Surprise for commuters as station exhibits heralds launch of NEW World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Commuters at London’s Waterloo were brought to a standstill this morning (Wednesday, 10th May) as a horde of ‘wild’ mandrill monkeys took over the station.
Usually found in tropical rainforests, four mandrills were spotted nestled in a jungle scene to celebrate the launch of Chessington World of Adventures Resort’s NEW themed land –World of Jumanji, which brings Sony Pictures’s box office hit film franchise of Jumanji to life.
All was not as it seemed though, as the mandrill monkeys were five models whose bodies had been intricately painted and then positioned in the unique living billboard, to resemble the colourful primates in their natural habitat. Hand painted by fine art body painter and master illusionist, Johannes Stötter, the undertaking took nine hours to paint using 20 different brushes of varying sizes. The illusion required paint in a variety of shades, including dark browns and taupe for the mandrills’ fur and vivid reds and royal blues for their prominent muzzles.
The jungle scene that surprised bustling London commuters was created to launch Chessington World of Adventures Resort’s NEW themed land, World of Jumanji, which opens to theme park fans and families on Monday (May 15th). The new land will include the hugely anticipated, Mandrill Mayhem ride, which is the world’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster and Chessington’s first to incorporate an inversion.
Mandrill Mayhem will sweep riders from 1.2m tall, up in the long arms of a mandrill, as the horde whisks them around the sites of Jumanji, all while dodging the hazards of the jungle.
The most fearsome of all the wild animals, the mandrills are unpredictable and will launch at full speed through the treetops, flipping upside down on a hair-raising adventure, spiralling to the summit of the 55ft tall Jaguar Shrine. Glimpse the Jaguar’s Eye glow before falling and bracing the adventure again, only this time… backwards!
World of Jumanji is the single largest investment in Chessington’s history and will include two additional rides for families to enjoy – Mamba Strike and Ostrich Stampede – as well as maze of pathways, with some trickier to navigate than others, but all based on the iconic Jumanji board game.
Ramesh Ganeson, Divisional Director at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, said: “With the opening of World of Jumanji just around the corner, we wanted to surprise commuters with our unique mandrill billboard.
“With trains from Waterloo to Chessington taking just half an hour, the station was the ideal location for the horde of mandrills to make their mark! We can’t wait to welcome guests to the NEW Jumanji themed land next week, there is so much in store…”
This weekend, across all locations, Quob Park Estate is welcoming visitors, members and guests to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort
Nestled in a natural clos in the Hampshire countryside, Quob Park is a retreat from the everyday, providing exceptional gourmet experiences as well as creating great wines that bring great pleasure.
Whether you are local to the area or live further afield, Quob Park is planning plenty to commemorate this special weekend…
Celebrations start on Friday, 5th May, with a Commonwealth Wine Tasting – discover a variety of different flavours from around the world as part of a luxurious wine tasting event along with a classic fish and chip supper.
On Coronation Day, watch the full event live on TV screens throughout venues including The Old Tea House, The Old House Hotel and at Quob Park itself. Afternoon Teas and Cheese & Charcuterie Boards are being served with a bottle of Quob Park Sparkling Wine – choose from Classic Cuvée or Rosé Cuvée. The Old Tea House hatch will also have takeaway options alongside ice cream, tea, coffee and cakes.
Quob’s Horse Box will be located on Wickham Square offering Quob Park Sparkling Wine by the glass or bottle – the perfect way to add a bit of sparkle to the celebrations! Additionally, for anyone visiting the square, Quob Park has hundreds of wines and gifting options available – including hampers – from the retail shop of the Old House Hotel (and all items are all available online).
Limited-edition Coronation hampers curated by Quob’s Master Sommelier, Simon Dupaquier-Green, are featured across all retail locations, containing 12 wines from around the UK and the Commonwealth. A Best of British Artisan Cheese Hamper is another perfect addition to weekend merriments.
A useful guide to renovating your dream countryside home
The Dream
You can’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment when you take in the beauty of the countryside. Here, amidst its rolling hills and lush green fields, you know you’re exactly what you’re meant to be; home.
Your imagination runs wild; you can just picture it – a cosy cottage surrounded by mighty oak, a rambling garden filled with vibrant wildflowers and a charming organic vegetable patch. You’ll wake up to the soothing melody of birdsong before stepping outside, coffee in hand, to take in the serene calm of the countryside. In the summer, you’ll bask in the warm sun and gaze upon the tranquil water of the pond, marvelling at the beauty of the dancing dragonflies. When winter arrives, you’ll press your steaming cup of tea against your rosy, frost-kissed cheeks.
As your thoughts return to the present, you may feel a sense of doubt creeping in as you face the sheer magnitude of work required to create the home of your dreams. Taking on a renovation project while balancing work and family life may seem overwhelming, and the “what-ifs” take centre stage. But worry not; with the following advice and a good deal of preparation, you can turn your vision into a reality.
Finding the right property
To begin, first consider whether you wish to take on a new property or if you could instead rejuvenate your home. With a little imagination, your existing property may make for the perfect canvas to actualise your dreams.
If you decide a new property is in order, start by researching different homes available in the area. You can explore online listings, connect with local real estate agents, and attend open house auctions. Take the time to research each property thoroughly and create a list of those that stand out to you. Once you’ve narrowed your list, it’s time to visit each property in person. Spend some time wandering around the area, taking note of the surroundings and the feel of the community. You can also speak with locals to learn more about the area, which may help you to identify any challenges you may encounter during your renovation process.
When considering your budget, keep in mind your renovation goals and financial situation. You want to be realistic about what you can afford, but don’t let this discourage you from envisioning your dream home. With careful budget planning, some creativity, and a willingness to be flexible, you’ll be able to create a home that meets all your needs.
While viewing homes, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and overlook potential faults or niggles with the property. To prevent this, in addition to eliciting the help of a structural surveyor, it would be prudent to bring along a qualified builder to assess the property’s condition and provide a realistic estimate of the cost of any refurbishment work required. This will enable you to set a 10-20% contingency plan for the works and ensure you don’t underestimate the costs involved in making the property habitable. It’s worth noting that you can often negotiate remedial work off the sale price, further reducing your overall costs.
The logistics of searching for a property can be difficult to navigate, particularly if you’re simultaneously selling and buying. If during the home renovation process, you decide to rent or stay with family while searching for your new home or find yourself stuck in a chain, Cinch Self Storage can securely store your belongings for you.
As you move forward with your search, be patient, persistent and optimistic. Remember, this journey may take some time, but it is worth it to find the perfect property. Stay motivated and keep your vision in mind.
Planning your reno
Once you’ve found the perfect canvas, it’s time to plan.
When envisioning your dream home, take the time to think carefully about your needs. You may wish to create two lists: one for your must-haves and one for your nice-to-haves. Draw inspiration from past living experiences to determine what works best for you, and use these insights to fuel your creativity.
You can save time by reviewing floor plans of nearby homes and researching any necessary permits. Take the time to get to know your local community and officials to establish positive relationships, which may help you to achieve your goals. Be sure to submit planning applications well in advance and seek guidance from qualified professionals who have extensive knowledge of the area and previous approvals for similar properties.
If Grand Designs has taught us anything, it’s the importance of finding reliable and trustworthy professionals. We’ve all seen it; ambitious projects are ground to a halt by faulty foundations and contractors who fail to deliver. To avoid finding yourself in the same boat, take your time with your research.
Consider working with vetted local professionals who are likely to have an intimate understanding of the unique requirements and regulations of building in the countryside, especially when it comes to renovating listed homes. Additionally, they may be able to source culturally or historically significant materials from the region, while putting funds back into your local economy.
While it may be tempting to rush the renovation, doing so may lead to unnecessary issues and burnout. By staggering your renovation, you can take the time to plan and execute each project with care and attention to detail.
Creating your blank canvas
Armed with your vision and your plan, you can now prepare your canvas.
Take stock of your belongings and consider each item, noting whether it falls into one of two categories: sentimental or practical. If you can envision yourself using or loving the item in your new home, it’s good to go, otherwise consider donating it to your local charity shop. This is a great time to reflect on what brings value to your life and whether it fits your vision.
Before packing, ensure all items are clean and dry to prevent mould growth. This is especially important if you’re storing items for an extended period. To further protect against moisture, consider using desiccators, such as silica gel bags. Of course, be careful to keep these out of reach of children and pets.
To streamline your moving process, consider keeping an inventory of items in each box by labelling them accordingly. Taking the extra time to label your boxes can help you keep track of your belongings and ensure that nothing gets lost during the move, as well as making the process of unpacking a breeze.
Protecting your belongings
Now that your belongings are packed, you’ll need to find a secure place to store them during your renovation. You may be tempted to store them in a garage or garden shed but be aware that doing so makes them susceptible to damage caused by dampness and wildlife. Critters such as mice can cause significant damage, often seeming to favour family heirlooms, and they are notorious for finding their way through the tiniest of gaps. Thankfully, this issue can be mitigated. Cinch Self Storage Bicester can protect your belongings from the elements with their clean, dry and 24/7 CCTV-monitored storage. No need to worry about pesky critters, dampness or mould.
Laying the foundation
With your blank canvas and belongings safely stored, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and begin the renovation process.
When embarking on a home renovation project, start with the structural foundation to ensure it is safe and can withstand wear and tear. You should assess the overall condition of the home’s foundation and ensure that it’s structurally sound. Be sure to remedy any issues that arise, however small, during this stage. Don’t be tempted to brush potential issues under the carpet as it may result in costly repairs later down the line, forcing you to undo your hard work.
Once the foundation is secure, it’s time to focus on the plumbing and wiring. This includes checking for leaks or damage in the plumbing system and ensuring the electrical wiring is up to code. Upgrading these systems to be more energy-efficient and sustainable can also be a great way to reduce your home’s environmental impact and lower your utility bills.
Choosing your materials
When decorating, consider using sustainable and non-toxic materials. Many commercial paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to your health. Choosing eco-friendly paints that are low in VOCs can make a massive difference to the health of your home and family.
Following the instructions provided on each product, as well as by professionals, can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the renovation is safe and successful. With careful planning and the use of sustainable materials, home renovation can be a rewarding process that enhances the overall beauty, functionality, and sustainability of your home.
During the renovation
Throughout the renovation process, stay organised and communicate with your contractor. This means keeping track of progress, deadlines, and any changes that need to be made to the original plan. Regular communication with your contractor can help ensure that the project stays on track and that any issues are addressed promptly.
Taking regular progress photos can help you to track the progress of your renovation, allowing you to see what you’ve achieved and what needs to be actioned. It may offer some protection if legal matters arise. You may even wish to frame your photographs in your new home as a pleasant reminder of your accomplishments.
Be sure to account for the many logistical challenges which can arise during the renovation process, such as running into issues with the delivery and receipt of supplies. The last thing you want is to have to rush home from work to accept delivery of your furniture, only for them to leave it outside, exposed to the elements. Cinch Self Storage are happy to accept deliveries on your behalf, helping you to plan and organise your renovation project around your existing responsibilities.
Once the renovation is complete, have your property inspected to ensure that it meets safety and building code standards. This can help identify any issues that may need to be addressed before the property can be used. If unexpected issues do arise during the final stages of the renovation, stay calm and work with your contractor to find a solution. Remember that unexpected issues can be a part of any renovation process and handling them with a positive attitude and a willingness to find a solution will ensure a successful outcome.
A little elbow grease
By this point of your renovation journey, you’re likely overly eager to jump into the exciting task of making it home, but before doing so, you’ll need to put in a little more elbow grease to ensure that your canvas is clean and safe. It’s crucial to air out your home to reduce indoor air pollution caused by dust, chemicals and paint fumes. Using a HEPA filter can help capture and remove any remaining pollutants, ensuring that your home is clean and healthy for you and your family.
As you clean, pay special attention to areas where debris tends to accumulate, such as corners and baseboards. Use a damp cloth to wipe down any hard surfaces, and don’t forget to vacuum any carpets or rugs thoroughly.
While never a pleasant task, taking the time to deep clean will ensure that your home is free of any debris or harmful particles left over from the renovation, and prevent damage to your belongings that you’ve thus far taken such great care to protect.
Making it a home
When envisioning the style of your home, first, consider the story you wish for it to tell. Do you want your home to be warm, rich and eclectic? Or perhaps light, soft and minimal? How will your home convey your history, passions and values?
Keeping this in mind will help you to look past the fashionable and instead create a home that is a timeless reflection of your personality. It will also make the process of sourcing and curating pieces all that much more enjoyable.
Whether you’re after a contemporary lampshade or an antique apothecary table, consider sourcing pieces locally. Charity shops and antique stores or markets are ideal places to look for characterful, rare and high-quality pieces.
If you’re looking for something new or contemporary, turn to your local artisans. There are bound to be highly talented upholsterers, textile artists, painters or sculptors in your area who would be all too happy to create a bespoke piece for you.
Keep in mind that the right piece will find its way to you. You may have to wait a while but it’s worth it to create a high-quality home that will stand the test of time.
Home, at last
With the renovation behind you, it’s time to collect your belongings and move home.
This may seem like a small logistical step but take pause, as this signifies a fresh start and a new chapter in your life. As you carefully unpack each box and find a place for every item, you are reminded of the dreams and determination that led you to this moment. Go slowly and be present, as this moment of reuniting with your belongings is one you’ll cherish for years to come.
Renovating? Cinch Self Storage are here to help.For more information, please visit Cinch Storage Bicester
Set your alarm for the dawn chorus – one of nature’s most uplifting wonders – with International Dawn Chorus Day this year on Sunday, 7th May.
Experience a symphony of birdsong at your nearest RSPB nature reserve and learn about spectacular wildlife.
Be up with the larks to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day and enjoy the sounds of RSPB Farnham Health in Tilford, GU10 2DL, on a gentle early morning walk, 5.30am-7.30am on Saturday, 6th May.
The experts will help you appreciate birdsong at this busy time of year for nature, and afterwards enjoy a hot drink and a breakfast bap in the gazebo.
This Friday, 28th April, book in to enjoy a world premiere from Gregory Rose in celebration of his 75th birthday with Jupiter Orchestra at the Sheldonian Theatre
From one of the oldest, and most loved, oboe concertos to one of the newest, this highlight offers a world premiere from Gregory Rose in celebration of his 75th birthday.
Both will be performed by renowned oboist George Caird, a long-standing friend of Gregory Rose, the evening will also feature two works for string orchestra. Janáček’s Idyll Suite, previously recorded for Chandos by the Jupiter Orchestra, will be performed alongside Tchaikovsky’s heartfelt Serenade for Strings.
Gregory Rose celebrated his 75th birthday on 18th April. Brought up in Bampton, he was a violin pupil of the legendary Frances Kitching and studied Music at Magdalen College Oxford in the 1960s, as an academical clerk under his father, Bernard Rose. He returned to live in Oxford several years ago.
As a conductor he is particularly noted for his performances of the romantic and contemporary repertoires, having conducted over a thousand premieres of orchestral, choral and ensemble works throughout Europe and the Far East. Orchestras include the Finnish Radio Symphony, St Petersburg, London Philharmonic, Polish National Radio Symphony and the Royal Scottish National orchestras, and the National Symphony Orchestras of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Eire, the BBC Concert Orchestra, his own Jupiter Orchestra & Singers, and the amplified vocal ensemble Singcircle. Choirs include the Groupe Vocal de France, the Nederland Kamerkoor, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, the Latvian Radio Choir and the BBC Singers.
Gregory has worked closely with composers such as Stockhausen, Cage, Steve Reich, Lachenmann and Birtwistle. For the Almeida Festival, he directed Cage at 70 in 1982, and Reich at 50 in 1986. He has directed more than 50 performances of Stockhausen’s Stimmung, including performing with the composer himself, as well as making an award-winning CD of the work in 1980, shortly after directing a performance at the BBC Promenade concerts. He collaborated on the premiere recording of John Cage’s Song Books on the Sub Rosa label and has conducted orchestral arrangements for Linda Ronstadt, Diana Ross, and Madness.
In the field of opera and music theatre he has conducted performances of operas by Bizet, Scott Joplin, Igor Stravinsky, Samuel Barber, Virgil Thomson, Berthold Goldschmidt, Nino Rota, Poulenc, Gian Carlo Menotti, Malcolm Williamson, Toshio Hosokawa and Edward Jessen, and music-theatre works by Prokofiev, Luciano Berio, Peter Maxwell Davies, Jonathan Harvey and Karlheinz Stockhausen. He has participated in festivals throughout Europe, including two BBC Proms concerts with Singcircle. He has recorded for many international television and radio stations, and has made highly acclaimed recordings for Chandos, Hyperion, Wergo, Continuum, October Music, Toccata Classics, Dacapo and Naxos. He has been a staff conductor at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance since 1996.
Well done to the team behind Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, who have just won three top prizes at RHS Wisley
The famous rhododendrons of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens are in full bloom and have recently won three top prizes at the 2023 RHS Main Camellia, Early Rhododendron and Spring Ornamental Plants Competitions at RHS Wisley, Surrey. The winning Rhododendrons were ‘Muriel’ (Class 35), ‘Argipeplum’ (Class 29), and ‘Schlippenbachii’ (first prize).
The Grade I Listed gardens on the 240-acre Leonardslee estate were established by the Loder family, Victorian-era plant collectors. The estate is home to an exceptional collection of flora and fauna, featuring wallabies and deer roaming among seven interlaced lakes. Many of the plants are now very rare and threatened in their native habitats, says estate general manager Adam Streeter.
The RHS Wisley competition was organised in conjunction with the RCM Group – RHS Rhododendron, Camellia & Magnolia Group, of which King Charles in a patron. The group has gifted rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias to the King for a collection at Sandringham. Two plants closely associated with Leonardslee were included in the gift: Loderi King George which received the RHS Award of Merit in 1968, and Loderi Sir Joseph Hooker.
During their time cultivating the gardens at Leonardslee, the Loder family regularly competed in horticultural contests and won numerous medals and awards for their efforts. The last time this happened was under Sir Giles Loder in the 1970s. This year marks the first time the current gardening team, including Elliot Chandler and Dan Ainscough, has entered a Rhododendron competition. The current estate owners, since 2017, the Streeter family, plan to enter the Camellia categories at Wisley next year, eyeing the opportunity to win the Leonardslee Bowl, donated to the society by Sir Giles Loder.
Head gardener Jamie Harris says: “Leonardslee offers a perfect setting for growing rhododendrons, with an ericaceous loam and sandstone bedrock creating acidic soil conditions that are perfect for these plants, as well as the abundant camellias, magnolias, and conifers,” explains Jamie Harris.
In celebration of King Charles III’s coronation, Leonardslee is restoring the Coronation Garden, first created for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1952. It features the famed rhododendron Loderi King George, created by Sir Edmund Loder, along with over 30 other rhododendron grafts.
At last spring is in the air and summer is coming. We should be mindful of climate issues but not let it put us off gardening forever
May and June are often thought of as a difficult time as often there is a lot of foliage and not many flowers. I am often asked how do I fill this gap…?
Go Shopping!
I think we all deserve a treat after the horrendous weather extremes we have been dealt. We can’t choose plants will survive every eventuality we can only do our best. If May is a time when your garden is very green there is nothing like a trip to the garden centre. If the plants are hardened off and used to the outdoors they will be on sale outdoors. If they are in flower when you buy them you would assume they will flower at the same time next year. Don’t be tempted to buy plants sold undercover and put them straight into your garden, they need to be acclimatised to the outside first. You will need to do a bit of research so it’s not totally impulsive!
Plant Choices
Most flowering plants can be describe as five minute wonders or those that reward us for a longer period of time. Irises and Aquilegias I would not be without along with many alpines but they don’t last long. Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’ is a perennial wallflower that flowers for the whole of the summer. It tends to only live for a few years but not expensive to replace. Hardy Fushsias and Roses are also reliable bloomers all summer long as is Geranium ‘Rozanne’. It’s important to know the proper name of the plant and ‘what it does’. It is also essential to know your soil pH and if it likes sun, shade, sandy soil, wet soil etc etc. Luckily these days there are very educational label. Bedding plants are available now but be aware there can still be frosts in May!
Jobs to do now
It’s very important to weed and mulch but not excessively, a lot of ‘weeds’ are beneficial to wildlife and don’t discount the beauty of flowers. Consider leaving red and white dead nettle and dandelions as well as nettles in some areas of your garden. Planting is great at this time of the year but remember how important it is to learn how to water properly. So many plants are lost in the first season due to lack of water.
The Chelsea chop
This is something you can do at the end of May to encourage more flowers on some perennials like Helianthis, Helenium, Lynchis and many others. It can also encourage them to become sturdier and self supporting.
Looking forward
We should probably be buying more plants in season and enjoying them for as long as we can. Learn about your soil and how to improve it. Courses and workshops can create confidence and are great fun. Learn how different plants can contribute to your outdoor space.
CGS Courses
Please ask for details as I am running pruning courses throughout spring and autumn. Each plant has a different requirement and learning about pruning techniques is addictive! I can also come and teach you in your own garden.
Plantlife’s annual call to lock up your lawnmowers and not mow your green spaces during May will provide a much-needed boost for wild plants and wildlife throughout summer.
Let wildflowers and long grasses grow in your lawn to provide a feast for pollinators, tackle pollution, reduce urban heat extremes, and lock away atmospheric carbon below ground.
It couldn’t be simpler. Lock up your mower over the month of May to provide a much-needed boost for wildlife throughout summer. You can choose not to mow some or all of your green space. Just sit back and watch the flowers grow.
Smaller plants such as daises, dandelion, selfheal and clover will get a chance to flower, providing a butterfly and bee buffet. You can continue to mow less and at different lengths and frequencies throughout the summer.
If you have already left all or part of your lawn unmown from the beginning of the season, that is great! This means that you have let a mini-meadow grow and are likely to have a much higher variety of flowers in your lawn if you choose to.
Don’t worry if you’ve not left your lawn unmown at all or have recently mown it – it’s committing to leaving your lawn, whether all of it or some of it, unmown for longer which is important.
Our favourite TV (and real-life) doctor Amir Khan shares his thoughts ahead of his talking tour with FANE.
Q. Who was your hero growing up? And now?
“Our main source of entertainment growing up was Bollywood – so I had Bollywood heroes as a child. Basically there was a template: be good looking, be the perfect son, get the girl and destroy all the villains single-handed and against all the odds. Now I feel like I still would like to be like those Bollywood heroes but it’s not going to happen and it’s too late for me. So I will go for Chris Packham – I love wildlife and protecting nature is so important and what impresses me about Chris is he isn’t afraid to say it how it is when it comes to what we need to do. I met him and he blew me away with his intricate knowledge of the natural world and his ability to describe things so colourfully.”
Q. How was your mum as a matriarch growing up?
“Mama Khan is brilliant and brutal, that’s probably the best way to describe her. She brought up seven kids – I mean who does that?! And she worked full-time as a social worker (she worked her way up from being a cleaner and going to night school) and she made sure we were all kept on the straight and narrow. She was VERY strict growing up, she needed to know where we were at all times and with whom, so nothing has changed. If she didn’t approve it didn’t happen, so no change there either. She was the ultimate feminist – she had six girls and one boy and she didn’t want her girls to think there was anything they couldn’t do. So everything got divvied out equally – vacuuming, washing, drilling, gardening. It didn’t matter if you were a girl or a boy, you mucked in. She is also the BEST cook – if you like Asian food you haven’t tried anything unless you try hers. All the Asian families would come to our house growing up because of her food.”
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