06/12/2007

Sculpture brings new life for ancient tree

Renowned wood sculptor, Graham Jones, has been commissioned to transform the remains of an ancient oak into an imaginative sculpture to capture the 'spirit' of the tree. Prominently located by the driveway at New Lodge, a neo-Gothic, Grade II* listed mansion near Windsor, the oak is believed to be between 300 and 500 years old. It collapsed dramatically during the Summer leaving a 10 foot stump, which has proved to be the perfect 'canvas' for Graham’s work.

Graham Jones is well known for his designs reflecting elaborate fantasies and imaginings. His New Lodge sculpture will reflect some of the features of the building; the Oak and Rose rooms, griffins on the gates and, reputedly, wood nymphs. In Greek mythology, nymphs were revered as the spirits of specific natural features – mountains, rivers and, of course, trees. Graham Jones says: "This is the oldest and largest tree I have ever worked on and it is in very good condition considering its age. I have never seen an oak so deep in colour. I would like my sculpture to reflect the depth and majesty of this wonderful tree".

Graham's first action was to assess the tree, the surroundings and its potential. He planned the works using rough sketches before creating more detailed drawings. As he progresses, he sketches, in chalk, on the tree in order to ensure that his positioning is right. He then carves out rough dimensions of the sculpture before finally carving in detail once the correct proportions are clear.

Graham Jones will be working throughout the Winter to complete his sculpture and hopes to finish by early Spring. More information about Graham Jones’ work is available by visiting www.gmjwoodcarving.co.uk.

New Lodge is located in the Berkshire countryside between Windsor and Ascot. It was designed in 1857 for the Belgian ambassador, Jean Sylvain Van de Weyer, by architect Thomas Talbot Bury. It is now a thriving business community providing prestigious offices for companies requiring outstanding connectivity and elegant surroundings. It is already 90% let with a few remaining offices in the main house and the stables. Over the decades a great deal of planting has taken place in its extensive grounds, with an outstanding collection of Wellingtonia trees being planted by members of the royal family including Queen Victoria, Edward VII and King Leopold of Belgium. An avenue of elms was planted by the parents of Queen Mary, the Duke and Princess Mary of Teck.

Every customer at New Lodge benefits from 24 hour security with external CCTV, a secure gated entrance, video entry systems, generous car parking, a dramatic reception area and impressive meeting/conference facilities. Customers and visitors can enjoy 55 acres of beautiful parkland along with a contemporary styled café within the courtyard of New Lodge House.

Information about office accommodation at New Lodge in Windsor is available from Olive Glass, New Lodge marketing manager, on 01344 898570 or by visiting www.newlodge.co.uk and from the joint lettings agents, Lambert Smith Hampton on 01628 676001 and Edwin Hill on 01753 689000

13/11/2007

Historic style for your conference at New Lodge

A conference venue with a difference is now available in Berkshire. Victorian neo-Gothic office refurbishment, New Lodge, a Grade II* listed former ambassador’s residence refurbished by Marchday Group plc, has opened up its historic interior to create a corporate venue which will add a touch of elegance to any business gathering. New Lodge’s modern cabling and wireless network capability ensures that event programmes can make full use of up to date audio-visual equipment and video conferencing facilities.

New Lodge is a premium venue in congenial surroundings, located in 55 acres of landscaped parkland in the countryside on the western edge of Windsor. The gated, secure entrance with video entry system, together with CCTV and number plate recognition offers the peace of mind necessary for security conscious clients. Event delegates can enjoy dramatic views across the Thames Valley and be just 10 minutes from the M4 and M25 and less than half an hour’s drive from London’s Heathrow airport.

Influencer marketing company, Tiger Lily, is based at New Lodge. Director, Melanie Oakley, says: “We offer high level consultancy to multinational corporations in the IT industry. New Lodge’s facilities are ideal for when our clients need to hold small select events and briefings for their most important influencers. The facilities complement the high quality service that we provide to our clients and are entirely appropriate for the style of event that we require.”

Mike Thomas is business change manager at Allianz Insurance PLC. “We don’t have office space at New Lodge, but the ambience and style of the building are great for holding focussed meetings and conventions away from our normal sites, when we need to escape to a more rarified atmosphere. We have held meetings for between eight and 18 people and it works brilliantly. The catering is excellent and ‘breaking-out’ into the café, the courtyard or the grounds is a delight. The location near the M4 with Heathrow nearby makes the logistics very easy.”

Van de Weyer Room
‘Grand’ style is available in the Van de Weyer Room, which celebrates the life of the first Prime Minister and ambassador of Belgium, for whom the house was built in 1857. The room has an ornate geometrically-patterned plasterwork ceiling and 10-light brass chandeliers. Its centrepiece is an elaborate fireplace surrounded by intricate wood half panelling. The fireplace is balanced by two huge bay windows that dominate the room, each creating a space the size of an ante-room in its own right.

The notable wood-carving, which gives New Lodge its Grade II* status, extends to every detail of the room; the door surrounds, the mantel edge and the mullion linings of the bay windows. The carving is complemented by the handmade elliptical board table to accommodate 18 people seated around it. The table can be removed to seat 60 people in theatre style.

New Lodge conference facility summary:
New Lodge offers:

• Dramatic meeting and function rooms, each with break-out space and access to a landscaped courtyard
• Impressive reception area
• State of the art video conferencing facilities
• Overhead digital projection and audio-visual equipped
• IT-enabled buildings with dedicated 10Mb broadband
• High specification IT packages and support services
• Wi-fi hot spots in grounds, café and communal areas
• Contemporary-styled café within the courtyard and bespoke corporate catering
• Manicured lawns and gardens with sculpture and historical landmarks
• Extensive and secure car parking
• Dedicated conference organiser to make event perfect
• Silver service to create that special impression

Information about conferencing facilities at New Lodge in Windsor is available from Olive Glass, New Lodge marketing manager, on 01344 898570 or by visiting www.newlodge.co.uk.

19/07/2007

Pedal power in the park at New Lodge

Cycling in the park is a great way to exercise and to enjoy the fresh air. Cycling in the park at work is even better! Neo-Gothic, Grade II* listed office development New Lodge, located in 55 acres of parkland to the west of Windsor, is now providing four bicycles for use by those working in the main house, the Garden Cottage and the newly launched Stables. The multi-terrain bikes offer a chance for New Lodge’s customers to get out of doors and exercise on the estate, as well as decreasing car use by making local road trips into Windsor or Ascot. Even commuter use could be possible.

"We have always wanted the people working in our business community to enjoy our estate,” says Paul Buckley, Estates Manager at New Lodge. “We have encouraged the outdoor business life with wi-fi in the grounds and outdoor benches for relaxing and informal meetings. Now we are going a stage further and providing leisure facilities as well. The grounds are a delight and they deserve to be enjoyed in as many ways as possible. We already have an informal running club at lunchtime to get the blood circulating. Our new bicycles take us a stage further."

Secure bicycle parking is close to hand in the car park at New Lodge while helmets and safety equipment will be available from reception to ensure that all cyclists are sensibly equipped.

Originally built for the Belgian ambassador in 1857, New Lodge was designed by architect Thomas Talbot Bury, who was known for his Gothic architecture in the style of master architect, Augustus Pugin. The elegant and fully equipped business suites at New Lodge offer complete IT-enabled connectivity using CAT5e cabling, uncontested 10Mb broadband and a bespoke telecommunications package. Wi-fi hotspots have been created in the café, communal areas and parkland. Every customer benefits from 24 hour security with external CCTV, a secure gated entrance, video entry systems, generous car parking, a dramatic reception area and impressive meeting/conference facilities. Customers and visitors can enjoy 55 acres of beautiful parkland along with a contemporary styled café within the courtyard of New Lodge House.

Information about office accommodation at New Lodge in Windsor is available from Olive Glass, New Lodge marketing manager, on 01344 898570 or by visiting www.newlodge.co.uk and from the joint lettings agents, Lambert Smith Hampton on 01628 676001 and Edwin Hill on 01753 689000.

29/06/2007

Mayor visits historic New Lodge to judge schools’ Camm project

The Mayor of Windsor, Cllr Leo Walter, is helping to select a winner from entries submitted by pupils from Windsor schools in a competition to design an information leaflet to help preserve the memory of the designer of the Hawker Hurricane, world famous aero engineer and former Windsor resident, Sir Sydney Camm. The preliminary judging of the entries took place at the destination for the first airmail flight in the UK, neo-Gothic New Lodge to the west of Windsor Great Park, a Grade II* listed former ambassador’s residence and now business centre.

The winner of the competition will be announced on 7th July, with the final design helping to raise awareness of Sir Sydney and his achievements. Often described as the ‘Brunel of aeronautical engineers’, Sir Sydney Camm was born in Windsor and lived in Alma Road. From humble beginnings as a carpenter’s apprentice he went on to design the Hawker Hurricane and the Harrier jump-jet, both crucial to Britain’s success during the Battle of Britain and the Falklands War. His remarkable achievements led him to become one of the world’s greatest aircraft designers.

Future plans for the society include a scholarship and bursary scheme and the mounting on a four metre pole of one of Sir Sydney’s full scale replica aircraft in Windsor where a prospective site has already been identified and will be subject to planning approval.

Competition co-ordinator for The Sir Sydney Camm Commemorative Society, Karin Lohr, said: “Sir Sydney’s achievements are an inspiration to us all, especially young people. From humble beginnings with sheer determination, he rose to achieve so much for this country, and it is only right that his home town does something worthwhile to commemorate him. We will be working closely with the schools in Windsor and the borough council to promote the competition, which will form the basis of our education project”.

Information about office accommodation at New Lodge in Windsor is available from Olive Glass, New Lodge marketing manager, on 01344 898570 or by visiting www.newlodge.co.uk and from the joint lettings agents, Lambert Smith Hampton on 01628 676001 and Edwin Hill on 01753 689000.

16/05/2007

Contemporary style for the Stables at New Lodge

IT-enabled Grade II* listed neo-Gothic New Lodge, to the west of Windsor in Berkshire, has now added the Stables as an attractive re-location venue, joining the Garden Cottage and the imposing Victorian mansion itself, New Lodge House. The Stables maintains the New Lodge tradition of offering fully-equipped business suites with a difference; its 4,657 sq ft of office space over two storeys encloses a delightful private courtyard landscaped to a contemporary and symmetrical design. Tightly crafted yew pyramids and French-style pleached hornbeams join elegant seating and wi-fi to offer the perfect chance to be out when you are in. The design blends perfectly the architectural elegance of the mansion with the modern, clean style that is so important to today’s businesses.

The availability of the Stables for letting co-incides with a new exhibition by New Lodge’s ‘artist in residence’, Alistair Morrison. Titled “A Day at New Lodge”, and displayed on the walls in the Stables, the exhibition features a series of personality profiles of the current occupiers and visitors to New Lodge.

The accommodation at the Stables contrasts with the traditional and domestically sized rooms in the main house. The bright, open plan space brings flexibility and modernity, but with a traditional atmosphere and a sense of elegance.

“Many visitors to New Lodge, while viewing the rooms in the main house, have expressed interest in bigger, open plan offices”, says Paul Buckley, Estates Manager for New Lodge. “Now with the Stables we can offer this too”.

Originally built for the Belgian ambassador in 1857, New Lodge was designed by architect Thomas Talbot Bury, who was known for his neo-Gothic architecture in the style of master architect, Augustus Pugin. The elegant and fully equipped business suites offer complete IT-enabled connectivity using CAT5e cabling, uncontested 10Mb broadband and a bespoke telecommunications package. Wi-fi hotspots have been created in the café, communal areas and parkland.

Every customer benefits from 24 hour security with external CCTV, a secure gated entrance, video entry systems, generous car parking, a dramatic reception area and impressive meeting/conference facilities. Customers and visitors can enjoy 55 acres of beautiful parkland along with a contemporary styled café within the courtyard of New Lodge House.

Information about office accommodation at New Lodge in Windsor is available from Olive Glass, New Lodge marketing manager, on 01344 898570 or by visiting www.newlodge.co.uk and from the joint lettings agents, Lambert Smith Hampton on 01628 676001 and Edwin Hill on 01753 689000.