Absolutely berkshire August 2021

BERKSHIRE

Berkshire AUGUST 2021 / £3.95

Lift Off How Marlow's Angel & Rocket cornered the childrenswear market

AUGUST 2021

POLE P OSIT IO N

Inside the Formula One inspired health clinic in Pangbourne

Perfect M ATC H The Windsor agency that has revolutionised the dating game

Dutch

ABSOLUTELY-BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.CO.UK

COURAGE THE FASHION BRAND FROM AMSTERDAM BRINGING A SPLASH OF COLOUR TO WOBURN SANDS

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents AUGUST 2021

42

64 32

C U LT U R E 08 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 40 TRENDS

14 NAOMI MELLOR

42 THE SHOOT

20 CLARENDON FINE ART

50 FORMULA HEALTH

FOOD & DRINK 26 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

INTERIORS 64 INTERIORS NOTES

28 HORWOOD HOUSE

68 CARLA DESIGNS

Beaconsfield design inspiration

O N T H E C OV E R

32 RECIPES

74 OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Courtesy of Zilch, the Amsterdam fashion brand you can find at Kings Road Boutique in Woburn Sands.

What we’re coveting this month

Why we are feeling bold and brave

The equine vet turned champion podcaster

Summer colour vibes with Zilch

Inside their Beaconsfield and Marlow spaces

News from the industry

How their dining concept has been revamped

Dishes inspired by plant life

Visiting the unique Berkshire clinic

The latest from around the industry

Make the most of the last days of summer

A B S O L U T E LYB U C K I N G H A M S H I R E .C O. U K The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

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QUALITY WATCH AND CLOCK REPAIRS & SERVICING Traditional watch servicing by a traditional watch craftsman

DIAL RESTORATION EDITOR MARK KEBBLE

AFTER

DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT

RE

BEFO

MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MAGAZINE MANAGER ABIGAIL GARDNER

60 years experience; Rolex and Omega trained (I’m now 80 and still at it!)

MEDIA CONSULTANTS STELLA ADAMS ANABELA KOLECI, LOUISE PEARSON

CASE RESTORATION

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER NAVINDER LALL

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

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21/05/2021 11:58 22/07/2021 14:41

Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S August issue highlights

1

T MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Inside the world of the Beaconsfield designer

2

Horwood House

Bold & Brave

The top looks to mark the summer months

his has been an issue where I have truly realised how many unique businesses there are in our county. I am often thought about what it takes to, firstly, come up with an idea that may work as a business, and then how much has to go into making it a reality – both financially and time – before deciding to put the kettle on and turning my attentions back to the TV. So kudos, then, to the many fabulous businesses we cover in the following pages, even before you take into account a pandemic. Inside you will find out about the trained vet who is looking to give women podcasters the recognition they deserve; the former employee at Buckingham Palace who has gone on to freshen up the dating game from an office next to Windsor Castle; one of the Clarendon Fine Art team who has been there from day one and seen it grow exponentially over the last decade; the health practitioner who used her background in Formula One to launch a health clinic like no other in Pangbourne; and the familyrun Angel & Rocket, which from its Marlow shop has created quite the stir in the childrenswear industry.

We salute them all and I, for one, can sit back rather smug that we have creatives like this right on our doorstep. I hope you enjoy the issue.

Mark Kebble

Carla Chases

5

4 Jewellery

Kitsch designs for something different

3

Angel & Rocket

The childrenswear brand in Marlow going places

New menus fit for a £20m transformation

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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AMELIE'S FOLLIES Prima Donna Swim's Melanesia bikini is colourful and comfortable, and the trusty Amelie's Follies fit is guaranteed. With vibrant colours, textured fabrics and always well fitting and supporting designs, there are no better bikinis out there. ameliesfollies.co.uk

MURANO GLASS These individual Murano Tumblers are inspired by the classic Murano 'Goto' glass.

Each one is handblown by master glass blowers on the island of Murano. £20 casacelva.com

P E A R L LOW E

M I C H A E L P L AT T

Rose is a beautiful vintage-inspired 50s swimsuit made from the finest Liberty Print stretch swimwear fabric by seamstresses in Somerset and designed by vintage queen Pearl Lowe. £195 pearllowe.co.uk

Colouful jewels are the signature at Michael Platt and this blue topaz, amethyst and diamond dress ring is a bespoke creation from the in-house goldsmiths. michaelplatt.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

ROBINSON PELHAM Choose your own charms to add to this Arcadia Necklace with Rainbow glass beads on a 9ct yellow gold bright cut spiga chain. From £990 robinsonpelham.com

CHRISTIAN DIOR

ANTHROPOLOGIE Traditional art meets avant-garde in designer Jyoti Sharma's line of heirloom-inspired pieces. Blending contemporary trends with conventional silhouettes, Bhanuni by Jyoti exhibits a deep love of design and celebrates her Indian culture in each colourful garment. Ronika Maxi Dress, £198 anthropologie.com

Channel the 90s with these Dior Inclusion sunglasses. The green lenses offer a fun twist to sun protection and are an on-trend accessory for the summer. £365 the-eye-place.co.uk

S AY E There's a leather version of the Modelo 89, but these vegan models offer the better colours with this cool pastel collection. £125 sayebrand.com

URBAN F LOW E R CO This limited-edition floral bouquet was designed by UK rapper and songwriter Professor Green and independent London florist Urban Flower Co. to challenge stereotypes around men gifting blooms to mates. £40/£80 funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

S E P J O R DA N The multi-coloured keffiyeh scarf features mixed hand embroidered patterns. Each scarf is hand-embroidered in Jordan and each one is unique. £65 sepjordan.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C U LT U R E

FEELING OF GRANDEUR VACHE BAROQUE FESTIVAL

Following its successful debut in 2020, the Vache Baroque Festival will be returning to Chalfont St Giles for a full season from 28 August-5 September.

The programme features a varied programme of dance and drama, as well as a variety of community and education-based initiatives. vachebaroquefestival.com

THE VACHE IN CHALFONT ST GILES IS THE SETTING FOR THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATING ALL THINGS BAROQUE

Agenda 12 • Naomi Mellor 14 • Clarendon Fine Art 20 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

AU GUST ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

A RT

MK Gallery Late

F I L M

Luna Cinema

Just So

The Luna Cinema is back to bring outdoor entertainment to film lovers all over the county. The screenings listed at Blenheim Palace are just the ticket to banish the lockdown cobwebs and mark a return to feelgood fun: Star Wars: A New Hope, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long, and Some Like It Hot. A wonderful location to go to a galaxy far, far away.

Until 4 September WAT E R M I L L T H E AT R E Your family will go wild for this musical adventure, blending five of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So stories to tell a tale of courage, friendship and the power of an individual to make a difference. Look out too for their summer holiday courses, where children can act out the stories. watermill.org.uk

BL E NHE I M PA L AC E • TH RO U GH OUT AUGUST

T H E AT R E

IMAGE CREDITS: MK GALLERY – JOHAN DEHLIN / WATERMILL THEATRE – PHILLIP TULL

27 August MK GALLERY The first MK Gallery Late has been announced, which is the perfect way to kick off the bank holiday weekend. It features late access into Memphis: Plastic Field (a major survey of the influential 80s design movement Memphis, bringing together over 150 of the collective’s most significant works), live DJ set from Lonely Numbers, and a BBQ. mkgallery.org

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CULTURE • WHAT'S ON

N AT U R E

Build a bee hotel 2-6 August R OT H A M ST E D M A N O R Our bees are facing an unprecedented crisis. They’ve lost much of their natural habitat in the past 60 years, but by creating bee-friendly spaces where we live, we can start to replace and restore some of this lost habitat. Using a variety of materials, children will be given the chance to create their own fabulous bee hotel to take home and hang up outside. rothamstedenterprises.com

TO

MARKET Take a trip to one of London’s famous markets

BOROUGH MARKET

Easily one of the most famous markets London has to offer and open seven days a week, traders of Borough Market include Bath Soft Cheese Co (the perfect pitstop for cheese lovers), authentic Mexican pantry Changarro and Cartwright Brothers Vintners Ltd, a family run wine merchants. boroughmarket.org.uk

F I L M

NIGHTFLIX

This Month’s Must See

Throughout August M I LT O N K E Y N E S You wait for one drive-in cinema experience, and along comes two. As well as Luna Cinema, we have to highlight the permanent drive-in experience offered by Nightflix in Milton Keynes. It's a great site, and they have a fabulous roster of films planned for August, which include fan favourites Black Widow and Dirty Dancing. nightflix.co.uk

QUEENS PARK FARMERS’ MARKET

THE A DDA M S FA M I LY

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3 1 AU GUST-4 SEPTEMBER • MK THEATRE

veryone's favourite kooky family are now on stage in this spectacular musical comedy from the writers of multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Tony Award nominated Andrew Lippa. This version comes with a great cast, including Samantha Womack as Morticia and Cameron Blakely as Gomez, so expect a whole new take on The Addams Family story. atgtickets.com

Queens Park farmers' market is a family-friendly offering that opens every Sunday, come rain or shine. Both adults and children alike love the market, and a bustling crowd attend every Sunday to sample the delectable poultry, seasonal vegetables and flowers that are on offer. lfm.org.uk

CAMDEN MARKET

Some may think of Camden Market as solely a tourist attraction, but the fact is the food and experience remains unmatched. The street food offering is vast, with favourites including Wok Boy and El Pollote Fried Chicken, and there are a number of independent shops and craft boutiques to browse. camdenmarket.com

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“A passion in life is meeting new people and connecting others”

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

The

high

JUMP

As she launches an awards ceremony for women’s podcasts, Marlow local Naomi Mellor talks about smashing the ceiling

By MARK KEBBLE

W

hen I spent a little time out of work during the winter lockdown of 2020, I considered switching careers and following up my love of animals, before journalism pulled me back in once again. Perhaps I should have spoken to Naomi Mellor back then as undoubtedly she would have inspired me to tackle a couple of careers at once.

“My life is comprised of a collection of jobs these days, some would say it’s a ‘portfolio career’, but I consider it a wonderful mix of opportunities and varied experiences that keeps me out of trouble,” smiles the Marlow local. “For the last three years I’ve worked part-time as a vet in horse racing at racecourses around the south east of England, which I balance with podcasting, running The Skylark Collective and the International Women’s Podcast Awards, and some other

hosting and presenting work. Each week is different, and I could be anywhere from Buckinghamshire to Brighton or Bath.

I have now got a colour-coded Google diary to keep me in the right place at the right time with the right hat on!”

Of her many hats, it’s the podcasting side that is currently taking centre stage, especially The Skylark Collective. “It is a global collective for women in podcasting,” Mellor says of the organisation she founded, “a place for women to connect, collaborate and celebrate their achievements, with the aim of raising the profile of female podcasters worldwide and levelling the playing field in the industry. There are women’s networks across the UK in a range of different sectors and I thought it was time to start one for women in podcasting too. One of my passions in life is meeting new people and connecting others, and I’m aiming to create a place where women meet like-minded friends and contacts

for collaboration and, quite honestly, a bit of fun. We all need that post-Covid!”

With The Skylark Collective idea brewing, Mellor was already thinking about how she could take her mission a step further. “I realised that there was no awards ceremony anywhere in the world dedicated to championing the brilliant work of women and nonbinary podcasters, so there was a real opportunity to start that kind of celebration and organise an event,” she explains. “The kernel of an idea has grown and developed, so the first International Women’s Podcast Awards will be presented by Vick Hope of BBC Radio 1 at Allbright in London on 23 September. To me, the joy of podcasting lies in its intimacy, and in the atmosphere created between the host, guest and listener. I so often hear people talking about moments of incredible sensitivity, humour or honesty that have kept them engrossed. The Awards celebrate these A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

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ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

Plan your visit at enjoystalbans.com or scan me

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW HER WORK HAS TAKEN HER TO ROYAL ASCOT

MELLOR HAS WORKED IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC

“We have featured everything from an underwater camerawoman to a naked yoga instructor” intimate moments of podcasting brilliance and the women that make them happen.”

It was Mellor’s own unique career path that inspired her to try something new. “My original podcast, Smashing The Ceiling, tells the stories of women with unusual, interesting and inspiring careers,” she says.

“I love to talk to women who have taken ‘the road less travelled’ job-wise, and to hear how they have done it. We have featured everything from a motor racing driver and underwater camerawoman, to a disabled fashion designer and naked yoga instructor.

“I started Smashing The Ceiling as a challenge to myself after having a bit of an unsettled time in my professional life as a vet,” Mellor continues. “Things were a bit up in the air work-wise, so I decided to set myself two personal goals: to launch a podcast and run an ultramarathon.

Sarah Williams, founder of the Tough Girl podcast, was my mentor and taught me everything I needed to know. She helped me to get started in podcasting and prepare for the ultramarathon, and things have gone on from there.”

Mellor has been a vet for 14 years and specialises in horses, particularly racehorses. Despite the flourishing podcasting side to her life, she is still enthusiastic when she recounts her career as an equine vet. “I’ve been really lucky to have worked on an island in the South Pacific and Australia earlier in my career, and closer to home I now often work at Royal Ascot, the Derby and Cheltenham Festival. Being a vet has been a passport for me to see the world and be gainfully employed in the process, and I really embraced the opportunities to travel and live abroad when they presented themselves in my 20s. It’s also a fantastic buzz and a real treat to be part of the team at such prestigious and traditional events that are a real part of the fabric of British life.”

Whether it’s tending to horses or running a group of talented female podcasters, Naomi Mellor has excelled – and it seems like only the sky’s the limit to where she goes from here.

Naomi Mellor is the founder of The Skylark Collective (skylarkcollective.co.uk) and the International Women’s Podcast Awards. You can listen to her podcast, Smashing The Ceiling, telling the stories of women with unusual and interesting careers on Apple or Spotify

THE THAMES RUNNING THROUGH MARLOW SHE LOVES WALKS AROUND HAMBLEDEN VALLEY

Naomi Mellor’s

M A R LOW M OM E N T S How long have you lived in Marlow?

I’ve been around Marlow since 2012, with spells out in Wiltshire and Suffolk between 2017 and 2019, but we always seem to come back! I’ve previously lived in the centre of Marlow and absolutely love the buzz of the high street. We’re currently a few miles away in the village of Lane End - we can walk out from our front door into the Hambleden Valley, which has been a real relief during lockdown.

What do you love about the area?

When I moved here in my 20s, most of my friends lived in London and I loved the proximity to the city whilst also being by the river.

Now I appreciate the countryside more, and the open space that’s around. I love being in and around nature, and try to spend as much time as possible by the Thames.

We love swimming and stand up paddle boarding, and although the beach is our ideal home, the river makes a pretty good substitute.

Is it the perfect place for animals of all shapes and sizes?

Absolutely. Buckinghamshire is a haven for dog walkers and horse riders due to its great network of footpaths and bridlepaths, and there’s space for everyone, whether you’ve got a hamster or a few sheep or alpacas at home!

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THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD IS A LOCAL HIGHLIGHT

Q What is your back story – you once worked at Buckingham Palace?

A Before founding Sara Eden, I was working for the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department at Buckingham Palace. I chose the name Sara Eden as I wanted it to mean something to me personally representing my past and my future: ‘Sara’ meaning Princess and ‘Eden’ meaning paradise and love. It was with a nod to the past that I started on a future that has seen Sara Eden become the UK’s most successful dating and matchmaking agency.

Q What inspired you to set up Sara Eden Introductions?

A I broke my shoulder in January 1988 and all my friends were coming to visit me and they were all complaining about just how difficult it was to meet a partner and I thought… just maybe I could turn this into a business. The rest is history!

Get to know…

KAREN MOONEY F O U N D E R , SA R A E D E N I N T R O D U C T I O N S

Q You founded Sara Eden Introductions over three decades ago. How has dating changed in that time?

A Dating has come full circle; the pandemic has seen people turn away from internet dating and apps with people wanting to return to the new trend of matchmaking where clients have been met either in person or virtually and supplied three forms of ID. It’s safe and secure, and every client had signed a confidentiality agreement as well as a membership agreement. It’s a bit like meeting people through friends and the majority of new clients come to us because they have been recommended to us via word of mouth.

Q Today, what service do you offer?

A We have three membership levels,

Executive, Personal Consultant and Founder membership, which is the membership level I personally look after, and I am proud to say I have a 95% success rate.

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CULTURE • PROFILE

NOT A BAD PLACE TO WORK AT...

“The pandemic has made people think about their lives, wanting to have the best future possible” Q You have some high-profile clients.

How do you look after them?

A We do have some very high-profile clients indeed, dare I say household names, and often they will not have a profile, we initiate introductions by speaking with clients directly. Often people like this are unsure if they are attracting others because of their fame or wealth.

QUALITY MEAT FROM THE WINDSOR CASTLE FARM SHOP GETS A THUMBS UP

Q What is your favourite

thing about the area?

A I love the area, it’s beautiful and historic

Q Have you noticed any new

and only a short distance from London.

We have many interesting and unique small shops in the town, there is something for everyone of any age. And when Covid restrictions allow we will be able to enjoy the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle again from the comfort of our offices. It makes you so proud to be British.

A We have seen a steep increase in business

Q Have there been any outdoor

trends during the pandemic?

since the pandemic – 60% increase in enquiries. We have also noticed many older people joining, we have clients now well into their 80s. The pandemic has made people think long and hard about their lives, wanting to have the best future possible.

Q How long have you been

based in Berkshire – and do you also live in the area?

A We have been based in Windsor since 1989, and our Windsor head office is in Park Street right opposite the Castle. I live on the Berkshire/Surrey border.

PARK STREET LEADING INTO WINDSOR CASTLE

spots that have been a godsend during these lockdowns?

A I have a personal trainer and during lockdowns he built an outside gym which was amazing, I don’t think I have ever been so fit. I also walked our dog more and we both enjoyed some beautiful new walks.

Q Where are your favourite local haunts?

A I love the Two Brewers pub, also

located in Park Street. The food and the atmosphere are superb and Robert the landlord always has an interesting tale to tell. I also love the Windsor Castle

THE BERKSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE IS PERFECT FOR WALKS

Farm Shop: so many interesting things to buy and you can enjoy afternoon tea surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Great Park and the historic surroundings of Windsor Castle.

Q Do you have a local secret or

any interesting stories about the county you are willing to reveal?

A We were destined to have our head office in Park Street as not long after we moved in, we found out that the outside of our building had been used as the offices of the 1970 Carry on Loving film featuring Sid James and Hattie Jacques who ran the Wedded Bliss Computer Dating agency. HRH Prince Philip used to pass our front door frequently driving his horse drawn carriage on his way to the Great Park until a couple of years ago. He was well into his 90s. sara-eden.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Painting a PICTURE

Rachel Simkiss, Clarendon Fine Art's brand director, explains how they have cornered the art buying market in just over a decade

By MARK KEBBLE

20

I

n my former ‘life’, covering London’s finest galleries, it was always exciting when a new kid came on the block.

Clarendon Fine Art launched in Mayfair in 2010 and was a breath of fresh air, from its warm and welcoming gallery space, to showcasing some of the more intriguing names in art.

But even then, there was never really any inkling that Clarendon Fine Art would turn into the behemoth it is today.

“We have 22 galleries now, with more opening in the next 12 months,” says Rachel Simkiss, the brand director who has been on the journey since day one. “It’s been an incredible and successful journey for the brand, led by our fantastic CEO Helen Swaby, who started the business with just one gallery. We also have our sister galleries in Whitehall Galleries, so we’re [actually] managing 68 in total.”

We have reaped the benefits here, with popular Clarendon Fine Art outlets in Beaconsfield, as well as two in Marlow. “It is really down to client demand,” Simkiss says about having two spaces in Marlow. “We

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CULTURE • ART RACHEL SIMKISS HAS WORKED AT CLARENDON FINE ART SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING

THE BEACONSFIELD SPACE

MARLOW CONTEMPORARY

“People saw art as a way to transform their homes and their lives” have seen an explosion of amazing artists on the contemporary market, and we’re representing the best of the best. It deserves its own space, and we know that people visiting our gallery in Marlow are loving it.”

Marlow Contemporary is indeed a wonderful spot to enjoy art. Bright, breezy and colourful, there has clearly been a lot of thought that has gone into choosing the artists to feature. “It’s all contemporary, emerging and established talents influenced heavily by pop and street art,” Simkiss adds. It complements the original gallery perfectly. “In our Clarendon Fine Art gallery, we have a real mix of modern,

post-war and contemporary. Beaconsfield is similar to the original Marlow gallery.”

Given the number of galleries they now have, it’s clear that their offering has touched a nerve in the artistic community.

“Our CEO started the business having had a bad experience when buying art for her home,” Simkiss explains, “and she wanted to provide clients with an enjoyable and exciting experience without the elitism.

That’s been our mantra since day one and holds us in good stead today. We believe that art is for everyone and it’s transformational, and therefore we want as many people as possible to enjoy collecting art.”

Given we have all needed a lift since early 2020, art has certainly been seen as a way to add a little cheer to daily lives. “We have been really busy throughout the whole of lockdown,” Simkiss nods. “We have some very loyal clients and good relationships with them. Due to them spending time at home, it’s actually been one of our busiest periods. People saw art as a way to transform their homes and their lives, and actually because they’ve been spending

so much time at home, they’ve probably realised that some rooms have missed art.”

For anyone looking to bring art into their home, what advice would Simkiss offer?

“The first thing to think about when buying art is that it’s going to be hanging on your wall and you’ll be seeing it every day,” she says. “Buy something you love, that you can connect with as it’s really personal.”

Who in the art world is catching her eye right now? “Personally, I love Mike Rumsby, Toby Mulligan and Mr Brainwash, as well as Patrick Rubinstein,” she enthuses.

“I’m probably the right description of our galleries – in other words, I love a mix of modern, post-war and contemporary!”

With all the galleries back open to the public, and with restrictions easing further, expect to see plenty happening around the Beaconsfield and Marlow locations.

“We are looking forward to doing what we do best,” Simkiss says about welcoming clients back – and they really are up there with the best in the business right now. clarendonfineart.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • EVENT THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

Hit the HEIGHTS

The return of the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge is one walkers everywhere can embrace, whilst raising vital funds for Rennie Grove Hospice Care too BRING YOUR PETS TOO

“Families are depending on us more than ever during the pandemic” THE CHALLENGE OFFERS UP SOME WONDERFUL SIGHTS

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R

ennie Grove Hospice Care’s flagship walking event, the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge, makes a welcome return to the endof-summer calendar this September. On Sunday 12 September, walkers can enjoy the beautiful Chilterns countryside from a choice of three routes while raising vital funds for Rennie Grove’s specialist nursing care at this popular event, kindly sponsored by Origin Doors and Windows.

After a scaled-down event in 2020 – featuring circular walks taking in just two peaks – the charity hopes to offer all three routes again this year, government guidelines permitting, ranging from eight to 20 miles in length.

The eight and 12 mile circular routes start and end at Princes Risborough School, giving walkers the chance to enjoy the stunning views from Whiteleaf Cross and Coombe Hill. The 20-mile route starts at the school too, and follows the circular routes up the first two peaks before branching off for an additional eight-mile trek along the picturesque Ridgeway Trail before finishing at the top of Ivinghoe Beacon.

Arriva buses, which is kindly donating the use of vehicles and volunteer drivers again for the day, will collect walkers and return them safely to their cars parked at Princes Risborough School.

Rennie Grove is also encouraging all participants to raise sponsorship. Senior challenge & special events fundraiser, Emily Elvin, explains: “Despite having to scale down last year’s event, our supporters did brilliantly and our one-off Chilterns 2 Peaks Challenge raised a staggering £65,000 towards our nursing care and support for local families facing life-limiting illness.

“Families are depending on us more than ever during the pandemic, with hospitals so busy and visiting hours restricted. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our supporters, our nurses have been able to keep visiting patients in their homes throughout. If every person taking part in this year’s Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge could raise £57 in sponsorship that would fund two hours of specialist care in a patient’s home and could make the difference between a patient being able to stay safe, at home, with their family – or having to be admitted to hospital as an emergency.”

R E N N I E G R OV E H O S P I C E Secure your place for just £15 per adult, children £7.50 or a family entry (two adults and up to three children) for £40. Register before 12 September as the charity can’t accept any on-the-day entries. renniegrove.org/c3peaks

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20/07/2021 23:45

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22/07/2021 12:17

Traditional shaker styles designed for modern living

Affordable, luxury, quality & style...

01494 677727

Call us now for a no obligation consultation www.kbstudios.co.uk 43-45 Mayflower Way, Beaconsfields, Bucks HP9 1UG KBS.indd 1

23/04/2021 13:34

FOOD & DRINK

FEED THE SOUL LEAF

Leaf is the recently launched restaurant at Castle Hotel Windsor. Offering indoor and outdoor dining and two private dining rooms, it is a dining destination for those visiting Windsor.

In-keeping with the theme, Leaf’s menu appeals to the wellbeing of the mind, body and soul, with a number of delicious vegan options available. castlehotelwindsor.com

Food Notes 26 • Horwood House 28 • Recipes 32 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest food news and most exciting openings this month B y L AY L A T U R N E R

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2017 Raventós i Blanc, De Nit Rosé, Brut, Penedès, Spain  £23.95 The De Nit Rosé spends 18 months on its lees; the result is a toasty nose of brioche, alongside hints of strawberry and fennel. Xarel·lo and Parellada, both indigenous varieties, add a refreshing herbal and pithy character, especially on the palate.

2019 Berry Bros. & Rudd Gavi di Gavi by Roberto Sarotto, Piedmont, Italy  £13.95 Produced from Cortese grapes, Gavi is the quintessential Northern Italian white, famed for its delicacy. This textbook example offers elegant aromas of white flowers and green pear. Perfect with shellfish, white fish or delicate green vegetable dishes.

2017 Gaba do Xil, Mencía, Telmo Rodríguez, Valdeorras, Spain  £16.50 Mencía is an incredibly exciting grape that’s both refreshing (here, due to the Atlantic influence in Valdeorras) and complex.

The wine is unoaked, so the purity of the fruit character shines through. Try this with cured meats or aubergine dishes. Ready to drink now.

BERRY BROS. & RUDD Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's.

bbr.com

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Garden party T H E I V Y M A R LOW GA R D E N

This summer The Ivy Marlow Garden is delighted to reveal its beautifully refurbished al fresco space, inspired by the beauty of the traditional English garden. Featuring its very own water fountain, cocktail bar and distressed stone statues, The Ivy Marlow Garden is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy cherished moments with friends and family.

66-68 High Street, Marlow, SL7 1AH theivymarlowgarden.com

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22/07/2021 13:30

FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DESSERT TIME Three of the best for desserts

SUMMER BREW LO L A ' S C U P CA K E S

Meat feast THE BUTCHER'S TAP & GRILL

Leading cupcake brand Lola’s is now delivering its most famed flavours for the first time ever. The new range of selection boxes from the muchloved cupcake company features classic combinations to suit every taste, including gluten free and vegan options. lolascupcakes.co.uk

The Butcher’s Tap & Grill, Marlow, is a welcoming hub for the local community where people can meet for a drink, a bite to eat, and buy well-sourced, awardwinning meat to take home. The menu offers a range of tasty bar snacks, burgers, hot dogs and sides alongside sparkling wines including a Harrow & Hope NV Brut Reserve from Marlow, new and old world red and white wine, as well as a selection of local beers and ales. thebutcherstapandgrill.co.uk

WEST BERKSHIRE BREWERY

The award-winning West Berkshire Brewery has announced the launch of Gold Star - a zesty traditional golden pale ale, the perfect accompaniment for alfresco get-togethers this summer. Gold Star has been brewed to transport drinkers to sunnier climates with complex aromas of oranges, grapefruit, apricot and berries followed by a bright citrus finish. wbbrew.com

CHIN CHIN Chin Chin Ice Cream started out in 2010, with a mission to make life more fun. They started making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, and shortly after became a viral sensation. A must try is their Signature Chin Chin Hot Chocolate with marshmallow fluff, as well as the coconut and rose ice cream. chinchinicecream.com

L I T T L E

MOMENTS PLUMA

Have some bottle MR HOBB S GIN

Mr Hobbs Gin has just recently relaunched their Mr Hobbs 150 London Dry – and just in time to announce their Silver award that they recently received from the International Wine and Spirit Competition. The team felt that this special gin deserved a freshen up, so they’ve improved the recipe and tweaked the original bottle with a design that really reflects their heritage. mrhobbsgin.co.uk

R I V E R R OW I N G M U S E U M With its impressive terrace which overlooks the weeping willows of Mill Meadows, the River Rowing Museum’s Chocolate Café is the perfect place to relax. As well as a sumptuous afternoon tea, there's a delightful children’s menu including favourites such as smoothies, icecream, milkshakes and hot chocolate. rrm.co.uk

Immerse yourself in Spanish culture and give in to the temptation of traditional tapas at Pluma, Amersham's newly opened Spanish restaurant. Enjoy the relaxed way to experience the true taste of Spanish dishes that have been inspired by generations.

18 High Street, HP7 0DJ plumarestaurants.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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MEHDI AMIRI

Home GROWN

Chef Mehdi Amiri on working for Gordon Ramsay, flying high with Etihad Airways and why Horwood House has tempted him back to local ground

By MARK KEBBLE

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20/07/2021 23:57

FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

HORWOOD HOUSE IS A LUXURIOUS DESTINATION

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he hospitality industry, it’s an understatement to say, has been through the ringer over the past year and a half, but some places have used the enforced break from normal service to hone their operation. Horwood House in Buckinghamshire, for one, re-opened in May after a major redevelopment by ZIZ Properties – and has an executive chef in place who sounds like the kid in the sweet shop when talking about the opportunity that lies before him.

Originally from Oxfordshire, Mehdi Amiri has already had quite the career, which saw him initially hone his craft in such prestigious kitchens as Le Manoir aux Quat’saisons and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. “Both establishments were

highly influential in shaping my resilient work ethic,” he reflects, “moulding my professional etiquette, and educating me on the importance of utilising highquality produce that centres around provenance and sustainability.”

From there his career continued to go sky high as he took on a role at Eithad Airways in Abu Dhabi. “My role specifically required me to develop and launch Eithad’s Luxury Diamond First Class food and beverage offering,” he explains. “This incorporated route-specific premium tasting menus with champagne and wine pairings catered for

by Michelin experienced in-flight chefs, trained at our academy in Abu Dhabi. After successfully operating the concept across European routes, we extended the provision into ultra-long haul destinations globally.”

It sounds like a prestigious role, but Amiri was tempted back into the hospitality

PAN FRIED STONE BASS

industry in the UK, with positions at Dormy House Hotel & Spa, Wynyard Hall Hotel & Spa, and Swinton Estate – before Horwood House came calling.

“What attracted me most to Horwood House was the opportunity to contribute to the design of two distinctive catering concepts within this beautifully renovated country house hotel,” he says. “I saw a great potential to develop a nationally recognised, destination dining venue here.

Creativity has always been my motivation within this industry. Having the opportunity to develop a site of this magnitude keeps me excited and challenged.”

As executive chef, Amiri will lead the hotel’s entire culinary operations,

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

DESSERTS ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

“Implementing eco-friendly practices will improve the health of both our customers and the environment” believe that implementing eco-friendly practices will improve the health of both our customers and the environment.”

What can he tell us about the second concept, a refined dining offering, that is a work in progress? “It will showcase a globally influenced, small plate menu,” he offers a snapshot of what to expect. “It’s going to be a fantastic offering and very different to Harry’s Bar & Kitchen, so that guests can experience both casual and refined dining when they visit the hotel.”

ZIZ Properties has invested around £20m in the development of Horwood House with renovations throughout including the hotel’s overseeing room service, afternoon tea, conference and banqueting, as well as the launch of the aforementioned two dining concepts. One, in Harry’s Bar & Kitchen, has already been unveiled to hungry guests. “You can expect classic British dishes,” he says about the menu, “such as Aberdeen Angus beef burgers and also some more diverse dishes such as Duck Egg & Kimchi Hash or vegan Enoki Bao Buns with soy and ginger glaze. Harry’s Bar & Kitchen menus will always be seasonally driven and will aim to reflect the elegance and style of Horwood House.”

The seasonality aspect to Amiri’s creations has always been clear to see, and with a kitchen garden on site, local produce will also be easy to come by.

“The kitchen garden is still in the early stages of development,” he says on that delightful aspect of the operation, “but I can already see the potential for producing stunning ingredients for the kitchen team to use in our dishes. As cliched and naïve as I must sound, ultimately I

lounges, spa and 165 bedrooms and suites, and redesigned function suites. Acquired in 2019, the hotel has been redeveloped in partnership with design studio ICA to create new interior concepts throughout informed by the hotel’s 110-year history and 38 acres of landscaped gardens. The introduction of Amiri’s two new dining concepts will be the icing on the cake.

H O RWO O D H O U S E Mursley Road, Little Horwood, MK17 0PH 01296 722100 horwoodhouse.co.uk

SLOW BRAISED PORK BELLY

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Plant

LIFE Summer dishes from vegan restaurant Holy Carrot

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Pea veloute Serves 6

INGREDIENTS • 300g frozen peas • 1 small bunch of fresh mint (20g) • 4 dried Kaffir lime leaves • 1 medium leek (80g), washed, trimmed and roughly chopped • 70g soya butter • 2 tbsp (30g) white miso paste • 30ml sake • 1 tsp garlic powder • 300ml oat milk • 200ml vegetable stock • 200ml water • Coconut oil for cooking • Sea salt flakes To garnish • 400g tinned black lentils • 400g green peas, fresh or frozen (if frozen, add to warm water to slowly defrost) • 200g raw cauliflower, sliced thinly • 1 tsp mint, basil or coriander, roughly chopped to sprinkle

METHOD Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat and add the leek and miso paste. Mix well and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until soft.

2 Add the milk, stock, mint and lime leaves and cook for a further 10 minutes.

3 Add the frozen peas, garlic powder, water and a heaped teaspoon of salt.

Mix everything well and remove from the heat. Leave to rest for 10 minutes.

4 Remove the mint and lime leaves. Put the soup into a blender and pulse until smooth.

5 Add a spoonful of lentils to the centre of each bowl, before pouring the velouté around the edge. Then arrange the green peas, cauliflower on top of the lentils and velouté. Sprinkle with herbs.

Tomato Ceviche Serves 4

1

INGREDIENTS • 500g best quality seasonal tomatoes For the ceviche sauce • Juice of 2 lemons (100ml) • Juice of 2 oranges (100ml) • 1 heaped tbsp (20g) red miso paste • 50ml soy sauce • 1 thumb size piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped • 2 plump garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped • 50ml sake • 70g best quality seasonal tomatoes To garnish • ¼ bunch chives, finely chopped

• 1 tsp black or normal sesame seeds • Handful of micro coriander • Handful of garlic flowers (optional) • 2 ripe avocados • Juice of ½ lime • Maldon salt flakes

METHOD 1 To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into a high speed blender and pulse until smooth. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

2 Cut the tomatoes into large chunks, lay them out on a flat serving dish and dress with the ceviche sauce (about half the amount of dressing to tomatoes). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped chives.

3 Cut the avocados in half, peel, chop into cubes and put into a bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over it and add a large pinch of salt flakes. Carefully ensure all the pieces are coated and then arrange the avocado cubes on top of the tomatoes. Sprinkle with micro coriander and garlic flowers.

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R.S. TROUTT & CO FINE ENGLISH BUTCHERS Our passion is quality meats & service

NOW STOCKING OUR FULL BBQ RANGE OF MEATS, PRE-SEASONED AND READY TO COOK

So why use a traditional butcher instead of a supermarket? Richard explains why customers repeatedly use RS Troutt & Co. “Customers like to select their meat and to have it butchered in front of them. We can give them EXACTLY what they want from single portion to large joint for that special occasion” • 28 day dry aged beef

• Fresh home cooked meals

• Free range additive free chickens

• Rolled belly pork stuffed with haggis & blackpudding

• Free range pork and English lamb • Home cured dry aged bacon • Kebabs

• Selection of cheeses

• Sausages - a multitude of flavours

• Home-made plain or spicy burgers

WE ARE NOW SERVING HOT AND COLD FOOD ALL DAY X

www.rstroutt.co.uk Aberdeen House | Hazlemere Crossroads | Hazlemere | HP15 7LG | 01494 711803 Tudor House | High Street | West Wycombe | HP14 3AE | 01494 526880

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21/05/2021 11:37

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Lemon tart Serves 8

INGREDIENTS For the pastry • 190g gluten-free flour • 95g vegan butter • 75g coconut sugar • 25g ground almonds • Pinch of salt • Pinch of xanthan gum • 25g apple sauce

For the lemon curd • 400g coconut cream (tinned is fine) • Juice of 5½ oranges (400ml) • Juice of 4½ large lemons (250ml) • 285ml agave • 2½ tsp vanilla extract • 80g cornflour To serve • Approx. 1 tbsp zusto

METHOD 1 To make the pastry, mix all the ingredients in a food processor until a soft dough forms. Roll the pastry out to 3mm thick and then gently lay in a 28cm tart dish, lined with baking paper and buttered. Ensure the edges rise up to at least 3cm and pop into the freezer for at least 2 hours.

2 Preheat the oven to 160°C (normal) | 140°C (fan) | gas mark 3.

3 Put all the ingredients into a heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat and whisk until the mixture thickens like a custard, but don’t allow it to boil.

Remove from the heat and pour into the frozen pastry case and cut the pastry at the edge of the cream before baking it for 25 minutes. Let it cool down completely and store in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

4 To serve, sprinkle with a little zusto and either use a blow torch or pop under the grill for a minute to caramelise before serving.

holycarrot.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

REVIEW

SPRITZ ZERO T U S CA N T R E E Tuscan Tree is a new premium, nonalcoholic Aperitivo, inspired by the orange orchards of Northwest Italy and the Italian culture of “Aperitivo Hour”.

A 0% ABV distilled spirit infused with real blood orange juice and Italian sparkling wine, alongside a complex blend of non-alcoholic botanical distillates, Tuscan Tree is made in the style of a classic Italian aperitif.

tuscan-tree.com

CORNISH SPIRIT TA R Q U I N ' S Multi award-winning Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin has been Amazon’s best-selling gin for three years running. Handcrafted in small batches using 12 meticulously chosen botanicals to create its unique, fresh flavour, this is the taste of summer 2021.

£35; tarquinsgin.com

SHOP TALK NEW BREED The New Breed Bottle Shop was named by the Independent as one of the UK's best wine delivery services. As well as selling wines from a selection of the world's most exciting producers they also have an abundance of exquisite craft beers, spirits, and pre-bottled cocktails.

newbreedbottleshop.com

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Wineapp

Wine delivered to your door in 20 minutes, anyone?

By PENDLE HARTE

E

verybody knows that a restaurant's markup on wine is hefty. And with home meal kits here to stay even when eating out is back, our domestic wine supplies need to keep up. The UK’s biggest ondemand fine wine delivery app, Wine App, stocks hundreds of bottles that you’ll find in restaurants such as Nobu, Sushi Samba, Hakkasan, The Ivy and more, but sells them at a fraction of the price. It's a simple but devastatingly effective concept. Download the app (it appears as an unmistakable single glass of wine on your phone), set up a profile that includes personal preferences, and you're ready to order. There are discounts when you buy more than four bottles, plus lots of offers – and amazingly, delivery is within the hour.

Yes, that's right, the hour. Sometimes even 20 minutes. Our order was scheduled to come within a staggering 35 minutes – and a small delay of a few minutes on the estimated time resulted in a (frankly unnecessary) compensation voucher. So this isn't just a wine app, it's an emergency wine app. Sunny day and nothing in the fridge? You're just a few taps on your phone away from a delivery of chilled, high quality wine that beats any corner shop run. The selection is ever-expanding and comes with concise tasting notes – and when you build your profile, you can note wines to reorder (or avoid). The app will suggest things for you based on your tastes. In all, it's like having your own personal on-demand wine cellar in your phone, without the hassle of the actual cellar.

WINEAPP wineapp.com

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22/07/2021 13:37

CAMPFIRE GIN

From the Distillery of the Year 2021 The multi-award winning gin range to share with friends around the campfire.

Visit Puddingstone Distillery on Fridays & Saturdays for gin tastings FREE delivery on orders over £35 at puddingstonedistillery.com Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4NT

• HALVES QUARTERS_USE.indd 2

CAMPFIRE GIN SHOP TAS TINGS TOUR EVENINGS EVENTS

22/07/2021 13:34

Available at Daniel www.danielstores.co.uk

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Tel: 01753 801000

@danielofwindsor

22/07/2021 12:27

FASHION

SUNNY OUTLOOK MATALAN

The summer of 2021: if you too are dreaming of afternoons in beer gardens and summer shindigs with friends, then here at Absolutely, we have collated the perfect capsule wardrobe for your search for the perfect summer outfits, such as this option from Matalan. For those daring to be a little brave, turn the page for some bold options. matalan.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Fashion Trends 40 • The Shoot 42 • Jewellery 46 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BRAVE AND BOLD

As we all look to get back to some kind of normality this summer, fashion is showing us how to take some positive steps forward

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

DEEBA LONDON Coral kimono robe, £145 deebalondon.com

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22/07/2021 13:42

FASHION • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

VERY Pour Moi removable straps tiered skirt maxi dress - pink, £35 very.co.uk

STUDIO B Avender linen lounge suit, £175 studiobfashion.com

MONSOON Anastasia floral midi dress blue, £99 monsoon.co.uk

STUDIO B Sleeper Atlanta linen dress in pink gingham, £245 studiobfashion.com

T

his season, the fashion world showcased an attitude that sums up the mentality we need heading into the second half of the year; bravery in being bold, and with that being said, bravery in being comfortable.

We are being encouraged to mix colours with patterns, and told to take advantage of a bold combination of colour blocking.

The trends of summer 2021 are allowing you to take risks, maybe even a leap out of that comfort zone, yet still remaining true to yourself and your style. From Rixo serving us pattern contrasting like you’ve never witnessed before, Deeba London bringing colour blocking that would halt traffic, to NeverFullyDressed serving severe shapes, here’s how to truly embrace the summer.

H&M A Meadow of Wildflowers collection, £17.99 hm.com

MONSOON

H&M

Alexis floral tiered midi dress green, £70 monsoon.co.uk

A Meadow of Wildflowers collection, £34.99 hm.com

MONSOON Benita printed maxi dress blue, £65 monsoon.co.uk

STUDIO B Gestuz black Svalagz cotton top, £95 studiobfashion.com

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B R I G H T H O R I Z O N S Zilch's SS21 range, on sale at Kings Road in Woburn Sands, will liven up the last days of summer K I N G S R OA D FA S H I O N S .C O. U K

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22/07/2021 13:45

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Kitsch vision Chunky pieces that make a statement B y L AY L A T U R N E R

MERCI MAMAN

JULY CHILD

TATTY DEVINE

Personalised Kindred Round Pendant, £109 mercimamanboutique.com

Sweetheart Pink Ring, £110 julychild.co.uk

Swift Ascending Earring, £25 tattydevine.com

MILLIE SAVAGE

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

BONNY & BLITHE

Dasiy Daisy Do Ring, £374 milliesavage.com

18ct Gold Sapphire, Diamond & Emerald Cluster Drop Earrings, £3,250, bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Amour Coral Beaded Bracelet - Silver & Gold, £40 the-dressingroom.com

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

JULY CHILD

TATTY DEVINE

18ct Rose Gold Multi-Coloured Sapphire Flower Design Ring, £1,295, bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Ariel Cosmo Necklace, £80 julychild.co.uk

Mad Hatter Brooch, £35 tattydevine.com

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22/07/2021 12:35

HEALTH & BEAUTY

DISCOVER BEAUTY WITHIN CROWNWOOD MEDISPA

Step into the CrownWood MediSpa for a choice of treatments from expert practitioners – from skin consultations, facial rejuvenation, peels and deluxe facials to laser treatments including Clearskin for acne, ClearVein for freckles and ClearLift for skin remodelling. A more radiant, youthful glow awaits.

01344 482 882, crownwoodmedispa.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Formula Health 50 • Beauty Notes 55 • Human Health 58 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Q How did you initially come to be involved with Formula One? A I was initially brought into Williams F1 team as their Human Performance Specialist after being headhunted from the driver performance programme I was working on in endurance motorsport with Aston Martin Racing. The primary reason for this was to focus on the Pitcrew, as the regulations within Formula One had changed meaning that refuelling within pitstops was no longer permitted and the entire ‘choreography’ of the stops became an important strategic operation. With the reduced time required to service the car, races could now be won or lost in a pitstop.

With over a thousand channels of data being transmitted from the car at any one point, generating around 19 billion data points per Grand Prix, Williams were the first to turn their attention to the human elements within the team, realising that they had all the information they required from the car, but knew very little about the driver and the 22 personnel that run into the pit lane in front of the car doing 60kph to carry out a pitstop. The Williams Chief Technical Officer at the time, Pat Symonds, referred to me as an ‘engineer of the body’ and it became my responsibility to conduct the detailed analysis of every aspect of the crew’s performance across a race weekend.

On the RIGHT TR ACK

Q How did you want to take elements from this out into the wider medical industry?

A During my time at Williams, I was extremely passionate about the extrapolation of knowledge from the F1 environment to other industries via the Williams Advanced Engineering division and I was soon using

Gemma Fisher is the founder of Formula Health in Pangbourne, a unique clinic that was inspired by her work in motor racing

By MARK KEBBLE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW

“We offer osteopathy, nutritional therapy, DNA and blood tests, acupuncture, massage, shockwave, reflexology, psychology, homeopathy, yoga and personal training” my experience to help develop innovative technology and protocols for medical applications. This was recognised by a group of doctors at the University Hospital of Wales who saw the parallels between the time critical scenarios of pitstops and neonatal resuscitation. They therefore approached WAE for my support on a project to streamline their procedures and advise on the human factors involved.

The outcomes of this project have now been rolled out as a national standard. I’ve subsequently coached other emergency medical teams, trauma surgeons and ambulance crews. It’s great to be able to feel like I’m giving something back to medicine.

Opening the clinic in Pangbourne provided the opportunity to deliver the superior, holistic medical model that I had established within F1 teams, making these interventions accessible to all. So, I set out on a mission to provide truly comprehensive and proactive health services available both at home and on the high street.

Q When did you launch Formula Health and what did you want to offer?

A The Centre for Integrative Medicine in Pangbourne, near Reading, was opened in 2019. The multi-disciplinary model that I have established within the Formula Health clinic strives to incorporate elements of allied, complementary and ancient medicine into thorough rehab plans to support methods of diagnosis and treatment that help our patient’s understand the root cause of their symptoms, but more importantly provide people with the tools to avoid recurrence of their present condition. The use of ground-breaking medical assessment technology allows the FH team to gain deeper levels of insight into the health and performance of our clients and deliver effective, longlasting results. Using this method and

offering a diverse range of services allows detailed physiological analysis to be followed up by effective interventions and supportive education to help each patient take ownership of their health. Cutting out the guess work and establishing a plan that works specifically for you.

The name FORMULA HEALTH mainly makes reference to creating the correct ‘Formula for Your Health’. It acknowledges that to be ‘healthy’ may mean different things to different people, and to achieve it often requires the delicate balance of all pillars that influence our body and mind.

We offer osteopathy, nutritional therapy, DNA and blood tests, acupuncture, massage, shockwave, reflexology, psychology, homeopathy, yoga, Pilates, Qigong and personal training.

Q Who are your clients?

A We have an extremely large range of clients, the youngest we’ve treated at the clinic was two weeks old (with cranial osteopathy) and we have therapies suitable for all ages. We have practitioners that specialise in women’s health, pregnancy treatments and post-natal rehab.

Instructors that work with strength training and the mental health of athletes.

Therapists that will understand and be able to support the health needs of all walks of life; manual labourers with a painful knee, desk-bound office workers with a disc prolapse, stressed out CEOs carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders and struggling with their digestion. We’ve got you covered!

F O R M U L A H E A LT H 19 Reading Road, Pangbourne, RG8 7LR 0118 418 1825 • info@formulahealth.co.uk formulahealth.co.uk Formula_Health_Ltd • Osteo_gem_F1

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TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH Your health matters, all the time. So our private health plans give you access to medical experts 24/7, without having to leave your home.

Just one way we’re with you. Today, for the everyday and whatever’s next.

Search Bupa Global or call 0371 346 0409

Global

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS IF YOU WORK AT A DESK, MAKE SURE YOU TAKE TIME TO STRETCH OUT

REGULAR EXERCISE WILL KEEP YOUR LEGS LOOKING HEALTHY

veins produce symptoms. Patients that suffer from larger varicose veins will often report a heavy feeling in their legs, intense pain, occasional itching, and swelling of the skin near the enlarged vein.

VEIN, VEIN G O AWAY

Varicose veins are unsightly, uncomfortable and can cause pain – here’s how you can avoid them

By DR SELENA LANGDON

V

aricose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin.

Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that are more common on the face, and are generally more superficial.

CAUSES

Varicose and spider veins are broken capillaries that can be caused by numerous factors including lifestyle, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, genes, and ageing.

AT HOME TREATMENTS

Regular low-impact exercise can help to improve circulation in the legs, which will help to push along the blood that has collected in the veins. Exercise will also help to reduce blood pressure, which is another contributing factor to varicose and spider veins. For desk workers I recommend regularly standing up and to avoid sitting with legs crossed as this can further restrict blood flow.

I also recommend that patients choose non-restrictive clothing, and when relaxing to elevate their legs, ideally to the same height as the heart. Gentle massage of the area can also help, but pressure should be minimal to avoid causing further damage to the veins.

IN CLINIC OPTIONS Patients I see for treatment are more often those who stand for many hours during their jobs because the veins in the legs have to work so much harder to get the blood back to the heart. It is also the case for people who sit for long hours because the circulation may be blocked and the blood pressure in the legs builds up.

A common cause of spider veins in the face is regular alcohol consumption.

Alcohol can temporarily dilate the blood vessels, while frequent alcohol consumption can cause longerlasting broken blood vessels.

SYMPTOMS

Even though spider and varicose veins are both vein disorders, only varicose

In my experience lasers are the most effective treatment for varicose and spider veins. At Berkshire Aesthetics we use an Nd:YAG laser called the Cutera V+, which is a very powerful laser designed specifically to treat veins.

The laser works by heating the walls of the veins, which then break down and are naturally absorbed by the body. I find that lasers are also more effective than injections as the laser can quickly treat a larger area in less time, and with less chance of the veins returning.

BERKSHIRE AESTHETIC S Dr Selena Langdon is an aesthetic doctor and founder of Berkshire Aesthetics – see more at berkshireaesthetics.com

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Facial Aesthetics - Body Contouring - Advanced Skincare

Target Stubborn Areas of Fat with the New CoolSculpting Elite

®

We are one of the first UK clinics to introduce CoolSculpting Elite. After more then 10 years, and 8 million treatments, the all new CoolSculpting device is faster, more comfortable and results appear sooner. Best of all Dr Langdon is one of the world’s leading CoolSculpting experts and personally oversees all fat freezing procedures.

12 WEEKS AFTER Second CoolSculpting Session

BEFORE

► No special diets or exercise programmes

► 8 million treatments performed worldwide

► Requires no needles, surgery or downtime

► Results are permanent

As seen in

Dr Langdon has featured in the Tatler Cosmetic Surgery Guide as the Top Doctor for Body Treatments for three years running.

And in 2021 Berkshire Aesthetics won best UK Clinic in the Lux Life Magazine Beauty Awards.

Want the treatment Judy Murray had?

Made popular by Judy Murray, Berkshire Aesthetics was named by Elle Magazine as the go-to clinic for Morpheus8 in 2020.

Our team have delivered hundreds of M8 procedures over the last two years making us one of the most experienced providers. Best of all, and to ensure optimum results, our M8 packages include two complimentary Forma treatments.

We are discreetly located opposite Pinkneys Green with plenty of on site parking. To learn more or to book a consultation please call our team on 01628 20 20 28 Berkshire Aesthetics Furze Platt Road Maidenhead SL6 6PR w. berkshireaesthetics.com

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Dr Selena Langdon Founder & Medical Director

e. info@berkshireaesthetics.com

23/04/2021 13:30

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y L AY L A T U R N E R

FOCUS

EDITOR’S PICK

HIGH

tech

How Tria Woman help to tackle the menopause

C LO U D T W E LV E

B y M A R I A N N E GAU T I E R

Head down to luxury wellness and lifestyle club Cloud Twelve, for the ultimate pamper day. We recommend one of their ultra high tech facials, such as the Dermafrac signature treatment, for the ultimate skin makeover.

Prices vary,

T

cloudtwelve.co.uk

Glass glow K E V Y N AU C O I N

Designed to instantly brighten a lacklustre complexion, The Glass Glow liquid illuminator comes in six dazzling shades. The smooth, gel-like formula feels fresh on the skin, and can be mixed with a moisturiser for a hydrated finish. Alternatively, apply to the face and body alone in an upwards motion for a more intense look. £26, spacenk.com

S I G N AT U R E SHADE E M O LY N E

Emolyne Ramlov, founder of Emolyne Cosmetics, spent years trying to find lip and nail products of an exact shade match. The brand offers kits containing a lip-liner, lipstick and nail polish, all of the same shade. Shades include ‘Zanzibar’, a showstopping, poppy red. £45

POSITIVE ageing his month at Tria Woman we have been looking at the transition into menopause, a topic that many women have difficulty navigating, especially as there is so much conflicting information – so what’s the answer?

Well we are all individuals, with different symptoms, needs and concerns, so what is right for one woman may not be right for another. For some women, the physical symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain and foggy thinking are intense and overwhelming.

Other women struggle with insomnia and anxiety. Some women find the end of their ability to produce children to be a huge loss and feel an overwhelming sense of grief for their youth. And then there are women who experience all of these symptoms or any number of combinations! It's not surprising that there is so much confusion about finding a solution.

We also have so much pressure on us from society, media and personal expectations to look and feel young.

How do we compete with this idea that to have value as a woman we need to look 25, and if or when we can’t, how do we begin to feel great about ourselves?

At Tria Woman we believe that every woman deserves to feel heard and understood, and we work together to establish which hormones are out of balance and tailor a bespoke plan to suit her, and (most importantly) we support her journey to positive ageing.

TRIA WOMAN

The Stables, Penn Street, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 0PP, 07792 972943 marianne@triawoman.com triawoman.com

emolyne.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

MALIN + GOETZ Meadowfoam Oil Balm, £13 malinandgoetz.co.uk

MOA Queen Of The Night Serum, £35 moa.co.uk

HUDA BEAUTY GloWish Multidew Skin Tint, £32 hudabeauty.com

BITE BEAUTY Daycation Whipped blush, £30 boots.com

VERSO Body Oil Cleanser, £55 versoskincare.com

111 SKIN Nac Y2 Recovery Mask, £115 111skin.co.uk

GLOW GUIDE

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK; UNSPLASH, DOM AGUIAR

The best products for glowing skin, all summer long...

HUDA BEAUTY N.Y.M.P.H Glaze Skin Perfector, £30 hudabeauty.com

HUDA BEAUTY N.Y.M.P.H Body Drip Shimmering Oil, £42 cultbeauty.co.uk

B y L AY L A T U R N E R

GLOW RECIPE ROC SKINCARE

Avocado Recovery Serum, £38 cultbeauty.co.uk

Multi Correxion Gel Cream, £35.99 rocskincare.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

well

WOMEN Human Health by The Clinic™ Well Woman programme is designed to facilitate good health for every woman

A

re you feeling emotional or struggling with up and down hormones, mood swings or anxiety? Do you feel like you have brain fog or that you are forgetting things or walking into a room with no idea what you went in there for?

Have you lost your sex drive or want to have sex but find your body just isn’t playing ball?

Do you keep meaning to book in for that breast check and smear but keep putting it to the back of the pile with all your other responsibilities?

Do you suffer with the sensation of something hanging down in between your legs or wear dark trousers and Tena Lady pads because you are worried you will leak urine if you laugh, sneeze, cough or run? Do you have faecal incontinence which stops you doing activities you love or even leaving the house for fear or embarrassment?

Do you suffer with niggling pains in your muscles or joints that are just dragging you down?

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Have you gained weight during lockdown and are feeling at odds with your body? Do you feel tired and sluggish and just not yourself but are not sure why?

As women our health concerns are as individual, varied and diverse as we are, but one thing binds us together, we often put our own needs last.

TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH

T

he last year in particular has taken its toll and, with life as we know it on the backburner, many women have sidelined their health and wellbeing in order to cope with the new challenges life has thrown their way.

The pandemic and lockdowns have impacted our lives physically and emotionally but they have also shown us how important looking after our health and wellbeing is and as a result, many women are now feeling inspired to take back control of their health.

Someone who is leading the way in this charge is Dr Mayoni Gooneratne, who has announced the launch of the Well Woman

service/programme at Human Health by The Clinic™, designed to facilitate and promote good health for every woman everywhere.

So, if you have a constant niggling worry about your health but have been ignoring it in the midst of trying to juggle everything else and are struggling to find time to get it sorted, then Dr Mayoni is here to tell you, you don’t have to suffer in silence any more.

WHAT IS THE HUMAN HEALTH WELL WOMAN SERVICE/PROGRAMME?

E

veryone’s health needs are different and that’s why Dr Mayoni felt passionate about creating a bespoke, tailored, 360-degree approach to achieving and maintaining optimal levels of health.

Human Health by The Clinic was founded to empower people to take control of their own health destiny by giving them access to treatments, advice and lifestyle strategies that combine together in a holistic way to elevate all over health and wellbeing.

The clinic opened its doors in December 2020 and is now proud

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

“As a nation, we have become very illness-focused rather than wellness-facing... our future lies in lifestyle medicine” to announce the introduction of its Well Woman programme.

Dr Mayoni is extremely passionate about women’s health. A leading authority on sexual health and sexual regeneration as well as the founder of two award-winning aesthetic clinics in South East London, she has spent years working with her female patients helping them to age well. Now she wants to help them build strength and resilience through optimal health, increasing their chances of enjoying healthy longevity.

She punctuated her surgical training with a four year period of research at the Blizzard Institute under the supervision of Professor Sir Norman Williams where she looked at pelvic floor disorders, namely faecal incontinence and this is where her passion was ignited. “I was startled at the huge prevalence of this condition in women and the fact it was such a silent but debilitating condition”, Dr Mayoni says. “This is probably where my passion for female wellness has come from. I also realised how many human illnesses were preventable or

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improved with better community based care which could mean a reduced need for drastic surgical options.

As a nation, we have become very illness-focused rather than wellnessfacing. We look for answers when our health has deteriorated to an extent where we then need medicines and surgery, which have risks and complications. This approach also places huge pressures on the NHS and the people working within it, which are not sustainable. I believe our future lies in lifestyle medicine.”

The clinic utilises effective evidence-based medicine combined with advice and support from allied medical professionals including a physiotherapist, nutritionist and health coach.

FEMALE-CENTRIC PACKAGES INCLUDE • • • •

BHRT package Pelvic floor health Well woman checks The Human Health Kitchen with Nena Foster • Acupuncture for hormonal health

The Well Woman Clinic is a consultation and health assessment designed around the specific needs and concerns of the female body. At its core the ethos is to help women to feel like they are listened to, not just fobbed off with anti-depressants and that there is nothing to be embarrassed about as they are not alone.

Your journey starts with an hourlong consultation that can be done online at home. During this session, Dr Mayoni will get to know you not only medically but as a person, human-to-human. She will likely suggest some baseline blood tests which will be followed up in a second hour-long session where she will also discuss a no-obligation personalised treatment plan that has been tailored around you and your needs.

As part of this, you can expect a full physical examination including all your observations such as height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart and lung function and range of movement, as well as a breast exam and/or self-exam, a pelvic exam and screening for fertility, ovarian and sexual health problems.

You will also undergo an extensive blood test and the results, along with the findings from your assessment, will be used to recommend any treatments and/or possible referrals for mammograms and pelvic scanning for example.

With clinics in Honor Oak Park and Crystal Palace, London, Human Health is the future of healthcare, putting you in the driving seat and giving you responsibility for your own health and self-improvement journey.

“Giving you the answers and tools to looking after yourself is the key to our long term health and the relief of suffering from chronic but preventable illness”, Dr Mayoni says.

Human Health is designed for living in a post-Covid country and aims to tackle the modern health problems we faced in 2020 and beyond.”

Visit the Human Health website: drmhumanhealth.co.uk to find out more or book a consultation today by calling 0208 054 9191 or using the online booking tool on our website.

• Join in the conversation with on Instagram @humanhealth.theclinic #HumanHealth #FutureHuman.

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Established in 1998, Independent Living has been supplying top-grade mobility equipment to clients across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire for more than two decades.

The friendly fully trained professional staff guide you through the maze of products available to make your life easier.

Scooters, wheelchairs, walking aids, rise and recline chairs as well as smaller everyday products can be tried at the shop and/or demonstrated in your own home.

■ Independent Living Consultants. 10 Cross Court, Plomer Green Avenue, Downley, High Wycombe HP13 5UW ■ 01494 443 933 ■ info@independentliv.co.uk ■ independentlivingconsultants.co.uk

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22/07/2021 13:34

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INTERIORS

MOV I N G H O ME N E XT

Opening on 19 August, Next in Newbury is relocating from the retail park into the town centre where they will boast a much larger store. Expect more choice for men, women and children, and we are looking forward to seeing the increased capacity in their homewares section. A must for all interiors lovers. next.co.uk

Interiors News 64 • Carla Designs 68 • Outdoor Furniture 74 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

RIGHT ANGLE ANGLEPOISE

Anglepoise has launched a new collection of Original 1227 lamps in collaboration with the National Trust. The collection comprises three lights – a table, a desk, and a floor lamp in a new Sage Green colour. Proceeds will raise a minimum of £15,000 to help support restoration works at The Homewood, a modernist villa designed by architect Patrick Gwynne. anglepoise.com

N AT U R E LOV E HABITAT

The natural world is at the core of Habitat's new Folklore collection, promoting pared-back and considered interiors. The collection prioritises tactile materials such as cane, seagrass and jute, complemented by naive, unrefined accessories. habitat.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Fragrance L'ORANGERIE Spiced reed diffuser, £28 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

NEW TA LE N T

T R U E B LU E KITESGROVE X FARROW & BALL

LOOK LIKE LOVE

Design studio Kitesgrove has worked with Farrow & Ball to create a new and entirely bespoke beautifully deep teal colour – ‘Kitesgrove’ by Farrow & Ball. It's a rich, complex colour tone, available exclusively from Kitesgrove. kitesgrove.com

Look Like Love has been supporting and promoting graduate and emerging designers since 2011 and this year they invited 10 designers to each create a one-off piece to form the anniversary collection, which spans prints, textiles and ceramics. looklikelove.co.uk

EMMA ALLINGTON Vine tomato and black pepper candle, £37 emmaallington.co.uk

DIPTYQUE Limited edition Citronelle candle, £49 diptyqueparis.com

JO LOVES Fig Trees diffuser, £90 joloves.com

TOM DIXON Fog incense set, £40 tomdixon.net

SET AND MATCH SETTING PRETT Y

Setting Pretty's table linens are designed to be mixed and matched – so here are Wild Child napkins and placemats with a gingham tablecloth in Dusty Rose.

Instant table style, achieved. settingpretty.com

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H

O

M

E

S

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Your Local Trusted Builder

Sunningdale Building Services Ltd is a well established Building Contractors company that has built up an enviable reputation over the last 20 years. We pride ourselves on our commitment to provide a professional and speedy service at all times, whilst maintaining the highest quality of work. We have a proven track record of innovative designs, effective problem solving and attention to detail and our goal is to meet and exceed the expectations of every customer. enquiries@sbs-homes.co.uk | 07927 714786 Sunningdale Building Services Ltd, 8 Crossways, Ascot SL5 0PY www.sbs-homes.co.uk SUNNINGDALE.indd 1

25/03/2021 12:44

INTERIORS • TREND

TIME TO

FOCUS Ways you can introduce points of interest throughout your home

By SANDRA ROTHWELL

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aybe you have done some internal work or minor alterations recently, but have you made the best use of the features that your property has? A focal point is where your eyes would naturally be drawn to when entering a room – we need to enhance this area or create a feature that will pull you into the space.

FIREPLACE

MIRRORS CAN HELP ADD IMPACT

This is usually the strong focal point, but if you don’t have one that you really love, consider upgrading it. A real fire is amazing to look at, but many new gas and electric ones have very realistic flames and without the drawbacks of a real one.

Creating symmetry either side of the fireplace and placing a piece of art or a mirror (or more often a television) plus plants and accessories really cements this.

You can also create a faux wall with an inset fire – this really creates drama; a textured wallpaper, slatted wooden wall panels or a veneered wood finish would look stunning.

WINDOW

“Remember a focal point does not need to be part of a wall”

If the view outside is amazing, then simple neutral curtains would work well to frame it. But if not, then consider making the window itself the feature by using stunning colourful fabrics with braid details for sumptuous curtains or blinds, maybe with some statement tiebacks.

STUNNING LIGHT FITTINGS

A sculptural ceiling light can really create impact and if you have the space, go for something large and dramatic. For smaller spaces, table lamps or a floor lamp can add drama.

DRAMATIC LIGHTING ADDS WOW FACTOR

ART PIECE

A great piece of art or one that is special to you can be used as a room’s focal point and adding feature lighting will help draw the eye. Using colours from the art as accents in the room as either accessories or soft furnishings will help emphasise this. If you don’t have space for a large picture, a gallery wall of smaller pictures is also a great way of creating a focal point. A large mirror can also be a feature by placing it in the optimal position to give the perfect reflection.

It will also enhance the room size.

SHELVING

I love using shelving in projects – either freestanding or built-in; they are a great way to add interest with lighting, accessories, plants and are real focus for the room. Like artwork, they can highlight a specific focal point.

Remember a focal point does not need to be part of a wall – bold colours in rugs, strategically placed pieces of furniture and pendant lighting can focus the eye in the centre of the space.

For help with choosing focal points in your home or for any other interiors advice, email enquiries@sandrarothwellinteriors.com or visit sandrarothwellinteriors.com (Photos courtesy of Gallotti & Radice)

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THE SEER GREEN PROJECT, DISCUSSED OVER THE PAGE

P i e c e s

o f

t h e

P UZ Z L E A Beaconsfield interior designer on how her family, period properties and seeing a project through all play a key role in her business today

By CARLA CHASES

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

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s a daughter of two designers I was born and bred into design. My mother is a very successful interior designer and set up her first design studio in the front room of our house.

She soon moved to a dedicated studio and then interiors boutique in Old Amersham [Su Chases] and has never looked back.

She has the most incredible design studio and showroom and if you haven’t been then you are missing a treat. My father was a very successful set designer in television.

Two such different forms of design and principles, but both so wonderful in their own way. From fabric samples to prop houses, live sets and real-life model making.

It was a pretty inspirational childhood.

I launched Carla Designs about 13 years ago. I wanted to offer clients a full design service, it was never just about advising on the finishing touches. We wanted to get involved at the initial build stage as it’s the perfect opportunity as interior designers to be able to implement those all important internal features and details that will ultimately make the space the best

it can be. Giving the space good bones and architectural features, skirting, architrave, light features, decent staircases etc is imperative for the best result. We want to advise on and execute the designs on every element throughout the build stage, from conception to completion, and I am thrilled to say that this is now where we have found our niche. Interior architecture is one of our fortes and I’m thrilled it paid off. We now oversee large scale projects and it is really where I shine the brightest.

When people became excited about my work, I realised it was a good choice.

Being hand-picked by someone to help them design their home is always such an honour and I feel lucky every day to be able to do what I do. It is that relationship and trust between the client and a designer that makes this job so rewarding.

In the early days of the business, the scale and calibre of the projects were much smaller than what we are used to now, but we have always specialised in the higher end of the residential market. I think as we’ve grown our work has become far better and technical and this is indicative of this digital world we now live in. Interior design and the way we

“From fabric samples to prop houses, live sets and real-life model making, it was a pretty inspirational childhood”

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Ben Ricketts Wealth Management Ltd Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

Helping you make the best financial decisions for your future • Retirement Planning

• Estate Planning

• Investment Planning

• Protection Planning

Tel: 07791674387

www.benrickettswealth.co.uk

Ben Ricketts Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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Bespoke luxury spaces tailored just for you From walk in wardrobes to home offices in a range of styles

Nordikka Interiors Blinding Bifolds Showroom, The Dutch Nursery, The Great North Rd, Brookmans Park, Hatfields, Hertfordshire AL9 6ND E: info@nordikka.co M: 07738469691

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

work has changed drastically over the years and I’m constantly having to learn methods of software just to keep up, as we all are.

When looking at a project, the first thing to determine is space: what is the space we are working with, how do we want to use the space moving forward, and how can we make it look the best it can look, what unique features can we introduce etc. We then look at the light elements available, natural and artificial, the restrictions, the possibilities, how can we soften or highlight. Colour, ambience and texture are the final layers to design. While thinking of each separate component, we must also think of them all alongside each other.

That is how cohesive design works.

I am also keen on restoring buildings – honestly I don’t know why, I think I must be mad! For me, many houses these days just aren’t built how they used to be. The history and period features found in some buildings is just breath-taking, and how wonderful to be able to breathe new life and style into spaces with already such CARLA CHASES

“How wonderful to be able to breathe new life and style into spaces with already such beautiful bones” beautiful bones. It’s not just about restoring, it’s also about creating entirely new spaces within the original footprint of homes, making them work again as family homes for the next 100 years. It is the creation of a new identity that is always special.

My fondest restoration will always be my own and it was the first house I have bought.

I bought the property at auction and it was in an utter state. It went from being the scariest property on the road to the most beautiful and it was through that journey that I really found my passion for the construction side of design. By shifting a few elements you could create something so usable and aesthetically pleasing. It seemed like an obvious jigsaw and it comes naturally to me.

We have been in Beaconsfield for a few years now. There is so much to love about the area, particularly Beaconsfield High Street. We have some great places to eat, some lovely shops, a beautiful old town, and most importantly a really good bunch of people. I grew up in Old Amersham, so it feels a bit like coming home. carladesigns.co.uk

Bucks beauty

Absolutely finds out more about a unique project by Carla Designs in Seer Green

Q What can you tell us about the brief for the Seer Green project pictured throughout this feature?

A My brief was to turn this tired, dull, magnolia, mediocre house into a beautiful family home. The first thing I noticed in the house was the incredible natural light and the way the sun cast its rays across the rooms at differing times of the day.

We wanted to make the most of that light and create zones accordingly.

The biggest challenge was the badly scratched up orange coloured varnished wooden floor. The planks themselves were unusually wide and lovely, but the tone did nothing for the room, so we ended up going with a New England theme and painting the floorboards. It worked beautifully, reflecting the light better around the room and bringing a calmer feel to the spaces as a whole. An awkward layout upstairs in the master suite led me to create a dressing room, which leads directly to the master bathroom and master bedroom.

What I love about this particular house is that each room in itself was beautiful, and each room had its own personality, while the house still very much worked together as a whole.

(Photography: Richard Gooding; Styling: Nick Lee, nick@niche-pr.co.uk)

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Safe as HOUSES

Home security under the spotlight: why your burglar alarm may not be enough B y M I C H E L L E B E N AT O

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t will come as no surprise that last month saw Beaconsfield, once again, named the most expensive town in the UK, following the annual Halifax report. It isn’t hard to see why, with its position in the beautiful Chilterns, its excellent schools, and easy access to London and Heathrow, the popularity of the town doesn’t look set to decline any time soon.

Whilst crime figures in Beaconsfield and the surrounding area are low, particularly in terms of violent offences and anti-social behaviour, large houses and expensive cars continue to attract opportunistic thieves.

A visible burglar alarm might act as a deterrent, but their effectiveness relies on those hearing one to respond. According to a recent report by Money Supermarket, 58% of people questioned admitted that they would simply look out of the window.

Alarmingly, a further 11% said they would do nothing at all, and only one in ten people would take action to alert the police if they heard a burglar alarm sounding.

So what happens if someone does alert you when your alarm sounds while you’re away from the house? You may drop what you’re doing and rush home only to find that it’s a false alarm or, far worse, you return to find

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

ERIC CAFFYN, WHO RUNS BEACONFIELD SECURITY

that an intruder is still on the property. With this in mind, key-holder security services have become increasingly attractive to residents keen to protect both their property and their families. I spoke to Eric Caffyn, the brains behind Beaconsfield Security, an operation setting new standards in the field.

Q MB: Hi Eric, tell me about

your security background…

A EC: I’ve worked in close protection for

many years, working for many high net worth individuals ranging from footballers to royalty. I have led corporate and residential security teams in the UK and abroad and as a security consultant for a corporate aviation company. Rapid response and mobile patrolling are my key areas of expertise and the core services we offer at Beaconsfield Security. My security qualifications include: SIA close protection, SIA CCTV, SIA employers licence, ACT counter terrorism, advanced tactical driving diploma, FPOS first aid, operational planning and response to COVID-19 (WHO). Away from the office you can usually find me on the golf course, watching the cricket or enjoying one of the great restaurants in the area.

Q MB: Why Beaconsfield Security?

A EC: I have been a resident in Beaconsfield

for several years and have heard and read about a concerning number of incidents in our town and surrounding areas. Easy motorway access and many through roads entice the criminal mind, making Beaconsfield a hotspot for various crimes including burglary, car theft, robbery, and a growing number of dog thefts. I felt there was a need for a professional

security response team in our community to help reduce the number of crimes.

Q MB: What services do you offer?

A EC: Primarily key-holding, alarm response

and mobile patrols. Key-holding and alarm response usually come as one package.

We hold your spare key in highly secure cabinets/safes with access only granted to our qualified SIA guards when deployed to an alarm activation at a client’s property.

Upon arrival at the premises, the guards will immediately look for any forced entry and intruders, alerting the police if the intruders are still on site. If it is a false alarm the guard has the ability to silence and reset the alarm, and this can also be done virtually.

Our mobile patrols are invaluable if you are away from your home or business for any length of time. Beaconsfield Security marked patrol vehicles will arrive at your property and commence a thorough external inspection, this includes checking that the perimeter boundary has not been disturbed, all gates, doors and windows are secure, and undamaged. The guard will report any discrepancies to the control room immediately and the customer notified of the situation. The client receives a pdf report documenting the results of our response.

Q MB: What areas do you cover?

A EC: We cover Beaconsfield, Gerrards

Cross and the surrounding villages, including Seer Green and Jordans, Hedgerley and the Chalfonts – basically anywhere within a five-mile radius of Beaconsfield town centre.

Q MB: What qualifications/

credentials do your team possess?

A EC: All our guards hold British

SIA close protection licences with the majority also highly trained in martial

arts and physical intervention. Each guard is qualified to at least level 3 in first aid and possesses a minimum of three years working in front line security.

Q MB: What makes you different

from other security firms?

A EC: Beaconsfield Security’s location in

the heart of Beaconsfield enables us to respond faster than any other security company offering services in the area. Our local knowledge and close connections within the community further enhance our presence. The sight of our marked patrol vehicles and uniformed guards in the community act as a deterrent to criminals.

Q MB: What are your COVID-19 policies?

A EC: All our employees are tested twice

a week. Our guards will wear PPE where necessary and we follow the government recommendation on social distancing.

All of our equipment is regularly sanitised and the utmost precautions are taken when meeting a client.

B E AC O N S F I E L D S E C U R I T Y

Burkes Court, Burkes Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1NZ 07415 914597 / 07716 691642 beaconsfieldsecurity.com

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S U N

S E E K E R S

Make the most of what remains of summer with the best in outdoor furniture

By MARK KEBBLE

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Bring the indoor out GO MODERN FURNITURE

 Part of a large modular collection, the Senja Sofa has multiple elements that can be combined to create a bespoke arrangement. As well as seating elements, choose optional integrated tables, consoles or side tables in either teak or glazed lavastone.

Looking more like an indoor piece than a garden sofa, the Senja Sofa has a strong powder-coated frame in linen or wenge with deep comfortable cushions. gomodern.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

Lounge around E L L A JA M E S

 The stunning new Capri woven lounge chair is perfect for lazing around in the garden during what remains of the summer. This chair is suitable to be left outside, but there is a recommendation that during the winter months and prolonged wet weather you should bring it indoors. The chair cushion is easily removable and should be brought indoors overnight when not in use. ellajames.co.uk

Social style statement HILLIER GARDEN CENTRES

 If you love contemporary design and want a garden furniture set that can really bring people together in style, the Siena Advanced Texteline Modular Firepit Set is a knock-out. It combines modern, sleek lines with grey cushions and advanced texteline upholstery.

The set offers the comfort and appearance of a sofa outdoors, while being completely weatherproof, able to be left outdoors all summer. In the middle of the table is the real centrepiece – an integrated firepit, lit via a concealed gas bottle beneath the table. hillier.co.uk

Caught in a loop V I VA L A G O O N

 The Loop Dining Chair is light to handle and to move around, which has its advantages as furniture can be moved in line with the sun. The design gives a light and airy look to a verandah and is also unbelievably comfortable – air can circulate through the tautly strung construction. vivalagoon.com

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30-34 Oxford Road, High Wycombe, HP11 2EN (T) 01494 854494 | (E) highwycombe@jdcpaints.com | www.jdcpaints.com Follow us! @jdcpaints | Open 7 days a week

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INTERIORS • TRENDS

Concrete plans RUST COLLECTIONS

 Gather your friends and family and get ready to enjoy some long, lazy lunches al fresco on the new St Emilion concrete outdoor table.

The stylish smooth-to-touch yet texturedto-look-at concrete top is handcrafted in Rust Collection's Buckinghamshire workshop, meaning each piece is subtly unique. It’s coated with a matte-finish, UV-resistant protective layer, which is also easily wipeable making spillages and sticky finger prints easy to deal with. rustcollections.co.uk

Head to Ascot BRIDGMAN

 This summer sees the release of the new, limited edition Ascot Collection, designed and created in the Bridgman workshop. Interior design ventures into the outdoors with four carefully designed modular sofa sets that possess the luxurious look and feel of an indoor living room suite. Each sofa is fully upholstered in solution-dyed acrylic fabric, the same material as used in luxury yachts, to guarantee complete weatherproofing, whatever the weather. bridgman.co.uk

At the double C OX & C OX

 Inspired by Cox & Cox's bestselling Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair, this new, double sized version is perfect for sharing with a companion.

Each chair features a sturdy grey metal frame and faux wicker chair, with a sumptuous, soft cream seat cushion and two matching tie-on headrests. coxandcox.co.uk

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FREE DELIVERY!

Easy mows it with the Mountfield cordless range.

EASY MOWS IT!

From mowing to pruning, trimming to blowing there is a tool for every job and every gardener.

Interchangeable batteries that are easy to switch between the mowers and hand tools. Within the freedom500 range each of the 6 mowers and 7 hand tools offer superb performance, long run times and rapid charge times.

Intelligent 48V battery system Lightweight & versatile Quiet Ergonomic in design Clean & energy efficient Easy interchangeable batteries With all the power of petrol but the convenience of cordless, the Mountfield freedom500 range makes every-day gardening tasks easy!

To view the full Mountfield range, visit our website www.mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TRENDS

It's a wrap L I M E L AC E

 Curl up and relax with a glass of something cold and a good book in the fabulous Cocoon Hang Chair Outdoor. Forming part of the chic Outdoor Lounge range by TRIMM Copenhagen, it's sure to bring the wow factor to your garden or outdoor living room. You feel embraced by the walls of the cocoon and yet you still have a free view of the sky, almost as if you were flying. It's perfect for chilling out on a summer day, or snuggle up under a chunky blanket and watch the stars come out. limelace.co.uk

The swing of it M Y FA C E

 Through a contemporary interpretation of the traditional swing, Fable intends to recreate the memories held closest, the character defining moments and the feelings that can’t be forgotten.

Lacquered stainless steel and copper joints hold an inviting floating sofa, available in a wide colour array of water repellent polyester fibre. myface.eu

Sweet & chic

HILLIER GARDEN CENTRES

 For practicality, style and comfort even in small outdoor spaces, the folding Galaxy Bistro Set is perfect. The pretty table and accompanying chairs are made from FSC eucalyptus hardwood, partly painted a stylish deep blue with contrasting grey wash surfaces. The chairs have gently sloping backs for extra comfort along with a seat safety locking bolt to avoid trapping fingers. Useful handles mean the set can be moved easily around a balcony or patio and then folded away when not in use. hillier.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • TREND

CASACARTA Dinner plate set of two, £74 casa-carta.com

MARIMEKKO Siirtolapuutarha plate, £25 skandium.com

EDITOR’S PICK

GARDEN TRADING

MINEHEART

Winderton Side Plate in Rosemary, £8 gardentrading.co.uk

Undercover Antique plate, £22 mineheart.com

HOT PLATES THE FIND STORE Moroccan Zwack plate, £15 thefi ndstore.co.uk

THE CURIOUS DEPARTMENT Insect Mandala plate, set of four, £160 thecuriousdepartment.com

Stylish dinnerware for your table

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

CIEL SHOP Dinner plate, £12 cielshopinteriors.com

SOUS CHEF Colour Pop enamel plate pink, £22.99 souschef.co.uk

CASA CELVA Puglian face bread plate, £64 for four casacelva.com

ARTISANS DU MAROC Tamegroute plate, £25 wearenomads.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Aura stoneware plate, £14 roseandgrey.co.uk

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Are you full of ideas for transforming your home but not sure where to start?

The Essential Home Design Guide is designed to help you create a home you will love by following a step-bystep design approach.

Samantha Johnson, a BIID-accredited designer with over 20 years experience, gives you her insight into: • The essential preparation and thinking that goes into a design project.

• How to make the most of your space.

• Choosing a colour scheme, adding textures and using patterns.

• Smart budgeting, ordering and how to work with the trades.

You’ll get a designer’s toolkit delivered to your door and benefit from online resources and 1-2-1 support from Samantha as your project progresses.

If you want to spend a day understanding the design process to create your interior scheme then sign-up for one of Sam’s 1-day workshops.

Visit: samanthajohnsondesign.com

ONLY

£

95

For more information visit samanthajohnsondesign.com/ essential-home-design-guide

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F A M I L Y

TAKE THE LEAD With summer in full swing, life is opening back up for the first time in what feels like forever. Parks and wildlife reserves are perfect to take your furry friend along for a social ride, and we aren’t short of options for family fun in the county. Our top picks include Cotswold Wildlife Park, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Wendover Woods and Stowe Landscape Gardens.

Happy walking!

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F OFF

Blasting Managing Director of Angel & Rocket, Lewis Bostock, explains the ethos behind the brand and what’s next on the cards

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

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or family-run business Angel & Rocket in Marlow, the sky poses no limit. Having opened their second store in St Albans this June, the pandemic evidently did not chip away at their ambition.

Living in a society where the next fashion ‘trend’ is always around the corner, it is always pleasing to see a family-run business being able to compete with high street brands.

With that being said, it’s not very often I am left with sincere curiosity when it comes to anything childrenswear, seeing as I am only a fur mother; however all of that changed when I sat down with Lewis Bostock, managing director of Angel & Rocket, a childrenswear brand making its mark internationally.

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• INTERVIEW • XXXXX FAMILY XXXXXXXX

“IT'S ALMOST CERTAIN THAT NOBODY ELSE'S CHILD WILL BE WEARING THE SAME THING”

“We wanted to bring a premium brand to market, offering great design in sustainable quality fabrics,” he states. “The high street is a massive influence for us, however we felt there was an opportunity to come into a market that was very trend led, but offered affordability and not at the expense of quality. The thing that sets us apart from other big retailers is that our brand is more unique. If your child turns up to a party wearing one of our outfits, it’s almost certain that nobody else’s child will be wearing the same thing.”

Fashion has always been at the heart of the Bostock family, when you learn about Lewis's mother Kate's experience in the fashion world, having held executive roles with large retailers including Next, Asda and Marks & Spencer. It was no surprise when the idea formed to launch their own

brand back in 2013. Lewis's brother Joel is a senior designer on boyswear, so it seems there is not much this family cannot do.

“My family has always been involved with fashion, retail and manufacturing,” he says. “I have so many childhood memories of going into one of my dad’s factories on the weekends, labelling garments, doing whatever I could for a bit of pocket money.

I saw the path formulating, I always wanted to be a buyer, but then I fell into the sourcing and manufacturing side – and since then, I have never looked back.”

What impresses me is Lewis's enthusiasm to understand the full process, from sourcing to manufacturing. He didn’t just want to see it for himself, he wanted to experience the entire process. “I went and lived in Sri Lanka for six months, to understand how they sourced and manufactured,” he continues. “The opportunities I have had to travel and visit factories all over the world – India, Turkey, and China to name a few – and seeing how different cultures do manufacturing and how they treat their workforce really broadened my perspective. Childrenswear is very different: you have the fashion side, but also the safety aspect. Whenever you manufacture childrenswear, you have to make sure it performs to the highest standards.”

When I first encountered Angel & Rocket, it was the designs that caught my eye. “We follow ladies and men’s trends and then filter them down, making them age and culture appropriate,” Lewis explains.

“A big area we will be developing is our occasion wear. With the expectation of there being more weddings and parties this year, there is a hope that the demand for occasion wear will be higher than usual.”

Since launching their first store in 2017, the brand has continued to raise the bar for both the quality of their products, and their reputation. “Whenever I see a little kid wearing our clothes, it makes

me feel immensely proud – that feeling will never get old,” he smiles. With a solid reputation, comes the ability to act on ambition, and Angel & Rocket has exceeded just that by continuously growing their global footprint. “Right now, we have customers all over the world, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and a few in the US, however our long-term ambition is to grow our international footprint, by being stocked in market places in the US. “The next phase of our plan is to look at more store opportunities. Alongside this, we are launching with John Lewis in September, and beyond this, we are also planning to be available on Zalando by the end of the year. We have been lucky enough to have the most amazing support from our partners at Next, another platform where Angel & Rocket can be bought.”

Angel & Rocket, without a doubt, have truly lifted off.

ANGEL & ROCKET 28 High Street, Marlow, SL7 1AW 020 3982 9991 angelandrocket.com

ANGEL & ROCKET IS A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS

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FAMILY • EDUCATION

“There should be opportunities to be creative and to experience new things” LET CHILDREN CREATE THEIR OWN RECIPES

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

PLAY GROUND

Why the summer months are the perfect time to encourage children to go and create

B

y the time you read this, 19 July – so called Freedom Day – will have come and gone, the school holidays will be in full swing and, hopefully, the sun will be shining. You may be planning days by the sea, woodland walks, trips to the cinema, summer sports camps and much more. Or, perhaps, after the long and challenging academic year, you may just simply want to let your children take time to be. Whatever you decide, plan or no plan, and whatever the ages of your children, it’s always good to have some new, creative ideas in mind for those days, if and when, they’re needed.

After decades of teaching and watching my own children grow, I am always interested to see how much academic, educational and mental development appears to occur during the long summer.

I don’t mean that they should be pumped

B y S U E L A I D L AW

full of academic activities throughout the summer – far from it. It seems to happen because they, and their minds, have time to assimilate all that has gone before during the past terms; it’s always fascinating to see. What does seem to be contributory are opportunities to be creative, to get bored, to take risks and to experience new things.

So, amongst the visits, trips and summer activities, why not try some of these ideas, adapted to the ages of your children: • Let your children plan a dinner party for you, grandparents or friends.

They can search for recipes, make shopping lists and prepare the meal.

• Camp in your garden.

• Create an obstacle course.

• Get together a large hoard of cartons, tubes, pieces of ribbon, fabric and coloured paper and anything else that you can find with which your children can become creative. Cover the table. Give them glue, Sellotape

- even paint. Let them create.

• Put together a box of dressing up clothes and put on a play. They could even write the script along with instructions.

You could even take a cameo role!

• Create a shop by collecting unwanted items from around the house. Let them make price tickets and put on a sale. A good way to raise money for charity and clear bedrooms in one go.

• Encourage your children to create a special day for someone else – a grandparent, a friend, someone who needs cheering up. They could make a picnic, invite them to their own puppet show, play, music performance or dance show.

For older children, there are plenty of opportunities for adapting some of the ideas above. How about letting them have a formal dinner party for their friends (and don’t do the clearing up for them!) or taking an elderly person out for the day.

Besides lots of activity, places to go and people to see, the days of doing very little and allowing your children to get bored (which leads to creativity) are so important.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP, who offer lessons and courses for children of all ages and educational needs through their centres and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Find out more at laidlaweducation.co.uk or call 020 8487 9517

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School fees insurance will help cover future costs should you or your spouse die or suffer a terminal illness

School fees insurance from less than £21 per month

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Castle View Retirement Village

“

“

It’s just a wonderful place to live!

FIVE REASONS TO LOVE LIVING AT Castle View, Windsor 1. Owning your property, with peace of mind At Castle View you own your property outright but do not have to worry about the maintenance or garden.

2. The Management Team As an independently owned and run development there is a close and accountable team. Their support and commitment is exceptional, which was demonstrated when the Village Manager and Chef moved in to the development during lockdown, all of which helped keep spirits high and why we have remained covid-free to date.

3. The People Apartments are exclusively for those aged over 55 years and whilst everyone has different stories, hobbies and interests which is what keeps life interesting, everyone is like-minded and respectful. People can join in with as much or as little community activity as they wish.

Airport and Central London. There is plenty to do and entertain any guests that come to visit.

4. The Location Historic Windsor has extensive services, restaurants and shopping facilities. Communication links are excellent with two railway stations providing good links to London and easy access to the M4 providing easy access to Heathrow

5. The Views Which are arguably the best in Windsor. Whether it’s watching a glorious summer sunset with a glass of bubbles on the terrace, or wonderful winter sunrise in the warmth of the sky lounge with coffee and paper, it’s amazing to think this is our home.

such as the restaurant, library, sky lounge and terrace, stunning views and the nicest people. But don’t just take their word for it, visit and have a look to see for yourself.

Castle View, Windsor is a special place. Superb 1, 2 and 3 bedroom properties starting from £375,000, with full access to on-site facilities

Call our friendly Customer Care Manager, Ruth, on 01753 378 127 to find out more or arrange a safe viewing.

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PROPERTY

The Old Rectory SL6

£530,000 GUIDE PRICE

he first residents have now moved into Watermark, Countryside’s new development in Maidenhead.

Watermark features 229 modern homes on the banks of Maidenhead Waterways, comprising one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Watermark also involves the regeneration of Library Square with 20,000 sq ft of restaurant, café and community space.

T

COUNTRYSIDE 01628 873617 countrysideproperties.com

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Water H WORLD Set on the River Thames this wonderful home, arranged over three floors, has panoramic views of the river and countryside beyond

ighbank, in Cookham, Berkshire, is a home of striking architectural design, occupying an elevated position to take full advantage of the beautiful views across the river and open countryside beyond. This picturesque home is arranged over three floors, with separate wings arranged for relaxing and entertaining, with the added bonus of the ability to make a self-contained annexe within the lower ground floor.

The design makes most of the setting with the bedrooms, reception spaces and terraces all facing over the gardens to the riverfront. “It’s a home of striking contemporary architectural design in an idyllic position,” adds Richard Maby, head of office at Savills Marlow. “The large windows on the rear elevation create a lovely feeling of open space, flooding the property with lots of natural light.”

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“The real star of the property is the view. The design makes the most of its elevated position”

Overall the accommodation extends to about 4,500 square feet and is generously proportioned throughout, benefitting from lofty ceilings and clever use of glazing to the rear, affording spectacular views to the river and flooding the home with natural light. The property was built approximately ten years ago and has been designed with all the modern conveniences and a host of sought-after features, including bi-fold doors opening to the garden, premium engineered wood flooring and high specification bath and shower rooms.

“Internally, there is a beautifully appointed open plan kitchen and dining room,” Maby adds, “while there is also a striking wood and glass staircase that leads from the reception hall. But I think the real star of the property is the view. The design makes the most of its gently elevated position, with the bedrooms, reception spaces and terraces all facing over the gardens down to the River Thames. It’s extremely calming.”

The property is entered on the ground floor, the front door opening to a wonderfully

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welcoming reception hallway. This large space has a window to the rear that beautifully frames the view over the treeline to the rear.

Reception space on this floor is by way of two interconnecting principle reception rooms, one being a comfortable snug room with fireplace and the other a grand main entertaining space. This large room has a sliding glass wall to the rear, out onto a sizeable balcony/ terrace. In addition this floor provides a guest bedroom suite with shower room.

Taking the feature glass staircase down to the lower ground floor, the accommodation opens out into a very bright and spacious open plan kitchen and dining room, a separate staff kitchen, pantry, utility room and a cloakroom. Large glazed walls to the rear provide beautiful views.

To this floor there is a principal bedroom suite comprising a bedroom, two dressing rooms and an en-suite bathroom. In addition are two further double bedrooms (though currently opened up as one space) and a family bathroom. The bedroom space on this floor opens out onto the rear terrace, overlooking the gardens, pool and river.

To the lower floor, the accommodation opens directly out onto the garden and the pool area. There is a good size bedroom suite with shower room, an informal reception space ideal for use as a family room, a fitted kitchen and a changing room/pool room.

“Riverside properties are rare at the best of times,” Maby says, “but the motivations for moving brought on by the pandemic – with the drive for more space both inside and out with easy access to the countryside – mean they are currently at even more of a premium. This property is on a quiet part of the river, separated from the main stretch of the Thames by a lovely wooded island. It means the bulk of the river traffic is not seen from the gardens, yet you still have brilliant access onto a stunning stretch of the Thames countryside.”

Highbank, Cookham, is on the market for a guide price of £4,650,000 with Savills Marlow. For more information, call 01628 481 373 or visit savills.co.uk

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Did you know that you could release equity from a home you would love to move to?

Do you have an interest only mortgage that you would like to pay off?

Have you already released equity? Is the interest rate too high? We could help

INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE?

call Craig Spark CeFA, CeMAP, CeRER on 0800 448 0170 / 07740 414170 or email him at craig@equityreleasepurchase.co.uk equityreleasepurchase.co.uk This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice. Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. We offer a bespoke service and our fees can vary. Our usual set fee is only paid on completion as is 995.00. If your circumstances are more complex, we may charge a higher fee. Our maximum fee is 1% of the loan value. Equity Release Purchase is a trading style of Jay Jay (UK) Ltd, an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Jay Jay (UK) Ltd is registered in England and Wales with Company Number: 04056416. Registered Address: The Stable Yard Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, MK11 1BN.

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