Andrew Bluett-Duncan

Babette Update and Sage is Back

7 August 2021

Andrew Bluett-Duncan

Director 

Babette update

I'm very pleased to say that as I write, sitting on our sofa at home with Babette lying in her "super hospital bed" less than 2 feet away from me, she is still alive and arguably in a far better mental state then she has been for a week or so.

And this courtesy of the love and support that we (Jonathan, Jeanne, Josie and I) are lavishing on her, but also the quite incredible care and love (not a word I use often or lightly) that NHS nurses, doctors, Marie Curie nurses and our local surgery have shown her and us. Not to mention our neighbours, who have kept us fed and watered with freshly made bread, whole meals and even an extremely passable bottle of claret (much better than the stuff I usually drink) in there somewhere.

What we are going through is extremely difficult and challenging (British understatement), but at least this week there are four of us at home to care for her and that certainly makes a huge difference. But of course I am, I've had remind myself, in full time, gainful employment, or least I think I am! But for the last two weeks they have managed completely without me and Jeanne, and in small teams such as ours, that is quite a feat. So a very big thank you to all of them who have worked extra hours or made special arrangements of one kind or another to enable Jeanne and I to stay at home with Babette.

Sage is back

After a hiatus lasting 18 months-ish, the Australian Brand, Sage, has returned to our shelves, I am very pleased to say. The reasons for this gap are not entirely clear even now, but certainly one of them is a timing issue. They, unfortunately, chose to start distributing their ranges themselves in the UK (rather than through Beam, the original distributer) right at the start of the pandemic and I believe that this, along with unexpected warehousing problems, lead to a dearth of product availability.

What I can say, briefly, about Sage products is that they have two characteristics which are the reasons I chose the brand in the first place. One, the quality is very high, which their guarantees tend to bear out. And secondly, nearly all of them are not only well or cleverly designed, but also have unique features that other manufacturers haven't thought of, that are designed to make your life easier or more satisfactory in some way.

However, as with last week's email, I've very little time to write to you again so I'm going to let the chart below do the talking. I think it's true to say our teams in Reigate and Cobham will be able to dredge up enough from their memory banks to be able to answer most questions you may have, or they'll find out if they don't know the answer (if, and when, the memory banks fail!).

Our pricing will, for the most part, be the same or similar to, or better than, all the big discount retailers, but do let us know if we've missed something and we'll price match, in all likelihood.

Sage Barista Touch Coffee Machine Sage The Bambino Plus Sage The Barista Pro Sage The Barista Express Sage Creatista Plus
Sage Barista Touch Coffee Machine Sage Bambino Plus Coffee Machine Sage Barista Pro Coffee Machine Sage Barista Express Coffee Machine Sage Creatista Plus Coffee Machine
View product › View product › View product › View product › View product ›
Automatic Espresso Manual Espresso Nespresso
Dimensions
(W x D x H)
32.2 x 39.4 x 40.7 cm 19.5 x 32 x 31 cm 35.4 x 41 x 40.6 cm 32.5 x 31 x 40 cm 16.8 x 41.4 x 31 cm
Capacity Bean Hopper capacity: 250 g

Water Tank capacity: 2 L

Water tank 1.9 L (64 fl.oz) Bean Hopper capacity: 227 g

Water Tank capacity: 2 L

Bean Hopper capacity: 250 g

Water Tank capacity: 2 L

Water Tank cpacity: 1.5 L

Removeable Tank Capsule capacity: 12 used capsules

Materials Brushed Stainless Steel

BPA Free Water Tank

Stainless Steel Brushed Stainless Steel Brushed Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Settings
  • Touch screen operation
  • 5 pre-programmed Café favourites
  • Create, save and name 6 customisable coffee settings
  • Adjustable Grind Control
  • Programmable Milk Temperature and Texture
  • One/Two Shots Hot Water
  • Control Panel: 1 Cup, 2 Cup and Steam button
  • Adjustable milk temperature and texture level
Adjustable Grind Control Intuitive LCD Interface 1 & 2 Cup Volumetric Control
  • Single or Double Shots
  • Adjustable Grind Amount & Manual over-ride
  • 3 programmable cup sizes (25, 40, 110 ml)
  • 8 texture levels & 11 milk temps
  • Programmable water hardness
Warranty 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee 2 Year Limited Product Warranty 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee 2 Year Repair or Replacement Warranty
Sage The Nutri Juicer Cold Plus Sage The Big Squeeze Sage Boss To Go Sage The Kitchen Wizz 15 Pro Food Processor
Sage Nutri Juicer Cold Plus Sage The Big Squeeze Sage The Boss To Go Sage The Kitchen Wizz 15 Pro Food Processor
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Dimensions
(W x D x H)
21.9 x 33.4 x 44.8 cm 22.7 x 20.7 x 44.5 cm 14.5 x 14.5 x 40 cm 22.6 x 27.7 x 44.5 cm
Capacity 2 L jug N/A 2 x Smooth Edge 500 mL Tritan® cups with Travel Lids 3.7 L (large bowl) & 1 L (small bowl)
Materials Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Tritan Juice Jug
  • Stainless steel mesh filter
  • ABS housing
  • Heavy Duty Die-cast Metal Base
  • Stainless Steel Blades
  • 2 x BPA-Free Smooth Edge Tritan Cups
  • Tight Fitting Sage Assist Lid
  • Die-cast Metal Base
  • Stainless Steel Blades
  • High Impact BPA-Free Bowl
Settings 2 speed settings Off/On–Forward/Reverse 1 Speed On and Pulse
Warranty 2 year guarantee and 5 year motor guarantee 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee with 5 Year Limited Motor Guarantee 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee 3 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee with 30 Year Limited Motor Guarantee
Sage The Fast Slow Pro Sage The Smart Toast 2-Slice Toaster Sage The Compact Kettle Pure Sage The Smoking Gun
Sage The Fast Slow Pro Sage The Smart Toast 2 Slice Toaster Sage The Compact Kettle Pure Sage The Smoking Gun
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Dimensions
(W x D x H)
35 x 35 x 32 cm 29.5 x 21.8 x 19.1 cm 20 x 15 x 19 cm 27 x 61 x 16.1 cm
Capacity 6L MAX / 1L MIN 2 Slice Extra Wide capacity to suit all bread types 1 L N/A
Materials Brushed Stainless Steel Brushed Die-cast Metal Body Stainless Steel & Duraglass™ Die-cast Stainless Steel burn chamber and Silicon Smoke Tube
Settings
  • 11 Pressure cook settings plus a custom setting to suit your favorite recipes
  • High or Low Slow cook settings from 2 -12 hours
5 Settings including; 'A Bit More', 'Lift & Look' , Defrost & Bagel On and Off Dual Speed Fan
Warranty 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee
Explore all Sage products

Thanks

Lastly I'd like to thank you if you were one of the many people who left a message on the blog about Babette. We were all very touched by them as family and personally, a number brought tears to my eyes or a lump in my throat, as I read of memories and feelings that Babette has generated in others, who she has touched in her life.

Thank you.

Kind regards

Andrew

117 comments

  • Linda KnorpelAug 16, 2021

    Dear Andrew and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences. Your loss is great as Babette was a force of nature and she will be missed by so many. Linda x

  • Sue GallAug 16, 2021

    Dear Andrew and family,
    I just wanted to send our sincere condolences on the sad news that Babette has passed away. We didn’t know her personally but have felt such empathy with your family through her struggles as you so sensitively describe in your weekly emails.
    Our thoughts are with all your family and of course also with all your Art of Living colleagues.

  • Sylvia HowardAug 16, 2021

    Dear Andrew, Family and Colleagues
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Babette. I know exactly what you mean about the roller-coaster of emotions. I only met Babette a couple of times in the shop but perhaps you can take comfort from your happy times together and the knowledge of how well loved and respected Babette was. My sincerest condolences to you all.
    Sylvia Howard

  • Julia DixonAug 16, 2021

    So sorry to hear the sad news about Babette- my thoughts are with you all. Like many others, I have never met her or visited the shops, but am an online purchaser. I have read Andrew’s emails on a Saturday morning and over the last few months, the updates from both Andrew and Babette on her illness. We all know of a family member, friend or work colleague who has battled cancer in their own way, but Babette has shared her journey with such openness, bravery, dignity and at times, humour, that is truly inspiring. You must be very proud of her.

  • PaulaAug 16, 2021

    I am so sorry to hear about your loving wife Babette. I didn’t know her but have been moved by your anecdotes and regular updates. I wish you and the family the strength to cope with your loss.

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