#luxury garden rooms Hertfordshire

[myouthouse]

If you are looking for a garden room in Essex, you have come to the right place. We have a wide range of garden rooms to suit all budgets and requirements. So whether you are looking for a traditional garden room or something more modern, we are sure to have the perfect solution.

[seoladyuk]

Installing a made-to-order garden room is one of the quickest ways to add valuable living space to your Hertfordshire or Essex property. Our workshop is based near Hertford, we hand build extended living modular garden rooms for work and leisure.

If you’re considering moving and want to add significant value to your property, our garden rooms can be built in under 3 weeks with no requirement for planning permission on your private property as a homeowner. Garden Rooms Installed and Made to Order

For those considering a move or seeking to enhance their current living situation, bespoke garden rooms offer a quick and stylish solution. Our workshop not only prides itself on bespoke design but also on rapid installation, often completing the transformation in under three weeks. The best part? No need for the bureaucracy of planning permissions. According to a 2022 Rightmove report, the demand for ‘office,’ ‘workspace,’ or ‘working from home’ spaces has soared by a staggering 326%, making our garden rooms a timely and sought-after addition during lockdown. Designed by you, installed by Outdoor Modular Spaces.

Beyond the speed, our commitment to efficiency ensures minimal disruption to your household, with your new space fully ready within six weeks. Crafted for all-season comfort, our bespoke garden rooms boast full insulation, making them a haven no matter the weather. Imagine basking in the luxury of year-round usability, turning your garden room into a retreat for work or leisure. Enquire now on 020 3978 1200.

Are you a homeowner in Hertfordshire or Essex with an eye for the extraordinary? Consider a bespoke garden room as the unique touch that sets your property apart. These versatile spaces serve a myriad of purposes, each limited only by your imagination.

Transform your garden room into a personal fitness haven. Equip it with exercise gear and take advantage of the private space for uninterrupted workouts.

[grandstationwolverhampton]

A Celebration of Culture: Top Asian Wedding Venues Unveiled

Introduction

Asian weddings are known for their vibrant colors, rich traditions, and elaborate ceremonies. Choosing the perfect wedding venue that can accommodate these unique cultural celebrations is of utmost importance. From luxurious banquet halls to serene outdoor spaces, there are a plethora of stunning Asian wedding venues available that can provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. In this article, we will unveil the top Asian wedding venues, highlighting their exquisite features and why they are the ideal choice for celebrating your cultural heritage.

1. The Grove

Located in Hertfordshire, The Grove is a luxurious and elegant wedding venue that caters to Asian weddings with utmost sophistication. This stunning Georgian mansion offers a blend of traditional charm and contemporary style, making it the perfect setting for your cultural celebration. The Grove boasts beautiful gardens, a grand ballroom, and exquisite dining options, ensuring that every aspect of your wedding is nothing short of perfection.

2. The Grand Connaught Rooms

Situated in the heart of London's vibrant Covent Garden, The Grand Connaught Rooms is a historic and opulent venue that offers a majestic setting for Asian weddings. With its stunning architecture, high ceilings, and ornate details, this venue exudes grandeur and elegance. The Grand Connaught Rooms can accommodate both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations, ensuring that your wedding is a truly memorable affair.

3. Thornton Manor

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Cheshire, Thornton Manor is a breathtaking wedding venue that combines elegance with natural beauty. This Grade II listed mansion offers a range of stunning spaces, including the grand manor house, lakeside pavilion, and walled garden, providing endless possibilities for your Asian wedding celebrations. The venue's experienced team will work closely with you to create a personalized wedding package that reflects your cultural traditions and ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience.

4. The Grove House

Located in Roehampton, London, The Grove House is a hidden gem that offers a unique and intimate setting for Asian weddings. This elegant Georgian mansion is nestled within acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your cultural celebration. The Grove House offers a range of event spaces, including a stunning marquee and a charming orangery, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding festivities.

5. The Decorium

Situated in the heart of North London, The Decorium is a versatile and contemporary wedding venue that can cater to the unique requirements of Asian weddings. With its modern design, state-of-the-art facilities, and spacious event spaces, The Decorium offers a blank canvas for you to create a wedding that reflects your cultural heritage. The venue's experienced team will work closely with you to ensure that every detail is taken care of, from traditional ceremonies to grand receptions.

FAQ

Q1: Can these Asian wedding venues accommodate traditional ceremonies?

A1: Yes, all of the mentioned wedding venues have the flexibility to accommodate traditional Asian wedding ceremonies. They offer beautiful outdoor spaces, grand ballrooms, and customizable event spaces that can be tailored to your specific cultural traditions.

Q2: Can these venues provide specialized catering for Asian weddings?

A2: Absolutely! Each of these venues has experienced culinary teams that can create customized menus featuring the diverse flavors and cuisines of your culture. From traditional dishes to fusion cuisine, they can cater to your specific preferences.

Q3: Do these venues offer accommodation for guests?

A3: Yes, several of these venues offer on-site accommodation options for you and your guests. This ensures a comfortable and convenient stay throughout the wedding festivities.

Q4: Can these venues provide assistance with wedding planning?

A4: Absolutely! Each venue has a team of experienced wedding planners who are well-versed in Asian wedding traditions. They will guide and support you throughout the planning process, ensuring that your cultural traditions are respected and incorporated seamlessly.

Q5: Are these venues easily accessible for guests?

A5: Yes, all of these venues are conveniently located and easily accessible for guests. Whether situated in London or the countryside, they offer excellent transportation links and provide a vibrant backdrop for pre- and post-wedding activities.

conclusion:

In conclusion, selecting the perfect wedding venue for your Asian celebration is crucial to ensure that your cultural traditions are honored and celebrated in a beautiful setting. The mentioned venues, such as The Grove, The Grand Connaught Rooms, Thornton Manor, The Grove House, and The Decorium, offer exquisite features, experienced teams, and customizable options to create an unforgettable wedding experience. Whether you prefer a luxurious mansion, a historic venue, or a contemporary space, these top Asian wedding venues will provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.

[architectnews]

Criss Cross House, Hertfordshire Property

Criss Cross House, Hertfordshire Home, Contemporary English Property Photos

Criss Cross House, Hertfordshire

30 May 2022

Location: Hertfordshire, England, UK

Design: Ashton Porter Architects

Photos by Andy Stagg

Criss Cross House in Hertfordshire is one of 17 projects which received a 2022 RIBA East Award.

Criss Cross House, Hertfordshire, England

Jury Report

Criss Cross House is a simple side extension to a semi-detached house, set in rolling farmland in Hertfordshire’s green belt. The new addition provides two square volumes in plan: a living room, set off from an opening in the flank wall of the original house by a glazed dégagement, and a simple single storey garage block. The two volumes are linked by a gate that opens onto the garden at the rear. All these elements are faced in charred timber on a timber frame. The house takes its name from the 12mm plywood gridshell ceiling of the new addition, which supports a sedum roof.

From having little visual relationship with its surroundings, the house now luxuriates in views from three sides of the new living space. Carefully sized openings frame particular views and the room is animated by the light introduced and by the views set up across and through the space to the garden and to the opposite hillside. Thoughtful detailing and resolution help pull this new space into a successful totality with the original house and with the garden. The architects have created for their delighted clients a joyous space that completes a simple house with a wholly new and inventive space.

This retrofit project has implemented the principles of a fabric-first approach to uplift thermal performance and included an air source heat pump to present its energy use efficiency enhancement, while it was notably the best performing domestic project from the shortlist for water use efficiency. From an embodied carbon perspective, it has included significant use of timber both structurally (timber frame), and as decorative elements principally in the form of charred timber cladding. The project has also prioritised offsite manufacture and prefabrication to considerably reduce construction time and enhance the overall efficiency in building erection.

Criss Cross House, Hertfordshire Property – Building Information

Title: Criss Cross House RIBA region: East Architect practice: Ashton Porter Architects Date of completion: July 2020 Date of occupation: July 2020 Client company name: Private

Project city/town: Hertfordshire, England, UK Contract value: Confidential Gross internal area: 175.00 m² Net internal area: 171.00 m² Cost per m²: Confidential Contractor company name: PVR Builders

Consultants

Structural Engineers: Constant Structural Design

Awards

• RIBA Regional Award

Photographs: Andy Stagg

House designs

2022 RIBA East Awards Winners

Criss Cross House, Hertfordshire Property images / information received from the Royal Institute of British Architects

Location: Hertfordshire, south east England, United Kingdom

Hertfordshire Property

Hertfordshire Buildings

Bishop’s Stortford House Design: Nicola Chambers Architect photograph : Owen Davies Bishop’s Stortford House

Hempstead House, Potten End Design: Unit One Architects photograph © Sophie Mutevelian Photography Hempstead House in Potten End

Architecture in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire Buildings – selection below:

Masterplan For Oaklands College Design: DLA Architecture photo courtesy of architects Oaklands College St Albans masterplan

Hertford Theatre Development Architects: Bennetts Associates image courtesy of architects office Hertford Theatre Development

English Properties

Key New South East England Property – Selection:

London Architecture Walking Tours

London Architect

New English Buildings : current, chronological list

Photos for the Criss Cross House, Hertfordshire Property building design by Ashton Porter Architects page welcome

The post Criss Cross House, Hertfordshire Property appeared first on e-architect.

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Lap up the UK’s finest hotel pools, from underground baths to wild clifftop ponds

There is one thing these hotels all have in common – they have gone to great lengths to provide guests with a spectacular swimming pool.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to clock up the laps or the perfect spot to unwind, dive head first into our round-up of the UK’s finest hotel pools.

The Scarlet, Cornwall

To infinity and beyond: The stunning pool at The Scarlet in Cornwall

Close to Newquay, The Scarlet’s 43ft pool, with floor-to-ceiling windows affording views across the Atlantic, is a stunner; a kind of indoor infinity pool. But this Cornish luxury spot outdoes itself with its own reed filtered cold water swimming pond high on the clifftops. It’s best to enjoy an invigorating dip late in the day, as the sun slips into the sea. If it gets a tad too chilly, there’s a hot tub for warming up afterwards. 

Rooms from £210 a night (scarlethotel.co.uk)

Burley Manor, New Forest

In the heart of Hampshire’s beautiful New Forest, the Manor’s Grade II listed facade and 40 luxurious bedrooms are enough to entice anyone looking for a country escape. Its seasonal outdoor pool, however, makes it exceptional. Open until September, it provides a frog’s eye view of the adjacent deer park and surrounding woodland, with birds singing while guests plough out a slow breaststroke. Grab a sun lounger, order a cocktail and enjoy a quintessentially English summer break.

B&B from £139 a night (burleymanor.com)

The Club at Cotton Mill, Hertfordshire

Lounging by the waters at The Club at Cotton Mill, St Albans

A short hop north of London in St Albans, The Club at Cotton Mill makes for the ideal, post-lockdown breather. Part of Sopwell House Hotel, there’s exclusive access for those staying in the property’s Mews Suites. Its standout feature is an indoor/outdoor massaging hydrotherapy pool. Slip in for a quick dip and then stay submerged while working out stressful kinks. Ideal for anyone who’s been working at a makeshift desk for the past three months. Be sure to indulge in a spa treatment for maximum relaxation.

B&B from £199 a night (sopwellhouse.co.uk)

Beaverbrook, Surrey

Surrounded by 470 acres of landscaped gardens and wild woodland in Leatherhead, Beaverbrook reopened this summer with just 35 rooms spread across its vast estate. That means there will be ample space for guests at its gorgeous outdoor pool, too. In the shadow of the main house, it’s perfect for those who love to get in an early morning stretch and complete a few laps before breakfast. The vibe is more leisurely as the day passes, with the chance to take a seat poolside and read between dips.

Rooms from £385 a night (beaverbrook.co.uk)

The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Blue lagoon: The indoor pool at The Balmoral in Edinburgh

Found at No1 Princes Street, The Balmoral is one of Edinburgh’s swankiest hotels. Its lap pool offers the perfect escape for when the weather turns, with soothing blue tiles and day beds on hand for lounging after a long swim. The in-house Turkish steam room and Finnish sauna make this the perfect place to relax between tours of the Scottish capital.

Rooms from £255 a night (roccofortehotels.com)

Rectory Hotel, Cotswolds

This stunning Malmsbury bolthole, once home to a rector and his 14 children, is the ideal location for some post-lockdown R&R. There’s no swimming in the ancient Baptism pool at the front, but there’s a lush outdoor pool, all the better at the height of summer when this part of England is at its bucolic best. It pays to swim before settling down to the hotel’s indulgent afternoon tea. There’s no comfortable way of taking a dip after all those scones.

B&B from £120 a night (therectoryhotel.com)

South Lodge, West Sussex

While it’s tempting to dive into the indoor pool at this Horsham hotel, swimming here is all about the 60ft outdoor pond. Long enough for anyone who wants to practice their front crawl, it’s also ideal for a leisurely, cooling plunge after time spent in the on-site spa.

The poolside deck is the place to be for those who can handle the cold and prefer to take multiple swims. A dreamy way to pass a summer afternoon.

B&B from £335 a night (exclusive.co.uk)

Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland

The pool at Slieve Donard gives swimmers views out across the bay, with the moody Mountains of Mourne glowering high above

Rising above the shores of Newcastle Bay, the hotel’s pool brings the best of outdoor swimming inside. Its vast floor-to-ceiling windows give swimmers views out across the bay, with the moody Mountains of Mourne glowering high above. At 65ft it’s long enough for muscle-burning workouts, while the adjacent vitality pool, with submerged seating, is the place to relax afterwards, with Northern Ireland’s finest scenery on show.

B&B from £65 per person per night (hastingshotels.com)

Walwick Hall hotel, Hexham, Northumberland

Right on Hadrian’s Wall, Walwick Hall makes for an indulgent stop for hikers covering the famous cross-country route or those looking to escape the city in some of England’s most underrated countryside. The pavilion pool overlooks the beautiful Tyne Valley and is the perfect spot for soothing aches and pains after a day’s walking, or just easing yourself into the evening before a cocktail in front of the drawing room fire.

B&B from £230 a night (walwickhall.com)

St Moritz, Cornwall

For guests who don’t fancy braving the busy beach, the gorgeous pool at St Moritz, Cornwall, is the ideal alternative

A stone’s throw from Polzeath, St Moritz’s self-catering cottages make for a brilliant British escape this summer. And for guests who don’t fancy braving the busy beach, its gorgeous pool is the ideal alternative. The views along the cliffs and out to sea from this high vantage point are wonderful.

The loungers arranged poolside are tempting, but it’s the hammocks that most visitors love – perfect for a snooze under the sun after a few lengths.

Rooms from £130 a night (stmoritzhotel.co.uk)

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[torentialtribute]

I had to pull pints in the village pub before the game to earn money, says Beth Mead

& # 39; I think I drove through the trade entrance & # 39 ;, it jokes modest Arsenal and England sends Beth Mead forward as she emerges from the revolving doors, immediately impressed by her soft environment. & # 39; I'm sorry I'm late & # 39 ;, she adds.

The Grove would be better known to Mead's male counterparts, many of whom would often recall the luxury hotel in Hertfordshire while having international employment with England, pre St George's Park.

& # 39; So when were we training at Loughborough University and were we staying in dorms, were the men here? & # 39; the 24-year-old asks with a wry smile as she sees the stark contrast to her own experiences with camps in England.

Beth Mead believes that inequality in pay in male and female players in amazing

For Mead, who emerged as an outbreaker on the English side of Phil Neville, with these five games at the World Cup this summer, the continuing inequality between men and women in football is amazing. The average annual salary for players in the Women's Super League is estimated at around £ 35,000.

& # 39; It is frustrating, we naturally think we have much more, & # 39; she carefully begins to get outside the hotel. Manicured grounds. & # 39; What we earn in a year, one of the men under 21 takes home in a week. At some large clubs, even their younger than 18 can participate so much.

I know that they generate more income, but it is crazy. We simply get the best out of the situation at the moment. & # 39;

In a training stop and shorts from Arsenal, Mead takes a seat at a table in a quiet part of the garden, admitting that she feels somewhat underclothed after a triple pre-season training session.

Mead explained that some male U21 players could take home what they earn every year. in a week

The 24-year-old played five games at the World Cup for England earlier this summer "class =" blkBorder img-share "/>

The 24-year-old played earlier this summer five games at the World Cup for England

& I worked the night before I played a game in a village pub to earn some more money to get me there. Those experiences shape you as a footballer & # 39 ;, says Mead. "I love my journey in football and I couldn't have any complaints about it."

Mead scored 77 goals in 78 games on a part-time contract with former club Sunderland and led the Northeast outfit to a championship title before a move to North London was offered in January 2017. It wasn't long before the & # 39; little girl from Whitby, North Yorkshire & # 39; – that made her senior England debut a year later – found her feet. Although those feet may not receive Premier League indulgence, they have helped to take home the WSL title 2018-19 and the goal of the year for its thunderous 30-meter attack against Brighton.

& # 39; Nobody washes our boots at Arsenal, we don't have that luxury, ”she explains. She notes that the title winning party's boots are housed in a simple wooden garden shed on the London Colney base of the club.

& # 39; The men's boot space is probably larger than our dressing room on the training field, but you don't need a fancy space to make you a better footballer. & # 39;

Mead sat down with Sportsmail & # 39; s Claire Bloomfield at the luxury Grove Hotel in Hertfordshire

She revealed that she & # 39; worked at night in the village pub to play games to supplement her wages

But the young lioness – who already has more than 20 caps – quickly recognizes the setup at Arsenal is far superior to many of the top women's clubs.

We have a great facility, we train in a gym of several million pounds, there is a new booth in Meadow Park and we have got a good relationship with the men's team. I was joking with Alexandre Lacazette yesterday, so it's not like we're ghosts together.

& # 39; Of course I would & # 39; like to come home at night and have a chef to cook my dinner, but I make it myself. I am not the best chef in the world, but I am not the worst. I make food and it is edible, & she laughs. & # 39;

A few days away from the season opener of Arsenal at home with London's rivals West Ham, Mead admits that the gunners want to regain their status as serial winners in women's football after ending the club's seven-year wait at a national title.

Since delivering that long-awaited silverware, manager Joe Montemurro has now also been in charge of mastering the first Arsenal Champions League campaign in more than five years. They travel to Fiorentina just four days in the new season.

But successfully defending the top position on home soil is first on the agenda, and Mead believes that this team is well on its way to pursue French giants Lyon – who have won the last 13 French titles.

The Arsenal won the goal of the year for its thunderous 30 meter strike against Brighton

[1945908] Mead said she recently interacted with the Arsenal men and was joking with Alexandre Lacazette

& # 39; That's the Arsenal that we want to bring back, we want team to be scared of, just as people are scared of Lyon. I remember playing against Arsenal for Sunderland and I didn't want to play them. That is how you want other teams to feel. & # 39;

With the Dutch defender Dominique Bloodworth the only important departure this summer, Arsenal has done some good business in the transfer window by recruiting Jill Roord, Manuela Zinsberger and Leonie Maier from Bayern Munich, plus Manchester City duo Jennifer Beattie and Fran Stenson. The club also welcomed the return of midfielder Jordan Nobbs after a nine-month injury release.

& # 39; The ability I know this group has is exciting & # 39 ;, she says. "We're heading in the right direction, whether it's this season or not, I think we're heading in the direction of Joe and we can be that team.

" have two or three teams that are half decent in that league (Division 1 Woman) and that's it, & Mead adds 39, suggesting dominance in England – in a competition she makes & # 39; the best in women's football & # 39; – would be a much greater achievement.

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[myouthouse]

Get Your Own Private Oasis with Our Insulated Garden Rooms 

Looking for a private oasis to unwind and relax? Our insulated garden rooms are designed to provide you with a peaceful sanctuary in your own backyard. With fully insulated walls and roof, you can enjoy your garden all year round. Shop now and get your own private oasis!

[markwatkinsconsumerguide]

Consumer Guide / No.72 / Broadcaster & entrepreneur, Steve Crozier with Mark Watkins.  

MW : Tell me about your background, and what did you want to do?

SC : I was born in Hertfordshire, England, and as a young child spent many summers with my grandparents in Henley, on the banks of the Thames. 

When I was six, I remember my grandad always turning on the valve wireless to listen to the BBC Home service at 6pm, accompanied by a bottle of cider.

I remember hearing Frederic Mullaly read the bulletin, and was awestruck by his voice, and the power of disseminating world events.

After the news ended, Frederic would get into his car and drive from Broadcasting House to his home in Henley - very near to my grandparent’s riverside bungalow - and drink sherry with my grandpa and grandma! 

I’d sit on the floor, just awestruck! That's when I knew what I wanted to do!

MW : How did you get into broadcasting? 

SC : Via the back door of sales. At first, I didn’t make the cut for Reading’s Radio 210; at that time, in the mid 70s, I was in TV (ad) sales in London - which was well paid. Besides, that’s where I lived and I wasn’t experienced enough to work at LBC, or Capital Radio. I had my eyes firmly on the Reading ILR franchise which was awarded to Kennet Ltd (who then became Radio 210). 

I made a tape at Roger Squires and mailed it to Kennets’ address, and made an appointment to meet with Neil ffrench Blake, who was Programme controller. We met in the Albermarle pub in Mayfair, London, and he referred me to Michael Moore, at The Sun, who was assembling 210’s sales department. News International, who owned The Sun, was part funding 210. Michael was a Murdoch Star, he hired me. 

This new team started work about six months before launch in the Filberts building in Calcot row, which was the then HQ, while the ambulance shed next door was being attached and adapted for radio, and studio use. There were three of us: David Oldroyd from the local newspaper, Linda Brookes from Capital Radio and myself. We had a large area map on an easel into which we pushed glass top pins. It was like a War Room from an old movie! 

As sales got underway, it was obvious that the actual radio spots had to be produced, so I moved to a production managers position, and we made hundreds of spots.

One week before our launch deadline, Neil ffrench Blake offered me an on-air job; Saturdays, 10am to 2pm. There was no shortage of live guests, and one of my first was David Cassidy! So, dear reader THAT’S how I got into radio!

MW : As a teenager, what records do you remember buying/collecting?

SC: As a teenager, I remember amongst the first records records I bought were Sgt Pepper, The Beatles White album, and some misc singles. They were expensive when ones only income was a newspaper round, and some occasional gardening work! An album was three pounds ten shillings, and a single was ten shillings or more.

MW : OK, let’s tune to 210...

SC : In the early days of 210, there was a huge shift in music tastes. Disco was giving way to mega rock bands (Eagles, Fleetwood Mac) and soul, R&B and funk were massive too. Soon, in the late 70’s Punk was to explode... actually, programmers and top-level DJ/ presenters (Bob Harris) hadn’t a good grasp of what was actually happening! Bob actually got into a fight with Sid Vicious at a club in London, and  “called it a day” with Whistle Test. 

Tastes and audiences were changing.

At 210, there was a calm sea of music policy, enforced by Neil. The 210 Top 40 was a slow moving list, not sales based, but tailored to fit a certain pre-determined ‘sound’ like many of the programmers in the States.

DJ tastes were being eroded.

During my time at 210, us youngsters were always on the lookout to expand. Mike Read, Steve Wright, myself and others picked up a lot of outside gigs, mostly local disco work. 

Thanks to my documentary and talk experience I got more varied offers such as British Forces Broadcasting which paid very well (I subbed for Tommy Vance) and then BOOM!

I successfully applied to audition for Esther Rantzens’  ‘That’s Life’. What a step up that would be...

MW : ...‘That’s Life’ ?

SC :  ...every couple of years or so, Esther’s reporter sidekicks would cycle-out, and replacements had to be found. To start the audition process, I spent a few weeks at BBC West London, picking out useable stories and building them into TV-worthy items. (The actual show was on summer break.) This culminated in a full TV studio recording WITH audience. Just like the real thing. There were about eight finalists (four pairs), and it was quite nerve wracking. 

Sadly, I didn’t get the part; as seemed usual at the time, existing BBC reporters got the jobs... us outsiders were window dressing for this process, but it was super fun, a great experience. As a result, I became friends with the team, and often went up to TV centre to sit in on the tapings.

MW :  Capital Radio 194 went to air the same year as LBC in 1973, but it was Capital Radio 604 in South Africa that you later joined. How did you get involved, and how did the two “ Capitals” compare? 

SC : In late 1978, a revolutionary radio station was being formed in London and Cape Town called Capital Radio. It had nothing to do whatsoever with either the South African government, or 194. Rather, it was to be based in an ‘Independent’ African State, called the Transkei. The aim was to broadcast uncensored news and music from the ‘Homeland’ of Transkei, south, and into South Africa, which was ruled by apartheid, and white supremacy. 

604′s mission was to broadcast actual, real news, and play rock and pop which hadn’t been rejected by the SA government censors. Its transmitter was the “‘loudest” in the Southern Hemisphere, but the antenna system was misaligned, resulting in a poor AM signal to the intended audience. Short-wave and FM functioned to a point in Cape Town and to and extent, Johannesburg. 

I was chosen to ship out to Port St. Johns, Transkei, and helped set up the broadcasting side. The main studio and staff base was located in a sleepy former fishing town called Port St. Johns, on the Indian Ocean. It was Paradise! It was also the first time I’d earned a five figure, untaxed salary! No outgoing except for high quality wine and spirits!

http://www.capital604.com/

MW : LBC celebrates its 45th anniversary this year - let’s look back at your time there...

SC : LBC is a book in itself! Suffice it to say that I joined as a jobbing freelance, doing late -night shifts and news, and then rapidly to traffic analyst (reporter) at Scotland Yard. This taught me London geography, almost like a black-cab driver. We then brought traffic in-house, when we added a small ‘plane sponsored by the Evening Standard, to view traffic congestion. As far as weekday presentation was concerned, I was usually co-anchoring with Philip Hodson, David Loyn etc.

My primary arc at LBC was news reading for Independent Radio News (IRN) and, for eight of my eleven years, I ran the syndicated travel programme ‘Time Off’. This was a way for us to showcase the many, varied press trip offers the station received. We were blessed with a huge audience, plus the central ability to satellite-out the components of the show, and also the entire one hour reel. 

In the late eighties, when a lot of people went freelance (off staff) we worked through our own companies/ entities and I turned ‘Time Off’ into a cash machine, selling the sponsorships myself.

http://www.geofflumley.org.uk/lbc261/

MW : Melody Radio launched with the slogan 'At last - radio without the speakers' - as a launch presenter, what was it like?

SC : In 1990, Peter Black invited me to join Lord Hanson’s Melody Radio, which I did for four years. (A TV comedian at the time called it “Quiet FM”, orr was that Radio Two?!)

Nothing much happened here...apart from having the luxury of an actual producer for each show, including Roskos’ old producer Aidan Day, who was now scheduling easy listening!!

In 2005 off I went again... another adventure; this time to Nairobi and back to my TV roots to help redesign the Kenya Television Network (KTN) I was MD and CEO, and the re-shaping was drastic. In my early days there I bought first series of ‘ER’, ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’, ‘Days Of Our Lives’ etc... paying the super cheap “Third World” rate card price. And boy did we milk it until the reels had to be returned!

PC’s and WIndows ‘95 had just come out, so we were all good! Such systems, good sales and top TV presenters, staff, and shows took us rapidly to the most watched in the land. We also had exclusive use of CNN International for news inserts and over-night programming. I was also tasked with designing two FM stations for Nairobi (population 6.5 million) which were up and running after I left.

MW : What constitutes your life now?

SC : I met my Colorado born wife-to-be in Nairobi - who was on a sabbatical from Southern California, and a career in law.

In May 1996 we were married in Manhattan Beach, a suburb of Los Angeles, and soon moved to Santa Barbara where she continued a successful career in Law, and is now the Assistant City Attorney. 

We have a daughter, now at Berkeley, and I continue with my own media and web projects and a movie and TV project in development.

© Mark Watkins / October 2018

[urbany01-blog]

Urbany

Luxury Hotels - A Magnificent Getaway!

If you are planning a unique luxury getaway to take out some quality time for relaxation and a much-required break from your routine daily life, you should plan a few days’ stay at a luxury hotel Hertfordshire to enjoy matchless magnificence.

You can book your hotel accommodation beforehand by getting in touch with reputed Hertfordshire hotel-accommodation providers who can take care of the tedious task of hotel bookings and other related services. To enable you to conveniently book a specific luxury hotel, most of the leading hotel-accommodation providers will give you the advantage of availing hotel booking services via their own network of telephone call centres and localised websites.

Before you actually go ahead with the booking process, you should consider the different luxury hotel options available at different price points. You should first decide whether you want you want to stay at an independent luxury hotel, a bigwig hotel chain, or a property which offers self-catering in option. Thereafter, you should explore the most suitable shopping source for hotel pricing, availability and lavish amenities which can be enjoyed during your stay at a hotel.

All the renowned luxury hotel Hertfordshire properties unfold a world of opulence and extravagance to their guests. In order to give their guests an unparalleled experience of luxurious hotel stay, these hotels offer a horde of services and facilities, including:

Plush and elegantly-designed hotel rooms and suites

Excellent room service

Exclusive furnishings

Exquisite restaurant dining options

Bar and leisure club

Well-equipped fitness centre

Laundry service

Free Wi-Fi connectivity

Parking space.

To further entice their guests, most of the luxury hotels also boast several additional attractions such as marvellously landscaped grounds, indoor/outdoor pools, spa, championship golf course, tennis court, croquet lawn, and even a private beach.

In fact, most luxury hotels use several attention-grabbing terms to highlight the opulent amenities they offer to their guests. Some of these terms include 4-star/5-star rating, award-winning, delightfully sophisticated, landscaped gardens, incredible ambience, character property, country house, and prominent venue space in terms of proximity to London. Most of these hotels also describe themselves as a romantic retreat.

To match up to the services and amenities offered by the modern-day luxury hotels in Hertfordshire, some of the centuries-old hotels have undergone noteworthy refurbishments to attract guests by offering ‘contemporary designs with the traditional feel.’ Keeping the origins of the property intact, these hotels have made significant upgrades by refurbishing the rooms and the bathrooms with latest fittings and fixtures. They take pride in their chic and timeless design accents like gorgeous open fireplaces, lofty wood-panelled libraries, and distinctive furnishings.

With each luxury hotel Hertfordshire property offering something unique to its guests, you can rest assured that when you plan a stay at any of these luxury hotels, you will be able to relish in the opulent environment which is both captivating and relaxing. You can make the most of your stay at these hotels by enjoying the countless luxury amenities and services they offer, so that you feel refreshed and rejuvenated after your stay at a luxury hotel with unmatched grandeur!

[lisaksmithus]

Most Amazing Properties This Month

Stuck at your desk wanting a bit of home inspiration? Brighten up your day with these dreamy homes we’ve found on Rightmove this month.

1. First up we have this superb 7-bedroom period house in Welwyn. This Grade II listed residence has around 27 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with a stables and a lovely outdoor pool.

  2. The next dreamy property we’ve found is this 8-bedroom listed country house in 4.8 acres of gardens and paddock. This mansion perfectly combines contemporary styles with original period features.

  3. Situated within one of England’s most sought after private gated estates, this luxurious 5-bedroom new build mansion is truly amazing. And this is before we’ve even had chance to mention that incredible swimming pool.

  4. Our next mansion Monday find is this Grade II Listed Devon home which extends to over 22,000 sq ft. The property is also home to the Coleridge library collection which now extends to around 22,000 books all housed in a range of oak carved bookcases.

  5. Next up we have this exquisite 8-bedroom family home situated in a private location in Hertfordshire. Leisure pursuits are well catered for within this home – it boasts an indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi, gym, sauna, steam room, tennis court and even an in-home cinema. What more could you want?

  6. This next property is located in the highly desirable Chislehurst on a magnificent 20.5 acre estate. The impressive approach to the sweeping drive through the landscaped grounds, as well as the careful consideration of every room make this a really beautiful home.

  7. Our next find is this mock Georgian mansion house situated on one of Cheshire’s premier roads. The property has an acre of landscaped grounds plus stunning lakeside views.

  8. Our final mansion of the day is a 7-bedroom detached home in Hampshire, believed to date back 100 years. The property is located in one of the UK’s prime sailing areas with direct access onto the River Beaulieu.

If you’ve found any other amazing mansions share them on twitter using #MansionMonday and tag us @Rightmove.

from Property News http://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/amazing-properties-september-2017

[owensrhodes]

8 amazing mansions on Rightmove right now!

Stuck at your desk on this gloomy Monday? Brighten up your day with these dreamy homes we’ve found on Rightmove for #MondayMansions.

1. First up we have this superb 7-bedroom period house in Welwyn. This Grade II listed residence has around 27 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with a stables and a lovely outdoor pool.

  2. The next dreamy property we’ve found is this 8-bedroom listed country house in 4.8 acres of gardens and paddock. This mansion perfectly combines contemporary styles with original period features.

  3. Situated within one of England’s most sought after private gated estates, this luxurious 5-bedroom new build mansion is truly amazing. And this is before we’ve even had chance to mention that incredible swimming pool.

  4. Our next mansion Monday find is this Grade II Listed Devon home which extends to over 22,000 sq ft. The property is also home to the Coleridge library collection which now extends to around 22,000 books all housed in a range of oak carved bookcases.

  5. Next up we have this exquisite 8-bedroom family home situated in a private location in Hertfordshire. Leisure pursuits are well catered for within this home – it boasts an indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi, gym, sauna, steam room, tennis court and even an in-home cinema. What more could you want?

  6. This next property is located in the highly desirable Chislehurst on a magnificent 20.5 acre estate. The impressive approach to the sweeping drive through the landscaped grounds, as well as the careful consideration of every room make this a really beautiful home.

  7. Our next find is this mock Georgian mansion house situated on one of Cheshire’s premier roads. The property has an acre of landscaped grounds plus stunning lakeside views.

  8. Our final mansion of the day is a 7-bedroom detached home in Hampshire, believed to date back 100 years. The property is located in one of the UK’s prime sailing areas with direct access onto the River Beaulieu.

If you’ve found any other amazing mansions share them on twitter using #MansionMonday and tag us @Rightmove.

First appeared on 8 amazing mansions on Rightmove right now!

[williamemcknight]

Hugely popular Dutch WWOO outdoor kitchens now available in the UK

Hertfordshire businessmen and brothers Simon and Ben Hawkins have won the rights to be the UK supplier for the new generation must-have outdoor kitchens, WWOO, which are set to take the UK by storm this summer and transform outdoor entertaining.

The WWOO kitchens have been hugely popular in parts of Europe and the US for the past decade but have not been available to buy in the UK until now.

Simon and Ben Hawkins, who own a Hertfordshire garden design business, are launching the WWOO brand to the UK market from 2017.

WWOO is a concrete outdoor kitchen by one of the design world’s rising stars, Dutch designer, Piet-Jan van den Kommer and the must-have concept has been available to buy in the Netherlands for 10 years. It’s now available in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Norway and Israel and parts of the US.

WWOO has transformed the outdoor cooking and eating experience for people across Europe and the US, due to Piet Jan’s talent for designing innovative products that combine durability with contemporary aesthetics.

The WWOO products create a hard-wearing outdoor kitchen that can withstand constant use, outside temperatures and weather conditions, all year round, but still retain their designer visual appeal. The WWOO kitchens are made from raw materials such as concrete, wood and steel and can be individualised to suit different needs. They also work well in any space size: they look great in either a small courtyard garden, a roof terrace or a country estate.

As the WWOO kitchens can be bought by component, at the entry level, this makes it a very affordable way to achieve a designer outdoor kitchen look.  But at the highest end of the spectrum, the WWOO kitchen is a luxury buy: a fully equipped beautiful outside room, built in anthracite and grey concrete, with a pizza oven, a Big Green Egg BBQ, an integrated steel fireplace, a stainless steel sink, robust wooden storage crates, olive-wood cutting boards, a canopy to cover two segments and barstools.

“We came across WWOO back in 2010 and were blown away by the design and the way it makes outdoor cooking and dining such a simple, pleasurable experience,” says Simon Hawkins.

“I have been involved in landscape gardening for 16 years and have never come across a design like this in the UK. It is such an innovative concept, but so useable, and a great way to expand your living area without having to extend your actual house or flat.

“It can be built in a small or large space, and the different components mean that it can suit different budgets. But all the time, it is very stylish, very contemporary. It looks great, and is fantastic for entertaining outside.

“It’s a great combination of that Dutch practicality and chic design. It’s a modular concept, so the customer can have as little or as much as they want. And it can be fitted by our expert WWOO fitters in one day.”

And the WWOO kitchens have already got an expert local fan in Theo Michaels, Masterchef 2014 semi-finalist, private chef and author of newly published book Microwave Mug Meals (www.TheoCooks.com ).

He says: “The WWOO concept is fantastic and long overdue. Being Greek Cypriot cooking outside is in our blood and these kitchens are not only stylish but they also make all-year-round outside dining a real possibility. They can transform an outside area to somewhere you want to cook and I can see the WWOO Kitchens really taking off in the UK.”

WWOO UK will be beginning the manufacture of these kitchens in December and is now accepting first orders for delivery early in 2017.

For more information: wwoo.co.uk

[myouthouse]

Transform Your Backyard with St. Albans Garden Rooms - Discover MyOuthouse Today!

Looking for a stylish, practical and affordable way to enhance your backyard? Look no further than St. Albans Garden Rooms from MyOuthouse. With our high-quality, customizable garden rooms, you can create the ultimate outdoor living space that's perfect for relaxation, entertainment, work or play. Visit us today to learn more!

[myouthouse]

Transform your garden into a productive workspace with our high-quality garden offices in Hertfordshire. Designed for comfort and efficiency, our offices provide a quiet and spacious environment to complete your work. So book your viewing today and experience the benefits of a garden office. Say goodbye to the distractions and noise of a traditional workplace and hello to a productive and comfortable workspace in your backyard.

[myouthouse]

When looking for a garden office pod in Hertfordshire, look no further than My Outhouse. We have the perfect pod for your needs. Our pods are made from high-quality materials and are designed to be comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for all your work equipment. Our pods are perfect for those who want to work from home in a quiet and relaxing environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the office.