your complimentary copy

HC
JUNE/JULY 2016
your complimentary copy
Home Counties Magazine
Buckinghamshire & Berkshire Edition
WWW.CHAPLINS.CO.UK
477- 507 Uxbridge Road Pinner Hatch End Middlesex HA5 4JS | 020 8421 1779
2
3
OPEN
DAILY
Enjoy a stroll through history at Woburn Abbey
•
Explore the award-winning, historic gardens
•
Treat yourself at the Duchess’ Tea room
•
New for 2016: Oakley House Doll’s House is on display
FIND US ON
w w w.woburnabbey.co.uk
Welcome
Welcome to the summer edition of HC,
and what a summer we’ve got lined up.
As I write this, the sun is pouring in the windows
at HCHQ and our staff are becoming restless with
excitement for a packed schedule of festivals and
summer fun coming up over the next 2 months. It’s
taking all of my inner strength to write this paragraph
without storming into the office with Super Soakers
and forcing Pimm’s down my colleagues’ throats like
a boozy medieval tyrant.
Unfortunately my alcohol-and-water-gun fantasies
will have to wait until at least the weekend, but in
the meantime we’ve put together what is possibly
the most lively and encompassing issue of HC yet.
We’ve spoken to international R’n’B star Lemar
ahead of his performance at Cornbury Festival, as
well as the organisers of Henley’s nostalgic Rewind
Festival which rolls around in August. We’ve spoken
to Raymond Blanc about sourcing ingredients and
ASPIRE learn
British food culture and Paris House’s executive
chef Phil Fanning about the more ambitious side of
‘molecular’ cuisine. We have a guide to the often
confusing styles of beer, as well as a riveting travel
piece from our resident explorer Peter Holthusen.
All this alongside our usual interiors, caring, motors
and business features – don’t say we don’t spoil you.
Enjoy the gorgeous weather and we’ll be back in
August, when we’ll be freshly revamped and available
in some exciting new places. Watch this space.
Cheers
Jack Rayner
create inspire
SOUTH HILL PARK
ARTS CENTRE, BRACKNELL
Courses and workshops for ages 2 to 102!
Jewellery making | Ceramics | Printmaking |
Drawing & Painting | Dance & Movement | Drama | Music
www.southhillpark.org.uk/courses
South Hill Park, Ringmead,
Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
5
Bombay Sapphire invites you behind
the doors of our beautiful distillery,
to uncover the secrets of our world
famous gin. Based at Laverstoke
Mill in rural Hampshire, the Bombay
Sapphire Distillery showcases the care,
skill and artistry behind every drop of
Bombay Sapphire.
Book your experience online at:
distillery.bombaysapphire.com
A SPECIAL 10% OFF
your experience for readers of HC
Magazine. Use promo code ‘HC123’.
Expires 31 Dec 2017.
JUNE/JULY 2016
magazine
© Guy Farrow
HC
CONTENTS
IN THIS ISSUE
8 What’s On
18
10
Competitions
34 HC meets Lemar
34
40
90 Years of Royal Couture
44 Rewind Festival
40
21
47 Summer Food Guide
59
65
Editor
Jill Rayner
Contributors
A huge thankyou this issue to:
Peter Holthusen, Sam Bennett,
Jack Rayner & Chrissie Woodward
HC Magazine is a sister title to OX Magazine
distributed in Oxford, Woodstock, Witney,
and Wallingford.
HC Magazine
Fyne Associates Ltd, Unit 4,
Ram Court, Wicklesham Farm,
Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7PN
01235 856300
[email protected]
60
t Helena – The Island
S
on the Edge of the World
74
Motoring
oxhc.co.uk
twitter.com/oxhcmags
facebook.com/OXHCMags
HC Magazine prints and distributes 10,000 copies
bi-monthly and hand delivers into AB homes in the
city of Marlow, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross and
Amersham. It is also in the bedrooms and reception
areas of luxury hotels and spas, in superior golf clubs
and in leading estate agents, and at Oxford Airport.
Copies are also available from our advertisers, or
on request by emailing [email protected] and online at
www.oxhc.co.uk It has an estimated readership of
40,000 per issue.
The magazine has copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Manuscripts,
photographs and other materials submitted to the magazine are sent at owners risk. Neither the company nor its agents accept any liability for loss or damage.
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CALENDAR June-August 2016
Until 1st January 2017
Until 2nd July
Shakespeare in Windsor
Castle Royal Library
It Runs in the Family at the Mill
Dr. David Mortimore, renowned neurologist, is about
to deliver the most important lecture of his life. A
knighthood is certainly within reach!
Marking the 400th anniversary of the death of
William Shakespeare, this display draws on
material in the Royal Library, including works
of Shakespeare collected by the royal family,
accounts of performances at Windsor Castle, and
art by members of the royal family inspired by
Shakespeare’s plays.
When into his hospital sanctuary comes Jane Tate
– ex-nurse and ex-girlfriend – with shocking news
as to why she departed so hastily 16 years and nine
months ago. Not only is Dr. Mortimore the father of
her son Leslie, but the strapping teenager is now in
reception baying to see his long lost parent!
It examines aspects of the playwright’s life, work and
influence, and celebrate his longstanding connection
with Windsor and the royal court.
Trying to hold both his career and marriage together,
there is only one solution for Dr. Mortimore – send for
faithful friend Dr. Bonney.
Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ
www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle
What ensues is a dangerous web of expanding lies
and manic cover-ups involving a Police Sergeant, Dr.
Mortimore’s wife, a severe hospital Matron and Dr.
Bonney’s mother.
It Runs in the Family is ‘A Rolls-Royce of a Farce’
by Ray Cooney, spinning deliriously out of control
and tickling the funny bones in traditional Cooney
fashion. You mustn’t miss it!
The Mill at Sonning
Theatre Ltd,
Sonning Eye,
RG4 6TY
0118 969 8000
www.millatsonning.com
Louis Haghe, A performance of Macbeth in the Rubens Room,
Windsor Castle, 4th February 1853. Royal Collection Trust
© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
SUMMER FAIR
£3 entry for adults and £1 entry for under 16’s
Sunday 10th July 2016
11am to 3pm
In aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care. In memory of Martin Brown
*
*
*
8
S UM M ER FE T E
—
SUNDAY 2 6 T H J UNE 2 0 1 6 | 1 1 A M - 5 PM | FREE ENT RY
This June, we’re welcoming summer in style at Burnham Beeches Hotel. Come
along to enjoy a fun-filled day with family & friends at our Summer Fete.
Browse a unique range of stalls & join in with arts, crafts & games, before
washing great BBQ food down with an ice cold drink.
PLEN TY OF F UN FOR A LL TH E FAM ILY
- Stall holders with lots of lovely products to buy
- Burgers & hotdogs cooked by our executive Head Chef, 12-4pm
- Raffle at 4pm, with stunning prizes to be won
- Children’s area with a bouncy castle & games
- 150 limited car parking spaces
- Run alongside our indoor Wedding Fayre (11am-3pm) which guests
are able to visit for wedding or private event purposes
& to meet with suppliers
W E LOOK FORWA RD TO W ELC OM ING YOU
E: [email protected] | T: 01628 429 955
W W W.C ORU SHOTEL S.C OM / B URNH A M
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CALENDAR June-August 2016
3rd-4th June
Northern Ballet: Jane Eyre
at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Join Northern Ballet, a company renowned
for transforming well known stories into
brilliant dance theatre, as they present
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
The ultimate heroine, Jane Eyre’s journey to
overcome the odds is one of literature’s finest
love stories.
Coinciding with the 200th anniversary of
Charlotte Brontë’s birth, Northern Ballet will
bring to life the ultimate dramatic tale of
romance, jealousy and dark secrets.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street,
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG
0844 871 7607
www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury
Dreda Blow and Isaac
Lee-Baker in Jane Eyre
© Guy Farrow
15th-18th June
Bad Girls – The Musical
16th June-23rd July
Presented by Woodley Light Operatic Society
Watership Down at the Watermill
Bad Girls – The Musical takes as its starting point the
original core characters from the first three series of
Bad Girls on TV.
This stirring tale of courage and survival
against the odds has become one of the bestloved adventures of all time.
Set in the fictional HMP Larkhall, it’s the story of
new idealistic Wing Governor Helen Stewart and her
battles with the entrenched old guard of Officer Jim
Fenner and his sidekick Sylvia Hollamby.
A gripping adaptation of Richard Adams’
Watership Down by critically acclaimed
playwright Rona Munro at The Watermill
Theatre, Newbury, will make for a special
theatrical experience. The nearby countryside
inspired the classic tale of a small band of
rabbits in search of a safe home, whose long
and perilous journey finally leads them to
Watership Down.
It also follows the love story that develops between
Helen and charismatic inmate Nikki Wade. Other
featured characters include Shell Dockley and
her runner Denny Blood, old-timer Noreen Biggs,
The Two Julies and the ultimate Top Dog, King-ofGangland’s missus, Yvonne Atkins.
A tragic death on the wing – in which Jim Fenner
is implicated – leads to an angry protest from the
women, and forces Helen and Nikki to their opposite
sides of the bars. But when it’s clear that Helen stands
to lose her job over Jim Fenner’s misdeeds, the race is
on for the women to nail Jim once and for all.
“We’ve assembled a multi-talented cast and
a vibrant team of theatre’s hottest creative
talents to tell this epic adventure story through
movement, music and puppetry,” says director
Adam Penford. Born and raised near Newbury,
Richard Adams’ tale is partly a love letter to
the local countryside.
The Number One likes a quiet life and has always felt
that the “old boys network” is the best way of sorting
things out to his satisfaction. The appointment of
Helen Stewart as Wing Governor has been imposed
upon him and grudgingly accepted. But it wouldn’t
take much briefing against her for him to recommend
her swift removal from Larkhall.
“Appealing to adults and children alike, it’s
exciting, funny and moving,” Adam says. “A
tribute to Berkshire’s world-famous tale of
protagonist Hazel and his band of brothers.”
The Kenton Theatre New Street, Henley-on-Thames,
Oxfordshire, RG9 2BP
www.kentontheatre.co.uk
www.wlos.co.uk
The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, RG20 8AE
www.watermill.org.uk
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The show is suitable for ages eight and over,
although parental guidance is advised.
Ticket price: £15-£26.50
June-August 2016 CALENDAR
17th June-24th July
Crowne Plaza Marlow
The Comedy Club
Friday 17th June, 7pm
Who let the Dads out? The perfect Father’s Day
Gift! A night of comedy, with chicken and chips
in a basket, followed by disco until 12.30am.
£29.00 per adult, over 18s only, £19.00 Comedy
only (no food)
Book a table of 10 and receive half a bottle of
wine per person for your table whilst dining.
Comedy play and stay | £119.00 | Includes
Comedy, accommodation and full English
breakfast for two (subject to availability)
Charity Family Fun Day
Sunday 24th July, from 12pm
Celebrate the end of the school year at our
Family Fun Day. Join us for a day of family fun
on the lawns. Live Music, BBQ, bouncy castles,
face painting, games on the lawn and much
more.
Raising money for CLIC Sargent.
Free admission.
Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow,
Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LU
01628 496800
www.cpmarlow.co.uk
17th-26th June
Woburn Safari Park
Bob’s Safari Adventures
Friday 17th June
Take a guided tour behind the scenes at Woburn
Safari Park.
Step into the world of the animals and their
keepers... with a very special guided tour of Woburn
Safari Park with the one and only Bob the Ranger.
Woburn opens its doors to visitors for a unique
chance to explore the animal houses with Bob and
get amazingly close to the lions, rhino and elephants,
often meeting them face to face. Woburn’s charming
Bob the Ranger will be taking his lucky guests on a
grand tour of the park and giving a rare insight into
the individual animals; their care, behaviours and
personalities, conservation efforts and the keepers’
daily routines. You must be aged 16 years or over to
take part.
What’s new at Woburn Safari Park this summer?
This summer at Woburn Safari Park is the perfect
chance for visitors to see the two gorgeous
new arrivals in Kingdom of Carnivores: a pair of
endangered Amur tiger cubs. The two additions join
over 1,000 other wild animals in Woburn’s beautiful
parkland reserves for your adventure in the Road
Safari.
Visit on Father’s Day – Sunday 19th June – for a
big BBQ with giant garden games and the amazing
chance to win a VIP experience in our prize draw.
It’s a big weekend for the giraffe herd on the 25th26th June as keepers raise money for the Giraffe
Conservation Foundation charity and offer you a
super chance to meet the tallest animals at the park
close up on a mini VIP trip.
Furthermore, you can meet the Gruffalo who’ll be
visiting fans at the park on Sunday 26th June; or
make a date to come for an educational day out and
learn plenty about the animals living at the park at
the fascinating daily talks and demonstrations with
elephants, sea lions, monkeys, penguins, and lemurs!
In Animal Encounters, you can discover the new
tortoise habitat – Chelonia Pathways and meet
Albert, Flo, Ken, Harold and Gordon the charismatic
Aldabra tortoises. Check the website for news of our
new Bush Dogs enclosure, where you’ll be able to
spot these canines having a swim!
Catch the brilliant new 3D mini-movie in Sea Lion
Cove – ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ in Sea Lion
Cove 3D Cinema, and don’t forget to bounce over to
the new Tiny Tots Safari Trail bouncy castle for under
5’s. It’s a fun packed day getting up close to some of
the most magnificent and endangered animals in the
world, including lions, rhino, bears, monkeys, giraffes
and don’t forget little star – Tarli the elephant calf!
Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Park, Bedfordshire, MK17 9QN
For discounted tickets go to www.woburnsafari.co.uk
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June-August 2016 CALENDAR
Muthmedia GmbH
Nocturne Live at Blenheim Palace
World-class acts and 10,000 seats…Nocturne is
turning The Great Court at Blenheim Palace into a
grand arena, as befits the birthplace of Sir Winston
Churchill.
We are making our mark on the summer music map.
Nocturne can be an all-day affair with VIP dining
in the famous State Rooms, a stroll in the palace’s
vast grounds or a waterside picnic. It can also be an
evening gig for those who just want to buy a ticket to
hear their favourite live music, and nothing else.
A true visionary, who over the course of an illustrious
five-decade career has sold over 300 million albums,
Elton John will be making his Blenheim Palace debut
on 26th June, performing a hit-laden set with his
band drawing on classic songs from his extensive
back catalogue as well as music from John’s 33rd
studio album ‘Wonderful Crazy Night.’
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP
www.blenheimpalace.com
www.nocturnelive.com
© Henley Royal Regatta
23rd-26th June
Nocturne is immensely proud to announce that fresh
off the back of his Golden Globe, Bafta and now
Oscar win for the score of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘The
Hateful Eight’, legendary composer Ennio Morricone
will take to the Great Court stage on 23rd June for
his first ever UK show outside of London.
Following their recent triumph of an album, ‘White
Light’, The Corrs will appear at Nocturne on Friday
24th June, with support from special guest Jack
Savoretti.
29th June-3rd July
Further, presented by former Bond girl Fiona
Fullerton (‘A View To A Kill’), The Royal Philharmonic
Concert Orchestra, plus guest vocalists, will perform
an explosive program of classic Bond music to leave
you shaken, not stirred, on Saturday 25th June.
The Great Court, where scenes from ‘Spectre’ were
recently filmed, will provide the backdrop for over 50
years of iconic Bond music including ‘Goldfinger’,
‘From Russia With Love’, ‘Live & Let Die’, ‘License to
Kill’, ‘Casino Royale’ and the acclaimed score from
‘Skyfall’.
It attracts thousands of visitors over a five-day period
and spectators will be thrilled by over 200 races of
an international standard, including Olympians and
crews new to the event.
Henley Royal Regatta
Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best known
regatta in the world and is both one of the highlights
of the summer sporting calendar and the social
season.
Aside from the rowing, visitors can take in the
ambience enjoying the facilities within the enclosures.
www.hrr.co.uk
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CALENDAR June-August 2016
6th-10th July
Henley Festival
Featuring Elton John, Elvis Costello, Bryn Terfel, Will
Young, Reginald D Hunter, Al Murray, Nina Conti, the
Ronnie Scott’s All-Stars, and Dame Shirley Bassey.
Henley Festival is a boutique cultural experience
which takes place over five days, celebrating the best
of international and UK music, art, food and comedy
at a quintessentially British location.
It’s a place to soak up the atmosphere and be
entertained whilst experiencing a vibrant programme
from pop to world music, classical to jazz, blues
to cutting edge new musicians, where art and
gastronomy share equal billing with music. Visual and
performance art is supplied this year by the likes of
Alan Perriman, Beth Forrester, Frederick Mahn and
more.
Fine sparkling wine is provided by Van du Vin and
the Crooked Billet and Barco are just a couple of
restaurants setting up camp at the festival in 2016.
5th-7th August
Supernormal
Supernormal is a three-day, experimental arts
and music festival taking place at Braziers Park.
It offers a platform for artists, performers and
musicians to work collaboratively and creatively
for a new kind of audience seeking experiences
out of the mainstream. It is determinedly small
and intimate with an audience of 1,500 and
has been born from a place that values the
currency of ideas and imagination rather than
commercialism and profit.
Supernormal allows the exploration of the
unspoilt and extraordinary grounds of Braziers
Park; an eco-site with fresh running water, eco
toilets and hot outdoor showers set within a
glorious wooded camping area.
Braziers Park, Ipsden, near Wallingford, OX10 6AN
www.supernormalfestival.co.uk
Henley Festival began as an idea, by a few, in 1983,
to bring music and culture to the town of Henley.
In 2016 this extraordinary Festival brings artists of
the highest calibre from all over the world, and draws
an audience in excess of 30,000 to the most magical
festival setting they will ever experience.
Henley Festival, River & Rowing Museum, Mill
Meadows, Henley on Thames, RG9 1BF
www.henley-festival.co.uk
Discover
WINDSOR
& ROYAL BOROUGH MUSEUM
Discover our local history museum and hear
stories of people who lived and worked in the
Royal Borough.
Follow our audio-visual tour, try our
costumes, pillory and fun activities.
Find out more by calling:
01628 685686
or find us at:
www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/museum.htm
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LIVE AT BLENHEIM PALACE
OXFORDSHIRE
SUNDAY 26 JUNE 2016
ELTON
JOHN
AND HIS BAND
SATURDAY 25 JUNE 2016
THE MUSIC FROM
PERFORMED BY
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC
CONCERT ORCHESTRA
FRIDAY 24 JUNE 2016
THE CORRS
plus special guest JACK SAVORETTI
THURSDAY 23 JUNE 2016
ENNIO
MORRICONE
LIVE WITH 200 MUSICIANS AND SINGERS
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
NOCTURNELIVE.COM
0844 888 9991
15
VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE
C
CALENDAR June-August 2016
19th-21st August
Rewind
The World’s Biggest 80s Festival is back with a bang.
Rewind attracts 40,000 festival-goers and has sold
out in advance during the last three years. As with the
previous star-studded Rewind Festivals, this year’s
Henley weekend extravaganza features another
outstanding line-up of iconic 80s recording artists
and performers.
12th-14th August
Retro Festival
This August Newbury Showground will see
the biggest and best retro festival anywhere in
the UK. Over 1,000 classic vehicles will be on
show and 3 live music marquees will keep you
boogie-ing. Along with over 200 vintage stalls
and a 100 year old fair there really is everything
for the family. With it being our 10th Anniversary
the Guinness Book of Records are in attendance
as we try and break the world record for the
number of vintage caravans in one place, PLUS
Chris Bromham will be attempting to jump over
20 double decker buses on a motorcycle. In
the air we will have a fly over by a Spitfire and
a stationary Spitfire on the ground the whole
weekend. Plus also dropping in will be the Falcon
Display Team!
Newbury Showground, RG18 9QZ
www.retrofestival.co.uk
This year promises to boast the biggest 80s knees-up
to date, with Saturday’s headliners Andy Bell from
Erasure and Sunday’s headliners Adam Ant.
14 new acts make their debut performances at the
festival, including Leo Sayer, Lloyd Cole and The
Leopards, Living in A Box and The Trevor Horn Band.
Horn has produced massive hits for The Buggles,
SEAL and Grace Jones to name but a few.
But that’s not all! The weekend will also play host to
a number of iconic, star-studded performances from
the likes of Rick Astley, Marc Almond, Earth, Wind &
Fire Experience, Heather Small, Jimmy Somerville, The
Beat, plus Tony Hadley performing for the first time
with a full Orchestra accompaniment at a festival.
One of the biggest highlights at this year’s Rewind
South is the return of the British Electric Foundation.
B.E.F. is the brainchild of Heaven 17’s Martyn
Ware, and will showcase a unique and dazzling
performance featuring a raft of legendary pop artists.
Temple Island Meadows, Henley-on-Thames
www.rewindfestival.com
VISIT KELMSCOTT MANOR
THE INSPIRATIONAL COTSWOLDS RETREAT OF WILLIAM MORRIS
Visiting Hours (2 April – 29 October)
Explore our historic manor and riverside
gardens. Enjoy home-made food in our
licensed Tearoom or visit our Shop for
contemporary crafts and more.
Become a Friend of Kelmscott Manor
Membership benefits include:
FREE entry to the property for one year
FREE entry to special events
FREE Kelmscott Manor guide book
Discounts in the Tearoom and Shop
WWW.KELMSCOTTMANOR.ORG.UK
Address: Kelmscott Manor, Kelmscott, Lechlade GL7 3HJ | Tel: 01367 252486
Email: [email protected] | Web: www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk
Twitter: @KelmscottManor | Instagram: KelmscottManor | Like us on Facebook!
16
ng 125 years
Celebrati
young guns academy
ev eRy t u eS day i n t h e S c h O O l h Ol i dayS - b OOk tO day!
Spend a morning learning to shoot air rifles and shotguns at our award-winning shooting ground!
We have a fantastic selection of targets suitable for young and novice shots across a wide range of
disciplines. Refreshments, gun hire and safety equipment included. Open to children over 9 years old.
Please visit our website for the latest availability.
01494 883227 | [email protected] | WWW.ejchuRchill.cOm
PaRk lane, lane end, high WycOmbe, buckinghamShiRe, hP14 3nS
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A pair of weekend tickets with camping
to Cornbury Music Festival, 8th-10th July
WIN!
The only thing better than going
to amazing places is going to
them absolutely free. HC would
love to invite you to enter our
marvellous competitions and
celebrate summer in style.
Join All Saints, Bryan Ferry, Seal, James Morrison
and Jamie Cullum at the stunning Great Tew
Estate for the Cotswolds’ best open air party
of the summer. Cornbury Music Festival has
something for everyone; a beautiful setting, great
music, delicious food and a relaxed family-friendly
atmosphere. There is a fantastic line-up over four
stages, a comedy stage, a creative kids zone,
a traditional funfair, an exclusive VIP area and
beautiful campsites nestled in the estate’s rolling
hills.
For your chance to win a pair of adult weekend
tickets with camping email competitions@fyne.
co.uk with your name, address and telephone
number. Please put ‘Cornbury Competition’ as the
email subject.
Entries must be in by 23rd June.
The Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire
cornburyfestival.com
A pair of 3-day pass tickets for Thames
Traditional Boat Festival, Henley-on-Thames,
15th-17th July
The Thames Traditional Boat Festival was first
held at Fawley Meadows 37 years ago as a rally
for likeminded enthusiasts who wanted to show
off their enthusiasm for the older, traditionally
built boats that were fast disappearing from the
Thames.
From these small beginnings the TTBR, or “The
Trad” as it became known, has flourished to the
extent that it now attracts interest from all over
the world.
A pair of Retro Festival day tickets for use
on any day, 12th-14th August
Retro Festival crams the vast Newbury Show Ground with
attractions, eye-catching displays, and over 1,000 classic
vehicles from cars, motorbikes, scooters, caravans and
hot rods, to military vehicles, steam engines and aircraft.
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of day tickets for
use on any of the three days, email competitions@fyne.
co.uk with your name, address and telephone number.
Kindly let us know which day you would be planning
to attend Retro Fest. Please put ‘Retro Festival
Competition’ as the email subject.
Entries must be in by 1st August.
Newbury Showground, RG18 9QZ
retrofestival.co.uk
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This prestigious event, reborn as the Thames
Traditional Boat Festival, whilst keeping faith
with the precepts of its founding fathers, now
incorporates the traditional values of many other
trades and crafts of a bygone era, as well as
providing a fun day out for all the family.
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of
3-day pass tickets, email competitions@
fyne.co.uk with your name, address
and telephone number.Please put ‘Boat
Festival Competition’ as the email
subject.
Entries must be in by 1st July.
Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2HY
tradboatfestival.com
Competitions EDITS
A pair of tickets for Nocturne Live at Blenheim Palace, 23rd-26th June
Now is your chance to win a pair of tickets to Ennio Morricone, The Corrs (with
Special Guest Jack Savoretti) or The Music From Bond performed by The Royal
Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and presented by Bond girl Fiona Fullerton –
all of whom appear at Blenheim Palace in June for Nocturne Live.
Email [email protected] with your name, address and telephone number
for a shot at winning. Please put ‘Nocturne Live Competition’ as the email subject
and specify within the email which artist you would like a pair of tickets for.
Entries must be in by 17th June.
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP nocturnelive.com
Thursday 16 June
to Saturday 23 July
Watership Down
Based on the book by Richard Adams
Adapted by Rona Munro
Brought to life by a top-quality cast in the heart of the countryside that inspired it, an epic
adventure story told through movement, music and puppetry.
Book at watermill.org.uk
Box Office 01635 46044
Tickets £26.50 to £15
NOW BOOKING!
Supported by an anonymous donor
The Watermill Theatre & Restaurant, Bagnor, Newbury RG20 8AE
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E
E
EDITS Craft & Design Fair
New venue for popular
Henley craft event
Experience the best in contemporary craft, design and art
at the Craft & Design Experience in Henley…
New dates…new venue…new experience
The organisers of The Craft and Design Experience
have announced a new venue for their fair this
summer. It will take place from 24th-26th June at
Henley Meadows, a short walk from the town centre
and adjacent to Fawley Court where the event was
first staged and opened by the then Shadow Arts
Minister, Boris Johnson.
The Craft and Design Experience has earned an
enviable reputation for selecting only the very best
professional designers, artists and craftsmen and,
with the resurging interest in designer crafts, the event
is expected to be as popular as ever. Visitors are able
to shop for unusual contemporary items in a relaxing
atmosphere, view a wide range of demonstrations or
take part in various craft related workshops.
Special features this year include a varied
programme of live music, Chinese lion dancing,
storytellers, silhouette cutting and a sculpture
garden. For the first time there will also be ‘Inspired’
– an exhibition of work by some of the finest furniture
makers and contemporary silversmiths in the UK.
For those wishing to have a go themselves there are
workshops including blacksmithing, a potter’s wheel,
leatherwork and felting.
Opening times are 10am-5pm each day. Advance
tickets are now on sale at a reduced price or
purchase on the door at £10 for adults or £1 for
children (5-16). For further information and advance
ticket sales visit the website at www.craftexperience.
co.uk or contact CDE Ltd on 01622 747325.
Craft & Design
Fair
HENLEY
ON THAMES
24-26 June
10am - 5pm
Henley Meadows
Marlow Road, Adjacent to
Fawley Court
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Workshops
Demonstrations
SculptureGarden
PerformingArts
Storytellers
FoodCourt
LiveMusic
New venue . New dates . New Experience
www.craftexperience.co.uk
20
This
popular
Henley craft
fair has
now
moved!
£10 ontheday. Children £1(5-15yrs)
Book tickets in advance & save £3*
Seewebsitefordetails
WHAT’S ON AT
CROWNE PLAZA MARLOW
JUNE
JULY
SEPTEMBER
THE OFFICIAL COMEDY CLUB —
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
7pm Friday, 17th June
CHARITY FAMILY FUN DAY —
RAISING MONEY FOR CLIC SARGENT
From 12pm, Sunday 24th July
NITRO NINETIES — REWOUND
AND RELOADED TRIBUTE NIGHT
7pm, Friday, 16th September
Who let the Dads out? The perfect
Father’s Day Gift! A night of comedy,
with chicken and chips in a basket,
followed by disco until 12.30am.
Celebrate the end of the school
year at our Family Fun Day. Join
us for a day of family fun on the
lawns. Live Music, BBQs, bouncy
castles, face painting, games on
the lawn and much more.
A dynamic 90’s show featuring top
West End stars with chart toppers
from MC Hammer, Back Street
Boys, Michael Jackson, Spice Girls,
Britney Spears, Robbie Williams,
Blur and much more!
Free Admission
Includes a 2 course dinner,
followed by music until 12.30am.
With Host Comedian
Kevin McCarthy
Opening Comedian
John Newton
Headline Comedian
Geoff Norcott
Please book in advance at
www.cpmarlow.co.uk/whats-on
Book a table of 10 and receive half
a bottle of wine per person for
your table whilst dining.
£29.00 per adult, over 18s only
£19.00 Comedy only (no food).
Book a table of 10 and receive half
a bottle of wine per person for
your table whilst dining.
Geoff Norcott
COMEDY NIGHT:
PLAY AND STAY £119.00
Includes Comedy Night,
accommodation and full
English breakfast for two.*
Subject to availability.
*
£32.00 per person, including
Tribute Act and 2 course meal
TRIBUTE PACKAGE:
PLAY AND STAY £119.00
Includes Tribute Night,
accommodation and full English
breakfast for two.*
Kevin McCarthy
Subject to availability.
*
PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE AT WWW.CPMARLOW.CO.UK/WHATS-ON OR CALL US ON
01628 496 800. DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR FABULOUS EVENTS AT CROWNE PLAZA MARLOW.
21
Crowne Plaza Marlow, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1GJ | cpmarlow.co.uk | [email protected] | 01628 496 800
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Creating bright futures at
Why not visit the School on one of our Open Mornings to see
what we have to offer - you can book online at www.stowe.co.uk
22
xxxxx EDITS
23
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SPECIAL
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of Britain
Memorial Flight
SPECIAL
Battle
APPEARANCE
of Britain
Memorial Flight
Battle
of Britain
Memorial Flight
The Thames Traditional Boat Festival
returns in 2016 with an even bigger display of vintage & classic boats, cars and aeroplanes! Highlights include:
the exclusive Bluebird K3 returning to try again for her first ever Thames run, WWII Dunkirk Little Ships, WWII fast
patrol boats, WWI dog fights, amphibians, military vehicles and over 180 traditional boats that makes this the
returns in 2016 with an even bigger display of vintage & classic boats, cars and aeroplanes! Highlights include:
largest event of its type in Europe plus all the quintessentially English eccentricity that makes it so utterly unique!
the exclusive Bluebird K3 returning to try again for her first ever Thames run, WWII Dunkirk Little Ships, WWII fast
Supported
patrol boats, WWI
dog fights,
amphibians,
military
and over
over 180 traditional
boats by
that makes this the
the
great
success
of vehicles
2015,
with
returns
in 2016Following
with an even
bigger
display
of vintage
& classic
boats,10,000
cars and aeroplanes! Highlights include:
FREE
largest
event of visitors,
its type in the
Europe
plus all
therun
quintessentially
English
eccentricity
that makes it so utterly unique!
“Trad”
will
forher
3 days
from
Friday
PARKING
the
exclusive Bluebird
K3 returning
to try
again
for
first ever
Thames
run,15th
WWII Dunkirk Little Ships, WWII fast
PHYLLIS COURT
to Sunday 17th July. Please see website for details.
patrol boats, WWI
dog fights,
military
and over
over 180
traditionalSupported
boats that
by makes this the
Following
theamphibians,
great success
of vehicles
2015, with
10,000
FREEevent of its type in Europe plus all the quintessentially English eccentricity that makes it so utterly unique!
largest
visitors, the “Trad” will run for 3 days from Friday 15th
The Thames Traditional Boat Festival
The Thames Traditional Boat Festival
• 17 July 2016
Friday
toJuly.
Sunday
15 •for
16details.
PHYLLIS COURT
to Sunday 17th
Please see website
PARKING
Supported by
Following the Henley-on-Thames
great success of 2015, with over
10,000
Fawley
Meadows
www.tradboatfestival.com
FREE
visitors, the “Trad” will run for 3 days from Friday 15th
PHYLLIS COURT
to Sunday to
17th July.
Please see website
details.
• 17 July 2016
Friday
Sunday
15 •for16
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Woburn Abbey EDITS
Discover the splendour and history of
Woburn Abbey and Gardens
One of Bedfordshire’s top attractions is open daily to offer you a fascinating day out.
A house filled with history, Woburn Abbey
is the family home of the 15th Duke and
Duchess of Bedford. The Earls and Dukes
of Bedford and their families have been at
the centre of social and political events for
almost 400 years.
Take your time to learn more about their lives and
discover great tales of imprisonment, beheadings,
love affairs, Royal Pardons, Prime Ministers, Grand
Tours, political reforms, Royal state visits and much
more.
Find out more about Duchess Mary, remembered for
her achievements in aviation ‘The Flying Duchess’ had
many years working at her own hospital as a nurse,
radiologist and even stand in surgeon. In addition
to medicine and flying she was an experimental
photographer, passionate about the natural world and
an accomplished sportswoman. Her unconventional
life is celebrated today in the Flying Duchess Room
in the Abbey.
Within the Abbey there are 22 rooms to explore over
3 floors, including the State Rooms, porcelain displays
in the Crypt and Gold and Silver Vaults. We are proud
of our world renowned art collection with more
than 250 paintings including works by Rembrandt,
Reynolds and Van Dyck. One of the highlights is
the largest private collection of Venetian views by
Canaletto on view to the public.
Your visit is not complete without a stroll through
the beautiful, award-winning gardens. When the 6th
Duke inherited the Abbey he commissioned Humphry
Repton, the famous landscape gardener, to create
designs for enhancing the gardens and deer park. Two
hundred years later, many of the features you will find
in the gardens are based on Repton’s designs, many
of which have been restored to their former glory. This
time of year, the gardens are awash with colour as
beautiful spring flowers are in full bloom.
The home of afternoon tea
We have a past Duchess of Bedford to thank for
popularising this quintessential English tradition.
Anna-Maria, wife of the 7th Duke, Duchess of Bedford
in the 1830s, is credited with first making ‘Afternoon
Tea’ into a formal social occasion. A Lady-in-Waiting
to Queen Victoria, Anna Maria began the custom of
taking afternoon tea at around 5.00pm and it became
fashionable at the Royal Palaces and at Woburn
Abbey where she entertained her friends.
Indulge in a taste of history
Set within the grounds of The Abbey, The Duchess
Tearoom offers a wonderful assortment of home-made
cakes and biscuits and freshly prepared meals and snacks
and a choice of hot and cold beverages. Please telephone
01525 290333 to book your afternoon tea.
25
E
South Hill Park
presents
Do you
bel
iev
e in f
airies?
DIRECTED BY
Can you
Joe Malyan
COSTUME DESIGN
Anne Thomson
Victoria Spearing
SONGS BY
ure?
ent
Ron McAllister
Bart Lee
adv
?
ught
tho
ppy
for
ou ready an awfully
y
e
r
A
big
SET DESIGN
find
you
rh
a
Fri 19 – Sun 21 &
Thu 25 – Sun 28 Aug
Tickets from
£13 for a child
£17 for an adult
Family discounts available
South Hill Park Grounds
Bracknell RG12 7PA
Bring or buy a
picnic to enjoy as
part of the interval
with members of
the cast
#shppeterpan
/southhillparkartscentre
Box Office 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk/peterpan
S U P P O R T E D BY
26
South Hill Park Trust Limited
A charitable company limited by guarantee
Charity number 265656
Wokingham Festival EDITS
WOKINGHAM
FESTIVAL 2016
10th Anniversary
Not to be missed!
Wokingham Festival is a great day out for all
the family this August Bank Holiday weekend –
Friday to Sunday. With quality award winning
food and drink exhibitors, chef demonstrations,
sampling sessions, over 60 craft beers and perries
at the bar, a separate cocktail bar, street food,
fabulous live music on two stages, craft stalls
and entertainment for the children, there really is
something for everyone.
Embracing the outdoors it is held in two enormous
marquees plus numerous gazebos on Elms Field just
3 minutes walk from the train station and right in the
middle of the town with plenty of parking. Should
there be a drop of rain no one’s weekend will be spoilt
with ample cover in the marquees.
The weekend kicks off with live music on Friday
evening and the fun continues until late Sunday
evening.
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary there will be FREE
entry between 10am – 12 noon on both Saturday
and Sunday. Discounted tickets after 12 noon are
available online for just £5.50 per adult and £7 for
entry after 5pm for the evening music. Accompanied
children are FREE. A weekend ticket is just £16. For
all the latest news and discounted tickets go to www.
wokinghamfestival.co.uk.
26th-28th August 2016
Elms Field, Wokingham, RG40 2LD
Only guide dogs and hearing dogs are allowed entry to this food event. Please be aware when putting on an event of this size there can be unavoidable changes to the advertised programme
Bank Holiday Weekend: Elms Field
Friday 26th - Sunday 28th August 2016
. Food
& Drink
Exhibitors
. Craft Beer Bar
. Product Sampling
. Restaurant
. Chef Demonstrations
. Kids Entertainment
Book your discounted . Live Music
tickets online now! . Craft Stalls
www.wokinghamfestival.co.uk
27
E
HENLEY TOWN HALL
Henley Town Hall is an ideal town centre venue for civil ceremonies
positioned in Market Place close to the two main car parks.
Standing out from the surrounding buildings, this iconic Grade 2*
Listed Building was opened in 1901. Four rooms are available according
to the size of your ceremony; the main chambers are panelled in oak
from floor to ceiling. Its main features include a fine fireplace and brass
chandeliers. This room can accommodate 60 people.
A grand marble staircase rises from both sides of a landing to the rectangular Main Hall with a
round-arched ceiling on the second floor. This room can accommodate up to 210 people for the
ceremony or may be used for the reception after the ceremony.
For further details please contact us via
T: 01491 576982 E: [email protected]
W: www.henleytowncouncil.gov.uk
BOOK NOW FOR SUMMER SHOWS
STARRING
STARRING
TUE 28 JUN - SAT 2 JUL
MON 4 - SAT 9 JUL
MON 18 - SAT 23 JUL
TUE 26 - SAT 30 JUL
www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury
0844 8717607
JOHN PARTRIDGE
AS BILLY FLYNN
HAYLEY TAMADDON
BKG
FEE
BKG
FEE
Calls 7p per min, plus your phone company’s access charge
GROUPS HOTLINE 0844 8717614
MON 11 - SAT 16 JUL
AS ROXIE HART
an undiscovered secret in the heart of oxford
the Oxford Union
make the legend yours
Call 07507 683129 / 01865 241353
Email: [email protected] www.oxford-union.org
29
E
EDITS xxxxx
NOW SHOWING
COMING SOON
DINNER AND A SHOW FROM £45.50!
WHAT’S ON IN THE WATERWHEEL BAR
Our Waterwheel Bar is now open in the
day from 11am (Tuesday-Sunday). Join us
for coffee, homemade cakes and delicious
paninis! Free Wi-Fi is available.
From 8th July to 12th August, we will have
free live music every Friday evening from
West End star Glyn Kerslake and singer/
guitarist Elaine Glover. Bar food will be
served from 7:30pm. See our website for
more details.
F(0118)
I N D O969
U T 8000
MORE
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millatsonning.com
Roald Dahl Museum EDITS
Fantabulous events
this summer!
Head to the Roald Dahl Museum in Great
Missenden for some fantabulous events this
summer.
Celebrate Fathers’ Day on Sunday 19 June at this
swashboggling session with the creators of Superhero
Dad, Timothy Knapman and Joe Berger. Meet author
Nick Cook on Sunday 3 July and come face-to-face
with some minibeasts at the Reptile Roadshow on
Saturday 16 July.
The summer holidays will be packed with Big
Friendly Fun, including storytelling and BFG-themed
crafts. Make BFG Ears and Dahl-ightful Dream
Catchers, and join in with some Giant Parties. There’ll
also be awesome author visits from Rastamouse
creator Michael De Souza and The Last Wild author
Piers Torday, as well as swishwiffling sessions with
the Museum’s Storyteller in Residence, Sandra Agard,
behind the scenes archive tours, clue trails and
special events.
2016 marks 100 years since Roald Dahl’s birth, so
there’s no better time to unlock your inner storyteller,
see the original Writing Hut and discover amazing
treasures from the archive in the heart of Roald Dahl
country.
Call 01494 892192 to book workshops and
Museum admission. roalddahl.com/museum
Celebrate Roald Dahl 100 and the release
of the BFG film, with a summer of Big Friendly Fun
at the Roald Dahl Museum.
The Roald Dahl Museum
and Story Centre
see the original
Unlock your inner storyteller,
zing treasures from
ama
r
ove
disc
and
Hut
ting
Wri
ld Dahl country.
the archive in the heart of Roa
roalddahl.com/museum
31
E
PUT THE FUN BACK IN TO THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!
MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM TO 6PM - ACTIVITIES FOR AGES 4 - 14
SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS ACROSS BUCKS AND BERKS
01235 467300 • WWW.SUPERCAMPS.CO.UK
32
Super Camps EDITS
De-stressing
the holidays
Experts are increasingly pointing the finger
at the trappings of modern life to explain the
epidemic of stress affecting our children.
Computers, mobiles – too much exposure can
scramble the tender brains of children and create
anxiety and depression. Even school holidays are to
be dreaded as youngsters lose contact with school
friends and turn to their devices to cope with the
boredom of days that seem to stretch for ever.
At Super Camps, rediscovering the fun of childhood
will always be a guiding mantra. The company hires
schools and turns them into playhouses, encouraging
children of all ages to make new friends and enjoy
the wonder of discovery and exploration. Six actionpacked daily activities that range from swimming to
Quad biking to Archery are all included in the price,
but so too is the freedom to choose.
Prefer to get stuck into a clay-modelling session or
go on a scavenger hunt – or relax on a beanbag with
new chums and a good book? Or organise a 5 a-side
football game, girls and boys together? That’s OK by
us – and good for your child too. Allowing children to
decide the tempo of the day’s activities is regarded by
child development experts as essential to childhood
fulfilment – and certainly adds to the fun at Super
Camps.
Word-games, mosaic-making, body-art – the
opportunities for self-expression – and hilarity – are
endless, as are the opportunities to play classic British
sports like tennis and cricket – or, for children aged 7
and over, enjoy bushcraft or cooking lessons.
As leader in its field in the UK, Super Camps runs at
venues across the country, putting different activities
for children aged 4-14 each day, bookable daily or
weekly. Energetic, friendly staff put children through
their paces and ensure all ages and abilities bond
together as they learn and explore with friends new
and old.
All we ask is that you pack a healthy lunch – and
visit www.supercamps.co.uk now to book for Easter,
half-term or Summer camps. Remember – it’s all
about de-stressing the holidays. Once your child has
rediscovered fun at Super Camps, holiday stress will
be a thing of the past.
33
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EDITS xxxxx
HC meets
LEMAR
The careers of the overwhelming majority of TV talent show winners and contestants
tend to go down one of two paths: either they maintain a reasonable level of fame singing
songs provided for them by a team of writers, or they fade into relative obscurity and
begin appearing in musical theatre productions.
There is, however, one member of this cohort who
differs wildly from the blueprint: Lemar. Since finishing
third in the inaugural series of the BBC’s Fame
Academy, Lemar Obika has tirelessly written his own
brand of soul-tinged R’n’B, releasing his most recent
album The Letter just last year. Jack Rayner caught
up with Lemar to learn how a TV show contestant
can maintain both success and integrity in such an
impressive way.
Hi Lemar, thanks for talking to HC. At the beginning
of your career, did you encounter any opposition to
your involvement in the writing process?
You know what, I was actually very fortunate because
when I started out, I was really on the same page as
the A&R guy that I signed to, and similarly with my
management. I’ve always written music, and maybe
if the first few tunes I came out with were complete
rubbish then it would’ve been different, but the first
one I wrote under Sony was Dance (With U) and the
second one was 50/50. Those tracks were both really
well received and I was encouraged to keep on writing
from there.
Have you heard any similar experiences from your
talent show peers?
To be honest, I don’t really know. With girl bands or
boy bands they tend to just get a team of writers in,
and obviously I haven’t followed that path, but there’s
still something in recognising what is and what isn’t a
good song. As much as I write songs and I love it, if
a great song landed on the table from someone else
and I thought I could do it justice, then I’d give it a
shot as well.
34
How did it feel when you released your first record
and you were suddenly performing in front of
thousands of people?
It’s crazy. For me, I tried for 8 years to get into the
music industry in the first place, so once I heard my
songs on the radio for the first time it represented
nearly a decade of struggling to get some kind of
breakthrough. Getting that first bit of chart success
and having people say to you “your song reminds
me of a particular time”... that’s really, really fulfilling.
Those first times are always memorable.
How did you managed to stay so grounded through
those years?
I think I got [the success] at the right time. I was 24,
and I had the same core friends around me who were
part of my team, and very good management. My
family stayed very close as well, and I think all those
things do keep you on the ground.
Your first gig was supporting Usher in Tottenham.
How did that come about?
There used to be a venue there called The Temple,
opposite the police station. They’ve knocked it
down and I think it’s now flats. I started recording
with [production team] Best Kept Secret - they were
working with Kele Le Roc back in the day and helped
her get her record deal. I kept phoning up the promoter
of the Usher show and he kept saying no, but I kept
persisting and eventually he agreed to let me open the
show. When I played the reaction was amazing and
when American acts came to London I kept getting
booked to play. That was really the catalyst to all the
bookings I got later on.
xxxxx EDITS
35
E
E
EDITS Lemar
What sort of music were you performing back
then?
Straight-up R’n’B. I was listening to R Kelly, Boyz II
Men, all that kind of stuff.
Do you have a particular highlight of your career
that stands out?
There’s been so many. Performing with Lionel
Richie or George Benson, supporting Mary J Blige
and Beyoncé. There have been so many different
performances or moments that I’ve had that I’m so
grateful for.
Your new album The Letters has a much more
classic soul sound compared to the more polished
R’n’B that you’re known for. What made you think
to write an album in that style?
Throughout my career, people have said to me “you
remind of me of an Al Green or a Marvin” so I thought
it’d be cool to do an album that celebrates that. Like
you said, it’s old-school soul but with a few originals
on there as well. It’s a bit more raw and not as overtly
processed. It’s my sixth or seventh album, and after
releasing so many original albums I just thought it
would be fun to do something different, but to then go
back to releasing my original material afterwards.
What was it like recording at EastWest Studios?
You know what, that was absolutely amazing. I go
to LA quite a bit but EastWest was really something
special. I was working with Larry Klein who’s a
legendary producer, and some of the musicians were
incredible as well. The backing singers, The Water
Sisters, have recorded on so many records, from
Marvin Gaye to Diana Ross & The Supremes, so to
have them on my album was awe-inspiring.
Where do you see your sound developing for
future albums?
I’m always partial to R’n’B, so I think it’ll continue as
a combination of the soul and R’n’B flavours. I want
to keep on expanding it, and the cool thing about
musical creativity is that whatever happens in the
studio happens. I’ve really learnt to go into the studio
and just see what comes out, and after a while of
recording there’ll always be one or two pieces that
really stand out, and I’ll then try and head in that
direction.
Are there any recent singers or groups that you
particularly admire?
There’s an American band called Alabama Shakes
who I really like. I love Leon Bridges as well, he’s a
young American soul singer. Ed Sheeran had a good
run, there were a couple of his tracks that I liked.
36
You’re playing at Cornbury this year. What sort of
fans do you see at your shows? Do you have many
life-long, diehard fans?
It’s really varied. My first headline show at Shepherd’s
Bush was, obviously, the first time I’d seen the people
who had bought my album in front of me, and I was
surprised by how varied it was, from 16 to 60. I’ve
always tried to keep that in mind when writing – it’s
a hard task to try and embrace that whole range and
create music that they can all enjoy.
Festivals are fantastic for that, you get
the young people who love the R’n’B
and then you get the older crowd who
might just want to see someone with a
good voice or hear some soul.
What are your plans in the future?
More than ever I feel like experimenting a bit, not
just with music but across the board. I don’t feel like
I’ve got much more to prove musically, I enjoy what
I do and I think if people think of me and my albums
they know what they’re going to get, so I think it’s
about trying to expand into different stuff and stay
interesting.
Thanks Lemar.
Lemar appears at Cornbury Festival on
Friday 9th July. Tickets are available at
cornburyfestival.com
BUC KI NGH AM S H I RE ’ S PRE MI ER W EDDING V ENUE
—
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extensive grounds, our Georgian manor house is ideal for making beautiful
memories that you and your guests will remember for years to come.
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UPCOMING WEDDING FAYRE - SUNDAY 26TH JUNE 2016, 11AM - 3PM
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38
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Deer Park Country House Hotel, Weston, Honiton, Devon EX14 3PG | 01404 41266
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90 years of royal couture
Sam Bennett explores three new exhibitions hosted by the Royal Collection Trust
If the wardrobe from my lifetime was the subject
of an exhibition, my siblings might make an
appearance with the view of reclaiming items I’ve
acquired from them over the years, but obviously
no-one else would – as I imagine would be the
case with most of us.
The simple reason being: we are not the Queen.
Fashioning a Reign: 90 Years of Style from The
Queen’s Wardrobe consists of three exhibitions that
document the outfits worn by HMQ during her life, the
first of these opened at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
on her 90th birthday, and runs there until 16th October.
It was from Holyrood that the exhibition’s curator,
Caroline de Guitaut, spoke to me.
Fashioning a Reign was her idea. It’s a way of, in
her own words, “bringing to life the most memorable
occasions in the Queen’s life and reign.”
The second and third legs of Caroline’s initiative
take place at Buckingham Palace (23rd July-2nd
October) and Windsor Castle (17th September-8th
January). The locations have guided the curator
in terms of which of the 150 outfits used appear at
which royal venues. At Holyrood, for example, you
40
can find what Elizabeth II wore for the opening of the
new Scottish Parliament in 1999 as well as off-duty
numbers donned at Balmoral. Quite a bit further down
the country at Windsor, what she has worn to Ascot
features.
“It has a relevance to people who live in each area
but at the same time each exhibition appeals to a
wider audience who might be visiting because there
are just exquisite examples of couture on display,”
Caroline says.
I asked Caroline about HMQ’s dress code; I didn’t
know if the opening of a library warranted rubber
heels to symbolise quiet or if there was a collection
of Sudoku marked gloves for those events that are
frankly too boring for anyone to even fake interest.
“Her style is something she’s created herself and it’s
very much her own,” she tells me. “No-one is writing
rules. Basically what she is doing is wearing things
that are practical and appropriate for the occasion.
In this country, at daytime official engagements, she
always appears wearing a hat – and millinery is a very
important feature of all these exhibitions. She then
wears a coordinating outfit, she appears in a nice vivid
xxxxx EDITS
Sandra Murray, purple
coat made of a silk-wool
blend with a green silkcrepe and lace dress, and
a shawl of purple and
green Isle of Skye tartan,
woven on the Island of
Lewis, worn by The Queen
for the official opening of
the Scottish Parliament on
1st July 1999
(opposite)
Royal Collection Trust
curator Caroline de
Guitaut in the exhibition
at the Palace of
Holyroodhouse
41
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Stewart Parvin, pink silk dress with coordinating white jacquard
coat and pink hat designed by milliner Philip Somerville. Worn
by Her Majesty The Queen for a garden party in 2009.
PHOTOGRAPHER: SHANNON TOFTS
colour, it doesn’t have to be a bright colour, it could
be pale as long as it’s something that reads very well
from a distance. In the evening, for dinners, banquets
or receptions, she’ll wear a long evening dress often
with lovely sparkly embroidery.
“There’s no code, it’s just what’s appropriate to the
occasion and it’s very carefully thought through.”
It’s probably the level of thought that differs the
Queen from the rest of us who feel we too dress for
occasions.
“Her clothes incorporate subtle messages,” reveals
Caroline, who has worked on exhibitions of the
Queen’s clothes for over a decade. “Often you can
have embroideries which are emblems of a particular
country that she will wear when she visits it – such
as maple leaves when she goes to Canada. Or
you’ll have an outfit which is the national colour for
the country she’s visiting. She’ll also follow religious
protocol; she’ll remove her shoes if she goes into a
mosque and she’ll cover her head and wear black
when she visits the pope at the Vatican.
“You and I would be careful about what we
wear but I think because she’s Head of State
it has to be absolutely perfect.”
I used to think of the Queen’s job as one of the
easiest out there, but I recently reconsidered. “Can
you imagine,” someone said to me, “your nan doing
all that traveling, performing all those duties, standing
outside for hours as it pisses down?”
The truth is I can’t – and my grandmother is a good
few years younger than HMQ.
“She’s got a huge amount of energy,” Caroline
states of the monarch, “she doesn’t get a day off, you
42
Sir Norman Hartnell, pale green crinoline evening gown made
of silk chiffon and lace embroidered with sequins, pearls,
beads and diamante. Worn by Her Majesty The Queen in 1957
during her visit to the United States of America as a guest of
President Eisenhower.
The three separate exhibitions Fashioning
a Reign: 90 Years of Style from The Queen’s
Wardrobe are at:
Palace of Holyroodhouse,
until 16th October 2016
The Summer Opening of the State Rooms,
Buckingham Palace,
23rd July-2nd October 2016
Windsor Castle, 17th September 2016-8th
January 2017
royalcollection.org.uk
can never stop being Head of State, she has official
papers to look at every single day, it’s a never ending
task. To think that she’s dedicated her entire life to
doing that… it’s quite remarkable and I have a huge
amount of admiration for her.”
IMAGES: ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST /
© HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 2016
xxxxx EDITS
43
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ol
Old-scho
cool:
Rewind
l
a
v
i
t
s
e
F
The past decade has seen something of a
resurgence in 80s music and style. A large cohort
of 80s legends who have lied dormant for years are
back on the gigging scene and the generation that
grew up and enjoyed these acts the first time round
show no signs of stopping the party any time soon.
We now have current acts performing
at Rewind because they want to cover
80s songs, which is fantastic.
44
xxxxx EDITS
At the vanguard of this revival is Rewind
Festival, which launched 8 years ago at
Temple Island Meadows in Henley and has
been instrumental in relaunching the careers
of dozens of 80s artists. This year, the lineup
includes Leo Sayer, Rick Astley, Adam Ant
and members of Heaven 17, Earth Wind &
Fire, Erasure and Spandau Ballet. HC spoke
to Rewind director David Heartfield to find
out more…
Hi David. How have you seen Rewind, and the
acts involved, develop over the last 8 years?
The main thing is that everyone knows what we’re
talking about now. When we started out it was just
an idea, so we had to go to artists and persuade
them to get involved, and we put a band together
of top London session musicians because a lot of
these acts simply didn’t have a band any longer. We
really wanted to recreate the thing that had worked
so well at the one-day shows, which was the “hit
jukebox” idea – if someone had only had one hit
in the 80s, we could still have them on doing one
warmup number and their big hit, and there wasn’t a
huge gap afterwards. At the beginning, the difficulty
was getting hold of people – a lot of the 80s acts
didn’t have agents or managers. Over the last 8
years, everyone now knows about the festival, and
a lot of them now have those agents and managers.
Do you think a lot of them have kick-started their
careers again through Rewind?
I think for some of them, even if it didn’t necessarily
kick-start their careers, it did encourage them to
come back into the limelight a bit more. If you take
an act like Holly Johnson from Frankie Goes To
Hollywood – he hadn’t played live in 20 years before
Rewind. For Tom Bailey from the Thompson Twins, I
think it was 27 years. It’s brought quite a few people
back who obviously had highly successful careers
in the 80s, and for whatever reason had dropped
out of the music business. We’re always looking for
those acts and that’s what everyone wants to see.
Were any of the artists reluctant to get back
onstage when you approached them?
Oh yes. Some of them took years to warm to the
idea. Part of it is whether they want to work at all,
and part of it is if they do want to work, a lot of them
are still writing new music and often want to leave
behind what they did 30 years ago. I sometimes
needed to persuade them that they could have
two careers: one where they get highly paid for
doing their classic hits, and if
they want to carry on releasing new music or
performing other stuff, then they can have that
more artistic endeavour as well.
You started off in Henley and have now
exported the idea nationwide. What have the
challenges been in achieving that?
There’s always difficulty. Each location is unique
in terms of dealing with local councils, which is a
massive undertaking. When we started in Henley, I
think people were convinced that despite the fact
that it was aimed at an older audience, a music
festival was going to bring waves of crime and
drug addiction into the area, which quite obviously
is not the case. We do vary all the locations
slightly: up in Scotland there are an awful lot of
80s Scottish bands that perhaps meant more
in Scotland than they did down South. We tend
to have those acts who were slightly bigger in
their own area. Other than that, things remain
remarkably the same, so where I have the River
Thames in Henley I have the River Tay in Scotland.
In terms of the attendees in the crowd, are
there many younger people?
Well I think the interesting thing is that the
audience has got younger over the 8 years, and it’s
quite hard to figure out why. When we started out, I
didn’t really think it would keep continuing to grow,
as it has done, but now there are a lot of people in
their 30s who would’ve been too young for the 80s
first time round, but I suppose it would’ve been the
music they heard on the radio and their parents’
music.
I think the cyclical nature of fashion means
that the 80s were always going to be taken
seriously again at some point.
Oh yeah, for sure. We now have current acts
performing at Rewind because they want to cover
80s songs, which is fantastic.
45
E
Celebrated Chef Chris Wheeler invites you to indulge your
tastebuds at Humphry’s, Stoke Park’s award winning restaurant.
Open to all, Humphry’s fine dining restaurant allows you to
enjoy ‘an experience you want to relive again and again’
(At Home with Marco Pierre White).
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Guide, Humphry’s innovative take on Modern British Cuisine
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Wednesday - Sunday : Dinner 7.00pm – 10.00pm
To make a reservation please call 01753 717172
or46email [email protected]
www.stokepark.com
This summer: Jack Rayner meets
Raymond Blanc, we explore the
madder side of ‘molecular’ food at
Paris House, the often-confusing
styles of beer are broken down into
their essential components, and
we bring you news from the Home
Counties’ biggest and brightest
movers and shakers across the
food and drink scene.
Enjoy…
Image: Bella Italia
At HC, we eat therefore we are.
We pride ourselves in being the
local barometer of all things
culinary, so without further ado,
here is HC’s guide to eating and
drinking like a true connoisseur.
47
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“Food connects with everything”
Jack Rayner meets Raymond Blanc
It is nigh-on impossible not to be charmed in the
presence of Raymond Blanc. Here is a man that
achieved everything there is to achieve in one
of the most cut-throat, high-pressure industries
in existence, yet remains flawlessly unjaded: all
smiles, wild gesticulation and childlike enthusiasm
for lovingly prepared, unpretentious food.
Then again, Raymond has always been something
of a rarity amongst his famously disdainful cohort
of British celebrity chefs. Faultlessly polite, he refers
to both the French and the English as “we”, and
his diplomatic appreciation for both sides of the
channel comes across as genuine and unrehearsed,
rather than as a necessary toeing of the party line to
keep on the good side of his adopted countrymen.
He apologises for being not 5 minutes late of our
scheduled start (“Your time, anybody else’s time, is as
important as mine. I don’t take anything for granted,
I never have”), and immediately offers me a glass of
wine. This is not a man with something to prove.
That’s not to say, however, that he doesn’t love a
good-humoured jibe. After asking a waitress to clear
the glasses from our table at his flagship Brasserie
Blanc on Walton Street (“Voila! Now, we can expand”),
Raymond jumps headfirst into an anecdote, lightly
poking fun at the UK’s infamous horse meat scandal
of 2013:
48
“I was in the garden of Le Manoir, and I heard
enormous laughter, enormous. I knew it came from
France: 60 million French people laughing”. If the
physics of this particular story seem at odds with your
current understanding, then I can only apologise. “The
laughter became louder and louder, and I realised that
they were laughing at Britain – the British had laughed
about them for so long for eating horses and frogs,
and then the news came to France that evening
that you had been eating horse for 50 years without
knowing it!” Raymond barely makes it to the punchline
before collapsing into a deep belly laugh, highlighting
how naturally he commands the energy of a room as
his staff glance up from their iPhones to smile warmly
at their boss.
It might be a light-hearted joke, but this story comes
from a place that Raymond is deadly serious about:
his near-obsessive passion for food knowledge and
ingredient sourcing. It is his job, his hobby, his raison
d’etre, and our conversational anchor as he veers
wildly from subject to subject. I ask him about his
early years in the UK - working at the Rose Revived
in Newbridge – and his memories again relate back
to his peers’ attitude towards sourcing and freshlycooked cuisine:
“It was the most beautiful, charming pub, and I still
remember the day when I first went over that little 13th
Raymond Blanc EDITS
Century bridge. It was so quaint and quintessentially
English, but then, the food was just frightening – we
had completely lost our way in England during this
time. Intensive farming and heavy processing of food
was very common, as well as heavy marketing and
branding. Then, we made food a commodity, where
the only value and virtue held to food was cheapness.
So, we had lost the plot completely, and food was
exclusive rather than inclusive”.
Inclusivity is crucially important to Raymond’s ethos
in a way that belies his Michelin stars and innumerable
accolades as an haute cuisine chef:
“For example, children were certainly not welcome,
because that’s just how it was. I come from a working
class background, and where I’m from, food is for
everyone. Between our two countries, I think that the
fundamental difference is the revolution - France had
a revolution, and England didn’t.”
That final statement is where the conversation
really begins to get interesting, because to Raymond,
everything is food and food is everything, from
the minutiae of family life to the broad narratives of
national legislation:
“Politics relates to food, history relates to food,
religion relates to food. I think the revolution in France
democratised our right to eat well – the right for the
peasant to till his own land, to grow his own food, to
cook his own food. Of course, France is also blessed
with a wonderful climate, and chefs very much tended
to own their own restaurants. Food was, and is, for
everyone. When I was a child, my parents might’ve
only taken us to a restaurant perhaps once or twice
a year, but we ate well every day and we celebrated
food as a family. We had a jardin potager where I
learned all about seasonality, variety, and the earth.
We might not have had a lot of money, but I was a
rich man from the age of 7 in terms of my knowledge.”
I can’t resist probing further into Raymond’s
comparisons between his two beloved nations, and
one subject he gets particularly animated about his
how far British cuisine has come since he arrived at
Dover in 1972:
“Oh, it’s exciting, and again we are talking about
a revolution, but a very British on.. It’s exciting, for
example, that now there are as many cheeses in
Britain as in France – maybe not always as good,
but then again you cannot change a country in a
few minutes. In France, it was almost thought of as
a problem – there’s a story that General de Gaulle
raised his arms to the sky, asking God: ‘How can you
deal with a country that has 350 cheeses?’ One for
every day! And soon, the British will have the same
number, so watch out for big problems coming up!
More cheese, more problems!” Another thick, gutsy
Food connects with
everything, and
the dinner table
is a place where
you communicate,
you have fun, you
celebrate life
49
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laugh spills out. “No, I think it’s fantastic, because the
British consumer is much more knowledgeable and
much more aware.”
He may be no less enthusiastic about food
than when he first opened Les Quat’ Saisons in
Summertown almost 40 years ago, but surely one has
to take a more conservative attitude when running an
18-piece chain, no?
“The passion has not
diminished – if anything, it has
increased. It has made me
realise that the more I know,
the less I know.
At this stage, my success is about teaching others,
and making my the vision of others. If you’re a person
looking to grow in this kind of industry, you have to
surround yourself with the best people – the best
waiters, the best cleaners, the whole lot. If you can
do that, and every day you are patiently, lovingly using
your best intelligence, then maybe one day you may
touch excellence… for a few seconds.”
Raymond’s gastronomic ideology is certainly based
in these notions of traditionalism and sharing, but his
all-encompassing culinary worldview also extends
into the more detailed and scientific. His 1996 book
and TV show Blanc Mange saw him team up with
Oxonian biochemist Professor Nicholas Kurti to apply
academic knowledge to the world of flavour.
“I met him at the Oxford Symposium, and when he
spoke to me about food, he spoke in the most clear,
beautiful language. I tried to read all the scientific
books to learn what was happening in my soufflé, for
example, but I couldn’t understand them. I was very
lucky to meet Professor Kurti.
“We proved that a poulet de bresse [top-end
appellation d’origine contrôlée French chicken], a
British free-range chicken, and a terrible factory
chicken all have very different flavours. I put them in
three different ovens, with a copper tube coming out
of each oven. I heated each of them at 190 degrees
to get my Maillard reaction, so all of the gases and
moisture goes into the copper tubes, and Professor
Kurti was able to break down the flavour molecules by
group. Then, it was connected up to a computer, and
you could see how many more and more varied flavour
molecules were present in the poulet de bresse, and
even the free-range British chicken than in the factoryproduced one. You could argue that I was the first big
chef to use ‘molecular’ gastronomy, although not in
the way that you’d use that word today”.
Indeed, Raymond briefly instructed the poster-boy
of ‘molecular’ cuisine, Heston Blumenthal, during a
short stint at Le Manoir. Does he see his influence on
British cooking in the young chefs of today?
“Of course I can see it in the chefs that I’ve trained,
but I’m not here to create lots of little Raymond
Blancs. I aim to support them and lift them up so
that they are embracing the same philosophy –
the philosophy of the land, of local values, of no
chemicals, of unadulterated food – but not the same
style of cooking. We talked earlier about this food
revolution in the UK, and this revolution is as much led
from the top as from the bottom – these chefs are now
inspired by many cultures and many styles of cooking,
and it’s going to spread all across Great Britain. That’s
a fantastic thing.”
It certainly is. Raymond’s assistant had asked me
to keep my interview to 15 minutes long (he had an
admittedly spectacular pile of books to sign), but after
45 minutes he was showing no sign of wanting to
leave. I felt rude, but then again, who am I to stop the
man in full flow? I let him give one piece of advice to
home chefs before my professional courtesy got the
better of me:
“Always be curious, always ask questions, don’t
ever think that when you’ve cooked a dish once,
you’ve completed that dish. Love it, go on to be
curious about it, think ‘how can I do it better?’. Food
connects with everything, and the dinner table is a
place where you communicate, you have fun, you
celebrate life.”
The French may have laughed at us across the
channel for eating undisclosed horse meat, but in
Raymond’s eyes, food is clearly something to bring us
together, whether as a family, a city, or a nation.
Here’s to many more celebrations to come.
50
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Book today on 0844 855 9131
Or visit our website: www.harteandgarter.com
51
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Paris
House
FUTURE FOOD:
The culinary absurdity
at Paris House
Ultratex, LT100, Gellan F, Sodium Alginate.
These bizarrely-named compounds might not
sound like delicious ingredients, but at Paris
House, attitudes towards the inner workings
of a professional kitchen are a far cry from the
norm. Having honed his craft at acclaimed
institutions ranging from Danesfi eld House
to L’Ortolan, Michelin-starred executive
chef Phil Fanning has harnessed the recent
trend towards ‘molecular’ cooking to quite
spectacular effect.
Jack Rayner
52
Paris House FOOD
Needless to say, Paris House itself is a
pleasure to behold. Originally built in 1878 off
Quai d’Orsay in Paris’s 7th arrondissement,
the 9th Duke of Bedford had the building
physically dismantled, shipped piece by
piece and rebuilt in its current location within
the grounds of Woburn Abbey. If that’s not
commitment to aesthetic satisfaction, then I
don’t know what is.
On the subject of aesthetic satisfaction, some of the
techniques Phil uses to construct his more outlandish
courses are visually stunning in preparation as well as
in presentation. As I entered his immaculate, stainless
steel kitchen on a bright Sunday morning, the fl urry
of steaming liquid nitrogen, culinary powders and
intensely focused staff would’ve given the distinct
impression of a well-managed chemistry lab, were it
not for the glorious red leather booth that serves as
the ‘chef’s table’, which you can book to appreciate
the true artistry behind some of Phil’s sizeable
repertoire directly from where it’s prepared.
As you can probably imagine, Phil isn’t just pushing
the boundaries of edible virtuosity to serve up a really
decent fi sh and chips. The dish that we prepared, “a
ravioli of Horlick’s cheesecake, syphonated pistachio
sponge, kalamansi skin and nut clusters”, might not
be found on the Sunday lunch menu at your local
pub, but the occasionally impenetrable language of
modernist cooking belies the stunning use of fl avour,
texture and form that are inarguably present on the
menus of Paris House.
So where do you start with such an ambitious dish?
Surprisingly enough, with a very simple cheesecake
base, made with the usual suspects of cream
cheese, caster sugar, vanilla seeds and whole eggs,
blended together until aerated and smooth. This is
about where the traditional techniques end, though,
as the cheesecake mixture is shaped into a mould,
flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen then coated in citrus
gel, which is synthesized from orange juice, lemon
juice, lime juice and a futuristic-sounding culinary
compound. So, like a scene from Breaking Bad, I
dutifully weighed up white powder by the decimal
point on a digital scale and, rather than sealing it in
Ziploc bags and selling them to street dealers to build
my drugs empire, I blitzed them together with the fruit
in a Thermomix heated processor and watched a
zesty citrus glaze appear before my eyes.
“Syphonated pistachio sponge” is an
equally impressive part of what was
gradually becoming a tremendous
exercise in forward-thinking cuisine.
After blending the dry ingredients with eggs and
bergamot zest, the mixture is charged with nitrous
oxide and then microwaved so that the nitrogen
bubbles expand and then sponge rises up like a
science-fiction Bake Off episode played in fastforward. After carefully layering the parts of the
dish together, with sugary nut clusters and slices
of blood orange for good measure, the piece was
complete and I felt a completely undeserved sense
of accomplishment.
Returning now to a vaguely normal level of
awareness, it was time to taste some more of Phil’s
inventions. In this case, though, the word ‘taste’
isn’t really the correct choice, because each course
brought out to the chef’s table is an all-out assault on
each of one’s senses, from the indescribable aroma
of a ‘thai green curry’ dessert fashioned from spiced
pineapple, coconut and lime to the tactile miracle
that is ‘桃’, a mandarin-based dish adorned with black
bean, coriander and sake. I’d imagine that it’d be very
easy for a ‘modernist’ chef to simply resort to wacky
techniques and synthetic additives to make the
mundane appear extraordinary, but it’s apparent that
Phil’s robust training and hair-trigger palate mean that
Paris House’s brand of East-West fusion is absolutely
faultless, leaving the impression of genuine passion
and sophistication, rather than the pretention and
pompousness that this level of high-end cooking can
often exude.
As I climbed back into my car and saw the charming
black and white Tudor structure disappear from my
rear view mirror, my brain was still attempting to
process the sensory onslaught that Phil Fanning had
just put it through. As customers, we visit restaurants
for myriad reasons, from noisy evenings catching up
with friends to silver service luxury in the company
of prospective business clients, but if you’re looking
for a dining experience to just blow your idea of what
makes good food out of the water, book yourself in at
Paris House. Incredible.
53
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Bella Windsor Royal Station
54
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Bella Windsor FOOD
New Bella for
Royal Windsor
Bella Italia, which has been open in Windsor for many years has
relocated to a brand new restaurant in Windsor Royal Station.
The £400,000 investment in the new restaurant
has create 20 new jobs, and serves great quality,
authentic Italian treats for breakfast, lunch and
dinner 7 days a week.
The restaurant has launched with a brand new menu,
where customers can enjoy a range of hand stretched
pizzas – a key feature of the new menu, including
the amazing ‘Pizza Roma’, which gives a light crisp
crust topped with well thought out ingredients – plus a
new recipe tagliatelle carbonara, and a fantastic new
lasagne, made fresh in the restaurant daily. Leaving
room for dessert is vital – Bella’s Gelato Cart, now
a regular feature in their new restaurants, is sure
to inspire creative picking while selecting from 11
flavours of real Italian Ice cream available to try, and of
course the array of toppings to add too! The selection
of Prosecco and cocktails is sure to make a perfect
addition to the night out with the girls or that special
date night.
The Italian restaurant brand is excited to relocate
to Windsor Royal Station, a prime location in the
heart of the town. The new restaurant is styled in
a modern and sophisticated way and is the perfect
spot for every occasion. It features quirky seating –
perfect for romantic dinners or family get-togethers,
beautiful artwork drawing on the heritage of Italy, and
a Mediterranean vibe that Windsor locals and tourists
will love – making every visit memorable.
For those looking to relax before or after visiting the
Castle or taking a stroll down by the river, or perhaps
a day of shopping, the fantastic atmosphere, created
with an enthusiastic and dedicated team, is sure to
make your day or evening fantastic!
Bella Windsor Area Manager Nathan Roots, said,
“We’re thrilled to relocate to
such a fantastic place in town,
in Windsor Royal Station.
This move means a fresh start for Bella, and whilst
we are sad to be leaving Thames Street, the new
restaurant looks amazing – we can’t wait to welcome
customers old and new!
55
F&D
E
EDITS xxxxx
Know Your Beer
Can you tell your pilsner from your weißbier? How about your dubbel from your dunkel?
As part of HC’s celebration of pubs, we thought we’d give you the run-down on the basics,
along with a recommendation of each from one our world-class local breweries.
PORTER
Originally brewed in London in the 18th century,
the porter is a very dark style of beer. A porter
includes roasted malts or roasted barley, and are
typically mild beers with hints of chocolate and
toffee.
MALT: Pale/Brown/Chocolate/Black
HOPS: Moderate to high
HC recommends:
Chiltern Black from Chiltern Brewery
56
xxxxx EDITS
TRAPPIST BEER
Trappist beer is brewed by monks in eleven
monasteries across Belgium and the Netherlands, as
well as one each in Austria, Italy and the US.
The Trappist beer naming system designates
different varieties according to the amount of malt
used in brewing, as well as the original gravity
(density). Beers are designated Enkel (single), Dubbel
(double) or Tripel (triple), and originally, beers were
unlabelled and were identified by the colour of the
bottle cap alone.
IPA
The India Pale Ale, also commonly referred to as an
IPA, comes from the 1700’s when English troops
lived in India. Additional hops were added to their
typical beer to keep it from spoiling before their ship
reached Indian shores. This style is known to have a
strong hoppy flavour with a slightly bitter taste. The
colour of an IPA can range from a light golden yellow
to a darker red amber.
MALT: Pale, often with a small amount of crystal
HOPS: Moderate to heavy, often very heavy in
American IPAs
HC recommends:
Eton Rifles from Windsor & Eton Brewery
BROWN ALE
Spawned from the Mild Ale, Brown Ales tend to
be malty and sweet on the palate, with a full body.
Colour can range from reddish brown to dark brown.
Some versions will lean towards fruity esters, while
others tend to be drier with nutty characters. Brown
ales tend to have a low hop aroma and bitterness.
MALT: Pale/Crystal/Chocolate
HOPS: Light
HC recommends:
Battle of Britain Old Ale from Chiltern Brewery
France and it was the duty of patriots, usually from
the upper classes, to drink ale rather than French
wine. Many small brewers now produce their own
interpretations of barley wine, and the flavour is
usually packed with powerful fruit flavour.
STOUT
Stouts are always 100% opaque and are consistently
the darkest beers. The head of a stout beer is
extremely thick and usually brown. They have a
controversial history, but it’s widely believed that
the stout style originally derived from porters. They
feature a heavily roasted flavor and often contain
hints of chocolate, licorice, molasses, or coffee.
MALT: Chocolate/Black/Crystal
HOPS: Moderate to high
HC recommends:
Tamesis Extra Stout from West Berkshire Brewery
MILD
Mild ale, whilst almost unheard of in the South of
the UK nowadays, used to be very popular before
the lager boom. Malt accented, with typically little
or no hop flavour, milds are usually medium to dark
brown in colour, although many English examples are
almost black. Mild is usually between 3-4% ABV, and
whilst stronger variations exist, these rarely exceed
5 or 6%.
MALT: Pale/Mild. Most milds also contain crystal malt
HOPS: Very light
HC recommends:
Hooky Mild from Hook Norton
Brewery
BARLEY WINE
Originating in ancient Greece, barley wine is a very
strong variety of ale, often reaching 12% or higher.
Modern barley wine originates from the 18th and
19th centuries when England was often at war with
57
E
DELICIOUS DINING
right in the heart of Wallingford
The George Hotel, a 16th Century Coaching Inn, set in the very
centre of this pretty, historic market town.
Come and enjoy local ales,
local produce and local hospitality!
Exciting menus from our restaurant and tavern bar for all seasons.
Enjoy a range of dishes from our Head Chef. There is Al fresco
dining in our enclosed courtyard, a little more refinement in our
Wealh’s Restaurant and Bistro, the choice is yours!
Be it afternoon tea with lots of treats or steak and chips in front of
the game we have something for you!
The George Hotel
High Street, Wallingford,
Oxfordshire OX10 0BS
Telephone: 01491 836665
58
Email: [email protected]
d
L’Ortolan FOOD
L’Ortolan is a Michelin starred restaurant located in the beautiful
village of Shinfield, on the outskirts of Reading. Head Chef Tom
Clarke’s philosophy is simple,
delivering great food for guests
to enjoy, taking his inspiration from
the produce coming into season.
Trained in classical French cuisine, Tom’s style
mixes up traditional flavour combinations into
innovative and contemporary dishes.
To complement the perfectly balanced menus,
Head Sommellier Guillaume Kaczmar and his team
offer recommendations from our extensive wine
list, including flights of wines to accompany each
course. Constantly tasting and tuning their wine
offering with the ever changing menu, the team love
to introduce the ‘fruits’ of that work to the guests.
The main restaurant seats up to 62 guests and
there are 3 private dining rooms seating between 8
and 22 guests. L’Ortolan also offers a range of more
interactive dining experiences on the Chef’s table,
masterclasses and the opportunity to be a chef for
a day.
To make a reservation call 0118 988 8500.
Review from the Michelin guide 2016:
“Beautiful, red-brick former vicarage with stylish,
modern décor, several private dining rooms and a
conservatory-lounge overlooking a lovely garden.
Cooking is confident and passionate, with wellcrafted, classically based dishes showing flair,
originality and some playful, artistic touches.”
59
F&D
E
EDITS St Helena
ST HELENA
The Island on the
Edge of the World
One evening in 1984, there had appeared on the news a report about a visit by HRH Prince
Andrew to the remote South Atlantic dependency of St Helena. With the usual perversity
of the times the story centred not on the island or its people, or even particularly on its
distinguished Royal visitor, but on the misfortune of the Governor, Sir John Massingham,
who, while leaping ashore from his launch, misjudged his timing on a wet and slippery quay.
All this would hardly have mattered had not His
Excellency been so resplendent in a white uniform,
and, thus attired, arrived spread-eagled, expeditiously
and unceremoniously before the assembled
gathering of island dignitaries. It was of course, an
incident beloved of the media and brought St Helena
briefly, if inappropriately, to the world’s attention.
Never at a loss for hyperbole, the commentators of
the day hailed it as the most significant event in the
island’s history since Napoleon had been exiled there
early in the 19th century.
In a quiet way, I suppose I shall remain eternally
grateful to Sir John Massingham for his involuntary
step into history. In the film report there had appeared
a fleeting glimpse of Jamestown, the tiny capital
of St Helena, with its steep main street flanked by
quintessentially Georgian houses, running down to
the old fort and harbour. It made an alluring scene,
this precipitous, green island set in the tropical South
Atlantic, 1,200 miles from the coast of Africa. This
news report rekindled a lifelong ambition to visit the
island that was recently my good fortune to fulfil.
St Helena lies 15˚56’ south and 5˚45’ west, and
is one of the most isolated islands in the world. It
is 1,200 miles (1,931 km) from the nearest major
landmass, Angola, and 1,800 miles (2,897 km) from
Brazil. At 47 square miles (122 km), it is also one of
the smallest permanently inhabited islands in the
world, with a population of only 4,255. The island is of
volcanic origin and is little more than 10.5 miles (16.8
km) in length and 6.5 miles (10.5 km) wide, consisting
of steep, sub-tropical , rocky terrain.
The interior of the island is covered by forest,
of which some has been replanted, including the
beautiful Millennium Forest, a project which began in
60
2000 to replant tracts of the lost ‘Great Wood’, and is
now managed by the Saint Helena National Trust. The
highland areas contain most of the island’s endemic
flora, fauna, insects and birds, including the national
bird of St Helena, the endangered St Helena Plover,
known locally as the Wirebird.
The only scheduled transport service to the island is
on the ‘RMS St Helena’ – a spectacular 6 day voyage
from Cape Town which in itself is an experience to
behold. She is now the only ocean-going vessel in
the world to still carry the venerable title “Royal Mail
Ship”, held in the past by so many famous British
passenger liners including the Queen Elizabeth and
the Queen Mary.
In addition to carrying up to 130 passengers in
comfortable, well appointed cabins, she is a lifeline
for the residents of St Helena as she carries all
their goods and supplies. From wind turbines to
automotive components; sheep,goats, and Christmas
turkeys to furniture, food and paint, everything has to
be carried by sea to the island. When you sail on the
‘RMS St Helena’, you are following in the wake of the
generations of travellers and explorers who crossed
the world’s oceans in the days of discovery long
before air travel.
The ‘RMS St Helena’ was built in 1989 by the last
of the great Aberdeen shipbuilders, Hall, Russell
& Co. Ltd for the specific purpose of supplying the
island of St Helena, a British Overseas Territory deep
in the South Atlantic. She is British registered, 6,767
gross tonnes and has berths for a maximum of 128
passengers plus 56 officers and crew. She has all the
most modern facilities: stabilisers, air-conditioning
and for those who worry about being too detached
from their normal humdrum existence, fax, telephone
xxxxx EDITS
61
E
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EDITS xxxxx
and email by satellite communication systems, which
is always reassuring when one is on an overseas
assignment in these latitudes.
Embarkation usually takes place between
12h00 and 13h00, so after a hearty breakfast on
the waterfront terrace of the Cape Grace, I was
summoned to the lobby where the hotel’s chauffeurdriven car was waiting to transport me to E berth in
Cape Town harbour. As we passed The Mission to
Seafarers building in Duncan Road, there was an air
excitement in the car, for ahead we could already see
the gleaming yellow funnel of the ‘RMS St Helena’,
the ship that would be my home for the next 6 days.
Sailing day is always busy onboard and today was
no exception. Final stores had to be loaded, baggage
brought onboard, Safety Muster to take place, sludge
to be discharged, GPO and diplomatic mail to be
loaded, and of course the crew taking passengers to
their accommodation. So it was with some relief that,
within an hour of boarding we cast off our last line
and headed out of Cape Town harbour with three long
blasts from the ship’s whistle.
As we head northwest toward St Helena in
moderate seas and making good speed, I took
time to reflect on the past 24 hours in Cape Town and
the anticipation of reaching our final destination.
Compared with today’s giant cruise liners
the ‘RMS St Helena’ is a small ship. There are
no theatres, no casinos, no golf ranges, wave
machines or ghastly climbing walls. The emphasis
is on relaxation and adventure. Nothing was too
much trouble for Captain Rodney Young and his
officers and staff who were always on call to ensure
we had the best possible voyage and experience.
There are of course, all the traditional oceangoing pastimes of beef tea, the sun deck and
62
swimming pool, traditional deck games, and
the occasional cricket match, but I would
spend the majority of my time in the
well-stocked library, the dining saloon, or patrolling the
deck in search of a solitary Wandering albatross that I
observed circling the ship shortly after we reached its
ocean realm. They are extraordinary, almost mythical
creatures, with their enormous wingspan, great
longevity and remarkable powers of ocean navigation
and travel, almost transcending the very concept of
what it means to be a bird.
Naturally, I always took full advantage of the
Captain’s cocktail party, one of the delights
of shipboard life and rarely missed Afternoon
tea or the six-course dinner served in the attractively
appointed dining saloon, but the vision of St Helena
looming on the horizon on the morning of our sixth
day at sea was unquestionably, the highlight of my
voyage.
Uninhabited at the time of its discovery in 1502
by the Galician explorer João da Nova sailing at the
service of the Portuguese Crown, the island was
named “Santa Helena” after the Empress Helena of
Constantinople, who is traditionally credited with
finding the relics of the True Cross, with which she is
invariably represented in Christian iconography.
The Portuguese found the island had an abundance
of trees and fresh water. They soon imported livestock,
fruit trees and vegetables, and built a chapel and one
or two houses. Though they formed no permanent
settlement, the island was an important rendezvous
point and source of food for ships travelling from Asia
to Europe.
Sir Francis Drake probably located the island on
the final lap of his circumnavigation of the world
(1577-1580). Further visits by other English explorers
St Helena EDITS
followed, and, once Santa Helena’s location was more
widely known, English ships of war began to lie in wait
in the area to attack Portuguese India carracks on
their way home.
The Dutch also began to frequent the island
and formally made claim to Santa Helena in 1633,
although there is no evidence that they ever occupied,
colonized or fortified the place. By 1651, the Dutch
had mainly abandoned the island in favour of their
colony at the Cape of Good Hope.
In 1657, Oliver Cromwell granted the East India
Company a charter to govern Santa Helena and the
following year the company decided to fortify the
island and colonize it with planters. The first Governor,
Captain John Dutton, arrived in 1659, and from that
date ‘Saint Helena’ was Britain’s second oldest
colony (after Bermuda). A fort and houses were built,
and after the ‘Restoration’ of the English monarchy
in 1660, the East India Company received a Royal
Charter giving it the sole right to fortify and colonize
the island. The fort was renamed James Fort and the
tiny settlement Jamestown, in honour of the Duke of
York, later James II of England.
Among the first settlers had been some of those
who had lost everything in the Great Fire of London in
1666, who were soon joined by indented labour from
India and South Africa. The company held the island
under Royal Charter until 1833, when, under the
provisions of the Government of India Act, control of
St Helena was passed from the East India Company
to the British Crown.
This isolated outpost in the middle of the
South Atlantic would have probably remained as
anonymous as it is distant from any mainland were it
not for its most celebrated resident captive. In 1815
the British Government selected St Helena as the
place of detention of Napoleon Bonaparte.
He was brought to the island in October 1815 and
in his first two months there, lived in a pavilion on the
Briars estate, which belonged to a William Balcombe.
Napoleon became friendly with his family, especially
his younger daughter Lucia Elizabeth who later
wrote “Recollections of the Emperor Napoleon”. This
friendship ended in 1818 when the British authorities
became suspicious that Balcombe had acted as
an intermediary between Napoleon and Paris and
dismissed him from the island.
Napoleon moved to
Longwood House in
December 1815,
where he spent
the last six
years of his
life writing
63
E
E
EDITS St Helena
his memoirs in relative confinement before he died
of stomach cancer on 5 May 1821. He was initially
buried on St Helena in the peaceful Sane Valley, but
in 1840, Louis Philippe I obtained permission from
the British to exhume Napoleon’s body and return his
remains to France, where they were entombed in a
porphyry sarcophagus in the crypt under the dome at
Les Invalides in Paris.
However, his original tomb can still be seen on St
Helena and Longwood House, with its ocean views
and veranda of filigree balustrades is now arguably
the finest Napoleonic museum in the world.
In 1890 the British also used the island as a place
of exile for Chief Dinizulu, the son of Cetewayo, King
of the Zulu Kingdom and their leader during the
Anglo-Zulu War (1879), and from 1900 to 1902, more
than 5,000 Boer prisoners of war were camped on
Deadwood Plain and Broad Bottom.
Napoleon’s Tomb and Longwood House are just a
few of the attractions well worth a visit during your
stay and are among a group of sites widely promoted
as the ‘7 Wonders of St Helena’. The remainder are
Diana’s Peak, the highest point on St Helena at 823m
above sea level, which was proclaimed a National
Park in 1996, the spectacular cascades of the HeartShaped Waterfall, named for the falls that cascade
through the centre of a heart-shaped cliff face, High
Knoll Fort, which was built in 1894 as a redoubt for
the islanders in the event of an invasion, St James’
Church, a prominent feature in Jamestown which
boasts a fascinating history and is reputed to be the
64
oldest surviving Anglican Church in the Southern
Hemisphere, which dates from 1774, and of course,
the famous steps of Jacob’s Ladder.
The capital Jamestown, lies cradled at the bottom of
a steep sided valley and has the atmosphere of a small
English country village. It has a tightly packed row of
colourfully-painted houses on both sides of Grand
Parade and Main Street. The view of the island’s
capital and James Bay from the top of Jacob’s Ladder
are simply breathtaking.
Built in 1829 it was originally an ‘inclined plane’, with
tracks on either side of the steps which were used
to haul manure up from the town and send goods
down. The ladder is an iconic landmark in Jamestown
with its 699 steps, stretching 600ft high. Located
at the foot of the ladder you will find the Museum
of St Helena, which has an impressive collection of
artefacts, portraying the island’s geological origins,
history, culture, unique flora and fauna and its people.
St Helena is also reputed to be home to the world’s
oldest living animal. At 180 years-old, Jonathan the
giant tortoise was brought to the island from the
Seychelles in 1882, along with three other tortoises.
He was named in the 1930’s by Governor Sir Spencer
Davis. He continues to live in the grounds of the official
residence of the Governor, at Plantation House, and is
very popular with the tourists.
A full island tour which usually lasts about 4-5
hours is a great way to view the entire island; and
see the varying contrasts in geology, flora and fauna,
architecture and historical attractions. All of the tours
are very well planned and can be booked through your
hotel or the Tourist Office in Jamestown. One can
easily explore St Helena by walking, hiring a car, using
a taxi or public bus.
However, the very isolation of the island that so
often appeals to the discerning traveller is soon set
to change forever. In 2011, the British government
announced it would be investing £200m in the
development of an airport on the island, which they
claim would benefit our economy in the long term, as
the £26m annual aid they give St Helena would no
longer be required.
On 11 April 2016, St Helena Line announced that
it is to withdraw the ‘RMS St Helena’ from service in
July 2016 and has appointed London shipbroker C.W.
Kellock & Co. Ltd to handle her sale. Her withdrawal
is set to follow shortly after the opening of the new
airport on St Helena, due to officially open on 21 May
2016, before making a farewell voyage north to the UK
where she will visit the Port of London and be moored
alongside ‘HMS Belfast’ off Tower Pier from 7th to
10th June 2016.
It is expected the airport will be up and running by
the late summer, with direct flights to and from South
Africa with Comair – the long-established South
xxxxx EDITS
FURTHER INFORMATION
St Helena Tourism
www.sthelenatourism.com
HOW TO GET THERE
RMS St Helena
www.rms-st-helena.com
African airline which is partly owned and operated
by British Airways. Initial flights to the island will be
weekly departing on a Saturday from Johannesburg’s
O.R. Tambo International Airport at 08.20 and landing
on St Helena at 11.30, with return flights departing at
12.30 and scheduled to land back in Johannesburg
at 18.30. These flights will connect in Johannesburg
with British Airways’ services to and from London
Heathrow, as well as other carriers.
Lawrence Durrell once wrote: “Islomania is a rare
affliction of spirit. There are people who find islands
somehow irresistible. The mere knowledge that they
are in a little world surrounded by sea fills them with
an indescribable intoxication”. If like me, you share a
lifelong ambition to visit some distant island such as
St Helena before they change forever, you’ll be well
rewarded for charting a course to her shores.
A 22-day package to St Helena costs from £2,521
per person. The Explorer Tour package includes
two nights accommodation in Cape Town (pre and
post voyage), passage to the island onboard the
RMS St Helena in a T2H Cabin on A Deck and eight
nights in St Helena. International flights to Cape
Town arenot included.
Comair
www.comair.co.za
WHERE TO STAY
There is plenty of accommodation on St Helena
to suit your style and budget. The majority of
the larger hotels are based in Jamestown, but
there are some splendid guest houses in the
countryside offering a variety of bed & breakfast
and self-catering packages.
WHEN TO GO
The climate of St Helena is mild year-round and
there are no drastic weather patterns. The hottest
months, and the best time to visit, are between
January and March.
65
E
CONFERENCING
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66
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67
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69
Make yourself at
home in the heart
of Gleneagles
Glenmor at Gleneagles
The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – and now there’s a way
to enjoy it which is just as unique: from the comfort of a Glenmor®
luxury holiday home, in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you
can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of
the facilities of a 5 star resort right on your doorstep.
A main season 2 bedroom property starts
from £2,720 for 7 nights. To find out more:
Visit gleneagles.com/glenmor
call 01764 694 321
or email [email protected]
© The Gleneagles Hotel 2015. ® The GLENEAGLES and GLENMOR words and the EAGLE Device are trade marks. The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and
Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneagles to provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract.
A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may be obtained by contacting Gleneagles at The Gleneagles Hotel,
Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland, PH3 1NF.
70
A FAMILY HOLIDAY
TO REMEMBER
Glenmor Holiday Homes are available to rent and give you the chance to enjoy staying
at one of the most sought after destinations in the world – The Gleneagles Hotel®.
Glenmor Village is a development of luxurious 2, 3, and 4
bedroom holiday homes set around its own village green,
in the heart of Gleneagles’ spectacular grounds. You can
rent one of Glenmor’s delightful homes for 7 nights as well
as for three night and four night stays.
Fun, excitement, and adventures in endless acres of
beautiful countryside are all part of family holidays at
Glenmor – it’s the perfect playground for hours of thrilling
and exciting family activities, no matter what your age.
From cycling around lochs, playing Polo, training a gun
dog or even driving an Argo Cat there are so many outdoor
activities on offer, your children will never get bored –
and that leaves grown-ups with plenty of time to sample
the delights of The Spa or the three championship golf
courses!
Visit gleneagles.com/Glenmor,
call 01764 694 321 or email
[email protected] for more information.
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3
SIMPLY AN AMAZING VENUE IN NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE
18th Century Manor House set in over 500 acres
• Championship 18 hole golf course, designed by Dave Thomas
• Amazing society packages from £45.00
• Exclusive use of the clubhouse available
• Golf Pro shop offering latest brands in clothing and accessories
• Hotel accommodation in the manor or lodges on the estate for all
your golf break or society needs
2 night Golf Break from £185.00 per person
Price includes 3 rounds of golf, Dinner Bed and Breakfast
Donnington Grove Country Club, Grove Road, Newbury, RG14 2LA
Tel: 01635 581000 - [email protected]
www. donnington-grove.com
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Care Home Open Day EDITS
Celebrating across
the generations
When caught amongst the busy realities of modern life, it’s easy to lose touch
with your local community, particularly those of an older generation. Care
homes can be inspiring places and are full of unique, intelligent and charming
characters, and are almost always run by special people that really do care.
For Care Home Open Day, we are determined to
build thousands of friendships, to change longheld misconceptions, to create thousands of
memories, in our annual celebration’s 4th year.
For far too long the care home sector has been
marred by the negative press generated by a minority
of badly run homes, and we’re determined to show
people what the majority of care homes are really
about.
This fantastic day enriches lives by connecting the
residents, staff, families, and schools and puts the
Care Homes where they should be – at the centre of
the community.
Last year saw a “Twitter Storm” when over 4,000
care homes across the globe collectively opened their
doors to welcome in visitors and create long-term
connections with local people.
The theme this year is Celebration and there are lots
of reasons to get involved!
You’ll find events celebrating everything from the
Queen’s 90th Birthday, the Olympic Games in Rio,
and the lives of your residents, and as care homes
can be inspiring places filled with unique, funny and
fascinating people... time in their company is always
time well spent. Every neighbourhood has a care home
nearby, and it’s easy to forget that the people living in
these homes get real enjoyment from the occasional
short visit, and that the carers could always do with
the help of an eager volunteer!
Please pay a visit to your local care home on 17th
June – and in the meantime, get involved and help us
by spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter!
Care Home Open Day – 17th June
www.carehomeopenday.org.uk
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E
Infiniti Q30
THE FIRST EVER
INFINITI Q30
INFINITI Q30 1.6 SE
£219
£1,314
Born to Challenge
From
With its sleek and unique design
and assistive technologies, discover
how the new Infiniti Q30 stands out.
Infiniti Centre Reading
25-27 Rose Kiln Lane,
0118 907 1333
Reading, RG2 0JZ
[email protected]
 InfinitiRetailGroup
 @InfinitiRG
inc VAT
Deposit
www.infiniti-reading.co.uk
Official fuel economy figures for the Infiniti Q30 range in mpg (l/100 km): urban 32.5 to 60.1 (4.7 to 8.7), extra urban 51.4 to 74.3 (3.8 to 5.5), combined
42.2 to 68.9 (4.1 to 6.7). CO2 emission: 156 to 108 g/km. * Finance based on Personal Contract Hire Agreement, Example based on 24 month contract, 10,000 miles per annum for
the model selected. Rentals shown are for a non-maintenance Contract Hire. Excess mileage and unfair wear and tear charges may apply. You will not own the vehicle at the end of the contact. Orders/
credit approvals on selected models between 01st April 2016 and 30th June 2016, registered by 31st July 2016. Subject to availability, offers cannot be used
in conjunction with any other offer. Credit provided subject to status and in UK only (excluding the Channel Islands and Isle of Man). Individuals must be 18 or
over and indemnities may be required. Personal Contract Hire finance to be provided by Infiniti Financial Services, Egale House, 78 St Albans Road, Watford,
Hertfordshire WD17 1AF. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Specification and prices correct at time of publication and do not take account any variation of
government taxes or charges arising after date of publication (November 2015) and are subject to change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply.
74
116307T
per month
inc VAT
Winner
Small
Family
Car of
the year
2015
Infiniti MOTORING
FIRST CLASS SERVICE
CHRISSIE WOODWARD VISITS INFINITI CENTRE
READING AND TEST DRIVES THE Q30
You may remember that in our last edition we test
drove the Q30; sleek, sporty, and with an elevated
stance allowing Infiniti to wow people. But how do
they make the buying experience memorable for
all the right reasons?
When buying a car (possibly one of the most
expensive purchases you will ever make), one should
expect the greatest levels of service – especially at
the upper end of the market. If the dealership gets it
wrong the buyer will walk out of the showroom never
to return. Get it right and customers will come back
for as long as the vehicle range and service ticks all
the boxes.
Times have moved on in the world of car sales.
The Arthur Daley wheeler dealer caricature that was
rife in the motoring trade throughout the 70s, 80s and
90s has become a thing of the past. Buyers will not
accept sharp practice at any level. Nor will they wait
ages to be seen. If you’re parting with thousands of
pounds you deserve to be looked after properly from
the get-go.
Visiting as many showrooms as I do, and being
experienced in buying cars, I have a more critical eye
for perfection in this area than the average purchaser.
On arrival at Infiniti Reading, in the state of the art,
light, bright and well laid showroom, I was actually
taken aback by the fact Infiniti had all the models on
show with plenty of space to look around each one.
Some dealerships squeeze in too many models for
you to move from one to another with ease. We were
also greeted warmly and offered a drink straight away
– presented in proper cups!
Sales manager Paul was immediately on hand to
answer any questions. All the details were explained
about the Q30 and the special features it has. And, as
I was with my husband, Paul communicated all this in
layman’s terms. He was honest about assessing my
husband’s needs and expectations and explained in
detail why it was not a great time for him to change
his Jaguar.
This was a refreshing approach and Nick appreciated
Paul’s candour and honest advice. He told me later
that when the time was right he would definitely
consider an Infiniti and this was all down to the
professional way Paul handled his many questions.
Of course, we had to take a spin in the Q30. High
quality, luxurious, fast and all for a decent price, if you
decide to go with any car in the range, I’d point you in
the direction of this vehicle.
Infiniti deliver, in terms of the model and – as I’ve
said above – their manner.
Infiniti Q30 2.2d Premium Tech AWD DCT
Price £31,999 on the road
Engine 4cyls, 2,143cc, diesel
Power 125 kW (170 PS) at 3,400-4,000 rpm
Torque 350 Nm at 1,400-3,400 rpm
0-62mph 8.5secs
Top speed 134mph
Transmission 7-spd dual-clutch transmission DCT with manual mode and paddle shifts
Kerb weight 1,598kg
CO2 Emissions (18” wheels) 127g/km
CO2 Emissions (19” wheels) 129g/km
Infiniti Centre Reading
0118 907 1333 www.infinit-reading.co.uk
75
M
POP IN
FOR A WARM
WELCOME!
LIVE WELL IN OUR CARE
WITH PORTHAVEN IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Porthaven care homes incorporate all the modern comforts you could wish for, including
spacious and beautifully designed bedrooms with en suite wetrooms, smart dining rooms,
hair salons and nail bars and secluded landscaped gardens. But most importantly, within
elegant surroundings, the emphasis is on providing excellent care around the clock to
residents who require residential, nursing or dementia care on a short or long term basis.
VISIT PORTHAVEN.CO.UK TO FIND OUT MORE OR CALL YOUR
NEAREST CARE HOME TODAY TO ARRANGE A VISIT
NURSING CARE | RESIDENTIAL CARE | DEMENTIA CARE | RESPITE CARE
Woodland Manor
Care Home
Avondale
Care Home
Chiltern Grange
Care Home
Micholls Avenue
Chalfont St Peter
Buckinghamshire SL9 0EB
(Sat Navs SL9 0RJ)
Gatehouse Road
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP19 8EH
Ibstone Road, Stokenchurch
Buckinghamshire
HP14 3GG
(Sat Navs HP14 3XR)
TEL 01494 917677
TEL 01296 438037
TEL 01494 480205
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