STOKE PARK
COUNTRY CLUB SPA & HOTEL
ISSUE 12
SIR ANDREW STRAUSS OBE RUTH STRAUSS FOUNDATION TRAVEL - HEALTH & BEAUTY - GOLF - FOOD - FASHION - WEDDINGS - JEWELLERY - TENNIS
WELCOME With 2020 already upon us, I just wanted to reflect on 2019 and all the successes at the Club over the past 12 months. Firstly we celebrated our 111th year since becoming the UK’s first Country Club and I am sure that Nick ‘Pa’ Lane Jackson, who founded the Club in 1908, would be immensely proud of what it has become today. I hope you all had a great 2019 and enjoyed everything Stoke Park has to offer. There have been many fantastic social events which have taken place, from our ‘Meat the Chefs’ Evening, Bonfire Night, a brand new New Year’s Eve party and of course, not forgetting the magnificent week that was The Boodles! Guests enjoyed five days of glorious sunshine and we were delighted to welcome seven of the world’s top 20 male tennis superstars including Wimbledon Champion Novak Djokovic and the ATP Tour Finals Champion Stefanos Tsitsipas. I know that there is an even bigger social events calendar with brand new events this year so please do check out the calendar later on in the magazine. Stoke Park’s teams continue to have enjoyed huge success in competition - many congratulations to all the those who have not just triumphed but have been great ambassadors to our Club. In particular to Conor Gough who once again had a stellar year of success winning the English Men’s Amateur Championship and being selected to represent GB&I in the Walker Cup! I would like to thank our 2019 Lady and Men’s Golf Captains Alison Gillam and Mani Sharma for a superb year and the Club Tennis Captains Judy Cordingly and Tony Maycock. I would like to wish 2020 Golf Captain’s Judy Fitch and Paddy Mattar all the success for the year ahead. There have been many additions to our wonderful facilities including the two padel courts, pitching area and the incredible new indoor GolfZon golf simulators. This year we have continued to receive wonderful awards and accolades, recently being named England’s No.1 Golf Resort by Golf World and winning the Best Hotel for Golf award at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards. As always Stoke Park has supported over 150 charities this year and has helped raise vital funds for a huge range of local and national causes including our 2019 Golf Captain’s chosen charities, Bucks Mind and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. I wish you all a fantastic 2020!
Sir Andrew Strauss OBE Club President, Stoke Park
CONTENTS 8
GOLF NEWS Review of 2019
18
RUTH STRAUSS FOUNDATION
20
CREATING A MASTERPIECE Interview with Boodles designer Rebecca Hawkins
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OVER 250 COVERS, NOT A PROBLEM Meet our award-winning Chef, Chris Wheeler
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CROW & JESTER AND EJ CHURCHILL COLLABORATE Designer Simon Horsley tells us more
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THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER AT STOKE PARK
24
TENNIS AND PADEL NEWS
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PADEL TO THE MAX Kevin Palmer interviews Max Evans
31
THE ULTIMATE TOWN & COUNTRY STAYCATION
68
4 FABULOUS AFFILIATE CLUBS
34
MANDALA FLOW SPA REVIEW
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38
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT STOKE PARK The UK’s top media show their love
OUR PERFECT DAY Frances and Nicolas Thatcher tell us about their wedding
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CHRIS WHEELER RECIPE Our fabulous Chef shares a scrumptious recipe
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GYM NEWS
42
FROM TOP TO TOE Our Spa Director reveals her beauty secrets
45
THE BOODLES
48
SPORTSAID DAY
50
FROM BOARDROOM TO BALLGOWN Stoke Park is the ultimate entertaining venue
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RULE BRITANNIA Our fabulous fashion shoot
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IF YOU DRESS GOOD, YOU SHOULD SMELL GOOD TOO Shelley Maxwell picks her favourite scents
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STOKE PARK AT THE MOVIES
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THE PERFECT COMBINATION Justerini & Brooks’ Simon Watson matches delicious wines to Humphry’s dishes
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GAME ON We delve into the world of Esports
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SOCIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 2020
EDITOR Nick Downie ndownie@stokepark.com
DESIGNER Hayley Walker
ADVERTISING MANAGER Therese Cooklin therese@searchsocialweb.com
CONTRIBUTORS Angus Fraser M.B.E, Kevin Palmer, Penny Sambrook, Anna Thomas, Sarah Westbrook-Burr, Marc Codling, Daniella Saunders, Therese Cooklin, Simon Watson, Dominic Sacco, Shelley Maxwell.
Stoke Park Magazine is published by Stoke Park Limited. Park Road Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG T: 01753 717171 www.stokepark.com
All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publishers. Although the Publisher has endeavoured to ensure that all the information within this issue is correct- prices and details are subject to change. Copyright © 2020 Stoke Park Limited
Golf in 2019 An incredible year of golf at the Club and look forward to what’s in store for 2020!
COLT CUP 2019 Sunday 7th July
The Colt Cup weekend traditionally begins with the Colt-Mackenzie Challenge Match on the Saturday, between the previous year’s Colt Cup winners and the current Mackenzie Club champions. Due to last minute problems for both teams, the fixture did not take place. However, on Sunday 7th July, Stoke Park welcomed the biggest field ever for the prestigious Colt Cup competition. Teams of 3 players from 35 clubs travelled from all four corners of the UK and internationally from as far afield as Toronto in Canada. Playing all three nines, in a best 2 from 3 scores format, the day saw steady scoring across the board. After the morning 18 holes in patchy rain, it was by no means obvious who might emerge victorious although half a dozen teams had laid solid foundations. The rain cleared later in the day and by the time that the afternoon scores were in, Canterbury were the clear winners on a team total of 110 points. Three other teams tied on 107 points, calling for a countback in which all 9 team scores were counted. The Northern Irish team of Belvoir Park (who also claimed the Overseas Trophy) came 2nd with a total combined 150 points, ahead of Sudbury Golf Club in 3rd with a total of 149 points. A great day for everyone involved and we can look forward to welcoming most of the teams back in 2020.
Lady
Captain’s Day Ladies’ Captain Alison Gillam picked a USA theme for her Captain’s Charity Day on Tuesday 10th July with lady golfers producing a colourful display in their red, white and blue outfits. Representatives from the Lady Captain’s Charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, were on hand to lend their support – 7 month old pup in training Vincent with his humans, Claire and Mike Coote. 8
It was a lovely day for golf, everyone was in good spirits and some excellent scores were to be had. The day’s results were: Individual Winner & Lady Captain’s Vase: Jilly Jordan - 41 points 1st Team: Jane Luckhurst, Pat Sansom, Joan Kemble - 87 points ocb 2nd Team: Jilly Jordan, Sarah Dinnie, Jenny Wicks - 87 points 3rd Team: Judy Fitch, Julie Cunnah, Jill Dodds - 84 points ocb Nearest the Pin 7th Hole: Silvia Anderson Nearest the Pin 11th Hole: Jill Dodds Best Dressed Team: Joanna Baker, Kate Eckersley, Sue Dickie Afterwards, the ladies enjoyed a suitably themed meal, showed the limits of their Florida-related knowledge in the “Heads and Tails” and were entertained by the smooth patter of guest auctioneer, Michael Jacobs.
Scratch Championships Weather threatened to put a dampener on the 2019 Club Championships on Saturday 27th July. There had been substantial rain overnight which continued into the morning. Inspecting the course ahead of the competition, Stuart Collier and Alex Millar took the decision to change some of the pin positions to areas on the greens where flooding could be avoided. With 36 holes of golf planned, the small but competitive field of 24 of the club’s best golfers started out from 8.00 am. Leading them out were three of the club’s plus handicap golfers - Luke Rusher, Kevin Freeman (both +2) and Tom Lawson (+3). Unexpectedly, while still showery and overcast, the weather turned out to be more benevolent than the forecast with positive scoring across the board. The outstanding morning round came from 11 handicapper Michael Jacobs who recorded a superb 4 over par 74 – quite an achievement in less than perfect conditions off the blue tees. The three plus handicappers continued their form into the afternoon where elsewhere scoring faltered a little. Luke Rusher, carding a gross 69 to go with his morning round of gross 68, emerged the victor by 2 shots with a 3 under par total of 137. Prize-winners were: 1st - Luke Rusher 68, 69 - Gross 137 2nd - Tom Lawson 72, 67 - Gross 139 3rd - Kevin Freeman - 72, 68 - Gross 140 Nett Aggregate - Michael Jacobs - Nett 136 Over 55s - Julian Steadman - Gross 157
John Gough
Stoke Park played host to the BB&O Championship on 9th & 10th August. The weather wasn’t kind for the 72 competitors with very strong winds and heavy rain on the Friday. However the storms did not stop John Gough (Stoke Park) who shot a very solid 68 (-2), closely followed by James Brockington (Henley) firing a 69 in the morning round.
is BB&O Champion
As the day progressed, the weather got worse, John was able to maintain his form by shooting a 71 in the afternoon. Tom Lawson (Stoke Park) and Olly Huggins (Frilford Heath) were able to match this score and were only a couple shots back heading into the final rounds. With the top 16 and ties progressing to the Saturday the players knuckled down in the bad weather and grinded out the last 18 holes on Friday. In the end, 20 players progressed to the final rounds with a total of +11 making the cut. The wind picked up making Saturday a very tough scoring day. Shane Slatter (Calcot Park) and Olly Huggins both shot the lowest morning round of 72; this meant that Olly was only 2 shots back heading into the final round. John Gough shot 75 in the morning giving him a one shot lead ahead of Tom Lawson, who maintained his form and fired a 73. With the chasing pack not far behind it was all to play for in the afternoon. Melan Dhaubhadel (Calcot Park) shot the best round of the day 69 (-1) in tough conditions in the afternoon. It became close on the back nine between Olly Huggins, Tom Lawson and John Gough. John kept his round going and was able to grind a round of 70 (level) to clinch the title ahead of both Tom and Olly with a 284 (+4) total.
MEETING
LADIES AUTUMN
Well played to all those involved.
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Following a week of rain deluge, 35 intrepid lady golfers braved the elements to take part in the Autumn Meeting on Tuesday 15th October. Their fortitude was rewarded with a rain & wind-free warm Autumn day albeit that the soggy, muddy course did little to help the scoring. After play, they were treated to an excellent 3-course meal and a display of cashmere goodies by Winser London who also kindly donated two raffle prizes and made a contribution to the Lady Captain’s Charity. The winners of the day were: Silver Winner Bronze Winner Next Best 2nd Next Best 3rd Nearest the Pin Winners
Evgenia Kinebas Laura Corbidge Susanne Vahlgren Sarah Dinnie Sarah Dinnie Anne Worby
30 pts 30 pts 30 pts 28 pts (7th) (15th)
Our Pro’s host our Golf Members for the annual competition
PRO’S DAY 2019 136 competitors took part in the Pro’s Day Shootout on Saturday 7th September. An exciting format with some excellent prizes on offer, including first prizes of 7-night holidays for 2 people offered by sponsor Puntacana Resort in the Dominican Republic. The first phase of the competition split the players playing Betterball Pairs Stableford across 12 flights, with the winners of each flight progressing to the Shoot out; they were:(Ladies) 43 Christine Connelly & Elaine Mason (Mixed 1) 44 Mike & Wendy Fretwell (Mixed 2) 43 Andrew & Sarah Dinnie (Seniors) 47 Colin Bonsey & Richard Whittington (Internationals) 42 Jason Bellissimo & Sean Maclean (Mid Week Roll Up) 42 Alan Curtiss & Graham Rhodes (Saturday Roll Up) 48 Tony Maycock & Mark Edwards (Sunday Roll Up) 45 Michael Davidson & Ian Mitchell (The Tourists) 46 Hardev Jalif & Nick Maugham (The Generals) 41 Nimesh Verma & Graham Rixon (Single Figures) 44 Rachel Mackinlay & Billy Wood (Sponsors) 44 Ivan Norman & Stephen Speller
The shootout took place over 4 holes – 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th – with the best scoring pairs moving forward. 12 pairs were reduced to 6 for 16th, then to 4 for the 17th until the final 2 pairs battled it out on the 18th.
Tourists Hardev Jalif and Nick Maugham scored 5 nett 4 to equal the par of Sponsors team Ivan Norman and Stephen Speller. However, in a sudden death Putt-Off, Speller’s one putt proved too much for Hardev whose best effort failed to find the cup. Nevertheless, congratulations to all the finalists who played some great entertaining golf. A special mention to Hardev Jalif who on the way to winning his flight alongside Nick Maugham, recorded a Hole in One on 21st. Over 100 members, staff and sponsors went on to party late into the night enjoying a delicious 4-course meal.
There was a variety of top notch entertainment on offer including a DJ and casino tables but the highlight of the evening was the set by Jazz and Swing Vocalist Cole Page who enlisted the assistance of some of the members to get the party started. Thanks to all the members who came along during the day and evening for making Pro’s Day a resounding success. 11
MEN’S
PRESENTATION DINNER 2019
The board is to be put on permanent display in the Lower Corridor near the Stewards Area – look out for it when you are at the club, it really does make interesting reading. Then it was time for the Special Guest Speaker – “Donald Trumped” (as portrayed by Mike Osman) accompanied by an associate with an uncanny resemblance to a certain North Korean despot. A very successful evening, enjoyed by all who attended, and a great start to Paddy Mattar’s year.
The annual presentation dinner sees the outgoing captain hand over the reins to his successor and all the main trophies being awarded plus usually a few entertaining surprises. This year was no exception. The evening started with a sumptuous 4-course black tie dinner and freely flowing wines.
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After a brief overview of his year by outgoing captain, Mani Sharma, he presented the official blazer to incoming 2020 captain, Paddy Mattar. Paddy also introduced Michael Jacobs as his Vice Captain.
The presentation of about 40 of the club’s main Trophies followed including a special series of presentations to Conor Gough. Representatives of England Golf and the BB&O attended to congratulate him on a great year, presenting him with the English Men’s Amateur trophy and BB&O Junior of the Year trophies. Roger King presented Conor with an engraved Tag Hauer watch on behalf of the Club and the King family to commemorate an exceptional couple of years. Also unveiled was a specially designed achievement board outlining his progress and performance to date.
Conor Gough Continuing his stellar success throught 2019
I
n 2019, his GCSE year, it could not have been envisaged that Conor Gough could top his achievements in 2018 – winning the Fairhaven Trophies, the MacGregor, the British Boys at Royal Portrush and his award from England Golf for “Performance of the Year” . However, his stellar form continued and in March 2019, Conor won the Nick Faldo’s Major Champions Invitational in Florida with a 4 round total of 16 under. His first big UK start this year saw him line up amongst over 280 competitors in the English Men’s Amateur Championship at North Hants and Hankley Common between 30th July – 4th August. He made it comfortably through to the last 64 to contest the Matchplay rounds and all the way through to the Final where his victory made him the second youngest player ever to secure the Men’s title. This performance cemented his place in the GB&I Walker Cup Team to play againstthe USA Hoylake on 7th & 8th September. The youngest player by a margin, he played in 4 matches, 2 x singles and 2 x doubles, securing 2 wins. His competitive season ended with yet another victory in the invite only Duke of York Young Champions Trophy at Royal Portrush 10th-12th September amongst a field of 63 of the world’s most talented male and female junior golfers from 37 countries. In true Conor style, he led the event from start to finish, ending up 6 shots clear of the nearest rival. Ending a spectacular 2019 as number 1 in Europe (and 3rd in the world), it will be exciting to see what this supremely talented young man can do in 2020.
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Mixed Section 2019
2020 Captains U
nder the stewardship of Mike and Wendy Fretwell, the Mixed section has been very active in 2019. There have been several mixed competitions including Bank Holiday majors and midweek Nine & Dine evenings plus a number of trips away. As Wendy & Mike would say, the section comprises an enthusiastic and eclectic group of golfers who enjoy the social side of golf but also enjoy competition and the thrill of winning a trophy. These three major events either have a formal meal or a buffet following golf. The Easter Cup (Pairs Betterball), held on 22nd April, was won by Michael & Julie Cunnah with an excellent 42 points. The Wally Stephens Cup (Greensomes), held on 6th May, was won by Steve & Silvia Anderson with 40 points. The Joe Lawrence Cup (Pairs Betterball), held on 26th August, was won by Kevin McNally & Beryl Owens with a worthy 43 points. The section had 5 Mixed Matches this year against other prestigious Golf Clubs in the area (Moor Park, Foxhills, Woburn, Bearwood Lakes and Camberley Heath). The “Nine & Dine” competitions are fun and open to all members, whether couples or individuals. A special welcome is given to new members who wish to meet existing members and gain confidence playing golf. Two away trips were also organised: In July, 36 mixed golfers stayed 2 nights at The Vale in Wales and in early October, 16 couples returned to the luxury Costa Navarino Resort in Greece. Mike and Wendy have been fantastic organisers of the Mixed section for the past three years and much thanks is due to them for the popularity of all the various events on offer and their efforts in welcoming new members. For 2020, they now hand over the baton to another stalwart couple – Russell Lloyd and Michelle Leveridge who we are sure will continue the good work of their predecessors.
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2019 Captains, Alison Gilham and Mani Sharma, recently stepped down from their posts and handed the reins to their Vice Captains. New Club Captain Paddy Mattar commenced his tenure at the Men’s Presentation Dinner when he was presented with his Captain’s blazer. Mani was pleased with the achievements of his year which included raising the sum of £13700 being raised for his chosen charity, Bucks Mind.
Meanwhile, the new Ladies’ Captain Judy Fitch took up her office a couple of weeks later at the Ladies Christmas Lunch when she received her gold badge of office from Alison Gilham. Alison’s Charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, were delighted with the fund raising efforts of the Stoke Park ladies and their Co-founder and Vice Chair, Bruce Fogle O.B.E., and attended the Ladies’ AGM with some canine friends to receive a cheque for £20,000.
KEY DATES IN 2020 Friday 6th March
Seniors Dinner
Saturday 6th June Captain’s Day Sunday 5th July
Colt Cup
Tuesday 7th July
Lady Captain’s Day
Friday 17th July
Stoke Park Trophy (Men’s Scratch Open)
Saturday 5th September Pro’s Day Thursday 1st October
Mixed Open
Friday 20th November
Men’s Presentation Dinner
Golfzon
SIMULATORS ADD TO FACILITIES AT LEADBETTER GOLF ACADEMY’S EUROPEAN HQ Golfers visiting the Leadbetter Golf Academy European headquarters at Stoke Park can now take advantage of three state-of-the-art GOLFZON simulators. The newly installed technology, in the indoor studio, provides the ultimate educational facility, teaming the world’s best-selling golf simulators with coaches from the best-known academy. And it was put through its paces by David Leadbetter himself at the launch, with assistance from former Chelsea footballer Gianfranco Zola – a five-handicapper and keen golfer, who also received a few tips from the legendary coach with the data instantly on hand to analyse. Each of the high-definition simulators comprises two high-speed cameras, equipped with the proprietary T2 sensor, which accurately traces club movement and impact of all shots, including mishit shots and individual flaws. Fast processing of high-precision data displays immediate launch of the ball, adding to the sense of realism. Additionally, GOLFZON’s moving Swing Plate – a high-tech tee mat – automatically adjusts to uphill, downhill, and side-hill lies, by simulating course slopes from the tee box to the putting green, with the user or coach able to determine the slope setting at the start of the session. David Leadbetter is regarded by many as the world’s premier golf instructor, with 26 major champions and seven world number ones among his clientele. The global network of the 40 Leadbetter Golf Academies spans 15 countries and includes more than 100 highly-trained certified instructors and there is increasing use of modern technology in the holistic approach to coaching and tuition. The data the technology captures will ensure coaches can deliver more focussed practice for their students, while Leadbetter believes there can no longer be any excuses to skip the practice to avoid the wind and rain.
He said: “This is the start of a new era for Leadbetter Golf Academies. With the backing of GOLFZON, we are now able to offer our premium coaching through advanced GDR simulator technology. The goal is to make it easier and more convenient for golfers to learn and improve. “Stoke Park is an important location for us to showcase our combined coaching and technology offering as we look to open further locations around the world.”
This is the start
of a new era for Leadbetter Golf
Stoke Park’s Director of Golf Stuart Collier said: “We are delighted to have the GOLFZON simulators at Stoke Park which is a huge upgrade to the facility and offering for our members and guests. For us, one of the most unique features is the ability to be able to play and practice on our own course, perfect for working with an instructor on your course management, which takes playing lessons to the next level.
Academies. He said: “We hope the new GOLFZON-Leadbetter Indoor Academy will prove to be a great facility for members and guests at Stoke Park to practice and play indoors. There can “For our hotel residents and visitors, it’s a great opportunity to be no more excuses about the weather! Year-round golfers practice on the simulators before you play the golf course for real.” will now be able to work on their game and track their progress, making the time they do practice more effective.” John Kim, head of the global business division at GOLFZON, said: Simply from a leisure perspective, the simulators offer more than 200 courses “GDR’s state-of-the-art technology has been chosen as the ‘Official Training Simulators’ of the National Golf Team of Korea, China, Taiwan, and from across the globe including Stoke Park, St Andrews, Pebble Beach and Spain. The GDR’s ultra high-speed, dual-camera sensor records at 2,000 many more, which provide incredible realism and can be accessed with the FPS and extracts shot data. With Leadbetter’s coaching knowledge, that will click of a button. reshape the golf industry.” Leadbetter Golf Academy’s chief executive, Ben Riches, believes it For more information about the Leadbetter Academy please contact the underlines the commitment to new technology which takes instruction and team on golfacademy@stokepark.com or by calling 01753 71 71 84. coaching into an exciting new period.
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S-Thetics Clinic specialises in the very latest in regenerative Aesthetic treatments for the Face, Body & Skin • Surgeon-led by Miss Sherina Balaratnam MBBS, MRCS, MSC (UCL) • Multi award-winning clinic located in Beaconsfield Old Town • Advanced cosmeceutical skincare
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S-THETICS MEDICAL AESTHETIC CLINIC Marlborough House, 45 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LZ
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The “S” in S-Thetics is Miss Sherina Balaratnam (MBBS, MRCS, MSc (UCL)) a highly experienced former NHS surgeon and cosmetic doctor with extensive plastic surgical training. She has devoted the last nine years of her medical career to specialising in the latest nonsurgical cosmetic treatment innovations. Her subtle and highly personalised approach to facial rejuvenation has earned her a place as one of the UK’s leading non-surgical cosmetic specialists. She holds the prestigious title of “Local Country Ambassador” (LCA) for Allergan, the manufacturers of BOTOX® and the Juvederm® range of dermal fillers. As one of only nine UK surgeons and doctors selected as an LCA, she regularly trains and mentors other health care professionals in advanced injectable techniques and treatment strategies such as the MD Codes™. As well as being renowned for advanced cosmetic injectable treatments, at S-Thetics we have a key focus on skin health, with treatments ranging from medical grade facials through to acne and scarring management using topical cosmeceuticals, microneedling and laser skin resurfacing.
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Named Miss Sherina Balaratnam 1 of the UK’s Top 5 Doctors for Facial Filler treatment In the Tatler 2019 / 2020 Beauty & Cosmetic Surgery Guide & One of Four Super Clinics located outside London Winner of ‘Best Clinic South England’ At the 2017 / 2018 Aesthetics Awards
Winner of ‘Clinic Reception Team of the Year, UK and Ireland’ At the 2016/2017 & 2018 / 2019 Aesthetics Awards
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“Miss Balaratnam’s super discreet S-Thetics clinic is based in a 200-year-old coach house just off Beaconsfield’s High Street: there’s no sign, it doesn’t look clinic-y, and high profile clients make the easy 35-minute drive for her seamless Botox and filler work, high-tech body treatments and skin programmes.” DAILY TELEGRAPH, OLIVIA FALCON’S BLACK BOOK OF NAMES TO KNOW
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01494 670990 info@sthetics.co.uk
Ruth Strauss Foundation By Angus Fraser M.B.E
It was during a wonderfully enjoyable long weekend away in Tuscany with a group of close friends that Ruth mentioned to the girls that she hadn’t been feeling too well. The trip, in October 2017, had been organised by Ruth to celebrate Andrew’s 40th birthday. In between glasses of Pinot Grigio the girls, quite rightly, told Ruth to make sure she got herself checked out when she returned home. This Ruth did and six weeks later Andrew informed us all of the devastating news that Ruth had been diagnosed with an incurable form of non-smoking lung cancer. The cancer was at stage four, which meant the treatment Ruth would receive was only life-lengthening. The outlook, tragically, was not very good at all. Despite such desperate news Ruth remained positive and energised. Not once was she seen feeling sorry for herself. As had always been the case she continued to show greater concern in other people, especially her family, than herself. Realising that she did not have long to live Ruth wanted to make sure that her family were as well prepared as they could possibly be for her death. Ruth lost her battle with this dreadful disease surrounded by her family in Ballarat, Australia, on 29 December 2018. The news was greeted with great sadness in many corners of the world. Everyone who had had the pleasure of spending time in the company of this selfless, caring, loving, remarkable and beautiful woman was heartbroken. Before Ruth’s death she and Andrew spent time wondering how something positive could come out of this terrible situation. And it was 18
there, in and around a hospital bed, on an A4 piece of paper, the pair produced an outline of what The Ruth Strauss Foundation would stand for. On a page, under the headline ‘Ruth’s Angels’, was a list containing: ‘Fighting the good fight’, ‘bringing people together’, ‘coordinating information’, ‘death is not a taboo’, ‘doing it well’, ‘keeping families together’, ‘support’ and ‘learning to go through grief ’. At the bottom of the page was RSF with the words Research, Support and Families. Before the end of January 2019 Andrew, with even greater determination than he had shown as captain of the England cricket team, began to bring The Ruth Strauss Foundation together. A number of meetings with close friends took place in a pub in South Kensington and in early March a first meeting of the Trustees took place at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Andrew’s goal was to create a worthy legacy for Ruth’s name by making a positive impact on people’s lives. The publicity, sympathy and reaction to Ruth’s death, and the genuine love and goodwill that was shown to Andrew and the family, meant that Andrew had been inundated with offers of support for whatever he decided to do. The values and reasons for the Foundation – Fighting the lung cancers you don’t hear about. Supporting the suffering you don’t see – were created and a Robin, which was Ruth’s spirit animal, was chosen as the symbol of the organisation. Red was to be its colour.
The mission had become clear. It was to – 1) Raise awareness and funds for research into rare lung cancers 2) Support families with an incurable cancer diagnosis who have dependent children In a year in which so many people have shown remarkable generosity and humbling support for this fledgling foundation the highlight was, undoubtedly, 15 August 2019. On day two of the 2nd Ashes Test between England and Australia, and with unbelievable help from the England and Wales Cricket Board, The Marylebone Cricket Club and Cancer Research UK, cricket showed its love and affection for Ruth and the Strauss family by turning Lord’s red. Watching cricket and the country react as it did that day was both numbing and incredibly moving, especially to those who knew Ruth. It highlighted the great things sport can achieve and it also raised more than £500,000 for the Foundation. Approaching its 1st birthday RSF has achieved a huge amount and the Foundation would like to thank everyone who, in any capacity, has contributed. The aim of RSF is to make 2020 an even better year than 2019 and for the Foundation to start making the positive impact on people’s lives it wants to. RSF invites you to become involved by organising an event to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation. It doesn’t matter how big or small the event is and it can be as much about community and fun as you want. These are what Ruth was all about.
If you would like to become involved or to receive further information please contact us at info@ruthstraussfoundation.com
Creating a masterpiece Established over two centuries ago in 1798, Boodles is an exciting British fine jeweller with a truly individual personality and a committed focus to achieving excellence in all facets of design, craftsmanship & service. From the days of the Empire, Britain has been known for exquisite craftsmanship and unique design. Since aspiring to design all of their pieces in-house, Boodles has shown the same British flair in carving a niche for original and innovative pieces. From the mining of the stone to the vision behind the design, each piece of Boodles jewellery has its own story to tell. Skilled teams work closely together to do justice to each design, creating flawless pieces that become the pride and joy of the wearer. Nick Downie catches up with Rebecca Hawkins, Head of Design at Boodles, for a glimpse into their magical world‌
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Rebecca, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. Tell me about your background and how you became a jewellery designer? I have been passionate about the decorative arts from an early age and this led me to do a degree in three-dimensional design specialising in silverware and jewellery. How long have you worked at Boodles and what attracted you to the brand?
back to life and new beginnings for the characters as well as the garden itself. The partly deconstructed brick motif with plant life bursting through in the “Walled Garden” series is intended to bring a sense of the breaking down of barriers that happens as the tale unfolds, as well as the initial sense of mystery which is felt on first discovering the walled garden in both the book and the film.
I joined Boodles’ in 1990 making 2020 my 30th year. I was attracted to the brand for the reasons also outlined in Q4, there was clearly a love of gem stones and jewellery within the company as well as a strong drive to develop and evolve their own style, so to be part of this evolution and be closely involved with developing and shaping the Boodles aesthetic was an amazing opportunity and a challenge not to be missed.
Boodles’ is a very energetic brand with a strong desire to be always moving forward and developing new ideas. It is a family business which intensifies the passion for exquisite gemstones and this love of jewellery is genuinely felt throughout the business. We are constantly evaluating how our collections can be even better through hidden details and subtle nuances and challenging ourselves to create complex and unique jewels. We are also very in touch with our clients.
Finally of all the wonderful pieces you have created, do you have a personal favourite? This is always a very difficult question especially with thirty years of designs to choose from and designs become favourites for different reasons. From the most recent Wonderland Collection I have two favourites, The Ice Skaters cuff, it has the most beautiful moonstones which I fell in love with as soon as I saw them and the finished creation has a quiet mesmerising quality. Another favourite from that collection is the Songbird and Waterfall necklace, water as a motif is something that really inspires me and this particular necklace feels so fluid and captures the essence of the inspiration, I was also very taken with the vibrancy of the tsavorites and how they express the delight of newly green leaves. For different reasons I have a great fondness for the Raindance ring, it has become so well loved and celebrates its 20th birthday this year. Find out more at Boodles.com
I understand the new collection is inspired by the upcoming Secret Garden film. Tell me about the design process, how do you begin in the creation of your beautiful work? The collection is inspired by the new film and I wanted the designs to reflect key scenes and to forge a connection with this specific adaptation, but also to interpret the themes of this much-loved book which I hope will make the final jewels resonate with those who remember the story from childhood. I was particularly interested in using motifs representative of discovery, mystery and new beginnings as the unifying ideas. For example, the shape of a keyhole is explored in different ways including a silhouette of a partly obscured garden layered within. A snowdrop motif picked out in bright white diamonds is used to represent the garden coming
Boodles is a much loved British brand – how do you keep yourselves at the pinnacle of the industry?
The process started with becoming reacquainted with the story, visiting some of the gardens where the filming took place and investigating the creative interpretations of the story that the filmmakers had woven into the costumes, interiors and garden settings. Gradually the concept behind the collection gained more structure and the designs themselves started to take shape, initially as pencil sketches followed by more detailed drawings and selecting gemstones to add another layer into the portrayal of the narrative in the form of fine jewellery.
The Grass is always Greener at Stoke Park... By Kevin Palmer Stoke Park boasts some of the most exquisite grass courts in Britain, with Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic among those eager to extoll the virtues of a playing surface he graced during last year’s Boodles event. 22
“It is always great to come to Stoke Park again as you know you will get incredible grass courts to play on in the week before Wimbledon,” says the Serbian, who went on to beat Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final after starting his grass-court season with two matches at Stoke Park. “It’s a beautiful environment, a great tournament and all played at a fantastic location. I’ve been playing here since 2007 and I’m good friends with Patricio Apey, the man in charge of organisation for the event. “It’s good preparation for Wimbledon against good-quality opponents, wonderful courts, but at the same time moves you away from the stressful moments you get in the biggest tournaments in the world.” Our pristine grass courts will be welcoming back some of the world’s top players once more for the Boodles tennis in June and while matching the performances of the game’s elite may be beyond most of us, Stoke Park Head Tennis coach Marc Codling gave us his tips on how to shine on a grass court:
THE VOLLEY
Marc says: I feel we may now see a resurgence in players who excel in volleying for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is a good way to win the point quickly and that can be important in a long match or if you are at the back end of your career, as some of the biggest stars in our game are now. If you are an attacking player, you need to be able to volley and it is not an easy skill. Your reaction time is cut down dramatically when you are at the net, so you cannot swing the racket as much as you would at the back of the court as it would be impossible to control the ball. The important factor as a volleyer is to cut your swing down, get your body weight moving forward and give yourself the best chance of making solid contact in front of you. The grip is also vital in volleying and we want to see a chopper grip that allows you to be able to play forehands and backhands with the same grip and also low and high volleys.
SECOND SERVE Marc says: A lot of club players spend a lot of time working on their first serves, but maybe they should spend more time developing a strong and reliable second serve. If you have confidence in your second serve and believe it will work for you, it gives you a chance to go for more on the first serve. Club players tend to have a second serve that is just a slower version of their first serve, but that tends to become a more negative shot as a match gets tight towards the end. The way to deal with that is to develop some slice or topspin on the ball and you can do this by hitting different parts of the ball as you serve, which helps you to develop spin. It is also vital that you maintain your racket head speed at all times through the service motion to allow greater amounts of spin.
POSITION ON THE COURT Marc says: Even on a grass court, the sport is now based around playing from the baseline, but the best players can vary that approach. Roger Federer has reinvented himself a little in the last few years and Novak Djokovic is looking to come into the net a little more now. That is one way to beat someone like Rafael Nadal, who is so good from the back of the court, so we are seeing players adapt the way they play to try and overcome a dominant baseliner.
USE OF SLICE
Marc says: I think slice is really important and it is a key skill to have because on grass, the ball tends to stay low and skid. As you look to approach the net, a slice shot can be so valuable to get you into position to win a point. Slice offers two benefits as first of all it will keep the ball low on the court and secondly, it will force the opponent to hit the ball up and that will help you with your volley.
SINGLE HANDED BACKHAND
Marc says: When I am teaching a young child who has never played tennis before the basics of the game, I start them with a doubled handed backhand. The reason? It is just easier to master and gives you more control, which is why we see so many players at the top of the game using it. However, a single-handed backhand is still a wonderful shot to have in your armoury for a number of reasons. You have more reach with a singlehander, you can switch between slice and forehand very easily and the best volleyers in the game have tended to be single-handers. Stoke Park’s tennis facilities are amongst the finest in the country, with four floodlit artificial clay courts, three indoor carpet courts and six Wimbledon specification grass courts, ensuring that the game can be played and enjoyed all year round.
Club Tennis Champs 2019 The Club Tennis Championships saw over 220 players battle it out over 6 events. This year we added a more fun “mixed doubles handicap” event and also ran plate competitions for all main events. The finals day was a great success held the day after The Boodles finished so we were able to utilise the player marquee for spectators, players and guests to enjoy the tennis and wonderful food on offer. The main finals were all umpired by the coaches and it was great to see a much wider cross section of members competing in main and plate finals. We hope to add junior events for 2020!
To tennis or to padel,
that is the question?
Head Coach Marc Codling reflects on a great year of tennis and padel at the Club! What an unbelievably busy year it’s been at Stoke Park on and off the padel and tennis courts throughout 2019!
24
We kicked off the year with a “Time 4 Tennis” programme where we offered gym members a chance to participate in a 6-week tennis coaching block and then benefit from an upgrade membership offer. So far we have had over 40 new tennis members through this and they have been a very active part of the tennis community – booking courts, lessons and supporting social events. In time, they will be able to filter in the club roll-up sessions and be part of the teams. The adult tennis provision now caters for players of all standards – from beginner to first team level and it has been really exciting to watch this grow and develop.
TENNIS Team news
The club runs a plethora of teams representing the club in the winter and summer season. The highlights for the winter Bucks Shield 2018/19 season were: Division wins for the Mens Vets 45+. The 1st team won division 1 and the 2nd team won division 4 so Stoke Park did the historic double! The teams were amazingly captained by Tony Maycock, Men’s Club Captain, who did a great effort galvanising the team and managing to put out strong teams for each match. 1st team players: Shiel Kumar, Tony Maycock, David Hobson, Len Rosso, Wayne Newlands, Marc Codling, Tim Clarke, Luke Reynolds 2nd team players: Tony Maycock, Stuart Jackson, Chester King, Tim Clarke, Sarat Afsar, David Hobson, Shiel Kumar, Hertford King, Mark Catton, Mark Barnett, Marc Codling.
The Mixed Vets finished 2nd in division 2 and have gained promotion to division 1. Toni Tucker has done a great job at gradually working the team’s way up the leagues. Players who played for this team were: Anne Harvey, Shiel Kumar, Rene Taylor, Chester King, Dave Sellers, Stephanie Grosse, Hertford King, Judy Cordingley, Wayne Newlands, Tim Clarke and Toni Tucker. Spring Mid-week leagues: Stoke Park runs 4 ladies in the charity mid-week league where we have over 50 ladies in team squads. The ladies 1st team won division 2 so well done to Judy Cordingley, Ladies Club Captain, and her team. We ran 4 teams again in the Summer mid-week league where the Ladies 1st team won division 2.
The highlights for the summer Bucks Shield 2019 were: Mens 1st team finished 2nd in division 1 whilst the Mens 2nd team repeated their winter feat and gained promotion by finishing 1st in division 4. The Ladies 1st team came 2nd in division 1 and the Medley 2 pair team came also in division 1. A big thankyou to all Captains, especially our Club Captains Judy & Tony for all of the hard work that you do on and off the court; Shiel Kumar, Tony Maycock, Charlie Hawker, Tim Morrison, Rene Taylor, Claudia Sylvester, Louise Soper, Judy Cordingley, Michelle Gaskin, Lorrete du Toit and Jenny Ingram. A special mention to the Ladies mid-week 4th team who have been on an incredible journey this year. Their tennis has gone from strength to strength and their squad numbers have increased. This is a testament to their Captain Jenny Ingram, who has done a great job organising courts and extra training sessions for her team! Well done Jenny!
Padel
to the Max! Kevin Palmer catches up with our Padel Ambassador Max Evans… At first glance, it appears to be an improbable concoction of tennis and squash, yet the booming sport of Padel offers something for everyone.
26
Tracing its roots back almost 100 years in lower Manhattan in the US and now, Padel is becoming an obsession for hundreds of thousands of players, with Spain and Portugal the hotbeds of a revolution that has the potential to turn a pastime into a mass participation sport, with Stoke Park leading the way in promoting Padel in the UK by installing some of the finest courts in the country adjacent to our first-class tennis facilities.
What looks like a caged mini-tennis court is, in fact, a stage for a fun sport that captivates all who try in and in the opinion of Stoke Park Padel ambassador and former Scotland rugby star Max Evans, this is sport that is ready to explode in popularity in the UK. “I was down in Portugal and saw this box with a small tennis net in it and was intrigued by what it was and when I started playing, it was hard not to fall in love with it,” begins the athlete who finished third on ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2018.
The closeness to your opponents on a Padel court means communication across the net is much easier compared to the vast expanses of a tennis court, where shouting from one end to the other tends to be a facet of each and every game, with stars names eager to embrace a sport that has a wonderfully addictive pull. Former world No.1 doubles tennis star Jamie Murray is a big fan of Padel along with Stoke Park regular Novak Djokovic, while the football world is also embracing the sport as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Chelsea legend John Terry are Padel aficionados.
courts at Stoke Park, I can guarantee that you will have a great time.” Max believes the sport has a joyous appeal for players of all ages, as he suggests female competitors will relish the challenges presented on a Padel court. “With all of us so keen to find activities that fit into our busy schedules, this can be a wonderful option if you don’t have too much time in your working week and you need to fit in some sport around your work commitments and I’m sure female players will get the Padel bug once they get out on court and learn the basics.
Max believes the sport has a joyous appeal for players of all ages
“Padel has become even more popular in Spain than tennis and that is remarkable when you consider they have some of the world’s best players, led by the great Rafael Nadal. “Yet I can understand why Padel has made such an impact. I have been fortunate to play a lot of sports in my life and got quite good at rugby and golf, but what struck me about Padel is that you can make rapid progress in your development if you have some decent hand-eye coordination. It is not as technical as tennis, there are fewer nuances in the shots you play and the basics of the sport are similar to what we have all done on a beach with a bat and ball. It is all about keeping the ball alive in a rally and very quickly you can enjoy great rallies that you would not be able to construct if you were just starting out playing tennis. In addition, I love the fact that you are in such close proximity to your partner and you have to work together as a team, which I have always enjoyed more than solo sports like golf. Padel is such a wonderful social sport and that is one of the great appeals to me. It is also great from a fitness perspective. You may not feel like you are covering as much ground as you might on a tennis court, yet you covering a lot of ground in short distances and it ticks all the boxes for me. It’s easy and fun to play and very accessible and that should encourage people to stay on the court.” Underarm serves, tricky low volleys and fine-tuning the art of hitting the ball after it ricochets off the back wall may take a little time, but basic Padel skills should be relatively easy to master for anyone who has played tennis to a reasonable level.
“I have played a lot of Padel with John Terry and he is captivated by the sport, which is a theme that you find with everyone who tries it,” continues Max, who is the cousin of broadcasting legend Chris Evans. “This is why I am so honoured and privileged to have been approached by Stoke Park to become their Padel ambassador as it gives me a platform to promote a sport that needs to be tried by all. If you get out there and have a go on the wonderful Padel
Playing a sport like Padel with your friends is more engaging than going to the gym and running on a treadmill on your own and once you start playing the game you become addicted. “If you have some hand-eye coordination and like a little bit of competitive sport in your life, Padel could be the one for you.” The Padel courts at Stoke Park are among the latest additions to our wonderful array of sporting delights and they are awaiting your arrival.
Born
September 12th 1983 in Torquay
A golf professional
who opted for a professional sporting career in rugby.
Made his debut
for Scotland in November 2008 and went on to earn 44 caps at international level.
Since retiring
from rugby, Max has expanded his horizons and he made a triumphant appearance on ITV’S Dancing On Ice, finishing third with professional partner Ale Izquierdo in 2018.
INTRODUCING STOKE PARK’S PADEL AMBASSADOR
Announced as
the new Padel ambassador for Stoke Park in 2019
MAX EVANS
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The Ultimate Town & Country Staycation From rural quietude at Stoke Park to inner-city opulence at DUKES LONDON
A
luxurious four-day staycation in the British town and country is an ideal, effortless getaway says Country & Town House magazine’s Daniella Saunders Whilst bitter-cold winters propel most Brits to escape to warmer shores this time of year, the UK staycation is on the advance. Amidst anxieties surrounding Brexit and the climate crisis – 55 per cent of travellers are more intent on making sustainable travel choices than they were a year ago, according to Booking.com – making the most of holidaying in the UK appears a much more desirable choice. Having recently embarked on my very own staycation, I realised how easy it can be to escape the humdrum of everyday life, yet remain in one’s own home country and in fact, less than an hour away from London.
Our trip began at the rural Stoke Park, an idyllic spa and country club situated close to Windsor, in which you can actually view the castle from the hotel’s extraordinary lantern dome, designed by James Wyatt. There is so much to do and see at this 900-year-old historic hotel. From walking around the prepossessing parkland, to exploring the maze-like gardens and lakes (in which that rowing boat scene from Brigdet Jones’ Diary took place), while the club also offers impeccable putting opportunities with its 27-hole Championship golf course, replete with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding countryside.
Two world-renowned British luxury hotels, St. James’s DUKES LONDON and Stoke Park in Stoke Poges, have partnered together to create the British staycation experience of a lifetime. Whilst one usually separates both city and rural breaks, this new town and country offering enables guests to delight in both across four unforgettable days.
Inside, luxury and opulence pervades in the form of intriguing art works, plush velvet furnishings, and a grand staircase which leads to an array of sumptuous rooms, most of which boast picturesque parkland views and cosy sleep-enhancing fireplaces.
Whilst the two are polls apart, one being an extensive 300-acre country house, and the other a regal city hotel just moments from Buckingham Palace, DUKES LONDON and Stoke Park actually have a lot in common. Both are beautifully historic, quintessentially British and have – much less important, but most certainly worth noting – coincidental ties to James Bond; Stoke park has featured in two films from the franchise, whilst the DUKES Bar is whispered to be a former haunt of Ian Fleming and a possible inspiration for Bond’s famous ‘shaken not stirred’ expression. What’s more, the two are less than an hour’s journey away from each other – the express train from Paddington is in fact just 15 minutes.
Though it was hard to tear myself away from the glorious comfort of my boudoir (the one in which Bridget Jones and Daniel stayed in the film), I couldn’t miss dining at the hotel’s 3 AA Rosette-holding, fine dining restaurant, Humphry’s in which we indulged in an array of delicious seasonal dishes; think pan fried scallops, Brookfield Farm beef with creamy truffle mash and delectable treacle tart for dessert. 31
It’s incredibly easy to kick back and relax in The Pavilion – an additional building comprising of contemporary bedrooms and health and fitness facilities – especially when you’re treated to an aromatherapy massage at the restorative spa. Post-treatment bliss was then enjoyed at the indoor pool and tranquil outdoor hot tub, which was definitely worth a dip after-dark, even in the midst of winter. For gym-bunnies, there is also a fully equipped gym, 13 tennis courts, and a jam-packed weekly schedule of studio classes offering everything from body pump to hot yoga and ‘sunrise cycle’. When the countryside splendour came to a close, we headed to St. James’s for an exquisite city stay. Tucked away within the quiet cul de sac of St. James’s Street, DUKES LONDON exudes old-world elegance from the moment you first approach the beautiful Victorian-style facade. Effortlessly avant-garde and stylish, but retaining all its traditional character, the hotel is a first-class inner-city escape, just a short walk from the likes of Fortnum & Mason, Clarence House and Burlington Arcade.
We even squeezed in a shopping trip around the upscale Mayfair area which boasts beautiful Savile Row-type stores and an abundance of British heritage brands. There is plenty to explore, from the masters of scent Penhaligon’s to bespoke tailors Benson & Clegg; both Royal Warrant Holders in which the hotel arranges personalised visits – you need only ask.
Once we were given a warm welcome by the accommodating staff, shown to our more-than-comfortable rooms, complete with Penhaligon’s amenities and a generous Queen-sized bed, it was time for a spot of Martini tasting, for which the hotel bar is renowned worldwide. Be warned: a vermouth martini contains approximately five to seven shots of pure alcohol at the DUKES Bar, so go steady if you wish to make it to dinner. Seasonal British dishes are served at the hotel’s intimate and ambient restaurant GBR, which puts an exciting twist on an array of traditional plates – English burrata with roasted onion squash, delicious beer battered haddock and chips and a to-die-for ‘deconstructed’ cheesecake.
When you’re not feasting or sipping martinis in a nod to Mr Bond, time can be spent in the hotel’s Private Health Club which features a marble steam room, treatment room and gym, or with a bike ride around the royal neighbourhood (on an exclusive DUKE’s bike of course). If you’re planning your staycation for spring or summer, delight in a DUKE’s picnic at Green Park, located just a stone’s throw from the hotel, whilst afternoon tea can be enjoyed in The Drawing Room, a decadent space which Princess Diana used to frequent, adjoined with a courtyard garden.
This trip has taught me not only how to stomach a vermouth martini, but to enjoy all the wonder that Britain has to offer, be that in town or country. Fusing the two makes for an unforgettable staycation experience, one in which you can relax, indulge and reside in rural and city bliss, without even crossing the border.
The four-night Town & Country package with DUKES LONDON and
Stoke Park Country Club starts from £2575 for two people and includes the following: • • • • • • • • • • •
A chauffeur to pick up guests from any London airport (Heathrow, Gatwick, and/or London City) or London train station A two-night stay in a Superior Room at DUKES LONDON with breakfast Dinner at GBR (Great British Restaurant) Champagne Afternoon Tea or Gourmet Picnic in Green Park or St. James Park A chauffeur driven transfer from DUKES LONDON to Stoke Park Country Club and Spa Two-night stay in a Classic Mansion or Pavilion room at Stoke Park, breakfast included One Traditional Afternoon Tea One 55-minute spa treatment per person (maximum 2 people) Complimentary use of Spa, Tennis, Padel, Gym and Studio Classes Option to play 18 holes of golf at an additional cost of £100 per person A chauffeur driven return trip to London airport (Heathrow, Gatwick, and/or London City) or London train station
To find out more or to book please call Stoke Park’s reservations team on 01753 71 71 72 or email reservations@stokepark.com A huge thank you to Country & Town House magazine for this feature. Country & Town House is the only monthly luxury magazine to target London’s ‘double lifers’ who live the very best of both worlds. Celebrating the best of British living and luxury, What’s On covers the finest houses, interiors, arts, events, food, travel, fashion, style, features and interviews. https://www.countryandtownhouse.co.uk/
GO-WITH-THE-FLOW, WITH NEW MANDALA FLOW MASSAGE By Therese Cooklin 34
I am no stranger to massage and its benefits, having been brought up by my Chinese mother, a trained aromatherapist and reflexologist. I was taught to recognise the benefits of regular treatments for mind and body rejuvenation and wellness. I was consequently delighted to experience the new Sensory Retreat Mandala Flow massage with creator Candice Pennington. What an honour! Stoke Park has been chosen to launch this new massage exclusively in the first quarter of 2020 and then rolling out the rest of the holistic treatments in March. I was born in Britain but lived in Japan for a time, and no stranger to travelling around Asia: I have experienced many different types of massage and therapies so I was particularly intrigued by this one. The Mandala Flow Massage offers an exclusive journey of the senses using natural ingredients, unique massage techniques and mindful experiences helping one to relax, rebalance and reset. Candice, the creator of this multi-sensory treatment, explained she wanted to blend the best elements of eastern and western massage techniques to take one to a heightened state of tranquillity touching upon each of our senses. The masseuse uses techniques which are intuitive to only an advanced therapist and will guide the mind, body and spirit into a meditative state of relaxation. I was excited to experience Candice’s vision and I have to say outright, I was not disappointed. My life at that time was particularly stressful, and Candice immediately created within me a state of relaxation by inviting me to deeply inhale lavender to calm my mind. She used organic coconut oil to begin the massage and I knew this was what my body needed. The massage techniques she used were a combination of Swedish and aromatherapy massage with a few other eastern twists. The strength of the massage is very personal but I like mine quite firm and she asked if the level was right for me which every experienced therapist will do. She concentrated on my back and shoulders as I requested, and I could tell she was getting through my knots of tension and releasing my body of toxins and stress. All my senses were touched throughout this treatment and the captivating sound of Tingsha Bells, Koshi chimes and crystal singing bowls were a new experience for me. It was a full immersion of all five senses: touch, sight, smell, sound and taste. The final sense - taste being awakened after the massage and I was offered a choice of deliciously infused herbal tea to help reflect on life and recharge the body for life ahead. If you are looking for complete indulgence but recognise the need to look after your mind and body, I recommend you experience the Mandala Flow Massage for yourself. To book a Spa Day or treatment, please contact our reservations team on 01753 71 71 72 or email reservations@stokepark.com.
Lee Westwood’s Year in Golf Your Golf Travel’s Chief Holiday Officer talks through his past 12 months and plans for 2020
2019 was a great year, beginning with strong finishes in the Abu Dhabi Championship and the Dubai Desert Classic, ending with two top-tens in Rolex Series events in Turkeyand South Africa. Unfortunately, I didn’t retain my title in the Nedbank, but tied 6th is a good defence. The highlight, however, was my 4th place finish in the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush, securing my place in the 2020 Masters Tournament. 2020 is shaping up to be an incredible year for golf fans, with the European Tour covering events in South East Asia, Africa, Australia≈and others. My year begins in the Middle East again, where I’ll travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, playing the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and the spectacular Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club in quick succession. Both courses epitomise the quality of golf in the region and show why so many professionals look forward to the start of the season. Looking ahead to April I’m already excited about returning to Augusta for the first time since 2017. The Masters is an incredible tournament and the atmosphere is simply electric. I’ve got my eye on this major, since I’ve had a couple of second-place finishes in my career and would love to go all the way in 2020 and take home the Green Jacket. The third major of the year comes around quickly after that when The Open returns to English soil at Royal St George’s in Kent. Each and every hole on this epic course presents a unique challenge, so it’s no wonder it has had the honour of hosting the event 14 times before. Two weeks later, I’ll
Els Club, Dubai, left
host the British Masters, which returns to Close House after the last two years being played at Walton Heath and Hillside. Being able to host such a great event is a fantastic honour and I know the greenkeepers will give everything to ensure viewers at home and spectators can see the real quality of the course. All of the above tournaments are fantastic preparation for me for the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in September. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to be there either as a Player or as part of Captain Padraig Harrington’s back team staff to re-create the glory Team Europe had at Le Golf National in France. I believe Whistling Straits is really suited towards Team Europe, so here’s to bringing it home. It’s going to be a busy year and I’m going to make sure I get to enjoy the variety of cultures and off-course activities in each country. If you would like to attend any of the tournaments I’ve mentioned or visit any of the destinations, then get in touch with Your Golf Travel on partners@yourgoltravel.com to speak to the experts and plan your year in golf.
Stoke Park members receive exclusive benefits to Your Golf Travel bookings when booking via 020 7 157 1559
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT STOKE PARK…
Natalie Field Modest Management
Rosie Nixon Editor in Chief - Hello! Magazine
Rob McKinlay PR Week
Nick Bayly Editor - Golf News Magazine
“I love how accessible Stoke Park is to London by all forms of transport. 40 minutes in the car and you are in idyllic paradise. It is unusual to find such a deluxe setting so close by.
“Within easy reach of London, Stoke Park is my go-to escape for some r&r in beautiful surroundings. I love how it is so family friendly yet retains a luxury ambience which is so important when you want to recharge.”
“What I love about Stoke Park... is that it’s an oasis of luxury which feels like it’s a million miles away, but isn’t. It boasts all the trappings and the history, but is never pompous and always feels warm and welcoming whenever we visit. Of course, I’m unashamedly biased because we got married there & had the most fun day of our lives!”
“A golf day at Stoke Park is always special. From the moment you drive through the gates and catch the first glimpse of the manicured golf courses, to the warm greeting as you walk into the iconic clubhouse, you know you’re set for a memorable day.”
Mark Hedley
“What’s to love about Stoke Park? Oooh, this could be a very long list!. Well… I’m a massive fan of the spa (the treatments! The huge fishtank!). I love that it’s super-relaxed for families (my kids think it’s the best hotel in the world). I love the elegant glamour of Humphry’s. And I’m in awe how a top five star hotel like this isn’t starchy or pretentious, but always makes me feel welcome and relaxed.”
I love that Stoke Park offer both traditional and modern bedrooms. They manage to keep both categories luxurious without skimping on any detail. I adore the dining at Stoke Park. Head Chef Chris Wheeler has something for everyone. His menus are always original, creative and incredibly delicious. Humphry’s holds Three AA Rosettes and it is clear to see why. I love the attention to detail that all staff offer at Stoke Park. The service is of an excellent level from your point of arrival right through to your departure. It always feels like a Home away from Home.” 38
Chrissie Reeves Entertainment and Royal Director- OK! “I have been fortunate to stay at Stoke Park a number of times and its magnificence still blows me away every time. The moment I drive down the impressive driveway and past acres of stunning landscape, its like being transported straight into a picture perfect movie set. Once inside each room oozes quintessential charm and regal elegance. The friendly staff go above and beyond to make your stay extra special- when it comes to luxury, there really is no place like it!”
Editorial Director - Square Mile “There’s nothing quite like a sundowner on the Humphry’s terrace on a warm summer’s evening. Looking over the pristine grounds, stood in the shadow of the incredible manor house, it transports you to a more glamorous time.”
Hero Brown Editor in Chief - Muddy Stilettos
Sarah Rodi Editor - Berkshire Life
Stefania Aleksander Talent Executive
Judy Johnson aluxurytravelblog.com
“I love the feeling you get as you meander up the long, sweeping driveway and catch a glimpse of the glimmering white Mansion building: a fizz of excitement at knowing you’ve arrived somewhere special.
“Is the instant feeling of relaxation and calm I get the from the moment I enter the grounds... it’s a truly beautiful place for a day trip or an overnight stay.
“Stoke Park is such a very special place for so many reasons and for people of different requirements. For example, all the Country Club provisions - the fully extensive gym, indoor, grass and clay tennis courts, testing golf courses, swimming pool and padel courts are widely used by both residents and Country Club members and the spa is recognised as outstanding. I have always enjoyed my stays at Stoke Park revelling in the luxury of the accommodation and food, which in my opinion should be recognised with at least one Michelin star.
And yet when you step through the doors, although the interior is both grand and elegant, it’s not stuffy; the staff are friendly and you’re made to feel right at home. Known for it’s championship golf course, and the famous bridge over the lake; I’m always reminded of the scene in Bridget Jones’ diary when Hugh Grant falls into the water. The spa in the Pavilion building is my destination of choice, though. I had the most incredible Mandala Flow massage here; the best treatment I’ve had in a long time. Next on my bucket list is to come here to see the Boodles tennis.”
The spa is a real happy place for me, you float in and float out! And the food, as a regular at Boodles, the tennis is a joy as much as Chris Wheelers food!” Jessica Way Editor-in-Chief British Travel Journal “There is no other countryside escape from the city as close and sublime as Stoke Park. Just 35 minutes from London and you are in palatial paradise - undoubtedly one of my favourite luxury spa hotels in the British Isles.”
A hotel of such an impeccable standing, however, obviously needs these excellent features but, more importantly, relies entirely on its staff. The way they work as a team to help each other, as well as doing their own job, ensures the happiness and well-being of their visitors.”
For me, exercise is more than just physical.. ” it’s therapeutic. “
Michelle Obama
Our Head of Fitness Sarah Westbrook- Burr tell us why you should join our award-winning Gym…. When entering our 4,000 square feet of gymnasium you experience the natural daylight in the floor to ceiling windows and the superb variety of equipment. The Gym offers the feeling of energy waiting to happen. We boast state-of-the-art equipment, giving our visitors opportunity to exercise in a beautiful surrounding whether it is a challenge on a treadmill or meditation in our studios. Stoke Park Gym is unique, arranged on two floors in a discreet environment. The stylish surroundings offer individuals the experience of training in a 5 star Gym, giving both variety and professionalism under one roof. Offering expert advice is on hand by one of our Personal Trainers who specialise in customising training plans to suit individual needs and aims. Each trainer takes time to understand and build that personal relationship that is key to achieve goals. Health and Fitness is key to daily life and our trainers take pride in offering advice and guidance whether it be a training plan or merely a chat to steer the direction of an individual. The Gym boosts endorphins by merely standing in it! The range of machines and equipment suit all age ranges and abilities. It is in the Gym that you will feel and believe in yourself. The innovative layout, the beautiful surroundings, the energy throughout and the opportunity that awaits is apparent.
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Our studios are amazing! With 3 studios in total, we offer Hot Yoga, Studio Cycling and an array of Studio classes from dance to boxing, HiiT to meditation with strength to sweat. Our timetable offers over 80 classes a week with specialist instructors giving expert tuition and advice. The motivation that releases from these studios is worth experiencing. With the ever-changing world of exercise, we strive to be at the forefront of change, consistently reviewing and updating machines, equipment and classes. It is with the knowledge, experience, professionalism and passion that we are able to offer this contemporary, pristine facility to all our Members, Guests and Residents.
What do the
members say...
‘Stoke Park is unique, an amazing Gym, natural, airy environment, the team are friendly, humorous and personal. You feel very welcome the moment you arrive.’ John, member since 2005.
‘Great facilities, always clean and tidy, great atmosphere, a large enough gym to move at ease and never feel intimidated.’ Mandeep, member since 2012.
‘It’s a special place, if I had to workout it would be at Stoke Park, why wouldn’t you, a fabulous gym in a fabulous setting, great members and staff and fantastic benefits, including all the events they do during the year.’ David, member since 2018.
‘You can stop and admire the beautiful surroundings whilst working out – it’s worth taking that extra breath whilst taking that view in as well.’ Lucy, member since 2015.
For more information about Gym Memberships, please contact the team on 01753 71 71 79 or email membership@stokepark.com 41
f
rom top to toe
our Spa Director Anna Thomas reveals her beauty secrets
I find that the key thing to a healthylooking skin is hydration, hydration and more hydration. Hydration is key for all skin types, if your skin is oily, like me, you will find that adding hydration will lower the skins oil production and if you suffer from fine lines hydration will help to plump them back out and equally if your skin is tight and dry the key is usually hydration too. The good news is you don’t have to drink 10 litres of water each day, although drinking plenty certainly helps to keep your skin healthy and glowing. You want to hydrate your skin from the outside in too. At all times of year our skin will suffer from external aggressions, whether its air conditioning, heating, the sun or the cold wind. My favourite product for combating dehydration is Codage Serum No1, Intense Hydration. This miracle product can be used under ANY moisturiser so you don’t need to go all out and buy a whole new range of products. It can be used as and when needed and a little goes a long way. It makes your skin glow and combats all signs of dehydration ensuring a fresh, comfortable glowing skin. I started using it about a year ago and have been hooked ever since throughout all seasons.
My top tip for face moisturiser is Thalgo Hydra
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Marine range, they offer a cream and a cream/ gel version dependant on your preference for texture. I personally love to use the cream/gel during the day as its lighter resulting in the perfect base for make-up with my slightly oily skin and keeps my skin hydrated all day. At night I opt for the cream as I feel my skin can take a thicker texture overnight. For an intense boost of hydration, I pop the Codage serum on under the cream at night.
I love a foaming cleanser on my skin to remove make-up, it has to be quick and easy for me to bother with make-up removal! I like the refreshing feeling of washing my face at the end of the day and a great kick start to wake me up in the morning too. For all make-up removal, even eyes, I swear by Clarins foaming cleanser, I use the one for a dry sensitive skin. It leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean without any tight feeling that foaming cleansers can sometimes leave behind. In the morning I opt for the Thalgo micellar foaming cleanser to refresh and wake me and my skin up. I don’t wear a lot of make-up but can’t go completely bare faced. My go to items are a natural base, I use bare minerals, a good brow pencil and mascara. My go to brow pencil is Delilah brow line pencil in sable and after years of trying literally hundreds of mascaras I can’t now live without Estee Lauder Double wear zero smudge lengthening mascara in black, it stays in place all day long with no dropping or smudging. I generally go for a natural lip or a small bit of gloss if I’m feeling adventurous! Having a small child “me time” is limited so if I’m going to give myself an “at home facial” it needs to be pretty quick. I use the Thalgo resurfacing cream for the best exfoliation, it is like having your own mini microdermabrasion at home. It removes all dry dead skin cells but also stimulates the circulation bringing all goodness to the surface of the skin, giving you an amazing glow and ensuring all other products penetrate deep into the skin. I then use the Thalgo ultra hydra marine mask which comes with an easy brush applicator to avoid any mess or hassle. I apply a thin layer all over the face & neck, wait about 5mins for it to absorb and then rub any remaining mask in and go to bed – you can sleep in this mask overnight and just rinse off in the morning, no mess and intense hydration – wake up refreshed and glowing.
My body care routine isn’t as great as with my face, I try once a month
to use a body exfoliator and just adore the Thalgo Polynesia salt & oil scrub, it smells divine, just like a tropical island so whisks you away for a few moments to somewhere other than the comfort of your own bathroom. You simply shower the scrub off and no need to moisturise afterwards, just let the oil stay on the skin to carry on hydrating and moisturising.
On a more regular basis I use Thalgo 24hr hydrating body milk for all over hydration, it’s easy to use and lightweight for everyday and for a more indulgent treat and over winter months or post sun holiday, the Thalgo 24hr deeply nourishing body cream, as this is a richer cream delivering more nourishment to a dryer skin.
I’m always conscious that my feet get left out, especially over winter months whilst they are hidden in tights or socks but a few years ago discovered Margret Dabbs hand and foot care range. The amazing foot hygiene cream, don’t be put off by the name, works wonders on any areas of usually hard dry skin and keeps your feet feeling soft and looking fab during their neglected months so that come spring you don’t have a heap of work to do to get the flip flop ready!
Come and experience our award-winning Spa! We pride ourselves on offering luxury treatments that transcend you from your everyday lifestyle into a world of tranquil escapism. For our latest Spa Day offers, please call our Reservations Team on 01753 71 71 72 or visit www.stokepark.com
A BRITISH SUMMER GARDEN PARTY AROUND WORLD CLASS TENNIS Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, 23rd - 27th JUNE 2020 For more info. T: 020 7384 4870
theboodles.com
The Boodles Celebrating its 19th anniversary
C
elebrating its 19th anniversary this year and often described as, “One of the highlights of the summer social season,” The Boodles, has, in recent years made a habit of attracting some of the biggest names in tennis, while offering guests the unique chance of an opportunity to get up close and personal with the players. It is hosted within Stoke Park’s stunning 300-acre estate in the Buckinghamshire countryside, perhaps the most picture-perfect setting in the English tennis scene. It also has an intimate purpose built stadium of only 2,000 with no seat further than ten metres from the grass court, The Boodles allows you to be breathtakingly close to the action! The Boodles is truly a unique event. A fun English garden party atmosphere, with world-class tennis being played in intimate and beautiful surroundings. Whether a hospitality guest, or a stadium pass ticket holder, The Boodles is a wonderful experience! In 2019 with an exclusive list of official sponsors, such as Audi, Patek Philippe and the established status of our title sponsor, Boodles, guests experienced the luxury and service that has become so synonymous with these brands of excellence. 45
The Boodles is truly a unique event. Players included seven of the world’s top 20 including stars such as Wimbledon Champion Novak Djokovic, ATP Tour Finals Champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, Fabio Fognini, Grigor Dimitrov, Karen Kachanov, Denis Shapovalov and Diego Schwartzman! We welcomed back our title sponsor, Boodles Jewellers, who displayed some of their finest pieces much to the delight of all the guests as well as stunning Patek Philippe watches. Hospitality guests enjoyed magnificent cuisine from our award-winning Chef, Chris Wheeler and we were blessed with five days of glorious sunshine, tennis and world class hospitality! Our host for the week was the wonderful Di Dougherty, who as always was a big hit with the audience as well as the players.
The Boodles 2020 will take place from the 23rd - 27th June (the week after Royal Ascot) and tickets are on sale now at www.theboodles.com
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SPORTSAID DAY Friday 27th September 2019!
On Friday 27th September we were delighted to welcome Olympic Champion Denise Lewis, Boxing legend David Haye and TV Star Chris Hollins to Stoke Park to take part in our Tennisathon – a three hour nonstop tennis match to raise important funds for SportsAid. Denise, David and Chris were joined by our Tennis Members and some of SportsAid’s tennis stars of the future! We also welcomed two times World Champion and Olympic Silver medallist swimmer Keri-Anne Payne, who gave swimming lessons throughout the day to our members! And our staff all took part in a non stop spin-a-thon lasting 6 hours! Thank you to all our members and staff who took part, all the team who helped organise the day, everyone who bought a raffle ticket and to Denise, David, Chris and Keri-Anne for their support - we hope you had a fabulous day!!
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For more information about SportsAid and how you can support please visit www.sportsaid.org.uk.
FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION
Building perfect indoor pools for over thirty five years Call Origin on 01895 453993 or email for our information pack info@originpools.co.uk www.originpools.co.uk
PLAN
DESIGN
BUILD
MAINTAIN
from BOARDROOM TO BALLGOWN‌ Whatever the occasion, Stoke Park is the ideal setting. With 9 beautiful function rooms, our dedicated Events Team take great pride in making your event, whatever it may be, an incredibly special occasion and help you plan the event every step of the way.
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Whatever vision you have for your event, whether a simple board meeting, corporate golf day or clinic, team away day to an all singing, all dancing extravaganza, please do enquire with our Events Team. Stoke Park is a very flexible venue, showcased recently when we transformed The Mansion into Willy Wonka’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with chocolate rivers and all flowing through for a conference! Our aim always is to exceed your expectations, with guest satisfaction our highest priority. Our function rooms all enjoy breath-taking views of our beautiful gardens and grounds, and look stunning all year round… But don’t take our word for it, check out some gorgeous images of each space…
To enquire about holding an event with us, please contact our Events Team on 01753 71 71 71 or by emailing sales@stokepark.com 51
OVER 250 COVERS? NOT A PROBLEM… Meet Chris Wheeler, our multi award-winning Executive Chef Over the past 27 years, Chris Wheeler has been wowing guests with his innovative cuisine and incredible personality. From being the right hand man to Jean-Christophe Novelli, to, for the past seventeen years, heading up the kitchens at the multi award - winning Stoke Park, Chris’s ability to create exquisite, mouth-watering dishes has won much praise from both the international media and the many guests who have enjoyed his food over the years. Janet Harmer, Associate Editor of The Caterer recently stated “Chris Wheeler is one of the most genuine and loyal chefs in the hospitality industry.” In 2016 he was named the Hotel Chef of the Year (over 250 covers) at the prestigious Hotel Cateys and has entertained millions on Saturday Kitchen, Sunday Brunch and Great British Menu.
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In the same year he was also named Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Life’s Chef of the Year and Humphry’s won the Best Restaurant award at the Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards. In 2017 he was appointed the UK Ambassador for the Quality Standard Mark Beef and Lamb Scheme, a position he still holds today which has taken him across the globe championing British Beef and Lamb. In the same year Stoke Park was named the Best Gourmet Golf Resort in the World by Great Golf magazine. In 2019 Chris travelled to Tokyo, cooking at Japan’s most prestigious food festival and also a sumptuous banquet for the British Ambassador and VIP guests and has been invited as one of only a handful of the UK’s top chefs to the world Expo 2020 in Dubai to showcase the best of UK cuisine! A regular at prestigious food events, Chris has recently been entertaining the crowds at both The Thame Food Festival and Taste of London alongside Raymond Blanc and a host of the UK’s finest Chefs. Chris’s ability to cook exquisite fine dining dishes for large events (for example at The Boodles he caters for 800 people a day over five days) is unparalleled in the industry, with Judy Johnson from A Luxury Travel Blog who attended The Boodles tennis stating: “This is mass catering of Michelin star quality and can only be described as a triumph.” He also launched his debut cookbook The Ginger Chef ‘Served Up’. The book, which features over 65 recipes to suit all appetites, was developed so that you can create at home dishes which guests at Stoke Park have been raving about for years. You can get your hands on a copy of his book at chefchriswheeler.com
As one journalist recently wrote ‘People who love to eat are always the best people’.. and if Mr. Wheeler is around to feed them they’re also the luckiest.’
SUPPORTING CHARITABLE CAUSES
Throughout his career Chris has raised important funds for a wide range of charities. Whether this is running a marathon flipping a pancake the entire way, or running the London Marathon dressed as a Chef carrying a 5KG stock pot the entire way to cooking for the homeless on Christmas day, Chris is dedicated to supporting important causes.
THE NEXT CHALLENGE
The Macmillan Kernow Skydive and Half Marathon Challenge Yes believe it or not, Chris will be joining other Celebrity Chefs in a Skydive and Half Marathon weekend extravaganza! All in aid of Macmillan Cancer, Chris will be doing a Skydive on Saturday 14th March and then a half marathon on Sunday 15th March 2020!! To support Chris and Macmillan Cancer, donations can be made via Chris’s Virgin money giving page: Christopher Wheeler Skydive and Half Marathon Weekend.
Top Chefs from the luxurious Castel Monastero to visit Stoke Park on 4th – 8th March! Set in one of the most beautiful stretches of countryside in Italy, in the Tuscany region, and lying among Chianti Wines, corn fields, chestnut forests and long rows of Cypress trees you will find Castel Monastero, a beautifully restored medieval village and monastery, just 23 km from Siena. Within these thousand year old walls is a true Tuscan retreat which exudes a feeling of simple refinement and pure elegance with its contemporary rustic chic style of 74 rooms and suites and one villa. We are delighted to be welcoming their top chefs who will be offering their exquisite Tuscan cuisine at our Ladies lunch on Wednesday 4th March and a special menu in Humphry’s from Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th March. To find out more about Castel Monastero please visit castelmonastero.com 53
CROW AND JESTER FORMS EXCITING COLLABORATION WITH EJ CHURCHILL
EJ Churchill and Crow and Jester collaboration range available at www.ejchurchill.com
Simon Horsley has worked on patterns, productions and samples for the likes of Sir Paul Smith, Nigel Cabourn and Ozwald Boateng, including creating an entire season’s sample collection for them Simon then created Crow and Jester, his own contemporary menswear collection, dedicated to his purist visions of modern tailoring. Crow and Jester represents both sides of Simon is character. His ethos is that to create something truly individual, the designer has to give something personal from his or her own life experiences. For Simon it is all about personality driven design which has flawless detail combined with his personal twists. Following Crow and Jester’s recent collaboration with EJ Churchill, Nick Downie quickly catches up with Simon about this new venture. Simon tell me, why has Crow and Jester moved into the shooting tweed market? We were given an opportunity to design and make, in collaboration with EJ Churchill, our take on a tweed shooting range. In the first season one of the pieces we made was featured in The Field magazine which after one day became the most viewed item on EJ Churchills website ever and subsequently sold out the next day.
EJ Churchill and Crow and Jester collaboration range available at www.ejchurchill.com
C row and Jester is a traditionally quirky and sharp, yet classic British label which takes a refreshing look at
fashion, personally created by designer Simon Horsley. Each garment is personalised to your style, using only the finest fabrics, and has the artistry of a designer who has worked at the height of men’s tailoring for over 20 years. 54
We are now in our second season with EJ Churchill and the second season has seen the introduction of a second fabric which has also had a very successful first season. After this successful partnership with the designing and making of the EJ Churchill collaboration collection, Crow and Jester has now turned its attention to its own tweed shooting/outdoor clothing range available to view at www.crowandjester.co.uk We have applied our unique twist on design mixed with our very highest of quality make and added this to a traditional and functional range of outdoor clothing. Do you believe tweed is becoming more popular? Working on the collections with EJ Churchill has only strengthened my view that tweeds and checks are by far the most interesting of suiting fabrics. What we are finding now is that our bespoke suit clients are choosing the bright tweeds and patterned wools to make separates, then piecing them together to come up with very interesting and original looks.
THE EPITOME OF MEN’S COUTURE TAILORING WWW.CROWANDJESTER.CO.UK
Rachel (Left) - Dress by Sylwia Romanik Couture £3,754 Lady Stardust Long earrings by Stephen Webster £16,600 Imperium Ring £7,150 and Jardin enchante ring £7,650 both Ortaea Lucas - Green Check Suit by Crow & Jester/EJ Churchill, Jacket, £695, Trouser, £365 Shoes: Russel and Bromley, £195 Watch: Men’s Annual Calendar, Moon phases, Ref. 5396R-011, Patek Philippe - £ 38’110
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Rule Britannia Photography by Darren Paul | Styled by Katherine Doyle
Car: Mclaren GT Kindly loaned by www.autovivendi.com Octavia (Right) Gown by Gyunel Couture £POA Be Boodles diamond and 18ct white gold Earrings, Boodles £16,300 (Right) Maji cuff £24,222 and Maji ring £14,990 both Ortaea Thorn cuff, Stephen Webster £24,900 Ring (left) Forget me knot ring, Stephen Webster £13,800
Roxie dress by Galvan £1,150 Headband Topshop £15 Belle Epoque Cyrstal Haze Earrings Stephen Webster £13,800 (Right) Lady Stardust Bracelet, £64,500 and Forget me knot ring, both Stephen Webster £13,800 (Left) Chalk Streams Diamond and Platinum bracelet, Boodles £POA Maji Ring, Ortaea £14,990 Shoes, Emmy London £395 Car: Mclaren GT Kindly loaned by www.autovivendi.com
Lucas - Bespoke suit by Crow & Jester, MTM starting at £1200 Or Full Bespoke starting at £1800 Shoes: Russell and Bromley £195 Watch: Men’s Calatrava, Ref. 6006G-001, Patek Philippe - £24’050
Octavia - Swarovski dress by Jennifer Clair £POA Headband, Anthropologie £35 Shoes, Emmy London £395 Be Boodles Necklace with a pear shape and brilliant cut diamonds in platinum, Boodles £POA (right) Chalk Streams Diamond Bracelet in platinum, Boodles £POA Maji Ring, Ortaea £14,990 (left) Ribbons bangle set with Ashoka cut diamonds in Platinum and yellow gold, Boodles £18,500 Forget me knot ring, Stephen Webster £13,800
Cecilia dress by Riki Dalal £POA Fern Headband by Jane Taylor £690 Be Boodles diamond and 18ct white gold Earrings, Boodles £16,300 Chalk Streams Diamond Bracelet in platinum, Boodles £POA Ribbons bangle set with Ashoka cut diamonds in Platinum and yellow gold, Boodles £18,500 IVAR Ring Zero 2 £1,720
Embellished Dress by Jennifer Clair £POA Headband Topshop £15 Heart shape rubies and diamonds in platinum necklace, Boodles £POA and (right) Chalk Streams Diamond Bracelet in platinum, Boodles £POA Maji Ring, Ortaea £14,990 (left) Maji Cuff, Ortaea £24,222 Crystal Haze long finger ring, Stephen Webster £11,400
Paillette Column Dress by Galvan £995 Embellished headband, Jane Taylor £234 Natures Wonder diamond and emerald earrings, Ortaea £20,300 (left) Chalk Streams Diamond Bracelet in platinum, Boodles £POA Soru Baroque pearl Ring, £110 (Right) Maji cuff, £24,222 and Maji Ring £14,990 both Ortaea.
Rachel - Amanda Wakeley Chain Embellished Dress, £3,495 Headband Jane Taylor £245 Be Boodles diamond and 18ct white gold Earrings, Boodles £16,300 Chalk Streams Diamond Necklace in Platinum, Boodles £POA IVAR ring Zero 2 £1,720 Lucas - Lilac/grey suit by Crow & Jester MTM starting at £1200 Or Full Bespoke starting at £1800
Photography by Darren Paul - www.darrenpaul.com Stylist: Katherine Doyle - www.katherinedoylestylist.com Make-up & Hair Stylist: Rosie Scott - www.rosiescottmakeup.com Make-up: Austri Vivas - www.austrimakeupartist.com Hair Stylist: Ivana Juric - www.hairartlounge.com
Our Stockists Our fashion shoot was shot all around our magnificent Georgian Mansion, in areas such as our Fountain Terrace, Ballroom, Chapel, Great Hall and Pennsylvania Suite. We are very grateful to the following stockists for providing their stunning products: Amanda Wakeley Anthropologie Autovivendi Boodles Crow & Jester EJ Churchill Emmy London Galvan Gyunel Couture IVAR Jane Taylor Jennifer Clair Mclaren GT Ortaea Patek Phillippe Riki Dalal Russell and Bromley Soru Stephen Webster Sylwia Romanik Couture Topshop
www.amandawakeley.com www.anthropologie.com www.autovivendi.com www.boodles.com www.crowandjester.co.uk www.ejchurchill.com www.emmylondon.com www.galvanlondon.com www.gyunel.com www.ivarjewllery.com www.janetaylorlondon.com www.jennifer-clair.com www.cars.mclaren.com/en www.ortaea.com @ Harvey Nichols London www.patek.com www.rikidalal.co.uk www.russellandbromley.co.uk www.sorujewellery.com www.stephenwebster.com www.sylwiaromaniuk.com www.topshop.com
If you
DRESS GOOD,
FOR HER
Good Girl Gone Bad By Kilian Eau De Parfum £225 (50ml) harveynichols.com
you should
FOR HER
SMELL GOOD TOO!
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Femme Extrait de Parfum
Shelley Maxwell picks her favourite his and hers fragrances
£255 (70ml) selfridges.com
FOR HIM
Tom Ford Oud Wood eau de parfum £164 (50ml) tomford.co.uk
FOR HER FOR HIM
Kilian Black Phantom ‘Memento Mori’ Eau de Parfum 50ml (70ml) £245 harveynichols.com
TOM FORD Private Blend Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum, £164.00 (50ml) tomford.co.uk
FOR HIM
Creed Aventus £185 (50ml) creedfragrances.co.uk 65
IS A RELATIONSHIP DOOMED TO FAIL FOLLOWING A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT? B P Collins’ family partner Fran Hipperson, with over 13 years of experience, doesn’t believe so. While couples can be completely and utterly in love, there’s still room for pragmatism. Planning your wedding or civil partnership can be a time of great excitement. There is so much to consider in the run up to the big day. But whether you’re planning a big bash or something more intimate, should couples also be thinking about a prenuptial agreement? Understandably those two words could stop many a happy couple in their tracks before they get anywhere close to making their partnership official. Yet the reality is that more couples are considering them as a prudent precaution. A prenuptial agreement should be an agreement between future spouses or civil partners, and not one person imposing what they want on the other. It can help to reduce or prevent expensive court proceedings if the relationship comes to an end. Typically, couples may decide on a prenuptial agreement where one brings more wealth into a marriage and wants to protect it in the event of divorce. Or it may be that one party already has children and wants to preserve property or monies for them.
Having a prenuptial agreement won’t give you a cast iron guarantee on the outcome, but it can certainly affect the way the Judge applies his or her discretion when making the final award and that has to be worthwhile. More importantly prenups are more likely to help couples resolve matters amicably because they have already addressed matters before they got married. Both parties should take separate, independent legal advice to ensure fairness and that there is no duress or chance of misrepresentation. Each side must be open and honest with the other, so that if one party is giving up future rights or entitlements, they make an informed decision with all relevant information. If you decide a prenuptial agreement is for you, then take time to make the arrangements as soon as you decide to get married or enter into a civil partnership, which is now available to both same sex and heterosexual couples. If you wait until a couple of months before the big day, the emotion and the stress could put huge pressure on couples. And then once it’s done you can get back to planning your celebrations. If you are thinking about having a prenuptial agreement, please contact Fran Hipperson at frances.hipperson@bpcollins.co.uk or call 01753 889995.
www.bpcollins.co.uk/personal | 01753 889995
Protect your beautiful things.
by your side Civil partnerships | Family | Prenups | Wills, trusts & probate | Property | Corporate & Commercial | Employment
4 of our
fabulous Affiliate Clubs...
PORTUGAL’S PREMIER GOLF RESORT Set in a private estate, spanning over 1,000 acres of glorious Eastern Algarve countryside, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club is one of the jewels in the crown of European golf. The villas are all just a few steps away from Veranda, the social focal point of the village, which houses a restaurant and bar, and features tennis courts, heated swimming pool, gym, spa facilities and a kid’s villa.
The centrepiece of Monte Rei’s attractions is its Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Monte Rei North. Each hole is a design triumph, blending effortlessly into the natural canvas – from the ingeniously shaped and sculptured bunkers to the attention to detail which makes each very separate hole as remarkable as the next. Monte Rei North was recently ranked the 4th best course in Golf World’s Top 100 Courses: Continental Europe 2019 , where it was praised for the quality of its design, pristine conditioning, tranquil environment and service excellence both on and off the course. Tee time intervals are a generous 12 minutes, ensuring play is never rushed.
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The North Course will soon be joined by a second Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Monte Rei South. Construction began in 2019 and when the course opens in late 2021, Monte Rei will be one of a select group of golfing destinations worldwide to showcase multiple Jack Nicklaus Signature courses.
Situated only 45 minutes from Faro airport and 90 minutes from Seville airport, Monte Rei is easily accessible. The resort offers a wide range of holiday and short-stay villa rentals in Miradouro Village, from one-bedroom semi-detached villas to three and four-bedroom villas with private swimming pools and gardens. Also new for 2020 are the Clubhouse Residences, a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, with views across the 18th hole of the North course.
Five-star hotel level services include housekeeping, turndown, in-villa dining, and access to a dedicated resort team that is always available to arrange a wide range of activities – from walking and running to cycling, fitness and yoga for all abilities – both on and off the resort. Local towns, villages, beaches and seafood restaurants are all located just a few minutes drive from the resort, and tee times at other Algarve courses can be arranged. As a long standing partner club of Monte Rei, Stoke Park members enjoy a range of special benefits. Stay & Play packages are available, including gastronomic experiences at Vistas restaurant, which recently earned its first Michelin Star. For more information E: info@monterei.com W: www.monte-rei.com T: +351 281 950 950
THE CLUB AT CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO, TUSCANY The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, is Europe’s finest golf and wine experience at Italy’s only fully private golf club.
In the heart of Brunello wine making country, Castiglion del Bosco promises unparalleled privacy, exclusive privileges and a retreat to a way of life deep-rooted in the natural beauty of a UNESCO protected landscape. Members and their families benefit from private golf on the exquisitely presented Tom Weiskopf designed 18-hole course, privileged access to the estate’s Winery, producer of prestigious Brunello di Montalcino wines, as well as invitations to exclusive international golf and wine events, hosted by Castiglion del Bosco’s founders and proprietors, Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo. Members and their guests also enjoy privileged access to Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco. Offering 23 suites within an exclusive hilltop village and 11 luxury villas – restored 17th- and 18th-century farmhouses situated throughout the 5,000-acre estate – this five-star luxury resort and spa is the perfect place to stay. Love at first sight Massimo Ferragamo, scion of the Salvatore Ferragamo luxury leather goods and fashion brand, purchased the historic estate and borgo (village) in 2003, subsequently overseeing a remarkable restoration.
Massimo Ferragamo says: “I arrived at Castiglion del Bosco one cool, sunny morning in March. I wasn’t looking for a winery or for a big estate; I was just visiting a few places with some friends, with no specified interest in mind. “I was so incredibly moved by the limitless views, by the scenery that can only be found in the Val d’Orcia: I had no idea that such a beautiful corner of Tuscany still existed. It was love at first sight.” Vineyards & Wines Castiglion del Bosco is one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates. The organic-certified vineyards occupy 62 stunning hectares, planted solely with the Sangiovese red wine grape variety responsible for the estate’s prestigious Brunello di Montalcino wines.
Named as one of the top ten wineries to visit in Tuscany by international wine magazine Decanter, Castiglion del Bosco offers exclusive cellar tours and tailored tastings. An Invitation to Stoke Park Members The Club at Castiglion del Bosco is private and access is restricted to Members and their guests. However, each year The Club invites a small number of guests from select private clubs, creating bespoke golf, wine and residential experiences. Members of Stoke Park with an interest in visiting Tuscany in 2020, are invited to contact Stoke Park Director of Golf Stuart Collier, who would be happy to make a personal introduction to The Club at Castiglion del Bosco. Information: http://lifestyle. castigliondelbosco.com/invitation/
ENJOY A TASTE OF SICILIAN PARADISE AT VERDURA RESORT Described by previous visitors including 2018 European Ryder Cup-winning captain Thomas Bjorn as one of the world’s most beautiful golfing locations, Sicily’s Verdura Resort is a golfing paradise. Home of the European Tour’s Rocco Forte Sicilian Open and set next to the sparkling azure waters of the Mediterranean, the exclusive luxury lifestyle destination has quickly established itself over the last decade as a firm favourite with golfers eager to combine outstanding golf with the finer things in life. As a member of the exclusive European Tour Destinations network, Verdura nestles in 230 hectares of stunning landscape overlooking the Mediterranean with 1.8km of private coastline, and offers golfing guests and families an unparalleled modern five-star experience on the largest island in the Mediterranean. Located on the southern coast of Sicily between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, and an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, the resort – part of Rocco Forte hotels – features 203 rooms and suites, all with a sea view, including six villas, each with its own private swimming pool. Players travel from all over the world to enjoy its golf facilities, which include an outstanding 18-hole championship course as well as a par-three nine-hole course, a double-ended driving range and first-class academy. In addition, the venue features Italy’s only European Tour-approved Performance Institute while the first nine holes of its second 18-hole championship layout is set to reopen this year following a major redesign by the world-acclaimed golf architect Kyle Phillips. Verdura’s other sports facilities include six tennis courts; a 60m two-tiered infinity pool; numerous watersports, one football pitch; a 170sqm fullyequipped gym and a collection of running trails through olive and lemon groves. The resort’s award-winning 4,000sqm spa complex includes 11 treatment rooms, gym, yoga studio, a 25-metre indoor lap pool, four outdoor Thalassotherapy pools, a double-height steam room, male and female saunas and a spa bar for healthy alternatives. Guests can sample an authentic taste of traditional Sicily with an array of dishes at one of the resort’s four restaurants and five bars with fresh, organic produce sourced straight from Verdura’s own garden. In addition, visitors can enjoy an array of cultural and culinary experiences where they can discover the secrets of Sicilian cooking, with menus inspired by celebrity chef Fulvio Pierangelini, and taste the many famous wines of the region. There is also plenty to keep the younger members of the family entertained with dedicated kids and teen clubs providing a variety of fun-packed activity programmes throughout the year. www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort/
Guests can enjoy delicious dishes from the international ‘UNiK CAFÉ’ in the main clubhouse whilst overlooking the 18th green, or sashimi and sushi freshly prepared and cooked live in front of guests from the renowned ‘enso sushibar’. A new Italian restaurant is also set to open in early 2020 in the new leisure centre, expanding the world class dining options already available at Las Colinas There is a host of accommodation available for guests, from modern two or three bedroom apartments to luxurious three or four bedroom villas. Las Colinas is also popular with property buyers and second home-owners in Spain, and was recently recognised as Best Residential Development in Spain in the European Property Awards 2019. The resort offers a choice of luxury apartments and villas for sale overlooking the golf course or Mediterranean woodland, or build you own bespoke villa on a plot of land. Whether it’s a long weekend, family holiday or group trip, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club has something for everyone and is dedicated to offering a world apart experience to each and everyone of their guests. www.lascolinasgolf.com
LAS COLINAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Nestled between the hills of South East Spain, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club is the ideal one-stop golf and leisure destination. Only a 40 minute drive from both Alicante and Murcia International airports, this unique award-winning Spanish resort boasts a stunning par 71 18-hole golf course, designed by renowned golf course architect Cabell B. Robinson. The challenging course runs seamlessly between the hills and adapts to the unusual lie of the land, with perfectly manicured fairways, pristine putting surfaces and breath-taking views of the Mediterranean. Guests can brush up on their skills at the Golf Academy which includes a world-class conditioned Short Game Facility designed by the Spanish legend himself, Miguel Ángel Jiménez. Spacious grass playing areas, immaculate green and two large practice bunkers, provide the perfect facilities for golfers to practice their full short game repertoire over a 75-yard distance. Las Colinas is not only about first-class golf, but also offers something for the whole family. The brand new Sports and Health Club only strengthens its offering to guests, including a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a massage and wellness area, multisports courts as well as swimming pool and sunbathing area. The private infinity pool at Las Colinas Beach Club provides the perfect private hideaway with idyllic views over the Mediterranean Sea, La Glea Beach and Campoamor village.
Our Perfect Day Frances and Nicolas Thatcher’s Wedding For weddings, Stoke Park is a stunning backdrop to your perfect day. Set within 300 acres of beautiful parkland, landscaped gardens and lakes, stands an imposing white Palladian Mansion. Over 200 years old, the grand building is truly one of the most romantic settings for a marriage ceremony, civil partnership or wedding reception in the country. Not only does it make a picture perfect setting but as Britain’s leading 5 AA Red Star Hotel, Spa and Country Club it offers undeniable luxury for your special day… But don’t take our word for it.. Nick Downie catches up with Frances and Nicolas Thatcher who have kindly agreed to share their magical wedding day at Stoke Park with us… Frances and Nicolas, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. When Nicolas popped the magic question, how soon did you start looking for Wedding Venues and was there anything in particular you were looking for in your venue? Nicolas proposed in early August 2016 and we knew we wanted to get married in summertime so we started looking within a few weeks to book for the following summer! We were looking for a venue that would provide the setting and experience of a traditional British wedding. We had a lot of international guests and wanted to showcase the best of the UK. We also wanted to get married outside, have a place friends & family could stay, with good food, beautiful grounds for the photos and a place for the Sunday event making this a whole weekend party. What attracted you to Stoke Park and why did you choose it as your venue? There were so many things that felt right when we viewed Stoke Park as a venue option. One of the main draws for me was the fact that Stoke Park only has one wedding at the venue each day. On top of that, the outdoor ceremony was quite a unique factor and one that felt perfect for us as a couple who love to be outdoors. The venue is not only grand and beautiful but we loved the history of the hotel and the films that had been shot there. We had also been there a number of times before.
In all the preparations leading up to the day, how did we assist you in planning your day? I cannot express enough how incredibly helpful and caring Michele and her team were both leading up to the wedding and on the day. They recommended Kelly Chandler for our Wedding Planner, who was brilliant. Throughout the whole process there was a truly personal touch to every meeting and decision made. They always went the extra mile, even the General Manager, organising my phone to be fixed the day before the wedding! Frances, tell us about your dress, did it take long to find or did you know immediately as soon as you saw it? I knew almost immediately! My dress was from Suzanne Neville, whose shop we visited first as my Mum had seen and loved her dresses before. We loved so many of their dresses but two of them stood out. We tried another wedding dress shop just to be sure but instantly knew that we had to go back to look at the dresses at Suzanne Neville’s. Along with my Mum, I took my Maid of Honour and Grandma to come help with the final decision but it was easy as we all separately knew which was the perfect dress out of the final two. The Suzanne Neville staff made the whole experience so much fun, including the personalisation of my dress and picking out my sparkling veil and tiara!
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Nicolas, what did you wear on the day? I wore a 3-piece French blue suit which perfectly offset the bridesmaids’ dresses. The lining, bow tie & socks matched the yellow of the bridesmaids’ dresses. I also wore brand new brown shoes from Russell & Bromley that I still wear to this day. Did you have any colour scheme for the wedding? What flowers did you use? Yes! We wanted to have a colour scheme that we had never seen anyone else use so we chose yellow, which ended up being perfect in the bright summer sunshine that we were so fortunate to have on the day. The colour choice became obvious when my Maid of Honour was trying on bridesmaid dresses. Our florist, Simon Nickell, who was recommended by our wedding planner, was an expert bringing together this colour scheme in his displays! Who was your photographer for the day and why did you choose this particular photographer? Choosing our photographers ended up being an easy decision - as soon as we saw the portfolio of Pippa McKenzie Photography we knew it fitted exactly what we were looking for. They were able to truly capture the story of our wedding day with a mix of candid photos and more formal traditional ones. They created a beautiful Lifebook for us that tells the story of our day through pictures that we keep in our living room at home for visitors to peruse. We had two photographers from Pippa McKenzie on the day to capture different angles and parts of the day. The photographers were a joy to work with, we barely noticed they were there and you could tell they truly love what they do and enjoyed being a part of our special day. Thank you Ian & Joe! We would also highly recommend our videographer, Gorgeous Films. The 20 minute edited video we continue to show to friends & family takes us back to our wedding day and brings a joyful tear to our eye! Did you have evening entertainment? Yes - we wanted something different to the traditional wedding band so we went with Soul Brothers. They were a highlight of our evening! They sang fun upbeat songs and had great dance moves which provided a fantastic energy for the evening - they had both old and young up on stage dancing the night away! This was followed by a DJ which allowed us to continue dancing into the night.
How was your Wedding Day and what was the most memorable moment of the day? Our Wedding Day was truly magical. Getting ready in the morning was so special and so much fun, the dinner and food were incredible, and dancing late into the night with our dearest around us was a perfect end to the day. But the most incredible part of the day for us was the ceremony - the most memorable half an hour in our lives. From Frances walking down the aisle in the bright sunshine with a proud smile across her Dad’s face to the songs and poems from friends and family to finally the laughter from all when we had to squeeze our rings on due to the heat swelling our fingers! The energy coming from the historic building, the wonderful staff and our friends and family around us made that moment more perfect than we could ever have imagined. Frances and Nicolas, thank you so much for sharing these wonderful memories with us. If you would like to learn more about weddings at Stoke Park, please contact our Wedding Executive Michele Connelly on 01753 71 71 88 or email mconnelly@stokepark.com
CHEF’S RECIPE… Taken from our award-winning Chef, Chris Wheeler’s debut cookbook The Ginger Chef ‘Served Up’, this vegetarian main is the perfect dinner party treat… PUMPKIN AND WALNUT GNOCCHI
WITH PUMPKIN PURÉE, TOASTED PINE NUTS AND WILD ROCKET Oven 180°c Serves 6 2 hours Ingredients For the gnocchi 1kg potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edwards) 3 eggs (beaten) 300g plain fl our 500g pumpkin 1 rosemary sprig 75g walnuts (chopped) 15g butter For the garnish 60g pine nuts 250g wild rocket 60g vegetarian Parmesan shavings 10g micro-basil
Method Peel the pumpkin and cut 100g into 1cm cubes. Roughly chop the rest, keep the trimmings. Roast in the oven with some olive oil and rosemary for 15 minutes or until soft. Keep the cubes to one side. Blend the remainder into a purée. Wash and spin dry the rocket. Place the pine nuts on a baking tray and place under the grill to toast until golden brown. Wash and boil the potatoes (skin on) until just soft, remove from the pan once cooked and peel quickly, mash until smooth. Make a hole in the middle of the potatoes and add 3 tablespoons of pumpkin purée, the walnuts, eggs and sprinkle over some of the flour. Mix with your hands, adding more flour as you go. Try to add as little as possible, as you want the potato flavour and not flour! Work carefully and quickly, as the more you handle the dough, the harder and bouncier it will become. Roll into long sausage shapes, cut into 3cm lengths, roll in a little flour and imprint on one side with the back of a fork. Boil a large pan of salted water and drop the gnocchi in to cook for 2 minutes (do not try to cook them all at the same time). They should bob to the surface. Once they are cooked, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and dry on a tea towel. Once they are all cooked, pan-fry in a little butter with the cubes of pumpkin until they are golden brown on all sides. To Serve Swipe a spoonful of the pumpkin purée across each plate, add 8 pieces of gnocchi and a few pumpkin cubes around, add a few drops of pumpkin purée around the plate and garnish with the micro-basil, top the gnocchi with wild rocket and Parmesan shavings.
CHRIS WHEELER The Ginger Chef 'Served Up'
Chris’s cookbook The Ginger Chef ‘ Served Up’ features over 65 exquisite recipes and is available to purchase from chefchriswheeler.com | £13.75
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Stoke Park at the
Movies
E
ver had that feeling that you’ve been somewhere before but not sure when or even if you actually have? The drive up to Stoke Park is magical, with our stunning Palladian Georgian Mansion suddenly coming into view. On the approach to Stoke Park you may be thinking I’ve been here before, or I’ve definitely seen this place before… And you most probably have, as Stoke Park has been a star of many a movie over the years! We have always had a close relationship with Pinewood Studios (5 miles away) and the British film industry. Two James Bond movies; Goldfinger (1964) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), were filmed here at Stoke Park. The epic duel between James Bond and Auric Goldfinger is still considered to be the most famous game of golf in cinematic history and who can forget Oddjob’s flying hat chopping the head off the stone statue!
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The famous ‘mini-break’ and rowing scenes from Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) were filmed in the Great Hall, the Pennsylvania Suite and on the lakes with Hugh Grant, Renée Zellweger and Colin Firth.
IBride n 2004, three movies were released all featuring Stoke Park: Wimbledon, & Prejudice and Matthew Vaughn’s Layer Cake. Stoke Park features
in many of Layer Cake’s scenes including the dramatic ending with Daniel Craig and Sienna Miller, filmed on the Mansion’s front steps. Guy Ritchie’s 2008 movie RocknRolla features the grass tennis courts and the 21st green. In 2010, we welcomed Madonna to Stoke Park to film scenes of her Wallace Simpson biopic, W.E and in 2012, Cameron Diaz and Oscar winner, Javier Bardem, shot scenes on the golf course for Ridley Scott’s movie, The Counselor. Stoke Park has featured on many TV programmes and most recently we welcomed Oscar winner Olivia Coleman and the cast of Netflix’s The Crown to Stoke Park to film scenes for season 3 (if you are watching the show we are in episode 5, the internal shots where The Queen takes an important phone call ) With more appearances currently in production, Stoke Park really is a star of the silver screen!
“HUMPHRY’S RESTAURANT - WITH ITS GLORIOUS FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS AND GREAT VASES OF LILIES AND ORCHIDS - MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED, BUT THE BIGGEST SURPRISE IS THE FOOD. A CLASSIC TOURNEDOS OF BEEF AND A CANNON OF LAMB WERE TWO OF THE BEST DISHES WE’VE EATEN IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.” TATLER RESTAURANT GUIDE Set within our beautiful Georgian Mansion, our 3 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, Humphry’s, is a culinary experience not to be missed! With exquisite food and wines to match, we have caught up with Simon Watson, from Justerini & Brooks, who has paired the perfect wines from our wine list to some of our latest Humphry’s dishes.
STARTERS
Fennel Pollen Chalk Stream Trout with buttered Lobster, roasted Red Pepper textures, Micro Cress, Mango and Lime gel This intriguing and complex dish has a myriad of textures and contrasting flavours. Flaky, oily trout and buttered Lobster have a sweet, rich and firm texture that to me demands the fabulously versatile Chardonnay. In this case I would reach for a Pouilly Fuissé from Domaine des Vieilles Pierres. Buttery, smooth and intense with a tropical fruit richness to complement that sweet flesh and a balancing mineral, citrus acidity sits perfectly alongside the tangy mango and lime gel.
Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Pine Nut Meringue, Pumpkin Caviar, Sage Oil and Crispy Parmesan Gnocchi with flavours of nut, sage and salty Parmesan could prove problematic but not for this Italian beauty. Made from 100% Arneis, an indigenous Italian grape variety, this wine displays the perfect array of flavours to enjoy with this dish. The rich, herbaceous and weighty body will pair perfectly with those fluffy and savoury Gnocchi whilst the underlying zip and zing of citrus fruit will lift that delicious, salty parmesan. 78
Pouilly Fuissé, Tradition, Domaine des Vieilles Pierres, 2017 A serious Pouilly-Fuissé from 60 year-old vines in Vergisson. Jean Jacques Litaud used much less oak for this cuvée than previously, only 30% was aged in barrel, the rest in tank. A step up in finesse from the St.-Vérans, there is a hint of background, smoky oak complementing the main scene - pretty, sweetly-scented yellow plum and orchard fruit. There is a certain substance here of course, but there is tone and elegance to the flavours. Intense and full enough without being remotely clumsy, demonstrated by the well-defined, clean finish.
Roero, Arneis, Matteo Correggia, 2014 The 2014 exudes ripe peach, melon and white flowers. Bags of fruit but with fine texture and freshness finishing on a clean lemon note. Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel to lock in the freshness and bright fruity flavours, this is the perfect wine for every day enjoyment.
MAINS
Fillet of Casterbridge Beef with Braised Beef Cheek, Celeriac, Truffle Mash, Chantenay Carrots and roasted Grelot Onions Fillet of beef is the main event here and whilst the most tenderest of cuts, it’s still a protein and as such requires a wine with some tannic grip and body. Due to some clever molecular bonding, protein rich foods have the wonderful effect of softening otherwise firmer, tannic wines, often making them the perfect marriage. One such suiter is Château Valade, a Grand Cru from St Emilion. Despite gentle extraction during its winemaking, the wines possess deep colours, considerable body and firm structure. In the mouth you will find flavours of stewed plums and black currents, cocoa, cedar, tobacco, forest floor and vanilla. That might sound like a complex mouthful but when paired alongside the strong flavours of truffled mash and roasted onions, this wine just works brilliantly.
DESSERTS
Château Valade, a Grand Cru from St Emilion, 2009 As we have stated in our vintage overview, this is not the most homogenous vintage, particularly for many of the less expensive wines. However, if you look closely, (and we did at literally hundreds), you can discover some great value wines for short to medium term drinking. This is only the third vintage from this estate and it is already a firm favourite with us. There are only 4000 bottles of the wonderful 2009, produced from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. This is an utterly seductive and very impressive definition of St Emilion. There is a bouquet of deep unbridled cassis, griotte cherries, damsons, spice box, cut flowers as well as notes of complex minerals. The palate is packed with pure, luxurious black fruits and is beautifully balanced with bright acidity and ripe, grippy tannins. A sensational `must-buy` St Emilion.
Apple Crumble Soufflé with Baileys Ice Cream
Château Petit Védrines, Sauternes, 2015
The key to pairing a wine with a dessert is to try to match the level of sweetness of the dessert. Chris’s Apple Crumble Soufflé with Baileys Ice Cream has both the sweetness of the ice cream and the sour, tart nature of the apple crumble. My go-to choice for this dessert would be a young sweet wine from Bordeaux. Young because there will still be a backbone of mouth-watering acidity to match with the apples and Bordeaux because we get to choose the luscious and deliciously sweet Sauternes from Château Petit Védrines to match with the sweeter elements of this dish.
Petit Vedrines is the second wine of the high flying Doisy Vedrines. Under the stewardship of Olivier Casteja, Doisy Vedrines has become one of the most consistent and best performing of the big names in Sauternes. We love the style with precise botrytis aromas, a certain florality, richness on the palate and vivid acidity that refreshes the palate and leaves the taster yearning for another glass. The excellent second wine is equally consistent. There is less botrytis than the Grand Vin, but is still has ample sweetness with notes of acacia honey, apricots and blossom. There is a real sense of tension and harmony framed by the bright acidity. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more accomplished entry level Sauternes.
JUSTERINI & BROOKS ARE THE WINE SUPPLIER FOR STOKE PARK. With over four thousand wines and spirits from the world’s greatest Châteaux, estates, domaines and distilleries, Justerini & Brooks’ portfolio offers an unrivalled selection. They are the largest UK importer of fine wines from Burgundy, Barolo and Germany, as well as having long-standing relationships with the most celebrated properties in Bordeaux, the Rhône, the Loire and Champagne. Justerini & Brooks also has unbeatable direct access to some of the world’s rarest and most collectable whiskies. Justerinis.com Humphry’s is open to all: Thursday – Sunday 7-10pm. To book please contact our reservations team on 01753 71 71 72 or email reservations@stokepark.com
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Afternoon
Tea Delight...
I love Afternoon Tea, I mean who doesn’t? In fact Afternoon Tea has become so popular it has seen hotels around the UK running waiting lists, with the appetite for themed Afternoon Teas being very much en trend. Stoke Park is no exception to this phenomenon. Named as one of ‘Britain’s Best Afternoon Teas’ by the Daily Telegraph, afternoon tea at Stoke Park is served in The Orangery, which enjoys stunning views. We of course serve our exquisite Traditional Afternoon Tea with delicately hand-made sandwiches, cakes and scones served with delicious clotted cream, along with your choice of a wide range of teas and coffees…. Or why not upgrade and enjoy our Champagne Afternoon Tea with a delicious glass of Pommery Champagne. And who said Afternoon Tea was only for the adults- we have a special Little Stars Afternoon Tea for the kids to enjoy! Any guests who have specific dietary requirements, our wonderful Chefs have created Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan Afternoon Teas too! Watch out for our seasonal themed Afternoon Teas too (I’ve already taste tested the Easter Afternoon Tea and it’s yummy!)
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To make a reservation please call 01753 71 71 72 or email reservations@stokepark.com
GAME
On
Esports (competitive video gaming) is an increasingly popular activity with a surprising number of benefits, writes Dominic Sacco from the British Esports Association
Essex teenager Jaden Ashman won just under £1 million last summer after taking part in a prestigious new event. He is not a professional footballer, golfer or cricketer however, nor is he a successful young businessman or entrepreneur. The Brit – also known as ‘Wolfiez’ – is one of best video game players in the world.
the world within a sector that now boasts millions in both overall revenues and viewers.
Esports generated some $1.1 billion globally in 2019, representing a year-on-year growth of 26.7%, while the number of fans who watch these video game matches live online grew to 453.8 million last year, a rise of 15%.
SO HOW DOES ESPORTS WORK?
Esports is different from standard video gaming in that, like traditional physical sports, it is competitive (human-vs-human, not humanvs-computer) and usually has an engaging spectator element to it.
of the most common ways to watch esports is online via livestreaming websites and platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. The game’s developers or tournament organisers will usually set the rules and ensure players adhere to them.
At just 15 years old, Jaden finished second place in the Fortnite World Cup in 2019, a tournament boasting a prize pool of $30 million overall. He teamed up with Dave ‘Rojo’ Jong, a Dutch player, to finish second in the game’s duo tournament and went on to secure major media coverage around the world.
Players will face-off against one another over the internet or in person at live events, via computers or games consoles linked up to one another. Before major events, professional teams will usually practice together in ‘gaming houses’.
There are many different types of esports games that can be played, from virtual sports titles like FIFA and F1, to shooter games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, CounterStrike and Overwatch, or MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) titles including League of Legends and Dota 2. Like films, video games carry age ratings.
The Fortnite World Cup was held at the Arthur Ashe tennis stadium in New York, demonstrating physical sports’ increasing crossover with the growing phenomenon known as esports (short for ‘electronic sports’).
Like sports, they take part in matches across leagues or other types of tournament to become champions. Fans will tune in to watch their favourite teams or players make unbelievable plays or memorable moments, they might buy a replica jersey and attend events to watch the action in person. One
There has been a debate around whether esports should be recognised as a sport or not. Some countries class esports as a sport, others – including the UK – don’t. On our shores esports is a game, like chess or bridge.
The days of video games being played solely as a pastime are well and truly over. Jaden is just one of many professional gamers around
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HOW CAN PLAYING GAMES HAVE BENEFITS? Esports engages a wide demographic of young people and is intrinsically a fun, team-building activity that promotes leadership, character development, communication and social skills. It can improve confidence, strategic thinking, problem solving abilities, reading comprehension and phonics skills and can even help with the development of digital and cyber skills. It’s good for keeping the mind engaged and active. Skills can be transferred across into physical sports and schoolwork, and esports offers a multitude of career pathways, beyond professional players. Like sports there are also commentators, coaches, marketing executives, business owners, journalists, photographers, content creators and lots more. Esports is also proven to boost behaviour, concentration and attendance levels in school students taking part in the British Esports Championships (see ‘Battling for Britain’ below). Last but not least, when played in moderation, video games and esports can be good for mental health – they’re fun to play and can be a stress-reliever. However, esports is a sedentary activity, so many professional players will ensure they take ample breaks, maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, including sleeping well and taking regular exercise, as well as having access to sports psychologists and other medical professionals. That’s more prevalent at the top level, but there is also a flourishing grassroots scene with many smaller, community tournaments and initiatives available for people to get their foot in the door.
BATTLING FOR BRITAIN Britain has fantastic sporting heritage – and esports is starting to follow suit. See ‘Best of British’ for some of top teams and players. But we are still lagging behind some of esports’ top territories, including South Korea, China, North America and pockets of Europe such as Denmark, all of which have produced some of the world’s best players over the years. But things are changing. More professional players and other talent are emerging from the UK, and the industry here is growing. More pro level events take place here such as the FaceIT Major and ESL One Birmingham, while companies such as ESL UK, NSE, the NUEL, FaceIT, epic.LAN, GAME Belong, Gfinity and others do a lot of good work to help grow the scene. One of the key organisations supporting this growth is the British Esports Association. It was set up in January 2016 by Stoke Park’s very own Chester King, who received authority from the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP to create a national body for esports in the UK. The Association is focused on grassroots, promoting esports in the UK and increasing its level of awareness, improving the standard of UK esports and inspiring future talent. It wants to promote a balanced lifestyle and demonstrate how esports is a positive activity when played in moderation. One of the ways it does this is through the British Esports Championships, a series of tournaments for students aged 12 and above in secondary schools, further education colleges and alternative provision schools. Each spring, the best student teams from around the country
qualify for the grand finals taking place at the Birmingham NEC’s Insomnia Gaming Festival. This gives participants a taste of a real on-stage esports environment for the first time, giving them, their friends, families and teachers a lasting memory and a chance for bragging rights. The 2019 winners received trophies, jerseys, in-game items and professional coaching from the likes of Excel Esports, Renault Vitality and British Hurricane. Beyond the Championships, the British Esports Association continues to educate parents, teachers, media and policy makers around what esports is and what its benefits are, with a website, weekly email newsletter and social media platforms full of advice and information. As well as speaking to mainstream media and having a presence at conferences and events around the world, such as World Skills Live which draws thousands of students and teachers, an esports all-party parliamentary group in the Houses of Parliament, and its own Esports in Further Education Forum, the Association hosts a number of initiatives such as Women in Esports, in an attempt to promote diversity within the sector. The British Esports Association has an advisory board, made up of esports experts, which meets quarterly to discuss areas of focus, plus a set of game advisers to keep us up to speed on developments in each title. The Association is also a member of trade bodies such as Ukie, the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the Creative Industries Federation and Welsh Sports Association, and has links with the likes of the International Olympic Committee and the European Esports Federation. It has nine members of staff overall, along with 13 advisory board members, more than 20 game advisers and a pool of over 200 potential volunteers.
With plans to introduce membership, merchandise, esports academies, education and eLearning offerings in 2020 and beyond, the future for the Association – and esports in the UK – is exciting to say the least. www.britishesports.org
Best of British Teams • • • •
Fnatic (fielding teams in multiple games) Excel Esports (League of Legends) London Royal Ravens (Call of Duty) London Spitfire (Overwatch)
Champions • • • • • • • •
Brendon Leigh (F1) Luke Kendrew (Rainbow Six Siege) Benjamin ‘ProblemX’ Simon (Street Fighter) Ryan Hart (multiple fighting games) Donovan ‘Tekkz’ Hunt (FIFA) Kyle ‘Scrub Killa’ Robertson (Rocket League) Liam ‘Thunderstruck’ McCarron (Clash Royale) Jaden ‘Wolfiez’ Ashman (Fortnite)
Hosts • • • • •
Paul ‘Redeye’ Chaloner Lauren ‘Pansy’ Scott Henry ‘HenryG’ Greer Aaron ‘Medic’ Chamberlain Frankie Ward
STOKE PARK’S SOCIAL CALENDAR 2020 SUNDAY 22ND MARCH
Meet the Chef’s
Mother’s Day Lunch Three course lunch with a gift for every Mum
FEBRUARY
MARCH
FRIDAY 14TH – SUNDAY 16TH FEBRUARY
WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH Ladies Lunch
Six course dinner with fine wines cooked by a team of award-winning Chefs
Valentine’s Afternoon Tea
Hosted by the five star Castel Monastero Resort, Tuscany
Champagne Reception at 6.30pm Dress Code: Jacket and Tie
Drinks reception and three course Tuscan themed menu followed by a talk from the host.
To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
Drinks Reception at 12pm followed by lunch
SUNDAY 22ND MARCH
Our specially created Valentine’s Afternoon Tea with a glass of Champagne or Chocolate Martini To book please contact the reservations team on 01753 717171 or email reservations@stokepark.com
FRIDAY 14TH & SATURDAY 15TH FEBRUARY Valentine’s Dinner Four course dinner specially created for Valentine’s Day by our awardwinning Executive Chef, Chris Wheeler Sittings from 7pm To book please contact the reservations team on 01753 717171 or email reservations@stokepark.com
To book please contact Jennifer Jefferies on 01753 717151 or email jjefferies@stokepark.com
THURSDAY 5TH SATURDAY 7TH MARCH Castel Monastero Resort at Humphry’s From Thursday 5th March to Saturday 7th March 2020 the Chef ’s from Castel Monastero Resort will be taking over Humphry’s Restaurant for a Gourmet Tuscan themed menu. To book please contact the reservations team on 01753 717171 or email reservations@stokepark.com
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FRIDAY 20TH MARCH
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Our specially created Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea with a glass of bubbles and a gift for every Mum Sittings between 12pm – 4.30pm Little Stars Afternoon Tea (12 and under) To book please contact the reservations team on 01753 717171 or email reservations@stokepark.com
Sittings from 12pm – 2.30pm To book please contact the reservations team on 01753 717171 or email reservations@stokepark.com
APRIL FRIDAY 10TH APRIL – MONDAY 13TH APRIL Easter Afternoon Tea Our specially created Easter Afternoon Tea with a chocolate gift for everyone Sittings between 12pm – 4.30pm Little Stars Chocolate Afternoon Tea (12 and under) To book please contact the reservations team on 01753 717171 or email reservations@stokepark.com
SATURDAY 11TH APRIL
JUNE
Easter Petting Farm New for 2020
SUNDAY 21ST JUNE
Come along and meet miniature versions of all your favourite farmyard animals, as well as face painting and an Easter Trail around the grounds of Stoke Park.
New for 2020
Ladies Lunch
To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
Guest Host
23RD JUNE – 27TH JUNE
To book please contact Jennifer Jefferies on 01753 717151 or email jjefferies@stokepark.com
After meeting the animals, join us for a picnic on the lawn, a packed lunch is included for children attending the Petting Farm – bring your picnic blankets. Commences at 3pm To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
SUNDAY 12TH APRIL Easter Sunday Lunch Three course lunch with a chocolate gift for everyone
Father’s Day Brunch & Father’s Day Bottomless Brunch
MAY FRIDAY 8TH MAY VE Day Afternoon Tea Our specially created Afternoon Tea celebrating the 75th Anniversary of VE Day with musical entertainment Sittings between 12pm – 4.30pm
Sittings between 12pm – 2.30pm
For our younger diners enjoy our Little Soldiers Afternoon Tea (12 and under)
To book please contact the reservations team on 01753 717171 or email reservations@stokepark.com
To book please contact the reservations team on 01753 717171 or email reservations@stokepark.com
FRIDAY 22ND MAY San Marco Summer BBQ New for 2020 Arrive from 6.30pm BBQ from 7pm Come join us in our stunning San Marco gardens for a relaxing summers evening BBQ To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
The Boodles Enjoy world class tennis within the unique English garden party atmosphere that The Boodles is now famous for. Not only will you be closer to the action than ever before, but you will experience a day of sumptuous luxury in the idyllic grounds of Stoke Park. www.theboodles.com
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE Tennis Club Championship Finals Day Plate competition commencing at 9.30am – 11.00am Finals commence from 12pm Family BBQ from 1pm Complimentary for all tennis members who entered the Club Championships To book please contact Amy Turner on 01753 717173 or email aturner@stokepark.com
SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER
Drinks Reception at 12pm followed by lunch and a talk from the host
SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER Summer Garden Party New for 2020 From 12pm Join us for our first ever Summer Garden Party. Lots of activities for everyone to enjoy, including a Junior Archery competition, Birds of Prey, Face Painting, Arts and Crafts, Giant Garden Games plus many more….. Food and Drinks available to purchase on the day from a selection of handpicked suppliers. To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
WEDNESDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER Club Quiz Night New for 2020 Come join us for our inaugural Club Quiz Night with a two course club night meal, and a prize for the winning team. To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
OCTOBER
DECEMBER
FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER Annual Tennis Dinner
WEDNESDAY 2ND DECEMBER
Commences 7pm
Ladies Lunch
3 course dinner
Hosted by Executive Chef, Chris Wheeler
Dress Code: Jacket and Tie To book please contact Amy Turner on 01753 717173 or email aturner@stokepark.com
NOVEMBER SUNDAY 1ST NOVEMBER Bonfire Night Gates open at 5pm Come and join us for our annual Bonfire Night Celebration, with BBQ , Fireworks and Entertainment for everyone including a Halloween fancy dress competition for the children, balloon modelling and facepainting. To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER Gourmet Evening Specially created six course dinner with fine wines Commences at 6.30pm Dress Code: Jacket and Tie To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
Drinks Reception at 12pm followed by lunch and a talk from the host To book please contact Jennifer Jefferies on 01753 717151 or email jjefferies@stokepark.com
SUNDAY 6TH, 13TH, 20TH AND 27TH DECEMBER Sunday Christmas Lunch Three course Christmas themed lunches in festive surroundings of Stoke Park. Sittings from 12pm – 2.30pm To book please contact the reservations team on 01753 717171 or email reservations@stokepark.com
SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER Children’s Christmas Party 11.30am – 2pm Come and join us for some festive fun and entertainment from Dave the Disco, with party food for the children and a visit from Father Christmas Gift for every child To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER Tennis Ladies Christmas Lunch Welcome Drinks at 12pm Two course lunch and mince pies To book please contact Amy Turner on 01753 717173 or email aturner@stokepark.com
WEDNESDAY 16TH DECEMBER Carols around the Christmas Tree Commences at 6pm Join us for minced pies and mulled wine, followed by carols around the Christmas tree. Details tbc
THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER New Year’s Eve Party Celebrate in style at our New Year’s Eve Party. Incredible entertainment from Alec Pitman and guests, fireworks, exquisite cuisine and more To book please contact Michele or Ellie on 01753 717171 or email socialevents@stokepark.com
LEADING THE NOBLE PURSUIT O F F I N E W I N E S S I N C E 174 9 Justerini & Brooks. Portfolio, expertise and personal service. Justerinis.com/discover