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GRAND TOURERIvan Evernden’s icon

TIGER COUNTRYIndia’s royal reserve

PLATFORM 3Standing room only

IN THE RIGHT VEINDr Paul Baskerville

Northern lightSublime Icelandic landscapes

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FEBRUARY 2016 | essence-magazine.co.uk 3

8 | Interview | TIM RUDMANTim is a fine art photographer and internationallyrenowned darkroom printer. Acknowledged as one ofthe finest landscape photographers active today, hisnew book is titled ‘Iceland, an Uneasy Calm’.

16 | Travel | WILDLIFE INDIABandhavgarh National Park in India was the formerhunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. A famousnatural habitat for tigers, Subhasish Chakrabortysearches for these elusive animals.

22 | Gardening | HTACreate a winter wonderland with advice from The HTA on a selection of seasonal plants to banishwinter blues and add early colour.

26 | Motoring | BENTLEYThe Bentley Continental GT is one of the most iconiccars on the road today. Euan Johns takes a look backat the birth of a motoring icon, arguably the world’sfirst Grand Tourer.

32 | Fashion | BEST OF BRITISHMenswear from Richard James of Mayfair, innovativeknitwear by Caitlin Charles-Jones and classic watchesfrom Abbot Lyon.

38 | Food | CRATES LOCAL PRODUCECrates chooses current seasonal offerings, includingoysters, chilli and two eternal favourites, chocolateand coffee, together with recipes to enjoy.

42 | Baking | JEN’S CUPCAKERYNothing says ‘I love you’ like a gooey chocolatebrownie. So, for this Valentine’s Day, use a heart shaped cutter for romance, or simply slice and serve.

44 | Artisan food | EAT SURREYShirlee Posner of Eat Surrey discovers Platform 3 inClaygate where there’s standing room only for awardwinning beer from Brightwater Brewery.

46 | Health | THE BASKERVILLE CLINICLouise Alexander O’Loughlin interviews one ofLondon’s top vascular surgeons, Dr Paul Baskerville,about the importance of what lies beneath thesurface of our skin.

50 | Legal | MUNDAYSGemma James, partner at Mundays LLP, stresses theimportance of forward planning when considering thepurchase or lease of property for business purposes.

52 | Finance | PMWThe bears are back as global financial marketswelcomed in 2016 by taking a bite out of theportfolios of many investors. Simon Lewis considers what lies ahead.

54 | Education | CRANMOREMichael Connolly, headmaster at Cranmore School, considers the importance of homework in children’s education.

62 | Leisure breaks | FLORIDALauderdale-by-the-Sea, twelve miles from the hustleand bustle of Fort Lauderdale, is a tranquil town thatoozes old Floridian charm. Rebecca Underwoodsamples its charm.

66 | Events | SURREYLinda Seward’s detailed diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts and countrysideover the month.

78 | Overseas Property | ITALYRome’s eternal appeal and Michelangelo’sTuscany home is for sale.

Travel | WILDLIFE INDIA

FEBRUARY 2016 | essence-magazine.co.uk 1716 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2016

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Where wilderness AND HISTORY ENTWINE

Bandhavgarh National Park in India was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and is a famous natural habitat for Royal Bengal Tigers. Subhasish Chakraborty went in search of these elusive animals.

Royal Bengal Tiger PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SHAILIN RAMJI

Fashion | BEST OF BRITISH


>>>

Since 1992, Richard James has established a reputation as a leading luxury brand setting the standard forcontemporary tailoring and menswear.

The first of the ‘new establishment’ tailors on Savile Row,Richard James has contributed to revitalising what haslong been acknowledged as the world centre for tailoringwith the its bold, progressive take on the timeless andtraditional. The Richard James’ philosophy is to produceclassic clothing of quality and push boundaries throughdesign, colour and cut.

The winter collection introduced a new selection ofouterwear with casual jackets and tailored overcoatsusing a colour pallet of mainly earthy rich tones andsubtle textures.

Richard James Mayfair brings a well-edited collection of full tailored suits through to separates such as simple printed shirts and ties. Prices for a full suit start at £395 and shirts start at £65 each.

essence INFOAvailable from House of Fraser nationally, as well as Peter Jones and John Lewis.Website: www.richardjames.co.uk

Timeless tradition

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Baking | JEN’S CUPCAKERY

42 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2016

Gluten free chocolate, pistachio and sea salt brownies for Valentine’s DayNothing says I love you like a gooey chocolate brownie. One of our new range, this gluten free chunk of gorgeousness is made with coconut flour,packed with pistachios and a tang of sea salt, though readers could just aseasily substitute with fresh raspberries or cherries. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter for added romance, or simply slice and serve with a dusting oficing sugar or a dollop of crème fraiche...

Makes around 16

Ingredients250g unsalted butter200g dark chocolate70g coconut flour (you can buy online or in good

health food shops)One teaspoon gluten free baking powder360g caster sugar100g pistachios, chopped into small piecesThree large eggs, lightly beaten80g cocoa powderOne teaspoon sea salt for the mixture plus a little

extra to sprinkle on top

Method Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 6 and then grease and line

a 20cm square tin with non-stick baking paper.Melt the butter and chocolate in a glass bowl above a pan

of simmering water. Give the mixture a stir every now andagain to help it along and then remove from heat and leaveto cool slightly.Whisk the eggs and sugar together until a creamy mixture

is achieved. This will take at least five minutes in an electricmixer, more if whisking manually.Sieve the coconut flour, baking powder and cocoa powder

into another bowl and mix until all ingredients are combined.Gently fold in the melted chocolate and butter into the egg

mixture and then do the same with the flour mix – do notover mix, it is fine if it looks a little ‘clumpy’. Follow with thechopped pistachios and the sea salt and pour into the tin.Bake for about 25 minutes (or until a skewer inserted in

the centre comes out mostly clean). The brownies shouldbe squidgy in the middle, so don’t overbake!

essence INFOWebsite: www.jenscupcakery.comTelephone: 07751 553106Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenscupcakeryTwitter: @jenscupcakeryBlog: www.ilovejenscupcakery.wordpress.com

TOP TIP: Before slicing through the cooked brownies, put the knife under hot water for a few seconds; it will makecutting the gooey brownies easier.

Gardening | HTA

FEBRUARY 2016 | essence-magazine.co.uk 2322 essence-magazine.co.uk | FEBRUARY 2016

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dd the wow factor to a garden with striking plants that looktheir best now. Whether wishing to fill borders with hardy

shrubs covered with fragrant flowers, clad a fence or archway withcolour, or plant a small flowering tree to create a focal point, there isa great range of seasonal stunners for these winter months.

While a coating of frost or snow creates temporary magical moments,a unifying effect with its icy frosting, the excitement really starts when itmelts away to reveal winter displays full of colour, character and charm.

A choice selection of the very hardiest plants put on their best showin the depths of winter, providing a bright outlook from the comfort ofan armchair, and an even warmer welcome when stepping outside.

Gold blooms really shine out on gloomy days: Witch-hazels produceclusters of small fragrant flowers with petals like dainty ribbons,transforming the otherwise naked stems of this hardy shrub. EvergreenMahonias impress with their golden sprays of flowers forming at the tipof each shoot. There are several varieties to choose from with differentsizes and forms, and flowers on most are followed by the formation ofgrape-like berries in spring giving these shrubs their common name ofOregon Grape.

The poet Ted Hughes may have described November as “the month of the drowneddog”, but this description could equally apply to the mid winter months following theChristmas and New Year festivities. Help is on hand from The Horticultural TradesAssociation (HTA) as it offers advice on a selection of seasonal plants to take awaywinter blues with recommendations on camellias to add early colour.

Camellia Debbie ©THE FARPLANTS GROUP

Mahonia Lionel Fortesque ©THE FARPLANTS GROUP

Create a winterwonderland

1. Choose planting sites carefully. Ensure new plants are positioned infull view from a window or prime position by patio doors.

2. Add winter colour to a front garden to welcome family and visitorshome, and to cheer-up the local neighbourhood.

3. Fill patio pots and baskets with hardy winter bedding plants, such aspansies and violas for a kaleidoscope of colours.

4. Cover the ground under trees or shrubs with a carpet of WinterAconites (Eranthis hyemalis). Get ready to buy snowdrops too!

5. Plant clumps of winter flowering Iris unguicularis to brighten a dry,sunny spot at the base of a wall or fence, and use blooms as cut flowersto bring indoors.

Top tips for extra winter colour

Helleborus Winter Moonbeam ©WYEVALE NURSERIES

Few hardy shrubs signal the end of winter better thancamellias, highly valued for their stunning floral displaysand fresh, glossy, evergreen foliage. Dozens of varieties areavailable, so pick from camellias in shades of pink, red,white and cream. Their ultimate size, habit and rate ofgrowth vary immensely too, from small and compact to abold shrub or even a flowering hedge or screen, the choiceis personal.

Camellia flowers vary in size and shape too, and their formscan be divided into six descriptive groups depending on thenumber of petals and their pattern or arrangement withinthe flower. These forms are described as Single, Semi-double, Anemone-form, Peony-form, Rose-form double orFormal double.

Like azaleas and rhododendrons, camellias are ericaceousplants, and this means they need to grow in an acid or lime-free soil to ensure they stay healthy. A simple soil test kitavailable from garden centres can be used to check soilacidity/alkalinity, and composts and fertilisers can be addedto help make soil more acid.

Compact varieties of camellia grow well in large pots orhalf-barrels filled with ericaceous compost, available ingarden centres.

Grown in the right soil and position, camellias usuallyflower reliably with little care and attention, growing largerover time to develop into impressive flowering shrubs. Mostcamellias rarely need pruning, but if they outgrow theirposition, individual shoots can be shortened and plants caneven regrow well if cut back hard into old wood.

Where space is available, develop a seasonal bed includinga camellia or two and other evergreens and early floweringplants to provide welcome colour through late winter andinto early spring.

Camellias for early colour

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contentsIssue 68 | FEBRUARY 2016

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essence teamActing Editor: Andrew GuilorContributing Editor: Louise Alexander-O’LoughlinPublishing Manager: Rebecca PetersProduction Manager: Linda SewardDesigner: Sharon SmithSenior Designer: Jason Mayestelephone: 01932 988677email: [email protected]

Advertising Manager: Andrew Peterstelephone: 07980 956488email: [email protected]

Advertising Sales: telephone: 01932 988677email: [email protected]

Advertising Sales Executive: Nadine Schioldanemail: [email protected]

Contributors: Louise Alexander O’Loughlin, Shirlee Posner, Helen Heady, SubhasishChakraborty, Michael Connolly, RebeccaUnderwood, Gemma James, James Condie, Simon Lewis, PJ Aldred, Jennifer Sutton, Naomi Diamond, Euan Johns.

essence magazineMaple Publishing Limited, the publishers, authors and printerscannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Any artwork will beat owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced in any form without the written permission of thecopyright holder and publisher, application for which should bemade in writing to the publisher. The opinions expressed in thismagazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

essence is posted by Royal Mail to key addresses in Cobham,Oxshott, Esher, Weybridge, Guildford and outlying areas. Properties in all the major private estates, including St George’s Hill,the Crown Estate and Wentworth Estate, receive the magazine 10times per year.

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© Maple Publishing 2016

essence 68COVER: Beached ice by Tim Rudman

Three score and tenThe biblical reference to a person’s allotted earthly time came into sharp focus withthe news of David Bowie and Alan Rickman’s recent deaths. Having rented my firstflat some 150 yards from where Bowie started out (in a then slightly edgy venue), I felt a particular jolt. Who could argue that this extraordinary man crammed moreinto his years than most would into several lifetimes? These days, of course, seventy is regarded as no real age, so perhaps time to pause and reflect on an extraordinaryworld with its endless variety of natural and manmade wonders.

In this issue of essence we take a look at photographer Tim Rudman’s haunting andbeautiful images of Iceland. No wonder the country is used as a dramatic setting forGame of Thrones.

We also travel to India’s former royal hunting grounds in search of tigers and discoverthe history behind the iconic Bentley Continental GT, the first car to offer high speedcruising in comfort.

In the garden, it’s not the brightest time of year, but The Horticultural TradesAssociation has recommendations for seasonal plants to liven things up. Fashion and style this issue comes from Mayfair in the form of Richard James’menswear, with Caitlin Charles-Jones offering stylish knitwear. We also take a look at the Italian property market.

As usual, essence has health, legal, finance and educational advice, together with thebest of a variety of activities for the coming month, highlighting food and events, anda competition to see an exhibition on the history of cycling at the Design Museum.

The essence team

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Dark force

Interview_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:43 Page 1

Interview | TIM RUDMAN


>>>

Tim Rudman is a fine art photographer and internationally renowned darkroomprinter who began his involvement with photography in the 1960s whilst studyingmedicine in London. Tim is acknowledged as one of the very finest landscapephotographers active today. Working exclusively with film and wet processing,he is widely held responsible for the popularity of the Lith Printing process andchemical toning techniques. essence caught up with Tim before the start of thisyear’s touring solo exhibition promoting his new book ‘Iceland, an Uneasy Calm’.

P I C T U R E P E R F E C T i n t h e l a n d o f f i r e a n d i c e

All images: selenium and thiourea toned silver gelatine ©Tim Rudman. All rights reserved.


Q Tim, you have a medical background. Photography is regardedas a method of recording fact and a medium of artistic expression.Did your medical studies spark your interest in photography?A No, although it was whilst a medical student that my photographicepiphany moment occurred when I picked up a book by South Africanphotographer Sam Haskins. It was instant and within weeks I hadlocated a darkroom and was teaching myself to print.

Q Which artists and photographers have been your main inspiration?A At school and as a student I liked visual ‘art’, in particular Rodinand Michaelangelo, and I constantly littered my books and files withsketches of bits of their sculptures. My earliest photographicinfluences were Sam Haskins – for his then-daring use of design,grain and composition – and American photojournalist EugeneSmith, for his amazing interpretation through printing and for his useof deep dark tones.

Q What initially drew you to working in black and white?A That is easy. I always drew in black and white, never colour. Withphotography, it didn’t occur to me then to work in anything but blackand white. That is how I ‘see’.

Q You have pioneered Lith Printing – what do you feel this processhas added to your work?A Ironically, colour. Although ‘false colour’ and its ability to addlayers and dimensions to a print that no other process can. Itexpanded my creative horizons in ways I was not expecting and thatis quite addictive.

Q Your work looks as though a lot of planning and pre-thoughtgoes into it. Do you meticulously plan each shoot and image?A No. I’m more reactive than that. I don’t like the idea of executinga carefully preconceived image. For me, the essence of an image hasto be ‘discovered’ and explored. I do have ideas about where I wantto shoot and when and what I might want to explore when I get there.These might be sketched out in my head, but in reality the imagesdevelop (no pun intended) during that time in response to theweather, the light and what they arouse in me and are often quitedifferent. I do revisit some locations repeatedly when I feel there issomething I haven’t quite identified.

Q You have produced some spectacular landscapes, is this yourfavourite subject matter and why?A It is, but using the term ‘landscape’ loosely. It might be (often is)a portrait of a single tree or other object, which although part of thelandscape, becomes the subject, with the landscape being secondary.

Q Your latest book is ‘Iceland, an Uneasy Calm’ and containsimages taken over a period of eight years. What attracts you toIceland and what’s behind the title of the book?A There is a distinctly primeval feel to the landscape there – very‘Middle Earth’ and it fuses seamlessly with Iceland’s mythology. Youcan feel it everywhere. Man has made his mark on this landscape and

draws geothermal energy from it, but underfoot is this awesomesubterranean power that strikes back regularly and reasserts itself.One is always aware of this balance of power and there have beenthree world news level volcanic eruptions there in the last few yearsalone. Everyone there knows there will be more, and potentiallycatastrophic, but not when.

Q Where are you happiest: in the darkroom or outside taking photographs?A When I am in the landscape, that is where I am happiest, especiallywhen the elements are raging. When I am printing in my darkroomthat is where I am also happiest, especially when the interpretive/creative forces are favouring me (they don’t always of course!).

Q Some photographers work in digital media and manipulatetheir images by computer. Is this something you ever considered?A It doesn’t excite me. I like the intimate involvement that the tactilecraft of printmaking brings.

Q Your images are regarded as works of art. What do you thinkconstitutes a photographic work of art? A Well, mine are never straight records. They always have layers ofinterpretation to bring forward deeper feelings. Does that make art?That is a deep question. Art is what you say it is.

Q Pablo Picasso said that a dentist is a frustrated doctor and aphotographer a frustrated painter. Would you agree with this? A Ha ha. No.

Q The current record price paid for a photographic work of art is$4.3 million for Andreas Gursky’s landscape Rhein II. Photographyhas struggled to be accepted as art. In your opinion why do youthink this is?A Because from its discovery photography has been a recordingprocess produced by a ‘device’. There have always been those whosee its potential as an art medium, and pretty much from its beginningthere have always been those who decry it as such. America has a strong and established tradition of photography as an art form. Europe is catching up fast. It is, though, just a medium. It canbe used in different ways for different purposes. Like a pen, a brushor a keyboard.

Q I recently attended a lecture on Don McCullin’s tour and hestated his distaste for being called an artist, regarding himself asa photographer first and foremost. Are you happy to be calledan artist?A I am. My work is a world away from Don McCullin’s. His intentionwas never to produce art and I understand that he would dislike itbeing described as such.

Q What future plans do you have?A To catch up on my printing. There is a saying: “If you want tomake God laugh, tell him your plans for tomorrow.”





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Kirkjufell




Grasses and Lava


Nordic beauty


Tim Rudman began his involvement with photography in the1960s whilst studying medicine in London. He taught himself to print in the darkroom and, with his distinctive style of blackand white printing, quickly gained some early recognition andpublication. His work has been exhibited in over 50 countriesaround the world, gaining many top international awards.For many years he pursued his two loves of medicine andphotography together, but now devotes his time to photography.He is respected internationally as a photographer, printer, author and authority on darkroom printing and toningtechniques. His name is particularly linked with his pioneeringwork in the beautiful process of Lith Printing, a process in whichhe is widely regarded as the leading authority and practitioner.His work and publications in this field are held to be primarilyresponsible for its current popularity as a photographic art form around the world.Tim is a regular writer and lecturer and has conducted darkroomworkshops in Britain, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Canada andAmerica. His four books on photographic printing and toningtechniques are critically acclaimed and are widely used inteaching establishments. His work has been publishedextensively in many countries.Tim is a member and past chairman of The London Salon ofPhotography, A Fellow of The Royal Photographic Society ofGreat Britain and of The Royal Society of Arts. He was a foundermember and subsequent chairman of the Royal PhotographicSociety’s Distinctions Panel for Photographic Printing and 20year member of its Distinctions Panel for Visual Arts. Hecurrently sits on the RPS Fellowship Board and is a past andcurrent selector for the Tyng Permanent Collection. He wasawarded the Society’s Fenton medal and honorary lifemembership in 2013. He is a member of the Arena group of photographers in the UKand the Freestyle Advisory Board of Photographic Professionalsin Hollywood, California. Tim’s work is represented in a numberof permanent and private collections around the world.His photographic prints are individually hand crafted in thedarkroom using silver gelatin materials processed to the highest archival standards and toned mainly with selenium, gold and sulphides, both for aesthetic reasons and to ensurearchival permanence.He is currently represented in Melbourne, Australia by GoldStreet Gallery, in the UK by Bangwallop Gallery and online by Art Upfront.

Profile: Tim Rudman


Hornsvik night White church with fence

essence INFOSelected venues for solo exhibitions of Iceland, an Uneasy Calmduring 2016 and 2017: Fox Talbot Gallery and Museum, LacockAbbey, Wiltshire until July. The Lightbox Gallery and Museum, Woking, Surrey during July. Banbury Gallery and Museum,Oxfordshire from December 2016 to January 2017.

Websites: www.timrudman.com &www.iceland-anuneasycalm.comThere are two editions of Iceland, an Uneasy Calm – single book or clamshell with print. Both are available to purchase atwww.iceland-anuneasycalm.com

Iceland, ‘the land of fire and ice’, has a strong and omnipresent ‘Middle Earth’feel to it. Evidence of its volcanic origin is everywhere. Geysers spurt, mudpools boil and steam billows from the ground. The central highlands areunpopulated and barren. Glistening glacial caps crown the mountains andextend long white fingers down to light-sucking lava deserts, whilst bible-black beaches lie fringed with white surf. Thundering waterfalls abound,whilst craggy caves and peaks, often shrouded in mist and low cloud, providea home to some of Iceland’s trolls and ‘hidden people’. In summer the daysextend through the nights. In winter the nights eat up the days. Changes inthe weather are frequent and storms can be spectacular. Brooding skiesaccentuate the already dramatic and sometimes eerie landscape wheretrolls lurk at night and get turned to stone by daylight. It is a land of mythand magic, of fearsome subterranean power and spectacular scenery.– Tim Rudman



[email protected]

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Where wilderness AND HISTORY ENTWINE

Bandhavgarh National Park in India was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and is a famous natural habitat for Royal Bengal Tigers. Subhasish Chakraborty went in search of these elusive animals.

India_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:44 Page 1



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Royal Bengal Tiger PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SHAILIN RAMJI


any of us may marvel at the exciting holidayadventures other people choose. We’re not allBear Grylls, so we can usually come up witha bucketful of excuses for not attemptinganything out of our comfort zone. No time,not fit enough, too risky: I’m sure there are

others to add to the list. The truth is travellers don’t have to be youngto enjoy what may at first appear intimidating. Whether six or sixty,there’s a travel option that will provide an experience of a lifetime.How about tracking tigers then?

India has some of the world’s best national parks and wildlifesanctuaries whose areas extend several thousands of square kilometres.

One such park is the world famous Bandhavgarh National Park in thestate of Madhya Pradesh. Set among the Vindhyas, (a broken range ofhills forming the southern escarpment of the central upland of India),Bandhavgarh is a relatively small park, but significantly has the highestknown density of a tiger population in India. This is the mystical RoyalBengal Tiger’s territory.

Unique amongst India’s National Parks, Bandhavgarh has a richhistorical past.

Rarely will travellers come across a park or wildlife sanctuary sosteeped in history. The finest example being the magnificent BandhavgarhFort, which forms the Park’s backdrop. There are no records to showwhen the fort was built, but it’s believed to be over 2,000 years old withreferences to it in ancient literature.


MHistory of BandhavgarhBandhavgarh is a legendary place, with the name‘Bandhavgarh’ a combination of two words: Bandhav and Garh. Bandhav means brother and Garh means fort.The name Bandhavgarh was given to the reserve owing to the ancient fort. Major dynasties ruled the Bandhavgarhregions of which The Baghels are believed to have done so for the longest time.

During their rule, the Baghels decided to move their capital to Rewa and the Bandhavgarh region became acorner post of the kingdom and less populated. The thickforest became a perfect habitat for tigers. The Maharajasof Rewa bequeathed the land to the state government and in 1968 it was declared a national park. Measureshave been taken to improve the conditions of the animalsand prevent poaching, including water conservation andthe relocation of villages to within the boundaries of thePark. A buffer zone was established and is patrolled bysecurity, as is the core area.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SAMODE SAFARI LODGE




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Bandhavgarh fort PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANTHONY BROWN | 123RF.COM

Cheetal deer PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SERGEY URYADNIKOV | DREAMSTIME.COM


Several dynasties ruledthe fort; the last ruler wasthe Maharaja of Rewa who converted it and itssurrounding jungles into ahunting reserve for the soleuse of the royal family.

The Maharaja tookpride in preserving theforest, but he did have a

vested interest: that of satisfying his passion for tracking tigers.On arrival, lush greenery, the majestic Bandahvgarh Fort with its

pastel grey clouds floating above, and rays of the evening sun delicatelyhighlighting wooded shrubs where Steppe Eagles perch precariouslypresent a breathtaking sight. Bandhavgarh is a haunting wilderness ofastounding beauty that never ceases to heighten the senses. There’s awonderful, wild isolation and peace in this part of the world.

Perched fifteen feet up in the fork of a tree, with a dart gun, is the park ranger who directs his team of trained tiger trackers riding elephantsto brush their way through dense undergrowth. Somewhere in betweenboth is a tiger sleeping off a meal from a kill made the previous night.

The ranger is hoping the elephants willdisturb the tiger and it will slink awayfrom them and towards him. Animalalarm calls betray the tiger’s stealthyand silent progress through the forest.The ranger marvels at the ingenuity ofhis hunt assistants or Shikaris whoinvented this method, once employedby royalty to slaughter tigers (therecord for an individual being 109 killsin a year). Today the process is usedfar more constructively to observethese cats and enable answers to basicquestions such as how these animalsexist in the wild.

It’s not all fun and excitement and a lot of patience is required. Well,who could blame these animals foravoiding human attention? During the

expectant wait senses are heightened by the multitude of exotic noisesemanating from the jungle. There are unforgettable rewards for enteringthis secret world. A ‘Mahut’ (master elephant rider) at Bandhavgarh toldme that sometimes when tigers are looking for mates their deep roarsreverberate across the stunning Bandhavgarh landscape. Tigers can chaseleopards up trees, but for most of the day they sleep. These mysticalanimals are the main attraction at Bandhavgarh, but not the only one.Other wildlife includes the Chousingha (small four horned antelope),Chinkara gazelle, Nilgai antelope, Porcupine, Hyena and RhesusMacaque monkeys.

With as many as 150 species nesting in Bandhavgarh’s favourablemicro-climate, travellers don’t have to be dedicated twitchers to appreciate

the astonishing variety of bird life. With the onset of winter, migratorybirds flock into its marshy surrounds making a spectacularly colourfulsetting. Have a date with Paradise Fly Catchers, Golden and Black HeadedOrioles, Yellow Ioras, Purple Sunbirds and Red Vented Bulbuls.

With each seasonal change a different spectacle unfolds as variationsin the water level of the ‘beels’ cause different vegetation patterns toemerge. As a result food supplies vary and attract different numbers of birds. Temporary swamps and completely dry land in Bandhavgarhmake a stark combination, biologically diverse, with conspicuousvegetation types and plant species. Each species of bird can be seen in


At dawn, as we set out, the forest still dark, and the elephants movinggracefully along in almosttotal silence, the morningsounds of Bandhavgarhpercolate the air. Peacockscalling from nighttimeroosts answered by theraucous barnyard crowingof Jungle Fowls, gaudyancestors of the domestic chicken.

Samode Safari Lodge

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SHAILIN RAMJI

Serpent Eagle with its prey PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SHAILIN RAMJI


separate colonies containing manythousands of individuals. These marshyareas delight with sudden flights or calls.The best time for watching is earlymorning and evening.

In Bandhavgarh we were guests of the Samode Safari Lodge, easilyone of India’s top ranked jungle hospitality destinations. The Lodge isinnovatively constructed, has an ethnic décor and excellent furnishings.The wooden floor comes with two cosy fireplaces and breathtaking viewsof the jungle. Most visitors to Bandhavgarh make a point of using theluxurious spa. The Lodge is designed in the form of a necklace of ethnicvillas: each one epitomising the grandeur of the fabled North-Indianhospitality all around the central lodge. Each villa offers a graceful livingarea, a lounge, well-appointed bedroom, plush bathroom and verandahwith jungle views.

Dining offers surprises galore either indoors or out. The Lodge goesthat extra mile to arrange truly romantic eating experiences out in thewoods, by the sparkling poolside or even a balmy bonfire barbecue; thein-house bar is well stocked.

So, after a day in the wild, as I relaxed in my comfortable chair at the

Lodge, a herd of deer were wending their way through the high grass andI was joined by Suzanne Haliwell, a keen British wildlife enthusiast. Asthe evening wore on and we moved seamlessly from beer to brandy,Suzanne talked increasingly about animal conservation and that if thingsfell into place how she would start her own zoo. I thought she was mad.How could anyone, except a millionaire, start her own zoo? Suzanneseemed undaunted; OK, Brits are a little eccentric at times, but hadn’t I heard of Benjamin Mee and Dartmoor Zoo? Read his book: ‘We Boughta Zoo’ which Hollywood turned into a film of the same name starringMatt Damon no less!

At dawn, as we set out, the forest still dark,and the elephants moving gracefully along inalmost total silence, the morning sounds ofBandhavgarh percolate the air. Peacocks callingfrom nighttime roosts answered by the raucousbarnyard crowing of Jungle Fowls, gaudyancestors of the domestic chicken. Gray Langurmonkeys give out a low self-satisfied hooting to greet the new day and warn one another to

be alert. As the elephants traverse the track and the mirthful squirrel plays hide and seek, you may even see his majesty the tiger having forty winks and basking in the early sunlight. Here is Bandhavgarh, blueand green all around, providing an unfathomable mystery, the mysterythat is Bandhavgarh.

Best time to visit: November to June (Bandhavgarh closes in July for the monsoon).

Where to stay: Luxurious jungle accommodation is available at Junglemantra Safaris (junglemantrasafaris.com. Tel: 0091 762 728 0547, 0091 940 758 2955); Samode Safari Lodge (www.samode.com/safarilodge. Tel: 0091 765 328 0579); The Taj Mohua Kothi (www.tajsafaris.com. Tel: 1 800 111 825);Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge (www.bandhavgarhjunglelodge.com. Tel: (11) 268 53760/8656); Forest Rest House (www.mpforest.org/bandhavgarh.html. Tel: 0091 076 532 22214).

Nearest town: Umaria, located 30 kilometres from Bandhavgarh.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Khajuraho, 210 kilometres fromBandhavgarh. From Khajuraho, taxis and buses are readily available.

For reservations contact: Field Director, Bandhavgarh National Park,P.O. Umaria, Dist: Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Website: www.bandhavgarh-national-park.com

Climate: Due to its tropical monsoon climatic zone, Bandhavgarh National Park has a lush environment. Its altitude varies between 410 and 810 metres with 32 hills. Although the Park’s entire extent is 1,161 sq. km, tourists are restricted to the 105 sq. km of the Tala Range. Very biodiverse, this area attracts tigers to thecore zone composed of four other zones: Magdhi, Kallwah, Khitauliand Panpatha.Winters are comparatively cool in the region and temperatures varyfrom almost freezing at night to around 68 degrees Fahrenheitduring daytime. The tropical conditions of the forest make summernights cooler than daytime temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.Rainfall averages 120cm per year.

Traveller fact file

Each species of bird can beseen in separate coloniescontaining many thousandsof individuals. These marshyareas delight with suddenflights or calls. The best timefor watching is early morningand evening.


Elephant excursions PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SERGEI URIADNIKOV | 123RF.COM

Tiger twins PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SHAILIN RAMJI



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dd the wow factor to a garden with striking plants that looktheir best now. Whether wishing to fill borders with hardy

shrubs covered with fragrant flowers, clad a fence or archway withcolour, or plant a small flowering tree to create a focal point, there isa great range of seasonal stunners for these winter months.

While a coating of frost or snow creates temporary magical moments,a unifying effect with its icy frosting, the excitement really starts when itmelts away to reveal winter displays full of colour, character and charm.

A choice selection of the very hardiest plants put on their best showin the depths of winter, providing a bright outlook from the comfort ofan armchair, and an even warmer welcome when stepping outside.

Gold blooms really shine out on gloomy days: Witch-hazels produceclusters of small fragrant flowers with petals like dainty ribbons,transforming the otherwise naked stems of this hardy shrub. EvergreenMahonias impress with their golden sprays of flowers forming at the tipof each shoot. There are several varieties to choose from with differentsizes and forms, and flowers on most are followed by the formation ofgrape-like berries in spring giving these shrubs their common name ofOregon Grape.

The poet Ted Hughes may have described November as “the month of the drowneddog”, but this description could equally apply to the mid winter months following theChristmas and New Year festivities. Help is on hand from The Horticultural TradesAssociation (HTA) as it offers advice on a selection of seasonal plants to take awaywinter blues with recommendations on camellias to add early colour.

Camellia Debbie ©THE FARPLANTS GROUP

Create a winterwonderland

1. Choose planting sites carefully. Ensure new plants are positioned infull view from a window or prime position by patio doors.

2. Add winter colour to a front garden to welcome family and visitorshome, and to cheer-up the local neighbourhood.

3. Fill patio pots and baskets with hardy winter bedding plants, such aspansies and violas for a kaleidoscope of colours.

4. Cover the ground under trees or shrubs with a carpet of WinterAconites (Eranthis hyemalis). Get ready to buy snowdrops too!

5. Plant clumps of winter flowering Iris unguicularis to brighten a dry,sunny spot at the base of a wall or fence, and use blooms as cut flowersto bring indoors.

Top tips for extra winter colour

A

Gardening_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:45 Page 1

Gardening | HTA


Mahonia Lionel Fortesque ©THE FARPLANTS GROUP

Helleborus Winter Moonbeam ©WYEVALE NURSERIES

Few hardy shrubs signal the end of winter better thancamellias, highly valued for their stunning floral displaysand fresh, glossy, evergreen foliage. Dozens of varieties areavailable, so pick from camellias in shades of pink, red,white and cream. Their ultimate size, habit and rate ofgrowth vary immensely too, from small and compact to abold shrub or even a flowering hedge or screen, the choiceis personal.

Camellia flowers vary in size and shape too, and their formscan be divided into six descriptive groups depending on thenumber of petals and their pattern or arrangement withinthe flower. These forms are described as Single, Semi-double, Anemone-form, Peony-form, Rose-form double orFormal double.

Like azaleas and rhododendrons, camellias are ericaceousplants, and this means they need to grow in an acid or lime-free soil to ensure they stay healthy. A simple soil test kitavailable from garden centres can be used to check soilacidity/alkalinity, and composts and fertilisers can be addedto help make soil more acid.

Compact varieties of camellia grow well in large pots orhalf-barrels filled with ericaceous compost, available ingarden centres.

Grown in the right soil and position, camellias usuallyflower reliably with little care and attention, growing largerover time to develop into impressive flowering shrubs. Mostcamellias rarely need pruning, but if they outgrow theirposition, individual shoots can be shortened and plants caneven regrow well if cut back hard into old wood.

Where space is available, develop a seasonal bed includinga camellia or two and other evergreens and early floweringplants to provide welcome colour through late winter andinto early spring.

Camellias for early colour


It’s always worth looking out for varieties that have been given theAward of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society, oftenindicated by a trophy symbol on plant labels or in catalogues.

In addition to welcome colour, fragrance is another valuablecharacteristic of many winter flowering shrubs. For long-lasting displaysit’s hard to beat varieties of Viburnum x bodnantense that produce asuccession of flowers from October until spring.

For a shady site take a look at the Christmas Rose, Helleborus niger,a low-growing and compact perennial whose simple, white, cup-shapedflowers can be picked and floated on water in a glass bowl to provideseasonal table decorations.

Winter brings out the best in many plants. While flowers are anessential part of this seasonal spotlight, many other characteristics providewinter interest too. A wide range of conifers and evergreen shrubs providebold forms and fancy foliage. Also look out for plants with colourfulwand-like stems, dainty tassel-like catkins, and the tactile barks of manyornamental trees.

So don’t ‘shut-up shop’ for winter, but welcome in the New Year in style with garden displays that provide colour, fragrance, foliage and form.


essence INFOThe Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the trade association for the UK garden industry. Website: www.the-hta.org.uk

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis varieties)Unusual fragrant flowers in clusters of tiny ribbons develop along the entire length of stems. Popular AGM (Award of Garden Merit)varieties include ‘Pallida’ (sulphur-yellow), ‘Jelena’ (coppery-orange) and ‘Diane’ (red).

Oregon Grape (Mahonia varieties)Choose from a range of robust and reliable Mahonias to provideevergreen foliage and golden seasonal flower, followed by black grape-like berries in spring. Good AGM varieties include ‘Winter Sun’, ‘Apollo’and ‘Charity’ among many others.

Winter Flowering Viburnum (Viburnum x bodnantense)A majestic shrub producing deliciously fragrant pink/white flowers.Popular AGM varieties include ‘Dawn’, ‘Deben’ and ‘Charles Lamont’.

Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger)This compact perennial is perfect for a slightly shady position, producingclusters of flowers through winter and into spring. Also look out for themany wonderful Hellebore hybrids now available.

Top four plants for winter flowers

This book is the perfect companion for every home grower whowants to fill their garden with old and interesting varieties whilehelping to save threatened or forgotten plants.

Heirloom plants often have a charm lacking in commerciallyproduced varieties. Unless these seeds are grown and saved, theywill not only be forgotten, but lost too.

Based on the seed catalogues of Thomas Etty, the book listsexciting cultivars, along with profiles and growing tips.Responsible gardening, certainly, but with more than a hint ofromance; who could resist the lure of the splendid HubbardGreen Warty squash, or the Green Zebra tomato?

Thomas Etty Esq is the UK’s only dedicated heritage seedcompany and was set up over twenty years ago by Ray Warner.The company name is inspired by Ray’s great, great, greatgrandfather who himself dealt in seeds in the nineteenth century.Ray is the dedicated seedsman behind this heirloom seedcompany with Thomas Etty Esq sourcing seeds dating from theseventeenth century to the end of World War II, all from small-scale seed suppliers from the UK and Europe.

Lorraine Harrison is a keen practical gardener with a master’sdegree in garden history. In addition to contributing to thegardening quarterly Hortus, she has authored a number of books,among them the bestselling Latin for Gardeners.

“A strikingly produced compendium of heirloom vegetables, fruitand flowers.” – The Bookseller

By Lorraine Harrison & Ray Warner, seed catalogues written by Thomas Etty 224 pages • Hardback • Illustrations throughoutISBN: 9781782403173 RRP: £18.99

essence INFOPublished by Ivy Press Website: www.ivypress.co.uk

Heirloom PlantsA Complete Compendium of Heritage Vegetables, Fruit, Herbs & Flowers

Helleborus niger ©CLEEVE NURSERY


P R O V I D E R O F

C R E A T I V E P RS E R V I C E S , C O P Y

W R I T I N G & F O O DP H O T O G R A P H Y

T O A R T I S A N F O O D P R O D U C E R S

Shirlee’s food reviews of independently owned cafes,restaurants, artisan food producers and farm shops in Surrey.

A supporter of the local food movement with an aim to promote, support and champion their work.

I always tell a personal story by taking the time to meet the people behind the products or the brand.

Read my reviews here www.eatsurrey.coTwitter: @eatsurrey

Instagram: @eatsurreyTelephone: 07917 891881

Email: [email protected]



Motoring_Bentley_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:46 Page 1

BENT ON BENTLEYThe Bentley Continental GT is one of the most iconic cars on the road today. The Continental name first entered the company’s lexicon in 1952 with the production of the R-Type Continental. Euan Johns takes a look back at the birth of a motoring icon, and arguably the world’s first Grand Tourer.

Motoring | BENTLEY


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ay back in 1952 cars that could hit a top speed of 115mph were uncommon to say theleast. Cars that could cruise at 100mph with four occupants (plus luggage) were absolutelyunheard of. Until Ivan Evernden’s brainchild theR Type Continental appeared. A mere 208

were produced, but the R Type Continental created a template for Bentley grand touring that has lasted for decades and like most designclassics defied time itself. It was described by The Autocar as: “…a new stage in the evolution of the post-war Bentley” and as such themagnificent Continental sports saloon has been synonymous with

effortless high speed cruising in the grand mannerever since. The car’s looks even inspired thedesign team working on the first Continental GT,fifty years on.

Pre-war, two coach built specials had shownwhat a Bentley of the future might be. Both the‘Embiricos’ Bentley and the Corniche featuredstreamlined bodies and were capable of cruising at high speeds on the fast roads of the continent.

One man who took careful note of these one-off creations was thecompany’s chief projects engineer, Ivan Evernden. Although a lifelongRolls-Royce employee, he was inspired to reinvent Bentley for the post-war world and distance it from its cousin.


With just three strokes of the designer’s pen, the shape of the Continental comes to life – thestriking power line, muscular rear haunches andswooping fast roof line. These three elegantstyling cues have remained a fundamental part of the Continental DNA over six decades.EXTRACT FROM BENTLEY CONTINENTAL: EVOLUTION OF AN ICON

A bigger bore engine was made to maintainperformance, with apractical top speed of around 115mph andeasy cruising at 100mph

WMotoring_Bentley_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:46 Page 3

Motoring | BENTLEY


Evernden was assisted by John Blatchley,chief of the newly-created styling departmentat Crewe, who sketched a low, long and lithebody shape, with its radiator inclinedbackward from the vertical, a steeply rakedwindscreen, rear wheelspats and a fastbackroofline. Fins were added to the rear wings toaid stability at high speed.

A quarter-scale model was made andtested in the company’s aero-engine division’stunnel at Hucknall in Nottinghamshire.

Evernden estimated that air speeds of up to 120mph were attainable.Evernden wrote in July 1962 that: “Much more could have been done…but the purpose of the exercise was to reduce the aero drag of aconventional car and not to make a space capsule for an astronaut.”

Using the R Type chassis as a base, Evernden and Blatchley designeda grand tourer in the Bentley tradition, using aerodynamics andlightweight aluminium construction to create a vehicle capable of runningfor long periods at high speed across continental Europe. It became anicon of its era, an era that had been up until that point dominated by postwar rationing and austerity. This car looked the part, was extravagantlydesigned, beautifully crafted, fast and exclusive.

Mechanically, the standard 4,566cc, six-cylinder in-line engine wasgently tuned, raising the power from 140 to 153bhp, with a higher finaldrive ratio to take advantage of the lighter, more aerodynamic body. TheR-Type and its Rolls-Royce sister car, the ‘E’ Series Silver Dawn, werenotable as the first Rolls-Royce products available with automatictransmission. The standard R-Type was a lively performer, achieving106mph in silence and reaching 50mph from standstill in 10 seconds,despite a curb weight approaching two tons.

Coachbuilders H.J Mulliner were tasked with creating the new,streamlined Bentley coupé. In a pioneering move in its day and to saveweight, the bodywork was made in aluminium, the window frames,windscreen surround and backlight too. Even the seat frames and bumperswere aluminium. Considered superfluous, the car didn’t have a radio to save weight.

Weight was the critical factor; tyres that could carry a two ton motorcar at speeds of over 115mph didn’t exist in 1950. Evernden calculatedthat the new grand tourer would have to weigh a maximum of 34 cwt(around 1,750 kilograms). This combination of weight and speed wasright on the limit for the specified Dunlop Medium Distance Track tyres.

All the hard work and planning paid off and was rewarded when in September 1951 at the Montlhéry track near Paris, the sleek newBentley averaged 118.75mph over five laps, with a best lap speed justunder 120mph.

Up to this point, the prototype – OLG 490, nicknamed Olga – was asemi-official project. Some on the board of directors felt it was ‘toosporty’ for a company that also made Rolls-Royce limousines. But withthe help of supporters within the company and its overseas dealerships, >>>


Evernden persuaded the board that amarket existed for a coachbuilt Bentleygrand tourer. He was proved right, orderscame in from all over the world.

The Continental's performance figureswould have been considered excellent for an out-and-out sports car, butfor a full four/five seater saloon, they were exceptional: a top speed of 120mph, 100mph achievable in third gear, 50mph reached in a littleover nine seconds and effortless cruising at the ‘ton’. It was initially only built for export, and once delivery charges and local taxes had beenpaid, almost certainly the most expensive car in the world, as well as thefastest capable of carrying four adults and their luggage. The astonishing

price of £6,928 (including UKpurchase tax) can be comparedto the average annual salary in1952 of £468, and average houseprice of £1,891.

Many owners specifiedextras which had an impact upon the weight of some modelsproduced during the R TypeContinental’s three years of

production. A bigger bore engine was made to maintain performance,with a practical top speed of around 115mph and easy cruising at 100mph.Later production cars also differed from ‘Olga’ in having a lower roofline,a one-piece windscreen and revised wing line.

By the time production ceased in 1955, of the 208 R TypeContinentals built, all but 15 of them were bodied by H.J. Mulliner.

Accolades followed the launch of the R Type Continental. TheAutocar magazine summed up its appeal: “Whatever memorablemotoring experiences one may have had, this was something different…this Bentley is a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distancesand delivers the occupants well-nigh as fresh as when they started.”

Today’s Continental elegantly maintains and fulfills the same grandtouring brief as its forebear. It now has more power of course and a topspeed of 206 mph. With its unsurpassed ability to cross continents in totalcomfort, the Continental GT Speed is an extraordinary car.


All the hard work and planning paidoff and was rewarded when in September 1951 at the Montlhérytrack near Paris, the sleek newBentley averaged 118.75mph overfive laps, with a best lap speed just under 120mph.

essence INFOWebsite: www.bentleymotors.com

Inspired by the pre-war streamlined Embiricos and Corniche one-off coachbuilt Bentleys.

Unofficial project by engineer Ivan Evernden to re-establish Bentley as a maker of high performance cars.

Design created by chief stylist John Blatchley and tested in a wind tunnel.

Built using aluminium to a target weight of 1,750kg: no tyre existed in 1950 which could sustain a heavierweight at more than 115mph.

Prototype OLG 490 was created by coachbuilders H.J. Mulliner: became known as ‘Olga’.

At Montlhéry in September 1951 ‘Olga’ averaged 118.75mph over five laps, with a best lap speed just under120mph.

Originally offered with a tuned, 4,566cc, six-cylinder in-line engine producing 153bhp. Later versions 4,887cc.

Total of 208 produced between 1952 and 1955 – 193were bodied by H.J. Mulliner.

Cost in 1952 was £6,928 including UK purchase tax:almost fifteen times the UK average annual income.

Later production cars featured a lower roofline, a one-piece windscreen and revised wing line.

R Type Continental factfile


thomaspink.com

HAMMER JACKET

LONDON COLLECTIONS MEN

Jacket £240Trousers £155

BEST OF BRITISH

Fashion_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:47 Page 1



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Since 1992, Richard James has established a reputation as a leading luxury brand setting the standard forcontemporary tailoring and menswear.

The first of the ‘new establishment’ tailors on Savile Row,Richard James has contributed to revitalising what haslong been acknowledged as the world centre for tailoringwith the its bold, progressive take on the timeless andtraditional. The Richard James’ philosophy is to produceclassic clothing of quality and push boundaries throughdesign, colour and cut.

The winter collection introduced a new selection ofouterwear with casual jackets and tailored overcoatsusing a colour pallet of mainly earthy rich tones andsubtle textures.

Richard James Mayfair brings a well-edited collection of full tailored suits through to separates such as simple printed shirts and ties. Prices for a full suit start at £395 and shirts start at £65 each.

essence INFOAvailable from House of Fraser nationally, as well as Peter Jones and John Lewis.Website: www.richardjames.co.uk

Timeless tradition

Jacket £250Trousers £175Waistcoat £135




Launched in 2014, Abbott Lyon designs British fashiongoods for outgoing professionals who know how to have agood time. The Abbott Lyon product range varies to suitall types of client, with something for everyone.

The brand has now made its mark in consumeraccessories in the UK, adding watches and jewellery to itsrange. Simple, stylish watches for the equally on trendmale and female shopper are on offer with unrivalledquality, handpicked and handcrafted, yet still affordable.

With a range of over fifty watch styles, Abbott Lyonstraps are sourced from a variety of countries to bring a unique style to each and every timepiece. The firm takes pride in producing the finest quality watches aiming to deliver a distinctive connection between classic and modern.

essence INFOWebsite: abbotlyon.com

Simple and stylish

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Swing vest dress,deep neckline andlace side panels.Individual handmadecrochet flowersaround arm holes


Caitlin Charles-Jones explored her love for art and designat the London College of Fashion, and went on tocomplete her BA specialising in knitwear.

Handmade in the UK using the finest yarns from UKsuppliers, her collection is inspired by landscapes and theirtranslation into graphs, maps and plans. The garmentsare made using Merino wool and crepe cotton, combinedwith lace sourced from French lacemaker, Sophie Hallette.This season, Caitlin has worked with local craftswomento produce unique, handmade crochet flowers.

The Charles-Jones brand places emphasis on luxurioussimplicity, using innovative construction techniques,highest quality materials and distinctive colour placement,whilst maintaining a strong sense of real, wearablegarments.

Caitlin’s design philosophy is for clean, bold and wearablesilhouettes, alongside innovative techniques, unusualmaterial combinations and intricate embellishment. Withnumerous awards to her name, Caitlin was tipped as oneof Vogue Talents’ ‘Ones to Watch’.

essence INFOWebsite: www.caitlincharles-jones.com

One to watch

Slice jumper,asymmetric shapedside, rib panel andripple stitch detailsand classic shortswith lace side panels



Lace tunic with short sleeves


ChilliThis spicy fruit has been revered by many ancientcultures as both a natural anaesthetic as well asaphrodisiac. The active component, capsaicin,releases endorphins which gets the blood pumpingand can even create a natural high. Far from beingproven whether chilli actually increases sex drive inits own right, it certainly raises body temperature,gets the heart rate up and can even make lips swell.It has been hailed over the years as a preventer ofheart attacks and blood pressure reducer, but best toavoid eating many of the very hottest as these havebeen known to actually cause heart failure.

There are, today, hundreds of varieties of chilliesthat vary hugely in heat intensity. Glasshousesthroughout the south now cultivate chillies and oneof the hottest to be grown is Naga as used by localchutney maker, Bartie of Sussex Faire. When cook-ing with these, Bartie has to wear goggles and wrapa wet tea towel around his head to protect himself.One of the hottest chillies in the world includes theMoruga Scorpion chilli with a Scoville rating ofover two million, whilst the timid Banana Pepper israted at a mere 900.

OystersThis jewel of the sea is perhaps one of the mostfamously hailed aphrodisiacs of all, and science canprove it too as it is the zinc and amino acidscontained which produce testosterone andprogesterone increasing libido in men and women.For any of us who have enjoyed these live molluscs,there is little doubt they cause some sort of effect,especially when enjoyed with a little sparkling wine.

Far from the luxury they are today, oysters werecheap and eaten in huge quantities in the past.However, in order to keep up with demand in thenineteenth century, especially from London, overfishing had a devastating effect on oyster beds.Increasing fears of food poisoning also helped intheir demise. Despite today’s vastly improved waterquality, oysters are still scarce in our waters, so theprice is high. Far from avoiding them, we are nowencouraged to eat more native oysters to helpcommercial re-establishment of oyster beds. Thesereefs also serve as breeding habitats for fish, help toprotect our coastlines and the oysters themselvesfilter an enormous amount of seawater.


At their best right nowSeasonal and local food offers taste, health and even economic benefits. Crates LocalProduce highlights the amazing seasonal produce available from our region.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SERGHEI STARUS | DREAMSTIME.COM PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NAWAPORN SANGKHIEW | DREAMSTIME.COM

Food_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:48 Page 1

Food | CRATES LOCAL PRODUCE

ChocolateOur love affair with chocolate goes back over 2,000years when it was first consumed in ancient SouthAmerica in the form of frothy drinks. Aztec ruler,Montezuma, drank chocolate, fortified with chilli,for its aphrodisiac properties before entering hisharem and scientists have now proven the darksubstance promotes feelings of excitement, attractionand pleasure. Chocolate is also rich in antioxidants,helping to reduce the risk of chronic ailments suchas heart disease and cancer.

It was in the 1860s that chocolate was firstpackaged in a heart-shaped box for Valentine’s Day and today chocolate is the most popular giftfrom generous lovers. Locally, there is an increasing number of very talented artisans usingthis rich ingredient bringing us traditional handmade chocolate confectionery, chocolatebrownies and cakes. Whilst our big chocolate names may be changing their dark stuff so it’s farmore like candy, now is the time to discover localreal chocolate again.

CoffeeCoffee is one of the most traded commodities in theworld, perhaps due to it being the universalstimulant of choice. But a newer discovery should beof interest to those hoping to woo their chosen one: arecent study found the smell of coffee is so evocativeto women that most judged men more attractivewhen subjected to this particular aroma. And don’tthink that a jar of instant will do it. The aroma has tobe that of freshly roasted coffee beans which alsohelps make the perfect cup too.

Small scale roasters pay particular attention towhere they source their beans from in the world witha huge variation of both flavours and even ethics.The roasting process is a whole science in its ownright and the barista is then expected to followthrough with precise grinding of beans, tampering,temperature, type of milk and how it is added. Aninternational coffee news site swears that freshlyroasted coffee from local independents offers someof the best you’ve ever tasted.


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Crates Local Produce is located centrally within the historic market town of Horsham andbursts with fresh, seasonal food sourced directly from local producers. For more details seewww.crateslocal.co.uk. Follow on Twitter @crateslocal or Facebook page Crates Local.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SUBBOTINA | DREAMSTIME.COM PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STOCKCREATIONS | DREAMSTIME.COM

Food_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:48 Page 2

OystersKilpatrickServes two

Ingredients:Six to twelve fresh oysters, rock or nativeTwo cloves garlicOne teaspoon hot pepper sauceSix rashers streaky bacon or pancettaOne large or two small shallotsTwo tablespoons tomato purée One tablespoon red wine vinegarOne tablespoon brown sugarOne tablespoon soy sauceOne teaspoon Dijon mustardGenerous amount of rock salt if using a flat baking sheetLemon wedges to serve

Method:wHeat the oven to 180 degrees/gas

mark 4. Prepare a flat baking sheetwith mounds of rock salt on which tobalance the oyster shells, or use amoulded pudding sheet.

wFinely chop the shallots and gentlyfry until they just turn brown. Addthe tomato purée, vinegar, sugar, soysauce and mustard and bring to theboil. Allow to simmer for fiveminutes or until the sauce thickens.

wFry the bacon or pancetta untilcrispy and add to the sauce.

wShuck and remove the oysters, setthese aside. Clean the empty shellsand dry thoroughly.

wRub the inside of the shells with thegarlic cloves and balance each shellon a mound of rock salt on the bakingsheet or direct into each puddingcentre. Add a few drops of hot peppersauce to the bottom of each shell,return the oyster and drizzle over thesauce and bacon mixture.

wBake for just fifteen minutes and serve immediately with lemon wedges.


Dark and slow chilli Serves four

Ingredients:600g diced beef: use cut suitable for slowcooking such as chuck, skirt or flankTwo teaspoons olive or rapeseed oilTin chopped tomatoesTwo tablespoons tomato purée and/or ketchup500ml beef stockOne tin red kidney or black beans (or 75g dried – soaked as required)Two chilli peppers depending on taste:jalapeño, bird’s eye (or habanero for the brave)One red onionTwo cloves garlicOne teaspoon paprikaQuarter teaspoon allspice (or equal amounts of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg)One tablespoon plain flour50g finely chopped dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoaAvocado, fresh coriander, tortillas and grated cheese as accompaniments

Method:wHeat the oil in a large pan, add the

beef and brown all over. Remove andset aside.

w In the same pan, add the choppedonion and chopped chillies (includeseeds for extra heat if required) and cook until the onion is softened.

wAdd the garlic and spices and cookfor a further couple of minutesbefore adding in the flour, stirring all to coat.

wPlace all in a slow cooker orcasserole with lid and stir in thechopped tomatoes, tomato purée,beans, stock and beef. Cover and cook on a very low heat(100 degrees in oven) for around six to seven hours.

wJust prior to the end, stir in thechocolate, cover again and continueto cook on a high heat for no morethan five minutes.

wServe with diced avocado, coriander,tortillas and grated hard cheese.

Hot hot chocolateMakes two cups

Ingredients:90g finely chopped dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoaTwo tablespoons cocoa powderSugar, to tasteHalf teaspoon chilli powder, ancho or similar pure chilli powderWhole chilli pepper400ml milk50ml double creamOne cinnamon stick

Method:wMix together the chocolate, cocoa,

sugar and chilli powder and placein saucepan over a medium heat.Whisk until the chocolate starts to melt.

wGently whisk in the milk, a bit at atime, followed by the cream and addthe chilli pepper and cinnamon stick.

wAllow the mix just to simmer aminute or two and remove from theheat. Cover and set aside for at leastan hour.

wTaste and add sugar if needed, warmthrough, strain and serve.

Coffee crèmecaramelServes four

Ingredients:150g castor sugarOne tablespoon Kahlua or whiskey450ml milk 60ml espresso coffee, freshly madeThree eggsVanilla extract

Method:wUsing a heavy non-stick pan, heat

100g of the sugar with a tablespoonof water, stirring all the time until thesugar starts to melt. Stop stirringand tilt the pan to gently swirl themixture until it turns golden brown.

wCarefully and slowly add the alcohol,swirl it in and then put the mix intothe bottom of four large and deepramekins and place in a roasting tin.Pre-heat the oven to 160 degrees.

wGently heat the milk in a saucepanand just before it boils, whisk in theespresso coffee and set aside.

wWhisk together the eggs, remaining50g sugar and vanilla gently, justenough to blend in the sugar. Pourjust a small cupful of the hot milkand coffee into the egg mix and whipthrough. Add in the remaining hotmilk and stir.

wPour this into the ramekins, addboiling water to the roasting pan inwhich the ramekins are sitting,enough to cover half way up theoutside of the ramekins.

wBake for 40 minutes or until set.Allow to cool fully and refrigerateuntil serving.

wBest served at least four hours aftermaking, ideally up to one day, andturn out of the ramekins upsidedown so the caramel coats.

essence INFOCrates Local Produce24a Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1EBTelephone: 01403 256435Website: www.crateslocal.co.ukFollow on Twitter @crateslocal orFacebook page Crates Local

Food_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:48 Page 3

Food | CRATES LOCAL PRODUCE


Dark and slow chilli

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Baking | JEN’S CUPCAKERY


Gluten free chocolate, pistachio and sea salt brownies for Valentine’s DayNothing says I love you like a gooey chocolate brownie. One of our new range, this gluten free chunk of gorgeousness is made with coconut flour,packed with pistachios and a tang of sea salt, though readers could just aseasily substitute with fresh raspberries or cherries. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter for added romance, or simply slice and serve with a dusting oficing sugar or a dollop of crème fraiche...

Makes around 16

Ingredientsw250g unsalted butterw200g dark chocolatew70g coconut flour (you can buy online or in good

health food shops)wOne teaspoon gluten free baking powderw360g caster sugarw100g pistachios, chopped into small pieceswThree large eggs, lightly beatenw80g cocoa powderwOne teaspoon sea salt for the mixture plus a little

extra to sprinkle on top

Method wPreheat the oven to 180°C/gas 6 and then grease and line

a 20cm square tin with non-stick baking paper.wMelt the butter and chocolate in a glass bowl above a pan

of simmering water. Give the mixture a stir every now andagain to help it along and then remove from heat and leaveto cool slightly.

wWhisk the eggs and sugar together until a creamy mixtureis achieved. This will take at least five minutes in an electricmixer, more if whisking manually.

wSieve the coconut flour, baking powder and cocoa powderinto another bowl and mix until all ingredients are combined.

wGently fold in the melted chocolate and butter into the eggmixture and then do the same with the flour mix – do notover mix, it is fine if it looks a little ‘clumpy’. Follow with thechopped pistachios and the sea salt and pour into the tin.

wBake for about 25 minutes (or until a skewer inserted inthe centre comes out mostly clean). The brownies shouldbe squidgy in the middle, so don’t overbake!

essence INFOWebsite: www.jenscupcakery.comTelephone: 07751 553106Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenscupcakeryTwitter: @jenscupcakeryBlog: www.ilovejenscupcakery.wordpress.com

TOP TIP: Before slicing through the cooked brownies, put the knife under hot water for a few seconds; it will makecutting the gooey brownies easier.

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Turn into the parade towards Claygate Station inSurrey for a welcome surprise. On venturing

forward, visitors will find an independent traditionalbutcher, a fruit and vegetable shop, a top endtraditional fishmonger, a wine shop, delicatessen,bakery and café.

To top it all, right at the end of the parade, nextto the station, is a tiny pub. Platform 3 has justenough standing room inside for two people, sowhen it is open guests rely on some outdoor tableswith umbrellas to protect against the elements. Thisdoesn’t stop a constant flow of customers ordering apint to drink straight away, or a take out for later.Everyone who comes in seems to know the ownersand a strong sense of community is evident.

When essence’s editor, Andrew Guilor,suggested Brightwater Brewery for a review, I didsome research and was immediately intrigued. Twodays later I found myself in Claygate approachingthe pub with not a high street chain in sight. Icouldn’t wait to meet Brightwater Brewery founderAlex Coomes and record his story.

Alex started making beer with his dad when he was a teenager. Not, he says emphatically, withkits, but from scratch with proper ingredients. Hecarried this on as a serious hobby during his ITcareer. When he was made redundant in 2012, hetook six months off to recharge his batteries,assuming he would just find another similar role tothe one he had left. Economic downturn and age hesuspected were not on his side. After six months, hefelt ready to attach himself to the world of workagain and this time it was to start his own business.It seemed natural to him that a serious hobby that hehad lots of expertise in and loved could become afull time job.

First he set about equipping his brewery: a hugeresearch project, but worth it to get it just right. Thisis housed in his garage at home with stainless steelprofessional equipment and is an official bondedwarehouse. This is a government requirement foranybody who produces alcoholic drinks where dutyis payable.

Alex makes five beers on rotation from different recipes that produce golden, amber or dark ales. He lists availability on his website andthese are available to drink in or take away. Hereckons his beers are at their best at three to fourweeks old and will only sell when they are in peakcondition. To maintain this, he brews batches tomeet demand and as I discovered is a stickler formaintaining drinking quality.

Alex is the perfect landlord: a chatty beeraficionado and he is extremely personable. In fact itwould seem this is the perfect career for him. Heruns the business with his partner Sue (a businessbuff) so it’s a symbiotic combination of creativityand business acumen here too. Thefact that all the beer he sells in thepub is his own brew is a real pull.Not just for the pints he serves, butbecause he wouldn’t serve anyone aduff pint and he knows the beer hesells from hops upwards.

Whilst I was in the pub, therewas an endless stream of customersbuying a pint to drink outside or totake away a firkin to share withfriends later. Everyone is on first name terms andthere is a sense of excitement that they are buyinginto something really unique.

Each of the beers on the menu currently inproduction have been through diligent recipe testing,from the ambient temperature at which they aremade to the type of hops and the ferment period.


Platform 3Shirlee Posner of Eat Surrey introduces us to Brightwater Brewery, a high quality craftbeer brewery with a micro pub called Platform 3 in Claygate.

STANDING ROOM ONLY FOR AWARD WINNING BEER!

Art Food_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:49 Page 1

Artisan food | EAT SURREY

Beer, Alex confides, is temperamental andthere are many competing factors in gettingeach batch right, such as local water supply.No two batches will taste exactly the samebecause this is craft beer, made by hand,and each brew varies slightly with time ofyear and the affects of temperature, the rawingredients and natural yeasts. This is partof the fun and like wine some brews arebetter than others, but probably more so (Isuspect) to an expert palate. Alex says thatmanaging beer production is like bringingup a “petulant child”.

Of the beers Alex makes, ‘Daisy Gold’ is thebest seller (he named it after his dog who isapparently as “good as gold”). This light, golden,flavour packed beer is like others on his menu ataround four per cent volume. Alex specialises inwhat he calls session beer. It’s healthier and meanscustomers can enjoy a few pints in an evening andstill walk home! This is particularly good for olderdrinkers and in line with current drinking advicefrom health professionals. In addition, these beersare worthy of a more considered drinking sessionand deserve as such to be slowly imbibed.

Although golden ales are the most popular, Alexalso produces ‘Top Notch’, an amber ale which hemakes with two different malts and another varietyof hops. ‘Citra’ is Brightwater’s other golden ale,which gets its name from the hops used to make itand has a zingier finish to ‘Daisy Gold’. Thisbrewery also produces a rather unusual dark stouttype beer called ‘Wild Orchid’. The use of blackmalt gives this its dark colour, but by addingMadagascan vanilla pods to each cask it also has asubtle hint of vanilla which doesn’t dominate, butadds a lovely finish to the overall taste.

For fans of craft beers I highly recommend avisit to Platform 3: it’s in a class of its own. Withguest beers also on offer and other drinks for non-beer fans, it’s a great afternoon out. Take out,delivery for parties and ready bottled beer for giftsare also available. Go for the beer but also for thenovelty value because this is the smallest pub inBritain! Shirlee Posner


essence INFOBrightwater Brewery, Platform 3, The Parade, Claygate, Surrey KT10 0PNWebsite: www.brightbrew.co.uk and eatsurrey.coTelephone: 01372 462334Email: [email protected]: @SmallestPubinUK

Smoky spiced roasted nuts For those drinking session beer, it’s probably a good idea to havesomething to go with it as a snack. For me, if it’s a great qualitydrink, it ought to be fantastic food too. These nuts are based on areally famous recipe that has been circulating the internet for a fewyears. Started by the Union Square Café in New York to serve withdrinks, their fame spread quickly. I have tweaked the recipe byadding smoked salt, sugar and coconut oil which works its magiceverywhere it seems.

Ingredients:500g unsalted mixed nuts (including peeled peanuts, cashews, brazils, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans and whole unpeeled almonds)Two tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary One teaspoon smoked sweet paprika Two teaspoons smoky brae smoked brown sugar (use regular brown sugar if unable to locate this product)Two teaspoons smoked Maldon saltOne tablespoon coconut oil (melted)

Method:wPreheat oven to 180°C/gas mark 4/350°F.wToss the nuts in a large bowl to combine and spread them out on a

baking sheet. wToast in the oven until the nuts become light golden brown,

about ten minutes.w In a large bowl, combine the rosemary, paprika, smoked sugar, salt

and melted coconut oil. Thoroughly toss the toasted nuts in the spiced oil and serve warm.

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aricose veins can cause pain and become unsightly; if nottreated, they can be detrimental to health, can stain the skin

and lead to ulceration and worse. Veins are absolutely everywhere in the body. They can be embarrassing

to many and can pop up at any age and in the strangest of places. It seems the latest trend is hands, with Madonna and Angelina Jolie

now having their hand veins attended to, a cosmetic procedure PaulBaskerville has been carrying out for over 20 years, having over 30 years’experience in diagnosis and treatment of vein and circulation conditions.

Q How did you begin your career as a vascular surgeon?A I studied at Oxford University and trained at St. Thomas’ and St.Bartholomew’s. I was appointed as a consultant vascular surgeon atKing’s College Hospital London in 1988 where, among other roles,I was clinical director of surgery and director of surgical practice. In2000, I was elected president of the British Association of Day Surgery.

Q Have you worked in the NHS?A Yes, full time for thirty years. I set up in private practice at theVascular and Vein Unit twenty years ago which has recently evolvedinto The Baskerville Clinic in Wimpole Street. Up until last year Itreated both private and NHS patients.

Q Does the NHS recognise the importance of varicose veins? A To be honest, the NHS is excellent at being ‘reactive’ to cases suchas deep vein thrombosis, however, in recent years it has becomeincreasingly overstretched and therefore reluctant to treat less seriousconditions, such as varicose veins.

Q How has vascular surgery developed since you started practicing?A Thirty years ago, 70% of people were diagnosed without access toultrasound scans, so were possibly having incorrect treatments.Treatment would have been open surgery – with a hospital stay oftwo to four days. After this, patients would have worn bandages forthree weeks and been left with visible scarring. Returning to workcould have taken weeks.

How vain should webe about our veins?VLouise Alexander O’Loughlin interviews one of London’s top vascular surgeons, Dr Paul Baskerville,about the importance of what lies beneath the surface of our skin.

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Health | THE BASKERVILLE CLINIC


>>>

Q How does that compare to current treatments?A Firstly, colour duplex ultrasound scanning of the veins assessesblood flow enabling us to provide a pinpoint, guaranteeing long-termsuccess for vein treatments.

There are now also different treatment options for veins – oftenthey involve some form of keyhole treatment or foam. I work withmy patients to offer a choice depending on the results they want andI take into consideration their lifestyle, recovery time and skin type.Most patients have surgery as a day case. These days bandaging is

minimal therefore less restrictive and worn for one week only. Allpatients are walking normally the day after surgery and about 50%will be back at work within a week. There is minimal discomfort andalmost no visible scarring.

Q What can we hope for the future of vascular surgery?A The future of vascular surgery will include less invasive surgeryand even shorter recovery times.

Q What do you offer at The Baskerville Clinic?A The Baskerville Clinic specialises in the diagnosis and treatmentof a wide range of vein and circulation conditions such as varicoseveins, hand and arm veins, varicose ulcers, varicose eczema, swollenlegs, DVT, pelvic and labia veins.

Thread vein treatment is also very popular and microinjection(sclerotherapy) is very successful at removing these veins from mostarea of the body.

Q Typically, most people have an ‘MoT’ on their body each year,however, should we also have a ‘vein check up’? A Veins are a very important part of our circulatory system and areresponsible for the returning of deoxygenated blood back to the heartafter arteries carry blood out. Having an ‘MoT’ as you call it couldprevent complications developing later. As not all damaged veinsproduce early symptoms, an ‘MoT’ would highlight any problematicareas before symptoms occur. Many people have one vein that isunsightly or painful that needs to be looked at – but most people keepputting it off.

Q What could I expect from an initial visit to The Baskerville Clinic?A Initially, we would undertake a complete overview incorporatingyour medical history, lifestyle and any concerns you may have. Myinitial examination will access the state of the veins and I woulddecide whether further investigations such as colour duplexultrasound scanning is needed. A scan would be booked and a followup appointment made.

Q Why should I see you if I want to get my veins done?A From the minute you step through the door to the minute you aredischarged from my care, I am solely responsible for your wellbeingand aftercare. This means no delegating of any care such assclerotherapy (microinjections) to nurses or therapists.

“Thirty years ago, 70% of people were diagnosed without access to ultrasound scans, so were possibly having incorrect treatments.Treatment would have been open surgery – with a hospital stay oftwo to four days.” Dr Paul Baskerville

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ZLIKOVEC | DREAMSTIME.COM


Q How do you think social media and a need for perfection hasaffected your role as a doctor? A We are certainly in a world where social media dictates. The waypeople are portrayed in modern society is as ‘perfect’ and many wishfor perfection. Personally I think not all treatment is necessary andhave had occasion to explain and convince a patient that treatment isnot necessary and why I will not do anything at that time.

Q There has recently been coverage in the press about handrejuvenation with celebrities such as Madonna and Angelina Jolieundertaking it. Is this a new procedure? And can you do it?A No, this is not a new procedure and I’ve been removing veins fromclients’ hands with very rewarding results for over twenty years,including some models and actresses. The technology has obviouslyevolved, but the idea is not new to the industry.

Q What are the characteristics of a typical patient who mightwant their hand veins removed?A People who have very low body fat, are thin, have palecomplexions, perhaps are exceptionally sporty or have reached thepostmenopausal stage can often have raised hand veins they believeare unsightly. I must stress this is purely aesthetic and there is nomedical reason why anyone should have hand veins attended to.However, as hands are constantly on view, the removal of theseprominent veins can have a noticeable effect on a patient’s confidenceand wellbeing.

Q Is the removal of hand veins a straightforward procedure? A Hand veins are no different to veins on any other area of the body.The permanent removal of them is therefore much the same. Thereis surprisingly little discomfort and bandaging is minimal. Resultsare seen within a couple of weeks and can be quite remarkable.

Q It must be amusing for you to see this type of surgicalprocedure highlighted in the press recently, when you are an old‘hand’ at it?A Well, technology has evolved over the years allowing results toimprove markedly. I have many patients wanting more ‘youthful’looking hands.

Q Are veins covered under medical insurance?A Most medical insurance companies will cover treatment ofvaricose veins if a sound medical reason can be given for thetreatment. It is always advisable to check with an individual insurancecompany. Veins, like many other conditions covered, may require areferral letter from a GP before making an appointment. However,medical insurance companies will not cover what they see ascosmetic procedures such as thread vein injections.

Q I understand that you are also a legend in the ‘hernia’ world?A Not sure about legend! My interest in this field coincides with thedevelopment of one of the earliest day surgery centres when I was ajunior doctor in Kingston. I ran a hernia clinic at King’s CollegeHospital for many years, and I am constantly working on newtechniques for improving groin hernia surgery, including reducingrecovery times and post-operative pain. At The Baskerville Clinic I continue to treat different hernia conditions, including umbilical,recurrent and incisional hernias, as well as performing the newONSTEP technique for groin hernias on which I have lectured andtaught widely in the UK and abroad.

essence INFOThe Baskerville Clinic For those who are in doubt about veins in legs, or anywhere on the body for thatmatter, or have unsightly hand veins and want them removed, or happen to have a hernia, Paul Baskerville is by far the ‘peoples’ choice’. The Baskerville Clinic can be found at www.baskervilleclinic.com or to book anappointment contact Paul Baskerville’s PA, Geraldine Chope. Please be assured she is as informed as Mr Baskerville himself and is a fantastic first port of call for any concerns. Telephone: 020 7436 1931Email: [email protected]


PHOTO COPYRIGHT: FOTOEVENTSTOCK | DREAMSTIME.COM

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BOWIE15 | 123RF.COM


Beauty | EPSOM SKIN CLINICS

Lots of us now favour beauty products that areorganic, or made from natural ingredients, and

are not as invasive. A brand new product range in theUK is Swisscode. This innovative brand has beenrecognised for its quality concentrates designed torehydrate skin, improve texture and smooth fine lines.Each concentrate is comprised of hydrogel so onedrop covers the entire face, but do not be fooled by thesmall amount needed: these home treatments pack apowerful punch!

With the Swisscode Pure range, each productcontains one ingredient in its purest, highestconcentrate and most stable form. Just one example is Pure Genistein, a concentrate containing a naturalphyto oestrogen that mimics the drop of oestrogen inskin as women mature. More impressively, studiesshow that users can see a 53% increase in thestimulation of collagen after using this product for 28 days. However, for those who cannot wait thatlong, there is a quick fix solution. Swisscode PureDynalift HYA gives an instant lift to skin for morethan four hours. Rich in sucrose, the product creates a tightening and lifting effect on the skin and withinfive minutes from time of application users’ skinappears more luminous.

The Swisscode Bionic range utilises the power ofactive stem cell concentrates. The products use thepower of nature and demonstrate how it has enduredevolution and protected itself from ever changingenvironmental factors. The three concentrates in thisrange are suited to different concerns. Stem Cell AgeControl, for women and men, is an antioxidant nearlythree times more effective than vitamin C, boosting skinluminosity by 300%. It also helps with the visible signsof aging and collagen loss. Epsom Skin Clinics are nowoffering Swisscode as a booster to any treatment.

For those wishing to use a more natural product totreat the skin, Dermlux uses LED phototherapy totreat many different skin concerns, including acne,eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea. Cells thathave been damaged by inflammation, ageing ortrauma cannot heal themselves normally and thereforecan remain damaged. Dermalux uses non-thermal,

normal UV light energy to trigger the body’s naturalprocess to repair and rejuvenate therefore promotinghealing. It is suitable for all skin types and there are noside effects. As a bonus, the treatment promotesrelaxation and because the light therapy increasesserotonin levels, relieves stress and tension.

Previously I have discussed Accent, a radiofrequency treatment that helps to target unwantedareas of stubborn fat and can help with skintightening. For those concerned with sagging skinaround the face and neck, Accent will stimulatenatural collagen production whilst leaving the skinfeeling warm and tight. Alternatively, laser skintightening can have the same effect offering a subtlelift for those of us looking forward to celebratingValentine’s Day.

During the last year there has been a lot of press surrounding the use of coconut oil for all types of health and beauty benefits. A few examplesinclude ‘oil pulling’, an ancient Ayurvedic techniqueused to cleanse the mouth and throat, and also towhiten teeth. Coconut oil is used in cooking in manylow fat recipes and training regimes. It helps withsoftening and taming hair and soothing dry irritatedskin. There is a current vogue for a coffee and coconutbody scrub that leaves skin soft and glowing, whilstthe coffee dehydrates the fluid in cellulite smoothingits appearance.

Epsom Skin Clinics are now stockists of Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup in both our Epsom and Surbiton locations. With a wide variety to choose from, Jane Iredale’s range is more than justmakeup: it actually cares for the skin. Each producthas been created to give incredible coverage with theleast amount of touch ups needed and offering a softfinish. Not to mention that it does not clog the poresor cause spots, is anti-irritant and contains all naturalpreservatives. With a wide range of blushers andbronzers, customers can obtain a warm and lovingglow to suit every skin tone. Perhaps for the time of year the most appropriately named Jane Iredaleblusher is ‘In Love’: a pastel pink with a hint of shimmer.


It’s February, so forget the January blues and start to look forward to Valentine’s Day.It’s time to show ourselves a little love says Naomi Diamond of Epsom Skin Clinics.

Be a Valentine beauty

essence INFOEpsom Skin ClinicsWebsite: www.epsomskinclinics.comTelephone: 01372 737280 (Epsom) or 020 8399 5996 (Surbiton)

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Have you finally plucked up the courage totake on a first or additional premises for

your business? The increasingly positiveeconomists are telling us there is no better timeto take the plunge, but it’s always worth lookingbefore you leap! Planning ahead can save youtime, stress and money in the future, so maybetake a moment to catch your breath and countto ten…or at least make the ten tips below countamongst your considerations:1. Do you need a freehold or a leaseholdproperty? A freehold is a major capitalinvestment to fund and commits you to aspecific location, but it belongs to you. A lease is for an agreed period of time only, so isuseful if you need flexibility, but it places yousomewhat at the will of the landlord, liable topay rent and service charges, and has manyterms to negotiate. 2. Involve your accountants at an early stage to address the most tax-efficient structure, notonly whether to take a freehold or a lease, butalso whether to purchase in the names ofindividuals or a company. Tax considerationsinclude differences in the amount of stamp duty

land tax payable upon completion, capital gainstax allowances (especially if you intend to carryout any works) and inheritance tax. These canhave a significant impact on your current andfuture finances.3.Use an agent to represent you and guide onthe best deals available in the marketplace at thesame time as instructing a solicitor to adviseand fight your corner once it comes todocumenting agreed terms for your purchase.4. Do you need to alter the premises? Try tohave consents in place before you commit fromplanning and building regulations authoritiesand (if you are taking on a lease) you may needthe landlord’s consent. You might have toremove works at the end of a lease. It’s best toagree vital works from the start to avoid arefusal and/or delay in consent later.5. If you are moving from one premises toanother or trying to tie up timings to suit yourtrading requirements, exchanging contractswith the landlord/buyer/seller will give you abinding completion date for exit and entry. This will enable you to make appropriatearrangements with contractors and suppliers


Gemma is a Partner in the PropertyDepartment at Mundays LLP, specialisingin all aspects of commercial andresidential property. She acts inconnection with any commercial propertyfrom retail shops, offices and warehouseunits to restaurants and bars, for privateand corporate landlords and tenants.Gemma also deals with sales, purchasesand lettings of residential property andproperty-related funding arrangements.

Gemma can be contacted by telephone01932 590645 or by [email protected]

Taking on new premises:10 top tips for success

Gemma James, Partner at Mundays LLP, stresses the importance of forwardplanning when considering the purchase or lease of property for business purposes.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANDRES RODRIGUEZ | DREAMSTIME.COM

Mundays_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:56 Page 1

and be as time and cost efficient as possible. 6. If taking a lease, the landlord may ask for a rent deposit or guarantors as security, soensure you have funds or be prepared to offer a compromise.7. Look ahead to your exit strategy: if you buy afreehold, how easy will it be to sell? If you take alease, you may need the landlord’s consent andhave to pay its costs before you assign or sub-let.The landlord may impose conditions such asyou being the guarantor for the new occupant,so consider the conditions you would accept. A specific clause is necessary if you need theability to share occupation of your premiseswith your group companies or customers.8. In a leasehold arrangement, if you have anoption to renew or a break clause, make note of deadlines for serving notice and seek legaladvice well in advance to ensure you don’t lose the right. 9. A lease will carry ongoing obligations to thelandlord. Try limiting your liabilities, such asnot being required to repair the premises to astandard beyond that shown in a photographicschedule of condition. Check if the landlord isplanning works which may increase servicecharges, and try capping your liability forannual service charge.10. Make financial provisions before the end ofthe term so that dilapidations obligations won’tcome as a shock.

Above all, seek advice from a solicitor,accountant and surveyor at the outset: a littleforward planning can save you from long-term disaster!

essence INFOMundays LLPCedar House78 Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1ANTelephone: 01932 560500Website: www.mundays.co.uk

Legal | MUNDAYS


The unexpected costs of a new leaseTaking a lease of commercial premises can be an exciting as well as a dauntingexperience. Nobody likes to focus on the negatives, but in the event that things do not go to plan, it is important to make sure you are adequately prepared.

What is my liability under the lease?A tenant’s liability will usually consist of:• the annual rent;• a contribution to the building’s insurance and service charge; and• any other costs payable by the landlord associated with managing the property.

The service charge, unless capped, can be expensive as it will often incorporate thelandlord’s costs in maintaining the exterior of the property, along with any dreaded and unforeseen repair bills.

Your personal exposure will depend on whether you are the tenant in your personalcapacity, or as a limited company or partnership. Where the tenant is an unknown entity,the landlord may look to further protect its position by requiring either or both of:

1) A rent depositThe amount of rent deposit to be given to the landlord will depend on the rent of thelease and it is common for rent deposits to total three, six or twelve months’ rent. The landlord will be entitled to use some or all of the rent deposit to cover any expensesuffered as a result of a tenant’s breach of the lease.

2) Personal guaranteesWhere a new company is the tenant, the landlord may require a director or otherpersons to step in as a personal guarantor. This needs to be carefully considered aspersonal guarantees place a heavy burden on the guarantor, and in the event that thetenant were to break the lease, the guarantor may be required to step in as tenant for the remainder of the term.

Either of these options may be diluted by agreeing that the rent deposit or guarantor will be released if the tenant shows sufficient financial strength during the term of thelease. As a tenant it is important to make sure you take legal advice before committingyourself to liabilities such as these!

James Condie is a solicitor specialising in commercial property. He acts for companies and private individuals on a broad range of property transactions, with a particularinterest in the retail, pharmacy and franchising sectors.

James can be contacted by telephone 01932 590613 or by e-mail [email protected]

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Investors arrived at the end of 2015 with somerelief that any losses were generally modest,

but have welcomed in 2016 with trepidation.Most financial markets have fallen heavily sincethe start of the year and many believe that weare either about to, or have already entered, aprolonged bear market.

Although there is no universally agreeddefinition, a bear market is a general decline in a financial market over a period of time and is marked by a transition from highinvestor optimism to widespread investor fear and pessimism. Investors are certainlyrattled by recent events and it is thereforeimportant to work out what is happening and why before trying to predict what thefuture might hold.

Although there is a great deal of uncertaintyabout shorter term outcomes, for those taking amedium to long term view there is much to feelencouraged by.

ChinaThe news media is currently obsessed byeconomic data from China. This has createdthe misleading impression that China has a bigproblem. It doesn’t. In many ways, China is avictim of economic trends and not the cause ofthem. The issue is that the rest of the world istoo dependent on Chinese economic growth ata time when it suits China to drive forwardinitiatives to rebalance its economy. It is doingso by increasing the services sector andnurturing domestic consumers. This processwill improve the sustainability of China’seconomic ascendancy but will also, inevitably,reduce the rate at which the economy grows.

Nevertheless, the International MonetaryFund (IMF) is predicting that Chinese GDP growth will still be ahead of 6% in 2017, so nobody can accuse them of not making a


The Bears are backGlobal financial markets have welcomed in 2016 by taking a bite out of the portfolios of many investors. Simon Lewis, CEO at Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd, considers what lies ahead.

PMW's top tips for surviving a bear attack(Acknowledgement to US National Park Service)

1. Don’t panic (remain passive)2. Provide diversification (stay in your group)3. Stand your ground (don’t run)4. Look for bargains (if attack is prolonged, FIGHT BACK!)

Finance_Layout 1 03/02/2016 12:15 Page 1

worthwhile contribution. If anything, attentionshould be focused on Japan, which is enduringyet another recession, and the Eurozone, which although improving is doing so at a lacklustre pace.

Taking the view that China is on aneconomic pathway from which it is unlikely todeviate, the primary factors that are likely todrive the macro economy in 2016 are USinterest rates and the price of oil. This doescreate a feeling of déjà vu because this is what I said last year. The story rolls on.

Monetary policyDealing firstly with monetary policy, inDecember the US Federal Reserve (after somedithering in the autumn) elected to increase theinterest rate and set out a predicted pathway offurther small rate increases in the coming years.This is a sign that the US economic recovery isdeemed to be sufficiently robust to allow theeconomy to take such increases in its stride andshould therefore be viewed as a positive, albeitthat some of the short-term impacts are likely tobe negative.

This is because the US dollar is thedominant currency of global finance and tradeand as a consequence what happens to interestrates in the US has a big impact on the rest ofthe world. For example, many countries andnon-US companies have US dollardenominated debt. An increased interest ratemeans higher debt repayments and this will beexacerbated by the likely rise in the value of theUS dollar as a consequence.

Another factor likely to cause tension inmarkets (particularly the currency market) isthat both the European Central Bank and theBank of Japan are still printing money andcould lower base rates even further. In bothcases interest rates are already less than zero,requiring financial institutions to pay the central bank to park their surplus cash. This encourages banks to lend, which in turn provides an economic stimulus.

OilThe oil price saga is a fascinating story ofaggressive business tactics and geopolitics. Inthe run-up to the end of 2014 the price of abarrel of oil was over US$100. Not manypredicted that the oil price would halve, notleast that this fall would be sustained. In fact,there is a good chance the price will halve again

and remain in the US$20-US$30 per barrelprice range for the foreseeable future.

It is not the case that the world isconsuming significantly less oil than it used to. This story is all about excess supply whichhas created a substantial glut, to the extent that oil storage facilities around the world arenearly full.

Initially, much of the extra oil supply wasthe result of fracking in the US, whichtransformed the nation from a substantialimporter of oil to a position of self sufficiency.However, Saudi Arabia has retaliated byincreasing its production in an attempt to drivethe oil price lower in order to push its new-found competition out of business. There is alsoa desire to pre-empt the return of Iranian oil toglobal markets following the nuclear non-

proliferation deal Iran reached with the US.Saudi Arabia aims to preserve its market shareby driving down the price.

Saudi production has increased by 25%.Until about two years ago Saudi productionhad averaged around 8 million barrels per daysince 1990 but it is now over 10 million barrelsper day. It is estimated that Saudi Arabia hashydrocarbon reserves in excess of 250 billionbarrels and it will therefore not need to rein back on production any time soon. A lower oilprice does impact on the State’s profits (thecountry is thought to be running a budgetdeficit of around 20%); wealth is important as itunderpins the political powerbase and financesits interventionist policies elsewhere in theMiddle East. A resolve to perpetuate thisbudget deficit for as long as necessary isillustrated by a recent announcement that partof the state owned oil producer, Saudi Aramco,could be offered for sale.

To understand the rationale of its strategyand compute the likely ramifications you needto look at the typical cost of oil productionaround the world. Saudi Arabia can extract oilat a cost of around US$12 per barrel. Ittherefore makes a profit when the price is abovethis. Production costs for Norwegian oil

average around US$40 per barrel and forRussia the breakeven price is around US$50.Depressingly, for the UK generally andScotland particularly, the average cost of oil production for the North Sea is US$62 per barrel.

There has already been a lot of pain for the oil sector and I expect carnage in thecoming year as many oil sector focusedcompanies either fail or are acquired at a knock down price. Countries with a higheconomic dependency on oil production willalso feel further pain; not least Russia, Braziland Venezuela.

The bears are back and they are certainlygrizzly. However, I started this commentary bysaying that there was much to be encouragedby. Clearly, geopolitics does introduceuncertainty in the short term. However, wecannot escape the fact that a pathway to thenormalisation of interest rates (and as aconsequence modest inflation), combined withthe ongoing financial stimulation (think a bigtax cut) of a substantially reduced oil price, arefactors we can look forward to as investors.

PMW currently advocate a high level ofdiversification through both asset classes andinvestment sectors to reduce volatility and aswas ever the case, we believe that patientinvestors are likely to be well rewarded in thefullness of time. The path will be rocky but thejourney is likely to be one that was worthembarking upon, particularly when the bearsreturn to the woods.

essence INFOSimon Lewis is writing on behalf of Partridge Muir &Warren Ltd (PMW), Chartered Financial Planners,based in Esher. The Company has specialised inproviding wealth management solutions to privateclients for 47 years. Simon is an independent financialadviser, chartered financial planner and charteredfellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities andInvestment. The opinions outlined in this article arethose of the writer and should not be construed asindividual advice. To find out more about financialadvice and investment options please contact Simonat Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd. Partridge Muir &Warren Ltd is authorised and regulated by theFinancial Conduct Authority. Telephone: 01372 471 550Email: [email protected]: www.pmw.co.uk

Finance | PMW


PMW has always taken a cautiousapproach to managing investments,

which means that current volatility istaking less of a bite out of our clients’portfolios. Please contact us to find out how you might benefit from our

services [email protected]

Finance_Layout 1 03/02/2016 12:15 Page 2

There can be few children who have notasked their parents or teachers at some

stage: “What is the point of homework?” It mightseem an odd question, for homework is usuallyregarded as being as natural a part of educationas the air we breathe. However, the issue of itsintrinsic value has been hotly debated byprofessional educators for many years, and notjust in the UK, but in other highly developedcountries too. For example, almost a decade agothe Center for Public Education in the USAcame to the following conclusion:The link between homework and studentachievement is far from clear. There is no conclusive evidence that homeworkincreases student achievement across theboard. Some studies show positive effectsof homework under certain conditions andfor certain students, some show no effects,and some suggest negative effects.

Closer to home, even OFSTED declared atthe end of the last century in a report entitled‘Homework: Learning from Practice’ that: “It isvery difficult to identify a clear homework effect

separate from the influence of ... factors such ashome and family background which arethemselves commonly associated withachievement.” On the face of it, this is hardly aringing endorsement for children doing any kindof homework. Nevertheless, this report does goon to highlight the underlying principles whichcan add value: “a clear link with schoolwork, astrong partnership with parents and propersetting and marking of work may all play a part.”

Let us just consider these points for amoment. Of course, homework should never besome random activity or exercise simply to keep achild busy. Obviously it must be linked to what is


The great homework debate...Michael Connolly, headmaster of Cranmore School, considersthe value of homework in children’s education.

“a clear link withschoolwork, a strongpartnership with parentsand proper setting andmarking of work may allplay a part.”

Cranmore_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:57 Page 1

being covered in school. A strong partnershipwith parents is crucial too. This is not to suggestthat parents should do the task themselves oreven assess their child’s work at home. Rather, ithas been demonstrated that pupils will takehomework more seriously if their parents showthat they also believe it is worthwhile and helpful.The third point is critical – the setting andmarking of work. It is important that the teachersets a task which meets the child’s needs. In somecases this might be simple rote learning of tablesor spellings, whilst it could equally be a morecomplex investigative project which requires agreat deal of personal research from the pupil. Inany event, a pupil is more likely to be fullyengaged and derive real benefit from the processif they feel the task will improve their knowledgeand help them make progress.

The prevalence of mobile devices which giveaccess to rich internet resources has opened aworld of opportunity which was unimaginable afew years ago. Many schools have created abespoke VLE (Virtual Learning Environment)which can be populated with digital resources sothat a child’s homework no longer needs to be aroutine written exercise. Indeed, it can be amultimedia journey which will engage a pupil’sinterest and creativity and, in the end, makelearning more fun. This is the ideal and no doubtmany homework tasks often fall short of thismind-blowing extravaganza. That is no badthing. Children need to learn that ‘deferment ofsatisfaction’ is part of life, homework cansometimes be difficult, tedious or even banal, butultimately its purpose is to benefit pupils in the

long term. Therefore, it must surely be right thatchildren come to recognise that giving the Xboxor TV a miss for a while in order to read a book,do some maths, research some science orpractise a musical instrument will bring realbenefits later.

At Cranmore School we have a schedule forhomework which has been carefully set out tomeet the needs of our pupils across different agegroups and abilities. We are mindful of the factthat pupils have other interests outside of school:cubs, brownies, and sports clubs. In addition, weknow that quality family time is vital for parentsand their children alike. It is always tricky tojudge what is the right amount but, likeGoldilocks and the porridge, we believe thatwhat we offer is just about right.

essence INFOCranmore School has announced a programme ofchange to become a fully co-educational school forpupils aged two and a half to thirteen years.It is committed to providing a balanced curriculumwhich can develop each child’s potential. French,Spanish, Mandarin, Latin and Greek are taught.Telephone: 01483 280340Website: www.cranmoreprep.co.uk

Education | CRANMORE SCHOOL


We are mindful of the fact that pupils have otherinterests outside of school:cubs, brownies, and sportsclubs. In addition, we knowthat quality family time isvital for parents and theirchildren alike.

Cranmore_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:57 Page 2

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We are one of the last vineyards in Europe to harvest, the wine only truly expressing itself after 30 months of lees aging, giving time for the elegant nuances to develop.

Literature | REVIEW


Alan Turing:Guildford’s bestkept secretAlan Turing is renowned as the fatherof modern computing and for his codebreaking achievements during WWII.Perhaps less known is that Guildfordwas his family home. He lived in thetown as a boy and continued to visitfamily members, particularly hismother, throughout his life. Written byPaul Backhouse, this book talks aboutthe man behind the genius and whyGuildford was such an important partof his relatively short life.The author has lived in Guildford for 25 years and is one of the Guildfordtown guides. Following extensiveresearch, including interviews withTuring family members, and access tovarious archives, Paul developed a newwalking tour around Guildford. Thebook is a result of that research andalso includes material not used in the walk itself.Alan Turing: Guildford’s best keptsecret launches at Guildford Museumat 11am on 5 March 2016.

By Paul BackhouseSelf published, available for sale fromthe Tourist Information Centre,Guildford Museum and at the end ofwalking tours. RRP £4.99.

The ITF Year 2015The ITF Year is the official yearbook ofthe International Tennis Federation. It isa comprehensive colour record of theorganisation’s activities in 2015: a mustfor all lovers of tennis and sportsstatisticians. The current 15th editioncontains: features by leading tenniswriters on the 2015 season; fullresults from Grand Slamtournaments, Davis and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas, ITF Pro Circuit, ITFJuniors Circuit, including the inauguralITF Junior Masters, wheelchair tennisand ITF seniors tournaments; reportson the ITF’s development activities and the Technical Centre; historicalrecords of major tournaments andbiographies of the greatest players; ITF World Champions, Board ofDirectors and other useful ITF and tennis information.

By Jamie Renton (editor)RRP: £12.420 pages • Paperback ISBN: 978-1-908799-20-3

Published by the International Tennis Federationwww.Itftennis.com www.amazon.co.uk

The Royal Naval Air ServiceIn the First World WarThis book makes five originaldocuments relating to the work ofBritain’s Royal Naval Service (RNAS)during the First World War readilyavailable to students and historians. A large collection of photographs, manyhitherto unpublished, are included. The five documents concerned are theDiary of Important Operations,Flanders, 1916; Disposition of Aircraft,24 February 1917; Royal Naval AirService Communiqués Nos 1 to 14;Truing-up of Aeroplanes: Issued by theAir Department on 1 September 1916;and The Grain drawings, a unique setof sketches and drawings made by adraughtsman at the RNAS seaplanerepair station at Port Victoria, Isle ofGrain, in Kent during the Great War.These documents offer an array offascinating insights into Royal Naval AirService practices during the Great War. Philip Jarrett is a freelance author,editor, sub-editor and consultantspecialising in aviation. He has worked on a number of magazinesand was production editor of FlightInternational between 1980 and 1989.He contributes to The AviationHistorian and lectures in the UK andabroad. In December 2014 he wasmade an Honorary Companion of theRoyal Aeronautical Society inrecognition of his service andoutstanding contributions to thediscipline of aviation history.

By Philip JarrettRRP: £30.376 pages • Hardback • 450 illustrations ISBN: 9781473828193

Published by Pen & Sword Books Ltdwww.pen-and-sword.co.uk

Lit_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:58 Page 1

Parenting | THE MOTHER MAGAZINE

Isat down one afternoon to jot down my thoughts

on motherhood and mindfulness. It’s a topic that

I get quite passionate about and I was excited to

write down my musings and theories. I’d been

sitting for exactly one moment, had hardly clicked

my pen open, when a young

voice called from the top of the

stairs: “Mummy! Where’s

Lottie’s socks?” Oh, those

Lottie dolls, and their

misbehaving socks! I mumbled

totally unhelpfully to: “Look

around upstairs” and carried

on with my writing.

It was when my son popped

over my shoulder to ask where

his tennis balls were, and I

heard my disconnected

suggestion to “ask dad”, that I

started to laugh. Was I really

writing about mindful mothering whilst batting my

children away? I stood up then, took three minutes to

locate the misplaced toys, and then sat down to write

something a bit more honest.

Why mindfulness?We’ve all seen the Facebook meme showing

parents on their phones, and the child sitting by

wishing he could have their attention. I always

scroll past this partly because it makes me realise,

with a pang of guilt, that I’m on my phone, and also

because I think it is a bit unhelpful. Guilt in

parenting is unnecessarily destructive. Parenting

often leaves us feeling utterly drained and it is easy

to slip into cathartic phone scrolling. Guilt does not

help this problem.

A much more helpful meme would be “You’re

doing a great job – take a minute right now and hug

your child.” This is the essence of mindfulness.

Taking time – on purpose.

Thich Nhat Hanh says that when we are not

mindful, we end up living life as a dream. I don’t

know a single parent that wants their parenting

journey to be like a dream. Even when we are tired

and distracted, we crave sensational connection with

our children. Here are five ways to practice bringing

mindfulness into our mothering. Even when the days

and nights are long, and we seem to be counting the

days one meal at a time, we need the joy that comes

from fully engaging with our children and living life

with full awareness.


Being a mindful mother Starr Meneely, editor-in-chief of The Mother magazine, looks at fiveways to improve wellbeing.

1 Pause. This is simple and yet so essential. There is alwaystime to pause, for ten seconds or ten minutes. Pause andnotice what is happening around you. Don’t analyse orquestion. Just pause and take notice.

2 Scan your senses. I love this method. It is extremelyeffective. Pause and do a gentle scan of all five of yoursenses. What do you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell? Itcan be something as simple as hearing the sounds of your child playing or feeling your clothes against your skin.

4 Listen to your child. This is sometimes easier said thandone, as I confessed above! However, taking a minute toreally listen to your child is one of the most wonderfulways to be mindful. When you are listening, notice the pitch of their voice, the colour of their eyes. Notice howthey move their hands as they speak.

3 Breathe. I used to think this was a cliche instruction –breathe? Really? I never stopped breathing! But as I began to practice yoga and meditation, I realised thatmindful breathing is wonderfully healing and helpful. Take a moment to breathe gently and naturally. Notice how your body feels as you breathe. Do you need toyawn? Go ahead and take a deep, refreshing breath. Take notice of the way your body responds; imagine thatyour breath bathes your body in a healing light. Try to pre-empt stressful moments by breathing mindfully first.

4 Smile. The average child laughs between 300-500 times a day, while an adult only laughs on average 15 times aday. I find this a sad statistic! Simply taking a purposefulmoment to smile is a beautiful way to practicemindfulness. Smile at your children. Look around forsomething that will help you smile, a beautiful picture orsomething humorous. Smiling is wonderful; it cantransform an entire day.

essence INFO

Website:www.themothermagazine.co.ukOther resources, free from The Mother magazine: Ameditation, motherhood affirmations and mindfulnessactivities. Visit “The Calm Mother” http://eepurl.com/bBdRVP.

Mother_Layout 1 03/02/2016 11:59 Page 1


a pair of tickets tothe Cycle Revolutionexhibition at theDesign MuseumThe Design Museum is one of theworld’s leading museums devoted tocontemporary design in every form,from architecture and fashion tographics, product and industrial design.The last decade has seen a revolution in cycling,on a scale not witnessed in the UK since theSecond World War. Cycle Revolution celebratesthe diversity of contemporary cycling in Britainfrom every day commuting to Olympic levelcompetition. It brings together bicycles, clothing,accessories, equipment, film and photography toexplain where cycling is now and where it mighttake us in the future. Cycle Revolution looks atthe future of cycling – how it is changing theinfrastructure of the city, and how architects,designers and urban planners are responding tothe needs of twenty-first century cyclists. Enjoy the ride!

Exhibition highlights include:• 77 bikes, including Sir Bradley Wiggins’ 2015Hour Record bike and Eddy Merckx’s 1972 Hour Record bike.• Go behind the scenes with Team Sky, with bikes, kit and equipment from its 2015 Tour de France win.

To win a pair of tickets to Cycle Revolution,simply visit www.essence-magazine.co.uk andanswer the following question:

When did Sir Bradley Wiggins become the firstcyclist to win the Tour de France and OlympicGold in the same year?a) 2004 b) 2000c) 2012Closing date 29 February 2016.

essence INFODesign MuseumShad Thames, London SE1 2YDBook Tickets: 020 7940 8783Buy a ticket to Cycle Revolution and also gainentry to the Designers in Residence and Designsof the Year exhibitions. Entry to three exhibitionsfor the price of one. Cycle Revolution open until30 June 2016. Adult tickets available from £13.65. Website: www.designmuseum.org

Terms and conditions apply.

Prize is subject to availability. Prize is as stated and cannot be

transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered.

Prize is valid until 31 March 2016.

competition

WIN

Comp_Page_Layout 1 03/02/2016 12:00 Page 1


ixty years ago the population of Lauderdale-by-the-Seanumbered a few hundred, now it’s a tad over 6,000 and steadily

increasing as its well kept secret seeps out.An ideal spot for water babes, the location is recognised as the most

popular spot for beach diving throughout Florida. Divers are attracted tothe reefs: one 100 yards off the beach, the other only a ten minute swimaway. The wreck of the SS Copenhagen, a nineteenth century Britishsteamship, is a huge attraction and lies less than a mile offshore, 25 feetfrom the surface. In 1994 Florida recognised the SS Copenhagen as anunderwater archaeological preserve and in 2001 it was placed on thenational register of historic sites.

Want to keep head above water? Consider a spot of snorkelling to besurrounded by an abundance of colourful tropical fish, and perhaps evenmeet a passing turtle. Or hire a kayak, a paddleboard or skim board. Ifall that’s too energetic, why not just have an afternoon snooze on the beach?

We stayed at the WindjammerResort and Beach Club, located on palm tree-lined El Mar Drive,adjacent to the pristine, white sandybeach and a short stroll from thetown centre. Comfort and service isexemplary at this small, charmingproperty which features a selectionof contemporary, self contained,fully furnished and air conditioned

studios and apartments with one or two bedrooms for self catering holidayrentals. There are two heated swimming pools with sun loungers and nextto a large BBQ area there’s an inviting seating area with plump sofas andfootstools. Amenities include complimentary in-room WIFI, on-sitelaundry and complimentary car parking. The resort also offers directaccess onto the uncongested beach with complimentary parasols andbeach chairs provided. This is a tranquil place to relax, somewhere tolounge around and where the only distractions are pelicans flyingoverhead and the sound of the sea. To see for yourself, take a look at the

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, twelve miles from the hustle andbustle of Fort Lauderdale, is a quaint and tranquil town thatoozes old Floridian charm. Located on Florida’s Gold Coast with the glittering waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway crammed with sleek yachts to the west, it’s still Florida’s best-kept secret. Rebecca Underwood samples its charm.

Lauderdale by the Sea beach

Florida’s secret sanctuary

Fort Lauderdale’s water taxi isthe most relaxing way to travelfurther afield and sail sedatelyby the magnificent propertiesalong the Intracoastal Waterwaywith a close up view of themultitude of stunning yachts

S

LeisureBreaks_Florida_Layout 1 03/02/2016 12:02 Page 1

Leisure breaks | FLORIDA


>>>

TRAVEL TIPNorwegian.com offers twice weekly Dreamliner flights from London Gatwick direct to Fort Lauderdale.Premium cabin privileges include access to the SouthTerminal’s Club Rooms, comfortable seats with extralegroom, a generous baggage allowance (two x 20kg),complimentary pre departure and pre dinner drinks, athree course dinner including drinks, USB docking andpower outlet, touch-screen snack bar ordering and state-of-the-art entertainment system.

Windjammer Resort’s beachcam at www.windjammerresort.com/webcam.html.

The community provides visitors with complimentary publictransportation, ideal for local trips. The Pelican Hopper service runs everyday and the route includes the Village Shopping Centre, which featuresPublix, an enormous supermarket with an excellent delicatessen andbakery. To dine out, simply take a short stroll down to CommercialBoulevard, the centre of the town, where visitors will find the ArubaBeach Cafe with ‘live’ entertainment every night. The broiled seafoodplatter, which includes lobster tail, shrimp and scallops, is scrumptious,and whilst there sample the delicious cosmo cocktail of pearl citrus vodkaand Cointreau with a splash of cranberry. For fast food, try BurgerFi onNorth Ocean Drive which serves tasty 100% American Angus beefburgers, all hormone, steroid and antibiotic-free.

Fort Lauderdale’s water taxi is the most relaxing way to travel furtherafield and sail sedately by the magnificent properties along theIntracoastal Waterway with a close up view of the multitude of stunningyachts. Start off at ‘Shooters’ and disembark at the Bahia Mar marinawhere visitors can embark on the Sea Experience glass bottomed boat.The entertaining and knowledgeable Captain Mateo offers daily scubaand snorkel trips with ‘top of the line’ rental gear aboard the 45 footCorinthian Catamaran.

For sustenance after that excursion, head for the nearby MarriottHotel’s Sea Level Restaurant located on Harbour Beach. Dine al frescoand admire a panoramic view across the glittering ocean. Order the Caribbean jerk chicken and a mango Bacardi mojito, savour themoment and if very fortunate a flock of sanderlings, willets or dowitcherswill soar overhead.

For nature lovers, a trip to Butterfly World, located in Coconut Creek,is not to be missed. Established by self-confessed butterfly nut RonaldBoender in 1988, it houses the world’s largest butterfly and bird park.

Las Olas beach

Shops on Las Olas


TRAVEL TIPSSouthern Railway’s direct service (duration thirty minutes or less) to Gatwick departs daily from London Victoria. For more information visit southernrailway.com.

For private VIP tours in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, visit BusCharterAmerica.com.

For a punctual and reliable airport transfer service, visit suntransfers.com.

Butterfly World features six aviaries filled with over twenty thousandbutterflies and birds. The experience of being in the midst of thousandsof graceful butterflies is simply unforgettable. For the very brave, the bugzoo is the place to get up close and personal with scorpions, tarantulas,giant millipedes and the dreaded Black Widow spider.

Besides the park itself, Boender and Butterfly World also established the North American ‘Bring Back the Butterflies’ Campaign.The goal of this programme was to educate and supply free butterflygardening materials, specific to each region, to anyone interested. Wildlysuccessful, the Campaign has become a phenomenon, resulting inthousands of new butterfly habitats and an increase in butterflypopulations across the continent.

Flamingo Gardens, located on SouthFlamingo Road in Davie, is a botanical gardencovering sixty acres and features a spectacularcollection of over 3,000 species of rare andexotic, tropical, sub tropical and native plants.The wildlife sanctuary is home to Florida’slargest collection of injured or orphanednative wildlife including bobcats, otters,eagles, panthers, flamingos and two fiercelooking alligators named Elvis and Priscilla!Be sure to find time for the daily wildlifeencounter shows when visitors are welcometo watch the animals at feeding times. Theplayful river otters and their antics as theyexpertly dive to retrieve their fish lunch is justone of the many highlights.

For a tasty meal head back to the Com-mercial Boulevard and dine at Mulligan’sBeach House Bar and Grill, which serves an enticing selection of dishesincluding Key West crab cakes, ideally accompanied by a Margarita ortwo. Wander at leisure along the boulevard, which is crammed withquirky little shops full of trinkets, beachwear and souvenirs, and head forKilwin’s, which specialises in mouth-watering ice creams, sticky toffeeapples and homemade fudges.

Ocean Plaza is by the entrance to Anglin’s Fishing Pier, popular forday or night fishing, and attracts snapper, blue runners and croakers allyear round. There are a large number of attractive pastel coloured woodenseats and benches, and visitors will be more than welcome to take a seatand strike up a conversation with easy going locals.


The experience of being inthe midst of thousands ofgraceful butterflies issimply unforgettable

Fort Lauderdale's beach and Wave Wall PHOTO CREDIT DOUG CASTANEDO

Blue Morpho butterfly at ButterflyWorld

Windjammer Resort pool


theatreRichmond TheatreRichmondMonday 8 to Saturday 13 February

Rehearsal for Murder

A murder mystery from The

Agatha Christie Company.

Monday 15 to Saturday 20 February

Private Lives

A new production of Noel Coward’s

classic comedy starring Tom

Chambers and Laura Rogers.


The 39 Steps

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller

based on the book by John Buchan.

Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 March

Single Spies

A comic masterpiece from the pen

of Alan Bennett.

Tickets: 0844 871 7651 or

ambassadortickets.com/richmond

New Victoria TheatreWokingMonday 8 February

I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue

BBC Radio’s multi-award winning

show with Barry Cryer, Graeme

Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Jeremy

Hardy and host Jack Dee.

Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February

Ellen Kent Opera –

Tosca and Carmen

Renowned opera producer

Ellen Kent presents Puccini’s

Tosca on Friday and Bizet’s

Carmen on Saturday.


Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Feel good musical starring Darren

Day and lots of dance floor classics.

Sunday 28 February

Anton & Erin – Just Gotta Dance

A new show from the ballroom duo.

Tickets: 0844 871 7645 or

ambassadortickets.com/woking

Dorking HallsDorkingThursday 3 March

Banff Mountain Film Festival:

World Tour

An evening of short films following

some incredible adventurers.

Saturday 5 March

Russian State Ballet and Opera

House present Madam Butterfly

Puccini’s colourful and exotic

Madam Butterfly sung in Italian

with English subtitles. Accompanied

by a full live orchestra.

Information: 01306 881717 or

dorkinghalls.co.uk

66 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

spotlight on...Spot snowdrops with the National Trust in SurreyThroughout February

For that first glimpse of snowdrops this year – plants largely thought of as

harbingers of spring – the National Trust has several unique locations

throughout Surrey. To cheer the spirits, why not visit Winkworth Arboretum,

near Goldalming, where woodlands are home to thousands of snowdrops

and other winter-flowering species including 15 different types of witch

hazel. Alternatively, look out for the delicate white flowers in the small

woodland area in the garden at Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher.

Carpets of snowdrops cluster around the ancient Ankerwycke yew and

priory ruins at historical Runnymede and Ankerwycke near Egham.

Finally, Polesden Lacey, near Bookham, has over 20 varieties of snowdrops

in and around the plants in its winter garden, as well as snowdrops right

along the Lime Walk on the way to the mansion: a very special experience.

Information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

essence events

Courtesy Jonathan Buckley/National Trust

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The Electric TheatreGuildfordMonday 15 to Saturday 20 February

The Electric Theatre Family Festival

Free arts and crafts, storytelling,

family shows, films and lots more.

Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 February

Flashdance: The Musical

Based on the film: a unique

musical with an iconic score.


electrictheatre.co.uk

Epsom PlayhouseEpsomTuesday 23 February

Sally Morgan

Renowned psychic returns with

live show.

Thursday 25 February

Mimi and Me

Sue Hodge celebrates the hit

television series ‘Allo ‘Allo in a

show of music and laughter.

Friday 26 February

Stars of British Jazz

Recreating traditional jazz popular

in Britain during the 1950s and 60s.


epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Farnham MaltingsFarnhamTuesday 16 February

Stewart Francis: Pun Gent

Brand new stand-up tour.


farnhammaltings.com

Guildford FringeThe Star Inn, Quarry St, GuildfordSaturday 20 February, 8pm

Guildford Gag House Comedy Club

For the full line-up, see website.

Information: guildfordfringe.com

G LiveGuildfordTuesday 23 February

Banff Mountain Film Festival:

World Tour

An evening of short films following

some incredible adventurers.

Thursday 25 February

Katherine Ryan: Kathbum

Popular comedienne on tour.


glive.co.uk

Guildford ShakespeareCompanyHoly Trinity Church, GuildfordMonday 8 to Saturday 27 February

The Winter’s Tale

Launching the GSC’s tenth

anniversary year, Shakespeare’s

tragicomedy continues in the

GSC tradition of providing

immediate, inclusive and unique

theatrical experiences.


guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk

Rose TheatreKingston-upon-ThamesTo Saturday 13 February

Toast

A funny and moving play starring

Matthew Kelly and Simon Greenall.

Tuesday 16 to Sunday 21 February

The Gruffalo’s Child

The superb Tall Stories Theatre

Company returns to bring Julia

Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s

award winning sequel to life.

Wednesday 24 to

Sunday 28 February

Hetty Feather

A terrific adventure story from the

pen of Jacqueline Wilson.

Information: 020 8174 0090 or

rosetheatrekingston.org

Yvonne Arnaud TheatreGuildfordWednesday 10 February

Stalin’s Englishman:

The Lives of Guy Burgess

Andrew Lownie presents a

completely new picture of the

infamous Cambridge spy.

Friday 12 February

At the Mountains of Madness

The first theatre adaptation of

H.P. Lovecraft’s chiller.

Saturday 13 February

Rêverie: The Life and Loves

of Claude Debussy

Celebrating the 150th anniversary

of this innovative composer.

Thursday 18 to Saturday 27 February

Shadowlands

Telling the love story of Oxford

don C.S. Lewis and American

poet Joy Davidman.

Tickets: 01483 440000

or yvonne-arnaud.co.uk


The Winter’s Tale, Guildford Shakespeare Company

Alexander Armstrong, G Live

Toast, Rose Theatre

essence events

Courtesy Paul Marc Mitchell

1 Feb 16_Layout 1 01/02/2016 18:08 Page 4

musicCranleigh Arts CentreCranleighSaturday 20 February, 8.30pm

The Counterfeit Stones

Celebrating 25 years as the UK’s

premier ‘Stones’ tribute band.

Saturday 27 February, 8pm

The FB Pocket Orchestra

Blues, ragtime, hot jazz, songs and

dances from the beginning of

popular music.


cranleighartscentre.org

The Electric TheatreGuildfordTuesday 23 February, 7.30pm

Jazz Café: Dave O’Higgins

Award winning tenor saxophonist

Dave O’Higgins has performed

with everyone from Cleo Laine

to Frank Sinatra.


electrictheatre.co.uk

Farnham MaltingsFarnhamSaturday 13 February, 8pm

Fairport Convention Wintour 2016

Great folk-rock band.


farnhammaltings.com

G LiveGuildfordTuesday 9 February, 7.30pm

Alexander Armstrong:

A Year of Songs Live

’Pointless’ presenter returns to his

roots as a classically trained

musician in a concert tour for his

debut album, A Year of Songs.

Monday 15 February, 7.30pm

Paul Carrack Live in Concert 2016

Legendary singer, songwriter and

frontman of Ace and Squeeze returns.


glive.co.uk

Guildford Chamber ChoirSt Nicolas’ Church, GuildfordSaturday 5 March, 7.30pm

Rachmaninoff Vespers and

Preludes for Piano by candlelight

The concert takes place in the

candlelit atmospheric surroundings

of St Nicolas’ Church.


guildfordchamberchoir.org.uk

Southern Pro MusicaG Live, GuildfordSunday 28 February, 3pm

Family Classics

Classical music for the whole family.


southernpromusica.org

Vivace ChorusG Live, GuildfordSaturday 5 March, 7.30pm

A Night at the Opera

Includes Overture to The Magic

Flute, Habanera from Carmen,

Flower Duet, Nessun Dorma

and many more favourites. With

The Brandenburg Sinfonia.


vivacechorus.org or G Live

01483 369650 or glive.co.uk

FestivalsCranleigh Arts CentreCranleighTuesday 1 to Saturday 5 March

Cranleigh Literature Festival

Plays, poetry and reading, with a

line-up that includes the Guildford

Shakespeare Company and more.


cranleighartscentre.org

Farnham MaltingsFarnhamFriday 19 to Sunday 21 February

unravel...a festival of knitting 2016

Workshops, experts and stallholders

at this leading independent event.


farnhammaltings.com

exhibitionsThe Art AgencyEsherTo Friday 11 March

Featured artists are Richard Knight

and Melissa Kreisa. Richard’s works

are architecturally descriptive and

Melissa experiments with the

powerful ability of colour.


theartagency.co.uk

Dorking MuseumWest Street, DorkingUntil Saturday 26 March

Dorking in 1915

Following on from Dorking 2014, an

exhibition focusing on the changes

and sacrifices made by the people

of Dorking during 1915.


dorkingmuseum.org.uk

Guildford House GalleryGuildfordUntil Saturday 5 March

Frank Brangwyn: The Graphic

Art of the First World War

Twenty imposing posters by this

self made artist and designer.


guildford.gov.uk/guildfordhouse

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 69

spotlight on...Nicky Chubb solo exhibition Corner Gallery, Carshalton BeechesWednesday 2 March to Saturday 2 April

Surrey based artist Nicky Chubb launches her first solo exhibition at

the Corner Gallery in March. Originally trained as a designer, Nicky

took a career break from the fashion and textile design industry

which led to a rediscovery of the medium of drawing and painting.

Nicky’s work is particularly inspired by vivacious wildflowers, hardy

heathland plants and countryside views. As can be seen from the

image on the left, Golden Laburnum, Nicky’s paintings are beautiful

and colourful, leaving an impression of joyfulness. Don’t miss the

opportunity to visit the Corner Gallery on Wednesday 2 March at

the launch of the exhibition to meet the artist. The Corner Gallery

is the smallest commercial art gallery in Surrey, but reputedly has

the biggest exhibitions! It is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm,

and on Saturday, 9am to 3pm. Free parking is available outside.

Information: 020 8669 5899 or corner-gallery.com

Golden Laburnum by Nicky Chubb

1 Feb 16_Layout 1 01/02/2016 18:08 Page 5

The Lightbox Galleryand MuseumWokingSaturday 13 February to

Sunday 8 May

John Constable:

Observing the Weather

An exhibition which concentrates

on Constable’s unique ability to

combine artistic skill with scientific

observation to record changes in

weather phenomena. The works

range from pen and ink studies to

watercolour and oil sketches.

To Sunday 10 April

Not all Contemporary Art

is Rubbish! The Ingram Collection

Works from up-and-coming artists.

Saturday 6 February to

Sunday 13 March

Heath Robinson

– Saved for the Nation

A cross-section of Robinson’s

cartoons from the inter-war years.

Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 February

Half term at The Lightbox

Arts and crafts for the holidays: why

not make a bird or dragon? See

website for details and timings.


thelightbox.org.uk

McAllister ThomasGodalmingSaturday 20 February to

Tuesday 8 March

Journeys in Colour: Ewa Adams

Polish-born artist Ewa’s second solo

exhibition with the Gallery.


mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

New Ashgate GalleryFarnhamSaturday 5 March to

Saturday 16 April

Rising Stars 2016

View and collect some of the most

exciting new crafts by emerging

makers, including jewellery,

stoneware, paintings and lots more.


newashgate.org.uk

Watts GalleryCompton, GuildfordTuesday 1 March to Sunday 5 June

Watts Landscapes

The newly re-opened Gallery plays

host to paintings by G F Watts,

depicting views from Egypt to the

Surrey Hills to the peaks of the Alps.


wattsgallery.org.uk

national trustNational Trust properties offer

perfect venues in which visitors can

play and relax. A few are shown here,

but visit nationaltrust.org.uk for more.

Claremont LandscapeGardenEsherSaturday 13 to Sunday 21 February,

10am–4pm

Children’s half term trail

Fun in the fresh air, visit the play

area and feed the ducks.


cinemasCranleigh Arts Centre 01483 278000 or cranleighartscentre.org

Farnham Maltings 01252 745444 or farnhammaltings.com

Odeon Esher 0871 2244007 or

odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s89/esher

Odeon Epsom 0871 2244007 or

odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s88/epsom

Odeon Guildford 0871 2244007 or

odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s92/guildford

The Screen Walton 01932 252825 or

screencinemas.co.uk

The Ambassadors Cinema, Woking 0844 871 6743 or

ambassadortickets.com/cinema

Battersea by Richard Knight, The Art Agency

Half term at Bocketts Farm

Mother’s Day at the National Trust

essence events

Courtesy National Trust/John Miller

1 Feb 16_Layout 1 01/02/2016 18:08 Page 6

Sunday 6 March, 10am–5pm

Mothering Sunday

Stroll through the historic

landscape garden and take

mum for tea.

Information: 01372 467806

Hatchlands ParkEast Clandon, GuildfordSaturday 13 to Sunday 21 February,

10.30am–4pm

Half term trail

Explore the parkland with this fun

winter trail.

Sunday 6 March, 11am–4pm,

Mothering Sunday

Join an arts and crafts activity to

make a special gift.


Leith Hill PlaceDorkingSunday 6 March, 11am–5pm

Mothering Sunday

Play the pianos, take a soundscape

tour and enjoy a cream tea.


Polesden LaceyGreat Bookham, near DorkingSaturday 13 to Sunday 21 February

Secret Lives of Dogs –

half term trail

Discover the hidden secrets of

Mrs Greville’s beloved pets.


Surrey Hillsnear DorkingThroughout the year

Kite flying and spectacular views

with cafés open for hot chocolate

and pocket money priced gifts.


Winkworth ArboretumGodalmingSaturday 13 to Sunday 21 February,

10am–4pm

Half term trail

A trail around the beautiful arboretum.

Sunday 6 March, 10am–5.30pm

Mothering Sunday

A stunning location for a Mother’s

Day walk, with early signs of

magnolias and azaleas.


nationaltrust.org.uk

out &aboutBocketts FarmLeatherheadSaturday 13 to Sunday 21 February

February half term fun

See newborn lambs, birds of prey

flying demonstrations, meet

miniature Shetland Ponies in the

Pony Parlour and lots more.

Information: bockettsfarm.co.uk

BirdworldFarnhamMonday 15 to Friday 19 February

Penguin activity week

Penguin themed arts and crafts and

a penguin trail around the park.

Information: birdworld.co.uk

Brooklands MuseumWeybridgeMonday 15 to Friday 19 February,

10am–4pm

Half term family fun

On weekdays take part in the car

rides, look out for Bertie Bear or try

the aviation family workshop

‘Propeller Investigators’.


brooklandsmuseum.com

Godstone FarmGodstone, near CaterhamSaturday 13 February to

Sunday 21 February

Woolly Week

Lots of baby animals: lambs,

bunnies and chicks galore.

Sunday 6 March

Mums go free

Celebrate Mother’s Day on the farm.

Information: godstonefarm.co.uk

The Guildford WineExperienceThe Marquee, Guildford CathedralFriday 26 and Saturday 27 February

Guildford’s first large wine tasting

event with over 150 local and

world wines, proseccos and

sparkling wines. With live music

and entertainers.

Information: drinksfestivals.co.uk

Haslemere MuseumGeorgian House Hotel, HaslemereSaturday 13 February, 7.30pm

Valentine’s dinner and

auction of promises

Tickets for the dinner priced at £45

are now on sale in aid of the

‘Museum in a Million’ campaign.


haslemeremuseum.co.uk

The Living Planet CentreWokingTuesday 16 and Thursday 18 February

Earth Hour lantern making

Prepare for Earth Hour by creating

a colourful animal-themed lantern.

Information: wwf.org.uk/whatson

Painshill ParkCobhamTuesday 16 to Thursday 18 February

Wild Woodland Camp

A wild time to be had this half term

with tracking, wild art, bushcraft and

den building for ages eight to

thirteen. Advance booking required.


painshill.co.uk

RHS WisleyWokingTo Sunday 6 March

Butterflies in the Glasshouse

Last chance to see exotic butterflies

in the tropical Glasshouse.

Information: 0845 260 9000 or

rhs.org.uk/wisley

Surrey Wildlife TrustVarious locationsMonday 15 February,

10am–3.30pm

Wild play at Furzefield Wood,

Merstham

Build a den, light a fire and more.

For children aged seven to ten.

Information: 01483 795440.

Friday 26 February, 10am–noon

Wild tots at Newlands Corner

Brilliant games and hunt minibeasts.

Information: 01483 795440.

Saturday 27 February, 10am–1pm

Weave your own wigwam at

Ockham Common

Get ready for spring by weaving

your own sustainable, heathland

saving wigwam or plant support.

Information: surreywildlifetrust.org

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 71

Half term car ride, Brooklands Museum

farmers’ marketsCamberley Saturday 20 February, 10am–3pm

Cranleigh Every Friday, 9.30–11am

Epsom Sunday 7 February and 6 March, 9.30am–1.30pm

Farnham Sunday 28 February, 10am–1.30pm

Guildford Tuesday 2 February and 1 March, 10.30am–3.30pm

Haslemere Sunday 7 February and 6 March, 10am–1.30pm

Milford Sunday 21 February, 10am–1.30pm

Ripley Saturday 13 February, 9am–1pm

Walton-on-Thames Saturday 6 February and 5 March, 9.30am–2pm

Woking Thursday 18 February, 9am–2pm

Courtesy Jason Dodd

1 Feb 16_Layout 1 01/02/2016 18:08 Page 7


>>>

erhaps readers may like to consider a weekend away, dustingoff the clubs and erasing the winter rust from their swing, or

possibly prefer a week away with some winter sun whilst combining dailycoaching sessions with a few practice rounds?

One of the most established golf coaching and travel operators in thebusiness, David Short Golf, is offering an extensive number of breaksalong these lines for those that particularly enjoy the social side of golfand meeting like-minded people.

PGA professional, David Short, has been running his eponymouscompany based in the UK for more than 30 years. Following a steady rise in demand for these niche holidays over the years, he and his teamhave amassed a great deal of experience in how best to run coachingholidays and to ensure that golfers return home with a better game as wellas some new friends.

“There’s a definite lack of golf improvement holidays available, soour holidays have proved increasingly popular for golfers looking to tuneup their game whilst also playing some interesting courses withindividuals on the same wavelength,” comments David.

Groups generally comprise a mixture of couples, friends andsingletons of various skill levels which makes for lots of interaction

and socialising both on andoff the course.

Over the three decades,David has primarily hostedthe holidays himself, butrecently he has brought infellow PGA pros, BarneyPuttick and Aaron Shepherd,

“For those requiring alittle additional tuition, the host is always happyto increase the number ofclinics during the week”

Golfing new youAs the weather finally starts to brighten up and with just twomonths until the stars tee off at the US Masters, the officialstart of the golfing season, it’s surely time to turn our thoughtsto fine tuning our game to take advantage of the playingopportunities coming up in the summer. Find out more aboutDavid Short Golf, a well established company offering golfholidays with tuition in stunning locations.

Playing at Simola in South Africa with David Short Golf

P

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Sport | DAVID SHORT GOLF


>>>

to assist him due to the rising demand for his events,especially as the company enjoys a great deal of repeatbusiness. Indeed there have even been a number of‘reunion tours’ over the years that have gatheredtogether golfers who have attended David Shortholidays in the past.

Whilst David Short Golf prides itself on helpinggolfers to improve their game and provides theopportunity for golf holidays to many clients whomight otherwise be reluctant to travel, the companyalso aims to ensure that its clients enjoy their golf andtake new-found skills out onto the fantastic coursesselected to host events.

“Whilst as experienced PGA pros we are able tooffer expert tuition and course management, we alsotake pleasure from the hosting element of the

holidays that gives our clients a unique, personal touch. What we offer is a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxed social environment in which to hone players’ games, exploring some new and interesting golf courses,whilst at the same time getting to know fellow golfers on the holiday,”continues David.

The variety of format, location and length of stay of David Short Golfholidays means golfers can choose from a number of options throughoutthe year, but be warned, many of them can get booked up well in advance.

From mid-March, the company runs a series of ‘UK Golf &Coaching’ events that are held at Staverton Park Golf Club inNorthamptonshire. These in particular are extremely popular, with someguests returning year on year to use the weekend as a tune-up before thegolf season kicks off in earnest.

These ‘Golf & Coaching’ events explore every aspect of theindividual’s game, from technique to the mental side of the game. Theoverall aim is to improve golf skills, offering a more rounded view of thegame and to help clients take practice routines out onto the course.

Traditionally hosted by David, Barney also teaches some groupswhich are limited to just 12 people to ensure thorough instruction andpersonal attention. Run at weekends over three nights and four days, thesepackages start at £455pp (with no single supplement applied) and includeaccommodation on a DB&B basis, coaching, game analysis, golf overStaverton Park and use of the club’s practice facilities.

A David Short UK golf and coaching holiday David Short Golf at La Cala Golf Club, Spain


For those who would prefer to concentrate on the more technicalaspects of their game, David Short Golf runs a number of ‘UKAcademy Events’ that focus more on technique with discussions onthe latest equipment, good practice technology, practice routines,mental issues and course management. With a maximum of eightpeople per group to ensure individual tuition, these three-day clinicsare generally hosted by Aaron, who has progressed from being a juniormember at Staverton Park to head of The Golf Academy there, wherehe is a full-time PGA coach. Packages start at £395pp and includeaccommodation on a DB&B basis, tuition, video analysis, golf anduse of the club’s long and short game practice facilities.

For golfers who would rather go abroad for their golf – and somesun and warmth – there are ‘Golf & Coaching’ breaks and ‘GolfWeeks with Clinics’ that take place overseas. The ‘Golf & Coaching’holidays offer long-term improvement to an individual’s game whilstalso offering the opportunity to play some fascinating golf coursesacross Europe, Southern Africa and Asia. These events offer a fairlyintensive course of daily coaching sessions with one non-golf day forresting or sightseeing and the chance to practice new skills out on thecourse. A friendly competition and prize presentation on the final day concludes the week.

For those who would like to play more golf, but also tidy up their game a little whilst ontour, David Short Golf has developed ‘Golf Weeks with Clinics’. Hosted in European resorts,these seven-day trips offer five rounds of golf with the option of attending a daily, one-hourclinic run by David or Barney. For those requiring a little additional tuition, the host is alwayshappy to increase the number of clinics during the week.

A good example of this holiday is the annual week at the five-star LaCala Resort in Malaga, Spain that has been built in traditional Andalusianstyle with every bedroom boasting views over the golf courses. La Calahas three excellent courses; two hilly layouts, Campo America andCampo Asia, and the Campo Europa, which runs in and out of the OjenRiver. Prices for this week start from £1,195 and include the services ofa PGA golf professional host, golf clinics, green fees, accommodation ona DB&B basis and airport transfers. There is also an annual Lisbon GolfWeek in early May that is always well attended and, in addition to greatgolf, features some local sightseeing.

Alongside its coaching holidays, David Short Golf also specialises inthe ‘Escorted Golf Tour’ to fabulous destinations in Europe, South Africa,Asia and Dubai held generally during the UK’s winter months so thatgolfers can escape to warmer climes.

“We have a wide range of clients, including lots of single golfers, whoprefer to travel in the company of others, as well as couples, all of whomlove the camaraderie of the escorted tours, and who enjoy the diverserange of destinations that we go to,” concludes David.

“Whilst as experienced PGA pros we areable to offer expert tuition and coursemanagement, we also take pleasure fromthe hosting element of the holidays thatgives our clients a unique, personal touch.”


essence INFODavid Short GolfWebsite: www.davidshortgolf.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Robinson Golf Club, Tavira, Portugal

Playing amongst the zebras with David Short Golf at

Zebula Golf Estate, South Africa


Property | LPOC


Owning a beautiful listed building isn’t alwaysthe dream people think.

It comes with responsibilities and restrictionsthat usually translate into more expense. Englandand Wales boast half a million listed buildings, eachone with its own story to tell.

A recent survey, undertaken by HistoricEngland, showed owners are committed to investingin their buildings, with 93% seeing their property asimportant to local character and enjoying owning aslice of history.

So, for owners of listed buildings, it helps to have a desire to preserve the past and a view that, as the owner, the property is being saved for future generations.

The Listed Property Show, taking place atOlympia London on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22February, has all the specialist information andexpert help required for conserving, renovating orbuying. Owning a listed property can present its fairshare of problems. This LPOC-organised show, inassociation with Historic England, has the largestcollection of listed property suppliers and specialistsunder one roof during one weekend.

Laws and regulations that limit what can bealtered on a listed property may date back hundredsof years and can be a surprise. As the UK’s onlyadvice service dedicated to helping listed propertyowners, LPOC is familiar with the rules andregulations with which owners have to comply. The Listed Property Show was created to provideowners and those looking to buy with everythingthey need to know.

Over 150 exhibitors and specialist suppliers,independent conservation officers and architectsattend, and there are informative lectures on discovering a home’s history or how to make a listed building energy efficient.

Privilege and responsibilityFor those looking to purchase, or for those who already possess, a listed property, there arecertain expectations and restrictions on the structure and look of the building, both inside andoutside. The Listed Property Owners Club (LPOC) is a members’ club dedicated to helping andadvising listed building owners. essence found out more.

“Private owners of listed residentialbuildings care for the greatest share of our historic fabric. It is thereforeparticularly encouraging to see the evidence of their commitment to preserving the historic character of their properties and their readiness to cover the costs of regular maintenance.”Sir Laurie Magnus, chairman of Historic England

essence INFOThe Listed Property Show 2016, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February 2016, Olympia, London. Tickets to the show are FREE and can be downloaded atwww.lpoc.co.uk/property-show/tickets/

The Listed Property Owners ClubLower Dane, Hartlip, Kent ME9 7TETelephone: 01795 844939 Website: www.lpoc.co.uk

Shere, Surrey IMAGE COURTESY OF LPOC.

Property_Layout 1 03/02/2016 12:03 Page 1

Architectural and interior designstudio with a difference...

www.kristurnbull.com

Project1:Layout 1 23/07/2013 13:45 Page 1

111 Buckingham Palace RoadVictoria, Westminster,London SW1W 0SR

+44 (0) 207 340 8723

[email protected]

Project1:Layout 1 23/07/2013 13:47 Page 2

In 1549, at the age of 72, thirty years aftercompleting the frescos in the Sistine Chapel,

Michelangelo bought and periodically lived in a villa in Tuscany, halfway between Florence and Siena, that stayed in the Buonarroti family for over 300 years.

Now for sale, the original deed held byMichelangelo, in which he was described as a ‘dear sculptor and Florentine citizen’, will be passed on to a new owner.

For those who feel a thrill in their connection to history, the experience of actually living andsleeping in the same rooms and walking the samegrounds as the great man did over six centuries ago is priceless. Located on over six acres aboverolling hills, the 12,915 square feet of living space is contained in three buildings, including an ancient tower, believed to date back to theeleventh century. The original architecture is

accented throughout with large stone fireplaces,beamed and barrel ceilings.

With eight bedrooms, all rooms pay homage tothe period, and modern conveniences blend in. Thekitchen has all the rustic romance of early centuries,but now with high quality appliances that takenothing away from the original architecture.

Park-like grounds have lawns and mature plantingswith a lemon orchard, olive grove and Chiantivineyards, as well as the original olive oil mill.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to own theTuscany villa of Michelangelo, preserved andrestored by the current owner, the property is for sale at €7,500,000.


The Master's Tuscany homeMichelangelo’s work ranges from sculptures to paintings, poetry to engineering and architectural design through the HighRenaissance and into the artistic age of Mannerism. He is considered by many to be the greatest artist ever and a majorinfluence for western art. The Tuscany villa of the master is now for sale: essence finds out more.

essence INFOWebsite: www.TopTenRealEstateDeals.comFor more information on the property, contactwww.handsomepropertiesinternational.com

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF TOP REAL ESTATE DEALS.

Overseas Prop_Layout 1 03/02/2016 12:04 Page 1

Overseas property | ITALY


essence INFOWebsite: TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent websitefor international property.

EternalappealA recent online property surveyshowed Rome to be the most‘searched-for’ location in theworld. Overseas buyers areheading back to Italy and France.

Portal TheMoveChannel.com sawRome remain the most searched-for location in the world in the finalmonths of the year, the thirdconsecutive quarter that the cityhas held top spot. Italy’s rebound inpopularity increased throughout2015, due to the country’s stronglifestyle appeal, and a weak euro.

Favourable exchange rates fuelleddemand for all Europe’s traditionalproperty hotspots, with Spain andPortugal in particular stealing thelimelight. Now, though, the tide maybe about to change.

Portugal’s share of searches on the portal reduced for the first time in Q4 2015, accounting for 11 of the Top 50 locations in theHotspots Index.

Cyprus and Greece, meanwhile, fell out of the Top 10 altogether, as buyers swapped theireconomically uncertain markets for old favourites. Buyers returned to France with the country entering the Top 10 for the first time in Q4 2015.

The weak euro has been thedefining story of 2015, sendingbuyers from overseas –particularly the UK and the USA –flooding into Europe’s propertymarkets to snap up availableopportunities. While Portugal andSpain have dominated demand forthe majority of the year, France andItaly are starting to steal the show,their relatively stable marketsluring house-hunters away fromthe more uncertain bargain zonesof Greece and Cyprus.

Overseas Prop_Layout 1 03/02/2016 12:04 Page 2

If you are considering spending £200,000

or more on extending or refurbishing your

home, or planning your new dream home,

please call us for an informal discussion.

Ralph Guilor RIBA

T. 07792 904746

E. [email protected]

W. www.yourarchitect.org.uk

• Refurbishment of listed buildings• Refurbishment of existing houses• Extension of existing house• New build individual houses

Ralph Advert_Layout 1 29/11/2013 11:28 Page 1

NINE BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED NEW HOMES WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS

MULBERRY HEIGHTS, HARROWLANDS PARK, DORKING, RH4 2RA

SHOWHOME OPEN - VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT Mulberry Heights is an impressive new development of two 2 bedroom cottages and seven 1, 2 & 3 bedroom

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For further information, please call Patrick Gardner on 01306 877775.

Prices on application.

www.rushmon.co.uk www.partrickgardner.com

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essence issue 68

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