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Metroland SS24

Spring/Summer 2024 issue Metroland Life

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Chesham | Amersham | Chalfont<br />

METROLAND<br />

metroland.life<br />

VOL. 10/<strong>SS24</strong>


05<br />

WHAT’S ON<br />

18<br />

FAMILY FUN<br />

40<br />

METROLAND FOOD<br />

55<br />

LOCAL PEOPLE<br />

71<br />

HOME & GARDEN<br />

As we welcome the warmth of the spring sunshine, we are thrilled to present<br />

to you our Spring/Summer issue, filled with stories that capture the essence<br />

of the season. We have all the info on Chesham Fringe Festival, Chillfest and<br />

what is showing at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.<br />

If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a family day out we have details of<br />

the new Harry Potter exhibition at the Warner Bros Studio Tour and the Dolls<br />

House Exhibition at Windsor Castle, plus the latest from Soccer Aid which this<br />

June will be played at Stamford Bridge. Plus many more family fun days!<br />

This issue we have the Queen of Fake Bakes, Reshmi Bennett with us<br />

showing how to create a show-stopping cake at home using just supermarket<br />

ingredients for under £10!<br />

Our local people include the incredible Ruth Spur who is a local entrepreneur,<br />

an inspiring article from Chesham Museum on women who made a difference<br />

locally, local resident Warren and his amazing health journey plus Anthony<br />

Cherry who wowed the Dragon’s Den team!<br />

We also have some fab gardening tips from Dobbies to help you get get<br />

Spring/Summer ready!<br />

Enjoy & warm regards,<br />

The Editorial Team of <strong>Metroland</strong> Life<br />

hello@metroland.life metroland.life metroland.life


Phil Martin 07790903364<br />

RAISING MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES<br />

BANK HOLIDAY<br />

WEEKEND!<br />

25th - 27th MAY<br />

SAT 25th MAY SUN 26th May MON 27th May<br />

TONY MOORE<br />

– AWAKE<br />

SARAH GILLESPIE • KIRSTY NEWTON<br />

JORDAN NASH • DEATH INGLORIA<br />

MY TOWN CHOIR<br />

MUSIC<br />

THE CHRIS SLADE<br />

TIMELINE (AC/DC)<br />

SARAH JANE MORRIS • LET LOOSE<br />

HEIDI BROWNE • GARY ALBERT<br />

AMERSHAM A CAPELLA • ENSEMBLE INSPIRE<br />

ODYSSEY<br />

FORE FIGHTERS<br />

TWOMANTING • SHE BURNS RED<br />

MATTED • CROSTPATHS • SOUL VIBE BAND<br />

SUNRISE SUNSET<br />

TERRY ALDERTON & FRIENDS<br />

ROBIN INCE • NINIA BENJAMIN<br />

THE RAYMOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE<br />

LARRY DEAN • ADAM BLOOM • GLENN MOORE<br />

JOE BOR • TIFF STEPHENSON • SOL BERNSTEIN<br />

MARY BOURKE • PAM FORD • STEVE OWEN & STU<br />

TURNER • LAUGHS AND TRICKS • MADAME CHANDELIER<br />

COMEDY<br />

ANDY ZALTZMAN • DOMINIC HOLLAND<br />

MARCEL LUCONT • THE ULTIMATE SOPHIE DUKER • ARTHUR SMITH<br />

ROAST CHAMPIONSHIPOLAF FALAFEL<br />

TOM WARD • IAN STONE • DARIUS DAVIES<br />

NICK DOODY • STELLA GRAHAM<br />

JUSTIN PANKS • DEE ALLUM<br />

PIERRE NOVELLIE • GARRETT MILLERICK<br />

SAMANTHA DAY • JENNY LAVILLE<br />

ANDREW WHITE<br />

AD LIBRETTO<br />

ROB LEHANE ROCK SCHOOL<br />

PHOENIX PLAYERS • AMERSHAM SCHOOL<br />

P.S. THEATRE • THEATRE SHED<br />

EMMA HUDSON<br />

OOBERFUSE • THE SHANTLYS<br />

THE BARNSTORMERS • VULGARITHM •<br />

SCUMBUS • POLLY PHLUID • CHARTAHOLICS<br />

LOVE & SQUALOR • JOHN BICKLEY INVISIBLE<br />

FOLK CLUB BAND • LOU’S SEXTET • TON50<br />

ELLEN KRETSCHMER • HARKER<br />

DIANA SHAKTI BLISS • YAN MELVILLE<br />

THEATRE, KIDS SHOWS, MAGIC<br />

MARCEL LUCONT<br />

LES ENFANTS TERRIBLE<br />

DEE RILEY<br />

KIDOCRACY • THE LAST BANTAM (MICHAEL HUGHES)<br />

P.S. THEATRE<br />

FREE FRINGE<br />

THE DOG ROSES • RUBY LEIGH • MATILDA<br />

FLORENCE • LAUREN RICH • CHILTERN GATEWAY<br />

CLUB • LAMA CANYON • THE CHILTONES<br />

DAVID JACKSON • LYN JENKINS<br />

RICHARD STARK • GARDENBACK<br />

DAVID WORLOCK • CHESS POETS<br />

ENJOY THESE ACTS FOR FREE OR PAY WHAT YOU LIKE - BRING CASH!<br />

OLAF FALAFEL SUPER<br />

STUPID KIDS SHOW<br />

HARVEY GREENFIELD IS<br />

RUNNING LATE (PAUL RICHARDS)<br />

CHRYSTEL ARTS THEATRE • CHILTERN HILLS<br />

ACADEMY • IAN WAINWRIGHT<br />

ALL THAT SOUL (DIVAS SHOW)<br />

THE GLEEMAN • NICK BYRNE • ZML<br />

HAYLEE, MADI C • TOM GUARENTE<br />

KEVIN MACK • NJAMBI MCGRATH<br />

DR NIGHAT ARIF<br />

WITH THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS & SPONSORS<br />

BUY YOUR TICKETS AT: WWW.CHESHAMFRINGE.COM


LOVE LOCAL<br />

LOCAL EVENTS


Experience a cultural extravaganza at Chesham Fringe Festival this late May bank<br />

holiday weekend.<br />

Chesham Fringe Festival will showcase over 100 acts across ten central venues from the<br />

25th to 27th of May 2024. Whether you enjoy music, comedy, poetry, cabaret, or theatre,<br />

this Fringe Festival has something for everyone.<br />

The inaugural festival supports the innovative Chesham community by hosting shows at<br />

local venues, including Chesham United Football Club and the Elgiva Theatre, along with<br />

independent cafes and pubs. Funds are being raised throughout the festival for<br />

Chesham-based charities and organisations, such as Rotary Club of Chesham Valley,<br />

The Theatre Shed, Love Lowndes, and The Not Forgotten.<br />

Modelled on the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Chesham Fringe Festival<br />

welcomes a vibrant array of local, national and international talent. The festival serves as<br />

a platform for acts preparing for Edinburgh, offering festival-goers a sneak peek into<br />

some of the finest performances of 2024.<br />

Enjoy a broad selection of talent, with musical acts ranging from disco/soul legends<br />

‘Odyssey’, renowned Foo Fighters tribute band ‘Fore Fighters’, and 90’s pop icons ‘Let<br />

Loose’ celebrating the 30th anniversary of their hit summer anthem “Crazy For You”,<br />

which reached No. 2 in the UK charts. For the Jazz-lovers, Sarah-Jane Morris (of<br />

Communards fame) is performing after recently headlining her “Sisterhood” show at The<br />

Alexandra Palace Theatre. Confirmed comedy acts include Andy Zaltzman from Radio<br />

4’s The News Quiz, Dominic Holland, Olaf Falafel, Marcel Lucont, and Robin Ince,<br />

promising a weekend full of laughter.


If that wasn’t enough, there are ‘Edinburgh Fringe’ quality theatre productions, kids’<br />

shows, improv, magic and cabaret. Tickets are on sale and selling fast, with Ninia<br />

Benjamin’s show selling out in record time.<br />

A member of the Chesham Fringe Festival Organising Committee, Mark Rann, said,<br />

“Bringing a fringe festival to Chesham is about high street regeneration and establishing<br />

Chesham as the arts and entertainment centre of Buckinghamshire by showcasing the<br />

best of local, national and international talent.”<br />

Fringe Committee member Ian Slack said, “We’re aware that people aren’t flush with<br />

money right now, so we’ve included ‘Free Fringe’ events where people can enjoy some<br />

cracking performances for free, with the option of donations. We also have a secret<br />

megastar confirmed who will busk for their chosen charity.”<br />

He added, “One of the unique things we wanted to do was make the festival ‘family<br />

friendly’, so selected venues will be open to all ages up to 9pm. We love that families can<br />

introduce their kids to live music and theatre this way.”<br />

Chesham is a bustling market town on the end of the Metropolitan Tube line, surrounded<br />

by parks and farmland in the Chess Valley with great local attractions. Its combination of<br />

creative facilities and innovative talent makes Chesham a prime creative hub in the<br />

Chilterns, which the festival is dedicated to showcasing.<br />

Find out more information here: http://www.cheshamfringe.com


LOVE LOCAL<br />

CHILFEST 2024 - LINE UP<br />

Marc Almond tops another fantastic line-up for the much-loved independent familyfriendly<br />

festival in Tring, Hertfordshire, on Friday 5th & Saturday 6th July.<br />

The crowd will be in heaven with a visit from Heaven 17 with their mega crowd-pleaser<br />

“Temptation”, which always goes down a storm.<br />

Go West will be bringing a dose of Californian sunshine to Hertfordshire with their<br />

classic feelgood hits “King of Wishful Thinking”, “Call Me” and “We Close our Eyes”.<br />

Nik Kershaw hopes to keep the sunshine going with his die-hard hit “I Won’t Let the<br />

Sun Go Down on Me” & many more.<br />

Scouting for Girls whose sing-along favourites, including “You’re So Lovely”, will appeal<br />

to all ages.<br />

Ska royalty The Selecter are guaranteed to get you on your feet with all their classic<br />

hits.<br />

Other acts include The Farm, East 17 & Baby D.<br />

Friday gets the party started with our “Totally Tribute” Night.<br />

Headliners Rule the World, an exceptional Take That tribute band.They will be joined<br />

by acts paying homage to iconic 80s and 90s artistes, including I’m Every Whitney,<br />

Rogue Minogue, Badness, and The Smiths UTD.<br />

For more information about Chilfest 2024, please visit chilfest.co.uk.


DAYS OUT<br />

COOPER’S ARTISAN MARKETS<br />

Cooper’s Markets are delighted to<br />

bring you a selection of markets,<br />

showcasing some of the best food &<br />

drink produced in and around The<br />

Chilterns. Creating an opportunity for<br />

the community to come together in<br />

support of local businesses and to<br />

appreciate everything that the area<br />

has to offer from inspiring<br />

independent retailers to eateries and<br />

outstanding restaurants.<br />

The markets have been created in<br />

conjunction with the local councils and<br />

community boards, for each market<br />

we are supporting a different local<br />

charity to put even more back into the<br />

local community.


FOODIE<br />

AFTERNOON TEA<br />

AT WARNER BROS. STUDIO<br />

TOUR LONDON<br />

Creatively designed and beautifully crafted<br />

by our talented pastry chefs, Afternoon Tea<br />

at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London<br />

features an array of indulgent sweets,<br />

savoury treats, and delectably delicious<br />

baked scones, served with an assortment of<br />

loose-leaf teas. You can also add some<br />

sparkle to the occasion and upgrade your<br />

Afternoon Tea to include a glass of<br />

champagne.<br />

Afternoon Tea at Warner Bros. Studio Tour<br />

London is available as an add-on when<br />

purchasing your Studio Tour tickets and<br />

cannot be booked separately. Dine<br />

underneath the enchanted ceiling in our<br />

Food Hall, before or after your tour. Each<br />

table is allocated a 90 minute timeslot, so<br />

please ensure you book your tour entry time<br />

with this in mind. Please also select the<br />

same day as your admission ticket when<br />

booking.<br />

If you have any food allergies or<br />

intolerances please contact them at least 48<br />

hours prior to the date of your visit.<br />

Book here - studio tour tickets are required<br />

also. Vegan & gluten free menus also<br />

available!


Everybody should see Nobody amongst the incredibly eclectic programme of shows<br />

taking place at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre over the coming months.<br />

A show like no other is first up as Motionhouse presents Nobody (Tue 30 Apr). Not<br />

familiar with the brand? Motionhouse produces high quality dance-circus productions<br />

rooted in dance but that draw on theatre, acrobatics, circus and film. Gripping audiences<br />

from start to finish, the dancers use every bit of the set, and each other – moving up,<br />

over, on and even through the set. No prior dance knowledge is needed and with the use<br />

of film, music and costume, as well as the wide variety of physical disciplines, a whole<br />

new element is brought to the performance.<br />

More for music than dance? Look no further as some of the best tribute artists are on<br />

their way with Rob Lamberti celebrating the life of George Michael (Thu 30 May), Luther<br />

Live bringing the timeless songs of Luther Vandross (Fri 31 May) and The Illegal Eagles<br />

(Thu 13 Jun) set to play a huge back catalogue of Eagles’ hits including Hotel California,<br />

Take It Easy, Life in the Fast Lane and many more…<br />

Norman Bragg Studio - Not many know the Waterside also boasts a studio space, full to<br />

the brim with screenings, performances and events with a difference. This summer the<br />

studio has screenings of musicals Titanic (Thu 22 May) and Kinky Boots (Wed 12 Jun),<br />

alongside NT Live’s Nye (Thu 6 Jun). The space also hosts regular comedy and gig<br />

nights alongside burlesque evenings. And a must for fans of drag and bingo is their very<br />

first Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party (Sat 1 Jun).<br />

Book now for your favourite shows and enjoy the Waterside Experience. Visit<br />

www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury


LOVE LOCAL<br />

THE GRIFFIN, OLD AMERSHAM<br />

LAUNCHES NEW EVENT SPACE<br />

The Griffin Bistro & Bar has recently added a beautiful new events space on the first floor of<br />

its historic building. After undergoing an extensive restoration project, The Assembly Room<br />

was opened at the start of the year.<br />

An elegant gallery room overlooking Old Amersham’s award-winning memorial gardens, the<br />

venue has already been host to a number of special events including engagement parties,<br />

birthday celebrations, christenings and corporate workshops. It is a stunning and versatile<br />

space - with tailored events such as wine tastings and cocktail making masterclasses also<br />

possible as part of the offering. The Assembly Room has its own bespoke bar and sound<br />

system, with cosy chairs and high ceilings, creating an atmosphere that is both grand and<br />

personal. Best of all, guests benefit from the infamous Griffin food and service experience!


EXCITING NEWS: CHESHAM MOTOR<br />

SHOW TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!<br />

Get ready for an exhilarating showdown between the Best of British and the Best of<br />

Italian Cars and Bikes, happening on Sunday, June 30th! We're thrilled to announce that<br />

car display tickets for this spectacular event are now up for grabs. Public come for free!<br />

Prepare to be dazzled by a stunning array of supercars, featuring the likes of Ferrari,<br />

McLaren, Lamborghini, Lotus, and Bentley. But that's not all – we've got some<br />

extraordinary show cars in store, including iconic models from Mini, Lancia, Abarth, and<br />

Alfa Romeo. Plus, don't miss out on our electric stand, where you can explore and<br />

discuss the latest in environmentally friendly vehicles.<br />

But wait, there's more! We're delighted to welcome some fantastic stands to the day,<br />

including our main sponsor, Warranty Solutions Group, as well as Rotary of Chesham,<br />

Bentley of High Wycombe, Palmers of Hemel Hempstead, Impulse Audio, and Car Gods.<br />

Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable automotive extravaganza. Grab<br />

your tickets now and join us for a day of unparalleled excitement!<br />

Don't miss out on your chance to shine! In addition to the thrilling display, we'll be<br />

awarding three prestigious prizes on the day: Best British Car, Best Italian Car and<br />

Overall Best Car in Show<br />

Plus, prepare to be inspired by a special guest speaker – stay tuned for more details!<br />

This truly is an event not to be missed. To showcase your British or Italian vehicle, simply<br />

click on this Eventbrite link.


DAYS OUT<br />

FAMILY FUN


This summer, Harry Potter fans are invited to visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to<br />

discover the filmmaking magic behind Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as fanfavourite<br />

moments from the film are celebrated 20 years after the cinematic release in<br />

2004. Brand new for 2024, the Studio Tour is inviting visitors to broaden their minds and<br />

cast themselves into the future by exploring the noble art of Divination.<br />

For the first time ever, the Divination classroom set will be on display and ready to<br />

welcome visitors. First seen during Harry’s third year at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the<br />

Prisoner of Azkaban, the Divination classroom plays a key role in the film’s plot, revealing<br />

omens of the imminent danger Harry faces. During Divination classes, Hogwarts students<br />

are encouraged to broaden their minds and cast themselves into the future and are seen<br />

in the film performing Tessomancy, the magical art of reading tea leaves, and looking into<br />

crystal balls to divine their futures. To some eagled eyed fans, the Defence Against the<br />

Dark Arts and Divination classrooms may feel familiar. During filming Harry Potter and the<br />

Prisoner of Azkaban, filmmakers re-dressed the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom<br />

to become the lush, fabric-covered Divination classroom we see on-screen.


When designing the look and<br />

feel of the set, filmmakers<br />

started with the idea of a<br />

traditional tea shop, with<br />

students sitting in pairs at round<br />

tables surrounded by<br />

mismatched teacups stacked<br />

high around the set. From there,<br />

the room was draped in rich red<br />

fabric and decorated with jeweltoned<br />

velvet pouffes, numerous<br />

patterned rugs and Arabian-style<br />

lanterns, creating a classroom in<br />

which eccentric Professor<br />

Trelawney would feel at home.<br />

For the first time, fans are invited<br />

to discover the set up-close and<br />

take in the hidden details. Fans<br />

will remember the iconic moment<br />

Professor Trelawney discovers<br />

the Grim, an omen of death, in<br />

Harry’s cup. During the feature,<br />

the original teacup will be<br />

displayed at the Studio Tour and<br />

visitors are invited to interpret<br />

the tea leaf sign themselves.<br />

Additionally, the grand teacup<br />

tower holding over 500 vintage<br />

teacups will be on show as well<br />

as original costumes worn by<br />

Harry, Ron, Hermione and<br />

Professor Trelawney.


A new year at Hogwarts means a new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, and<br />

visitors will find a new section of the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom on display,<br />

complete with the Art Nouveau-style Boggart wardrobe and sinister Boggart jack-in-thebox,<br />

as seen in the third film.<br />

Also new to the Studio Tour, visitors have the chance to discover the interior of the Knight<br />

Bus as a full cross-section of the set will be displayed. To create the Knight Bus,<br />

filmmakers welded a third deck onto a traditional London bus before painting it the now<br />

iconic shade of purple. Fans will see the Knight Bus in action as the set rattles and the<br />

beds move, just as they did when bus driver Ernie made his bumpy ride through London.<br />

Other highlights of Return to Azkaban include stepping foot into the magnificent Great<br />

Hall under an enchanted ceiling filled with over 100 floating candles, before being regaled<br />

by the Hogwarts Frog Choir and seeing The Monster Book of Monsters go on a rampage<br />

in Harry’s room at the Leaky Cauldron.<br />

Return to Azkaban will run from 1st May – 4th September<br />

and all new features are included in the ticket price.


MYTH AND MYTHMAKING:<br />

NEW EXHIBITION AT<br />

HUGHENDEN MANOR<br />

A new exhibition at Hughenden Manor has opened which explores how Victorian Prime<br />

Minister Benjamin Disraeli carefully curated his own image and used Hughenden as<br />

stage and backdrop for creating his own legend.<br />

Benjamin Disraeli was described as ‘the most potent myth-maker in British history’ by his<br />

biographer, Lord Blake. New interpretation at Hughenden Manor explores how Disraeli<br />

carefully cultivated his public identity and used the Manor as the setting for shaping his<br />

personal narrative.<br />

Despite humble beginnings, Disraeli boldly claimed grand Iberian and Venetian ancestry.<br />

He went on a Grand Tour to the Mediterranean and Ottoman Empire and styled himself<br />

as a Byronic figure when he returned. Then, as his political ambitions increased, he<br />

remodelled himself again to join the ‘squirearchy’. Owning land was essential to his rise<br />

within the Tory party.


Hughenden was more than just a home, it was a country seat to bolster his political<br />

image, allowing him to present himself as a member of the establishment and serious<br />

political thinker rather than an opportunistic dandy. When he was finally ennobled in<br />

1876, he chose as his title, Earl of Beaconsfield, the name of a fictional character in his<br />

first novel, Vivian Grey, written 50 years earlier.<br />

Rob Bandy, House and Collections Manager, Hughenden said: “Benjamin Disraeli was<br />

Queen Victoria’s favourite prime minister. He was probably one of the wittiest, most<br />

engaging, most human, most fascinating characters of the Victorian period. He curated<br />

his own public image and became his own creation. His political climb was<br />

stratospherically successful and when he became Earl of Beaconsfield, it was poignant<br />

for him as after half a century, it was a literary destiny fulfilled.”<br />

As an author, politician and public figure, Disraeli was both comfortable and<br />

accomplished at storytelling. He was an avid reader, immersing himself in literature<br />

from ancient Nordic myths to the Classics. This is reflected in his library and writings,<br />

but also extends beyond the page to Hughenden’s manor, garden and parkland.<br />

As visitors explore, the myths Disraeli wove into the fabric of the estate are revealed.<br />

From the Aesops fables depicted on the library ceiling to the German Forest he created<br />

in the grounds, every manipulation was designed to contribute to his personal image.<br />

The exhibition also explores contemporary parallels in the way that we curate our own<br />

story on social media.<br />

Myths and Mythmaking is now open at Hughenden 11am – 4.30pm


A SHEAR DELIGHT FOR<br />

VISITORS TO ODDS FARM<br />

PARK THIS MAY HALF TERM<br />

There’s a woolly welcome in store for visitors to Odds Farm Park, near Beaconsfield, this<br />

May half term (25 May – 2 June).<br />

The rare breeds farm is hosting a Half Term Hoedown where visitors can look forward to<br />

sheep shearing demonstrations, welly-wanging competitions and the chance to Do-Si-Do<br />

with Farmer Oddsocks and his family in the interactive country dancing sessions.<br />

There will also be the opportunity to meet all the new spring babies who’ve arrived on the<br />

farm including lambs, kid goats and piglets.<br />

Louise Winslow, assistant general manager, says: “Sheep shearing is a key event in the<br />

farming calendar. Our sheep need to be sheared over half term to relieve them of heavy<br />

wool that might cause them to overheat in the summer. We have over 140 sheep on site<br />

with shearing taking place everyday of the half term holiday. It’s quite a spectacle and<br />

we’re looking forward to sharing it with our guests!<br />

“We will also have our arts and crafts marquee open with cowboy headbands and sheriff<br />

badges for little ones to enjoy making.”<br />

In addition to a packed programme of half term entertainment there is also plenty of<br />

weather-proof fun at Odds Farm Park in the indoor soft play barn, while outside there is<br />

the outdoor adventure play, Marmalade’s Mini Golf course, Tractor and Trailer ride,<br />

H2Odds water play area and Marmalade’s Mini Rovers.


The Half Term Hoedown at Odds Farm Park takes place from 25 May – 2 June 2024 and<br />

online pre-booked tickets are £17.95. Children under 2 years old are free of charge. It is<br />

not essential to pre-book and walk-up admissions are always welcome.<br />

For more information, call 01628 520188, visit www.oddsfarm.co.uk, or like and follow<br />

@OddsFarmPark on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.


SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF 2024<br />

COMES TO STAMFORD<br />

BRIDGE THIS JUNE


Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 will take place on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge,<br />

London with England taking on the Soccer Aid World XI FC in the world’s biggest<br />

celebrity football match.<br />

Watch international sporting legends come together with top celebrities to battle it out on<br />

the pitch this summer. Returning fan favourites Usain Bolt, Jill Scott, Tommy Fury, Robbie<br />

Williams and others will be joined by exciting new signings including Eden Hazard, Theo<br />

Walcott, Ellen White, Stuart Broad and Sam Thompson as Soccer Aid returns to London<br />

for 2024.<br />

WHAT IS SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF?<br />

Created by Robbie Williams in 2006, Soccer Aid for UNICEF brings the nation together to<br />

help children worldwide have the best possible start in life. Once a year, England take on<br />

their opponents, the Soccer Aid World XI FC. Supported by passionate fans in an iconic<br />

stadium and broadcast live on ITV and STV, the event harnesses the power of football to<br />

help make sure that children can grow up happy, healthy and able to play.<br />

Stamford Bridge, London SW6 1HS<br />

Sunday 09 June 2024<br />

Gates Open: 17:30<br />

Kick Off: 19:30<br />

Book tickets here


A DIDDLY RETURN TO<br />

SILVERSTONE FESTIVAL’S<br />

FOODIE FEST<br />

The monster hit show Clarkson’s Farm has made a welcome return to our television<br />

screens and the show’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop will be back on pole position at this<br />

summer’s Silverstone Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend (23-25 August).<br />

Since being opened by the series’ larger-than-life presenter Jeremy Clarkson to sell a<br />

surfeit of potatoes, the little barn shop near Chipping Norton has achieved cult status<br />

attracting huge crowds to the Cotswolds, often to the well-publicised irritation of local<br />

councillors!<br />

With the third Amazon Prime series already receiving rave reviews, the world’s most<br />

famous farm shop is gearing up for an even more exciting involvement with Silverstone<br />

Festival’s Foodie Fest.<br />

After its successful debut in 2022, the Diddly Squat ‘Pop-Up’ Shop expanded and moved<br />

to a more central location last year and its popularity surged thanks to the addition of a<br />

bar selling Clarkson’s very own Hawkstone lager to thirsty visitors.<br />

The good news is that the Hawkstone Bar will be back, together with the rustic store<br />

selling a range of Diddly Squat Farm produce and merchandise bearing the outlet’s iconic<br />

flaming Lamborghini tractor motif.<br />

“It really is an infeasibly good day out,” enthused Clarkson who was at the Festival with<br />

his partner Lisa Hogan in both 2022 and 2023. “You have literally acres and acres<br />

festooned with incredible cars all with nice sensible dials on their dashboards, a pop-up<br />

Diddly Squat Farm Shop selling lots of our stuff all washed down with lashings of my<br />

really rather refreshing Hawkstone beer – what more could anyone want!”


Now, celebrating its third summer at Silverstone, there will be plenty of Diddly activities<br />

for the kids to get involved with plus – for the grown-ups – Diddly Tasting Tent sessions<br />

are new to the menu offering daily masterclasses on how to mix the best cocktails fuelled<br />

by Diddly Squat gin, rum, whisky and vodka. Places are strictly limited so booking in<br />

advance is essential; slots can be added when buying tickets (existing ticket holders can<br />

add a booking by logging in to their Silverstone account).<br />

Other Tasting Tent sessions are on offer, too, from BBQ secrets to a history of British<br />

Cheeses, a trip through the world of chillies to Moldovan winemaking artistry. There’s<br />

something to suit every palate and booking in advance is highly recommended to avoid<br />

disappointment.<br />

Silverstone Festival’s Foodie Fest also features an artisan market with the best of local<br />

‘Made in Northamptonshire’ produce and celebrated chefs on the Silverstone Kitchen<br />

Live stage.<br />

Providing exceptionally good value, all tickets also include entry to both racing paddocks,<br />

open trackside grandstands plus an incredible programme of energy stunt shows in the<br />

Shift & Drift Zone, classic car displays, live music courtesy of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Busted<br />

and Olly Murs, a Fan Zone featuring F1 team show cars, and entertainment for all the<br />

family over the Bank Holiday weekend.<br />

A wide range of tickets – including camping, hospitality options and Car Club Display<br />

Packages – are available with best prices for those booking now. Full details of all tickets<br />

can be found here.


CELEBRATIONS AT WINDSOR<br />

CASTLE MARK 100 YEARS OF<br />

QUEEN MARY’S DOLLS’ HOUSE<br />

Throughout 2024, Royal Collection Trust will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen<br />

Mary’s Dolls’ House at Windsor Castle, the largest and most famous dolls’ house in the<br />

world.<br />

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was built between 1921 and 1924 as a gift from the nation<br />

to Queen Mary following the First World War. It is a perfect 1:12 scale replica of an<br />

Edwardian residence, complete with electricity, working lifts and running water. Its<br />

scaled-down rooms range from a fully stocked wine cellar and ‘below-stairs’ spaces to<br />

grand entertaining salons, and feature contributions from over 1,500 of the finest artists,<br />

craftspeople, and manufacturers of the day. The house went on display at Windsor<br />

Castle in 1925 and has been delighting visitors ever since.<br />

This year, visitors to the Castle will see a special centenary display of items usually<br />

contained within the Dolls’ House, staged in the magnificent Waterloo Chamber. These<br />

range from a tiny concert grand piano, fully strung and with functioning keys, to<br />

miniature Crown Jewels inset with real diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and seed<br />

pearls. Items from the kitchens and servants’ quarters include a vacuum cleaner, which<br />

was a relatively new innovation in the 1920s; a sewing machine, complete with thread<br />

and minuscule scissors that can actually cut; and a copper kettle made from a coin, with<br />

the King’s head still visible on its base.<br />

The display, open from Thursday, 18 January, allows visitors to get even closer to these<br />

tiny treasures and appreciate the extraordinary attention to detail that the craftspeople<br />

involved lavished on every miniature item. Kathryn Jones, curator of the special display,<br />

said: ‘Queen Mary's Dolls' House is a constant source of fascination for visitors to<br />

Windsor Castle, as irresistible to adults as it is to children. We are thrilled that we can<br />

bring the tiny treasures of the Dolls' House to a wider audience in this anniversary year.’


The room at Windsor Castle that was created to house the Dolls’ House almost 100<br />

years ago has also been re-presented to mark the anniversary. Designed by the house’s<br />

architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, it features murals by the decorative landscape artist Philip<br />

Connard together with the artists Dorothy Cohen and Winifred Hardman.<br />

These murals have been expertly restored and re-lit, so that visitors can appreciate the<br />

fine-detailed scenes of elegantly dressed figures promenading and relaxing in the<br />

grounds of a series of royal residences, including Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace<br />

and Hampton Court. The Dolls’ House itself has been relit to simulate daylight rather<br />

than moonlight, and the room’s ornate corner niches have been restored and filled with<br />

miniature plants and flowers, which were originally created as part of a seasonal scheme<br />

for the Dolls’ House Garden.<br />

On Royal Collection Trust’s website, new content will allow as many people as possible<br />

around the world to discover the house’s miniature marvels and join the centenary<br />

celebrations. For the first time, the house has been filmed from a ‘dolls’ eye view’<br />

perspective, giving viewers the chance to explore rooms including the Queen’s Bedroom,<br />

Library, Kitchen and Day Nursery in closer detail than ever before.<br />

One of the great wonders of the<br />

Dolls’ House is its Library, which<br />

captured the literary culture of<br />

the 1920s through miniature<br />

books penned by the era’s<br />

foremost writers, from Sir Arthur<br />

Conan Doyle and Vita Sackville-<br />

West to A. A. Milne and Thomas<br />

Hardy. The new publication The<br />

Miniature Library of Queen<br />

Mary’s Dolls’ House by Elizabeth<br />

Clark Ashby, available from<br />

today, explores the stories<br />

behind the creation of the Dolls’<br />

House Library. The book<br />

includes a foreword by Her<br />

Majesty The Queen, as well as a<br />

excerpts from selected works –<br />

some of which are reproduced<br />

for the first time. In addition,<br />

Lucinda Lambton’s authoritative<br />

history of the Dolls’ House, first<br />

published in 2010, has been<br />

redesigned


with newly photographed images to mark the anniversary. The books join a new Queen<br />

Mary’s Dolls’ House souvenir range that is available in Royal Collection Trust’s shops.<br />

Anniversary events and activities throughout the year will include a Dolls’ House-themed<br />

family trail for visitors to Windsor Castle, as well as family activities during the Easter<br />

holidays. An online evening event in April will see Royal Collection Trust curators<br />

revealing behind-the-scenes details and sharing how the house is conserved for future<br />

generations to enjoy. A series of courses held at the Castle in collaboration with the<br />

Royal School of Needlework will include a private tour of the Dolls’ House and handembroidery<br />

workshops inspired by the intricate motifs found on upholstery throughout the<br />

house. As Duchess of Cornwall, Her Majesty The Queen became Patron of the Royal<br />

School of Needlework in 2017.


DISCOVER THE ENCHANTING<br />

WORLD OF AUDLEY END<br />

MINIATURE RAILWAY<br />

This summer Audley End Miniature Railway will celebrate 60 years of creating family<br />

memories. Lord Braybrooke began the railway in 1964 due to his passion for steam<br />

trains. He opened the miniature railway to the public to provide entertainment for visitors<br />

to Audley End House next door, which is now run by English Heritage. The past 60 years<br />

has seen the Woodland develop its offering from picnics under the trees and spotting<br />

teddy bears in the woods from the train to adding seasonal wonder along with fairies and<br />

elves to entertain children of all ages.<br />

This Half Term, from Saturday 25th May to Sunday 2nd June, families will be welcomed<br />

for a wonderful day out filled with excitement! Hop on board a train ride into our magical<br />

woodland. Children can unleash their creativity by crafting a nature crown by using<br />

natural materials sourced from the forest – regal headdresses with leaves, twigs and<br />

grasses! And what’s a crown without a wand? Each little magician can craft their very<br />

own wand to cast spells and add a touch of magic to their day.<br />

Our 60th Anniversary over Father’s Day weekend, 15th - 16th June, at the railway will<br />

welcome visitors to commemorate the occasion with the launch of a brand-new electric<br />

train, and Father’s go free!<br />

Our Enchanted Summer Adventure will run 20th July - 1st September. Embark on a<br />

magical journey of discovery! Encounter the enchanted creatures who inhabit our<br />

woodlands, and stage show to meet our special dragon, Nibbles!<br />

Families can explore the Fairy and Elf Walk, which winds through the enchanted woods<br />

where children can spot tiny fairies living happily and in harmony with nature. These<br />

magical creatures also tend to our sensory nature corner, ensuring the wellbeing of the<br />

wildlife.


For more active adventures, children can let off steam at our adventure playground and<br />

enjoy the ever-popular bubble time!<br />

Owner, Amanda Murray said, “We’re proud to be a location for families to spend time<br />

together, playing, exploring and make memories which we hope will last a lifetime. As we<br />

celebrate our 60th year this year, come and join in our special magic and wonderment.”<br />

Don’t forget to refuel at the Woodland Café which will be offering delicious locally sourced<br />

and homemade food throughout the day. We have everything you need for an<br />

unforgettable family day out, filled with enchantment and fun!


STONOR PARK & GARDENS<br />

Stonor Park is one of the oldest stately homes in the UK and has been home to the<br />

Stonor family for 850 years – as well as the beautiful house which the public can visit on<br />

selected days, it has a huge deer park, spectacular grounds and an ancient stone circle<br />

from the Neolithic age.<br />

Located in its grounds is Tumblestone Hollow, a beautiful adventure playground that<br />

opened in 2021. Made from sustainably sourced chestnut to harmoniously sit within the<br />

glorious parkland, Tumblestone Hollow has high level walkways, climbing nets, look-out<br />

decks and bridges, all connected by a quirky, gnarled central tower – it’s certainly no<br />

ordinary playground!<br />

In the playground, a spiral of steps takes adventurers from ground level to the top lookout<br />

deck, where they will have views across the whole playground and access to the<br />

connecting bridges and towers - perfect for the kids to burn off some energy while family<br />

have a seat and watch on from the giant wooden benches surrounding it. Created to<br />

spark imagination and encourage exploration, the exclusively designed playground<br />

highlights the stories of the magical creatures that call the play area home, and who take<br />

centre stage in Stonor’s children’s books, The Legend of Tumblestone Hollow and The<br />

Moon Witch and The Thief, written by award-winning children’s author Amy Sparkes and<br />

illustrated by Steve Pearce.<br />

After working up an appetite, guests can enjoy Tumblestone Hollow’s pizza eatery, The<br />

Rumble Hut, serving authentic Italian pizzas cooked in a wood-fired Gozney oven. The<br />

menu includes Pepperoni, Napoli and other favourites, and offers gluten-free and vegan<br />

pizza options too. Handmade burgers, made from local organic longhorn beef, and softwhip<br />

Italian ice cream are also on the menu.


Tumblestone Hollow has also has annual memberships, which provide unlimited access<br />

to adventure days, selected events including Easter and Halloween Trail and Stonor<br />

gardens.<br />

For details on days/times https://www.stonor.com/plan-your-day/opening-times/


STEP INTO ROYALTY:<br />

EVAN EVANS TOURS UNVEILS<br />

FIVE NEW LONDON ITINERARIES<br />

FOR THE CORONATION<br />

ANNIVERSARY


As the nation gears up to celebrate the anniversary of King Charles' coronation, Evan<br />

Evans Tours, London's oldest tour operator, invites history buffs and travel enthusiasts to<br />

embark on a regal adventure through the city.<br />

Their meticulously curated selection of five new royal tours offers a captivating journey<br />

into the rich tapestry of the British monarchy, blending iconic landmarks, a touch of<br />

opulence, and a dose of tradition as you delve into the fascinating world of the Crown.<br />

These meticulously curated experiences cater to a variety of interests and time<br />

constraints, offering unforgettable encounters for every visitor.<br />

Royal London with Optional River Cruise: This half-day tour, led by an expert Blue<br />

Badge Guide, introduces visitors to the grandeur of London's most recognisable<br />

landmarks. Witness the time-honoured tradition of the Changing of the Guard ceremony<br />

at Buckingham Palace before concluding the day with a delightful Thames River cruise,<br />

offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.<br />

Crown Jewels & London with River Cruise (Sunset): Delve into the captivating history<br />

of London with visits to two of its most iconic landmarks. Expert guides will bring the<br />

stories of these celebrated sites to life, followed by a scenic cruise along the River<br />

Thames at sunset, providing a unique perspective of the city's storied skyline.<br />

Royal London with Westminster Abbey & Afternoon Tea: Experience the charm and<br />

elegance of Royal London on a relaxing tour led by a knowledgeable Blue Badge Guide.<br />

Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace before indulging in<br />

an exquisite afternoon tea at the prestigious Westminster Abbey's Cellarium Café &<br />

Terrace. The tour concludes with an immersive exploration of the iconic church, steeped<br />

in history.


Royal London & Windsor Castle Full Day Tour: Embark on a comprehensive royal<br />

adventure with this full-day journey through London's most significant royal sites.<br />

Immerse yourself in centuries of royal history, from Buckingham Palace and the Tower of<br />

London to the grandeur of Windsor Castle, offering a glimpse into regal life.<br />

Private Royal London Chauffeured Tour: Discover the best of London's royal<br />

landmarks in style and comfort with a private, half-day chauffeured tour. Led by expert<br />

guides, experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the<br />

Guard ceremony at your own pace.<br />

"These captivating royal tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the<br />

grandeur and rich history of London's royal heritage," says Tom Macklin, Managing<br />

Director at Evan Evans Tours.<br />

"Whether you're a history enthusiast yearning to delve deeper into the traditions of the<br />

monarchy, or a curious visitor seeking a glimpse into the lives of British royalty, our<br />

expertly curated tours cater to a range of interests.”<br />

“From witnessing the awe-inspiring Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham<br />

Palace to exploring the magnificent Crown Jewels and unravelling the secrets of iconic<br />

landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle, these tours offer a truly<br />

immersive journey through time.”<br />

“As we commemorate the one year anniversary of King Charles' Coronation, we invite<br />

you to join us on these unforgettable journeys and create lasting memories in the heart of<br />

London's regal history."


FOODIE CORNER<br />

FOODALICIOUS


Reshmi Bennett!<br />

Whilst during the day I'm busy making luxury cakes at Anges de Sucre<br />

(www.angesdesucre), in my spare time I'm either baking with my son, very often one of<br />

our StoryBakes recipes (www.storybakes.com), or fake baking. You can find fake bake<br />

tips, tricks and hacks on our StoryBakes website :)<br />

How-to for the 2-tier Carrot Cake Fake Bake - £10 Sainsbury's!<br />

Ingredients<br />

2x Ready-made carrot cakes<br />

1 tub of cream cheese style frosting<br />

2x mini Lindt chocolate bunnies<br />

Sugar carrot cake decorations<br />

Method<br />

1. Smear a dollop of frosting on a plate or cake board and place one of the carrot cakes<br />

on. Pick off the walnuts and reserve. Smooth frosting over the top and sides with a<br />

palette knife scraper.<br />

2. Unbox the second cake. Use a 4inch cookie cutter to cut out the top tier from it and<br />

place on top of the frosted cake. Cover the top and sides with buttercream using the<br />

palette knife and scraper. Crumble the off-cuts and sprinkle along the base of the tiers.<br />

3. Reserve some cake crumbs aside. Knead the rest of the cake crumbs into a smooth<br />

cake pop mixture. Roll into small truffle-sized balls. Coat the balls in the reserved crumbs<br />

to make carrot cake truffles. Use the truffles, chocolate bunnies, sugar carrot decorations<br />

and reserved walnuts to decorate the cake.<br />

It's really as easy as 1-2-3!


FOOD<br />

AFTERNOON TEA AWARDS<br />

2024 WINNERS<br />

ANNOUNCED


The best places in the UK to enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea have been named in the<br />

Afternoon Tea Awards 2024, sponsored by AfternoonTea.co.uk<br />

Three main category awards were presented:<br />

Best Traditional Afternoon Tea – The Beaumont Hotel, Mayfair<br />

Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea – COMO The Halkin, London<br />

Best Themed Afternoon Tea – The Waldorf Hilton, London<br />

A team of independent judges looked at all aspects of the Afternoon Tea experience,<br />

from making a booking, to paying the bill, with a strong focus on the presentation and<br />

service.<br />

An ‘Award of Excellence’ was also presented to 19 venues that the judges considered to<br />

have delivered the highest standards in Afternoon Tea service.<br />

Keith Newton, managing director of AfternoonTea.co.uk said: “The award winners have<br />

demonstrated that they can offer customers a fantastic Afternoon Tea experience, and<br />

value for money, during challenging economic times.”<br />

The Beaumont Hotel, Mayfair - Best Traditional Afternoon Tea<br />

The judges said: “This is an Afternoon Tea which does not disappoint, with high quality<br />

service and excellent food, all in a cosy and relaxing environment.”<br />

COMO The Halkin, London - Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea<br />

The judges said: “A very contemporary take on the traditional Afternoon Tea affair, which<br />

was executed well, and certainly felt almost guilt-free. The food was beautifully presented<br />

and the staff were welcoming and friendly.”<br />

‘Be Our Guest’ Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Hilton - Best Themed Afternoon Tea


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The judges said: “The theme was carried through the whole experience, which was lovely<br />

and set a great mood in the tearoom. Our table looked impressive on arrival, the food<br />

was presented beautifully and didn't lack in originality.”<br />

The ‘Award of Excellence’ was presented to the following venues:<br />

Twenty Princes Street, Edinburgh<br />

Hotel Café Royal, London<br />

The Langham, London<br />

The Tea House, Pavilion Road, London<br />

Brown's Hotel, London<br />

The Ampersand Hotel, London – ‘Science Afternoon Tea’<br />

The Milestone Hotel, London<br />

The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, London<br />

Rosewood London<br />

The Stafford London • Sofitel London, Rose Lounge<br />

Park Corner Brasserie, Hilton Park Lane<br />

Corinthia London<br />

L'Oscar London<br />

The Ampersand Hotel, London - Jurassic Afternoon Tea<br />

The Lanesborough London<br />

Coworth Park, Ascot<br />

The Grand Hotel Birmingham<br />

Ugly Butterfly, Cornwall<br />

AfternoonTea.co.uk is the UK’s premier Afternoon Tea guide, featuring more than 500<br />

venues across the UK & Ireland.<br />

More information about the award winners can be found at afternoonteaawards.co.uk


TRAVEL<br />

THAT’S AMORE


MAPPING ITALY'S MOST<br />

INSTAGRAMMABLE ROUTES<br />

The five-day journey from Rome to Florence claims the title of Italy's most Instagramworthy<br />

road trip, with 6,787,677 hashtags on Instagram<br />

The Northern Italy 10 day route, which takes travelers through the Veneto and<br />

Trentino regions takes second place, with 5,230,054 hashtags<br />

The findings consider Instagram posts tagged with popular stops across each road<br />

trip route to determine the most shared online<br />

In a new study conducted by travel experts amalfi-coast-tours.com, the most<br />

Instagrammable Italian road trip route has been identified.<br />

The findings are based on the total number of Instagram posts with hashtags for each<br />

stop among popular road trip routes highlighted on reputable travel sites, to determine<br />

how picturesque the average sight on each journey is.<br />

As summer draws closer, Italy remains a top choice for European getaways. This study<br />

helps social media-savvy travellers in planning their Italian h based on where holds the<br />

most visual appeal – and where will make the perfect photo backdrop.<br />

Claiming the title for the road trip route with the most Instagram appeal is the five-day<br />

journey from Rome to Florence, with an average of 6,787,677 posts uploaded per stop<br />

along the route.<br />

Coming in second is a Northern Italy route that takes travellers through the Veneto and<br />

Trentino regions of the country. This route boasts an average of 5,230,054 posts across<br />

all stops.<br />

The third most Instagrammable route is a Southern Italy and Sicily trip starting in Naples<br />

and ending in Palermo- 3,252,421 posts were created for each stop.


The road trip circling from Milan through Northwest Italy secures its place as the fourth<br />

most popular route on Instagram. It boasts an average of 3,068,671 posts per stop<br />

along the journey.<br />

Ranking as the fifth most Instagrammable road trip route is one that travels through<br />

the Northern Italy Lakes - it boasts an average of 2,991,062 posts per stop.<br />

The most Instagrammable road trips in Italy<br />

Route Average Instagram Posts per Stop<br />

Rome to Florence (5 days) 6,787,677<br />

Northern Italy: Veneto and Trentino Regions: Circular starting in Verona (10 days)<br />

5,230,054<br />

Southern Italy and Sicily: Naples to Palermo (10 days) 3,252,421<br />

Northwest Italy: Lombardy, Liguria, Piedmont: Circular from Milan (7-8 days)<br />

3,068,671<br />

Northern Italy Lakes: Circular starting in Milan (7 days) 2,991,062<br />

Tuscany: Circular starting in Florence 2,982,932<br />

Sardinia: Circular starting in Olbia (5-10 days) 1,765,556<br />

Puglia: Circular starting in Bari (7 days) 1,626,603<br />

Southern Italy: Circular- Start in Naples (15 days) 1,538,231<br />

Bologna Apennines: Circular starting in Bologna (2-3 days) 1,461,644<br />

Western Sicily: Circular starting in Trapani (7-10 days) 1,299,660<br />

Eastern Sicily: Circular starting in Catania (10 or more days) 904,975<br />

Northwest Italy: Turin and Aosta Valley: Circular from Turin (7 days) 656,489<br />

Dolomites: From Ortisei to Cortina d’Ampezzo (4-5 days) 237,944<br />

t


THE CHANCE TO SLEEP WITH HISTORY ON<br />

A GRAND SCALE BUT WITH TOUCHES OF<br />

MODERN LUXURY - HARTWELL HOUSE IS A<br />

GRADE-1 LISTED STATELY HOME<br />

Now owned by the National Trust and filled with antique treasures, Hartwell House in<br />

Buckinghamshire is no ordinary hotel. It’s part of living history. Once the ancestral seat of<br />

some of England's most illustrious families, it has been home to an exiled French king,<br />

and a Chancellor of the Exchequer.<br />

As you wander the grounds of the Grade I-listed historic house, with its avenues of trees,<br />

croquet lawn and church, it’s easy to imagine constitutional documents being signed<br />

here, witnessing key moments in history. Presidents have stayed here as well as underthe-radar<br />

stars.<br />

But Hartwell also offers every contemporary comfort to guests. Restored by Historic<br />

House Hotels, it features 48 superbly appointed bedrooms and suites, award-winning<br />

dining, a spa with state-of-the art treatments, and 94 acres of gardens and parkland. No<br />

wonder it has been awarded 4 Red Stars: The AA's supreme accolade for hotels.<br />

The present building dates to the 17th century, but its history stretches back nearly a<br />

1,000 years to Edward the Confessor. Hartwell House was first mentioned in the<br />

Doomsday Book as belonging to William Peverel, a natural son of William the Conqueror.<br />

And today every inch of this stately home has a story to tell.<br />

Behind the Jacobean facade, it has fine Georgian interiors, with rococo marble chimney<br />

pieces, decorative ceilings and a great hall in baroque style. The grand stairway features<br />

a brilliantly eccentric mix of carved figures including Sir Winston Churchill and G K<br />

Chesterton.<br />

You can take afternoon tea in The Great Hall (the oldest part of the house) with its open<br />

fireplaces; or unwind before dinner in The Library, and admire the rococo frieze and<br />

chimneypiece and original bookcases with gilt-brass wirework.


The principal dining room is designed in the style of eminent early-19th architect, Sir John<br />

Soane, and based on a room in 11 Downing Street, home of the Chancellor of the<br />

Exchequer, with elegant arches and delicate detailing.<br />

Awarded two AA rosettes, Executive Head Chef Daniel Richardson has been at Hartwell<br />

House for 30 years and works closely with local suppliers and the hotel's gardening team<br />

to ensure the menu's ingredients are fresh and seasonal. The impressive Hartwell cellar<br />

won the AA' s Notable Wine List award for 2023.<br />

Restoration work has stayed true to the integrity of the house. But modern luxury is the<br />

byword. Hartwell’s spa, with its mosaic-lined indoor pool, offers cutting-edge facials by<br />

111SKIN Harley Street London Treatments, the luxury anti-ageing skincare range created<br />

by aesthetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides. Hartwell has just been nominated for the<br />

new AA Spa Awards – as a Recommended Spa Hotel. There’s a sauna, steam room and<br />

gym, plus all-weather tennis courts in the old walled garden. Clay pigeon shooting and<br />

archery can be arranged in the grounds.<br />

Hartwell's magnificent gardens were landscaped by a contemporary of Capability Brown.<br />

There's a private lake and bridge (created from the central arch of James Paine’s Kew<br />

Bridge, built in the 18th century), a romantic Gothic Tower, a classical Italianate Ionic<br />

Temple, an obelisk and a mile-long double avenue of lime trees.<br />

Situated within the Vale of Aylesbury and on the edge of the Chilterns, in an 'Area of<br />

Outstanding Natural Beauty’, the hotel is just 40 miles northwest from London. Yet it’s so<br />

peaceful and secluded, the stresses of city life quickly fall away.


And this is a chance to sleep with history on a grand scale. Hartwell was built as a family<br />

home in the 1600s (for the Hampden and Lee families, from whom the Confederate<br />

General Robert E. Lee was descended). But then it became a regal residence in 1809<br />

when it was leased to the exiled King Louis XVIII of France and his Queen, Marie<br />

Josephine de Savoie.<br />

King Louis remained at Hartwell until 1814 when the constitutional document, confirming<br />

his accession to the French throne, was signed in the Library by the King. ‘Why wouldst<br />

thou leave calm Hartwell’s green abode?’ marvelled Lord Byron of Louis’s departure.<br />

Why indeed?<br />

It still feels like a royal retreat today, thanks to painstaking restoration work on the Royal<br />

Suites and Rooms. You can stay in the Duchess d’Angouleme room, once occupied by<br />

the daughter of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, which features a sumptuous four-poster<br />

bed and window seats overlooking the parkland.


Afternoon tea daily, dinner daily and lunch at the weekends.<br />

Executive Head Chef Daniel Richardson has created wholesome<br />

flavoursome and imaginative dishes in a style dinner<br />

guests are able to select not only by choice but also by budget.<br />

Daniel endeavours to source local produce wherever<br />

and whenever possible to enhance flavours and freshness.<br />

Two Courses - £64 per person<br />

Three Courses - £79.00 per person<br />

19:00hrs - 21:00hrs daily


The house remained in the possession of the original families until 1938, when it was<br />

purchased by the grandson of Thomas Cook, founder of Cook’s Travel Agency.<br />

Part of the fascination of a visit to Hartwell, of course, is the way the building has evolved<br />

over the centuries, thanks to its eminent residents. When the French court arrived, the<br />

roof was converted into a miniature farm, where birds and rabbits were reared in cages,<br />

and vegetables and herbs cultivated in densely planted tubs. Shops were opened in the<br />

outbuildings by the French émigrés short of money.<br />

Since then, it’s been a temperance hall, a museum and an astronomical observatory.<br />

During the Second World War, Hartwell served as an Army billet for British and American<br />

troops. It even functioned as a girls’ finishing school at one point.<br />

But then in July 1989 Hartwell House opened as an hotel. One of England’s finest stately<br />

homes had been saved for the nation to enjoy. In September 2008, the hotel was<br />

donated to the National Trust to ensure its long-term protection. It continues to be<br />

managed by Historic House Hotels, who believe passionately in investing in staff and the<br />

UK hospitality business.<br />

In 2023 the hotel celebrated the achievements of several younger members of the team.<br />

Ben Mabley started working at Hartwell House in 2017 as an apprentice and now holds<br />

the position of Senior Chef de Partie under Executive Head Chef Daniel Richardson. He<br />

recently competed in the National Young Chef of the Year and was awarded third prize at<br />

the World Young Chef Young Waiter in Monaco (representing England). While Ellie<br />

Smith, who began her Hartwell journey as an apprentice at hotel reception in 2019, has<br />

just graduated from her MIT programme and now holds a full-time position as an<br />

Assistant Manager at Hartwell House, supervised by Kevin Hughes, Director, and<br />

General Manager.<br />

After playing host to royals and dignitaries for centuries, Hartwell continues to extend a<br />

warm welcome to guests, combining the very best of ancient and modern hospitality.<br />

Book in now, and become a part of living history.<br />

Hartwell House welcomes families with children over six years of age and selected rooms<br />

also welcome dogs by prior consent.


METROLAND LOVES<br />

LOCAL PEOPLE


Introducing Ruth Spurr<br />

Creator of WilloRoo<br />

My name is Ruth, I am 29 years old, (less than six months away to turning the big 30!<br />

Which is a huge milestone for me and you will understand more about why that is as you<br />

read more of this article). I live in Buckinghamshire, in Amersham and I once had a little<br />

dream and now after a year of hard work it is becoming a reality and a small business,<br />

called WilloRoo I am so incredibly proud of!<br />

WilloRoo was born from a tiny dream and now after months of hard work it’s coming true!<br />

Everything I do is handmade, designed and made and packaged by me, I love what I do<br />

and I love spreading awareness, passion and my love of life and finding the joy in what<br />

we can however small.


My website explains my story in more detail but to explain, I live with very complex health<br />

conditions, I have since I was young but unfortunately they’ve deteriorated a lot, I am a<br />

full time wheelchair user, I have multiple tubes and lines in my body and I am fed into my<br />

heart by TPN, IV nutrition. I was planned to go to Uni and do nursing and at 19 years old I<br />

was working as a support worker and the biggest childrens hospital in London, Great<br />

Ormond Street and unfortunately that’s when my health took a real decline.<br />

I have a genetic connective tissue disorder called EDS, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and for<br />

me it’s not only affected my joints, skin and bones but it’s gone on to affect my internal<br />

organs causing bladder failure, intestinal failure and an autoimmune disease as well and<br />

with all the daily risks it brings it’s ultimately shortening my life now so we are just doing<br />

everything we can to make the most of well, everything! But I will not let this prognosis<br />

bring me down, we only have one life and its extremely precious so I want to make the<br />

most and soak up every bit of this beautiful life I can!<br />

A big dream and one I was always staring at on my bucket list not completed was to set<br />

up a small business and to be able to leave a positive legacy behind. This is when<br />

WilloRoo was born and it’s all about finding the small goods in every day no matter how<br />

small they may be. I still can’t believe it’s real, it’s still small but if I can just make one<br />

positive change or difference through my story and business then that is what it’s all<br />

about and the products are made to the highest quality, all made in England, sustainable<br />

and longevity to last.<br />

ORDER<br />

HERE


Passionate about plants, biodiversity, &<br />

community well-being? Join Chiltern<br />

Rangers as a Community Nursery<br />

Volunteer and make a positive impact<br />

on the environment.<br />

Why Volunteer?<br />

Expert training in wildflower and tree<br />

care & cultivation.<br />

Nature immersion for stress relief and<br />

well-being.<br />

Forge connections within your<br />

community.<br />

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, ALL WELCOME!<br />

info@chilternrangers.co.uk<br />

01494474486<br />

www.chilternrangers.co.uk


I may not have as many years left as everyone else but it’s not about how long you have<br />

it’s about the life in your years and I try to make every day count and share what I’ve<br />

learnt along the way and that links to WilloRoo and the motto I’m trying to spread.<br />

Like my logo, you will see how its pieces all fit together, broken but beautiful and I believe<br />

that we are not defined by one sole identity or one particular aspect of our lives. Instead,<br />

we are a combination of many different parts that evolve and change over time. Our<br />

strengths and weaknesses, hobbies and passions, beauty and flaws, they all contribute to<br />

who we are as individuals. Whether it’s something that can be seen or not, we are so<br />

much more than just that “one thing.”<br />

I make homemade T-shirts, workout vests and tote bags with positive WilloRoo slogans I<br />

regularly use (which is all about positivity and embracing the little things) but I can also<br />

make any custom slogan or design you want on any coloured tshirt just click the “custom<br />

order” form on the website shop page or message me directly! This is available to both<br />

children and adults and I am inclusive to all sizes from XS to 5XL. I also do ship<br />

internationally too.<br />

If that wasn’t enough I also manufacture my own WilloRoo embroidered hoodies,<br />

colourful sweatshirts, pyjamas, beanie hats and the coziest blankets! As well as WilloRoo<br />

accessories like our classic water bottle, lanyards and stationary! I would absolutely love<br />

to spread more awareness of my positive message where I can and as I say to those who<br />

know me, every new order I get I do an actual happy dance because of the huge joy it<br />

brings me so thank you in advance if you do make an order and any queries or questions<br />

please don’t hesitate to contact me at willoroo@ruthsbucketlist.co.uk<br />

ORDER<br />

HERE


SOME OF THE WOMEN FROM CHESHAM<br />

WHO HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE LOCALLY<br />

by Eleanor Phillips<br />

Since March was International Women’s Month, Chesham Museum decided to tell you<br />

about just a few of the local women whom they think have made a significant contribution<br />

locally, nationally and even internationally, and who have also made a difference to the<br />

standing of women.<br />

MARGARET MEE (nee BROWN)<br />

Margaret Mee was born Margaret Ursula Brown in Chesham in 1909. Margaret became<br />

deeply involved politically in the Spanish Civil War. Her risky travels to Berlin and France<br />

both before and during the Second World War testify to her adventurous free spirit. After<br />

the war she went to the Camberwell School of Art where she met Greville Mee. In 1952,<br />

Margaret and Greville went to live in Sao Paulo.<br />

By 1960 exhibitions in Sao<br />

Paulo, Rio and London had<br />

established her as a brilliant new<br />

botanical artist. She and Greville<br />

developed a deep concern for<br />

the Amerindian peoples, the<br />

Amazon Forest and its wildlife.<br />

She lived among the tribal<br />

peoples of the forest and<br />

endured tremendous hardships.<br />

She was awarded Brazil’s Order<br />

of The Southern Cross. In<br />

November 1988, Mee’s Amazon<br />

Exhibition premiered at Kew and<br />

a collection of her diaries was<br />

published. She returned to<br />

England and was killed in a car<br />

accident in Leicester in 1989.


MILDRED WHEELER, B.E.M.<br />

Mildred Frances Wheeler was born in<br />

1897 and went to Townsend Road School<br />

and White Hill Girls School. She trained<br />

as a teacher and was teaching at<br />

Townsend Road School by 1918.<br />

By 1924, she had joined the St. John<br />

Ambulance Brigade and from 1932<br />

onwards she was on the Chesham<br />

Hospital Workers’ Committee. In 1944,<br />

she and Nancy Haslehurst obtained a<br />

grant for £10 from the Brigade and started<br />

the Chesham Medical Comforts Depot,<br />

designed to offer people the necessary<br />

equipment to nurse the severely ill in their<br />

own homes. This service was entirely<br />

funded from voluntary donations and<br />

operated for at least 60 years.<br />

In 1969 she was awarded the British<br />

Empire Medal “for service to the<br />

community, particularly with regard to the<br />

St. John Ambulance Brigade in<br />

Chesham”. Mildred ran the Medical<br />

Comforts Depot until 1971 and died in<br />

1986.<br />

BESSIE BANGAY<br />

Bessie (Elizabeth) Bangay and her twin sister Evelyn were<br />

born in 1889. Bessie became a Sunday school teacher at<br />

St. George’s Church in Tylers Hill. In 1917, the Church of<br />

England found itself with a serious shortage of ministers<br />

due to WW1 and turned to women to take up the shortfall.<br />

These women could not be ordained but were given<br />

special status as “Bishops Messengers” and licensed to<br />

preach and conduct services.<br />

Thus Bessie was licensed by the Bishop of Oxford to take<br />

over and run St. George’s Church, and she carried out<br />

these duties for nearly 70 years. Most Bishops<br />

Messengers gave up their duties when WW1 ended, and<br />

all those remaining had done so by the 1960s. But Bessie<br />

continued as a Bishops Messenger until 1985. She died at<br />

the age of 97 in 1987.


LADY SUSAN TRUEMAN, O.B.E. (nee<br />

BYNG)<br />

Lady Susan Byng was born in 1854 and<br />

married Colonel Thomas Trueman in 1905.<br />

She lived at White Hill House. During WW1,<br />

she worked for the Queen Alexandra Field<br />

Force which provided comforts for soldiers<br />

on the battlefields.<br />

Whilst living in Chesham, she was connected<br />

with the Girl Guides, the Scouts, the Order of<br />

St. John, the Red Cross, Chesham Hospital<br />

and the Chesham Motor Ambulance Service,<br />

the Mothers Union, the British Legion and the<br />

Women’s Institute. In 1920 she became the<br />

first President of the Bucks Federation of<br />

Women’s Institutes and she was the founder<br />

of both the Women’s Institute and the<br />

Women’s Fellowship in Ley Hill. Lady Susan<br />

campaigned to get women into the police<br />

force and was Chairman of the Bucks<br />

Nursing Federation. She was awarded the<br />

OBE in 1920 and in May 1921 became the<br />

first woman JP in Buckinghamshire.<br />

REVD. MARGARET HALL (nee PHILLIPS)<br />

Margaret Phillips went to Dr Challoner’s<br />

Grammar School in Amersham and then to<br />

the University of London. She married Brian<br />

Hall in 1961 and they had three children. She<br />

decided to train for the Ministry and started<br />

by training as a Lay Worker in the Parish of<br />

Great Chesham in 1972 and became a<br />

Deaconess in 1980. In 1987 the Church of<br />

England voted to allow women to become<br />

Deacons and Margaret was ordained as a<br />

Deacon by the Bishop of Buckingham.<br />

By 1992 Margaret was Deacon of St. John<br />

the Evangelist in Ashley Green. The Church<br />

of England voted to allow women to be fully<br />

ordained as ministers in 1992 and Margaret<br />

was finally ordained in April 1994 at All<br />

Saints, High Wycombe. She retired at 60 and<br />

joined St. Michael’s Church, Amersham-onthe-Hill.<br />

She died in February 2008.


AVIS JOAN PARSONS (nee HEARN), M.M.<br />

Only six Military Medals were awarded to women in WW2. Avis Joan Hearn was born<br />

1916 in Waterside. She worked as an upholsterer at Brandons department store in<br />

Chesham Broadway. She joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1939<br />

and after training to be a radar operator, was posted to the radar station at Poling, West<br />

Sussex. On August 18th 1940 Leading Aircraftwoman Hearn was operating the telephone<br />

system passing radar plot information from the operators to Fighter Command HQ at RAF<br />

Bentley Priory, Stanmore.<br />

Around 2pm the air raid sirens sounded and the staff were told to take cover. Hearn<br />

refused and carried on passing information from the plotters onto the control room. For<br />

the next 20 minutes Poling was bombed by Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive-bombers. Hearn<br />

remained at her post even though the telephone lines were cut.<br />

The officer commanding Poling, Flight Lieutenant Bayley recommended Hearn for the<br />

immediate award of the Military Medal. The recommendation was endorsed by Air Chief<br />

Marshal Dowding (AOC-in-Chief Fighter Command) and Hearn was invested with her<br />

medal by King George VI at Buckingham Palace in March 1941. Avis died on March 27th<br />

2008.<br />

Chesham museum is now open upstairs at<br />

The Town Hall, Chesham Saturday and Wednesday 10am – 4pm.<br />

www.cheshammuseum.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/CheshamMuseum<br />

https://www.instagram.com/cheshammuseum


Claire Richard runs the local Slimming World and she is trying to raise awareness of the<br />

partnership between Be Healthy Bucks (commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council &<br />

the NHS) and Slimming World in the local area. There have been a number of new<br />

groups launch since October 23 across Amersham & Chesham and local residents may<br />

be eligible for a free 12 week referral.<br />

To inspire you on your weigh-loss journey, Claire shared Warren’s story with us, a local<br />

Chesham resident, who since joining last year has lost almost 10 stone!<br />

My weight loss journey has been on and off for the last 20 years, mostly increasing,<br />

although through various diets and exercise with a personal trainer, I did manage to lose<br />

some weight. Although I did manage to get some results they did not last. I got bored with<br />

the exercise, the food was just the same old thing, and I would eventually give that up. I<br />

would then start to gain weight.<br />

I always fantasised about being 12st and possibly less and thought that I would never be<br />

able to get there without the help of surgery. I would always make excuses about what I<br />

was eating and not losing weight. I was not in a great head space and really was not<br />

ready to lose weight as I did not want it enough.<br />

The lowest point for me happened when I lost my first pet and that hit me very hard, and I<br />

ate my feelings and of course the consequence of that was a huge weight gain.<br />

I started to speak to my friend Sue about Slimming World at the back end of 2022, as she<br />

was going, and I could see that she was getting results. I was skeptical and was not<br />

ready to take the plunge.<br />

I decided in April/May 2023 that I wanted to make a change and thought to myself what<br />

have I really got to lose, other than weight of course. I came across Be Healthy Bucks<br />

and initiative commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council and the NHS and through a<br />

self-referral was given a free 12 week subscription to Slimming World.


I went with Sue to my first meeting at the beginning of May and although very skeptical<br />

and nervous, I grabbed the bull by the horns and got through it. I met Emily, a consultant,<br />

who kindly took me through every aspect and was very supportive (and still is) and I<br />

never looked back.<br />

My first few weigh-ins, where I was losing larger amounts of weight, I thought to myself ok<br />

lets see where this goes as I knew the first loss with me always happened like this.<br />

However, the weight just kept coming off and with every meeting I was getting lighter and<br />

healthier. Most importantly I was looking at food in a different light and was learning so<br />

much about food in general.<br />

With these continual weight losses, I was so energised and enjoyed going to every<br />

meeting to see what the scales would say as well as making some new friends. I was on<br />

cloud nine, there is no stopping me. Emily is great and certainly a big part of my weight<br />

loss journey; she is definitely part of the reason that I am sticking this out.<br />

Aside from weight loss, I was starting to get excited about other things, like clothing. I<br />

could see all of my clothing was becoming far too big for me and I had to start buying<br />

smaller clothes and in a shop off the rack to boot.<br />

Have gone from a 46” to a 34” waist and that may drop a bit more. My tops were XXXL<br />

and are now MEDIUMS, which I never imagined in my wildest dreams would I be wearing<br />

anything with the medium moniker on it. That spurred me on even more.<br />

Friends and family who had not seen me in a while were astonished, I even got a friend<br />

to join as he wanted too lose some weight himself.<br />

My blood pressure and cholesterol have both come right down and I am not diabetic nor<br />

pre-diabetic. My joints feel great, I can move around much more easily and in fact do. I<br />

make a conscious effort to walk where I don’t really need the car and feel much better for<br />

doing so. My confidence has really shot up and is pushing me to do things I would not<br />

normally. Becoming scuba certified is an example. My life has changed for the better and<br />

is continuing to change.<br />

I started with Slimming World at 23.1 Stone and in 44 weeks I am sitting at 13.5 Stone.<br />

My journey is not ever yet and I have now set a target I would like to get to, although I<br />

may adjust this slightly.<br />

What this tells me is that anything is possible with some persistence, will power and the<br />

want to change. Knowing when to seek help is key and Slimming World has helped me<br />

no end. I have Sue and of course Emily to thank for being with me on this Journey.


Slimming World is not about a diet, every human being is on a diet of some sort, the word<br />

diet is used in the wrong way and so will have a negative connotation. It’s about a change<br />

in lifestyle and how we look at food. Slimming World gives you the freedom to make the<br />

right choices and is not about what you can’t have.<br />

I hope that I can help and inspire others to take that next step and become the person<br />

that they want to be.<br />

Slimming World has groups in Amersham and Chesham 6 days a week, including both<br />

morning and evening groups. If you want to see if your eligible for a free 12 week referral<br />

then call Be Healthy Bucks on 0333 230 0177.<br />

What do you have to lose?


Discover, Nurture, Grow<br />

Step into our nurseries, where we’re on a<br />

mission to nurture biodiversity and foster<br />

resilient ecosystems. Our mission? Growing<br />

strong trees & wildflowers from locallysourced<br />

seeds to plant out in our<br />

community.<br />

Tree Nursery<br />

Winchmore Hill, Amersham, HP7 0PQ<br />

Wildflower Nursery<br />

Hammersley Lane, High Wycombe, HP10 8HF<br />

Can't Volunteer? Sponsor a Tree! Your<br />

Donation Fuels Community Nursery Sessions.


Landlord Thermostat turns up the heat<br />

on popular television programme<br />

Timeeostat Ltd, a thermostat company, founded by landlord and entrepreneur Anthony<br />

Cherry, turned up the heat on Dragons’ Den last night. He took on the dragons, to pitch<br />

for investment, to launch a new model of his landlord thermostat.<br />

The appearance marks a significant milestone for Anthony, who was seeking investment<br />

to help launch new models of the Time:o:stat.<br />

Anthony showcased the success and potential of Time:o:stat to the formidable panel of<br />

Dragons, who are well-known for their impressive business acumen.<br />

Anthony shares his experience:<br />

‘Being a huge fan of Dragons’ Den, walking through the lift doors was both exciting and<br />

terrifying! It is every entrepreneurs dream to be pitching in front of the entrepreneurs, but I<br />

was definitely very nervous.’<br />

The Time:o:stat has rapidly grown to be a leading solution to high heating bills in rented<br />

accommodation. Anthony, an experienced landlord himself, noticed spiralling heating bills<br />

in his shared student houses (HMOs). Tenants would often leave the heating running<br />

when whey went out to work or university, resulting in wasted energy. As landlords are<br />

often responsible for the bills in HMO properties, these high heating costs would<br />

ultimately be passed on to tenants in rent increases.<br />

Anthony explains the problem:<br />

“Whilst carrying out routine maintenance at a property, I noticed a big problem. It was a<br />

hot summer's day, the tenants were out, the heating was on full blast, and the windows<br />

were wide open. When I spoke to the tenants, they said the thermostat was too<br />

complicated. They had no idea how to set the different heating times, so they just left the<br />

heating running continuously.”


A thermostat was desperately needed to help landlords reduce their heating bills, while<br />

allowing tenants to easily turn on the heating whenever required.<br />

The first Time:o:stat was initially intended just for use in Anthony’s rental properties. After<br />

seeing 40% savings on heating bills and positive feedback from tenants, Anthony decided<br />

to refine his invention, so other landlords could benefit. Since launch, Time:o:stat has<br />

garnered a loyal customer base among over 10,000 HMO and student landlords and can<br />

also be found in Airbnbs, holiday caravans and other serviced accommodation.<br />

The current model, the Time:o:stat Classic, is manufactured in the UK and recently won<br />

an award at the HMO awards. The Time:o:stat Classic is aimed at the student and<br />

professional HMO markets. The new Time:o:stat One, available for pre-order, is perfect<br />

for the guest markets of Airbnb and holiday caravans.<br />

Anthony grew up in Chesham and attended Chesham Grammer School. In addition to<br />

being a property developer and inventor, he is a qualified podiatrist. Anthony has run a<br />

popular podiatry clinic in Aylesbury for the last 15 years called Cherry Feet. He now lives<br />

with his wife and 3 children in Chesham Bois, close to his friends and family.<br />

Dragons’ Den Series 21, Episode 11 aired on BBC One at 8.00pm Thursday 14th March<br />

and is available on BBC iPlayer.


HOME & GARDEN<br />

NO PLACE LIKE HOME


Your ultimate spring gardening<br />

checklist - Dobbies Garden Centres<br />

As our gardens prepare to shake off the frost and welcome the vibrancy of spring, so<br />

begins the busiest season in a gardener’s calendar. Whether you’re a gardening pro, or<br />

you’re just starting your planting journey, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles,<br />

has outlined his top tips on how you can get the most from your outdoor space, beginning<br />

in early spring and continuing through to later in the season.<br />

Marcus’ spring gardening checklist includes:<br />

1. Clean and tidy<br />

2. Design your beds and borders<br />

3. Plant for colour<br />

4. Grow your own<br />

5. Refresh your pots<br />

6. Lawncare<br />

7. Welcome wildlife<br />

8. Collect water


Clean and tidy<br />

Spring cleaning your garden is an essential first step when it comes to preparing for the<br />

year ahead, and if you have been maintaining your garden throughout the winter months,<br />

this will be an easy job.<br />

One of the simplest ways to tidy up your garden is by neatening your beds and borders<br />

for the growing season, removing weeds and applying a good layer of mulch over the<br />

surface with organic compost. Marcus notes that not only will mulching help tidy up the<br />

appearance of your garden, but it will break down into the soil and give your plants a<br />

nutrient boost for spring. There is a whole new range of Dobbies own brand gardening<br />

tools landing in store from February, priced from £4.99, which will really help with those<br />

spring cleaning sessions.<br />

Deciduous grasses that have been left over winter to protect wildlife can be cut back now<br />

to make way for new season growth, and Marcus recommends raking growth of<br />

evergreen grasses to remove any dead foliage. Design your beds and borders Spring is<br />

the ideal time to get your beds and borders in shape for the warmer months. In early<br />

spring, once you have removed weeds, the next step is to trim back any winter flowering<br />

plants where blooms have started to fade and prune summer flowering shrubs like<br />

Buddleia, Lavatera and hardy Fuschias to allow room for new growth. In later spring,<br />

Marcus recommends pruning early spring flowering shrubs once flowering has finished.<br />

Wisteria can be pruned to encourage strong flower buds by cutting side shoots back to<br />

just a few buds.<br />

To give your garden structure, Marcus recommends planting deciduous shrubs. You<br />

should also tend to your evergreen trees, shrubs and hedges by feeding them with a<br />

slow-release general purpose fertiliser.


Plant for colour<br />

One of the most enjoyable spring gardening jobs is planting, however, Marcus notes that<br />

the time to do so will depend on weather. As such, gardeners in southern parts of<br />

England will likely be able to start their spring planting earlier than those up north and in<br />

Scotland, as planting summer bulbs should be done when all risk of frost has passed.<br />

Marcus says that when soil warms up in late spring, most gardeners across the UK will be<br />

able to enjoy planting summer flowering bulbs like Dobbies’ new-in Dahlias, Lilies and<br />

Gladioli. Dobbies has a brand new range of summer flowering bulbs which are in store<br />

now, priced £4.99. There is even an exclusive bulb, Dahlia Bright Eyes.<br />

Early spring is the perfect time to plant new Roses for a blooming summer display in<br />

June, but Marcus advises ensuring you prune existing Rose bushes back before the new<br />

season leaves begin to unfurl. In late spring, Marcus also suggests thinking about the<br />

next growing season and planting out the likes of Petunias and Impatiens, also known as<br />

Busy Lizzies. These can be grown indoors from seed or buy young plants ready for when<br />

the soil has warmed up and will put on a colourful display from summer through to late<br />

autumn. Grow your own 3 / 5 Marcus says that now is a wonderful time to plant fruit and<br />

vegetables for a summer harvest and that a lot of produce can be grown inside from seed<br />

and then planted outdoors in spring once temperatures warm up. Dobbies’ new grow your<br />

own seed range includes Spinach Medania, Basil Serrata, Chinese Cabbage, Spring<br />

Onions and Radishes can be bought now and grown indoors, in a greenhouse or on a<br />

windowsill, before being planted outside in late spring, with prices from just £1.99. Marcus<br />

notes that getting your crops accustomed to outdoors, or ‘hardening off’, is vital to their<br />

growth. Once the risk of frost has passed, Marcus suggests planting your seeds outside<br />

during the day in a semi-sheltered position and bringing them back indoors at night. Keep<br />

an eye on the weather and if you think the elements might harm your plants, lay frost<br />

fleece over top creating an air pocket and peg down properly to ensure the fleece stays<br />

put during windy spells. Frost fleece also comes in handy when planting soft fruits like<br />

apricots, peaches and nectarines as cold temperatures can cause damage to their<br />

blossom and prevent fruit from setting.


Refresh your pots<br />

To enjoy instant colour in your garden this spring, Marcus recommends refreshing your<br />

pots, hanging baskets and window boxes with early season Primroses, Pansies and<br />

spring flowering Heathers. Bluebells in pots and Ribes Sanguineum, or Flowering<br />

Currants, can also be planted in late spring for a country garden effect. One of Marcus’s<br />

favourite ways to make an impact with your containers plants is to focus on colour themes<br />

in concentrated groupings. Hot colours and shades of red, orange and pink are favoured<br />

in the warmer months but displays of yellow Daffodils and blue Primroses, Pansies or<br />

Violas can be effective in spring to welcome the new season. To give your pots a<br />

makeover for spring, Marcus suggests taking stock of what you already have and<br />

reorganising them for a fresh look. Sets of three work well and will allow you to create an<br />

impactful display with small, medium and large plants of different heights beside your<br />

door.<br />

Lawncare<br />

Depending on the weather, early spring is the time to get your lawn ready for sowing by<br />

cultivating soil and making sure the area is level and firm. Marcus says before you do<br />

anything you should make sure any debris is cleared from your lawn. As we get into<br />

spring and the weather heats up, you can begin to rake out moss and dead grass. If<br />

you’re looking to feed your lawn, Gro-Sure Fast Acting Lawn Seed, £9.99, can be used<br />

for early sowers and germinates in as low as 7 degrees. Other lawn treatments should<br />

only be used in late spring once temperatures rise, as during the colder months, grass is<br />

still quite tender and this can damage it. In terms of when to first mow your lawn, Marcus<br />

recommends keeping an eye on the weather. When you see the grass growing and<br />

there’s no more frost, you can give it the first light cut of the season, making sure the<br />

blades are kept on their highest setting so as not to scalp the lawn.


Welcome wildlife<br />

Spring is the perfect time to welcome wildlife into your garden as small animals come out<br />

of hibernation and new birds hatch into life. To ensure your garden is a safe space for<br />

wildlife, Marcus suggests dedicating a small section of your garden to creating a wildlifefriendly<br />

habitat with pollinating plants and places for small animals and insects to shelter.<br />

You can create a safe space for them by stacking branches in a shaded spot to help<br />

protect them from the elements. Dobbies has a fantastic range of bird seed to welcome<br />

new birds into your garden this spring, and Marcus advises in addition to this, in early<br />

spring, you should keep an eye on bird baths to make sure they have not frozen over,<br />

and top up with fresh water daily.<br />

Collect water<br />

Marcus says that spring is a fantastic time to collect rainfall in water butts for use in the<br />

warmer months, and Dobbies has a range of interconnecting water butts so you can<br />

maximise rainfall in your garden. Any shed, greenhouse or garage can be used to collect<br />

water and conserve it for next summer as long as it has gutters and a down pipe to a<br />

drain at ground level. Doing this will help you reduce water usage in the event of a long<br />

dry spell in the summer and Marcus notes that rainwater is actually better for young<br />

plants and seeds as it has a low pH and no chemicals, unlike water from the mains.<br />

Marcus’ spring gardening toolkit Dobbies Garden Spade, £22.99 Dobbies Border Fork<br />

£22.99 Dobbies Soil Rake £22.99 Dobbies Lawn Rake £22.99 and Lawn Edging Shears<br />

£32.99 Dobbies Stiff Brush £9.99<br />

For more spring gardening advice, and to find your nearest Dobbies store, visit<br />

www.dobbies.com.


HOME TRENDS<br />

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HOME TRENDS<br />

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