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Why the early years matter

Tring-based Pendley Day Nursery highlights the importance of the early years as the formative stage where children grow into themselves and begin to shape who they will become. The early years of a child’s life are a time of remarkable growth and development. These first few years lay the foundation for everything that follows – […]

Modern Parisian apartment living room interior

A design for life

Designer, writer and television presenter Kevin McCloud is best known for the successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. Here, the architectural business owner talks about the potential of our homes as spring approaches. I’ve recently been visiting projects around the UK where designers are experimenting with natural light, renewable materials, and clever, modular solutions […]

1940s old vintage original magazine cover of Woman magazine dated 24th August 1946 when supplies were still restricted under post-war rationing

Mary Grieve shaped a generation of women

Tucked within the village of Long Marston lies an extraordinary connection to one of the most influential voices in British women’s journalism. Mary Grieve (1906-1998), was the long-time editor of Woman magazine and an advocate whose work shaped how millions understood family life, work and womanhood in the mid-20th century. Although her career took her […]

Anna Swannell

Just be perfectly you

Meet Anna Swannell, the name behind numerous community music ventures, including the inclusive Keep Going Choir, and Long Marston’s open mic nights. Sitting at a bar in Watford at the age of 21, Anna Swannell felt completely lost. It was there that a friend offered some supportive words: ‘Keep going, kid’. It became a mantra […]

Peter Ashman

Tring is a very special town

In the first of a new series of profiles on Tring folk, we find out more about Peter Ashman, who has recently taken on the role of chairman for Community Action Dacorum, and is also a trustee of Tring Arts Trust. Peter Ashman has become a familiar figure in Tring’s cultural and community life. A […]

Anna Foster

I just love being part of things!

In the first of our new profiles on Berkhamsted folk, we talk to Anna Foster, a founding trustee of Berkhamsted Together. Becoming a founding trustee of Berkhamsted Together was an obvious step for Anna Foster, as she describes herself as being fully embedded in community life. Berkhamsted Together is filling the gap left by the […]

Happy boy in headphones smiling and looking at camera while making video call to teacher during online lesson at home

Tutor time

When it comes to choosing a tutor for your child, there are a few essential points you must factor in to ensure the confidence, safety and education of your little student. Time to tutor? Making the decision to hire a private tutor can be tough on both parent and child, but reaching a point where […]

Christmas on Fifth Avenue by Julie Caplin

Books

Festive and not-so-festive reads for Christmas and beyond. Christmas on Fifth Avenue by Julie Caplin Evie Green’s Christmas dream turns into a nightmare when a viral video makes her the laughing stock of the internet. But then a five-star hotel sees a PR opportunity and invites her to New York for Christmas. But when she’s […]

Lyn’s Budapest 2024 Christmas

Finding your own Christmas company

Living Magazines owner Lyn Drummond recalls how living away from ‘home’ during Christmas resulted in some very memorable experiences, while serving as a timely reminder to think about others during this festive season. Leading an expat life for more than 20 years, I treated the festive season as the ideal time to see friends in […]

Pumpkin walnut sage crostata

Higgidy’s pumpkin, walnut and sage crostata

A crostata is an Italian baked tart, often with a wonderfully rustic free-form pastry case. With its sweet pumpkin filling and tangy Stilton topping, this dramatic veggie centrepiece is the essence of Christmas. 1 pack of pre-rolled pastry A little plain flour, for dusting 1 pumpkin (about 750g), peeled, deseeded and cut into 2cm-thick wedges […]

Cozy bedroom interior with knitted blanket and cushions

Warm on the inside

Interior trends that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, even during the colder months. Outdoor indoor With all the stresses of modern life, the natural hues of the great outdoors are a perfect way to de-stress. So, bring the outside in with wood, lush plant life and a colour-scheme rooted in nature. This can […]