Embrace small and cosy

“Small spaces can be super-cosy. Embrace the tiny footprint and fill it with natural materials such as solid wood furniture, wool throws, jute rugs and tactile pottery to help give a warm, inviting feel. The addition of a few beautiful patterns on cushions can help to give a compact living room or bedroom a bijou feel. One of my favourite suppliers of beautiful cushions and rugs right now is the fantastic Sourced by Holly. The cushions pictured would bring a homely, hygge feel and a dose of bold colour to any small space!”

Where space is tight, use height

“Where space is at a premium, it’s a good idea to look upwards and consider using the full height of a wall and even the ceiling. In a kitchen where storage space is tight, suspend a rack from the ceiling where you can hang pots and pans or even some trailing plants. In properties with high ceilings, go for wall cupboards that go right up to the ceiling to fully maximise storage. The top shelves can be used to store items used less frequently. For renters, shop for the tallest shelving unit you can fit in. Bespoke joinery is a great way to ensure that all space is used to maximum effect.”

Make a statement with plants

“Plants bring life and warmth even to the smallest spaces. They improve air quality and boost well-being. Many houseplants available don’t require huge amounts of care and attention and some can even cope with very low light levels. I advise my clients on suitable plants for their homes as well as providing care instructions. Even in small spaces, go for the largest sized plants you can for maximum impact.”

Be bold with colour

“Bright colours make people happy. I encourage my clients to go with colours that make them feel good. Love pink? Go for it! Paint is relatively easy to change, so my philosophy is, what’s the worst that can happen? Contrary to popular opinion, painting the ceiling and woodwork in the same colour as the walls can make a space feel larger because the sense of line is blurred and everything blends together. Equally, just because a room is north facing doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go dark with the colour.”

A small space doesn’t mean small thinking

“It’s easy to think that a small space can’t contain any large items, when in fact lots of smaller pieces of furniture can make a room feel cramped. Instead, go for one large feature piece such as a big sofa over several smaller chairs in a tiny living room. The same applies to pattern. A small room can be made to feel bigger with clever use of a bold pattern. Use it sparingly but to good effect. Wallpaper is a good way to inject pattern and colour and I love what @onetwothreehome has done with this beautiful lemon themed paper.”

Lamps, Lamps, Lamps

“In my opinion, you can never have too many lamps. If you are thinking about making changes to the electrics in your home or even re-wiring, always add more sockets than you think you need. You will never regret having plenty of plug points and these can be used to ensure you are able to add several lamps to a space to create beautiful lighting. Lighting can help to make a space feel bigger by accentuating certain areas. This works best when there are a variety of different type of light sources in a space.”

Hannah Ashe specialises in interior design inspired by nature and is passionate about creating beautiful, calm spaces which enhance well-being. Visit Hannah’s website and follow her on Instagram to learn more.

Best for toddlers:
The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace

Let little ones explore the historic grounds of Hampton Court Palace to find Lindt gold bunny statues hidden away amid the palace’s spring blooms. Follow the trail of golden daffodils and rainbow-hued tulips (the Palace’s famous Tulip Festival also starts on 15 April) and when you find each bunny, you can match the names of influential characters from Henry VIII’s reign to the red ribbons found around their necks. 
23 March – 14 April; from £13.60 per child and £27.20 per adult, children under five go free;
hrp.org.uk

Best for 5-10-year-olds:
Spring Family Fun at the Southbank Centre

This spring, the Southbank Centre comes alive with an imaginative calendar of theatre, music and nature events. The fantastical Dragons and Mythical Beasts (3-7 April, from £14, ages 3+) is an award-winning show, direct from the West End, that brings spectacular puppets of monsters and beasts to life. The family version of Simmer Down (29 March, free, for all ages) is a reggae-fuelled, daytime dance party in collaboration with Tomorrow’s Warriors, a leading talent development agency, specialising in jazz and musical fusion. In The Spring Garden (3 April, free, for all ages), meanwhile, is perfect for budding gardeners and artists, as it allows visitors access to the Southbank’s roof garden for spring-inspired outdoor activities.
Southbankcentre.co.uk

Best for pre-teens:
Easter Trail at Polesden Lacey

With its manicured gardens giving views across the rolling Surrey Hills, Easter is the perfect time to explore the National Trust property that is Polesden Lacey. Keeping younger children happy is a new Easter trail: Cooking up a Feast with Grizwald the Griffin. Children follow the interactive path around the grounds, to ‘help’ Grizwald cook his feast, with plenty of fun activities on the way plus a chocolate Easter egg reward at the end. As well as the Edwardian mansion house to mooch around – once the country retreat of socialite, Margaret Greville – there is also the Kestrel Corner play area, with swings, tunnels and giant nests, for children to enjoy.
23 March – 21 April; £3 plus admission charge;
nationaltrust.org.uk

Best for 8-15-year-olds:
Ancient Rome Sleepover at the British Museum 

This special overnight event allows history buffs to snooze next to mummies or doze off by incredible painted tombs. Allowing youngsters an unforgettable night at the iconic British Museum, the event includes workshops, activities and storytelling designed to bring the past to life. The sleepover takes place in the Egyptian and Assyrian galleries, surrounded by kings and gods from the ancient world. In the morning, after breakfast, there’s the chance to explore the museum’s latest exhibition Legion: Life in the Roman Army, with a special Horrible Histories trail, before the museum opens to the public.
9-10 March and 13-14 April; all children must be accompanied by an adult; from £65 per child/adult; britishmuseum.org

Best for teens:
GoBoat, Thames Ditton

For those wanting a family adventure with a difference, GoBoat allows you to take to the water, letting you be the captain of your own ship. The company has a new base in Thames Ditton, from which you can hire your own electric-powered boat. Big enough for up to eight people, the boats are easy to sail, making it simple to navigate Surrey’s picturesque waterways. Sail along the Thames, passing by Hampton Court Palace, Thames Ditton Island and Teddington Lock, with herons and kingfishers as your natural companions.
£95 for one hour;
goboat.co.uk

Best for older teenagers:
Toca Social at the O2

Aimed at groups of football lovers, the neon-lit Toca Social offers immersive pitches where players can take part in football skills challenges. Testing shooting accuracy and tactics, players can choose different ability levels and a variety of games and keep score on hi-tech screens. As well as a photo booth to record the merry memories, DJs to provide a soundtrack and an Americana menu for refuelling, (think: fried chicken, jerk burgers and loaded fries), Toca Social is all about super-charged holiday fun for groups of older kids, as well as younger ones accompanied by an adult.
From £12 per person;
toca.social

Best for all ages:
Easter Classic Gathering at Brooklands Museum

A joy for classic car fans, this family event sees hundreds of iconic vehicles converge at Brooklands Museum. Soak up the collection of vintage motors, as well as modern sports cars and supercars, parked across the historic site. There’s live music, BBQ and food stations and a trader’s village to browse. Also taking place will be an Easter Egg Trail (29 March – 14 April). Each of the eggs is decorated with a letter which spells the name of a famous exhibit at Brooklands. Speed is of the essence.
30 March; from £10.45 per child and £24.95 per adult (includes admission to the museum); brooklandsmuseum.com

What led you to organise this campaign?
“My son Lewis was treated at The Royal Marsden in 2015 with Stage 4 Burkitt’s Lymphoma (a fast-growing tumour in his stomach). Even at the darkest of times, they gave such support and expertise. Lewis thankfully is now 8 ½ years in remission. We owe everything to The Royal Marsden.

“As an ambassador, I was asked to provide ‘expert-by-experience’ insight but unfortunately this fell on deaf ears, so as part of a united group of parents, we felt we had to strongly oppose the decision as widely and publicly as possible to show that it wasn’t just six angry, irrational parents opposed to this, but thousands!”

What are your concerns at the proposed move to London hospitals?
“The proposition is so flawed. I’m speechless it’s even being considered. There’s no guarantee that if the move goes ahead that Evelina, London or St. George’s, Tooting could match, let alone improve the current level of clinical care and expertise offered at The Royal Marsden.

“It will increase journey times and transfers for the vast majority, making those from Surrey, Sussex, Kent & Medway all travel further into London – when you have a critically-ill child with no immune system, this isn’t an option.”

“We owe everything to The Royal Marsden.”

What’s been the response to #HearTheMarsdenKids ?
“Incredible! It’s not just a small group opposing this but tens of thousands strongly in support. I’ve been in tears reading the comments from parents and families posting on the petition page; it shows how important this hospital is to so many people.

“We have shared our Open Letter with both the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Victoria Atkins and the NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard which includes valid, accurate and extensive reasons why this proposal needs to be reconsidered.”

What are you hopeful for?
“I hope and pray this decision is reversed. The NHS is on its knees and needs substantial investment and clear direction – why then spend in excess of £40million to close a purpose built, world leading children’s cancer hospital?!

“We’re all dreading the possibility this will go ahead but when something is so important and a decision is so wrong, we had to do what we could to challenge it.”

Ways you can support #HearTheMarsdenKids
Donate at https://www.change.org/p/hearthemarsdenkids-campaign
Post #HearTheMarsdenKids on social media

As the famous sentiment goes; the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way it treats its animals. Lucy White, 25, Zoo Manager at Hobbledown agrees, saying, “You’re only as good as your least looked after animal.” It’s early morning and we’re in the Live Feed Room surrounded by chirping locusts, crickets and other insects. As Lucy confidently scoops up handfuls of wriggling meal worms, she explains, “Everyone’s welfare counts, big or small, creepy or cute. These live meal worms are food for our animals, so they need to be looked after, too. They need space to rummage around and be fed well so that they are packed full of nutrients because they’ll pass it all on. Working here you really learn to appreciate the cycle of nature and the importance of looking after it at every single stage.”

The detail behind the day-to-day care of every animal is down to Lucy and her incredible team, she says, “First stop is prepping the fresh veg and meat. We run our animal kitchen as strict as a restaurant would. In fact, I’d say that our otters eat at the best seafood restaurant in the world! They’ve got the most expensive and specialist diet – and probably eat better than I do! Some creatures can be ‘fussy’. We used to give Kado our camel grass pellets but he’d sneeze out green snot, so we avoid that – or else! Lemurs can be picky; a bit like small kids wanting pudding before dinner, so you have to give them the good stuff first or they’ll just snuff out the treats.”

Lucy faultlessly knows every name of every single animal at Hobbledown (except the frogs!) and while the former Criminology student may never have planned a career working closely with animals, she says, “The most amazing thing is getting to know them; they have their own personalities, just like humans do. I can tell you who’s the best behaved, the cheekiest or shy – it’s such a privilege to be that close and have that bond. Betty, Riley and Dotty are our three giant rabbits. All sisters but very different. Miles our male African Pygmy Goat is the Robbie Williams of his boy herd – a little bit challenging and needs constant validation. Clyde, Masie and Mavis our pigs are very sociable. In fact, you can’t house pigs alone but tell that to Clyde who initially hated being around any pigs! I think he was more scared but didn’t want to admit it. Our alpacas are inquisitive animals; they love a sprinkler especially in summer. I’ve a soft spot for Rufus. He’s the oldest alpaca here at 24.”

“They have their own personalities, just like humans do.”

Next door to Rufus and his alpaca pals stands tall a very majestic creature. Weighing in at 900kg, Kado the camel gets through about 3kg of hard feed a day plus a whole bale of hay. Lucy says, “Alpacas and camels are very closely related and they keep each other company here, being next door to each other. It’s not unusual for us to see them all stood at the fence together, probably all having a nice chat. I’ve got a soft spot for Kado, we all do, he gets lots of attention. He’s only 7 years old but can live to about 40 so he’s still very young.”

While we had the opportunity to hand feed Kado bamboo shoots and stroke him, Lucy does warn, “He’s a category 1 animal, in the same group as lions and tigers (category 2 are non-venomous reptiles, meerkats and creatures that can harm but aren’t a threat to life and category 3 are animals like sheep and goats). So, while camels wouldn’t bite to kill like big cats, they do have a very powerful kick; they are a very strong animal.”

Originally from Mongolia, they’re very adaptable to the British climate. Lucy proudly remarks, “Kado is his most handsome now, when he still has his winter coat. During summer, this will start to naturally shed, at which point he does look like Gollum from Lord of the Rings! He goes bald and patchy but that’s how amazing these creatures are, they naturally adapt to their environment.”

“The greatest challenges are because you have these incredible bonds, so seeing an animal unwell is really hard.”

Being their only camel, Lucy explains, “He was poorly last year with some wounds on his knees caused by an allergy to fly bites. He had surgery and is getting better now but because camels are such dominant animals, if we were to have another camel in with him, they’d go straight for his wounds, but he’s doing well now, so we’re in a good place to start looking for company.”

Taking care of sick animals is probably the only thing that Lucy warrants as being the ‘down-side’ to what she describes as a dream job, she says, “The greatest challenges are because you have these incredible bonds, so seeing an animal unwell is really hard. Having to manage that part of animal care can be very, very difficult. You never realise just how attached you get. Most of the animals we’ve lost here are due to old age and with that you know that you’ve given them a great life and the best possible ending. Of course, it’s really sad – it’s the circle of life – but there’s a real sense of pride that you gave the creature a fun and happy, long life.”

hobbledown.com

Words: Fatima Truscott
Photography: Alex Wroe

A Country Pub Lunch:
The Mill at Elstead, Godalming

Perched on the River Wey, The Mill at Elstead is the archetypal traditional pub. With its flagstone floors and open fireplaces, it’s a cosy retreat after a gentle meander along the pretty River Wey and surrounding countryside. For Mother’s Day, there’s live music and a special menu of traditional roasts and classic desserts – the Bakewell tart is a highlight! Dating back to 1647, The Mill functioned as a corn mill until the late 18th century; while during World War II, it was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. With a working water wheel and resident swans, it’s a little bit of magic in the Surrey countryside.

Millelstead.co.uk

A Decadent Afternoon Tea:
Great Fosters, Egham

Whether you’re celebrating your mum, a mum-to-be, grandma or marking the memory of a mother no longer around; an elegant afternoon tea is the ideal way to raise a glass to your special person. At Great Fosters Hotel, the Mother’s Day Champagne Afternoon Tea is served in both the Anne Boleyn Drawing Room and Garden Room and includes a glass of bubbly and gift for each mother. As well as artisan teas and classic sandwiches, tuck into scones and a selection of French patisserie, including an orange and rose choux bun that’s straight out of Paris. Built in 1550, Great Fosters once served as a royal hunting lodge and among its highlights are the 50 acres of gardens thought to be among the finest in Europe: just the place to work off that clotted cream!

£60 per person, alexanderhotels.co.uk

A Glamorous Supper:
Scott’s Richmond

For a grown-up, ‘dress-up’ dinner, head to Scott’s Richmond, the sister property belonging to the Mayfair stalwart. The Richmond outpost echoes Scott’s celebration of seafood in a beautifully opulent dining room with shimmering mirrored ceilings, sparkling Venetian chandeliers and jewel-coloured velvet seating. At its heart – just like in Scott’s of Mayfair – is a centrepiece ‘Crustacean Bar’. You can’t go wrong with starched, white tablecloths, a buzzy atmosphere and a menu that includes platters of fruits du mer, lobster thermidor and even a classic Sunday roast option. If you’re lucky enough to bag a table for the 10th March, all mothers will receive a bouquet of flowers; but dining here, no matter the date, feels like a special occasion.

Scotts-richmond.com

A Local Family Dinner:
Derby Arms

Why not take the family for a walk across Epsom Downs, knowing you’ve booked a surprise meal at the local gastro pub, the Derby Arms? Recently refurbished, for Mother’s Day it’s hosting a special Prosecco Menu in collaboration with Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C. The menu features a choice of starters, from pan-fried wild scallops or baked camembert with artisan breads; while main courses include a choice of Sunday roasts, rib-eye steak or healthy nourish bowls. End celebrations with the chocolate bomb or berry pavlova; the perfect sweetener.

£33.95 for three courses and £6 for a glass of Prosecco; thederbyarmsepsom.co.uk

Coffee and cake:
Petersham Nurseries, Richmond

Surrounded by budding blooms and crumbling pots of greenery, the Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries is an evocative space made for garden-loving mamas. Pop along for breakfast or brunch or enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake (the courgette, lemon & pistachio cake is a revelation). On Mother’s Day, enjoy a Traditional Afternoon Tea including a children’s menu for little ones not wanting to be left out. Afterwards, browse their shop, where treasures include gardening accessories, vintage furniture and artisan-made vases and glass.

Afternoon Tea is from £55 per person, petershamnurseries.com

Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth
by Natalie Haynes
Natalie Haynes, author of the bestselling Pandora’s Jar, returns to the world of Greek myth and this time she examines the role of the goddesses. We meet Athene, goddess of war and wisdom, we run with Artemis, goddess of hunting, there’s Aphrodite, goddess of sex and desire and then there’s the queen of all the Olympian gods, Hera. 

The Globemakers: The Curious Story of an Ancient Art 
by Peter Bellerby
This beautiful book uses illustration, photography and narrative to take us through the journey of how to build a globe and includes fascinating vignettes on history, art history, astronomy and physics, as well as the day-to-day craftsmanship. 

Bookshops & Bonedust
by Travis Baldree
When an injury throws a young, battle-hungry orc off her chosen path, she may find that what we need isn’t always what we seek. Set in the world of New York Times bestselling Legends & Lattes, Bookshops & Bonedust takes us on a journey of high fantasy, first loves, and second-hand books.

The Bone Chests
by Cat Jarman
From bioarchaeologist and bestselling author of River Kings, a gripping new history of the making of England as a nation, told through six bone chests, stored for over a thousand years in Winchester Cathedral.

Impossible Creatures
by Katherine Rundell
A boy called Christopher is visiting his reclusive grandfather when he witnesses an avalanche of mythic creatures come tearing down the hill. This is how Christopher learns that his grandfather is the guardian of one of the ways between the non-magical world and a place called the Archipelago: a cluster of magical islands, where all the creatures we tell of in myth, live and breed and thrive alongside humans. 

The Last Devil to Die
by Richard Osman
Relax over Christmas time? Not in the world of the Thursday Murder Club! The geriatric sleuths of the Thursday Murder Club are faced with their most dangerous case yet when the disappearance of a highly dangerous package sends the body count spiralling in Osman’s irresistible fourth crime caper.

The Year of the Locust
by Terry Hayes
From the author of the cult phenomenon I Am Pilgrim, Hayes ratchets up the stakes in an eagerly-awaited follow-up that promises the same calibre of high-octane tension and plenty of unexpected twists besides.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods
by Rick Riordan
The original heroes from The Lighting Thief are reunited for their
biggest challenge yet – getting Percy to college when the gods are
standing in his way. After saving the world multiple times, Percy Jackson
is hoping to have a normal senior year. Unfortunately, the gods aren’t
quite done with him and he will have to fulfil three quests and the first
is to help Zeus’s cup-bearer retrieve his goblet before it falls into the wrong
hands. Can Percy, Grover and Annabeth find it in time?

Are you a school, college, university or charity…?

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• Up to 35% discount on book orders

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Find out if your organisation, institute or business is eligible 

waterstonesaccountsales.com/register

The Benefits

“Meditation achieves harmony and balance within. It’s an ancient practice with an abundance of health benefits. Finding calm, gratitude and inner peace, these simple rituals can reduce stress and anxiety for mental relaxation.”

Key Times

“There’s no right or wrong. Choose a moment that suits you. This might be before bed when you reflect on the day gone to give thanks or perhaps writing in a journal or speaking gratitude out loud each morning. Create a comfy environment to hold space for yourself to make meditation inviting and to remind you of the importance of self-care.”

Affirmations & Mantras

“The most sacred and well known mantra is OM – pronounced ah-oh-mm. It is a form of meditation spoken or sung repeatedly with intent; within the mind, whispered or out loud. Find or create an affirmation that resonates, write it down and place
it where you’ll see it often and say it out loud.”

Mood Music

“Meditation is as easy as listening to music! Be aware of how the words and rhythm make you feel. Does it keep you in the fast lane or create a sense of calm? Is it restful, restorative, happy or uplifting? Align with the mood and intention you want to create and make a playlist.”

It only takes a minute

“Breath work is the heart of meditation. In yoga, we call this pranayama – controlling the breath for self-awareness. For anxiety, stress, respiratory, cardiovascular health and overall mental health, too, there are many different types of breathing practices which invite in different energies. At home, work, even on your commute, conscious breathing is a versatile tool that you own and can use at any given moment. Even just a minute or two of conscious breathing can have amazing effects.”

TRY THIS…

› Sit up tall
› Role shoulders back and relax down
› Close eyes or gently gaze down

Place one hand over the navel, draw your attention to this area, let go of any thoughts, turn your awareness inward and be completely in this moment.

Take in a long and slow deep inhale to the count of 8. 

Notice the navel moving forward towards the palm of
your hand, your abdomen inflating like a balloon. 

Holding your focus, begin to slowly exhale to the count
of 8 as the navel falls back towards the spine. 

Repeat three times.

@templesforthesoul