Absolutely Buckinghamshire February 2026

Buckinghamshire

PLUS TOM CHAMBERS

On bringing Inspector Morse to the stage •

MARVELLOUS MARLOW

Spending a day by the river

COSY CUISINE

The most romantic dining destinations

Style ICON

CULTURE

Agenda Striking theatre and plenty of laughs are in order

Tom Chambers The Marlow actor on bringing an icon to the stage 28 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Arrives at The Base, Greenham

Food News Tasty bites from across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire

Romantic Dining 10 of the best to cosy up in this Valentine's Day

enquiries

52 The Shoot Ascot launch their new Jumps Season Lookbook

55 Jewellery Nine trinkets we absolutely love

INTERIORS

64 Bathroom Trends Looking at what is making a splash

70 Jensen Beds Exploring origins and comfort control

75 Florals How to brighten up your home this month

EDUCATION

80 Linear Pathways Preparing for the future at St George's Ascot

84 Shakespeare in Schools A new way to learn the Bard is launched

88 Good Sports Exploring the work of Premier League Primary Stars

92 Danny Robins Ghost stories and teaching children about the world

Ascot Jumps Season Lookbook

Photo: Georgina Preston (ascot.com)

LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S

February issue highlights

The first interview I did when taking over this magazine as editor was with the chef Tom Kerridge. I hadn't met him before, but had obviously seen him often on TV and had been told he was a thoroughly nice chap – and I wasn't disappointed. I have interviewed Tom three times now and I'd happily spend many more hours in his company. Tom has certainly done his part to put Marlow on the map. The Hand & Flowers is a bona-fide destination in its own right, and further launches have made the town a real foodie hotspot. But there's so much more to enjoy there than just eating some of the finest food going, and in this issue we take a deeper dive (plus we have a chat with another Marlow Tom, Chambers, as he brings an icon to the stage).

Our education special returns this month and I think one area a lot of us need to learn more about is the natural world around us. A timely reminder opens at The Base Greenham this month, as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year goes on show. There are some truly breathtaking shots, some of which you will find inside – and maybe spend a little time this month taking note of what is around you.

Wish LIST

STAR GIRL

Celia B's Resort 26 collection is titled Stardust and Moonbeam –and it delivers the joyful, maximalist blend of colours, ruffles, embroidery and fun that we expect from the Spanish designer. celiab.com

LIPS INC

A new formula for NARS' A erglow Lip Balm features a nourishing blend of ingredients to hydrate while helping to smooth and so en lips. This sheer tint can be worn alone or layered with other lip formulas, £28.50. narscosmetics.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

HEARTS OF GOLD

Après Youth is introducing a new gold-focused collection, expanding its jewellery offering with a warmer, elevated edge. The new pieces explore gold tones through bold forms and sculptural detailing, designed to feel expressive, modern and versatile. apresyouth.com

GLOW UP

Kulfi is a make-up brand with a dual focus: fun and performance, plus a commitment to ethical practice. We love the Zari Eyes eyeshadow in Disco Dreams, £30. spacenk.com

PINK LADY

This OPEIA pendant has been cra ed from 18ct rose gold and features a open circular shaped pendant. The design showcases fi ve claw set round brilliant cut pink sapphires positioned across the surface of the pendant. berrysjewellers.co.uk

HANDS ON

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer 36mm

Pink Diamond Dial & Ceramic Bezel Ladies Automatic Watch has an intense pink waved dial with 8 diamond set hour markers, and date display at the 6 o'clock position. berrysjewellers.co.uk

PULL UP

Ski socks might not be a huge part of the look, but we do want them to be pretty as well as warm –which Sealskinz's Northwold socks defi nitely are. Especially in this pink colourway, £35. sealskinz.com

CIRCLE BACK

The best scrunchies come courtesy of Good Squish, whose vast range of hair accesssories made from deadstock fabric are designed to suit all tastes and whims. goodsquish.com

ENGLISH ROSE

Pioneers of exceptional English sparkling wines, Nyetimber offers a great range to celebrate with this year including Nyetimber Rosé Multi-Vintage. nyetimber.com

IN THE HOOD

K-Way®, known for its colourful, practical, and playful designs, has teamed up with Disney for a collection of rainwear. We love this pink Mickey Mouse windbreaker. k-way.co.uk

CULTURE

Educating Rita

26 FEBRUARY-21 MARCH

READING REP THEATRE

Educating Rita is Willy Russell’s much-loved, witty and deeply human classic about self-discovery, second chances and daring to want more. Funny, heartfelt and instantly recognisable from the iconic film. Playing at Reading Rep Theatre, Berkshire's hidden gem for culture, and tickets start from £5. readingrep.com

The Agenda

Bridget Christie

25 FEBRUARY, THE HEXAGON

Little Wander in association with PBJ Management presents Bridget Christie: Jacket Potato Pizza. A kidney stone. A stray cat. An eye-themed fetish. Bridget Christie hits the road again with a brand new show. Bridget is the creator and star of Channel 4’s The Change, Taskmaster S13 legend, and Annie in BBC’s Ghosts - and this is a great opportunity to see what the fuss about her stand-up is all about.

whatsonreading.com

THEATRE

The Beekeeper of Aleppo

3-7 March

AYLESBURY WATERSIDE

Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape and must journey to find each other again. Christy Lefteri’s bestselling novel is adapted by Nesrin Alrefaai, and Matthew Spangler who adapted The Kite Runner. atgtickets.com/aylesbury

15 February / 29 March

BUCKS RAILWAY CENTRE

There are two new visitors to Bucks Railway Centre this spring! Peter Rabbit (15th Feb) and The Gru alo (29th March) are both coming to Quainton. Peter Rabbit is visiting during February half term and The Gru alo is coming at the start of the Easter holidays. Visitors can also enjoy steam train rides and a visit to the railway museum and visitor centre. bucksrailcentre.org

10 February CORN EXCHANGE NEWBURY

This is an intimate and captivating evening of contemporary dance and music celebrating the longforgotten pioneering history of Le Monocle. Created by awardwinning choreographer Mathieu Ge ré, this evocative show pays homage to a 1930s Parisian nightclub where glamorous women dined, danced and sang freely. cornexchangenew.com COMEDY EMMANUEL SONUBI

14 FEBRUARY, AYLESBURY WATERSIDE

Ahead of a big summer at Ascot, racegoers are being asked to explore what the event means to them

Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee and Best Show nominee, Emmanuel Sonubi, is back on tour. Emmanuel’s hilarious and heartfelt show explores his life after surviving heart failure, facing the cause of the trauma, and the strange and funny ways we all find to keep going when life gets hard. It’s about turning life’s toughest moments into comedy gold, finding the laughs in survival and the punchlines in perseverance. atgtickets.com

Aee Mead stars as the world’s greatest showman in the classic Broadway musical Barnum. Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. With his wife Charity by his side, Barnum’s life twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. Barnum features a whole host of classic show tunes including Join the Circus. atgtickets.com/aylesbury

scot Racecourse has unveiled Find The Ascot You – the 2026 Royal Ascot campaign that invites every racegoer to discover the part of the Royal Meeting that speaks to them most. This sequel of the highly successful The Ascot You creative platform continues to celebrate individuality, elegance, and self-expression, building on three previous campaigns that champion the idea that Royal Ascot is where people showcase the very best of themselves. Find The Ascot You shines a spotlight on the countless ways to enjoy Royal Ascot – from Michelin-starred hospitality to street-food favourites, from catwalk-worthy tailoring and millinery to the drama of elite sport, regal pageantry and the joy of singing around the bandstand a er racing. Royal Ascot is the event that has it all – and there is a version of the experience that is uniquely yours. A bold stills campaign by renowned fashion photographer Matt Hind, styled by British fashion designer and Royal Ascot Creative Director Daniel Fletcher, brings the story to life in unexpected London backdrops that combine timeless elegance with a fresh cultural edge. As anticipation builds for Royal Ascot (16th-20th June), Find The Ascot You invites racegoers old and new to embrace the fun, flair and magic that make the Royal Meeting the crown jewel of the British summer.

ascot.com/royalascot

Full of INTRIGUE

By SIMON BUTTON

Tom Chambers is a familiar and muchloved face on British stage and screen, known for a career that blends musical theatre sparkle with assured dramatic depth. Trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Tom first caught the public eye through a series of charismatic television performances, most notably as the debonair surgeon Sam Hunter in Holby City and the roguish Sergeant John Anderson in the BBC’s revival of Allo ‘Allo!.

In recent years, Tom has been increasingly drawn back to the theatre, where his love of live performance truly shines. His latest role sees him taking on the iconic character of Inspector Morse in the House of Ghosts stage tour, a production that blends classic detective intrigue with an atmospheric, almost gothic edge. It is a part that plays to his strengths: thoughtful, authoritative and quietly magnetic.

Away from the stage and screen, Tom is based in Marlow, a place he has spoken of fondly for its sense of calm and community. We caught up with Tom as the House of Ghosts tour got underway.

Q What can people expect when they come to see the play?

A It’s a delicious treat for anyone who is a fan of the Inspector Morse stories and TV show, like I was and indeed have been throughout the decades. It’s such a fantastic, reliable brand, and this piece of writing by Alma Cullen is fascinating. She was one of the original four writers from the very first series when it came out in 1987 [the others included Anthony Minghella and Danny Boyle], but this is an original play that only had a small tour in 2010 and was broadcast on the radio a few years later. So, for most people it will be a brand-new story that they’ve never seen before. That’s really exciting for them and also for us.

Q How would you describe Morse as he's portrayed in the story?

A Given that Alma was one of the original writers, he’s very much the Inspector Morse that we know and love. It’s the classic, iconic character, and the play is so well-written, so fluent and fluid. The only di erence, I guess, is the fact that there’s a nostalgic element to it because – without giving too much away – it’s about catching up with Morse’s past from 25 years ago, revolving around unrequited love from someone

“We are seeing Morse when he's at his most vulnerable”

he was at Oxford University with. That’s the backstory and at times perhaps we’re seeing him when he’s at his most vulnerable. It’s about a play within a play, where a murder happens and Morse runs into his love interest from all those years ago.

Q Is it daunting taking on such an iconic character?

A It is daunting, yes, but it’s a thrilling challenge. The thrill for me is in the dialogue and the writing, the camaraderie between Morse and Lewis and their relationship –where you have that classic thing of him putting Lewis down but with a sense of irony or jest and sometimes despair. So it’s great fun but daunting too, because you know that an audience is going to want to see something in the style of what

they’ve seen before. They don’t want to see something that’s completely, shockingly unexpected, although there’s a di erent kind of energy to the setting because we’re back in 1987 where there are no mobile phones and it’s all analogue. I love that idea.

Q Why do you think thrillers and murder mysteries are so popular, especially on stage?

A We are curious creatures, aren’t we? We like a puzzle, we like a challenge and the stimulation that goes with it. Maybe I’m getting a bit deep, but we are born with that thing of 'fight or flight', so somewhere in our ancestral roots we are fascinated by it. There’s also the aspect of 'How did they do it?', 'Why did they do it?' and 'How did they get away with it?' if indeed they did. We will never tire of thrillers

“Thrillers and murder mysteries are sort of in our DNA”

and murder mysteries because they’re sort of in our DNA. And in the theatre, of course, everyone is in the same space, in the dark, watching the mystery unfold on stage. You share the same reaction that other people are having around you. It’s very inclusive and it makes you realise that we share many of the same feelings, fears, desires and all of those things.

Q You came to fame on Holby City, but was working in theatre always part of the plan?

A I started in theatre. I was in the National Youth Music Theatre and went to Edinburgh and all of the festivals. We did that in the holidays, to keep us out of mischief. After that I went to drama school [in Guildford] and did a lot of theatre there, but I always wanted to work in television, so when I got onto Holby City that was fantastic and my big lucky break.

Q You had huge success on stage with Top Hat, but are you leaning more towards plays than musicals now?

A Doing Top Hat was a dream come true, then I got to do a tour of Crazy for You, which is a Gershwin classic. I absolutely loved that and in the last couple of years I did Elf at the Dominion in the West End, playing the dad, where I only got to dance a bit towards the end. But in terms of plays or musicals, I’m honestly just very grateful to be working. There are

so many talented people in this industry that it’s just a pleasure to be able to work with content that you connect with.

Q Speaking of Morse and the other crime-solvers you've played, do you think you'd make a good sleuth in real life?

A Well, I do love observation and I’m probably quite finicky about where things are, how things are done and how they are put together, but I don’t think I’ve got that kind of intelligence. Instead I enjoy playing the intelligence that’s been written into these characters.

Q Do you have any pre-show rituals when you're on tour?

A I always take along a soundbar so I can listen to some music and get into the feeling of 'Right, now I’ve left the day job of being a husband and a father with three children'. It’s all about getting to the theatre and transforming from that into the character you’re playing, and music really helps me with that. Playing Morse, I’m most likely to be listening to some Schubert. I also take along a di user with lemongrass, because you never know with dressing rooms around the country. [Laughs] Let’s just say that front of house can sometimes be a lot nicer than backstage! Then I just need a toothbrush and the script, and I'm good to go.

For House of Ghosts tour details, visit inspectormorseonstage.com

Why we love… MARLOW

Absolutely spends a day in the beautiful Buckinghamshire town full of history, charm and high-end food

Marlow, formally known as Great Marlow, sits gracefully on the banks of the River Thames in Buckinghamshire, and its history stretches deep into England’s early past. The town’s name derives from the Old English Mere-laf, meaning “land remaining after the draining of a pool”, a reference to the waterlogged soil that once surrounded the river valley. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Marlow was already a settled and strategically valuable place, benefitting from its position close to river crossings and fertile agricultural land.

In the Middle Ages, Marlow flourished as a market town. The granting of a royal market charter in 1227 established it as a regional commercial hub, drawing farmers, merchants, and artisans from the surrounding Chiltern Hills. The river played an essential role in transporting goods such as timber, grain, and malt to London and beyond. The first recorded bridge at Marlow dates to the 13th-century and helped cement the town’s place on important trading routes. Over centuries, various wooden structures replaced one another until the current elegant suspension bridge – completed in 1832 by the engineer William Tierney Clark – gave the town one of its most enduring landmarks.

During the Tudor and Stuart periods, Marlow became notable for its proximity to royal estates and hunting grounds. Bisham Abbey, just across the river, housed nobles and royalty, and the Thames corridor in this region became a playground for the influential and wealthy. Several manor houses and estates in and around Marlow trace their histories to this era, serving as reminders of the area’s aristocratic connections.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, Marlow’s riverside charm and rural tranquility attracted writers, artists, and intellectuals. The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley famously lived in the town with Mary Shelley, who completed much of Frankenstein during their time in Buckinghamshire. The industrial revolution touched Marlow gently compared with nearby towns; rather than large-scale factories, it saw the growth of small industries such as brewing, lace-making, and boatbuilding, which complemented rather than transformed the town’s character.

In the 20th-century, Marlow evolved steadily but conservatively, maintaining a balance between modernisation and preservation. Today, it stands as a place where heritage is tangible in the fabric of the streets, yet the town remains lively, prosperous, and culturally rich.

Places of Interest

Marlow’s compact size makes it wonderfully walkable, and its landmarks are woven naturally into the rhythm of the town. The most iconic of all is undoubtedly the Marlow Suspension Bridge, stretching gracefully across the Thames toward the Berkshire village of Bisham. Whether admired from the High Street end or from the lawns of Higginson Park, it is one of the most photographed features in Buckinghamshire and symbolises the union of engineering elegance and natural beauty. Just beside the bridge stands All Saints Church, whose tall spire rises dramatically above the river. Although the church was largely rebuilt in the 1830s, earlier religious buildings have stood here for many centuries, making this one of Marlow’s most historically resonant spots. The interior contains memorials

Landmarks are woven naturally into the rhythm of the town

and stained glass that silently narrate the town’s long spiritual and civic story.

Adjacent to the church is Higginson Park, a popular riverside green space named after General Sir George Higginson, a distinguished soldier and Marlow resident. The park provides wide lawns, riverside paths, and access to boat hire, making it a hub of outdoor recreation. In summer, its regattas and festivals animate the riverbank with rowing competitions, music, and family-friendly activities. The park also leads to Court Garden House, a handsome Georgian building that now houses the town’s museum and community spaces.

The Marlow Museum, though small, o ers a rich collection of artefacts and stories that illuminate the town’s past –from prehistoric finds to displays on local rowing heritage. For those interested in architecture and streetscapes, a stroll along West Street reveals some of Marlow’s

most picturesque Georgian and Victorian buildings, many adorned with traditional red brick and climbing greenery.

Nature lovers are drawn to the Thames Path, which traces the river in both directions. Walks toward Hurley or Cookham o er tranquil stretches of water meadows, lock-side cottages, and abundant wildlife. The nearby Hambleden Valley and Winter Hill provide sweeping views and a sense of countryside escape only minutes from the urban centre. These landscapes have featured in numerous films and television programmes, further enhancing the area’s sense of pastoral charm.

Arts & Culture

Although not a large town, Marlow has long punched above its weight in the arts. Its cultural landscape blends heritage with contemporary creativity. The

legacy of the Shelleys lingers strongly; literary pilgrims still visit the cottage where the couple once lived, and the town often appears in biographical accounts of Romantic-era writers.

Today, Marlow supports a lively community of artists, performers, and musicians. Local galleries hold regular exhibitions featuring both emerging and established talent from Buckinghamshire and the wider Chiltern region. Workshops, open studios, and craft fairs frequently animate community venues and o er residents opportunities to engage with the arts directly.

The performing arts also find a home in Marlow. Amateur dramatics thrive here, with groups staging plays ranging from Shakespearean classics to modern comedies. Seasonal productions, concerts, and workshops often take place in All Saints Church, Court Garden, schools, and purpose-built halls. During summer, open-air theatre and music events take advantage of the town’s natural settings, with Higginson Park providing a scenic backdrop for gatherings beneath the evening sky.

Marlow’s musical culture stretches from choral and classical ensembles to folk and modern genres. Local choirs perform regularly, and smaller venues host acoustic sessions and jazz nights, often showcasing young talent or touring artists. The town’s connection to rowing also contributes to its cultural identity; the Marlow Town Regatta and Festival blends sporting tradition with music, food, and community celebration, drawing participants from across the region.

Food & Drink

Marlow is renowned across the UK for its exceptional culinary scene, and in recent decades it has become a gastronomic destination in its own right. Much of this reputation stems from the success of acclaimed chef Tom Kerridge, whose pub The Hand & Flowers became the first pub in the world to earn two Michelin stars. Located on West Street, it remains a pilgrimage site for food lovers seeking elevated, flavour-driven British cooking in a relaxed pub setting. Tom’s influence extends further through The Coach, a Michelin-starred sister pub o ering refined small plates, and The Butcher’s Tap & Grill, a hybrid butcher shop and pub that emphasises hearty, ingredient-driven comfort food.

Beyond these headline establishments, Marlow’s dining scene is wonderfully diverse. The Ivy Marlow Garden, centrally located on the High Street, o ers stylish brasserie dining with a broad appeal. Independent cafés, bakeries, and delis line the town centre, providing everything from artisanal pastries and smooth co ees to inventive brunch dishes. Along the riverside, restaurants and pubs make the most of their scenic location, with outdoor seating that overlooks the water – perfect for slow lunches or evening drinks in warm weather.

The Dog & Badger by Amarone has reopened in Medmenham following an extensive renovation, bringing

new life to a historic pub setting. Now owned by Amarone, the restaurant combines contemporary Italian dining with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere and a modern bar. Drawing on years of experience in some of the UK’s finest restaurants, the team has transformed the former pub into a welcoming destination that balances tradition with a modern approach to hospitality.

Guests can also enjoy al fresco dining in the garden during warmer months, along with private dining options for corporate events, family celebrations, and special occasions. With a focus on quality, warmth, and attention to detail, The Dog & Badger by Amarone aims to o er a memorable dining experience for both locals and visitors to the Marlow area.

Little Known Facts About MARLOW

1. Though Marlow is beloved for its picturesque bridge and riverside charm, the town harbours numerous lesser-known stories that enrich its character. One intriguing fact concerns the connection between Marlow Bridge and Budapest’s Chain Bridge. The engineer William Tierney Clark used Marlow’s design as a prototype; the two bridges are o en referred to as “twins”, linking this quiet Thames town with one of Europe’s grand capitals in an unexpected way.

2. Another surprising detail is Marlow’s historic association with lace-making. For centuries, local women cra ed Marlow lace, a fine bobbin lace once traded widely across England. Though the industry has long declined, remnants of the cra survive in museum collections and occasional workshops celebrating the town’s textile heritage.

3. Marlow has also played a role in scientific history. Sir William Tierney Clark, beyond his engineering achievements, contributed to important developments in structural engineering and transportation infrastructure. Additionally, nearby Marlow Lock, one of the oldest on the Thames, has witnessed centuries of innovation in river management and navigation.

4. Marlow has a long and distinguished rowing tradition. Marlow Rowing Club, founded in 1871, is one of the oldest in the country and famously nurtured the talents of multiple Olympians, including Sir Steve Redgrave, who learned to row on these waters and remains closely associated with the club. The club’s boathouse, prominently situated along the river, stands as a testament to the town’s enduring contribution to British rowing.

5. Marlow has o en been used as a filming location thanks to its preserved architecture and scenic landscapes. Period dramas and contemporary productions alike have taken advantage of West Street, the riverbank, and the surrounding Chiltern countryside. For viewers with a keen eye, the town o en makes cameo appearances in both British television and international films.

ESSENCE OF KAMCHATKA BY KESSHAV VIKRAM, INDIA

Highly Commended, 11–14 Years

Kesshav Vikram (India) expresses the

of

Kesshav waited days for this image to come together: a brown bear strolling along the shore of Kurile Lake as the Iliinsky volcano emerged from the clouds. A slaty-backed gull flew past, aligned with the volcano’s summit.

Generally solitary, the bear was heading to feast with others on the glut of sockeye salmon migrating upriver to their origin lake to spawn. This caldera lake, formed in the crater made by a volcanic eruption, is the largest sockeye salmon spawning ground in Eurasia.

Location: Kurile Lake, Kamchatka Krai, Russia

Technical details: Nikon Z8 + 100–400mm

f4.5–5.6 lens at 100mm; 1/4000 at f4.5 (+0.3 e/v); ISO 1000; beanbag

GOING WILD

The world’s finest nature images are revealed as Wildlife Photographer of the Year returns to The Base Greenham

The world-renowned exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year, now in its 61st year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at The Base, Greenham on Friday 27th February (until 26th April), featuring some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.

The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a

future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind. Launched in 1965, today the competition receives entries from 113 countries and territories all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal. This year’s award-winning images will embark on an international tour that will allow them to be seen by well over a million people.

Families are invited to get involved through a playful and engaging programme of workshops designed to inspire creativity and curiosity. For adults looking to get creative or enjoy inspiring evenings out, The Base o ers a rich programme of talks, workshops and Gallery Lates. Photographer Hannah Gamble leads Master the Art of iPhone Photography (Saturday 14th March and Saturday 18th April), blending exhibition-

based learning with guided outdoor practice on Greenham Common. Those interested in ideas, discussion and contemporary culture can enjoy evening events including Poetry Open Mic Night (Thursday 19th March), alongside expert-led talks such as WPY61 in Focus (Thursday 5th March) with judging panel member Dr Gavin Broad, and Strictly Nature (Thursday 23rd April) with photographer Simon Booker. Together, these talks, workshops and Gallery Lates create a vibrant programme for adults keen to deepen their creative practice and engage more closely with the exhibition. Over the next couple of page pages, here’s a snapshot of some of the standout images you will be able to enjoy.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year opens on 27th February; thebasegreenham.co.uk

SLIME FAMILY PORTRAIT BY KUTUB UDDIN, BANGLADESH/UK

Highly Commended, Natural Artistry

Kutub Uddin (Bangladesh/UK) spots a line of alienlike slime moulds on a fallen tree.

Kutub found these blueberry-like spheres – the reproductive parts of a slime mould, each just 1–2 millimetres in diameter – in a nearby forest. His image resembles a fantasy landscape, though he describes the scene as a ‘bizarre family portrait’, complete with a tiny yellow insect egg.

A slime mould is a community of mobile single-celled, amoeba-like organisms that live independently until they come together and work as one to find food and reproduce.

Location: Slindon Wood, West Sussex, England, UK

Technical details: Canon EOS R5 + 65mm f2.8 1–5x macro lens; 0.6 at f5.6; ISO 200; focus stack of 78 images

ICE EDGE JOURNEY BY BERTIE GREGORY, UK

Highly Commended, Animals in their Environment

Bertie Gregory (UK) freeze-frames the moment fledgling emperor penguin chicks walk along the edge of an ice shelf.

Bertie spent two months with the penguin colony and witnessed most chicks using ice ramps to descend to sea level for food. But this group missed the easy way down. Keeping his drone at a safe distance, he watched as they took a 15-metre (49-foot) leap into the water.

Le to fend for themselves, emperor penguin chicks must find a way to make their first dip into the icy ocean to find food. Scientists believe the continued decline of sea ice in Antarctica may force more penguins to breed on ice shelves, making this behaviour increasingly common in the future.

Location: Ekström Ice Shelf, Atka Bay, Antarctica

Technical details: DJI Mavic 3 Pro + Hasselblad L2D-20c 24mm f2.8 lens; 1/50 at f3.5; ISO 100

DEADLY LESSONS BY MARINA CANO, SPAIN

Highly Commended, Behaviour: Mammals

Marina Cano (Spain) stumbles upon a group of cheetahs a er they’ve caught a Günther’s dik-dik in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

Marina watched the three young cheetahs practise their hunting skills while their mother looked on – a crucial stage in their journey to independence. The dik-dik was tossed into the air and killed just seconds a er Marina took the photograph.

Cheetah cubs spend their first two months hidden in a lair while their mother hunts. At around a year old, they begin joining her, learning how to stalk and which prey to pursue.

Location: Samburu National Park, Samburu County, Kenya

Technical details: Canon EOS R3 + 600mm f4 lens; 1/1250 at f8; ISO 6400

CLOUDS OF GOLD BY JASSEN TODOROV, USA

Highly Commended, Wetlands: The Bigger Picture

Jassen Todorov (USA) depicts the clouds reflected in salt ponds that span San Francisco Bay.

Flying his single-engine Piper Warrior into San Francisco International Airport, Jassen never tires of the changing colours of the ponds. On this occasion, he says, ‘the light during the golden hour, at sunset, was magnificent’.

The process of salt collection in the bay was industrialised in the 1800s. Since 2003, the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project has acquired 6,000 hectares (nearly 15,000 acres). By removing artificial dykes, the project is recreating tidal marsh habitat, allowing salt-tolerant plants and wildlife to flourish once more.

Location: San Francisco Bay, California, USA

Technical details: Nikon D810 + 70–200mm f2.8 lens at 70mm; 1/400 at f2.8; ISO 280

RUTTING CALL BY JAMIE SMART, UK

Highly Commended, 10 Years and Under

Jamie Smart (UK) portrays a red deer stag as it gives a mighty bellow during the autumn rut in Bradgate Park, UK.

Jamie walked up and down a path in the park at a safe distance from the stag. She stretched herself up tall to avoid any long grass in the foreground spoiling her view.

The stag’s antlers have regrown since their annual shedding in spring. The ‘velvet’ – the so skin that covered them during their growth – has now rubbed off, exposing the bone beneath. Each new set grows larger and more complex as the stag matures, with more intricate points called tines crowning the heads of older males.

Location: Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, UK

Technical details: Nikon Z9 + 800mm f6.3 lens; 1/800 at f6.3; ISO 450

INSIDE THE PACK BY AMIT ESHEL, ISRAEL

Highly Commended, Animal Portraits

Amit Eshel (Israel) gets eye-level with an inquisitive pack of Arctic wolves.

In temperatures of -35°C (-31°F), Amit struggled to fulfil his dream of photographing the elusive Arctic wolves of Ellesmere Island. But then, on the twel h day of his second trip, they came closer than he had ever imagined, so close that he could smell their breath.

Restricted to Canada’s most northern territories and northern Greenland, Arctic wolves are curious of humans due to a lack of interaction. They’re a snow-white subspecies of the grey wolf, pack animals that hunt hares and musk oxen.

Location: Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada

Technical details: Canon EOS R5 + 24–105mm f4 lens; 1/1250 at f11; ISO 2000

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Our 1 and 2-bedroom apartments offer up to 960sqft of living space, with separate additional storage and parking.

24/7 Service that’s always on hand, but never in the way

Our homeowners say “It’s like living on a boutique cruise ship moored at the edge of Windsor!”

Offering complete privacy or lively social spaces

Enjoy panoramic views from our rooftop Sky Lounge, dine in our bistro or private dining room, relax in our library, coffee lounge or 1 of our 2 bars.

Rent from £2,663 per month or purchase from £350,000*

Scan the QR Code to discover more!

Alternatively call Nicky, our Later Living Advisor on 01753 378127, to discuss how your lifestyle can flourish at Castle View, Windsor. *Other purchase charges apply.

“The rope is about 7ft o the ground and there is no harness during the show”

TSTEP right up

Barnum is coming to town this March

he classic Broadway musical that celebrates the life of the world’s greatest showman, P.T. Barnum, is set to play Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for a week full of spectacle... and tightrope walking(!) from Tuesday 24th-Saturday 28th March.

West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead will take centre stage as the legendary P.T. Barnum. Best known for his breakout win on Any Dream Will Do and acclaimed performances in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked and Legally Blonde, Lee recalls being in a school production of Barnum in his hometown of Southend-onSea: “I had such a brilliant time and I thought the story and the characters were wonderful.” Barnum has been revived numerous times in the UK and around the world, and as he steps into the ring for the 2026 tour Lee gushes: “It’s an absolute classic and I can’t quite believe I now get to play Barnum some 30 years after that school production.”

The life of the marketing genius and master of spectacle, P.T. Barnum, premiered as a musical on Broadway in 1980 and was a huge hit the following year when Michael Crawford took the lead at the London Palladium ahead of a UK tour. Lee is aware of the enormity of the role: “This is definitely my most challenging role. It’s one of those rare roles for a leading man with huge monologues and so many songs, and I don’t think I leave the stage for two hours, apart from the interval of course.”

Then there’s the tightrope walking, which Lee has trained intensely for over several months. “It’s the kind of thing you learn at 24, not 44,” he laughs, “so I’ve had to get myself fit and put in the work. The rope is about 7ft o the ground and, although

I trained with a harness on, there’s no harness during the show itself. You have to use your whole body, your whole core and every ounce of your focus and energy to get across that wire, but I like a challenge.”

P.T. Barnum was played by Hugh Jackman in the big screen blockbuster The Greatest Showman and, as in the film, the musical looks at the real man behind the on-stage persona. He had a wife named Charity, but also became infatuated with Swedish singer Jenny Lind. “So he’s a flawed character, as most human beings are,” Lee muses. “As an actor it’s interesting to explore that side of him alongside all the spectacle. It makes for great drama.”

Asked if he has a favourite number in the show, he picks The Colours of My Life “because the melody is beautiful and it’s about him trying to explain to Charity why he is the way he is, with all the di erent colours to him as a person and why he wants to light people up, entertain them and make them happy.”

Enter the world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. This spectacular production will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of actor-musicians, acrobats and amazing circus acts.

to book

Atgtickets.com/Aylesbury

For all the latest behind-thescenes gossip follow: Facebook: aylesburywatersidetheatre Instagram: @aylesburywaterside.theatre Twitter: @thewaterside1 TikTok: @aylesburywaterside

Be careful what you wish for, they say. Into the Woods is a striking new production at the Bridge Theatre with a strong visual identity and a slick way with words.

Stephen Sondheim’s musical premiered on Broadway in 1987 and its dark themes combine with catchy tunes and comedic scenes to form a hugely original and likeable piece.

It’s a clever and playful interlacing of several fairytales, centred around a wood, where our characters all find themselves. The story is wild: a baker and his wife discover that the reason for their childlessness is a curse set on them by the witch who lives next door. She agrees to lift the curse only if they deliver four specific items to her: a cow, a cape, some hair and a golden slipper. And into the woods they go in search of these, all the while to a looping,

WOODS

A new production of Stephen Sondheim's musical comes to the Bridge Theatre

Words PENDLE HARTE

Photography SCARLETT CARLOS CLARKE

creatively rhyming chorus: "Into the woods to get the thing that makes it worth the journeying."

From there it’s a tale of conflicting missions and crossed paths. Little Red Riding Hood is on her way to see grandmother, while Cinderella is on her way to the ball and Jack is selling his cow for a handful of beans.

Visually, it’s a delight, with a luscious, fairytale wood and costumes resembling illustrations in a Brothers Grimm anthology. But it’s

“Red Riding Hood escapes from the lascivious wolf covered in blood”

not innocent: Red Riding Hood escapes from the lascivious wolf covered in blood, as does Grandmother, while Cinderella’s stepmother merrily amputates her daughter’s toe in the hope of fitting the slipper. At the end of the first half, a happy ending is celebrated by all – though after the interval, the temperature changes. We’re not out of the woods yet. Giants arrive in search of revenge and retribution, and everyone turns on each other, seeking blame. The second half is markedly less madcap, and takes on a darker, slightly moralistic tone. Fairytales are all about warnings and here we have plenty. But the realy joy of Into the Woods lies in the language, its clever rhythms, repeats and emphasis, and the way it connects with the music which is quirky, leading to unexpected places. This show is a hit.

Until 30 May; bridgetheatre.co.uk

Valentine’s celebrations in a romantic Mansion House

A peaceful, countryside escape is calling this Valentine’s Day.

An exquisitely curated 4-course meal served with attentive service, sets the scene whilst you dine to live acoustic music.

Your luxurious room, located in the Grade II listed Mansion House, awaits at the top of the sweeping oak staircase.

The following morning, enjoy breakfast with picturesque views over the lawns or take a stroll round the grounds hand in hand.

Available from £259 per room including dinner and breakfast

Saturday 14th February only

Book now on our website using promo code: VALENTINE26

wokefield.reservations@devere.com | 0118 933 4050 Goodboys Lane, Mortimer, Reading, RG7 3AE

OF SPRING HARBINGERS

There are a host of places across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to take in the beauty of snowdrops

Flowering snowdrops traditionally herald the end of winter and provide welcome assurance that the brighter days of spring are on their way. Their latin name, Galanthus, means milk flower and on warm days they release a fragrance.

Nature Conservation Adviser for the National Trust, Jo Hodgkins, says: “It is always a joy when the first snowdrops break through the frozen ground, along with aconites and primroses. The flowers themselves arrive later in pure white glory and, on mild, late winter days, are beloved by early emerging bees. They are beautiful seen in half-light and, of course, amidst the winter snow.”

Last year, Cliveden saw a strong snowdrop performance due to the previous mild summer, giving a dramatic, abundant display in February. The iconic garden and estate near Maidenhead has been expanding its snowdrop collection over the past seven years and includes varieties such as Galanthus nivalis (the comment snowdrop), Galanthus Elwesii, which is a larger, showier flower, and Galanthus nivalis Flore Pleno, a double-petalled variety.

This year, gardeners are anxiously awaiting to see whether the long hot summer of 2025

has a ected flowering performance. Cliveden’s Assistant Head Gardener, Alex Walker, says: “Snowdrops like a milder summer prior to flowering and they also like partially shady, moist, but well-drained conditions. The summer of 2025 was o cially the warmest on record, which may mean that some bulbs have dried out more than they would have liked and that could a ect flowering performance. That said, the milder weather through early December means that some have started flowering already, so I think we may get a longer flowering ‘window’ with more time to appreciate the usually fleeting spectacle of snowdrop flowers here at Cliveden.”

For a landscape designed without flowers, there are an awful lot of snowdrops at Stowe Gardens. So many that there’s even a season named after them. ‘Stowedrop’ season can start as early as New Year’s Day and go on until late February. The gardeners think the tiny white flowers appeared naturally, and have allowed them to remain and proliferate because they provide such a welcome spectacle at the beginning of the year. Visitors flock to Stowe Gardens from far and wide on an annual pilgrimage to see the snowdrops and lift their spirits in February. Snowdrops can also be seen in abundance at Hughenden near High Wycombe and

Waddesdon, near Aylesbury. The grounds at Waddesdon are only open weekends in February until half term. Waddesdon has snowdrop tours of the private Eythrope gardens between 18th-20th February.

ENJOY THE experience

The founder of TRIPLA on why your holiday shouldn’t be hard work

To me, true luxury is when everything on the holiday flows

We’ve all been there. Ten-tabs deep in-flight options, hotel reviews, and “must-see” lists. Why does organising time away so often feel like a job in itself? We sat down with Carsten Lund, founder of TRIPLA, to hear why he believes travel should feel e ortless, and how his own experiences have inspired a di erent approach.

Q Carsten, you’ve spent a lifetime travelling. What stands out most from those experiences?

A I’ve been lucky to see the world through both a luxury and practical lens, from barefoot escapes on private islands to cultural weekends in Europe, and even multi-generational cruises or villas. And what always stands out is how much detail matters. The transfer that’s waiting without fuss or the restaurant that actually lives up to its promise. It’s these little things that turn a good trip into a truly memorable one.

Q Many of us know the stress of planning holidays. What do you think makes it so challenging?

A Time, mostly. People are busy, and while travel should be restorative, organising it often isn’t. I’ve seen clients arrive exhausted before their holiday even begins because they’ve spent weeks trying to piece it all together online. One family I worked with wanted a milestone birthday in Tuscany. They’d been overwhelmed by villa choices and didn’t know which were genuinely right for them. We stepped in, found a villa with space for grandparents, teenagers, and young children, complete with a private chef for a celebratory meal

and a private wine tasting. For them, it turned from a logistical headache into a celebration they’ll never forget.

Q When we were chatting before this interview, you said luxury is about “ease.” What does that mean to you?

A To me, true luxury is when everything flows. That doesn’t always mean extravagant, but it does mean thoughtful. A wellness retreat in the Alps where transfers, spa treatments, and mountain hikes are seamlessly coordinated. Or a short city break where the flights, hotel, and a hard-to-get dinner reservation are already sorted. We do work with hightouch experiences, but it’s not about the price tag, it’s about removing stress and creating something that feels personal.

Q In your experience as a traveller and industry professional, have you noticed travel needs changing in recent years?

A Very much so. People are no longer just looking for a nice hotel or a beautiful view, they often want something deeper, something that resonates. I’ve noticed a real shift towards travel that feels meaningful. For some, that means behind-the-scenes cultural access; meeting local artisans, exploring places tourists don’t usually see. For others, it’s culinary journeys, connecting with a region through its food and wine. And increasingly, it’s about restoration: wellness retreats, mindful escapes, and time to simply switch o in a way daily life doesn’t allow. Travel has become less about ticking o a destination and more about creating experiences that inspire, enrich, and stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Q With travel uncertainty on the rise, how can travellers be sure their money is safe?

A At TRIPLA, protection isn’t an add-on – it’s the foundation of everything we do. All flightinclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected, and every client payment is held securely in Trust by NatWest Bank and the Travel Trust Association. This means client money is safeguarded from the moment they book, even in the unlikely event that a supplier or TRIPLA were to fail. In a landscape where reassurance matters, TRIPLA ensures every journey is 100% financially secure.

Q What’s the best way to start planning a trip with TRIPLA?

A Everything begins with getting to know you. When clients connect with us, it gives us a sense of their travel style and helps us start shaping ideas that are genuinely personal. Joining our mailing list also keeps you in the loop with tailored inspiration, updates and occasional o ers, including the chance to win a £500 travel voucher. It’s a simple first step toward creating a journey designed entirely around you.

Q And finally, what do you hope clients feel when they travel with TRIPLA?

A Peace of mind, really. That feeling of being looked after so they can just enjoy the experience. Whether it’s a river cruise with private excursions, a birthday in Tuscany, or a quick Parisian escape between board meetings, I want them to feel it was designed just for them. And that they never had to worry about the details.

Visit hellotripla.com/february, WhatsApp 07822 034871 or call 020 3026 9936 for more

HELPING HAND

Introducing Irene Dallas and the legal support she provides to aid all manner of businesses

As an entrepreneur you need to mitigate risk while achieving your business goals.

Local business, Dallas & Co, provide astute and pragmatic legal advice that aligns with your business objectives. They negotiate, review and draft a wide range of business contracts to ensure that you e ectively manage your business and your relationships with your customers, suppliers, service providers and business partners.

Business disputes can stifle momentum and be disruptive to your business. Dallas & Co endeavour to resolve business disputes expeditiously, whether through the courts or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Your focus is running and growing your business. Dallas & Co’s is to allow you more time and the peace of mind to

do so. Their clientele are predominantly private companies and they provide general legal advice on day to day business matters, business formation, acquisitions and disposals, shareholder agreements and/or disputes, as well as regulatory and compliance matters.

Irene Dallas is the founder of Dallas & Co. Irene trained and qualified as a shipping lawyer in 1983 at Shaw & Croft in London where she worked on casualties and salvage cases and cargo claims. She was a partner at Herbert Smith, Shipping Department in the City of London and of Pitmans LLP in Reading. In 2002 she established Dallas & Co and continued her international dispute resolution practice. Irene has conducted commercial litigation in the High Court in London, as well as international arbitration in London, Geneva, Stockholm, Rotterdam, Dubai, Moscow and Florida. Irene’s clients are from a broad range of industries including banking, aviation, power, oil

and gas, commodities and shipping.

Irene was the first UK lawyer to travel to Libya with the UK Trade Mission following the suspension of UN Sanctions and developed business working for Libyan state entities, foreign companies already established in Libya and following the introduction of Law No. 5, assisting many corporates who were keen to develop business in Libya. Following the 2011 revolution Irene assisted many international businesses whose payments were blocked by US sanctions.

Irene has been providing corporate, commercial, litigation and alternative dispute resolution legal services to SMEs and owner managed businesses in the Thames Valley for in excess of 20 years. During such time Irene has built up a vast network of business contacts.

To find out more, call Irene on 07850 125790 or email irene@dallasandcosolicitors.com

THE MUTTON AT HAZELEY HEATH

The Mutton at Hazeley Heath, a quintessential British countryside pub, is proud to announce its Silver award in the Best Pub category at the Beautiful South Tourism Awards 2025/2026. Set within a meticulously restored 19th-century public house, The Mutton has earned a reputation for exceptional dining in an inviting rural setting. themuttonathazeleyheath.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Silver SERVICE

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

The Society's Greek White 2024

 £9.50

Concentrated and intensely aromatic roditis and moschofilero. Both thrive leading to an equal blend of 50:50 of the two varieties, with moschofilero providing the characteristic citrus and Turkish delight with the roditis giving stone-fruit character.

Pinot Noir ‘Pure Vallée’, Vin de France, Famille Bougrier 2024

£8.50



Popular well-rounded Loire pinot, light and fresh, with bright, red-berry and cherry fruit. Best served on the cooler side, this is an easy-drinking lunchtime red.

Château Mazails, Médoc 2022

 £9.95

Outstanding value

Cru Bourgeois from a property a stones throw from the Gironde river just north of Saint-Estèphe from the generous and rich 2022 vintage. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot this o ers bags of blackberry and plum fruit with a full body and sweet tannins.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.

The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

TASTING

The latest launches and news from across the county NOTES

By MARK KEBBLE

Fresh look

THE CHEQUERS

Situated five miles from Wallingford, The Chequers at Berrick Salome has re-opened under new ownership, following a thorough and charming restoration of this delightful, 17thcentury Grade II listed village pub. The new owners have also hired a new team of highly experienced sta , including head chef and Gordon Ramsay protégé, Danny Thomas.

chequersberricksalome.co.uk

Loving this

CARTWRIGHT

& BUTLER

Is there anything more luxe than chocolate and hazelnut tru es on Valentine’s Day? Well, yes actually, but only when presented in a beautifully handillustrated heart-shaped tin. Cartwright & Butler have launched a range of irresistible tru es and biscuits in new iconic heart-shaped tins. cartwrightandbutler.co.uk

Cinematic cakes

DESIGN MUSEUM

Fans of Wes Anderson will love the Design Museum's new limited edition Afternoon Tea menu that brings cinematic storytelling to the plate. At the heart of this experience is a playful take on the Courtesan au Chocolat, which pays homage to one of the most memorable confections in Anderson’s filmography. designmuseum.org

TREAT

YOURSELF

Pantry essentials

APOSTLE

This Kimchi Ketchup combines the complex flavours of kimchi with the familiar comfort of tomato ketchup, for a savoury, sweet, and subtly spicy sauce with a kick, £13.99. selfridges.com

MALDON

The Maldon Salt Gi Pack contains a trio of exceptional salt flavours: original, garlic and chilli, ideal for foodies or aspiring chefs, £12.99. maldonsalt.com

HIT THE BULLSEYE

THE FIVE ARROWS

One of Waddesdon’s muchloved venues has been recognised at the Beautiful South Tourism Awards 2025/2026. The Five Arrows, a Grade II listed boutique hotel, won Bronze in the Small Hotel of The Year Category, recognising its heritage-rich charm and 2 AA Rosette restaurant.

GOOD PHATS

Spanish Virgin Avocado Oil gives a warm, rich, and nutty finish to any dish. Cold-pressed, this emeraldgreen oil is a versatile alternative to your classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Priced at £13.95. goodphats.com

CLASSIC DISHES

THE IVY

The Ivy Windsor is expanding its 1917 two-course set menu, priced at £19.17, celebrating the year the first Ivy restaurant opened. The menu now has an additional two dishes per course, o ering dishes that combine classic Ivy style with contemporary flavours.

fivearrowshotel.co.uk ivycollection.com

For romance

Berkshire and Buckinghamshire have a wealth of options for a foodie Valentine’s Day to remember

THE LOCH & TYNE

lochandtyne.com

Loch & Tyne in Windsor is a restaurant that feels designed for lingering, the kind of place where conversations soften and time politely steps aside. With its warm timber interiors and gentle, amber lighting, it creates an atmosphere that’s both refined and deeply comforting. The menu leans into beautifully sourced British produce, with a particular love for the sea and the field – think pristine Scottish seafood, slow-cooked meats and thoughtful vegetarian plates, all handled with elegant simplicity. On Valentine’s Day, that sense of care really matters. Loch & Tyne o ers food that’s indulgent without being showy, and service that’s attentive without hovering, giving couples space to relax and enjoy one another.

THE

HARE & HOUNDS

hareandhoundsnewbury.co.uk

This stylishly refurbished Newbury coaching inn o ers all the charm you’d expect from a historic rural pub, while its modern interiors and thoughtful menu make it feel fresh and special. For Valentine’s Day, The Hare & Hounds often o ers curated menus and Champagne options, but even without the extras it has an inherently romantic ambience – warm lighting, spacious yet cosy dining areas and an inviting bar. The building itself retains beautiful period details, creating a sense of character that’s ideal for couples who prefer atmosphere over formality. The food is elevated gastropub fare, with generous

portions and a strong emphasis on quality ingredients. The setting in Speen means it’s peaceful, with the feel of a countryside retreat despite being only minutes from Newbury.

THE GREAT HOUSE AT SONNING

coppaclub.co.uk/thegreathousesonning Set in the postcard-perfect village of Sonning, The Great House is a beautiful riverside hotel and restaurant steeped in quiet romance. The Thames flows just steps away, giving Valentine’s dinners a serene backdrop. Inside, the décor is contemporary and stylish but never cold – think soft tones, beautiful lighting and a relaxed but polished atmosphere. While the Coppa Club restaurant is known for its famous riverside igloos, the entire venue has a romantic feel. Couples can expect a mix of classic and modern dishes, excellent cocktails and warm service.

THE ASTOR GRILL

clivedenhouse.co.uk

Located within the iconic Cliveden House estate, The Astor Grill gives couples the chance to enjoy a Valentine’s meal in one of Britain’s most storied luxury properties. Housed in the old stables, its décor blends heritage details with contemporary styling, creating a unique sense of history and

glamour. Dining here feels like stepping into a more elegant era – perfect for couples who want a Valentine’s experience that goes beyond the typical dinner date. The menu combines refined British and European dishes, beautifully plated and ideal for a special occasion without veering into overly formal fine dining. The surrounding estate, with its woodlands, gardens and architectural grandeur, o ers an unforgettable backdrop.

PLATE AT NO. 6

onriver.co.uk

Plate at No. 6 is one of Windsor’s most intimate and characterful dining options – a small, stylish restaurant focused on Mediterranean small plates and a relaxed, sharing-style experience. For Valentine’s Day, this creates a naturally romantic atmosphere: sharing dishes encourages a slower, more conversational meal, while the cosy interior helps the evening feel personal and unhurried. The restaurant’s design is contemporary but warm, with soft lighting and beautiful presentation of both the space and the food. Menu items are creative yet accessible, making it ideal for couples who enjoy exploring flavours together. Its location means you can easily pair dinner with a walk past Windsor Castle or along the river.

THE GREYHOUND

greyhoundbeaconsfield.co.uk

The Greyhound is housed in a beautifully restored coaching inn in Beaconsfield Old Town, an area already steeped in romance thanks to its historic architecture and twinkling evening atmosphere. Known for refined British dining delivered with contemporary flair, The Greyhound o ers a memorable Valentine’s experience for couples who appreciate high-quality cooking without the sti ness of formal fine dining. The interiors balance rustic charm with elegance, creating a warm and intimate ambience. Its tasting menus, wine pairings and attentive service make it feel like a true occasion restaurant while remaining welcoming and relaxed. Being in Old Beaconsfield also adds an atmospheric backdrop: cobbled streets, old coaching inns, and one of the prettiest high streets in the Home Counties. Whether you’re after a long romantic dinner or something more experience-driven, The Greyhound o ers sophistication wrapped in comfort.

HARTWELL HOUSE

hartwell-house.com

Hartwell House is one of the most impressive historic estates in Buckinghamshire, and dining here feels like entering a di erent world – one filled with grandeur, sweeping lawns and centuries of history. Its restaurant o ers refined, classical dining in beautifully furnished rooms featuring chandeliers, period portraits and tall windows overlooking the grounds. For Valentine’s Day, the atmosphere is perfect for couples who want something lavish and deeply romantic. The menu typically features British and European fine dining with an emphasis on seasonal produce. What makes Hartwell House particularly memorable is the setting: a pre- or postdinner stroll through the gardens or by the lake instantly elevates the evening.

THE HAND & FLOWERS

thehandandflowers.co.uk

The Hand & Flowers, Tom Kerridge’s twoMichelin-star pub in Marlow, remains one of the UK’s most celebrated dining destinations. Despite its accolades, the pub retains an inviting, relaxed charm, combining rustic wooden beams and warm lighting with impeccably professional service. Couples who love gastronomy will find this an unforgettable Valentine’s experience: dishes are bold, playful and refined, balancing comfort with creativity. The ambience is intimate, with well-spaced tables that allow for unrushed conversation. Booking well ahead is essential.

THE IVY MARLOW GARDEN

ivycollection.com

The Ivy Marlow Garden delivers a stylish Valentine’s atmosphere thanks to its signature vibrant décor, botanical touches and glamorous yet comfortable ambience. It’s perfect for couples who enjoy buzzy restaurants that still feel intimate, with plush seating, warm lighting and beautifully presented dishes. The menu features modern

British classics with global influences, o ering something for every type of diner.

DE VERE WOKEFIELD ESTATE

devere.co.uk

Set in 250 acres of Berkshire parkland, De Vere Wokefield Estate is the perfect destination to enjoy a Valentine’s escape for two in a peaceful, countryside setting. An exquisitely curated four-course meal served with attentive service sets the scene whilst you dine to live music in the 1560 Restaurant in an elegant Grade II listed Mansion House. Following your meal, your luxurious room awaits at the top of the grand, sweeping staircase. The following morning, enjoy breakfast with picturesque views over the lawns or take a stroll round the extensive grounds hand in hand.

Access to their superb leisure facilities is also included within your stay. This Valentine’s package is available from just £259 per room including dinner and breakfast for Saturday 14th February only. To book, visit their website and use promo code VALENTINE26.

The Dog & Badger by Amarone has reopened in Medmenham following an extensive renovation, bringing new life to a historic pub setting. Now owned by Amarone, the restaurant combines contemporary Italian dining with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere and a modern bar, creating a versatile space for drinks, lunch, or evening dining.

Opening Times

Monday-Thursday: 12pm-3pm & 5pm-10pm. Friday & Saturday: 11:30-10pm. Sunday: 11:30-9pm.

Henley Rd, Medmenham, Marlow, SL7 2HE

info@amarone-thedogandbadger.co.uk

01491 572709

FASHION

Timeless ROMANCE

BERRY’S JEWELLERS

Elegant and timeless, an emerald cut diamond is love captured in perfect symmetry with graceful lines and luminous depth. Their refined sparkle symbolises clarity, trust and lasting love, making them the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. Discover the stunning range at your nearest Berry’s Boutique or at berrysjewellers.co.uk

The Shoot: Ascot Jumps Season Lookbook 52 • Jewellery 55

WANTED

Do

Love token

By EVE HERBERT

ANITA KO

Diamond Oyster & Pearl Necklace, £7,263 anitako.com

REIS Strawberry Hoop Earrings, £850 reisjewellery.co.uk

YVONNE LEON

Coeur Pailletee 9-Karat Gold Diamond Ring, £1,930 net-a-porter.com

TISH LYON

Kira Gold Titanium Tiger's Eye Flat Back Stud Earrings, £30 tishlyon.com

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

Platinum Toi Et Moi Emerald Cut & Pear Cut Diamond Two Stone Ring, £17,995 berrysjewellers.co.uk

Swirly 24ct Yellow Gold-Plated Bronze Hoop Earrings, £215 selfridges.com

MARNI

Tulip Enamelled Drop Earrings, £450 selfridges.com

ANITA KO

Pearl & Diamond Lola Huggies, £5,658 anitako.com

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

18ct Yellow & White Gold Diamond Entwined Heart Pendant, £2,295 berrysjewellers.co.uk

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By PENDLE HARTE

DYSON

Dyson Beauty’s new Amber Silk colourway is a warm and sophisticated take on their most coveted hair-care tools with its sumptuous finish and so , diffused glow. dyson.co.uk

HAIR HERO HOME TECH

VITA VITAE

The new Vita Vitae micro-needling device is redefining at-home skincare. The kit includes two powerful, scientifically engineered serum boosters with an easy-touse advanced device that features 24K gold-plated micro-needles that increase serum absorption. vitavitaebeauty.co.uk

EDITOR’S

LUXE

fragrance

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

Brunello Cucinelli has launched three new fragrances. Expanding the Incanti Poetici collection, the three new additions created with master perfumers Alberto Morillas and Jordi Fernández are Segreto (floral, citrus) Silenzio (woody, spicy, amber) and Ricordo (floral, woody). brunellocucinelli.com

Visiting the Health & Fitness Club

Nestled in the heart of Marlow, Bisham Abbey Health & Fitness Club o ers a beautifully refurbished Reformer Pilates studio designed to help you feel calm, confident and completely at ease from the moment you arrive. The light, welcoming space has been thoughtfully created to provide an intimate and supportive environment, perfect for those new to Reformer Pilates or anyone seeking a more personal experience. Their smaller classes allow expert instructors to o er tailored guidance and reassurance throughout. This makes Reformer Pilates at Bisham Abbey an ideal choice for beginners, as well as those looking to refine technique, improve posture or build deep core strength in a relaxed setting. Reformer Pilates is a low-impact yet highly e ective form of exercise, helping to increase flexibility, restore balance and support overall wellbeing, inside and out. Whether your goal is to reduce stress, improve mobility or simply enjoy some time for yourself, each session o ers a chance to reset and recharge. For those keen to try Reformer Pilates, Bisham Abbey currently o ers an introductory package of three sessions for £45, providing the perfect opportunity to experience the benefits in one of Marlow’s most iconic settings.

BISHAM ABBEY HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB

Bisham Village, Marlow Road, Bisham, Marlow SL7 1RR, 01628 476911 bishamabbeynsc.co.uk

AT CASTLE VIEW, COMFORT AND COMMUNITY

Castle View Windsor is designed around the questions people ask most when they start thinking seriously about retirement living. In this piece Castle View answers the questions they get asked the most…

SPACE, COMFORT AND PRIVACY

Every apartment at Castle View has its own front door, modern kitchen, balcony and generous living space, so it feels like a “real home”, not a room in a soulless care facility.

Light, thoughtfully designed layouts o er plenty of space for your furniture, hobbies and visiting family, with high-quality finishes that make downsizing feel like a step up, not a compromise.

LIFESTYLE, NOT JUST ACCOMMODATION

A common question is what life is actually like once you move in. At Castle View, comfort and community sit side by side: you can join as many activities, clubs and events as you wish, or simply enjoy the peace of your own apartment and the landscaped gardens. On-site lounges, dining options and recreational spaces make it easy to meet neighbours, stay active and build new friendships at your own pace.

Peace of MIND

Your big questions about retirement living, answered

INDEPENDENCE WITH SUPPORT ON HAND

Many people worry that moving into a retirement community means losing independence. At Castle View the opposite is true: you live completely independently, while a professional team looks after building maintenance, gardens and can help arrange services such as cleaning or small repairs, so everyday life is easier and less stressful. This is not a care home; it is an integrated retirement community with expert help quietly available in the background. For many, this blend of autonomy and reassurance is the ideal “in-between”. You keep control of your time and choices, with the reassurance that practical help is available when you want it.

SAFETY, SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND

Another frequent question is around safety. Castle View’s secure setting, underground car park, well-managed buildings and presence of sta mean you can relax, whether you are at home, out for the day or travelling, knowing everything is being looked after.

For many, this combination of security, low-maintenance living and a connected community provides real peace of mind for both them and their families.

THE WINDSOR LIFESTYLE

Set just moments from the heart of Windsor, Castle View combines a calm, tucked-away setting with easy access to the castle, river and town centre. Their environment makes it e ortless to be social when you choose, from rooftop drinks with views of Windsor Castle to seasonal celebrations and interest groups. Many homeowners describe an immediate sense of belonging – a warm, neighbourly atmosphere which embraces the future much more than a traditional retirement block.

To discover whether Castle View Windsor could be your next chapter, arrange a private tour and experience the space, service and atmosphere for yourself.

Find out more by calling 01753 336060 or visiting castleviewwindsor.co.uk

Making a SPLASH

From rhythmic blues to wellness-inspired design, five trends shaping bathrooms in 2026

As we settle into 2026, bathroom design is moving firmly into the era of comfort, character and conscious living. Roca’s latest trends forecast highlights five key movements shaping how we design and experience the most personal space in our homes, all reflecting the broader mood in interiors for calm and connection.

The return of blue

Blue is back in a big way – not as a single statement shade, but as a whole emotional spectrum. Dulux has broken with tradition on its Colour of the Year by unveiling a trio of hues for 2026 under the banner Rhythm of Blues, a palette that captures the ebb and flow of modern life. Why blue? It’s the colour of water, wellness and balance – the perfect fit for a room where we begin and end each day. Whether it’s a soft morning sky tone or a deep, enveloping navy, blue brings a natural sense of calm and clarity to a space. Designers are leaning into this versatility. Gentle, misty blues are being used to open up smaller rooms, paired with light

woods and brushed metal finishes. More expressive shades such as the Steel Blue of the Optica vanity by Roca inject creativity and energy, perfect for those treating their bathroom as an extension of their personality. Meanwhile, moody inky tones like the Night Blue shade on Tenue furniture o er intimacy and stillness, turning bathrooms into true retreats.

Stainless steel shines

Metallic finishes have long been part of bathroom design, but 2026 is the year stainless steel takes centre stage. Its appeal goes beyond its clean, contemporary look – it is durable, low-maintenance and fully recyclable, making it a perfect choice for the eco-conscious homeowner.

This renewed love for stainless steel mirrors a broader trend across interiors: investing in materials that combine longevity with quiet sophistication. Its soft sheen adds a sense of refinement, pairing e ortlessly with marble, timber or even bold colour.

Roca’s refreshed Targa and Ona brassware collections both illustrate the look – slim silhouettes, modern forms and a choice of finishes including Brushed Brass and Matt Black alongside Stainless Steel. Natalie Bird, Brand Marketing Manager at Roca UK & Ireland, says: “This direction reflects a shift towards sustainable luxury – design that looks beautiful, performs brilliantly and lasts for decades.” With more people seeking high-quality materials that age gracefully rather than fast fashion for the home, stainless steel is emerging as a timeless classic: polished, practical and planet-friendly.

The soft power of curves

After years of geometric minimalism, curves are making their comeback. Rounded edges and sculptural forms are softening the modern bathroom, creating spaces that feel welcoming and serene rather than severe. Designers are moving away from sharp corners in favour of gentle silhouettes – oval mirrors, pill-shaped basins and softly contoured brassware. “People want bathrooms that feel tactile and approachable,” says Natalie. “It’s about harmony – elegant but never austere.”

Upcoming Roca collections such as Kay brassware (launching summer 2026) and Meridian basins and furniture (launching spring 2026) explore this balance beautifully: ovals meeting rectangles, curves o setting clean lines. The e ect is subtly luxurious, adding flow and fluidity without compromising on structure. And this softer geometry ties into a wider wellbeing trend, an instinctive move towards spaces that soothe, not stimulate. Think rounded tubs, pebble-like basins, and smooth finishes that invite touch.

Wellness, the Japanese way

Wellbeing remains one of the strongest influences on interior design, but for 2026 it’s evolving into something more mindful

and quietly intentional. The inspiration comes from Japan, where bathing is viewed as a ritual, a chance to slow down and reset.

Compact deep tubs, inspired by the traditional Ofuro, are gaining traction, designed for full immersion in a smaller footprint. Roca’s Ohtake Stonex® soaking tub, created with architect Rodrigo Ohtake, interprets this beautifully: sculptural, water-e cient and perfectly proportioned for modern homes. “Today’s bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces,” says Natalie. “They’re sanctuaries that support wellbeing in every sense – physical, emotional and environmental.”

The wellness trend is also driving innovation in technology. Smart toilets with heated seats, integrated cleaning systems, and sensor-activated functions are becoming the norm, not the novelty. These features aren’t about luxury for luxury’s sake, they make spaces more comfortable and hygienic.

Understated luxury

The final big shift for 2026 is towards quiet sophistication – luxury that whispers rather than shouts. The focus is on thoughtful detailing, fine materials and cohesive design rather than overt opulence. This understated approach celebrates restraint. Fittings and accessories are being reimagined as design features in their own right, chosen as carefully as tiles or taps. For example, Roca’s T-Multi built-in thermostatic shower mixer keeps all the working concealed so only the stylish Brushed Brass controls are on display. Small details, like a beautifully engineered handle or a perfectly matched finish, make a world of di erence.

Roca’s Duplo S flush plate collection exemplifies this ‘less but better’ ethos, showing how even the most functional elements can elevate a space. The Dupo S plates feature compact proportions, a wide choice of finishes and coordinated tones, from brushed Stainless Steel to Honey Yellow and even tactile finishes like Concrete. Plus, the Duplo PS3 and PS4 models can be customised to create a unique look.

“Homeowners are increasingly drawn to design that feels intentional,” notes Natalie. “Matching details –whether it’s taps, accessories or flush plates – help create a sense of cohesion and calm. It’s those small touches that make a bathroom feel truly considered.”

Discover more at uk.roca.com/where-to-buy-showrooms

Established in 2004, Enjoy the View (1st Folding Sliding Doors) is a West London based reputable glazing company offering bespoke architectural glazing solutions, including sliding doors and glass roofs.

We provide design consultations, skilled installations, and dedicated after-sales support, backed by a 10-year warranty. For inspiration, visit our Instagram @enjoy_the_view_glazing

To find out more about our company and discuss your glazing requirements, please contact us 0208 997 2448 • sales@1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk • 1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk

Flagship Showroom: 113-117 Gunnersbury Avenue, London , W5 4LR Surbiton Showroom: 141 Hook Road, Surbiton, KT6 5AR

Wellness is no longer confined to spas, retreats or dedicated fitness spaces. In 2026, it has firmly moved into the home and nowhere is this shift more evident than in the bathroom. Once viewed purely as a functional space, the bathroom is now being reimagined as a place for restoration, balance and everyday self-care.

This evolution has been driven by how we live today. Busy schedules, constant connectivity, and a growing awareness of mental and physical wellbeing have changed what we expect from our homes. We’re no longer just asking our interiors to look good; we want them to actively support how we feel. The bathroom, with its natural connection to water, warmth, and routine, has become the heart of this movement.

So, what does bathroom wellness look like in 2026? It’s not about gimmicks or indulgence for indulgence’s sake. Instead, it’s a careful layering of atmosphere, comfort,

The rise of bathroom wellness, with the design experts at Ripples

and intelligent design choices that turn everyday rituals into moments of restoration.

Light is one of the most powerful tools in a wellness-led bathroom. Layered lighting, combining ambient glow, soft task lighting and subtle accent lighting, creates a soothing environment and avoids the harsh, clinical feel traditionally associated with bathrooms. Warm, adjustable lighting allows the space to respond to di erent times of day and di erent moods.

Warmth and comfort are equally important. Features such as underfloor heating, warm surfaces and gentle ambient heat help the body relax, particularly in the colder months. These elements encourage you to linger rather than rush, shifting the bathroom from a purely functional space into one that feels nurturing and restorative.

Material choice also plays a key role in 2026’s wellness-focused bathrooms. Tactile, natural finishes are favoured over high-gloss surfaces, creating spaces that feel grounded and calm. Stone, softly textured tiles, woode ect finishes and muted colour palettes

all contribute to an atmosphere that feels reassuring rather than overstimulating.

Technology, when used thoughtfully, enhances the wellness experience without dominating it. Integrated features such as steam, infrared warmth and light-based innovations are becoming more discreet, allowing homeowners to benefit from them without compromising on design.

Finally, wellness-led bathrooms prioritise clarity and calm. Considered layouts, well-proportioned fittings and concealed storage help keep surfaces clear and the space visually restful, which has a direct impact on how relaxing it feels to use.

True bathroom wellness in 2026 is about creating a space that genuinely supports how you live. With thoughtful design, the bathroom becomes more than just a room; it becomes a daily opportunity to pause, reset and restore.

Visit Ripples Newbury at 51a London Road, RG14 1JN, head to ripplesbathrooms.com or call 01635 569900 for more information

A world of COMFORT

Jensen: Norwegian sleep pioneers since 1947

Every Jensen bed that leaves their factory today has a story that begins almost 80 years ago. A story of craftsmanship and innovation, but also responsibility. They still build their beds in Norway, with materials and methods that stand the test of time. To underline that, your new Jensen bed comes with a 25-year guarantee against frame or spring breakages.

FROM NORWAY TO THE WORLD

What started as a small family business is today a premium brand with beds and accessories of the highest quality. And while they are proud of their heritage, they never let it stand in the way of new ideas. For example, they always apply the latest findings in sleep science and physiology to the development of new beds. They use all their expertise and curiosity to improve people’s rest – and thereby their performance. It’s a story of craftsmanship and innovation,

but also responsibility. They still build their beds in Norway, with materials and methods that stand the test of time.

BEDS MADE FROM PASSION

While technology and the automation of their production have made it more e cient, it’s the people that make their beds what they are. Some of their employees are now the third generation of passionate bed-builders at their factory in Svelvik, just outside of Oslo. Together, they are dedicated to making a long-lasting contribution to sleep comfort.

THE SLEEP THAT MAKES YOUR DAY

At Jensen, they have made it their purpose to help you wake up fully rested. From design to choice of materials, every detail in their beds is carefully chosen to improve your sleep quality – and thereby your performance.

It’s not always easy to know what to look for in a product that is meant to be a longterm investment in your sleep and well-being.

A mattress should help the body relax, reduce pressure points, and provide the right level of support. Your sleeping position can give a useful indication of what type of bed may suit you best, but it should never be the only factor when making your final choice. Jensen understand how easy it is to feel overwhelmed when choosing a bed – there are many options to consider, from bed types and firmness levels to zoning systems. That’s exactly why they encourage you to ask for help in store. They recommend visiting their London showroom at Chelsea Harbour when you’re buying a bed. Their team consists of trained sleep specialists with in-depth knowledge of the di erent models. They will guide you in the right direction from the very beginning, so you don’t end up trying too many beds and leaving more confused than when you arrived.

Find out more by calling 020 3914 1262, emailing jensenbeds.chelseaharbour@ hildinganders.com, or visit jensen-beds.com

Renowned for our handmade kitchens, but also create stunning bespoke furniture for other rooms in your home.

IThe gazebos o er open-air luxury, with the option to enclose the space

TIMELESS LIVING

Crown Pavilions: luxury garden buildings for all seasons

n February, most gardens fall still. The grass frosts over, furniture is packed away, and outdoor spaces retreat behind walls and windows. But for those who value year-round use of their garden, winter doesn’t have to mean switching o , it can simply mean using the space di erently.

At Crown Pavilions, they design and build garden buildings intended for use and enjoyment throughout the year. Their range includes insulated garden rooms, gazebos, summerhouses, garden shelters, equestrian buildings and fully bespoke outdoor structures, all handcrafted in Oxfordshire and tailored to individual lifestyles and settings.

Their insulated garden rooms are designed to provide a comfortable, enclosed space in all seasons. Built with high-quality insulation, double glazing and robust weatherproofing, they remain bright, warm and usable even during colder months.

These spaces are commonly used as home o ces, gyms, studios or quiet retreats – carefully designed to balance practicality with understated design. Interior options such as air conditioning, ambient lighting and bespoke layouts allow the space to be adapted for di erent uses across the year. If you intend to use your garden room as a residential, dwelling or living space, additional upgrades and specifications may be required. Their team of experts would be delighted to guide you through the available options to suit your intended use. Their gazebos o er open-air luxury, with the option to enclose the space using marine-grade canvas curtains and blinds. Crafted from European Redwood and finished with thatched or blue-label Western Red Cedar shingles – the highest quality available – they provide the perfect setting for alfresco dining, hot tub enclosures

or simply enjoying the garden, come rain or shine. With optional heating and integrated lighting, many clients enjoy their gazebo well into the cooler months. Each Crown Pavilion is carefully designed to suit its setting and purpose. As the seasons shift, your space adapts with you, welcoming spring mornings, summer soirées, autumn reflection and winter calm. Whether you’re seeking a practical space, a place to escape, or a structure that enhances your everyday, Crown Pavilions delivers luxury that lasts, garden buildings made for all seasons, and all lifestyles.

Visit

a Crown Pavilions Show Site

To truly appreciate the quality, atmosphere and design of a Crown structure, nothing compares to stepping inside. Visit show sites at: Chessington Garden Centre, London Longacres Garden Centre, Bagshot, Surrey Van Hage Garden Centre, Ware, Hertfordshire Alton Garden Centre, Essex Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes Bridgemere Garden Centre, Cheshire

Exclusive Reader Offer For a limited time, Absolutely readers will receive an exclusive 10% OFF, applicable to all installations completed before March 2026. To invest in Crown Pavilions is to invest in a lifestyle, one defined by elegance, excellence and enduring luxury.

Discover more crownpavilions.com / crown-equestrian.com Call: 01491 612 820 Email: sales@crownpavilions.com

MINDTHEGAP

Suzani floral lampshade, £160 mindtheg.uk

HOUSE OF HACKNEY

Golden Lily Circus wallpaper, £195 per roll houseo ackney.com

CASA BY JJ

Beatrice dinner plates, set of six, £80 casabyjj.com

OKA

Zhenhua wall panels, £POA oka.com

COX & COX

Floral ceramic vase, £45 coxandcox.co.uk

SANDERSON Silver Lime Nymph wallpaper, £112 sanderson.design

LOUIS DE POORTERE

Suzani rug, £399-£1,555 heugahinteriors.com

DIVINE SAVAGES

Drunken Monkey wallpaper, £159 divinesavages.com

FLOWER POWER

Florals are set to be huge in 2026: here's why

By PENDLE HARTE

LITTLE GREENE

Rhododendron wallpaper in Hicks Blue, £POA littlegreene.com

PRETTY TIFFIN

Mess plate set of four, £52.99 prettytiffin.co.uk

“Their home feels brighter, more open and they finally to get to enjoy the view”

AFRESH VIEW

1st Folding Sliding Doors have a new name, so

it’s

the ideal time to take advantage of their expertise in transforming homes

West London glazing business with more than 20 years’ experience is quietly changing the way local homeowners think about light, space and everyday living.

Formerly known as 1st Folding Sliding Doors, the company now trades as Enjoy The View – a name that reflects what customers say they notice most once their project is complete. “People always tell us the same thing,” says Director Daniel Creese. “That their home feels brighter, more open, and that they finally get to enjoy the view.”

Having completed hundreds of projects across West London and beyond, the business has built a reputation for combining technical expertise with a thoughtful, design-led approach. Its work ranges from London terraces and family extensions to sensitive heritage projects in the countryside.

One recent award-winning installation near the 15th-century Watercress Cottage in Bath shows how contemporary glazing can sit comfortably alongside historic architecture. Closer to home, many local families are using glazing to transform kitchens, create open-plan living spaces and strengthen their connection to the outdoors.

In October, Enjoy The View opened its new showroom on Gunnersbury Avenue, Ealing. Rather than a traditional retail space, it has been designed to feel like a real home – allowing visitors to see how glazing works in everyday settings, from sliding doors opening onto a garden to skylights drawing daylight deep into the centre of a house.

The business remains independent and owner-run. Products are made to measure,

fully certified and backed by industry guarantees – reflecting a long-standing focus on craftsmanship and reliability.

The Ealing showroom is now open seven days a week, making it easy for local homeowners, builders and architects to drop in for inspiration or advice at a time that suits them.

ENJOY THE VIEW

113–117 Gunnersbury Avenue, Ealing, W5 4LR 020 8997 2448

Different ROUTES

The Head of St George's Ascot on why its students are thinking beyond the linear pathways of yesterday to secure futures in tomorrow's world

By HANNAH FOX

This year the Gatsby Benchmarks – the framework that underpins strong careers guidance in schools – celebrated their 11th birthday. Their recent review confirmed they remain at the heart of the Department for Education’s statutory guidance. For those of us working in schools, this is welcome recognition of the power that well-timed, personalised careers guidance can have.

As the 2025 report, Gatsby Good Career Guidance – The Next Ten Years, puts it: “When young people make supported and informed choices about their future study, training and work options, they are better able to maximise their talents and realise their ambitions.”

The truth is that education has always been about more than examination results.

It is about preparing young people for a lifetime of learning, and for a future none of us can fully imagine. Knowledge, as the foundation of intellectual growth, matters enormously, but it must be coupled with the skills that help it take root and flourish: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and the confidence to ask di cult questions.

In today’s AI-shaped world, adaptability and curiosity are as essential as any subject knowledge. That means schools should not be preparing students for one specific job, but instead equipping them with transferable skills and the resilience to thrive in a dynamic, often unpredictable marketplace.

A future-focused outlook also broadens higher education horizons. In our 21stcentury world, UK students can access universities across the globe and gain huge cultural wealth. I find in recent years, students are much more open to thinking

EDUCATION IS ABOUT PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR A LIFETIME OF LEARNING AND A FUTURE NONE OF US CAN FULLY IMAGINE

outside the box and not automatically assuming UCAS is the only way forward.

Some degrees here no longer feel like a clear return on investment, while entry to medicine and its allied courses has become fiercely competitive. As a result, students are exploring Europe and further afield. IE University in Madrid is renowned for its global business programmes, Bocconi in Milan ranks among the best for economics and finance, and EHL in Lausanne is widely recognised as the world’s leading hospitality management school. All teach in English so are accessible to all pupils.

Many pupils are also considering the US, where liberal arts degrees and generous financial aid make study attractive. Others take up degree apprenticeships with companies such as Deloitte in accounting or Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in engineering. This route is super competitive, but means you have a guaranteed entry in that workplace, receive a healthy salary, acquire a degree and are saddled with no student debt. What’s not to like?

At St George’s Ascot, we see this shift first-hand and embrace it wholeheartedly. Our scale allows us to o er genuinely

bespoke guidance, woven into the curriculum and led by a hugely experienced and passionate team. We work closely with the girls and parents, drawing on the experience of our Old Georgians alumni who regularly return for 'Working Lunches' with the Sixth Form and to take part in our whole-school Careers Convention.

Later this term, The University Guys will be visiting with delegates from a dozen or more European universities to open girls’ eyes to options across the channel. Further on in the year, we shall hold a Degree Apprenticeship workshop. Alongside all of this, we ensure our girls are aware of the graduate marketplace and also the role of digital testing and gamification in recruitment. These opportunities bring real-world experience into the classroom and give pupils invaluable insights into how di erent paths can unfold. As part of our STEM Week each academic year, we invite some of our SGA Partners into school to talk to the girls about their chosen pathways and the roles they hold in business.

Academic breadth also plays a key role. We are proud that our pupils’ Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) results consistently place us in the top 3% nationally. The EPQ gives pupils the chance to explore an area of personal interest in real depth – whether that’s artificial intelligence, international law or the psychology of sport – and to develop research, presentation and critical thinking skills that universities and employers value

CAREERS

EDUCATION GIVES YOUNG PEOPLE A CLEARER SENSE OF WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY MIGHT BECOME

highly. For many, it is the EPQ that sparks a lifelong interest or directly informs their future study and career choices.

Careers education is not a bolt-on, but a continuous part of a pupil’s school life. It o ers a set of touchpoints, conversations and experiences that give young people a clearer sense of who they are and what they might become. Crucially, we also prepare them for the realities of the graduate job market, and the likelihood that their working lives will be a patchwork of di erent roles rather than a single career.

I often say to pupils that education should not be seen as a simple, upward ladder with examinations as the rungs. Instead, it is more like a lattice: sometimes you climb upwards, sometimes across, sometimes in a more winding, wiggly direction. What matters most is that you keep climbing, and that you know there are many di erent ways to reach a fulfilling, happy and purposeful future.

stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

TALE TO TELL

A new way for Shakespeare to be taught in schools has been launched – with some star names throwing their weight behind it

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Foyle Foundation have been joined by leading actors to launch the RSC Shakespeare Curriculum, a revolutionary new way of studying Shakespeare using the latest learning technology and innovation.

The Shakespeare Curriculum is the most important development in the teaching of Shakespeare in a generation and will radically change how Shakespeare is studied and taught in secondary schools across the UK and around the world. It responds to ongoing concerns from teachers and young people about the way in which Shakespeare is experienced by many in school, with the aim for 80% of all UK secondary schools to use the Shakespeare Curriculum by the academic year 2029/30.

The first resource of its kind and free to use for all state and SEND secondary schools, it distils the RSC’s award-winning teaching approaches into a digital platform that has everything teachers and students need to teach and learn about Shakespeare, immersing them in the creative world of

an RSC rehearsal room. Grounded in the techniques used by actors and directors, the Shakespeare Curriculum takes students beyond their desks, unlocking language, character and themes and fostering vital skills for school, life and work. The RSC Shakespeare Curriculum has been created with major investment from the Foyle Foundation as one of the key projects recently announced for the long-term legacy of the foundation.

David Hall, Chief Executive of the Foyle Foundation, says: “Our relationship with the RSC has extended over a period of more than 20 years, culminating in the development of the Shakespeare Curriculum. We are immensely proud that this will be

“The RSC has come up with a way for teachers to lead students to an appreciation of Shakespeare's plays”

a legacy for future generations of the work we have done together and honoured to be able to play a part in supporting the extraordinary achievements of the RSC.”

Big names from the acting world are also backing this new launch. Sir Ian McKellen is one and he says: “Actors, better than other Shakespeare lovers, know how di cult it is to transform his words on the page into living, breathing characters on the stage where they belong. To expect schoolchildren to grapple with such problems may well put them o Shakespeare for life. Ever since I was at school, reading a troublesome text around the classroom, I have wondered how professional theatre people might help English teachers who too often feel inadequate to the task.

Now the Royal Shakespeare Company has come up with an answer, a practical way for teachers to lead students to an appreciation of the plays, not just as written texts but as a starting place to explore the excitement of live theatre. A revolution is in the o ng!”

Approximately two million young people in the UK study Shakespeare in

any given year. From a 2012 study by the RSC and British Council, approximately 50% of schoolchildren in the world study Shakespeare and his plays each year. The Shakespeare Curriculum turns Shakespeare’s ten most studied plays into a 24-part creative learning adventure, bringing the RSC’s unique blend of theatre practice, research and digital innovation into schools. Drawing on thousands of unique archive resources, and decades of world-renowned productions featuring leading actors in defining performances, it will put young people in control of their Shakespeare learning.

Launching the RSC Shakespeare Curriculum, Jacqui O’Hanlon, RSC Director of Creative Learning, says: “The RSC has worked with thousands of teachers and young people over 20 years and we understand the challenges of teaching and learning about plays that were written over 400 years ago. The Shakespeare Curriculum responds to this challenge.

“Research shows that the combination of Shakespeare’s language and RSC

“This brings the energy of the rehearsal room into secondary schools across the country”

teaching approaches improve young people’s academic, social and emotional development. As well as improved language development, writing and oracy skills, this work improves communication, self-belief and well-being and develops creative problem-solving skills. Through the RSC Shakespeare Curriculum, all state secondary and SEND schools will have free access to this transformational way of teaching and learning about Shakespeare’s plays.”

The platform uses the rehearsal process as the framework for teaching and learning and creates opportunities for young people

our own experiences and interpretations to Shakespeare’s stories. That spirit of collaboration and creative enquiry sits at the very heart of the RSC’s new Shakespeare Curriculum: bringing the energy of the rehearsal room into secondary schools across the country, turning classrooms into places where inquiry, co-operation and creativity flourish.”

to experience first-hand some of the creative decisions made by actors, directors and creative teams working in theatre. The Shakespeare Curriculum has been developed in collaboration with Charanga, a specialist provider of digital platforms and technology for music and arts education.

Dame Helen Mirren, RSC Honorary Associate Artist, adds: “Rehearsal rooms are places where we explore possibilities; where we look at a play written 400 years ago as if it was new, with the ink still wet on the page. In a rehearsal room we are questioning, experimenting and bringing

Adjoa Andoh, RSC Associate Artist, also commented: “If you have found Shakespeare boring or confusing or not relevant, if you have been made to feel like you’re not smart enough, or you can’t concentrate enough, or people don’t think you’re worth bothering with, that’s other people’s fault not yours – with the Shakespeare Curriculum all this is about to change. It is about giving you the chance to get up on your feet and deep dive into the crazy, heartbreaking hilarious, thrilling world of Shakespeare’s stories –stories you will recognise as things you have experienced in your own lives, as things that are happening in the world around you today, and you’ll feel it, you’ll understand it and you’ll get to live it out in rehearsals.

“Shakespeare is relevant yesterday, today and tomorrow – and yours for the taking. Come join us, breathe out, dive in. Shakespeare can change your life – he did mine!”

The RSC Shakespeare Curriculum is now live at shakespearecurriculum.com

Great goals

Established in 2017, Premier League Primary Stars uses football to inspire academic engagement, wellbeing and positive values

The beautiful game is a powerful force for good in our schools, clubs and homes as it is wildly popular with the primary school age group

Let’s be honest, football doesn’t always get a good press. Over the years, columns have highlighted the tribalism and, from time to time, dreadful behaviour among fans and players. But the 'beautiful game' is, most certainly, a powerful force for good in our schools, clubs and homes through the work of Premier League Primary Stars. This programme has capitalised on a huge positive – football is wildly popular with this age group. That enthusiasm is used to engage boys and girls with sport, with academic subjects (especially all-important English and maths) and with life lessons about resilience, confidence, kindness and fairness. Premier League Primary Stars was first established in 2017 and has been a consistent resource ever since in delivering resources and ideas for primary education. It is accessible to everyone, and with particular focus on delivering age-appropriate, practical and curriculumaligned material. This is used by teachers,

educators in settings such as out-of-school clubs, and by home schoolers (parents are more than welcome on its website).

With football as the hook, subject specialists and heavyweight partners such as the National Literacy Trust have helped develop accessible and engaging resources that support children’s learning. There are great initiatives in areas that don’t instantly seem a natural match, such as poetry, to inspire creativity and help children get in touch with their feelings.

It’s now widely accessed – used in over 20,000 primary schools across England and Wales – and with some 18 million attendances at club-led sessions delivered by 103 professional football club community organisations. More than 70,000 teachers are registered for its free downloadable lesson plans. Premier League Primary Stars estimates it reaches 1.1 million children every year through digital resources.

The data is impressive, so too the fact that its resources are attuned to the issues of our time. For instance, there is a big bank of teaching resources supporting

children’s mental health, confidence and ability to bounce back from setbacks. For instance, this autumn term kicked o with an academic planner to highlight special events, including World Mindfulness Day. Similarly, after the great win in the Women’s World Cup, there was a Resilience Pack featuring stories and insights from Harry Kane and the Lionesses on themes such as learning from mistakes and adopting a can-do approach even when you fear failure.

There has been some especially timely material on allyship – called Active Allies – to help children overcome stereotypes and outdated attitudes and encourage girls to be more confident playing sport alongside boys. And there’s a wealth of material to keep playground play clean through the Play the Right Way theme. With many initiatives, downloadable material includes inspiring short films and assembly plans, as well as suggested classroom activities. There is also specific support for children facing di culties, such as fear around school attendance. This is supported through more than 100 professional football club charities – these span both the National and Premier leagues. Of course, nothing the greatest teacher prepares for a lesson plan could come close to beating a surprise school visit from a

Coming face to face with Theo Walcott is something that ensures lessons are taken to heart

hero of the game. Coming face to face with Theo Walcott and having his motivational support during a lesson is something that ensures lessons are taken to heart. Theo, who helped launch Premier League Primary Stars back in 2017, visited a primary school with his former club Arsenal in February for the launch of resources for Children’s Mental Health Week. There have been other similar club-led visits by great names –including Chloe Kelly, who visited schools to support the launch of allyship resources. Premier League Primary Stars is funded by its charitable arm, Premier League Charitable Fund, which is one of the largest sports charities in the world and works closely with professional football club charities. It’s good to see the Premier League and clubs at every level investing in young people. Even better is that their objective is not only to grow the next generation of players and fans, but also support their academic success, confidence and wellbeing.

plprimarystars.com

SPIRIT

GUIDE

With a new book and hit stage show, Danny Robins believes today's children are every bit as keen on ghostly detective stories as he was

by LIBBY NORMAN

He’s been compared to Hitchcock and Van Helsing and called the UK’s ‘go-to spook guy’. But Danny Robins wears his o cial badge lightly and there’s not a hint of mystic aura about him. He never expected The Battersea Poltergeist and Uncanny to cause such a stir. “It happened in that strange, alien landscape of lockdown. I think it was a point where a lot of people were cooped up in their houses feeling slightly haunted by their houses,” he says. “I sometimes think I was the paranormal Joe Wicks. I was the beneficiary of that era, in that there were a lot of people who wanted to be entertained.”

The ripple spread way wider than he could have conceived. “I couldn’t in a million years have anticipated The Battersea Poltergeist being talked about on Australian breakfast television and fielding calls from Hollywood producers asking about film rights.” Looking back now, Danny wonders if he had stumbled across a collective desire to explore the out-ofbody world. “Those strange, chaotic, uncertain times spawned an interest in the paranormal.”

The Battersea Poltergeist – a podcast first aired in 2021 – retold the tale of the 1956 alleged haunting of 63 Wycli e Road in an utterly riveting way, while Uncanny, beginning later that year, delivered a rich brew of paranormal and haunting true-life tales examined in forensic depth through a believer’s and a sceptic’s lens. Uncanny passed to the other side, with a BBC Two series beginning in 2023 (we’re now two series in) and has also become a hit touring show. Somewhere in there, Danny also found time to write 2:22 A Ghost Story, which was one of the first plays to open on the London stage after lockdown. It picked up three Olivier nominations and won three WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Play.

It’s worth noting that Danny’s interest in the paranormal is not recent – among his many writing credits is Young Dracula, the comedy that ran for five seasons on CBBC from 2006. “This is the subject that keeps on giving. You can go anywhere in the world and ask that question, ‘do you think ghosts exist?’ and come up with a really exciting, colourful debate.” This, then, is the backdrop for Do You Believe in Ghosts?, his new book aimed squarely at curious young minds keen to find out more about the supernatural. In designing the book, Danny has drawn on his own childhood passion. He was, he says, that kid in the school library reading everything he could find on a subject that gripped him. He still recalls the Usborne World of the Unknown,

the Collins Gem Ghosts and even a Hamlyn guide. “There was an era of real fascination with this subject that spawned quite a lot of lurid books full of pictures of ghosts and monsters and demon dogs,” he says.

“Combined with the fact I was brought up as an atheist, and I didn’t have belief in my life, I think I was just really interested in the idea of what made people believe.” Or not, for in the introduction to Do You Believe in Ghosts? Danny nails his colours to the mast as ‘a sceptic who really wants to believe’. In similar vein, he invites readers to align themselves with either #TeamBeliever or #TeamSceptic, also voting on each of the accounts they read in the book to see if they’ve been swayed one way or the other.

“IT IS ALL ABOUT US TESTING THE PARAMETERS OF OUR WORLD AND BEING SCARED WITHIN SAFE

BOUNDARIES”

It’s an approach that gives children agency and also encourages them to get thinking behind the stories and listening to di erent theories. “If you are from #TeamSceptic you can look at it from a psychological, environmental, scientific perspective, and if you are #TeamBeliever you are digging into the history of the house, who might have lived there and who might be the ghost,” he says. “All the kids I meet, they are little detectives. They love exploring stu . They love trying to make sense of science and history – this is a subject that allows you to do that.”

Of course, ghost stories give children a thrill, a frisson, but this is as old as storytelling itself. “There’s something important for a kid – which is when you first come across this idea of ghosts – about being scared within very safe boundaries. It’s why we watch Dr Who or enjoy doing something like Go Ape. It’s us testing our world, testing the parameters of our world.”

Do You Believe in Ghosts? tests parameters but sits firmly on the side of spooky, rather than scary, with jokes and asides and plenty of comic illustrations. In fact, illustrator Ellen Walker wrote to him first as an Uncanny fan and plays a key role here as a part of the ghost hunting team. The tales cover familiar spooky ground to many adults. We read about the disturbances at 284 Green Street (aka The Enfield Poltergeist), the thrilling haunting of RAF Lossiemouth, a cellar in York where Roman Legionnaires were spotted by a hapless boiler fitter, and even head back to 19th-century New York State to meet the famous spiritualist Fox sisters. There’s plenty of history in the mix, but also clear and age-appropriate explanations of concepts such as Stone Tape Theory, telekinesis and cognitive bias – also, impressively, an evolutionary psychology explanation for why we humans are pre-programmed to be scared of the dark. “Explaining them in a kid-friendly way opens up this amazing debate they can have,” says Danny. He hopes that these explanations serve a useful purpose in helping children rationalise other fears. “Once you understand that you can start to feel, ‘well maybe some of

the other things I feel scared about I don’t need to feel scared about’. I think there's quite an empowering message behind all of this – that the world isn’t quite as scary a place as it might sometimes seem.”

Adults reading along with their children may expect more questions than they can answer. “I definitely think any sort of fear within a ghost story has in equal measures that dose of optimism. It suddenly opens up the possibility that people that we’ve loved and lost still might be out there,” he says. “That potential optimism is a really powerful thing in terms of processing those moments – whether it’s a pet that you’ve lost or a grandparent.”

One of the things that has struck Danny is that the audience for ghosts spans all ages. “What I’ve noticed a lot on my tour and just generally meeting people who listen to the show or watch the show is that there are loads of kids who are Uncanny fans,” he says. “It feels like a family-safe subject. You can approach it in di erent ways. You

have the adult level where you’re consuming stu that might make you feel a bit scared, or you can have the kids’ stu where you’re loving the fact that it’s a detective hunt and that you’re learning a bit about science and history and having a bit of fun.”

With the book, plus a season of Uncanny stage shows, Danny is looking forward to hearing from many more fans who share his enthusiasm for considering mysteries beyond our rational world. “Detective stories normally stop when you find out whodunnit, but ghost stories just keep on unfolding,” he says. “I really like the idea that we haven’t discovered everything there is to discover about our world. What’s not to love about the idea of hunting for that?”

Do You Believe in Ghosts? by Danny Robins, illustrated by Ellen Walker, is published by Pu n Books (£8.99). The 'Uncanny: Fear of the Dark' stage show is on tour now. For dates and venues, visit uncannylive.com

Saturday 28th February Thursday 26th March

Action ON AI

Chris Rothwell of Wellington

College Education says we can worry about the future of AI, but we need to take action here and now

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most discussed topics today, and no more so than in education. This beguiling combination of technological wizardry and rapidly changing capabilities is now impacting every aspect of our lives. It is causing us to ask deep questions about what it means to be human and what the future will be, with much debate about the exciting and much needed benefits, as well as the very serious risks. There is, rightly, substantial focus on the risks that the technology presents for schools. Will AI destroy our ability to think independently; will it create generations of socially isolated adults? Also, what kind of jobs will be needed and how will we keep children safe from new AI threats?

AI IS IN THE WORLD – THE GENIE IS OUT OF THE BOTTLE

Given the scale of the risks, you would be forgiven for thinking it a good idea to remove AI from schools completely, but there are two major reasons why that cannot be the path we choose. First, AI is in the world – the genie is out of the bottle. Pupils, parents and teachers are all using it, as are employers and the companies we interact with every day. This is impacting education, whether we choose to engage or not.

Secondly, the potential benefits of AI are too significant to ignore. Schools face a myriad of challenges every day that prevent them from giving every child the very best education. We know a lot about how people learn, and what it takes to help every pupil achieve their full potential, but time and resources prevent every student from making that progress. AI has the potential to genuinely transform outcomes by supporting a brilliant and tailored education for every pupil, while making teaching a more rewarding and less exhausting career.

We find ourselves navigating a challenging path. We are being pushed by the relentless pace of AI evolution and the need to navigate to an uncertain future, while also avoiding known and unknown pitfalls. Despite the uncertainty, we must respond to the impact AI is already having in schools. Here are the priorities.

Strengthen governance and strategy. Set a clear vision with roles

and accountability and back it up with leadership and policy to give clear guardrails and guidance on how AI can support the delivery of school priorities. Treat AI-related risks as safeguarding issues, not IT problems – including issues around data, privacy, filtering and monitoring, hallucinations, deepfakes and persuasive chatbots.

Train every member of sta on the safe and e ective use of AI. Build confidence to use tools safely and productively, and raise awareness of the risks of bias, misuse and negative impact on children. Also prepare sta to support positive pupil use.

Re-think assessment to ensure continued academic integrity with explicit expectations and guidance, transparency and adjustments. Teach pupils to use AI to support e ective learning, not just e cient task completion.

The future is brought about by the thinking, choices and actions we all take. We cannot control the future of artificial intelligence, but we can control how we adopt the tools to better serve education and maximise positive impact across the education sector. This is why it’s essential that we spend time thinking deeply about the future of AI and take action today.

wellingtoncollege.org.uk

At the Heart of It

The meaning of a values-based education

Prospective families attending school open days this year will almost certainly encounter references to values, though these vary widely in clarity and application. The di culty for prospective families is working out how these value statements will translate into their child’s actual experience. There is an important distinction between an education in values and a values-based education. An education in values typically delivers knowledge about values through PSCHE lessons, assemblies, or presentations. Generally, information is shared; some discussions occur, job done. A values-based education (VbE) does include these aspects, but here the values are intrinsic to the learning environment and so integral to the school community that everything undertaken provides evidence of the values in action. Four core elements are commonly present:

“Our Quaker values are the basis for all of our decisions and interactions”

materials. Testimonials, school news, social media, alumni pathways and sta roles o er useful indicators. Roles such as ‘Assistant Head: Pupil Personal Development’ or ‘Peace and Global Studies Co-Ordinator’ signal institutional commitment, as does scheduled reflective practice.

leadership decisions guided by stated values; consistent modelling of values by sta ; shared language that helps students articulate values; and structured reflection time to consolidate learning and experience. The impact is often seen in stronger relationships and more positive community experiences. Deputy Head (Academic) at Leighton Park School, Reading, Alex Wallace, comments: “At Leighton Park, it is a real strength to be able to use our Quaker values as the basis for all the decisions we have to make and all the interactions we encounter.” This approach was recognised in Leighton Park’s latest ISI inspection as a ‘significant strength’.

For many families – particularly those with dual incomes or parents working overseas –it is reassuring to know that extended school days, wraparound care or boarding support the moral development they value at home.

Parents assessing whether a school truly delivers VbE can look beyond marketing

External validation can also help. Organisations such as Ashoka and Values-Based Education formally accredit schools, while International Baccalaureate programmes adhere to the IB Learner Profile, aiming to ‘develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.’ At Leighton Park, this framework has been extended school-wide, Alex explains: “Our school’s Learner Profile reminds and raises the importance of these key characteristics and helps the students to understand themselves to a greater depth.”

Ultimately the significance of a valuesbased education over and above the experience of an education in values lies in the extent to which students absorb, retain and manifest those values. Behaviours rooted in humanistic values learned whilst at school will benefit students for the rest of their lives. As Aristotle said: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

leightonpark.com

PAUSE for thought

St George’s School Windsor Castle strengthens its mindfulness programme

At St George’s School Windsor Castle, the new year has brought with it a renewed focus on helping children discover the power of a simple pause. Throughout the school day, students from Kindergarten to Year 8 are encouraged to stop for a moment, take a few deep breaths, and gently focus on their breathing.

Slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to lower heart rate, reduce stress hormones like cortisol and signal to the body that it is safe to relax. Studies show even a minute or two of controlled breathing can improve focus, emotional regulation and resilience.

This small habit is part of a wider programme at the school designed to support children’s mental health and, crucially, to help students build their own toolkit of coping strategies for use anytime they feel worried, overwhelmed or low.

In addition to a dedicated space for mindful activities, including a cosy teepee, audio books, board games and arts and crafts, students benefit from time spent with school dog, Olive. Students also have

access to independent counsellors onsite two mornings per week, as well as to the school’s eager team of Peer Listeners.

Specially trained volunteer Year 8 students, the Peer Listeners, provide an additional avenue of support for students who feel more comfortable opening up about their concerns with someone closer to them in age. Children in the older year groups also have the opportunity to craft their own student wellbeing plan. Working through this structured document helps the children to identify their own unique potential triggers and preferred coping strategies.

Furthermore, St George’s has recently partnered with The Wellbeing Hub, an online platform o ering students, sta and parents access to more than 2,000 evidence-based resources, including expert blogs, podcasts, videos, short courses and practical tools. By sharing trusted, science-led resources with families as well as children, the school encourages wellbeing to be supported consistently at home and at school.

Running from 9–15 February, many schools nationwide will use Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 as a springboard to further promote the importance of a proactive approach to student wellbeing. With this year’s

theme “This is My Place”, it seems a very fitting reflection of St George’s commitment to creating spaces where every child feels safe, supported and heard.

stgwindsor.org

Guiding the next generation

Guiding the next generation of boys and girls!

OPEN MORNING

Friday 6th March 2026

Agovernment EPPE study into childhood education showed that attendance at a higher quality preschool significantly improved Key Stage 1 and 2 performance, and even impacted 11+ and GCSE scores. At Heatherton, they know the value of early education, and have built a research-backed curriculum beginning at nursery that puts children on the best possible path to success.

They know that children begin their educational journey from the moment they walk through their nursery doors, which is why their co-educational nursery incorporates cutting-edge research and creative approaches to curriculum to maximise impact. Their early years care focuses on experiential play to build skills of inquiry and reflection, all while having fun. With two fully qualified teachers on sta and an exceptionally high sta -to-child ratio, they can individualise support to every child and help them thrive.

As children progress to Prep at Heatherton, only a gate away, they continue their enhanced learning provision with the administration of their ‘Heatherton Plus’ curriculum. Enhancing and advancing the standard National

Start Early,

Stay Ahead

The power of Early Years and single sex education at Heatherton

Curriculum, they entwine metacognitive thinking skills, character education, and early leadership opportunities to put children in the driving seat of their own learning. Combined with training and innovative collaboration with the ‘Early Excellence Foundation’, with whom Heatherton is a partner school, they have built an informed, constantly evolving curriculum. This helps set every child up not only for academic success, but well-rounded fulfilment.

At Reception, Heatherton becomes a single sex girls’ school to allow them to o er specialist care in a tailored schooling environment. A 2015 Swiss study showed that girls developed better confidence in their academic ability by being placed in an environment devoid of gender stereotypes, and they don’t ever want their girls to feel limited. For example, in recent years their push towards STEAM has worked to reinforce women’s place in science continually. With their initiative including a science laboratory that brings static classroom curricula to life, visits from women in STEAM and numerous coding clubs, they show girls that the world is their oyster. Evidence consistently shows that all-girls schools perform strongly in the 11+, and Heatherton is no exception. For the past decade, their 11+ pass rate has regularly

doubled the county average – over the last few years an average of 78% pass rate – clear proof of the power of their extended curriculum and the advantages of a single sex learning environment is beneficial for many pupils.

As part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group, they also see the long-term impact of their early years approach. Pupils who begin their educational journey with them go on to thrive at Berkhamsted Girls through GCSEs and within their co-educational Sixth Form for A-levels. This group structure allows them to continuously refine and adapt their curriculum so that it aligns with the evolving demands of higher education and the modern workplace.

At Heatherton, they never rest on their academic laurels. In a world that is changing at great speed, they remain committed to research-informed practice and fresh thinking. By embracing innovation and staying responsive to the needs of today’s learners, they ensure that every pupil is equipped – and inspired – to become truly remarkable.

Visit them at their Stay and Play on Friday 6th February and Open Event on Friday 8th May. Find out more by visiting berkhamsted.com/heatherton

Merchant Taylors’ School blends centuries of tradition with a bold, forwardthinking ethos. Set across 280 acres in Northwood, it provides a dynamic and rigorous education for boys aged 11–18, combining academic ambition with personal growth. Founded in 1561, the school has long been known for academic excellence, but its true strength lies in the way it nurtures the whole person – developing intellect, character and confidence in equal measure. Every boy is known, valued and supported through a distinctive coaching culture that sits at the heart of school life. Teachers act as mentors as well as educators, engaging boys in thoughtful conversations about their progress and aspirations. Through this approach, pupils learn to take ownership of their learning, to reflect on their strengths, and to see challenge as an opportunity for growth.

THRIVE

How Merchant Taylors’ School prepares its boys for any future that may lie ahead

The curriculum evolves from broad foundations in the lower years to deep subject mastery in the Sixth Form, supported by exceptional co-curricular opportunities in music, sport, drama, service and leadership. The boys also have the chance to involve themselves in a variety of charitable partnerships, taking leading roles in the organisation, fundraising and engagement with them.

Merchant Taylors’ flagship partnership with Phab raises money and culminates in an annual two week long residential camp led by the school’s Sixth Formers. The breadth ensures that every boy can explore his interests and discover his passions in an environment that celebrates individuality and encourages curiosity.

Merchant Taylors’ is also a place of innovation and reflection. New ideas are welcomed, and both sta and pupils are encouraged to embrace change with confidence and creativity. This innovation is reflected in the cutting-edge facilities on o er, from a world-class indoor cricket

training facility to university grade Design, Engineering and Technology facilities.

Pastoral care runs through the fabric of school life, ensuring that wellbeing, empathy and moral courage are central to every boy’s journey. The school’s system of vertical tutoring places pupils across all year groups into small groups with a dedicated tutor who knows, understands and supports their individual needs and development. When joining the school, new boys will have familiar and friendly faces across all age groups they can turn to and, thanks to a focus on a coaching culture, will mature into being role models themselves for new students who join in subsequent years.

The result is a holistic education that prepares boys not only to excel academically, but also to make a meaningful contribution to the world. Merchant Taylors’ boys leave as thoughtful, capable and compassionate young men – ready to lead, to serve and to thrive in an ever-changing world.

mtsn.org.uk

Time to Be a CHILD

Elstree School demonstrates how Early Years learning shapes a lifetime

Children thrive when curiosity, adventure, and a love of learning are nurtured. At Elstree, small classes, tailored teaching, and first-rate facilities, combined with outdoor exploration, help children grow in skills, confidence and resilience, preparing them for the next stage of their education.

The early years of a child’s education are among the most important in shaping who they will become. Learning at this stage is not just about numbers and letters – it’s about curiosity, confidence, and the joy of discovery. At Elstree, children from the age of two are welcomed into a happy, secure, and stimulating Nursery, where adventure and exploration are at the heart of every day. From climbing trees and exploring woodland to helping in the Pre-Prep garden, children develop independence, creativity, and a genuine love of learning that will stay with them long after they leave the classroom.

Small class sizes allow teachers to know each child individually – their strengths,

their interests, and areas where they need support. This understanding enables a personalised approach where children are challenged and encouraged to achieve their best. Outdoor learning is central to the Early Years experience: ‘Woodland Wednesdays’ gives children the chance to explore 150 acres of parkland and woods through playful, hands-on experiences that make learning active and meaningful.

As children move from Pre-Prep into Prep School, academic ambition continues to be balanced with play, creativity, and emotional growth. Bright classrooms, a brand-new Art Centre, modern Music School, and some of Berkshire’s finest sports pitches, alongside parkland, woods, and lakes, allow children to engage with the curriculum while enjoying a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Children are naturally curious about the digital world, and at Elstree they are guided to use technology safely and thoughtfully, always with care taken to protect the innocence and wonder of childhood. Children are encouraged to remain children for as long as possible,

learning to make friendships and find joy in the world around them. By balancing curiosity with care, challenge with play, and classroom learning with outdoor adventure, they develop empathy, confidence, and social skills alongside academic growth. Community is central to life at Elstree. Shared events – from concerts and performances to Sports Day, the Elstree Dog Show, Bonfire Night, and Summer Drinks – foster belonging, teamwork, and responsibility. For boarders, whether flexi or weekly, the school becomes a home-from-home, building independence, organisation, and lasting friendships. By the time pupils move on to Senior School, they do so with secure foundations: academically capable, socially confident, and emotionally resilient. An Elstree education equips children not only with knowledge and skills, but with curiosity, independence, a love of learning, and an ability to see opportunity and enjoyment in the world around them – qualities that serve them well beyond the classroom.

elstreeschool.org.uk

Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB

Telephone: 0118 978 9881 registrar@ludgrove.co.uk www.ludgrove.net

Instagram: ludgrove_school

Sink to SWIM

The Head of Pangbourne College, Oliver Knight, on why we need to let young people take ownership of mistakes so that they develop resilience

With 2026 now here, many schools and families are asking the same question: “How do we best prepare young people for the world they will inherit?” At a time of rapid change, digital distraction and growing pressures – from academics to social life, global competition to automation – one quality consistently marks out those who thrive, and that is resilience.

Resilience is the ability to respond to setbacks, endure di culty and persist in the face of challenge. And resilience does not simply appear. It is built, day by day, moment by moment and, very often, failure by failure. At its heart lies ownership. Young people must learn to take responsibility for their actions, decisions and growth if they are to flourish in adulthood. Too often, educational success is measured only by exam results or university entry. Yet research shows that many young people who excel academically struggle once they

step into higher education or the workplace. The issue is not intelligence but resilience. Without the ability to adapt, manage setbacks and self-regulate, the transition to independence can be overwhelming.

At Pangbourne College, we have made 'Taking Responsibility and Building Resilience' a guiding theme for the year. This reflects two powerful ideas: Extreme Ownership, from Jocko Willink’s book of the same name, and Steve Magness’s Do Hard Things, which argues that resilience is not innate, but developed through exposure to challenge and di culty. These are not motivational slogans, but practical principles for shaping young people of character, strength, and purpose. Building resilience requires a partnership between schools and families. Teachers can challenge and encourage students, but parents play an equally vital role at home. That is why we are communicating the same message to parents. Rescuing children too often or too quickly can undermine their development. Trusting the process, rather than fixing things is key. Allowing them

to experience discomfort, and supporting them in taking ownership, are important.

But consistency matters. Students are quick to spot mixed messages. If they sense that someone will lower the bar, excuse behaviour, or quietly tidy up after them, the lessons of responsibility will not stick. Parents and sta must support one another in holding the line – with kindness, yes, but also with conviction.

Let’s acknowledge something openly – this is not easy. Holding students accountable, allowing them to fail, resisting the rescue, goes against many of our instincts as educators and parents. It requires patience, emotional restraint, and a commitment to long-term growth over short-term comfort.

Yet every time we choose not to intervene, when it would be easier to fix the problem ourselves, we signal trust in the student’s potential. Every time we allow a consequence to land, we reinforce the belief that actions matter. Every time we step back and coach rather than rescue, we help build the resilience that will carry the young person far beyond school.

pangbourne.com

MANDARIN

ADVANTAGE

Antoine Rogeon of Queen Anne's School on why Mandarin is opening doors for its students, and the enriching experiences as part of learning

The British Council’s latest report has highlighted the gap between student demand and provision for Mandarin in the UK. While more than a third of young people say they would like the chance to study it, only a small proportion currently have the opportunity.

At Queen Anne’s School, we are proud to o er Mandarin as a core part of our curriculum. First introduced in September 2009, Mandarin has grown into a well-established subject here – we ensure that every

student in Lower 4 (Year 7) begins their journey with the language. This early exposure allows pupils to build a strong foundation and then choose to continue through to GCSE, where many go on to achieve outstanding results. We are delighted that this year, Mandarin GCSE candidates at our school achieved 100% A*/A grades.

CULTURE AND LANGUAGE

Mandarin at Queen Anne’s is about more than learning vocabulary and grammar. Students are encouraged to engage with the language in a cultural and creative context. Each year, our Chinese New Year assembly

brings the whole school together to celebrate. We include performances from students and sta , featuring music, drama, singing, and dancing. These showcase not only the language but also the vibrancy of Chinese culture and traditions.

Learning Mandarin at Queen Anne’s extends far beyond the classroom. Pupils take part in a rich programme of cultural activities that deepen their understanding of Chinese heritage.

Notable activities include cookery lessons each October, where our students learn how to make traditional mooncakes. Then, in June, we o er dragon boat activities – giving a taste of one of China’s most famous and exciting festivals. Learning goes further still as we host an end-of-year trip to a Chinese restaurant and the British Museum, connecting language learning to real-world cultural experiences.

MANDARIN GOALS

STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENGAGE WITH THE LANGUAGE IN A CULTURAL CONTEXT

The opportunity to study Mandarin is there for all students, and those who choose to take it further consistently excel in their academic studies. Year after year, our Mandarin learners demonstrate exceptional progress, reflecting both their commitment and the support of our specialist teaching provision. We are looking ahead in o ering this within our curriculum. By embedding Mandarin into the first year of secondary study and then providing a clear route through to GCSE, Queen Anne’s ensures that students have the chance to develop skills and broader understanding of one of the world’s most valuable languages.

The skills they gain – from linguistic precision to cultural awareness – stay with them long after their exams. Our goal is to equip them for the professional challenges and opportunities of a global future.

qas.org.uk

Quality Care and Education

EDUCATION NEWS

The latest from schools across the county

Hear

from the Heads

A new podcast episode has just been released with the new Head of Berkhamsted Girls and Head of Berkhamsted Boys Schools, Jo Vila and Tom Hockedy. This month on the ‘In the Berkhamstedian Spotlight’ podcast, Tom and Jo share insights on collaboration, educational opportunity, and what makes Berkhamsted such a special place to learn and work. Jo and Tom also explore the school’s “diamond” structure, which combines the strengths of a single-sex education at senior level with rich coeducational opportunities. From the use of their outstanding facilities across all sites, to co-curricular clubs and trips, pupils come together across the group in so many meaningful ways. Jo and Tom also reflect on their own journeys at Berkhamsted, including how they built their families here, and yes, Tom’s favourite ice cream. Tune in to the podcast now to find out more. berkhamsted.com/podcast

Warm welcome

Nestled in Berkshire countryside, Herries is a highly sought-a er co-educational school for children aged 2-11. The Nursery offers both a 47.2-week and a 34-week model, providing families with flexibility to suit their needs. In March 2025, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) recognised Herries’ commitment to excellence in a strong report, describing the school as a family-focused community that delivers high academic standards, a varied curriculum, and an inclusive, nurturing environment, enriched by a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. Small class sizes are pivotal to their success, enabling tailored teaching, individual attention and dedicated learning time. Through character education and a broad curriculum, pupils enjoy opportunities in public speaking, drama, music, art, sport and forest activities. Their commitment to sporting excellence was recognised in 2024, when Herries was shortlisted for the ISA Award for Outstanding Sport Provision in a Small School. They would be delighted to welcome you and show you around their fantastic school. herries.org.uk

High Praise

St George’s School Windsor Castle were celebrating last month a er it was announced they had passed their latest school inspection with flying colours. Judged to have met all of the required standards, the report compiled by the Independent Schools Inspectorate highlighted many positive aspects of the school’s provision. From “high levels of wellbeing” to an “extensive extra-curricular programme”, “highly individualised approaches” and “experienced and dedicated staff”, the report contained wide-ranging praise, reinforcing the school’s previous inspection outcome when it was judged to be excellent in all areas.

The report was also highly complimentary about the school’s students, noting that they are “articulate and confident” with “well-developed communication skills”. Concluding that St George’s “prepares students well for the next stages of their lives”, the full report is now accessible on both the ISI and the school website. stgwindsor.org

why everyone is talking about…

LONG Walk Live

A new two-day festival of music is heading to Windsor this summer

Windsor is set to come alive with music next summer as Long Walk Live – A Festival of Music launches its inaugural event, taking place on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th June. With permission granted by His Majesty The King, this two-day music event will take place on the Long Walk, with the backdrop of the iconic Windsor Castle.

Created by the community, for the community, Long Walk Live will showcase exciting bands, individual artists, professional tribute acts and incredible local talent all in front of thousands of local visitors for two unforgettable nights celebrating live music in one of the UK’s most historic and picturesque locations.

The first headline artists have been revealed. Chesney Hawkes will take to the stage as Friday night’s headliner, performing his classic hits and festival favourites. Chesney became one of the biggest pop stars of his era with his irresistible megahit The One and Only, becoming one of the most recognisable songs of a generation.

Having spent over a decade in LA, Chesney is finally back and bigger than ever, with his long-awaited comeback album Living Arrows securing BBC Radio 2’s coveted ‘album of the week’, and spawning the hit radio singles Get A Hold Of Yourself, Live Forever and LOUD!

On the Saturday, the spotlight turns to Boyzlife – the charismatic duo of Keith Du y (Boyzone) and Brian McFadden (Westlife) – who will perform an unforgettable selection of hits from the iconic back catalogues of both legendary boybands.

Supporting acts for both nights have also been announced. Warming the stage for Chesney Hawkes are DUA BEYOND and

ABBA INFERNO. These two incredible tribute acts will bring all the biggest Dua Lipa and ABBA hits. Saturday acts ahead of Boyzlife are MattMatics – the ultimate Ed Sheeran tribute – and SO TAYLOR, bringing a fresh, fun, and high-energy tribute to Taylor Swift’s biggest anthems.

The event is organised by the experienced local team behind Windsor’s Platinum Jubilee and Coronation celebrations, who are once again uniting the community through music and the joy of shared experience. The event will form part of Windsor Festival’s programme of events for 2026.

With a stunning castle backdrop, an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, and a promise of fantastic performances and summer vibes, Long Walk Live aims to establish itself as a highlight for local residents in 2026.

longwalklive.co.uk