Surrey Homes | SH117 | October 2024

PRICELESS 

OCTOBER 2024 

117 

OCTOBER 2024 

LUXE SUPPLEMENT inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes

BESPOKE KITCHEN DESIGN 

DESIGN • SUPPLY • MANAGE • INSTALL

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Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7RP 

01293 826620 

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BOCONCEPT.COM 

08/08/2024 10:46

garden design, construction & maintenance

Contents 

October 2024 

14 

23 

27 

32 

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

Dream homes on the market 

NOTEBOOK 

Upcoming events for your diary 

THE MUST LIST 

Keep up-to-date with the latest 

must-see and must-have goodies 

78 

85 

78 

WE LOVE CAKES 

A seasonal recipe trio from the 

inventive chefs at The Garden 

Café in Planters, Etchingham 

WILD THING 

Rebecca Cuffe gets inspired 

by all things animal for 

this month’s fashion edit 

99 

102 

50 

ERAS TOUR 

Find out how three schools are 

celebrating some very positive changes 

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR 

THE REAL THING 

Mike Piercy urges caution 

when it comes to AI’s 

presence in the classroom 

32 

49 

50 

61 

A WORLD OF INSPIRATION 

We explore a creative couple’s 

colourful home, filled with 

treasures collected on their travels 

GET THE LOOK 

Create a cosy retreat 

MADE IN HASTINGS 

A family home redesign with 

the help of Sam Grigg 

GET THE LOOK 

Opt for relaxing green, warm 

woods and soft textures to 

emulate Sam’s living space design 

86 

89 

91 

93 

FRAGRANCE FINDER 

Josephine Fairley sniffs out some 

of autumn’s superlative scents 

KEEP PADELING 

Sarah Maxwell tries out 

the increasingly popular 

racket sport, padel 

NOURISH TO FLOURISH 

Charlotte Lau analyses the 

benefits of eating squashes 

TULIP MANIA 

Jo Arnell plans ahead for a 

colourful spring display 

Published by Priceless Media Ltd. Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street, 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF | Call 01580 714705 | Email info@priceless-group.com 

Visit priceless-group.com Copyright © 2024 Priceless Media Ltd. The views of the 

advertisers & contributors are not necessarily those of Priceless Media Ltd. 

105 

106 

WHAT’S ON 

Fun-filled dates for your diary... 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Jane Howard’s latest instalment 

from Coopers Farm 

LUXE 

SUPPLEMENT 

Our glittering guide 

to all things luxury 

and aspirational. 

After page 62 

istockphoto.com/ Adela Belovodjanin 

LUXE 

7 

priceless-magazines.com

LIGHT UP 

YOUR INTERIOR 

LIVING SPACES 

Choose from over 

2,500 interior lights 

on display 

Tel: 01420 590510 

www.distinctivelightinguk.com 

SHOWROOM OPENING HOURS 

9am - 5pm: Monday - Friday. 

9am - 1pm: Saturday 

Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire GU34 2QJ 

Surrey Homes - FP Oct Edition.indd 1 04/09/2024 15:53:50

From the 

Editor 

It was an absolute pleasure to visit the home of 

potter Cherry Tewfik and her husband, Jonathan. 

Their colourful house has evolved over the 

years, absorbing artworks, ceramics and unique 

finds gathered during their extensive travels across 

the world. Explore this creative couple’s Canterbury 

haven for yourself before taking a look at our second 

interiors feature – a Hastings house redesigned for 

family living by interior designer Sam Grigg. 

With autumn well and truly underway, we’re all about 

food that’s comforting. This issue’s recipes are designed to 

put a smile on your face, as we give you all the ingredients 

for three delicious cakes designed for us by the clever 

bakers at The Garden Café in Planters, Etchingham. 

In our health & beauty section, Sarah Maxwell 

explores the popularity of padel, Charlotte Lau looks 

at the nutritional benefits of squashes and Jo Fairley 

picks out her favourite seasonal scents, the perfect 

incentive to start unpacking the warming knitwear. 

There are still jobs to be completed in the garden, and 

with Jo Arnell’s advice, you can be surrounded by 

vibrant tulips next spring if you get cracking 

with choices to suit your planting schemes. 

Plus, fill your diary with handpicked 

events across the South East 

in our What’s On and Notebook 

pages and be sure to check out our 

LUXE supplement, that focuses in on 

all things luxury and aspirational. 

McALLISTER THOMAS FINE ART 

Original Paintings by Mungo Powney 

Enjoy your Priceless Magazine 

Priceless Team 

EditorLucy Fleming 

Supplements & Features EditorRebecca Cuffe 

Sub Editor & Features Writer Emily Pavey 

Design & Production DirectorAnthony Boxall 

Sales Manager, Surrey HomesLisa Gordon-Hughes 

lisa.gordon-hughes@surrey-homes.co.uk 

Sales Manager, Wealden Times Maria Hurley 

maria.hurley@wealdentimes.co.uk 

Senior Account ManagerSarah Norwood 

Andrew Boughton 

Wealden Times Show Director Flo Simpson 

Events Manager Liz Miles 

Events Sales Director Jude Brown 

Financial ControllerStephen Hunt 

Accounts Sarah Davies 

Nicola O’Leary 

Social Media ManagerCharlotte Lau 

Managing DirectorVivien Cotterill-Lee 

Executive Chairman Julie Simpson 

Contact number for Wealden Times01580 714705 

Contact number for Surrey Homes 01580 236072 

McALLISTER THOMAS 

117 High Street 

Godalming 

Surrey GU7 1AQ 

01483 860591 

www.mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk 

priceless-magazines.com 

9 

mcallister-thomas-vertical-advert-stephen-page-2024-sept.indd 1 15/09/2024 13:44

Handcrafted Lighting and Furniture 

Made in Cornwall, England. 

Showrooms in Falmouth and Chelsea Harbour 

www.tomraffield.com sales@tomraffield.com 01326 722725 

Surrey Homes.indd 2 10/09/2024 13:44:56

Find us here! 

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest distributor of 

Surrey Homes or to get free copies delivered for £30 a year. 

12,000 copies of Surrey Homes are printed 

every month. We are available in 

the following outlets and are the 

only local magazine available at key 

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questions about our distribution please 

contact Vivien Cotterill-Lee 

vivien.cotterill-lee@priceless-group.com 

48 London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1AS T: 01732 902019 

COMING SOON 

istockphoto.com/ Maria Voronovich 

Ashtead 

• Patrick Gardner 

Bagshott 

• Cubbitt Antiques 

• Howlands 

Estate Agents 

• Longacres Nursery 

Betchworth 

• Buckland Deli 

• The Community 

Shop 

Bookham 


Buckland 

• Buckland Nurseries 

Garden Centre 

Camberley 

• Romans 

Caterham 

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Cheam 

• Cook 

Chelsham 

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Centre 

Chobham 

• Melita 

• Pasha 

Claygate 

• Trew Art 

Cobham 

• Cobham Furniture 

• Oh So Coco 

Cranleigh 

• Curchods Prime 

• Notcutts 

• Roger Coupe 

Dorking 

• Dorking Travel 


• Princess Alice Hospice 

• Sainsbury’s 

Epsom 

• Mayfield Lavender 

Nursery & Shop 


Esher 

• Sandown Park 

Racecourse 

Farnham 

• Cook 

• ME Estate Agents 


• Waterstones 

Felbridge 

• Doves Barn 

Nursery 

Godalming 

• Cook 


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Godstone 

• Knights Garden 

Centre 

Guildford 

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Farm Shop 

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Estate Vineyard 

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Haslemere 

• Lythe Hill 

Hotel & Spa 

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Knaphill 


Leatherhead 


• Robert Leech 

& Partners 

Lingfield 


Lyne 

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Shop Lyne 

Milford 

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Old Oxted 

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Oxted 

• Cook 

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& Staff 

• Limpsfield Stores 

• Morrisons 


Oxshott 

• The Bear 

Redhill 

• Priory Farm 

Reigate 

• Buckland Nurseries 

Garden Centre 

• County Clothes 


• RDO Kitchens 

Ripley 

• Ripley Nurseries 

Farm Shop 

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Surbiton 


Walton on 

Thames 



Warlingham 

• Botley Hill 

Farmhouse 

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Agents 

West Byfleet 

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Weybridge 

• Tesco Extra 

Woldingham 

• Fine & Country 

TRAIN 

STATIONS 

• Dorking 

• East Grinstead 

• Epsom 

• Esher 

• Guildford 

• Haslemere 

• Kingston 

• Redhill 

• Richmond 

• Surbiton 

• Weybridge 

• Wimbledon 

• Woking 

11 

After our refit in September, we will be pleased to 

offer ranges of ready to wear suits from £199, 

for all occasions, from Proms to Weddings and 

Business to Sixth Form, with a collection of 

co-ordinating shirts and accessories. 

Suits available for Children* . Youth / Adults 

Dress wear and Footwear 

*Suits from £132.75 

HERNE BAY STORE - NOW OPEN 

BEXHILL - CANTERBURY - HERNE BAY - REIGATE 

SEVENOAKS - TENTERDEN - TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

COUNTY CLOTHES 

MENSWEAR 

Spring / Summer 2024 ranges 

now available in store 

WWW.COUNTYCLOTHESMENSWEAR.CO.UK 


Surrey’s Premier Builder 

Upfold Construction has been established since 2009 

and is a domestic builder providing services throughout 

Surrey, Sussex & Hampshire. 

Located in Cranleigh we are perfectly placed to offer a 

total building service to those clients seeking a local, 

professional and reliable builder. We carry out all aspects 

of building from extensions, renovations to a complete 

home refurbishment allowing us to provide a package of 

design, planning, building & finishing. 

We are members of The Chartered Institute of Building 

which guarantees our committment to quality of product, 

services and integrity of conduct. 

For more information, please contact us on: 01483 600335 

Email: info@upfoldconstruction.co.uk or www.upfoldconstruction.co.uk

House 

Month 

of the 

£6,250,000 

Oxshott 

This month Gordon Lee focuses in on 

houses that epitomise all things LUXE 

The dream: Substantial, 

modern family home in a 

secure, private estate. 

Where: Oxshott, in the much 

sought-after Crown Estate. 

Setting: Set amongst south 

westerly secluded gardens, this 

stunning home gets sunshine 

across every season. 

Beds: 6 Baths: 5 

Special features: The hub of the 

home is the kitchen/breakfast/ 

family room which runs from the 

length of the house. The principal 

bedroom suite includes an en-suite, 

extensive fitted dressing room 

and a private sitting room. 

Pleasing details: The picture 

window linking the kitchen/ 

breakfast room to the pool, 

allows you to keep an eye on 

little ones as they swim. 

Outside: Designed for fun and 

entertaining, the beautifully lit 

terrace features a sunken seating area 

with fire wall, perfect for late night 

drinks with friends. Steps from here 

lead down to the landscaped gardens 

with manicured lawns, shaded by 

mature evergreens. Open the bi-folds 

and the indoor pool seamlessly 

integrates with the upper terrace. 

Time to town: Oxshott (0.6 miles), 

Claygate (1.3) and Chessington 

South (2.1) connect to London 

Waterloo in around 35-40 minutes. 

Agents: Curchods 01932 558555 

curchods.com 

priceless-magazines.com 14

Godalming 

£3,950,000 

The dream: This storied, old vicarage – 

visited by Charles Dickens, Lewis Carol 

and Lord Baden Powell – is one of the 

finest private houses in Godalming. 

Where: Just yards from Godalming 

High Street and station. 

Setting: The walled garden and mature trees 

that surround the house provide a peaceful and 

tranquil haven in the heart of bustling Godalming, 


Special features: The ground floor has five 

impressive reception rooms including a stunning 

double storey reception hall, a substantial 

bespoke kitchen/breakfast room with Aga and 

a dining room full of character and charm. 

Pleasing details: Grade II listed 

with both Georgian and Victorian 

elevations and original fireplaces. 

Outside: Beautifully laid out grounds with formal 

and informal areas and a wonderful terrace with 

pergola, that enjoys long views down the garden. 

Time to town: Godalming station (0.1 miles) 

connects to London Waterloo (42 mins), 

whilst Guildford is less than 5 miles away. 

Agents: Grantley 01483 407628 grantley.co.uk 

Oxted 

£2,895,000 

The dream: Luxurious modern home 

with breathtaking, panoramic views. 

Where: Limpsfield Chart, just outside Oxted. 

Setting: Elevated, high on Trevereux Hill, and 

surrounded by National Trust Woodland. 


Special features: The centrepiece of this stunning 

home is the subtly separated kitchen, dining, living 

room, that opens out onto the wraparound terrace 

with its spectacular views. The roll top bath in the 

window of the principal bedroom enjoys a similar vista. 

Pleasing details: This exceptional home is loaded 

with modern luxuries and sustainable features: 

integrated Sonos music system; air conditioning; 

underfloor heating; jacuzzi; gym; electric gates; 

ground source heat pump; solar panels; water 

purification system. It even has its own private 

spring and a utility room with a dog friendly shower. 

Outside: The tiered garden with artificial grass, 

has a number of different spaces for al fresco 

dining, entertaining and relaxing and includes 

a waterfall koi pond and a tiled jacuzzi. 

Time to town: Oxted station is a short drive 

away and connects to East Croydon (17 mins), 

London Bridge (33) and London Victoria (39). 

Agents: Robert Leech 01883 717272 robertleech.com 

15 


REDEFINING RETIREMENT IN 

THE heart OF SURREY AT 

HOMEWOOD GROVE, CHERTSEY 

Discover our exceptional age-exclusive lifestyle village, nestled 

among beautifully landscaped gardens on the outskirts of Chertsey. 

It is home to a stunning collection of spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom 

apartments, each expertly designed with you in mind. Indulge in 

new-found passions, relax in our state-of-the-art wellbeing facilities, 

and become part of this vibrant new community. 

Come and view our brand new showhome and learn about our 

fantastic new incentives. 

STAMP DUTY PAID!* 

Call us on 01932 645092 or visit 

www.rangefordvillages.co.uk 

Marketing Suite, Ottershaw, 

Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0AU. 

Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm 

Prices from £399,950 † 

*Legally complete on a new build apartment at Homewood Grove and we will pay your stamp duty. Incentive is available for reservations received from 10th 

August 2024 to 30th November 2024 with legal completion on or before 20th December 2024. This offer is plot-specific, please speak to our sales team for 

further details. Terms and conditions are subject to change. † Other charges apply. 

23151 RV_HWG_Surrey Homes_Full Page Ad_A4.indd 1 03/09/2024 15:40

THINKING 

of somewhere greener? 

THINK BERKELEY 

Hareshill Crookham Village, GU51 5EL 

Scan to find your 

new lifestyle 

Discover a better quality of life at Berkeley’s exceptional collection of homes in sought-after 

locations across Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. Beautifully crafted homes, richly landscaped 

surroundings, a welcoming sense of community and easy access to glorious countryside and local 

amenities – if this is what you’re thinking about, it’s time to start moving with Berkeley.

Assisted living apartments 

for the independently minded 

Maybe 

it’s time? 

As we age, our priorities naturally evolve, 

making us question if our home still meets our 

changing needs. Should we modify, downsize, 

or move closer to family for support? Is our 

home equipped to handle future challenges 

in vision, mobility, and isolation? 

If such questions resonate, why not explore 

Birchgrove? Say hello to a home thoughtfully 

designed to make living in later life easier. 

Be part of a lively social community with 

exceptional facilities, 24hr concierge, and 

the peace of mind to enjoy life. 

Maybe it’s time to think differently 

about retirement? 

Leading 

the way 

in retirement 

rental living 

Ready to make yourself at home? 

www.birchgrove.life / 020 3929 5599 

Locations in Surrey, Kent & London: 

Banstead | Chiswick | Ewell | Godalming | Hampton 

Leatherhead | Mill Hill | Sidcup | Woking

A 

recent report found 

‘overwhelming evidence’ 

that living in a community 

with others benefits people 

in later life. It helps them maintain 

health and independence and reduces 

the level of support needed as they age. 

Research carried out by the King’s Fund 

and the University of York examined 

the value of retirement communities for 

the well-being of the people who live in 

them and for the health and social care 

system in the UK. The findings showed 

comprehensive and conclusive evidence 

that the retirement community model 

plays a vital role in supporting people 

in later life to live well for longer. 

Retirement communities, often referred 

to as integrated retirement communities 

or assisted living, combine self-contained 

quality accommodation with tailored 

support services. This includes onsite 

dining and leisure facilities, such as a 

restaurant or café, wellness suite, resident 

lounges, and gardens; optional care and 

support packages; and a regular events 

programme to encourage social interaction 

and natural friendships to form. 

The research found that meals and 

on-site support played a significant role 

in maintaining residents’ well-being. 

Furthermore, the evidence suggests that 

these helped lower depression, feelings 

of isolation, and anxiety and reduced the 

likelihood of falls and hospital admissions. 

Loneliness is now one of the most serious 

public health concerns facing older 

people, with reported fall rates rising 

36-42% higher than those with social 

contact. Retirement communities have 

tackled loneliness and isolation by creating 

opportunities for residents to participate 

in activities and events that interest them 

or develop and explore new skills in the 

company of liked-minded people. 

Specialist retirement operator Birchgrove 

is rapidly growing its portfolio of highquality 

retirement communities. One 

ingredient behind this success is the 

diverse breadth and depth of experience 

behind the Birchgrove name. All working 

together to create a community where 

people can age well by staying healthier, 

happier and stronger for longer. 

Underlying Birchgrove’s business model 

is a belief that the current housing 

options for people over 65 exclude a 

large section of those who don’t want to 

manage another house purchase – and 

therefore “assisted living for rent is the 

missing piece in the housing puzzle; not 

right for all, but perfect for some”. 

There’s a Birchgrove community in 

London, Kent and Surrey. You will never 

find two Birchgrove developments the 

same because Birchgrove believes the place 

you call home should be as individual 

as the people and neighbourhood it sits 

within. Birchgrove ensures that every 

community is not only future-designed 

to suit people’s needs as they age but also 

has character to complement the local 

area. Thoughtful spaces that bring people 

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

Later living – your life, your way 

together help forge communities where 

people feel grounded and at home. 

To find out more, please get in touch with 

the team at Birchgrove on 020 3929 5599 

or visit www.birchgrove.life

JOIN US FOR THE LAUNCH OF OUR 

3 BEDROOM SHOWHOME 

Saturday 5th October, 10am-5pm 

Join us as we unveil our brand new 

three bedroom showhome at Hareshill. 

This beautiful, growing community is located in Crookham Village, 

Fleet. With fantastic access to excellent schools, local pubs, 

sports facilities, Fleet town centre and Edenbrook Country Park, 

this is the ideal place to call home. 

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £460,000 * 

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY 

Sales Suite & Showhome, Open by Appointment Only 

Hitches Lane, Crookham Village, 

Fleet, Hampshire GU51 5EL 

01252 980 195 

Scan to book your appointment 

and find out more 

*Prices correct at time of print. Photography and computer generated images are indicative only. 

www.hareshill-fleet.co.uk 

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Held inside the state-of-the-art Hilltop building in this 

beautiful RHS Garden, offering surprising winter colour. 

RHS GARDEN 

WISLEY 

6 - 10 November 

desirefair.com 

Fair entry included in normal Garden admission charges • Free entry for RHS Members and Family Guest 

10am – 4pm Weekdays • 9am – 4pm Weekend • (Garden closes 4.30pm) 

Desire-Wisley-Nov24-130x185mm-v1.indd 1 11/09/2024 09:19 

22 


Notebook 

aistockphoto.com/ Macrovector & Cattallina 

Take note! We’ve rounded up the best 

of what to see and do near you 

easonal 

Symphony 

The Epsom Symphony Orchestra is set to delight 

audiences with its Autumn Classics concert at the 

Epsom Playhouse on 19th October, showcasing a 

captivating program under the skilled direction of 

esteemed musical director, Darrell Davison. 

Be ready to envelop yourself in the exuberant notes of 

Smetana’s overture to The Bartered Bride, a piece that 

perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the comic opera. Dan 

Brandon, a remarkable cellist currently studying at the 

prestigious Hannover Hochschule in Germany and 

principal cellist at the National Youth Orchestra, will 

be performing that jewel of Romantic music, Dvořák’s 

Cello Concerto — a timeless masterpiece that is sure 

to resonate deeply with many. This classical feast then 

concludes with Brahms’ 4th Symphony, a monumental 

composition of profound depth and power. 

Masterfully combining spirited motifs with introspective 

passages, the Epsom Symphony Orchestra invites 

you to enjoy an evening that will leave you inspired, 

uplifted, and ready to embrace the new season. 

Tickets are £15 or £5 for children. 

epsomsymphony.co.uk 

23 

Go Gonzo! 

You won’t want to miss the latest 

exhibition hosted by the Historic 

Dockyard Chatham – Ralph 

STEADman’s INKling – on 

until 17th November. Whether 

you’re a lifelong devotee or new to 

his inimitable work, this show is an 

absolute delight. From his dastardly 

Gonzo collaborations with Hunter S. 

Thompson to his exquisite illustrations 

for children’s books, you’ll soon realise 

this will take more than one visit. 

INKling has been successfully designed 

to celebrate six decades of Steadman’s 

work and also showcases Treasure Island 

and Alice in Wonderland illustrations 

along with fabulous drawings of extinct 

and endangered birds and animals. 

There’s even a reconstruction of the 

artist’s studio and you can have a 

go at creating your own artwork to 

enter a (suitably named) prize draw. 

thedockyard.co.uk 

A SIDE 

ORDER 

Tillingham Winery is excited 

to welcome Side by Side, a dynamic 

piano and vocal jazz duo performing jazz 

standards and their own vintage twist on 

modern pop classics! Mandi & George have 

been performing together for nearly a decade 

and bring you jazz and swing 

music with George on the 

piano and both of them on 

vocals - Side by Side brings a 

fresh yet nostalgic approach 

to every performance. They’ll 

be performing on 18th 

October and the event is free, 

please book your place at 

tillingham.com/events 


aistockphoto.com/ Cattallina & renberrry & fcarucci 

BY THE 

SEASIDE 

On October 19th & 20th fifty Guild makers 

will exhibit beautiful, handmade crafts produced 

across Sussex and adjacent counties at the Sussex 

Guild Contemporary Craft Show. The iconic De La 

Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea will host The Guild’s 

seventh show celebrating a wide range of disciplines, 

including work by six newly selected members. 

Take the opportunity to purchase unique works, 

commission a more personal piece, and chat with 

makers who’ll be happy to share their inspirations 

and specialist techniques The Pavilion’s bright 

and stylish Café Bar and Kitchen use fresh, 

seasonal ingredients, locally sourced where 

possible, for delicious lunches, sandwiches 

and cakes. Weather permitting, food 

and drink may be enjoyed on 

the balconies overlooking 

the sea. 01273 479565 

thesussexguild.co.uk 

Autumn Read 

Bursting with inspiration and tangible ideas to personalise 

your home, Atlanta Bartlett and Dave Coote’s brand new 

book The Romantic Minimalist: Simple Homes with Soul is 

now available. It takes readers on an exploration of a softer 

minimalism, exploring homes the couple admire with 

beautiful photography and plenty of practical advice. Known 

for their pared-back beachy aesthetic that rebels against fast 

fashion and consumerism, Atlanta and Dave’s book is perfect 

for those seeking a gentler, creatively driven aesthetic that 

packs an achingly stylish punch. paleandinteresting.com 

As the evenings draw in we’re looking 

ahead to all the fun winter festivities 

and we’ve got our eyes on Guildford 

Cathedral‘s lovely Christmas Market. It’s 

on 22nd & 23rd November from 10am 

to 4pm and is a great opportunity 

to buy some special presents for 

friends and family, while dosing 

up on Christmas cheer. 

guildford-cathedral.org 

Your creative senses will be tingled from the 

moment you arrive at Art Surrey at Epsom Downs 

Racecourse. Art lovers and collectors will have the 

chance to browse and purchase artworks from 

over 80 of the most exciting contemporary and 

traditional artists selling today. It’s been curated by 

Art Surrey and Caiger Art to include established 

and emerging independent artists specialising 

in painting, digital art, mixed media art, 

photography, sculpture, glassworks and ceramics. 

With more than 3000 artworks ranging from 

£50 to over £3000, there will be something for 

everyone! Visit on 7th & 8th October and there 

will be preview evening on 

the 6th. Buy tickets from 

artsurrey.co.uk/tickets, 

or use promo code 

SURREYHOMES to 

get free weekend tickets 

via the QR code. 

24 

This Halloween, Chiddingstone Castle 

are bringing spooky tales to the castle with a story 

telling mystery to solve. Join the ghostly guide and follow 

the clues to complete the puzzle. There are prizes for the best 

dressed, so come in costume if you dare! To make the most 

of your visit indulge in a treat at the tea room which will be 

offering a Halloween themed menu. Stories and competition 

entry are included within your admission and Halloween 

opening hours include every day from Sunday 27th 

October to Sunday 3rd November (11am-5pm). 

chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

WIMBLEDON INTERNATIONAL 

MUSIC FESTIVAL 

2 - 24 November 

We know it has to be really special to tempt 

you from Surrey to Wimbledon 

… Pavel Haas Quartet, Ronnie Scott Jazz Ens, Michael Collins, Academy 

Choir, Armonico, Regents Opera, Steven Osborne, Brodsky Quartet, 

Philharmonia Orchestra, Lawrence Power, Christoph Prégardien, Prokofiev 

Concert Drama, Don Giovanni, Fairy Queen…so much more to discover! 

BOX OFFICE OPEN: 

wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk 

11 The Parade, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0PD • WWW.TREWART.COM • PH 44 (0)1372 470997 

“at the heart of London’s Autumn offering - and it gets better and 

better” Evening Standard 

SPARKLE 

FESTIVE 

FAIR 

15-17 NOVEMBER 2024 

OVER 75 STANDS 

FESTIVE WORKSHOPS 

PLUS MAGICAL 

SANTA EXPERIENCE 

Fri 15 Nov 4pm-8.30pm, 

Sat 16 and Sun 17 Nov 10am-5pm 

Admission: £5, Concessions £4, U16s & LAC Friends FREE 

landmarkartscentre.org/christmas 

Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11 9NN 020 8977 7558 

Images by: Tabitha Macbeth Registered Charity No: 1047080 

25 


TEMPORARILY 

IN SPORTS CENTRE WHILE 

BUILDING WORK IN PROGRESS 

£3 

ENTRY 

~~~~~~~~~~ 

Accompanied 

under 15s free 

Come and join us for this 

popular event with fabulous stalls 

to get those unique presents 

for family and friends. 

10am-4pm 22 and 23 NOVEMBER 

CHRISTMAS Fair 

01483 547 870 • www.guildford-cathedral.org 

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K K 

K 

Dates 2024 

27 Oct . 24 Nov 

Up to 120 stands 

Open (9:30am Trade) 10:30 - 4:00pm. Entry tickets available on the door. 

TEMPORARILY RELOCATION for 2024 

DORKING SPORT CENTRE 

Reigate Rd (A25), Dorking RH4 1SN 

Hotel Partner: 

Fri 27 – Sun 29 Dec 

Eves 7.30pm, Sat & Sun mats 2.30pm 

Tickets from £25 

Book now: GLive.co.uk | 0343 310 0055 


26

Berrymakers is a Surrey grower 

of nutritious and delicious 

berries that you can get 

delivered to your door. Plus 

this is their new Raspberry 

Jam – made with mis-shapen 

berries and YUMmy! £4.99 

at berrymakers.co.uk 

With baking week coming on the 14th, 

it’s officially time to get baking. To 

help you on your way, this mixer from 

KitchenAid’s new Go Cordless range is a 

practical and cost effective way to get you 

started. Its removable battery makes it 

easy to store and grab on the go, plus its 

design reduces splatter and mess. £179 at kitchenaid.co.uk 

Scrumptious spooky chocs that will be 

enjoyed by all ages? This is Halloween! 

Hotel Chocolat’s seasonal treats for this year 

include these Boo Boxes – pouches of devilishly 

delicious treats (no trick) which are the perfect 

spooky season snacks. They are £8.95 each and 

you can get milk, dark or caramel milk, each 

with a different character. hotelchocolat.com 

must 

The 

From must-sees to must-buys and 

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s 

round up of what to buy, see, do, 

and generally get excited about! 

Ceramic artist Declan Buckley’s 

hand-built statement pieces 

celebrate texture in ceramics, 

giving his work a strong 

tactile nature. Influenced by 

his background as a Landscape 

Designer his unique pieces 

reflect the intricate forms, 

textures and patterns found 

in the natural world. DM 

@declanbuckleyceramics for availability 

and upcoming exhibitions. 

If you’re looking for haunted 

Halloweeny homeware try 

Northumberland Candle 

Company’s Halloween range. 

This family-run Brit brand handmakes 

beautiful bits at good 

prices. And their latest offering 

includes wax melts in the shape 

of mini pumpkins, a chip and dip 

platter shaped like a witch’s hat, 

mushroomy tealight holders, and 

scents of cinnamon, pumpkin 

spice, apples, coffee, hazelnut and 

more. This ghost mug is £9.99 at 

thenorthumberlandcandlecompany.com 

Howling wolves, prancing foxes, 

rich browns, wild deer, red leaves, 

pumpkins, mushrooms and acorns... 

Fable England’s latest offering of 

jewellery, bags and accessories really 

encapsulates all our favourite things 

about the magical time from October 

to December. This £65 Wolf & 

Moon tote is a highlight with its 

beautiful embroidered design on 

tactile satin. There is so very much 

to choose from – we recommend 

having a browse and doing your best 

to set a budget at fableengland.com 

Every October, Coffee 

Week celebrates all 

things coffee and raises 

funds for coffee growing 

communities. Be sure 

to get involved at ukcoffeeweek.com. 

And for coffee drinkers looking to 

do their bit for the environment, this 

Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Eco coffee 

machine is made from recycled plastic 

and you can use their compostable 

eco pods too. £89 at lavazza.co.uk 

Chartwell’s Walled 

Garden has grown this 

year’s crop of pumpkins 

and, in return for a small 

donation, you can take one 

for yourself from the last 

Thursday of October half 

term. There will be a big, 

colourful display in the 

Walled Garden, with over 

a dozen varieties including 

white Polar Bears, little 

Sweet Lightnings, warty 

Goosebumps, and 

massive Atlantic Giants! 

nationaltrust.org.uk 

27 


Midwinter 

14 -16 November 

10 things we 

LOVE 

With the Midwinter Fair just around the corner, 

we asked the team behind everyone’s favourite 

festive shopping event, Vivien, Jude & Liz, who 

they’re most looking forward to seeing. 

1 

Vivien: As well as a friendly robin who we 

feed, we have a special bee in our lives. I’ll be 

stocking up on bee cards and gift bags from 

Papersheep. papersheep.co.uk 

3Liz: Practical, traditional, 

beautiful – from sewing 

kits to tool rolls, and 

secateurs to gardening 

gloves. If you love to 

make it, mend it or grow 

it, the team at Tinker & Fix have 

a proven, traditional, long-lasting 

solution and a “buy once, buy well” 

philosophy. tinkerandfix.co.uk 

2Vivien: Not only 

do I love Scandi 

dramas, I also love 

Scandi design. 

Choice of Scandinavia 

showcase products created 

by Scandinavian designers 

from all over the world. 

Expect exceptional quality 

and the highest sustainability 

in everything they do. 

choiceofscandinavia.co.uk 

Over 

250 

independent 

retailers 

4Jude: I do love a Christmas cracker but my heart sinks 

when I throw away the plastic and the tat afterwards. 

So, this year, we’ll be enjoying these luxury, handmade 

crackers instead. The gifts inside are delightful, useful 

and sustainable. They’re the most joyful and eco-friendly 

crackers you’ve ever pulled. littlegreencrackercompany.co.uk 

SHOP INDOORS IN FESTIVE HEATED MARQUEES - FREE PARKING

5Vivien: Claire Moore 

from Bluebell Glass makes 

wonderfully colourful vases, 

mirrors and hanging 

decorations from the 

most beautiful glass. I know 

someone I’ll be buying a 

glass robin decoration for! 

bluebellglass.weebly.com 

Book your 

tickets NOW 

QUOTE CODE 

‘FESTIVE24’ 

for your 

discount 

6Liz: So many of our exhibitors have 

great back stories but one that stands 

out for me is Urban Ranch, the Kenyan 

bag, belt and collar company. Each product is 

meticulously handcrafted by talented Kenyan 

artisans. When you buy one of their fabulous 

bags, backgammon sets or beaded dog collars, 

you not only help local Kenyan women but 

5% goes to support the Lion Landscapes 

charity. urbanranch.co.uk 

Jude: I love to get my Christmas 

decs up early, so we can enjoy them 

for longer, but you can’t with a real 

tree – not without the constant 

hoovering up of needles. Distinctive 

Garden have the solution. Their Christmas 

trees are of the highest quality and are the 

most realistic artificial trees we’ve seen, and 

with branched hinges, in just 3 sections, are so 

easy to put up. distinctivegarden.co.uk 

8Jude: The Beorma Leather 

Company don’t just make 

extraordinary leather bags, 

belts and purses, every piece 

they create is the embodiment 

of generations of dedication and love 

for the art of leatherwork. Read Alex’s 

story on their website and see how he’s 

building on the heritage of leathermaking 

in Walsall. It’s truly heartwarming. 

beormaleathercompany.com 

9 

10 

7Vivien: Claire Conchie makes 

the most adorable pictures and 

craft pieces using lovely bits of 

driftwood, sea shells and pebbles. 

We have one of her cute decorations 

in our bedroom and it makes us smile 

every morning. claireconchiecrafts.co.uk 

Liz: Machined in 

Italy, Millstone’s 

hardened steel 

pepper mechanism is 

fully adjustable and 

will grind from a fine 

to coarse texture and 

is guaranteed to last a 

lifetime. millstonemills.com 

14-16 NOVEMBER 

THE HOP FARM, PADDOCK WOOD TN12 6PY 

9AM - 5PM ADULTS £18 

Book your timed tickets at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk

Midwinter 

14 -16 November 

Join us for the 

perfectChristmas 

shopping day 

Come and meet the independent retailers, designers and makers 

selling fashion, jewellery, homeware, art, Christmas decorations and 

gifts for everyone on your list – all within seven adjoining, heated 

marquees – Wealden Times Midwinter Fair is the biggest and most 

beautifully curated shopping event of the festive season. 

Come to shop and stay for the day. 

Food Halls 

Make time for lunch in one of our Cafés, lined with delicious street food 

vendors, coffee trucks and our gin, beer & bubbles bar. 

If you’re a foodie, don’t miss our Food Hall where you’ll find everything 

from artisan bakers, brewers and sauce sellers to cheese makers, 

chocolatiers and foods fresh from the farm. It’s a great place to find that 

unique Christmas gift for the person who has everything. 

Christmas Choirs 

Each year we invite along the very best local school choirs to sing 

Christmas carols and other festive songs in our food tents. This year we 

will be joined by Hazelwood School, Dulwich Cranbrook, Ashford School, 

The New Beacon and Junior King’s, Canterbury 

Book your 

tickets NOW 

QUOTE CODE 

‘FESTIVE24’ 

for your 

discount 

Thursday 14th November 

11.30am Hazelwood School 

2.00pm Dulwich Cranbrook 

Friday 15th November 

11.30am Ashford School 

2.00pm The New Beacon 

Saturday 16th November 

11.00am Junior King’s, Canterbury 

Over 

250 

independent 

retailers 

TICKETS ON SALE AT WEALDENTIMES-FAIR.CO.UK 

ANY QUESTIONS? CALL THE TEAM ON 01580 714705

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A world of 

Inspiration 

Words: Jo Arnell 

Photographs: David Merewether 


32

Potter Cherry Tewfik’s fifty year career has seen her and her artist and teacher 

husband Jonathan, travel the world drawing inspiration for their ceramics 

and paintings along the way. Settling in Canterbury – where they both 

studied at university – to raise their family, the couple have spent the last 

few decades adapting their Edwardian home to suit their creative needs 

33 


Traditionally Made Architectural Porches, Verandas and Door Canopies 

You can contact us by email info@zac.ltd or visit our website www.zac.ltd 

or call one of our helpful design team 020 3957 6150

Previous pages: Utensils come easily to hand in neat groupings on the worktop of the duck-egg blue kitchen; Cherry’s 

potter’s wheel is tucked down a narrow passageway to the side of the conservatory This page: The sitting room is painted 

a rich terracotta red with accents of green, orange and blue – all colours picked out from Cherry’s ceramics 

We’re in Canterbury, the venerable and significant 

city, that – thanks to its not one, but three 

universities – hums with modern day life too. 

The mix of the young and the ancient brings a unique 

vibrancy. There’s so much history here, many modern day 

pilgrims and tourists visiting the cathedral and Roman 

remains, but also lots of young blood pulsing through the 

streets – students and tourists mingling with the residents 

thronging it with life. No wonder then that Cherry Tewfik 

and her husband Jonathan, who came here themselves as 

students, set up home here. “We met aged eighteen at what 

is now Canterbury Christ Church University,” explains 

Jonathan, “and have lived on and off in Canterbury ever 

since – we have had this house for forty three years now.” 

After university the couple lived and worked in 

Kenya, when they first qualified as teachers. Cherry 

is no stranger to living abroad, having spent time in 

Uganda and Libya as a child, and they were both eager 

for adventure. They enjoyed their time in Kenya, but 

came back to put down some roots. “We came back, 

got married and then worked and lived in Malaysia 

for three years with the first two children,” explains 

Cherry, “then came back again and had two more.” 

The urge to travel is strong with this couple, and Africa 

and the far East are always beckoning. Jonathan, a teacher 

and head teacher for many years, is now a teacher trainer 

and often travels to India and Africa – and he shows no 

signs of slowing down. “Travel and living abroad is such 

a joy,” he says. The house in Canterbury will always be 

their base, however, and it is also where they create much 

of their art. Jonathan paints and Cherry is a potter. 

This is an attractive, semi-detached house – built around 

1902, so officially just about Edwardian, but with all 

the hallmarks of the late Victorian: beautiful fireplaces 

throughout and plenty of original features including 

cornicing, picture and dado rails, and large windows. 

Smaller kitchens, separate sculleries and pantries in 

Victorian houses can make them gloomy, the Victorians 

35 


This page: A seating area in one corner of the kitchen is rich in 

colour, with the tones picked from the Sumatran room divider; 

Among the paintings and prints on the walls are some by Jonathan 

– mainly still life; A collection of masks is hung in the hallway 

and Edwardians hid their kitchens and working spaces 

away from visitors and polite society. Cooking was for 

servants and was separated from the rest of the house in 

a rear extension, which often also had the back door, or 

tradesman’s entrance, so that the home owners weren’t 

disturbed. How things have changed – we now live in our 

kitchens and, for many of us, the back door is the main 

entrance. Unsurprisingly then, one of the first things Cherry 

and Jonathan did was to open out the back of the house, 

enlarge the kitchen and build a light-filled living area. 

“It was all very ‘wallpaper’ when we moved here and 

not colourful at all,” says Cherry. “There was a scullery 

and it was dark and conservative. Light is so important 


36


As seen on TV! 

Posh Pawn is just 

a stone’s throw away. 

As part of the esteemed Prestige 

Pawnbrokers family serving Surrey, 

London and the home counties, 

and made increasingly popular by 

the hit TV Show ‘Posh Pawn’; Posh Pawn has 

established itself as the ultimate destination 

for individuals seeking to sell, loan against, 

exchange or purchase preloved luxury items. 

SO WHERE ARE YOUR 

NEAREST STORES? 

In Surrey and the surrounding areas 

Posh Pawn is situated in Weybridge, 

Guildford and Richmond. 

The Weybridge store is the place it all 

began. Being the first branch and situated 

in a very affluent part of Surrey, as you’d 

expect, the team see some high value goods 

and collections including art and cars as well 

as amazing branded jewellery pieces such as 

Cartier and Bvlgari. Luxury brands like Rolex, 

Patek, Chanel and Hermes are appraised daily 

due to the clientele and current cash needs. 

“It’s certainly been busy in recent months 

with record numbers coming in to sell or 

borrow against luxury goods.” 

Owner, James Contantinou. 

After the success of Weybridge a 

second location opened up for Posh 

Pawn in Richmond, pawnbroking in the 

highly influential borough of London for 

over 10 years, with a new retail premises 

opening in the past 2 years to fill the gap 

of luxury retail in the area. Richmond 

is a beautiful appraisal and retail store, 

the attention to detail in respect of the 

finishes gives a true feeling of opulence. 

“Classic style and old money aesthetics are 

key factors for Richmond clientele. Chanel, 

Hermes and Cartier are brands that 

perform extremely well in our retail sector, 

even bringing in a few celebrities through 

the doors.” 

Store Manager, AnnaGrace Johnson 

More recently is the Posh Pawn 

Guildford branch. Purchased and fitted 

during the pandemic presented the 

team with unique challenges, which 

were overcome, nevertheless. 

“Guildford really is a showcase of what we 

have achieved, giving a great insight into 

the variety of assets that we deal with. The 

large open space gives us an opportunity to 

display the larger assets among the array of 

glorious luxury goods displayed on the walls 

and cabinets.” 

Owner, James Constantinou 

Loan Against or Sell or Buy Luxury 

With years of experience in the industry, 

Posh Pawn has become synonymous 

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Posh Pawn are proud to offer a flexible 

pawnbroking service, allowing you to leverage 

your luxury assets to secure a short-term loan, 

providing you with the immediate funds 

you need while retaining ownership of your 

prized possessions. Or if you are looking to 

part with your possessions for good, Posh 

Pawn offers a seamless and confidential 

selling experience. Their team of experts 

possesses an in-depth understanding of 

the luxury market, enabling them to assess 

and appraise your items with precision. 

Also at Posh Pawn you’ll find luxury items 

at a fraction of their original retail prices! 

Each item undergoes rigorous authentication 

and quality checks, ensuring that you get 

genuine luxury without compromise – unable 

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This page: Cherry’s ceramics line shelves in the conservatory, with a convenient-to-access studio space tucked away down one side. 

Working with many different clays and techniques, she makes domestic and decorative ceramics in stoneware and earthenware 

to us, so we knocked through 

and built the conservatory.” She 

smiles, adding, “There’s still a bit 

of a light problem, but that’s to do 

with the massive Virginia creeper 

on the back of the house.” 

The conservatory is mainly creeperfree, 

warm and light, used as both a 

dining room and workspace. Cherry’s 

pottery studio is at this end of the 

house and there are collections of pots 

– both Cherry’s and other people’s 

work – on display everywhere. It all 

happens in here, although the kiln for 

firing the clay is housed in a garden 

shed and the Raku work takes place 

outside. Raku is an ancient Japanese 

process, where the pots are taken 

from the kiln at high temperature 

(1000°C) and plunged into flammable 

substances, resulting in unique 

and often unexpected finishes. 

“I work in porcelain, stoneware 

and Raku,” she says, “it gives a lovely 

crackle effect. Sometimes too much 

and then they break, but oh, the 

joy of putting them back together.” 

Cherry then uses another Japanese 

technique called Kintsugi – a form 

of wabi-sabi, which sees beauty in 

the broken or incomplete. The cracks 

are embellished with gold leaf and 

polished to become more beautiful 

– not despite the cracks, but because 

of them. “Nothing is wasted – a pot 

came back here from a gallery in 

pieces and I stuck it back together and 

burnished on the gold leaf and it looks 

better that it did when undamaged.” 

Aside from allowing light into 

the interior, Cherry and Jonathan 

wanted to infuse it with lots of 

colour. “I was brought up in a 

house with a lot of wood chip and 

magnolia, so wanted colour. And in 

here we picked the colours from the 

Sumatran room divider when we 

decorated the kitchen – blues and 

green-blue and the brick tones.” 

Above the kitchen work surface 

there’s a horizontal band of plasterwork 

which ingeniously holds a life’s 

collection of artefacts and pebbles – 

“even our daughter’s tooth is mounted 

into the grout,” laughs Cherry. It’s 

such an effective way of displaying the 

small, but significant bits and pieces 

39 


Top: The glowing yellow walls of the bedroom are punctuated by items that Cherry and Jonathan have brought back from their travels. 

– now we all know what to do with 

those boxes of keepsake beach finds 

and pebbles that we can’t let go of (but 

I’ll maybe hold back on the teeth). 

More finds – mainly hollow stones 

– are displayed in a big stone bowl on 

the beautiful mosaic dining table, from 

Morocco which the couple bought in 

Alfriston. “The stone bowl was made 

by Gavin Roweth from the Wing in 

Wadhurst,” says Jonathan. “He made 

the sculpture in the garden. They are 

carved in Portland stone, which is full 

of fossils, lots of gastropods – they’re 

conical and 150 million years old.” 

The sculpture has a timeless quality, 

redolent of a Neolithic stone circle. 

Hollow stones have a resonance – the 

sculptor Barbara Hepworth, who is 

famous for her pierced sculptures, 

felt, with remarkable insight, that 

the hole, or space was material 

and as important as the solid part 

of the work. This seems to chime 

with Kintsugi too – it is the spaces 

between that make the difference. 

The conservatory leads directly 

 


40

Cavendish House, Sydenham Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3RX | 01483 380111 

jonesandtomlin.co.uk


Left: A guest bedroom is painted in bold 

lapis blue Far left: Cherry and Jonathan’s 

daughter, artist Esther Miles (@esther.miles), 

surprised her father with a roll of wallpaper 

featuring British birds created using linocuts 

that she made and printed. It now decorates 

the upstairs loo Below: The bathroom next 

door has a decidedly Moroccan influence 

out into a lovely mature garden, but 

the sunniest spot is nearer the end. 

“The sun trap is the best place to sit, 

but it was always muddy, so we had 

the circle made – and the builders’ 

brickie Wayne Poole allowed us to fill 

in the centre – Jonathan did a fish 

and I did a circular mosaic of sound 

stones.” A perfect link to the sculpture. 

There are lots of pots in the garden 

too, some that Cherry has made and 

several that they have brought back 

with them from their adventures. 

“We’ve collected wherever we travel, 

coming back with huge pots on our 

laps on the plane. Some of the pots 

we brought back from Malaysia 

happen to be five hundred years 

old. We were just attracted to them 

by their shape and sense of age.” 

These vessels are safely inside in 

the sitting room at the front of the 

house, where all Victorian sitting 

rooms (parlours) are positioned, the 

room dominated by the fireplace. In 

Victorian days the original fireplace 

would have been weighty and ornately 

tiled, but now there is a practical 

wood burner in here and a simple 

white painted slate surround. The 

wall around the fireplace is painted a 

warm, almost terracotta, red, the rest 

of the room and above the picture rail 

is white, which makes the room feel 

at once light and airy, but still warm 

at the same time, and accentuates the 

high ceiling and cornice details. Accent 

colours – green, orange and blue – 

are found in the soft furnishings. 

“The pots pick out the colours 

that we chose for the room,” says 

Cherry. “It was all accidental,” she 

adds, but accidental to a skilled 

artist tends to be intuitively right, 

rather than the way more random 

43 


This page: A sculpture in the garden, carved from Portland stone by Gavin Roweth has a timeless quality, redolent of a Neolithic stone circle. Below, 

Cherry and Jonathan commissioned the builders, @orco_build, to make a circle of bricks, filling the centres themselves with a fish and circular mosaic 

of sound stones. Cherry’s pots feature throughout the garden, grouped together. Decking that wraps around the conservatory is a wonderful sun trap 

accidental combinations might work 

in the hands of an untrained eye. 

It is colour co-ordination, but also 

volume control – as in how much 

(but also how loud), which comes 

from a honed aesthetic and an innate 

sense of how to put things together. 

The plain white background allows 

the artworks – they are big fans of 

Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and 

Howard Hodgkin, among many others 

– and the antique mirrors on the walls 

to shine. “The eighteenth century 

mirrors were left to us by an eccentric 

old friend that we once lodged with,” 

says Jonathan. “They were antique 

dealers and worked in South Ken. 

They left us their mirror collection and 

two lovely little cherubs.” He pauses, 

adding, “A measure of the lovely 

people we’ve met all through our lives.” 

Among the paintings and prints 

on the walls are some by Jonathan, 

mainly still life, “Where we’ve been 

to France searching for mushrooms, 

lumpy vegetables and pears with holes 

in them, that sort of thing,” he smiles. 

The couple sell their art in various 

places – Linden Hall Studio in Deal, 

Lilford Gallery in Canterbury, Linda 

Blackstone in London, Wing Art 

Gallery in Wadhurst and also West 

End House Art Gallery in Smarden, 

in fact many local galleries, but they 

will also be holding their annual 

Open House event during the last two 

weeks in October here at the house. 

Their daughter, Esther Miles (also a 

talented artist) surprised Jonathan 


44

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45 


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46

This page: Cherry’s kilns are nestled in a shed at the bottom of the garden 

on Father’s Day with a wonderful 

roll of wallpaper that they have hung 

in the upstairs loo. She made and 

printed her own lino cuts featuring 

British birds. “It’s quite an education 

going in the bathroom – you can 

test yourself on the birds,” he grins. 

Moroccan influences are found in 

the bathroom next door, where the 

basin is a blue and white bowl, the 

look completed with two tin cut 

lanterns from Marrakech, that “look 

lovely lit by candles in the evening.” 

The bedrooms feature all the 

original fireplaces and plasterwork 

details, and are wonderfully colourful, 

but not in a way that would stop you 

sleeping. The main bedroom is painted 

in ochre yellow – a great colour to 

wake up to in the morning. The 

yellow is set off by white woodwork 

and again, white above the picture 

rail and across the ceiling. Simple 

wooden shutters match in well with 

the louvred wardrobe doors and 

bring a considered simplicity to 

the room, minimally accessorised 

with a few small bowls and Cherry’s 

colourful necklace collection. A 

portrait of Jonathan by artist Mark 

Pulsford (markpulsford.com) is 

propped up against the fireplace. 

The travels that Cherry and 

Jonathan have been on are reflected 

back in the objects and artworks 

around their home. An inspirational 

philosophy seems to shine out from 

all four corners and a great positivity 

– with colour, with form, with life. 

Travel, have adventures, drop a few 

pots and make mistakes along the way, 

because the mistakes and the broken 

pieces, when stuck back together and 

carefully burnished with gold bring 

added strength, beauty, richness and 

joy. Jonathan and Cherry have created 

a home and a philosophy of life 

that stands as solid, functional and 

beautifully embellished as a Victorian 

building, but with added light and 

colour. The last word goes to Jonathan, 

it’s not a mantra, but says a lot about 

who they are. “We are still travelling, 

still collecting.” Amen to that. 

Address Book: 

To find out more about Cherry Tewfik’s 

ceramics, throwing lessons 

and forthcoming exhibitions, 

see cherrytewfik.com 

Lilford Gallery lilfordgallery.com 

Linda Blackstone lindablackstone.com 

Linden Hall Studio lindenhallstudio.co.uk 

West End House Art Gallery 

westendhousegallery.co.uk 

Wing Art Gallery wingartgallery.com 

47 


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49 


Made in 

Hastings 


50

Words: Antonia Deeson 


Having completely remodelled 

their 1970s home on the edge 

of Hastings, Kate Richards 

and her partner Steve set 

about finding the perfect 

interior designer to help them 

transform their new interior. 

Cue Sam Grigg – who has 

ensured their colour schemes 

and furniture choices flow as 

beautifully and effortlessly as 

their spacious new home design 

51 


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52

Previous pages: The glossy green kitchen is from Wren Above: Sam has reinvented Ikea Billy bookshelves by fronting 

them with MDF to create rounded alcoves. The leather and rattan dining chairs are from Cult Furniture 

Old folklore says that once you 

have lived in Hastings, you will 

always come back. For Kate 

Richards, despite studying and working 

in London for some years, the pull of 

her family home in East Sussex proved 

too strong and in 2009 she returned, 

buying a 1970s detached house on the 

leafy border between Hastings and St 

Leonards. “I liked the house,” says Kate, 

“but I really bought it for the garden, 

which is amazing, looking down to 

the woods, it’s completely secluded 

and always so green.” However, it 

wasn’t until Kate’s husband Steve, an 

architect, got involved that Kate could 

really start to see how the couple could 

make the most of the house’s location 

and bring the outdoors inside. “Steve 

said we had to get rid of the walls, 

so you could see the garden from the 

moment you walked in the front door. 

It took a few years to make it happen, 

but we have finally done it and it’s 

completely transformed how we live.” 

The house, which has been totally 

re-modelled from its original 1970s 

brick exterior, is unrecognisable and is 

now an essay in the art of light-filled 

open plan contemporary family living. 

As well as changing the roof line, the 

couple have completely opened up the 

rear of the house, adding large black 

frame contemporary windows to both 

the front and back of the property. 

Steve designed a spacious two storey 

side extension with huge corner hung 

sliding doors on the ground floor. 

The couple also removed all but one 

central supporting wall downstairs, 

to enable the flow of space and light 

all through the ground floor. 

Upstairs a soaring double height 

apex window has been added to the 

master bedroom which now overlooks 

the garden, mirroring the living room 

below. A skylight has been added to 

the main bedroom’s en suite shower 

room. A spacious upper landing has 

been created leading to the family’s 

four bedrooms, a bold pink terrazzo 

tiled family bathroom and a utility 

room, which Kate says is a life-changer. 

Outside the entire house has been reclad 

in vertical Canadian Redwood timber 

panels and slate effect solar tiles on the 

roof from Welsh company GB Sol. 

“The house works so much better now. 

I can see the kids’ playroom from the 

kitchen and the dining room area. We 

are so much more rooted as a family 

due to the way the space flows and 

how it all works. Nothing feels 

53 


Above: A floating shelf from Elephant Timber sits 

above a cosy wood burner in the dining room 

Left: The snug feels connected to the main sitting room space 

through the use of a unified colour palette and open shelving 

shut off, and the house now connects us all,” says Kate. 

As a Hastings girl, Kate was keen to use local trades 

as part of the extensive renovation work. Local builders 

DLB Construction were brought in to do the build, 

bathrooms were supplied by WC1 Bathrooms in Ore, 

timber for the shelves, bench, dining table and bar were 

supplied by Elephant Timber. When Kate and Steve 

realised that they needed someone to help them with 

their interior design, another local expert, Sam Grigg, 

was asked to come and help the couple with the look 

and feel for the main family space on the ground floor. 

“I love creating atmosphere,” says Sam. “I also love 

colour, as I have been a stylist for brands such as Dulux, 

John Lewis and Ikea for many years and so it felt like the 

obvious thing to add interior design to my skills. For me, 

helping my clients to embrace ideas that they might not 

have known about or to just help them feel emboldened 

to use colour and texture are all things that I love about 

this job. Ultimately, I think my background as a stylist 

gives me a different outlook to someone who just does 

interior design. I really want to help to create a happy 

home for my clients, to create a place with a soul.” 

Sam guided Kate and Steve towards a naturalistic look, 

conscious that she didn’t want to overwhelm the couple who 


had been previously thinking of doing 

the house all white. “With the garden 

as the focus,” continues Sam, “I decided 

to keep the colours of the paints, which 

are from Dulux and Little Greene, in 

line with that feeling. Everything of 

course had to connect, due to the open 

plan of the space, but I also wanted 

to zone with colour to give some 

definition to the different areas. The soft 

Guild Green (by Dulux) of the living 

room merges with the natural Clay 

(by Little Greene) of the kitchen and 

dining area. It all works in harmony.” 

Sam has used natural textures to 

complement the paint colours. Leather, 

raffia, rattan and wood lead the eye 

through the space. “I wanted it to be 

stylish, but it all had to be practical as 

well with young children around, so 

leather and wood and the parquet floor 

tied it all together and seemed like the 

obvious choice. I was so pleased that 

Kate and Steve also embraced all the 

black touches as well,” continues Sam. 

“Having a designer help you, 

it makes such a difference to how 

you feel in your home,” adds Kate. 

“Rather than it all just being about 

practicality, it’s also about looking 

Top: Marrakech wall tiles from Your Tiles have been used as a splashback in the kitchen 

alongside Glass Dome Wall Lights from Industville. Glossy copper-style doors from Wren 

Kitchens conceal the all-important white goods Above: Like the sitting room, Dulux Guild 

Green has been used on the walls of the snug. The orange velvet sofa is from John Lewis 

55 


Above: A large John Lewis leather corner sofa works 

perfectly with the naturalistic tones and textures that 

Sam has chosen to fit the inside/outside look 

Left: The wood and marble coffee table from Atkin & Thyme 

sits on top of a large natural fibre rug from La Redoute 

and feeling lovely as well. Sam got us to do things we 

would never have thought of and they all work, from 

choosing black windows rather than grey, having black 

switches and sockets, using the black paint on the original 

wood staircase and the underneath wooden shelving 

alcove and other things like having wall lights rather 

than downlights. I would have always picked things 

that matched, but now I know it’s all about how things 

connect, rather than having to be perfectly matching each 

other. It’s all these elements that add up to really make 

the house feel so special, considered and well designed.” 

Downstairs, Sam’s influence is immediately apparent. 

Alongside Steve’s architectural changes that all ensure the 

flow of light and space are maximised, Sam has added a 

palette of colours, textures and accessories that join one 

element with the next in an ongoing conversation of 

style, but with a light touch that doesn’t overpower the 

family. “Because we learnt how to use colour with Sam, 

we felt bold enough to choose something a bit different 

from Wren Kitchens, like the gloss green cupboards 


56


Why authentic steel windows 

& doors deliver lasting value 

With home improvement 

choices having a significant 

impact on both the aesthetics 

of a property and its value, it’s incredibly 

important that homeowners carefully 

consider their options when it comes to 

finding replacement windows and doors. 

One trend in particular which has 

grown in popularity across the UK is 

the minimalist industry style which 

features slim sightlines and impressive 

expanses of glass, made famous by 

leading steel window and door supplier, 

Crittall Windows, almost 200 years ago. 

Although there are imitators, the 

most authentic way to not only achieve 

this look and ensure long-lasting 

durability, minimal maintenance and 

timeless elegance is with high quality 

steel windows and doors as Russell Ager, 

MD of Crittall Windows explains. 

“You may be familiar with terms 

such as Crittall-style or Crittall-type 

but this is incredibly misleading 

because, more often than not, these 

products are just imitations of steel 

windows and doors,” he comments. 

“The phrase is often inaccurately 

used to refer to products attempting 

to replicate slimmer sightlines – a 

style synonymous with steel window 

innovation. But the windows and doors 

may not be the real deal and therefore, 

won’t perform in the same way.” 

The Crittall Windows name is in 

fact a registered trademark which 

protects the specific steel window design 

pioneered by the company all those 

years ago. Ultimately, the products 

manufactured by the team of specialists, 

at Crittall Windows, offer unbeatable 

quality and craftsmanship that can’t be 

beaten by alternative window materials. 

Authentic steel 

windows and doors 

While copies of steel windows and 

doors attempt to replicate the iconic 

characteristics associated with steel 

systems, they often fall short in terms 

of performance, quality and longevity. 

“If you’re looking for windows or 

doors with impressively slim sightlines 

and large expanses of glass in your home, 

steel can’t be beaten,” adds Russell. 

“Authentic steel windows and 

doors offer numerous benefits to 

homeowners who choose to invest in 

these systems including unbeatable 

strength and durability, minimal 

maintenance, timeless aesthetics, 

impressive energy efficiency as well 

as increased property value.” 

What’s more, real steel windows 

and doors from Crittall Windows 

are always manufactured with an 

unwavering dedication to quality, 

superior engineering and an unbeatable 

design which is always hand-finished 

to create a flawless product. 

“At our headquarters in Essex, 

we perfectly combine modern 

machinery with traditional techniques 

to guarantee unparalleled strength, 

impressive performance and incredible 

longevity of our steel windows 

and doors,” comments Russell. 

Investing in quality 

windows and doors 

When it comes to selecting 

new windows and doors, Russell 

is encouraging homeowners to 

always do their research. 

“Buying new windows and doors 

for your home is a big investment 

so always do your due diligence 

to feel confident your choosing 

genuine steel products made by 

reputable manufacturers,” he adds. 

“This will ensure that you’re 

investing in quality products 

that will deliver outstanding 

performance and serve your home 

for generations to come.” 

Discover more about the many 

features and benefits of authentic 

steel windows and doors, visit: 

www.crittall-windows.co.uk

and the copper style doors for the 

fridge, which we then took across as 

doors to the pantry cupboards that 

lead between the kitchen and the 

snug,” says Kate. “We also had the 

confidence to add pattern with the 

Marrakesh wall tiles (from Your Tiles) 

which are just perfect,” she continues. 

A major motif of the project is 

the lighting, from pendants to table 

lamps to wall lights. “Lots of people 

don’t consider lighting when they are 

designing their homes,” says Sam. 

“Lighting is so much more than 

something to help you see in the dark, 

it can create moods and atmosphere. 

Kitchens don’t have to be bright and 

unforgiving and it’s nice to have wall 

lights that reflect the different ways 

This page: With a new-found confidence for colour 

and design Kate took on the revamp of the family 

bathroom upstairs, opting for a pink terrazzo tiled 

floor from Mandarin Stone, and a reeded cabinet 

you use a space, rather than loads of 

bright downlighters, there’s no need 

for them. I much prefer lamps and 

wall lights, they add so much more to 

an interior. I sourced wall lights from 

Industville and the island lights are 

Lindby ‘Enrique’ from lights.co.uk.” 

Sam has also been involved with 

helping choose the furniture with Kate 

and Steve. Again, naturalistic tones 

and textures work with the inside/ 

outside look, with both the larger soft 

brown leather family sofa and the 

smaller orange velvet sofa, both from 

John Lewis, offering different moods 

to suit the areas. The wood and marble 

coffee table and side tables from Atkin 

& Thyme sit on top of a large natural 

fibre rug from La Redoute which adds 

a touch of softness to the wood below. 

“I wanted carpet initially, in the living 

room,” says Kate. “But the reality of the 

wood floor with the rugs is so much 

better when you have kids running in 

and out of the garden, especially when 

the doors are all open. Carpet would 

have been a disaster in retrospect!” 

The dining area now overlooks the 

front garden, a large black framed 

window having been added to the 

front of the house. A semi-transparent 

natural raffia style blind allows the 

light to pour through yet affords just 

enough privacy and, like the rear of 

the house, the pops of green from the 

garden make an appearance. “Having it 

so open from the kitchen at the back to 

the dining area at the front, which used 

to be accessed by an archway, means 

that we use this area so much more as a 

family than ever before,” says Kate. “We 

actually eat together now, sitting around 

the table. It’s so good to connect.” 

In the dining area, Sam has created 

a wonderful Ikea hack. Avoiding 

expensive joinery, she has used Ikea Billy 

bookcases and then fronted them with 

MDF to create the rounded alcoves 

which offer essential storage for the 

family. A floating shelf from Elephant 

Timber sits above a cosy wood burner. 

The leather dining chairs from Cult 

Furniture connect with the leather 

bar stools from Olivia’s which in turn 

talk with the leather sofa in the living 

room. It all just works effortlessly. 

“Steve and I come home from work 

and we feel so happy and relaxed,” 

says Kate. “The kids love it as well. It’s 

such an easy place to manage, there’s 

no stress in this house and I love that, 

it’s a happy house, it’s a real connection 

that we now have here as a family. We 

trusted Sam and through her we have 

created a home that is filled with light 

and colour (and storage) that just helps 

us to all breathe. I couldn’t be happier.” 

Address Book: 

To find out more about 

Sam Grigg Interiors 

visit samgrigginteriors.co.uk 

and follow her on Instagram 

@sam.grigginteriors 

A&M Architectural amarchitectural.co.uk 

DLB Construction dlbconstruction.co.uk 


58

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spa is a totally secluded and welcoming environment 

with an airy gym and exercise studio, private 

treatment rooms and a nail bar. Spa treatments include 

luxurious massages, invigorating facials, manicures 

and pedicures. Be sure to check out their treatment 

packages – like the two hour signature treatment for 

£145 which includes a Caudalie crushed Cabernet back 

scrub, Fleur de Vigne warm candle massage, 60 minute 

facial, and acupressure point scalp massage. They really 

prioritise giving you a friendly warm reception and 

their experienced therapists provide that extra personal 

touch catering to your every need. Combine spa and 

beauty treatments with a fitness class and lunch at their 

delightful cafe to enjoy a really indulgent getaway. 

To book or find out more call 01892 750055 

or visit their website, knowlegrange.co.uk 

Spa treatments include 

luxurious massages, 

invigorating facials, 

manicures and pedicures 

Anywhere: compressible 

travel pillow £59 Levitex 

levitex.co.uk 

3 in 1 Ocean Bottle £48 

(funds the collection of 1,000 

ocean-bound plastic bottles) 

Ocean Bottle oceanbottle.co 

Choose tech 

that can 

fold up to 

save space 

Take a good 

pillow to 

sleep well 

anywhere 

Space One Pro foldable overear 

headphone £149.99 (with 

free travel case worth £29.99) 

Soundcore soundcore.com 

69 

Faux leather backpack £85 Stackers 

stackers.com 

Mulberry silk eye mask (made with 

off-cuts from silk bedding) £15 

Soak & Sleep soakandsleep.com 


7 

Piecesof 

Art to 

Buy NOW 


To help you on your journey to 

your next art purchase we’re listing 

7 pieces to grab while you can 

1 Find some Local Interest 

‘Low Tide, Botany Bay’ masterfully captures the serene beauty of 

Kent’s iconic landscape. The chalk cliffs are painted in warm, golden 

tones, illuminated by a soft, diffused light that highlights their 

natural splendour, while the reflection adds a shimmering effect, 

enhancing its texture and depth. Matthew Alexander, celebrated for 

his meticulous use of light and colour, is acclaimed for his evocation 

of tranquillity and drama. 

Title: The Calling Bird 

Artist: Mungo Powney 

Form: Oil on Canvas 

Size: 117 x 87cm 

Price: £ 4,950 

Find at: McAllister 

Thomas, 117 High Street, 

Godalming GU7 1AG 

01483 860591 

mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk 

3 Make it an original 

Title: Low Tide Botany Bay 

Artist: Matthew Alexander 

Form: Oil on canvas 

Size: 24 x 36in 

Price: £12,850 

Find at: Canterbury 

Fine Art, 19 Sun Street, 

Canterbury CT1 2HX 

01227 634561 

canterburyfineart.com 

There is a unique pleasure in owning an original artwork, 

knowing that your piece is genuinely distinctive, holding 

a special place in the world. The painting carries a ‘story’ 

and history, and you can be confident that no one else 

will have the same piece on their wall. McAllister Thomas 

Fine Art specialises in original paintings, including 

works by Mungo Powney. As a painter with broad and 

vibrant brush marks, Mungo’s paintings are abstract 

compositions featuring his love of objects and people. 

2 Follow a feeling 

Following a successful career as a scenic artist creating backdrops for fashion shows, 

concerts and nightclubs, Jaz Bushell now paints large abstract works full of texture 

and emotion. From her light-filled studio by the sea in Whitstable, she aims to lend 

as much ‘feel’ to her paintings as possible, creating a frequency between her as the 

artist and us as the viewers. 

Title: Break of Light 

Artist: Jaz Bushell 

Form: Acrylic, mixed media 

& gold leaf on canvas 

Size: 100 x 100cm 

Price: £1,800 

Find at: West End House Gallery 

Water Lane, Smarden, 

Kent TN27 8QB 

01233 770261 

girls@westendhousegallery.co.uk 

westendhousegallery.co.uk 


70


4 smile and wonder 

Graham Clarke’s life-enhancing sense of humour is always evident in his intricate 

limited-edition etchings. They start life etched in reverse on a copper plate, are 

then printed using a hand-driven press before being hand coloured. However long 

they hang on your wall you will keep finding new details that will make you smile. 

Title: Monday 

Artist: Graham Clarke 

Form: Limited edition etching 


Price: £930 framed 

Find at: Up the Garden 

Studio, Boughton Monchelsea 

ME17 4LF grahamclarke.co.uk 

5 Indulge in Colour 

Soozy Barker’s paintings are a vibrant celebration of colour and texture, perfect for 

adding a bold statement to any interior. Known for her absorbing abstract works, she 

masterfully creates layers of depth and movement. Employing a variety of brushes, 

palette knives, and her own secret tools, Soozy’s art is both unique and captivating. 

Title: Evolve 

Artist: Soozy Barker 

Form: Mixed media 

Size: 180 x 180cm 

Price: £6,995 

Find at: The Art Agency 

5 Oakdene Parade, Cobham, 

Surrey KT11 2LR theartagency.co.uk 

6 Boost your wellbeing 

Richard Taylor-Jones’ March Moon is a beautiful, calming photograph. Depicting the full moon 

above the sea just off Deal beach, the velvety blues and gentle orange of the moon pull you into a 

feeling of wellbeing and serenity – perfect for a bedroom to lull you off to sleep at night. Richard 

Taylor-Jones of BBC Countryfile, The One Show, Coast, and Springwatch is from Deal, where he 

endeavours to photograph the full moon rising each month of the year in his ongoing series, ‘Moon’. 

Title: March Moon 

Artist: Richard Taylor-Jones 

Form: Photograph framed in box frame 

Size: 106 x 146cm 

Price: £3,000 

Find at: Taylor-Jones & Son 114 High 

Street, Deal, Kent CT14 6BB 

07949 186702 taylorjonesandson.co.uk 

7 Grab an opportunity when it arises 

Following the ongoing success of its limited-edition Art Deco poster collections, first launched in 

2010, Pullman Editions are now offering, for the first time, several of the original artworks used to 

create its poster designs. Shown here is the ‘1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider - Côte d’Azur’, 

an original painting by Charles Avalon and the first of the company’s limited-edition posters 

to sell out. Evoking memories of holidays and special occasions, their striking designs feature 

glamorous winter sports and summer resorts around the world, as well as the world’s greatest 

historic automobiles, all capturing the enduring appeal of Art Deco. This is a unique opportunity 

to invest in an original painting used to create the iconic Pullman Editions’ lithographs. 

Title: ‘1959 Ferrari 250 GT 

California Spider - Côte d’Azur’ 

Artist: Charles Avalon 

Form: Original gouache on art board 

painting for limited-editon posters 


Price: £5,950 

Find at: Pullman Editions 

020 7730 0547 

pullmaneditions.com 

71 


09/08/2017 Midsomer Blue.jpg (5616×3644) 

http://www.crowndownloads.co.uk/members/images/IMPKIT/300dpi/Midsomer%20Blue.jpg 1/1 

Open Tues - Fri: 8:30-5:00 

Sat: 9:00-4:00 

Crossways, Churt, Nr Farnham 

Surrey GU10 2JA 

01428 714014 

www.miscellanea.co.uk


Light up your Life – For lighting investments you 

want something that you can treasure for life. Through shifts in 

style and colour in the rest of your room, it needs to effortlessly 

suit with timeless appeal. This Gwenen Pendant from Tom Raffield 

is a mesmerising fusion of high quality craftsmanship and natureinspired 

design. Drawing inspiration from the intricate 

layering found in the organic world, each one 

is meticulously crafted by hand in their 

Cornish workshop, where layered 

loops of sustainably sourced timber 

are woven together to create a 

labyrinth of organic opulence. It 

will add an enchanting spectacle 

switched on or off, in contemporary 

or traditional schemes, radiating an 

aura of wonder. £545 tomraffield.com 

IInvest in 

nteriors 

What works from 

Home – The working from 

home world demands a good office 

chair at home to aid posture and 

comfort and thus concentration, 

energy and wellbeing. Tunbridge- 

Wells-based ergonomic seat 

company SitSmart offers great 

advice on finding the right fit for 

your needs such as the pictured 

Ergohuman Elite G2. These are 

made with 97% recyclable materials, 

and their mesh flex zones give 

continuous support for the back 

and lumbar region allowing you 

to sit in comfort for over 8 hours 

a day. They are reasonably priced, 

come with a guarantee, and are 

adjustable, plus the robust materials 

that keep their shape make it a 

solid investment. sitsmart.co.uk 

For a truly luxe lifestyle, surround yourself 

with an interior filled with investment pieces 

Relax! – Invest in quality for your downtime 

with a sofa that looks good and guarantees long-term 

comfort. Lenleys is a British brand offering 25-year 

warranties and we love the timeless Parisian Art Deco 

design of the Coco range. Think high backs, scrolled 

arms and hand-finished detailing, with hardwood 

frames, serpentine springs, luxurious European fabrics, 

fully customisable and supportive of your wellbeing. 

This is the Coco Large Sofa Range 4 Fabric and it was 

£4,736 but is now on sale for £3,335 lenleyshome.co.uk 

recline in style – We love the current trend for revamping 

vintage furniture – if it’s already stood the test of time it is likely wellmade 

and worthy of some TLC! This stunning Victorian mahogany 

chaise longue, for example has been reupholstered in a House of 

Hackney ‘Moss-Green Artemis’ plush velvet with a complementary 

double piping. It is a real show stopper, that will bring both wow 

factor and elegance to a room. Its beautiful hand carved mahogany 

body shows the detailed craftsmanship that has gone into making 

this fantastic piece of furniture. £3,500 rocktheheirloom.co.uk 

Sumptuous Slumbers – The old adage to spend on what 

separates you from the ground is very true for beds. For reassuringly 

resilient support that promotes luxurious untroubled sleep, this is 

Vispring’s Diamond Majesty Bed (and it’s as luxurious as the name 

suggests). Handmade in Devon, the mattress is filled with the finest 

natural materials including cashmere, silk, bamboo, organic cotton and 

various types of wool. The wool will inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi 

and dust mites, plus it’s hygienic, hypoallergenic and regulates body 

temperature. The mattress has three layers of hand-nested calico pocket 

springs, and the Vispring President Divan base adds an extra two layers 

for many years of sound sleeping. It comes with a 30 year guarantee and 

will retain its look and feel for years to come. POA jonesandtomlin.co.uk 

73 



SPACE 

& 

Design 

Gregory Phillips of Gregory Phillips Architects tells us 

the best ways to add value to your property, making it 

an investment while also creating a beautiful home 

Photographer- Darren Chung 

our own house is a 

fantastic investment. Both 

financially (as any increase 

in value is not subject to 

capital gains tax if it is your 

primary residence) and as 

an investment in your lifestyle 

if the design can be made bespoke to 

suit your requirements. However, to 

truly make this investment work you 

have to be mindful of several factors. 

People say, ‘aim for the worst house in 

the best street’ which is generally correct, 

as long as the house has the ‘ingredients’ 

to be adapted and enhanced without 

needing to be totally demolished. 

Remember expenditure on remodelling 

projects and extensions is subject to 

standard rate VAT but construction of a 

new build is zero rated VAT. If the house 

is cheap enough to buy to demolish 

that will provide a great investment 

providing the rebuild costs are suitable. 

Carefully considered design together 

with early cost advice is critical, and 

don’t forget the lifetime costs of running 

and maintaining the house should be 

taken into account. We ensure that our 

clients’ projects maximise the benefit 

of every space to make the design light 

filled, comfortable and elegant while 

still mindful of energy efficiency and 

sustainability. Early cost advice enables 

you to consider what is necessary and 

investing in your 

enjoyment of that 

house is important 

what parts of your expenditure are lifestyle 

choices. If you are going to live in a 

house for many years, investing in your 

enjoyment of that house is important. 

The team considers the architecture, interior 

and landscape as equally important parts 

of a whole on a project and have worked 

on houses of various sizes and budgets. An 

architect with talent and experience offers 

their clients a process that allows choice 

and options to make the property their 

own. But each architect will also have their 

own specialities and choosing one that suits 

your own style and needs is important. 

Gregory Phillips Architects is renowned 

for creating connections between the 

inside of the house and the garden. The 

team has particular expertise in using 

contemporary extensions to transform 

the look and feel of the home and create 

wonderfully comfortable spaces without 

compromising on aesthetics. Pictured is an 

excellent example: Cobham House. The 

house’s extension added two single-storey 

‘wings’ at the rear and side of the house. 

The project provided new entertaining 

areas, a spacious dedicated home-working 

suite, a new entrance hall and a threestorey 

staircase. The reimagined layout 

transformed this traditional property 

into a family home with spaces that 

are modern, generous, and seamlessly 

connected to the landscaped gardens. 

To find out more about Gregory Phillips 

Architects visit gregoryphillips.com 

75 



Taste 

T Great 

We’re hunting down 

the richest and most 

delicious flavours the 

South East has to offer 

We’re always proud of the fine 

food and drink that’s made in our 

little corner of England. Whatever 

your tastes you really don’t have 

to go far to find sumptuous 

high-quality food and drink 

that will tantalise your tastebuds 

while also warming your heart 

and funding a local business! 

The Cheeseboard 

Essential 

When indulging in a deluxe 

cheeseboard you can’t do much better 

than the very cheese that was served 

at the Royal Wedding Breakfast of 

their Royal Highnesses the Prince 

and Princess of Wales. This cheese 

is so good it’s apparently managed 

to become a lord, this is Alsop & 

Walker’s Lord London. Made in East 

Sussex, it’s won all sorts of awards 

and can be eaten straight from the 

fridge or baked for a sharing dish. 

Either way, pair with a light rosé or 

Prosecco and enjoy! 

£20 at alsopandwalker.co.uk 

The Toast 

The Balfour Brut Rosé 2018 

Magnum is an elegant English 

sparkling wine worth celebrating. 

Crafted with precision it has a 

delightful delicate pink hue and 

cranberry flavour, with notes of 

burnt orange combined with a 

wonderful herbaceous note on the 

finish. The 2018 vintage reflects 

one of the best years in English 

viticultural history. Besides making a 

visual statement, the larger magnum 

format enhances the ageing process, 

leading to finer bubbles and a more 

complex, balanced wine. £110 

(including gift box) 

balfourwinery.com 

The Gift 

The Weald Smokery’s delicious 

award-winning, locally produced 

food provides a unique, practical gift 

that mass-produced food simply can’t 

match. From a single gift of a pack 

or a classic side of smoked salmon 

(£8.25–£61.95) to a beautiful 

selection of gift boxes and hampers 

(£46.50–£315), Weald Smokery’s 

traditionally crafted smoked fish 

and meat, cheeses and fine foods 

suit all budgets and tastes. This 

family business provides a bespoke 

service and works hard to achieve 

sustainability and a personal touch. 

Local, luxurious, artisan food is 

a tasty way to show appreciation! 

wealdsmokery.co.uk 

The Showstopper 

Paley Farm near Cranbrook 

makes a beef Wellington that’s the 

perfect easy-yet-impressive supper 

centrepiece. A tasty piece of fillet 

steak sits wrapped in Parma ham and 

encased in a beautifully decorated 

pastry. Enjoy as a romantic dinner 

for two, for a dinner party or when 

hosting a special occasion. All you 

need to do is brush with egg and 

pop it in the oven. Sizes range from 

a 2 person portion for £33 to a 12 

person feast at £198 paleyfarm.co.uk 

The Fruity Fave 

Berrymakers grows premium quality 

strawberries, raspberries, blueberries 

and blackberries in Surrey and 

Berkshire and they are really berry 

nice! They’ll deliver directly to you, 

ready to make eating fruit and 

boosting wellbeing a little more luxe. 

From £3 at berrymakers.co.uk 


76

We are a family 

business providing 

a bespoke service 

We enjoy creating 

delicious 

artisan food 

CORPORATE GIFTS 

We use sustainable 

packaging and offer 

reliable delivery 

Whether it’s clients, or members of your team, 

a thoughtful gift creates great relationships 

Receiving a gift at Christmas can strengthen business ties, build 

trust and create a lasting impression that sets your company apart. 

Appreciation can significantly boost motivation, morale and loyalty. 

An array of our delicious award-winning, locally-produced food 

provides a unique, practical gift that mass-produced food simply 

can’t match. 

From a single gift, to as many as you need, we supply beautiful 

hampers and gift boxes, sides of smoked salmon and a wide range of 

traditionally crafted smoked fish and meat, cheeses and fine foods. 

Early bird discount for large orders 

– get in touch today! 

Call or email us today to discuss your personal gifts of appreciation. 

01580 879601 | info@wealdsmokery.co.uk 

The Weald Smokery, The Mount, Flimwell, East Sussex, TN5 7QL 

F0101_WS_A5 advert_P2_AW.indd 1 12/08/2024 16:23 

Find memorable recipe ideas to 

light up your gathering 

Spicy smokey 

sticky party 

nuts by Charlotte 

Butterworth 

@theneedy.greedy 

Visit priceless-magazines.com for inspiration 

77 


78

We love 

cakes 

Chef Paul Bassett-Huckstep and creative director Martin Spicer create three remarkably delicious 

seasonal bakes, perfect to showcase a glut of autumn produce and thrill family and guests alike 


When we asked The Garden Café in Planters, Etchingham, to come up with some cake recipes 

that epitomised all-things autumn, we were very much looking forward to sampling the 

creations that Martin described over the phone as his mind whirred with ideas. On shoot day, 

brought to life by Martin’s talented team, we could see why people flock to this popular meeting place 

– set in the heart of a family run farmshop, antiques emporium and garden centre – that supports local 

producers. Find out more about menus, daily specials and afternoon teas at plantersa21.com/cafe. 

Peach & green tea Victoria sponge 

For the cake: 

• 225g unsalted butter, softened 

• 225g caster sugar 

• 225g self-raising flour 

• 4 large eggs 

• 6 tsp green tea and 

peach loose leaf tea 

• 100g caster sugar, for the sryup 

• 1 tbsp poppy seeds 

For the filling: 

• 150ml double cream 

• 2 tbsp icing sugar 

• 3-4 tbsp good quality jam 

(apricot or peach) 

For the cooked peaches: 

• 4 peaches, sliced 

• 50g butter 

For the decoration: 

• icing sugar, for dusting 

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease 

and line two 20cm (8-inch) round 

cake tins with greaseproof paper. 

2. Make the syrup: Put the sugar 

and tea plus 400ml water into a 

saucepan and bring to a simmer. 

Strain the liquid into another 

pan and gently bring to the 

boil again, until the water turns 

syrupy. Remove from the heat. 

3. Cook the peaches: Put the butter 

into a frying pan and, once melted, 

add the sliced peaches and cook 

for around 2-3 minutes to soften. 

Remove from the pan and cool. 

4. Make the sponge: In a large 

mixing bowl, cream together 

the butter and caster sugar 

until light and fluffy. 

Add the eggs one at a time, 

mixing well after each addition. 

If the mixture starts to curdle, 

add a tablespoon of the flour. 

Combine dry ingredients: Sift 

together the self-raising flour and 

gradually fold the flour mixture 

into the wet ingredients. 

5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly 

between the two prepared tins, 

smoothing the tops with a spatula. 

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 

minutes, or until a skewer inserted 

into the centre comes out clean. 

6. Infuse: Spike the cake all over 

with a skewer then brush the syrup 

over both cakes, reserving 100ml 

of syrup to use for the filling 

7. Cool: Remove the cakes from the 

oven and let them cool in the tins 

for 5-10 minutes before transferring 

to a wire rack to cool completely. 

8. Prepare the cream filling: In 

a bowl, whip the double cream 

with icing sugar and the 100ml of 

reserved syrup until soft peaks form. 

9. Assemble: Spread the jam on 

the bottom layer of the cooled 

sponge. Spread the whipped 

cream over the jam and add the 

cooled peaches. Place the second 

sponge layer gently on top. 

10. Finish: Dust the top of the 

cake with icing sugar just before 

serving. Enjoy your peach and 

green tea Victoria sponge with a 

cup of green and peach tea! 

79 


Pear & chocolate 

bakewell 

For the pastry: 

• 175g plain flour 

• 40g cocoa powder 

• 80g icing sugar 

• 140g butter, diced 

• 2 medium free-range egg yolks 

For the bakewell: 

• 65g dark chocolate (about 70% cocoa solids) 

• 175g soft butter 


• 2 medium eggs 

• 40g plain flour 

• ¼ tsp fine sea salt 

• 175g ground almonds 

• 1 tsp almond extract 

• 2 ripe-and-ready-to-eat dessert pears 

• 15g flaked almonds 

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. 

2. For the pastry, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and 

icing sugar into a bowl. Add the butter and rub together using 

your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add 

the egg yolks and mix together until a dough is formed. Add 

a little ice-cold water if it feels dry. Wrap the dough in cling 

film and place in the fridge to rest for at least an hour. 

3. When the dough is rested, lightly flour a work surface and roll 

it out into a circle about the thickness of a £1 coin. Lay it over the 

tart case and gently push down to line, taking care to get the dough 

right into the edges. Place some greaseproof paper on top and fill 

with baking beans or uncooked rice. Place the tart on a baking tray 

and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Allow to cool. 

4. To make the filling, gently melt the dark chocolate whilst 

you beat together the softened butter and sugar together until 

light and fluffy. Slowly add in the eggs, one at a time, until 

combined. Mix together the plain flour, sea salt and ground 

almonds, then gently fold into the wet mix. Mix the almond 

extract into the melted chocolate and then add the chocolate 

mixture slowly into the rest of the combined ingredients. 

5. Peel, core and cut the dessert pears into slices and arrange 

them over the bottom of the cooled pastry case. Carefully pour 

over the filling mixture and scatter with the flaked almonds. 

6. Bake in the oven for around 25-30 minutes, or until 

the sponge has risen and turned to a golden brown. 

 

priceless-magazines.com 80 

istockphoto.com/ Olga Nikiforova

istockphoto.com/ Olga Nikiforova 

81 


82

Apple & blackberry 

crumble loaf cake 

• 125g butter, softened, plus some for the tin 


• 3 large eggs, beaten 

• 50g ground almond 

• 100g self-raising flour 

• 2 Discovery, Russet or 

Worcester apples, grated 

• 100g blackberries 

For the crumble topping: 

• 150 plain flour 

• pinch of salt 

• 75 g brown sugar 

• 100g unsalted butter at room temperature, 

cubed, plus a little for greasing 

1. Heat the oven to 160°C. Grease 

a 1lb loaf cake tin and line the 

base with greaseproof paper. 

2. To make the sponge, beat the butter and 

caster sugar together in a large bowl until it 

is light and fluffy. Slowly beat in the eggs, 

a little at a time, until you've used twothirds, 

adding flour if it starts to separate. 

Fold in the remaining egg, the ground 

almonds and the flour, combining gently. 

3. To make the topping, put the flour, salt 

and sugar in a large bowl and mix well. 

Taking a few cubes of butter at a time, rub 

into the flour mixture using your fingers, 

until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs 

and you’ve used up all the butter. 

4. Add the apples to the cake mixture and all 

the blackberries. Turn the mixture into the 

prepared tin and smooth it out evenly. Top 

evenly with the crumble mixture. Bake for 

50-55 mins or until a skewer comes out clean. 

5. Remove the cake from the oven and leave 

to cool before sprinkling with icing sugar and 

decorating with blackberries, if you like. 

83 


JeremyHobbsS53.indd 1 15/0 

Opening Hours 

Mon - Sat 09.30 - 17.30 

3 Oakdene Parade, 

Cobham, Surrey KT11 2LR. 

Telephone: 01932 865700 

info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk 

@jeremyhobbsmenswear 

www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk 

BLUE VELVET SHOES 

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com 


84

istockphoto.com/ PytyCzech 

Snake talisman necklace 

£145 Dower & Hall 

dowerandhall.com 

Baby elephant 

conservation pouch £32 

(each sold buys a bottle 

of milk for an orphaned 

elephant with Sheldrick 

Wildlife Trust) Elizabeth 

Scarlett elizabethscarlett.com 

Paw studs £25 Lily Charmed 

lilycharmed.com 

Sloth necklace 

£95 Jana 

Reinhardt 

janareinhardt.com 

Grazing doe 

necklace £180 

Alex Monroe 

alexmonroe.com 

Wren necklace 

£50 (10% of sales 

goes to the RSPB) 

Blackbird Jewellery 

blackbirdjewellery.com 

Laura Cardigan £69 

Sugarhill Brighton 

sugarhillbrighton.com 

Indian tiger 

sovereign ring 

£20 Aarven 

aarven.com 

Angel’s Ease 

sneaker with 

blue wing £129 

Marté marte.uk 

Lobster cap £24 

(15% of profits 

go to Just One 

Ocean) Blue Panda 

bluepanda.co.uk 

Black tiger embroidered waistcoat £75 

Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com 

Animal-friendly pieces really make our hearts 

sing, especially those that give a little back 

Lena leopard faux fur jacket 

made from recycled plastic bottles 

£219 Issy London issylondon.co.uk 

Squirrel & acorn drop 

earrings £56 Bill Skinner 

billskinnerstudio.com 

Mega shadow leopard 

split front skirt £70 

Scamp & Dude 

scampanddude.com 

Mini tote bag with 

embroidered bunny £95 

LIKHÂ shoplikha.com 

Anna Serpents Kiss dress 

in recycled fabric £255 

Ada Dakin adadakin.com 

Groundbreaking 

chunky loafer £95 

Dune London 

dunelondon.com 

Morning song bird 

embroidered tote 

£65 Fable England 

fableengland.com 

Tiger stripe cardigan 

£400 Hayley Menzies 

hayleymenzies.com 

Armadillo studs 

£17.95 Little Moose 

littlemoose.co.uk 

Cacatoes Amazonian 

leopard print 

sandals £44 Aloft 

thealoftshop.com 

Dragon and lion ring POA 

Lebrusan Studio lebrusanstudio.com 

Bat studs in gold £35 Scream 

Pretty screampretty.com 

Magpie Treasures T-Shirt 

£23 Vegan Outfitters 

veganoutfitters.com 

85 


Fragrance 

Finder 

Josephine Fairley explores the perfume world’s 

autumn collections, editing her favourites down to 

eight special scents that leave a lasting impression 

istockphoto.com/ Kirill Smyslov 

There has never been a better time to find yourself a 

new fragrance. Never! In all my decades of perfumewriting, 

this is the bumper-est season for new 

launches that I’ve ever spritzed my way through. Partly, 

it’s a reflection of the fact it’s boom-time for the fragrance 

industry itself, with a flurry of new brands launching, and 

many, many designer houses – from Balmain to Valentino 

via Christian Louboutin – releasing not one fragrance, but 

a whole five-, six-, seven-fragrance line-up, in one drop. 

But before I share my picks, a caveat. I always try to find 

affordable options for beauty in these articles for Priceless 

Magazines – but some perfumes have become really 

expensive. Shockingly so, at times. I’ve scattered some 

more accessibly priced options through this article – 

and trust me, I’ve avoided some of the off-the-scale 

pricy choices (I recently visited a Knightsbridge 

boutique where albeit beautifully bottled scents 

are £6,000, thank you very much) – but fact 

is, prices have sky-rocketed, which has led to 

some serious questions and ongoing discussions 

among my perfume-writing colleagues. 

There are clearly plenty of customers for 

fragrances that cost £250+ – prioritising buying 

scent above clothes, perhaps. (After all, you 

can wear a perfume every day but would soon 

become bored by throwing on the same clothes 

morning after morning.) And what I always say 

is: nobody’s starving their kids to buy perfume; 

some people drive Mercedes and others 13-yearold 

Citroens, and we should shop for fragrance 

in a way that matches our lifestyle and budget. 

But with that in mind, here are eight fabulous 

fragrances to sniff out. Smelling, of course, is free, 

and several of the perfume houses I mention below have 

stores little more than a stone’s throw away, in London. 

A joyful way to pass an afternoon, I always reckon. 


AKRO Smile (£80 for 30ml eau de parfum). If you’re 

looking for perfumes at non-insane prices, AKRO’s range 

is definitely worth sniffing out. It’s the line created by 

legendary perfumer Olivier Cresp, where he gets to let 

his imagination run free, unfettered by client briefs; I’m 

constantly delighted by what I smell – including this, 

which is indeed smile-making, and was originally created 

for his daughter and business partner Anaïs. The raspberry 

note in here isn’t oversweet, and its bergamot-powered 

brightness is like a shaft of sunlight on an autumn day. 

Guerlain L’Art et La Matière Patchouli Paris (£295 for 

100ml eau de parfum). If you’re not a patchouli-lover, skip 

right on to the next paragraph. If you are… well, phwoar, is 

all I can say; you’re going to flipping love this. As someone 

who first dabbed patchouli oil on my pulse-points as a teen, 

I’m absolutely in the ‘pro’ camp – and this is honestly my 

dream patchouli. It’s smoochy, smouldering, lashings of 

that signature ingredient subtly sweetened by vanilla – but 

it sparkles, too. I am doused in this, as I write, and it’s 

been a compliment-magnet since I started wearing it. (You 

might like to know that Guerlain now have a boutique 

in Covent Garden, worthy of a perfume pilgrimage, 

staffed by a very knowledgeable and helpful team.) 

Ffern Autumn 2024 (£89 for 32ml eau de parfum ffern. 

com). Ffern is a British scent start-up based in the West 

Country, a brand I point perfume-lovers to when they’re 

looking for something all-natural. It’s hard to get light and 

sparkle into natural perfumes, but Ffern – who also have a 

soothingly calm boutique on Beak Street, in London’s Soho – 

have pulled off that trick. They offer a quarterly scent, which 

this season features a sun-bathed note of golden quince, 

tangled through with jasmine and white flowers, with some 

wonderful warm resins in the base. (N.B. Ffern do a thing 

of making you join a waiting list for new launches, but 

nobody I know hasn’t then got their hands on a bottle.) 

Donna Karan 24/7 (£45 for 30ml eau de parfum). The 

Donna Karan label is back on the catwalk, and the fragrances 

are definitely back on the scent scene. The first new launch 

for aeons, such is the craziness of a perfume writer’s job that I 

first got to smell this in the back of a New York taxi that had 

been parked round the back of the V&A Museum. It was 

love at first sniff, just so, so wearable, with its tart rhubarb 

overture, heart of soft rose, with a base of sandalwood and 

musk that will have you sniffing your own skin. An instant 

classic (and the chrome ‘egg-timer’ bottle is a stunner). 

Diptyque Les Essences de Diptyque (£255 each for 100ml 

eau de parfum). This French house has launched a more 

expensive collection, beautifully bottled, with five scents, 

of which I am most keen on the sheer, rosy Rose Roche, 

and Bois Corsé – a perfect, stroll-through-a-forest autumnal 

choice, with lots of sandalwood and a jolt of black coffee in 

there. To try them on your own skin, again, I would point 

you in the direction of the brand’s exquisite flagship store 

on Bond Street, when next you are in London – an absolute 

treat for the senses. (And you can get some early Christmas 

candle shopping in, because trust me: this place is going to 

be RAMMED come December). A Discovery Set of all five 

is available, with gorgeous travel-sized miniatures, for £165. 

Maison Louis Marie (£55 for 15ml perfume oil, exclusively 

online at la-gent.com). Perfume oils are a growing trend; 

they may not rock the room with their power, but they 

cling to the skin offering a long-lasting, more intimate scent 

experience. All of the botanically inspired (also: natural) 

fragrances from this California-based ‘cult’ brand reference 

a plant-hunting ancestor of the founder, come in oil format, 

and for right now I especially like No.04 Balincourt, named 

after a mystical French forest, with woods, spices and 

vetiver. Only available by mail order from a UK site called 

La Gent, who also offer a Maison Louis Marie Discovery 

Set (£26) of the eau de parfums, so you can find your 

favourite in the range; they also have 3ml samples of the 

perfume oils for £15. And my tip for fragrance shopping 

generally is that whenever you can get your hands on a 

sample size, try that before springing for a full bottle. 

Perfumer H Saddle (from £180 for 50ml eau de parfum). 

Absolutely top of my perfume bucket list right now, this, 

by Lyn Harris, the British perfumer who I consider to 

be among the most talented in the world, and who was 

previously known for founding her Miller Harris brand. 

Here, orange blossom and bergamot are garlanded in 

jasmine, warmed by vanilla, amber and patchouli. Utterly 

stunning. And to add to your list of perfumed pitstops, 

on that scent pilgrimage: Perfumer H now have several 

stores in London, where you can while away some very 

pleasurable smelling time, exploring her unique and 

beautiful creations. (Best warn your bank manager, first.) 

Les Éternels de Balmain Carbone (£220 for 50ml 

eau de parfum). Perfume-lovers were hyperventilating 

over the launch of Balmain’s eight-strong fragrance 

portfolio, which revisits four discontinued scent icons: 

Vent Vert, Ivoire, Ébène (the most masculine), and – 

here – Carbone, which is my favourite, a structured, 

super-sophisticated rose scent, softened by suede and 

with a whiff of tobacco drifting through it. (I think it 

might be almost impossible to wear this with jeans.) 

I could go on and on, actually – but I’ll just say that while 

you’re out there auditioning new scents for autumn 2024, 

do also check out Penhaligon’s Dandy (very ‘shareable’ 

and I predict there’ll be tussles between couples over 

this one), Maison Francis Kurkdjian Reflets d’Ambre 

(soft, sweet amber fragrances are a strong trend, this 

season), and my most recent happy discovery: a fabulous 

range from the UAE which has landed at Selfridges, 

by the name of Ghawali, referencing the Middle East’s 

amazing ingredient heritage, but in a non-oudh-y way. 

Happy smelling! 

Visit beautybible.com for more of Jo’s fragrance, 

makeup, skin and haircare tips. 

87 


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Keep padeling! 

Health 

Sarah Maxwell explores the tennis/squash hybrid which is making waves 

istockphoto.com/ Antonio Gandia Quiles 

When our lovely editor Lucy 

asked me to write about 

the gaining worldwide 

popularity of the sport padel, I admit 

that I was a little apprehensive due 

to my past failures with anything 

involving a racquet or a bat. I will 

admit that I have never scored a 

rounder in the hundreds of games 

we played during my school years. 

However, whether you’re a 

seasoned tennis/squash player or – 

like me – can’t connect a racquet 

with a ball to save your life, padel 

might be right up your street! 

This is a fun sport that combines 

elements from tennis and squash; 

padel is rapidly gaining popularity 

worldwide, not only because 

it’s an enjoyable way to keep fit 

(whatever your age or ability). 

Padel is played on a small court 

surrounded by walls. It’s usually 

played as a doubles sport. The 

game uses a solid racquet called a 

paddle and a special ball – like a 

tennis ball, but with less pressure. 

Players hit the ball back and forth, 

trying to score points by making 

it bounce in the opponents’ area 

without them returning it. 

How to Play 

Like tennis, the main goal is to 

hit the ball over the net to your 

opponents’ side. You score points 

when your opponents can’t return 

the ball before it bounces twice. 

Padel is played in teams of two, 

and each team takes turns serving. 

The serve must go diagonally to 

the opposite side of the court. The 

scoring works in the same way as 

tennis (love). First, you stand in 

your designated position, ready to 

hit the ball. When it’s your turn 

to serve, you must bounce the ball 

once on your side and hit it over 

the net into the correct area. 

During a game the ball can 

be played off certain areas of the 

surrounds. Communication with 

your partner by shouting “Mine” or 

“You” adds to the fun and makes it 

much easier to know who will get 

the ball. It’s easy to pick up the rules 

(see the websites under More info). 

The benefits 

Improved coordination, cardio 

fitness, strength and agility. 

It’s social, fun and rapidly 

becoming more accessible. 

Because padel is easier to learn than 

squash or tennis, it makes it much 

more inclusive. I have dyspraxia 

(developmental coordination 

disorder). Although I have worked 

hard to improve my coordination, 

trying to play tennis and squash has 

been something that has eluded me. 

For us uncoordinated souls, padel 

is a revelation. I only wish I had 

known of the sport earlier and would 

have saved many years of frustration 

and disappointment. The moment 

I whacked the ball, and it bounced 

off the wall, all of the humiliation 

I had accumulated over the years 

with my clumsiness and lack of 

coordination melted like ice 

cream on a sweltering hot day. 

For young, old, unfit 

and uncoordinated, if 

you get an opportunity 

to have a go, do it; 

you won’t regret it! 

More info 

Padel UK thepadelclub.co.uk / 

ukpadel.org 

Dyspraxia (DCD) 

exceptionalindividuals.com/ 

neurodiversity/what-is-dyspraxia / 

nhs.uk/conditions/developmentalcoordination-disorderdyspraxia-in-adults 

Sarah 

Maxwell is a multiaward 

winning Lifestyle 

Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You 

can find her at sarahmaxwell.com 

Get in touch via email at 

sarahmaxwell@mail.com 

and on social 

@sarahmaxlife 

89 


Gifts in Wills fund a third of 

our work, like the clinical 

trial Alfred took part in. 

Thanks to research, he can be by 

her side again. 

Find out more at cruk.org/giftsinwills 

Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England 

and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of 

Man (1103) and Jersey (247). Registered address: 

2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. 

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we provide fast access to expert care, when you need it. 

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90

istockphoto.com, miwa_in_oz , Magone, chokja, Elena Tsvetkova, Drazen Zigic, Agustin Vai /Olga Mazyarkina / Roman Samokhin / Fattyplace / pullia 

Nourish to Flourish 

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau 

explores the benefits of incorporating 

another healthy ingredient into our 

diets. This month it’s squash 

October brings a pop of colour and comfort 

to our plates with bright orange butternut 

squash and vibrant pumpkins. These 

vegetables are highly nutritious, containing proteins, 

carbohydrates, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals. 

They are rich in nutrients that are beneficial for skin 

health including anti-ageing alpha-carotene as well as 

beta-carotene, which reduces inflammation and may 

help prevent skin cancer caused by sun exposure. 

The beautiful bright-orange flesh of a butternut squash 

comes from a group of compounds called carotenoids, 

fat-soluble antioxidants that move into the lower layers 

of the skin where their localised anti-inflammatory 

activity can reduce the redness of eczema and acne. 

They also help to protect collagen fibres from damage 

which benefits ageing skin. The seeds from pumpkins 

are also very high in zinc which helps regulate the 

sebaceous glands and even out oily acne-prone skin. 

Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers support and advice 

for weight management, controlling cravings, sleeplessness, stress 

and increasing energy levels. Find out more at plumenutrition.com 

Warming roasted squash and feta 

Serves: 4 

• 1 small butternut squash 

• 1 small pumpkin 

• 3 garlic cloves 

• 1 tsp cumin seeds 

• ¼ tsp dried chilli flakes 

• small bunch of fresh sage, finely chopped 

• 200g feta cheese 

• sea salt and black pepper 

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Peel and halve the butternut 

squash and pumpkin and remove the seeds. Dice the squash 

and pumpkin into 1cm cubes and place them in a roasting tin. 

2. Keep the garlic cloves whole and unpeeled and bash them 

with a wooden spoon until they are partially crushed. Add 

them to the roasting tin and sprinkle over the cumin seeds 

and chilli flakes. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt. 

3. Roast in the oven for around 

20-30 mins until the squash is 

soft and starting to go brown. 

Sprinkle over the fresh sage. 

4. Place the vegetables in a bowl 

and crumble feta over the top, 

season with a little black pepper 

and serve immediately. 

91 



Elevate Your Autumn Wellness 

at David Lloyd Brooklands: A New Era of Fitness and Relaxation 

As the autumn season 

approaches, we’re excited 

to unveil many new 

developments at David 

Lloyd Brooklands, designed to 

enhance your wellness journey and 

transform how you work, play, and 

unwind. With premium upgrades 

across the Club, there’s never been a 

better time to embrace a fresh routine 

and enjoy world-class facilities. 

Revolutionised Fitness 

and Classes 

Fitness enthusiasts will love the 

introduction of BLAZE, our dynamic 

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cardio, strength, and martial arts for 

an adrenaline-pumping workout. 

Additionally, the brand-new Rhythm 

and CYCLONE classes offer an 

exciting fusion of music and cycling, 

guaranteed to get your heart racing. 

Both the High Energy and Mind & 

Body studios have been beautifully 

refurbished, creating the perfect 

environment for all your workouts. 

Relax and Rejuvenate in 

Our New Spa Retreat 

Escape to serenity in our newly 

opened Spa Retreat. Relax on heated 

loungers, detox in the Himalayan 

salt sauna, or balance your senses in 

the fire & ice room. Our Finnish 

sauna, crystal steam room, plunge 

pools, and hydro pool offer the 

ultimate rejuvenation. Plus, coming 

soon we’re adding an outdoor Spa 

Garden with a meditation area and 

even more hydrotherapy options 

for a complete retreat experience. 

Stylish Social and Work Spaces 

Whether you’re catching up with 

friends or tackling some work, the 

refreshed Clubroom now boasts 

a modern business hub, featuring 

private booths with USB and 

wireless charging points to keep 

you connected. For those looking 

to unwind, the refreshed terrace— 

with new furniture, ambient 

lighting, and a revamped BBQ 

area—is the perfect place to relax. 

Family Fun and 

Poolside Upgrades 

The kids area has also had a sleek 

makeover, designed to keep the 

youngest members engaged and 

active. Meanwhile, the indoor pool 

has received a light refresh, including 

new lane ropes, improved poolside 

lighting, and a new poolside shower 

to elevate your swim experience. And, 

just in time for the cooler months, 

the Club will be unveiling a brandnew 

outdoor pool soon this autumn. 

Join us this autumn at David Lloyd 

Brooklands and enjoy our refreshed 

spaces, cutting-edge classes, and luxurious 

new amenities. Whether you’re seeking 

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Brooklands Road, Weybridge, 

Surrey, KT13 0BD 

www.davidlloyd.co.uk/weybridge-brooklands/

Tulip 

mania 

Jo Arnell explains what fuelled the 

European obsession with tulips 

and how they’ve weathered their 

seventeenth century popularity today 

istockphoto.com/ MorePics / inomasa / jimfeng 

In the heat of an auction situation 

things can get out of hand 

and we can end up paying 

more than intended, but can 

you imagine paying thousands of 

pounds for a single tulip bulb? Utter 

madness – to the point of mania. 

Tulipomania as this seventeenth 

century craze came to be called. 

The mad rush for tulips began in 

France, yet it was the Dutch who 

became known for the obsession – 

the Netherlands was the wealthiest 

country in Europe at the time, thanks 

in no small part to the success of 

the Dutch East India Company. 

Rich merchants had money to spend 

and as these rare bulbs began to 

arrive from the East, the newly rich 

bought them as status symbols. 

The tulip flowers they were paying 

such exorbitant prices for were 

exquisitely beautiful – just look at 

those wonderful still life paintings 

by the Dutch masters. Most of that 

fabulousness, however, was caused by 

a virus – Tulip Break Virus, or TBV, 

which creates stripes and feathering in 

the petals. The most coveted of all was 

the famous ‘King of Tulips’ – Semper 

Augustus. You could say it was white 

with red streaks, but ‘as if deep crimson 

flames were licking up its creamy 

white petals’ might have been a more 

romantic description for an auction 

house catalogue, where just one bulb 

would eventually sell for the price 

of a smart canal-side town house. 

It all started innocently enough among 

obsessed collectors, but it wasn’t long 

before dealers and speculators moved in 

and formed a market. They even began 

dealing in tulip futures, where promises 

on paper traded for vast sums without 

even sight of a bulb let alone a flower. 

As quickly as the feverish market 

in tulip bulbs boomed, so it crashed, 

with prices tumbling overnight as 

people either came to their senses, or 

(and this may be more likely) the bulb 

just went out of fashion. Sadly the 

much coveted Semper Augustus and 

another equally desirous ‘broken’ tulip 

called Viceroy (called broken due to 

the breaks in colour) are no longer in 

cultivation, both beautifully cursed with 

TBV. It wasn’t discovered until 1928 

that the very thing that was creating 

the fabulous feathering and flame-like 

streaks was also weakening the plants 

until they eventually withered and 

would no longer flower. These days 

commercial growers tend to avoid 

broken tulips and it is actually illegal 

in the Netherlands to plant them. 

Modern Day Tulips 

Our passion for tulips lives on and 

thankfully the glamorous frilled and 

striped ones are affordable – the 

striations found nowadays are stable 

attributes and not caused by TBV. If you 

have fallen in love with the Rembrandtstyle 

Tulips, there are modern varieties 

that look just as sumptuous and suitable 

as cut flowers and still life subjects. 

‘Prinses Irene’ is one of the most well 

known, with a yellow base and red 

‘flames’. ‘Grand Perfection’ is a single 

late variety said to look like Semper 

Augustus, or try ‘Estella Rynveld’ 

for a mad, parroty version. Fringed, 

striped and parrot tulips, although 

more stable, do tend to be less reliable 

than some of the other varieties, so are 

probably best treated as annuals. 

93 


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94

Growing Success 

Tulips in general are prone to quite a few viruses – and a 

nasty fungal infection called ‘Tulip Fire’. The reason we are 

encouraged to plant our tulips in November, or even later – 

basically once the soil has cooled – means that infection is less 

likely, because many of the diseases have slowed or died off. 

The bulbs’ proneness to infection is partly why they tend 

to be short-lived in our borders, but there are other reasons. 

Tulips are originally from mountainous regions of Iran and 

Turkey, emerging to flower in the brief spring season once the 

snow melts, then retreating back into dormancy underground 

in order to survive the harsh summer weather. Bulbs are 

nature’s way of coping with difficult conditions – with some 

it is the dry shade of the woodland, but for others, like 

tulips, it is an arid climate. Tulips will manage the cold of 

our winters, but without adequate drainage will not always 

manage in our wet weather. The strongest, longest lasting 

varieties are species tulips, but also the Darwin and Triumph 

series. There is a tall red Darwin hybrid called ‘Appledorn’, 

which keeps cheerfully popping up for many years undaunted. 

The other problem with tulips is that they are tasty. Not that 

delicious to us (although during the Dutch famine in World 

War Two, they were boiled and eaten). Squirrels, mice, rats, 

voles – and I found out last winter – badgers, will sniff them 

out and dig them up, so plant them deeply in the borders, or, 

if grown in pots, try covering with wide gauged wire netting. 

 

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In order to stand a chance 

of flowering in following 

years, the foliage needs to 

be left on once the flowers 

have finished (try to deadhead 

too – making seeds 

takes up vital energy) 


Planting Partners 

Grown as bedding en masse or in 

containers, tulips are spectacular, but they’re 

just as lovely included in mixed cottage style 

borders. They flower in the spring and so 

are perfectly matched with biennials like 

honesty, forget-me-nots and wallflowers. 

Tulips have quite big leaves and so can 

shade out dainty and vulnerable plants, but 

equally these leaves can look quite tatty, so 

it’s good to have a frothy skirt of biennials. 

Aquilegias and early geraniums are a good 

perennial alternative. Contrasts in texture 

work well too, so sugary wands of Tiarella, 

young leaves of bronze fennel, or delicate 

dicentra. In order to stand a chance of 

flowering in following years, the foliage 

needs to be left on once the flowers have 

finished (try to dead-head too – making 

seeds takes up vital energy). The tatty fading 

foliage is then hidden by the other plants. 

Best for Naturalising 

Grass is a strong competitor, so the best 

tulips for naturalising tend to be the 

tough little species varieties. These flower 

early, at the same time as many of the 

narcissi. They prefer a free-draining sunny 

situation though, so the natural site for 

daffodils – under trees and by hedges 

– may not suit them long term. Sunny 

gravel gardens and meadow situations, 

where the grass is shorter and without 

too much competition, will suit them 

and they should begin to bulk up and set 

seed, spreading slowly into clumps. Tulipa 

clusiana, sprengii, and turkestanica are 

among the best varieties for naturalising. 

Pots of colour 

Containers will bring a welcome splash 

of colour near the house, or in borders 

where not much is yet in flower. The 

season for tulips is long – there are 

early, mid and late varieties, so you can 

pack your pots with colour from early 

March until the end of May. If you 

choose varieties carefully, you could 

always try lasagne planting – this is 

several layers of bulbs, each layer with 

a variety flowering at a different time. 

Having tried this on several occasions, 

I find it’s better not to have tulips in 

each layer, but a selection of other 

bulbs too. The reason for this is that 

by the time the later varieties come up, 

there’s too much leaf in the container 

and it becomes difficult to give them 

enough room, or to see the flowers. 

The great thing about growing tulips 

in pots is that you can move them 

out of the way while they die down 

and it will actually do them good to 

dry out through the summer, as this 

mimics the situation in the parched 

mountainsides they evolved to cope 

with. Better still, if you plant them 

in a plastic pot in the beginning, this 

can just slot into a nicer pot while it’s 

looking good, then just lift the plastic 

pot out and the good one is free for 

you to put summer plants into. 

Tulips are irresistible – there are so 

many fantastic cultivars to choose 

from – in such myriad styles and 

colours that it can be confusing 

knowing what to choose. In general, 

if you want them to be reliable, the 

closer you are to the species, the more 

likely it is that they will be perennial, 

but they are not that expensive any 

more (definitely not by seventeenth 

century standards!) And a splurge 

every now and then will bring you 

joy, even if it only lasts a few weeks. 

Jo’s new courses are booking 

now, see hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

or call Jo on 07923 969634. 

97 


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98 


ERAS 

TOUR 

In our latest round 

of education news we 

hear about local schools 

entering exciting new eras 

Teamwork Era 

Micklefield School is delighted to 

announce that it is now part of the awardwinning 

Reigate Grammar School (RGS) family of 

schools. This is an exciting new chapter for Micklefield 

as it joins schools that share its ethos and values and are also 

committed to educating and supporting young people in the area. 

Micklefield and RGS have worked closely together for many years and 

already have a strong working relationship with many of their families 

attending both schools. Going forward, Micklefield will continue to have 

its own distinctive and unique style, offering the children in its care an 

exciting education and outstanding pastoral care, whilst having the added 

strength and benefits of being part of a wider school group. Micklefield joins 

RGS, Reigate St Mary’s, Chinthurst School in Tadworth, and a network 

of schools internationally, which together form the multi-award-winning 

Group. The group has an exceptional reputation both locally and 

nationally and the individual schools within it, including Micklefield, 

were rated “Excellent” in their ISI inspections in 2023 reflecting a 

shared focus on excellence in all areas of education. To register 

for their next open events on Friday, 11th October 2024 

and Saturday, 23rd November 2024 or find out 

more, visit micklefieldschool.co.uk 

Modern Era 

Hazelwood School has long been driven to 

provide an enriching, well-rounded education 

that prepares children for the fast-changing world. This 

is fundamental to all key decisions made by the Head, Lindie 

Louw, and the Governors, and in keeping with this approach they 

are embarking on an exciting new venture. The Ruth Bourne Building, 

named after the wife of the school’s founder, has just opened, designed 

specifically for Upper School children in Years 5-8. The building provides a 

clean and modern environment for children to collaborate, create and learn with 

space-saving furniture for an uncluttered working environment, collaboration zones 

for brainstorming and team discussions, and wipeable walls so that free-flowing ideas 

can be shared and problems openly discussed. More akin to a modern office space, it 

will provide space for older pupils to truly engage and enjoy learning in a comfortable 

and contemporary setting. The new academic year also sees all reception children 

join the Wolf’s Hill site, located in fully modernised classrooms. The youngest 

pupils can now enjoy all the benefits of the Hazlewood site from the start of their 

education journey – 25 acres of glorious woodlands to explore! Hazelwood 

School is a coeducational Nursery and Prep School for children aged 9 

months to 13 years, set among 25 acres of woodlands on the Surrey- 

Kent border. The outstanding school has an exciting curriculum, 

phenomenal indoor and outdoor facilities, and a visionary 

approach to teaching and learning. Learn more at 

hazelwoodschool.co.uk 

Co-ed Era 

Cobham Hall, a day and boarding 

school surrounded by 150 acres of Kent 

countryside, has been trusted by parents both in the 

UK and around the world for over 60 years. The school 

has provided young people with the academic foundation and 

life skills needed to thrive and flourish, pursuing their own unique 

paths. 2023 was the year that changed Cobham Hall’s history as 

the first boys were welcomed into the newly established co-educational 

Sixth Form. Following the continuous success and growth of this cohort, 

a decision was made to extend co-education across all year groups. “It has 

been a pleasure to watch our Sixth Form boys thrive in Cobham’s distinctive 

family environment,” says Head Wendy Barrett. “We are now thrilled to 

welcome our first co-ed Year 7 cohort into our nurturing community.” 

Cobham Hall’s non-selective approach fosters a warm, diverse, and 

inclusive atmosphere where students feel encouraged to step beyond 

their comfort zones, cultivate curiosity and creativity, and discover 

their full potential – discovering there is more in them than they 

think. Applications are now open for girls and boys across 

all years. Experience the Cobham Hall difference at 

our Open Morning on 5th October, 9.30am – 

12.30pm. Find out more at cobhamhall.com 

99 


CO-EDUCATIONAL | AGES 2-18 

BOARDING & DAY, SURREY 

TEACH THEM 

TO STAND OUT, 

NOT BLEND IN. 

At ACS Cobham, we believe in helping every child to discover their true potential, stand 

out, and achieve excellence in their own field. Our 128-acre campus boasts world-class 

performing arts, sports and teaching facilities ensuring our students are ready for anything. 

Globally recognised curriculums | International Baccalaureate and Advanced 

Placement Programmes | Extensive busing | Bursaries available 

PEARSON NATIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING AWARD WINNERS 

REGISTER FOR AN OPEN DAY OR PERSONAL TOUR AT ACS-SCHOOLS.COM/COBHAM

Reigate 


children aged 3–11 years 

Now part of the Reigate Grammar School family 

Visit www.micklefieldschool.co.uk to find out more 

micklefield_prep 

MicklefieldSchoolReigate T: 01737 224 212 E: admissions@micklefieldschool.co.uk 


Education for life. 

A day and boarding school for girls and boys 11- 18 

Welcome to Cobham Hall, where centuries 

of history meet a curriculum for the future, 

and creativity knows no bounds. 

Achieve more than you dreamed 

possible at Cobham Hall. 

Now welcoming applications from 

girls and boys in all years. 

Open Morning Saturday 5 th October 2024 

9.30am - 12.30pm 

Day | Boarding | Flexi-boarding available. 

01474 823371 | www.cobhamhall.com | Cobham, Gravesend, DA12 3BL | admissions@cobhamhall.com 

101 


Education 

No Substitute 

for the 

Real Thing 

A Head for 25 years, Mike Piercy is now an 

educational consultant and governor at two 

schools, here he looks at ‘artificial’ intelligence 

istockphoto.com/ Chor muang 

Can there be anything revolutionary about teaching 

as we hurtle towards the second quarter of the 

twenty-first century? The UK’s first AI classroom 

opened in September, the GCSE students using their 

computers accompanied by virtual reality headsets. 

What, no teacher? Surely that is revolutionary? Try to 

imagine classrooms devoid of teachers. To the pupil 

an opportunity; to the Head a recipe for disaster. 

We all recall certain teachers – generally for polarised 

reasons: good or bad. My history teacher was inspirational 

– a natural and gifted storyteller with a beguiling baritone 

voice. I remember most of all his lessons about the Crimean 

and Zulu wars. I made the mistake of sitting by a radiator 

after rugby practice one dark winter’s afternoon and nodded 

off, abruptly awoken by his baritone bellow. Embarrassed, I 

was deeply remorseful, having a profound respect for him. 

Then there was the English teacher. He was far too 

clever for me (and, quite possibly, for many of those 

in his classroom). His undoubted intelligence and 

literary knowledge made him impatient – we were 

dullards in his eyes. His short temper was another 

matter entirely. By contrast, a French teacher, when 

the class struggled with accent, pronunciation and 

effort, hauled us all outside to sing ‘La Marseillaise’ 

which we did with unbridled enthusiasm. 

Yet, those in the same classroom may well have had 

differing views because, of course, we are all different. We 

see and feel things individually. Teaching is fundamentally, 

inherently, essentially a human business. Yes, a class has to 

be led and directed, but what of the diverse individuality 

within the room; the range of learning styles and variety 

of intelligence? One of the greatest skills of the talented 

teacher is asking the right question, at the right time, 

of the right child. And to succeed in that the teacher 

has to be empathically in tune with each individual. 

George Bernard Shaw gets to the heart of the teacher’s 

mission: ‘What we want to see is the child in pursuit of 

knowledge and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.’ 

Many teachers would argue GCSEs see knowledge in 

pursuit of the child. I am inclined to agree. These exams 

are formulaic, lacking the opportunity for a student to 

demonstrate flair, imagination and creativity. An exciting 

curriculum – led and delivered by inspiring teachers above 

all – will see a pupil’s love of learning grow and flourish. 

Returning from a short break to the Amalfi coast in 

February (it was wonderfully warm and sunny) we got 

chatting to an Italian film director who was interested in 

the publication of my book, ‘Careering’, the story of my 

own education and eventual rise to school leadership. His 

question threw me: ‘What’s the takeaway of the book?’ 

After a short pause the answer dawned on me. Personal 

development, human interaction and relationships, go 

hand in hand with academic and all-round achievement. 

It stands to reason the latter will not happen without 

the former. Now, call me a cynic, label me a Luddite, 

but I’ve yet to be convinced AI (as teacher substitute) 

has this capability. The clue lies in the title: artificial. 

Mike’s book ‘Careering’ out now with 

Troubador Publishing troubador.co.uk. 


Dare to 

IMAGINE 

Discover Hazelwood, an exceptional 

prep school for children aged 9 months 

to 13 years, nestled in 25 acres of Surrey 

woodlands, offering one-of-a-kind 

learning opportunities, state-of-the-art 

facilities, and boundless possibilities. 

Open Mornings 

Friday 11 th October 

Years 7 & 8 Open Morning 

Friday 22 nd November 

Whole School Open Morning 

Private Tours available to book today. 

admissions@hazelwoodschool.com 

Oxted, Surrey | hazelwoodschool.co.uk 

240902_Hazelwood_A4 portrait_Library_Wealden_210mm x 297mm_AW.indd 1 08/09/2024 13:42

ALI MOURABET AT PORTICO GALLERY 

ASCOT FIREWOKS 

SECRETTS 

PUMPKIN WEEK 

istockphoto.com/ JNemchinova & gorodenkoff & skynesher 

What’s On 

in Autumn 

ART & EXHIBITIONS 

Throughout October & 

November, Portico Art Gallery, 

25 London Road, Riverhead, 

Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2BU 

ALI MOURABET AT 

PORTICO GALLERY 

Portico Art Gallery hosts an 

exhibition of artworks by 

internationally renowned Lebanese 

artist, Ali Mourabet. In his 

imposing paintings, Mourabet 

uses vibrant, saturated colour 

palettes to create an endearing 

feeling of positivity, especially in 

his sun-drenched buildings and 

inviting beach scenes. Mourabet 

strives to bring the same sense of 

peace and nostalgia to the viewer 

that he feels when he creates 

each piece, and continuously 

seeks to explore different styles 

and techniques, while remaining 

faithful to the subjects closest to 

his heart. Having had a successful 

career as an architect, Mourabet 

often paints everyday locations 

from Beiruit like the buildings 

that surround his high-rise studio. 

porticogallery.co.uk 

BONFIRE NIGHT 

Sat 2 Nov 

Ascot Racecourse, High 

Street, Ascot SL5 7JX 

ASCOT FIREWORKS 

Prepare to be dazzled by over 

20,000 fireworks accompanied 

by frivolous fairground rides 

and fantastic live entertainment. 

Welcoming the 2024/25 Jumps 

season in exquisite style, Ascot’s 

Fireworks Spectacular sets the 

stage for an array of exceptional 

races, including one you really 

won’t want to miss – the Gold 

Cup Handicap Chase. Alongside 

the racetrack, families can 

indulge in an array of spooky 

activities and enjoy the thrill 

of timeless fairground rides. 

Entry: from £25 

ascot.com/racedays/fireworks 

HALLOWEEN 

Sat 19 – Sun 20 & Fri 

25 – Weds 30 Oct 

Secretts of Milford, Chapel 

Lane, Hurst Farm Hurst Farm, 

105 

Milford, Surrey GU8 5HU 

SECRETTS PUMPKIN WEEK 

Spooky trails and sets, a pumpkin 

stacked wall, creative Halloween 

backdrops, and tons of activities 

for the kids – this is the perfect 

destination for memorable 

Halloween photos. A themed 

pumpkin menu is designed to 

appeal to big and small appetites 

with iconic Secretts favourites 

including pumpkin soup, curry 

and cake to finish off with a 

treat. But the biggest draw is 

undoubtably the pumpkin fields 

themselves which stretch for 

as far as the eye can see with 

100,00 pumpkins of 11 different 

kinds, all ready to be picked! 

Entry: £5 

secretts.co.uk 

Mon 28 – Weds 30 

Oct 9am-3.30pm 

Painshill, Cobham, 

Surrey KT11 1JE 

PAINSHILL’S WILD 

HALLOWEEN CAMP 

Give the kids a wild time this 

October Half Term at Painshill 

with den building, campfires, and 

lots more spooky adventures in 

the wild woods! It’s the perfect 

time to get fresh air in their 

lungs and mud on their boots 

with these fun-filled days of 

playing, laughing, exploring and 

discovering. The experienced 

trained staff at the Forest School 

have gone to town with the 

Halloween theme with lots of 

monstrously exciting adventures 

planned. Ages 8 to 11 only. 

Entry: £45 per day 

painshill.co.uk 

WORKSHOPS 

Sat 19 Oct 10.30-3.30pm 

Watts Gallery Artists’ 

Village, Down Lane, 

Guildford GU3 1DQ 

MASTERCLASS: CERAMICS 

WITH KAY APLIN 

Join artist Kay Aplin for a 

special ceramics masterclass. 

Learn some of Kay’s techniques 

looking at natural forms on a 

microscopic level to inspire and 

inform beautiful relief tiles. 

Zoom in on natural forms with 

a powerful microscope to select 

imagery and create terracotta tiles 

with ornate patterns and designs. 

Entry: £125 (£112.50 for members) 

wattsgallery.org.uk 

Listings are correct at time of going 

to press but may be subject to change. 

Readers are advised to check with venues 

before making arrangements. We can list 

your event in the next issue of Surrey 

Homes for only £150+VAT. Please supply 

up to 100 words that should include date, 

time, venue, contact for enquiries and any 

entry price to whatson@priceless-group. 

com or send with payment (cheques 

payable to Priceless Media Ltd.) to What’s 

On, Priceless Media, Kettle Chambers, 

21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 

3HF. Priceless Media reserves the right to 

edit text to fit space allocated. Deadline 

for the next issue is 8th November. 


Jane Howard prepares to 

bid farewell to George the 

bull, as he moves to a new 

home in Canterbury 

Goodbye, George. A sad day 

at Coopers Farm. George, 

more formally known as 

Coopers Poll Regent 3rd, is a six-year-old 

pedigree Sussex bull bred on the farm, now 

in his prime and moving on to pastures new. 

Our calves are all born in March and unusually 

we don’t castrate our bull calves at birth but leave 

them 'entire' to grow on in their first summer. 

They will have been weighed every three months 

and this data will support the visual criteria used to 

select the top two or three to keep and grow on to 

become breeding bulls. The others are 'chopped' and 

we all know what ultimately happens to them. 

The potential young studs then spend the next 

eighteen months getting the best rations and have to 

clear a couple of hurdles before they get 

their passport to 'work'. Firstly they have 

to be inspected by the Sussex Society to 

make sure they are good representatives 

of the breed, no white hairs, good pink 

nose, well grown and with a good frame. 

And then there’s the vet check. Sarah, our 

lovely vet, will be giving them a general 

MOT covering heart, lungs, eyes, set of 

their jaw, locomotion and, importantly, 

scrotal circumference. This is an 

indication of fertility and as a layman’s 

guide the family jewels on a good twoyear-old 

bull should be like two cans of 

coke (the old fashioned fat ones not those 

mini slim cans you get on aeroplanes). If 

after all that he gets the green light we’ll 

put a copper ring in his nose, he can be 

registered as a pedigree bull and sold on to a new home. 

George was born at Coopers Farm in 2018 and two 

years later was sold to a lovely farmer in Amersham. 

Three years on, after he had sired lots of calves she 

called me to say he needed a new home (on year four 

he would be covering his daughters) and I knew I 

At the Royal Norfolk 

Show we even met 

HM the King, who 

took a keen interest in 

the Sussex breed, said 

very complimentary 

things about George 

and seemed genuinely 

interested in the price 

I charge for a pound 

of prime mince! 

shouldn’t but I somehow found myself buying him 

back! A slightly hopeless decision as having owned 

his father I do of course have quite a few of his sisters 

who he obviously couldn’t attend to. And we already 

had a bull so George’s services really weren’t required. 

But I had other plans. We would go showing! 

So he and me have spent the last year going to all the 

summer shows and, bless him, he has done very well. 

At the Royal Norfolk Show we even 

met HM the King, who took a keen 

interest in the Sussex breed, said very 

complimentary things about George and 

seemed genuinely interested in the price 

I charge for a pound of prime mince! 

But now he really, really does have to 

go. Bulls remain fertile well into their 

teens but their enthusiasm for the job 

does fall off after about eight or nine. If 

he has a herd of say thirty cows and two 

are in season at the same time a young 

bull will enthusiastically sort one and then 

the other. The older bull will probably 

sort out one and then go and have a 

cigarette and a nap under a hedge. Not 

good when you want all the cows to get 

pregnant and calve around the same time. 

George, at six, is good for one more commercial 

job, so later this month he’s off to a lovely home near 

Canterbury where they have over a hundred cows. 

Don’t worry, it won’t just be down to George – they 

have quite a few bulls. And so here at Coopers we will 

start shopping for a replacement. Exciting times. 


THAMES 

DESIGN & BUILD 

Call us on 

020 8398 9252 

ARE YOU CONSIDERING AN EXTENSION, LOFT 

CONVERSION, OUTBUILDING, OR ANY OTHER 

ALTERATION OR ADDITION TO YOUR PROPERTY? 

Thames Design and Build provides architectural design 

and/or construction services to clients across Surrey, with 

over with 80% over of 80% our of projects our projects being being Elmbridge Surrey based. 

We offer: 

• A A free consultation to discuss your ideas and advise 

you advise on the you possibilities on the possibilities and permissions 

and permissions 

• A A fixed quote for all stages of architectural work 

• A A fixed quote for your build – we are equally happy to to 

provide a build quote in respect of your existing designs 

We have a large portfolio of clients within Surrey Elmbridge, and its so 

whatever surrounding your areas plans so are, whatever we should your be plans able are, to we show should you 

a be comparable able to show completed you a comparable project. completed project. 

Please email us at info@thamesdesignandbuild.com 

or visit the website www.thamesdesignandbuild.com 

Ditton Garages, Southville Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0UL

Surrey Homes | SH117 | October 2024 | Luxe Supplement inside

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