafood and prime cuts of meat at NAMMOS on its beautiful alfresco terrace overlooking the sea. And Il Teatro besides the pool serves Italian delights at lunchtime.

The island itself also has many attractions. There’s time for peaceful beachside walks and strolls through nearby Limassol Marina and Old Harbour to Limassol Castle. There’s a stunning tree-lined promenade ﬁlled with happy people and we discover little markets and quaint souvenir shops along the way. We dine on authentic Cypriot cuisine on the terrace at Karatello Restaurant overlooking the castle.

The next morning we travel the vertiginously narrow roads up to picturesque Lefkara Village, famed for its lace, silver making, and fabulous views. We meander the idyllic bougainvillea-festooned streets and stop

for fresh juice in the shade of a courtyard. We enjoy a taste of traditional village life and inhale the fragrant air before winding our way downwards back to our opulent home by the sea for our next uniquely Cypriot experience.

Cyprus is home to the world’s oldest perfume, said to have been created over 4,000 years ago using extracts of lavender, laurel, rosemary, pine, and coriander. We excitedly join a perfume workshop to design our own personal scent with the help of the resident expert. We leave sweet-smelling with our fragrances and head to the elegance of Kalloni Spa for a rejuvenating massage.

Parklane weaves a unique kind of magic. From the beauty of the immaculate gardens to the sparkle of the pools and sea, gourmet dining and superb facilities, it’s the ultimate in luxury, style, and indulgence. Cyprus is an alluring island, a world where history, culture, and natural beauty converge.

marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pfomdparklane-a-luxury-collection-resort-andspa-limassol/overview/

experiences ECLECTIC

Not many destinations can boast miles of uninterrupted scenery, natural wonders, world-class ski resorts, famous railways and modern cities. But Canada has all of this and more.

“THE QUESTION IS: WHAT ICONIC WORLD WONDER WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE CLOSEST TO?"

If you are drawn to bright city lights, choose between the charismatic Vancouver metropolitan Toronto or cultural Quebec. If nature is more your thing, then select alpine Ban or perhaps outgoing Calgary. Dip into a bit of local culture and stop by Frenchspeaking Montreal or keep it coastal by visiting colourful Halifax. Each boasts friendly Canadian culture as well as regional quirks and charms –meaning no two cities are the same.

What all Canadian cities have in common is also what sets them apart from the rest of the world. Every urban hub you visit acts as a gateway to some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful landscapes. The question when it comes to Canada is: what iconic world wonder would you like to be closest to? Will it be Toronto to visit Niagara Falls, Ban for the Rocky Mountains, or Vancouver for an Alaskan cruise along the Inside Passage?

From cruise ports on both the Eastern and Western coasts to the 5 Star Rocky Mountaineer train that winds through the Rocky Mountains, Canada has something to o er everyone.

Barrhead Travel’s range of Canadian holidays includes all of the major cities as well as cruises. At Barrhead Travel they have exclusive departure dates and can tailor-make your perfect Canada and Alaska Cruise itinerary, taking in Canada by land and sea and o ering added value to create your dream bucket-list holiday.

So, whether it’s Toronto, Calgary, Ban or Vancouver you want to discover at Barrhead Travel, they can create your perfect itinerary so all you need to do is revel in the magic of glistening glaciers and the beautiful wilderness that Canada and Alaska has to o er.

Whichever Canada and Alaska cruise you are dreaming of and no matter where you wish to explore, their Canada experts will create your dream Canadian adventure.

0330 094 0189

barrheadtravel.co.uk/storelocator

EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY ACROSS CANADA & ALASKA CRUISE

Withglobalexpertiseandover 30years’experience,wehave anunrivalledreputationfor providingbespokeholidays ofthehighestquality.

Agem of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bamburgh is a mustvisit spot for a coastal escape. Voted the best seaside destination of the year by Which? for the past four consecutive years, it combines one of the ﬁnest beaches in the country with a pretty village which is guarded by a truly iconic castle.

Rising from a volcanic crag and overlooking the crashing waves of the North Sea, the castle seems to have been plucked straight from a fairytale. From its Norman origins in the 11th century to sieges during the Wars of the Roses and its ultimate revival in the Victorian age, this spectacular fortress has maintained a central place in British history. More recently, it’s provided the setting for countless ﬁlms and TV series – the castellated walls reigning over the sandy beach below being a sight quite unlike any other. Visitors can stay in

Beauty and the

BEACH

Exploring the stunning Bamburgh, with its coastal attractions and sensational castle

two apartments within the walls of the castle itself. Look forward to sunset strolls along the ramparts after crowds have departed, keeping an eye out for seabirds soaring home to roost and for dolphins leaping above the waves. Miles of stunning white sands extend beneath the castle, o ering views of the Farne Islands, the ruined Dunstanburgh Castle and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Dog-friendly and with ample room to stretch your legs, the beach is the ideal place to try out a surﬁng class, enjoy a sunrise yoga session, or simply stroll and detox from the rush of everyday life. Complement time spent in the fresh sea air with exceptional seafood o ered at the local

“The castle seems to have been plucked straight from a fairytale”

beach shacks and restaurants, before settling in for some tea and cake in a welcoming tearoom or a drink by the ﬁre in a cosy pub. There’s also plenty to keep you occupied a little further aﬁeld, from day trips to the intriguing Holy Island of Lindisfarne, just north of Bamburgh, or to the popular village of Seahouses that lies just to the south, where regular boat trips set out to spot seals and pu ns on the Farne Islands.

Experts in holiday cottages in the North of England and South of Scotland, this year Crabtree & Crabtree are celebrating their 20th anniversary. With over 200 unique holiday cottages in Northumberland, over 30 of which are located in Bamburgh, they’re passionate about unforgettable stays which connect you to the places they know and love so well. Whether you’d like to stay within the castle walls or hunker down in a village cottage just moments from the dunes, they have just the place for your next escape.

crabtreeandcrabtree.com

gains GLOBAL

BSC Education York has introduced a highly regarded programme to help students prepare for world-class academic success. Absolutely Yorkshire ﬁnds out more

Following a successful PFE (Private Further Education) inspection, BSC Education has announced the roll out of its highly sought-after NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) programme across its York college. The programme o ers both UK and international students an unparalleled opportunity to boost conﬁdence, language and study skills while preparing for academic success, before progressing to one of 60+ world-class universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Having recently launched its IFY programme in Malta, BSC is thrilled to be rolling out the same programme across its York college. The programme is proving to be a popular bridging year for students who are still discovering their passions and academic strengths, but are keen to move onto higher education within the UK or overseas. After joining the IFY programme, students will work with BSC’s academic advisors and student experience

team members to explore multi exit points across 6,000 undergraduate degree options before ﬁnding the best universities and programmes to match their individual needs and career goals. The IFY programme will be launching in York from September 2025.

Ed Brandt, Director of Academic Strategy at BSC Education, explains: “The International Foundation Year is an ideal opportunity for those students who are excited about pursuing higher education in the UK, but have not yet chosen a subject to study or decided which pathway they want to follow. The programme gives them that breathing space as well as a focused environment within which to learn and develop new skills, while enjoying the vibrancy and culture of city life. Having an IFY under your belt also opens the door to thousands of top degree courses at iconic and well-established universities, both in the UK and abroad.”

BSC Education has always placed a strong focus on student welfare and safeguarding, which was highlighted in its most recent inspections, and this will also

BSC YORK

be a key component for student success on the IFY programme. “Our students receive the very best support from a pastoral perspective, delivered by fully trained and approachable sta . From a comprehensive induction to a varied social events programme and helpful advice around next steps in education or career progression, students have access to ongoing support throughout their journey with us,” Ed adds. Students will be able to select a combination of subject modules within the programme which includes Business Studies, Global Studies, Economics and Maths, all delivered in English to reﬂect the teaching they will experience at

university. For those who need it, these modules are supported by an English for Academic Purposes course, which ensures all students reach university with the required high standard of English skills.

BSC Education’s trained counsellors will also provide support and guidance to students throughout their journey, helping them with their academic study skills, degree course choices and university applications. Students also beneﬁt from a series of cultural integration workshops so that they feel fully equipped to start university life away from home.

bsceducation.com/destinations/york

Powerful WORDS

National Trust, Rubies and Magic Breakfast join forces with World Book Day to champion reading for fun in 2025

On 6th March, World Book Day is back across the UK and Ireland. World Book Day’s evidence shows that children are more likely to read if they enjoy it, so this year the charity will encourage them to ‘Read Their Way’ and celebrate children’s choices.

World Book Day is partnering with a number of exciting brands and organisations, including the National Trust, Magic Breakfast, Rubies and McDonald’s, to get its vital message about the fun of reading to as many children and families as possible. With levels of reading enjoyment currently at an all-time low, it’s more important than ever to get young people excited about reading for fun, unlocking the proven beneﬁts it brings, including better wellbeing and improved learning across the school curriculum.

One in 10 children aged 5-18 do not have a single book of their own at home, and World Book Day’s £1 books are often the ﬁrst book many children will own: in 2024, one in four children receiving Free School Meals said

their £1 book was the ﬁrst they had ever owned. Fifteen new books will be available in the UK and Ireland for children to choose for free, in exchange for their £1 book token.

Cassie Chadderton, World Book Day CEO, says: “At the heart of World Book Day is the belief – backed by evidence – that children are more likely to read if they enjoy it and have a choice in what and how to read. Graphic novels, comics, or one of our amazing £1 books – free in exchange for a World Book Day book token – can help unlock the power of reading. We’re excited to be working with so many partners to reach even more children and families, and to invite everyone to join the party and ‘Read Their Way’ this World Book Day.”

Supported by long-term sponsor, National Book Tokens, and working alongside publishers and booksellers, the charity World Book Day will build on its work to improve access to books and encouraging everyone to give children the choice – and a chance – to enjoy reading. The World Book Day £1 books will be available until 23rd March at more than 400 independent bookshops and 4,000 major retailers.

HERE’S A TASTER OF WHAT ELSE TO EXPECT IN THE WORLD BOOK DAY 2025 PROGRAMME

• Rubies, the renowned global costume manufacturer, will be the oﬃcial dress up partner for World Book Day 2025. As part of an All Dressed Up donation scheme, Rubies, in partnership with Parentkind, will donate up to 100,000 costumes to children in deprived areas.

• National Trust are joining the fun for the ﬁrst time, with a range of World Book Day celebrations taking place at up to 80 places across the UK.

• McDonald’s will continue to support World Book Day and help provide access to books, with the World Book Day £1 token available on Happy Meals®.

• Over 400 independent bookshops across the UK alongside Waterstones, WHSmith and The Works will help bring the selection of £1 books to local communities.

Visit worldbookday.com for more information

riginally two barns that have been connected, this charming property has been extensively renovated and o ers thoroughly attractive and modern living with four bedrooms, while retaining plenty of character features. The heart of the home is the magniﬁcent open-plan kitchen with dining area that is split into three levels and extends to 29ft.

MONEY CAN BUY…

Country house living with a classic twist

WHERE Birkin, Wakeﬁeld.

WHAT

A contemporary country house combining Classical English architecture with modern design. It includes Home Farmhouse and the renovated Birkin Lodge, o ering luxurious and versatile living spaces.

INSIDE

The grand reception hall features a striking Hollywood-style split staircase. The 36ft drawing room boasts an imposing stone ﬁreplace, tall sash windows, and bi-fold doors opening to a west-facing garden terrace. At the heart of the home is a spacious open-plan family area, combining the kitchen, breakfast room, dining room, and garden room, with bi-fold and French doors leading to a south and west-facing terrace.

The bespoke kitchen includes top-of-the-line Miele appliances, Dekton Orix worktops, an island with a breakfast bar and two wine coolers.

A study overlooks the sweeping driveway.

Upstairs, the galleried landing leads to the principal suite, spanning the house's width, with ﬁtted wardrobes and west-facing garden views. Its en-suite features a ﬂoating double vanity, bathtub with a wall-mounted TV, and a walk-in rainfall shower. There are two additional en-suite bedrooms, a spacious fourth bedroom, and a luxurious family bathroom.

OUTSIDE

The property beneﬁts from extensive outbuildings and stables, as well as a separate bungalow. The beautifully landscaped garden terrace provides a perfect space for outdoor relaxation. A sweeping driveway leads up to the house, adding to the grandeur of this exceptional home.

PRICE

£2,500,000

AGENT

Fine & Country Wakefield, 01924 234881 wakefield@fineandcountry.com

TIED IN KNOTS

Cohabitation: the possible pitfalls of not getting married

By LINDA LAMB

There is a commonly believed myth that if you live together as a couple, you get some legal status, often referred to as ‘common law husband or wife’. This is not true. I want to let you know the risks and how these can be avoided. Separating spouses have legal entitlements including personal maintenance through spousal support if they cannot support themselves after separation. Courts can also divide property, assets and pension sharing fairly between both spouses. None of these apply to cohabitees on separation. Consider an unmarried couple who had children who stayed together for many years

and now those children have become adults. During their relationship one partner may have worked full time, accumulating savings, a pension and possibly purchasing property or other assets in their sole name. Meanwhile, the other partner may have taken more of the caregiver role, taking time o work to raise the children, which could impact their ﬁnancial security, such as reducing their national insurance contributions and a ecting their entitlement to a full state pension. If the couple chose to now separate, the ﬁnancially dependent partner may only be entitled to a share of the family home; that is, if it was jointly owned, a promise of a share had been made or if they contributed to its development. Otherwise, the partner who accumulated the assets in their

“A cohabitation agreement can prevent costly legal conﬂicts”

name may retain everything, leaving the ﬁnancially dependent partner with little or even nothing from the wealth accumulated during the relationship. This highlights the clear ﬁnancial vulnerability of the partner who took on caregiving responsibilities. During a separation if there is a dispute about a property, a court application would not be handled in the family court but in the civil court, which often includes high legal costs with the person bringing the claim required to submit all evidence upfront. If the claim is then unsuccessful, the court will order the losing party to pay some or all the legal costs of the other party.

COHABITATION AGREEMENT

Although it may not seem to be romantic, any uncertainty and issues like the above can be avoided if couples establish a cohabitation agreement. A legal document which outlines the financial and property arrangements during the relationship and in the event of a separation. Protecting both partners by clearly defining how assets are to be divided. A cohabitation agreement not only o ers legal protection, but helps prevent disputes and costly legal conflicts. It provides stability, especially when children are involved, by allowing partners to outline living arrangements and parenting responsibilities, ensuring both parties can continue to co-parent e ectively. A cohabitation agreement can be amended at any time to accommodate unforeseen future changes, ensuring it remains relevant should the agreement ever need to be enforced. It is rather like an insurance policy. You hope you don’t need to use it, but it is there ‘just in case’.

CAMPAIGNING FOR MORE AWARENESS

Resolution, a community of family professionals, are running a campaign to introduce legal ﬁnancial entitlements when an unmarried couple who live together end their relationship. You can ﬁnd out more information on their website resolution.org.uk.

Linda Lamb is the Director of LSL Family Law and has 25 years’ legal experience. Find out more by calling 020 3880 8309 or visiting lslfamilylaw.co.uk

LINDA LAMB

why everyone is talking about…

Saltmoore

From luxury rooms to an indulgent spa, this recently opened North Yorkshire location o ers the perfect getaway

Nestled between where the wild moors meet the sweeping sea, Saltmoore is a luxurious wellnessled sanctuary, home to beautiful interiors, fresh ﬂavours and relaxation. Now, being in North Yorkshire we can’t always promise the sun, and nor would we want to. But what we can promise is an escape to a unique getaway.

The heart of the estate is Saltmoore House. This luxury hotel is home to the brasserie, ﬁne dining restaurant, and the tranquil Sanctuary at Saltmoore spa. The historic house draws inspiration from industrial mills and the Victorian era, combining rich tones and textures to create timeless, indulgent interiors inspired by the moors and the sea.

For those who cherish the ﬁner things in life, their sumptuous suites are an indulgent escape from the ordinary. Each one is a masterpiece in design, boasting beautiful interiors, an emperor bed, and luxury tub.

There are also special hideaways available too. With its relaxed, familyfriendly vibe, The Beach House takes inspiration from the sea whilst sitting nestled amongst the trees. O ering laid back luxury and a warm welcome, this part of the hotel is perfect for those who like to take things easy. With its own reception and bar, you won’t need to leave the comfort of The Beach House, nor will you want to.

At Saltmoore, they believe food is nourishment for the soul. Seamlessly transitioning from day to night, their brasserie exudes laid-back elegance and serves classic dishes which celebrate North Yorkshire’s ﬁnest produce. Situated within

The Sanctuary at Saltmoore, the wellness café is a serene oasis where you can refuel. And talking about The Sanctuary, the spa is a haven of serenity, inviting you to step away from the demands of daily life and embrace the present moment. Nestled in peaceful surroundings, it o ers a thoughtfully curated selection of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit. And, with spring around the corner, make sure you take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge or pause and enjoy the picturesque scenes of their lake as the birds ﬂy by. It’s the perfect spot for a moment of mindfulness.

saltmoore.co.uk

Outstanding care and support in later life

We are one of Leeds’ most respected health and social care providers with a proven track record in providing award-winning care and support to older people. Our network of care homes and retirement apartments is small enough to provide quality and individual care, but large enough to provide care services that are right for you, even if your circumstances change.

Apartments with Care & Support, Respite Care and Holiday Stays

Residential Care, Apartments with Care & Support, Dementia Care, Respite Care & Holiday Stays

Headingley Hall

331 4830

Residential Care, Apartments with Care & Support, Dementia Care, Respite Care & Holiday Stays The