Newmarket and Ely Living Oct - Nov 2020

Contents
A Note
from the publisher
20
How
A Culinary to create Journey a relaxing,
through
Northern homely guest Ireland bedroom
Planning for
spring colour
27
I was hoping to introduce this issue
into a settled environment - but it
seems both the world and the weather
don’t know what they’re doing. I got
caught out this week - my summer
wardrobe had gone into storage and
on came the boots and chunky knits
- only to be sweltering in the office
moments later.
Now, you won’t find me complaining
about an Indian Summer...but a
bit of economic certainty would be
preferable. The good news is, in our
field, we talk to lots of independent
businesses from the vast spectrum
of the lifestyle world, and overall,
the outlook is a sunny one. We may
have missed out on a summer of
attractions and events, but as a
nation we’ve shifted focus to home,
considering more closely where and
how we spend our money and honing
-in on projects that matter to us - in
our homes, our personal lives and
our workplace. Maybe we’ve got an
economic Indian Summer to come -
we can all be hopeful of that.
16 28
Wonderful recipes from
Retirement
James Martin’s new book options
EDITOR Katie Thomson
e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk
PUBLISHER Sally Thomson
PRE-PRESS MANAGER Kate O’Connell
CONTRIBUTORS Sue Cooke, Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,
Front Cover courtesy of Snug Sofa snugsofa.com
Key Account Manager
Claire Harris
e claire.harris@minervapublications.co.uk
twitter @elyliving
www.NewmarketLiving.co.uk
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ
Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton,
Trowbridge BA14 6JB
t 01225 984 550
w www.minervamagazines.co.uk
visit our website www.NewmarketLiving.co.uk
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by failure of an
advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions and
misprints. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the
publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers.
This issue definitely has a certain
focus, and, as it’s past the ‘100 days
to go’ mark, I think I’m allowed to
say the word...CHRISTMAS. Sorry.
Look, we know it feels early, but
I promise that early prep actually
makes the festive season eminently
more enjoyable. We are looking at
ways to make a guest bedroom a
special place to stay - even if it has
been your office for the last few
months. This is all on the assumption
that we are allowed to stay at each
other’s homes by then...
We’ve also got a look at some tasty
Christmas treats that you can start
hoarding like a little festive squirrel
- though the stash does become
rather tempting on a cold November
evening too.
That plus the usual retirement advice
and loads of lovely advice pieces.
We will see you back in December,
when as well as Christmas, we will be
looking ahead to planning in the new
year... take care and see you then.
Katie
www.newmarketliving.co.uk | 3

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a home away
from home
Every year, thousands of school age
overseas students are educated at
independent schools across the UK.
When their school closes for half term
holidays and weekends, they need a great
host family who will provide a home
away from home...
The families we look for are welcoming and interested in other
cultures. Having children of similar ages helps but isn’t the most
important thing as we have many successful host families who
have no children, younger children or indeed older children
who have left home. Internet access is very important and each
student will need their own bedroom with a desk or somewhere
quiet for homework. Being part of a family and experiencing dayto-day
family life enhances students’ study and plays a part in
improving their English language.
As well as receiving a generous payment, becoming a Pippa’s
Guardians host family is a wonderful experience; providing the
opportunity to really make a difference to a student whilst they
are studying here in the UK, in many cases a very long way from
home.
For further information contact:
laura@pippasguardians.co.uk or visit our website
www.pippasguardians.co.uk
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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Are you caring, nurturing and supportive?
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6 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE
Cambridge Cookery School
Cambridge Cookery School was started 13 years ago by chef and food writer Tine Roche...
Previously Tine had worked for many
years as a consultant to large food
brands and had followed closely the
increase in ever more processed food
products, with the largest growing
sector of free from/low fat replacing
natural and healthy fats with some of
the highest levels of sugar ever seen
in food.
“I started the cookery school because I was on a mission to
teach - some would say preach - the importance of home
cooking” says Tine. “I was joined from the beginning by an
amazing small team of Leiths and Cordon Bleu trained chefs who
are still with me and who have taught here since 2008. Between
us we have so much skill and I know that we give huge value for
money in our classes by cramming in as many skills and as many
delicious dishes that we possibly can”.
“People who come to the classes would in the past share large
workstations” says Tine.
“We are lucky to have so much space” says Tine who built the
airy state of the art kitchen in the former premises of stone
masons Rattee & Kett, not far from Cambridge station.
“While social distancing is prescribed, we work over 6 smaller
work stations, with no more than 2 people on each, so that
we keep a safe distance” explains Tine. “Our teachers are less
hands on than they were in the past but other than that, our large
premises both in the school and in the adjacent café means that
we haven’t had to change very much at all”.
We asked Tine if the focus on health and eating has led to an
increased interest in learning how to cook. “Definitely” says Tine.
“It has been wonderful, after so many closed months, to see so
many new bookings across all our different classes. We offer all
the classic kitchen skills from knife skill and fish filleting to pasta
and bread making”.
Another aspect of what the Cookery School offers are exclusive
events for groups of colleagues or private parties. “We really miss
our corporate clients” says Tine. “We have had such a success
over the past 12 years with offering unique team events which
tend to have a hugely positive effect on those who attend, and
we can’t wait to see a return of those”.
In the meantime, Tine and her team still enjoy creating cookery
events for families and groups of friends. “We can take up to
18 in our big kitchen by creating 3/groups of 6” says Tine. “We
hosted a lovely hen party last weekend and we have bookings
from groups of friends who will come together to cook and
then eat together” she explains. “It is wonderful and joyous to
cook together, even when distancing a little” smiles Tine. “It has
never been more important to eat fresh, locally grown, additive
free food” explains Tine “The fact that cooking with others
also has a very positive impact on wellbeing and a sense of
accomplishment is an added bonus that our team, as well as our
guests, really love”.
The school is located just south of Cambridge station, off
Purbeck Road which opens up to a lovely tranquil residential and
educational enclave with a large lawn which the school and its
large terrace looks out over.
f cookeryschool | www.cambridgecookeryschool.com
Christmas at Blackthorpe
Barn Goes Online
Now, in its 29th year Christmas at
Blackthorpe Barn will be a little different
this year with a new way of experiencing the
lovely Christmas wonders, as it goes online...
The pandemic has led to us all having to adapt and change the
way we do things, and it is no exception at Blackthorpe Barn.
This year the Country Christmas Shop, the British Crafts and
Santa’s Grotto are all going online, so you can still browse and
shop the wonderful gifts, decorations and treats and meet Santa,
all from the comfort of your own home…
Shopping at the Country Christmas shop will still allow for the
same excitement, from 1st October you will be able to browse
and purchase items from Blackthorpe Barn’s website. Bursting
with everything Christmassy, website visitors can enjoy browsing
a full range of Christmas delights online, plus there will be some
new ranges to discover. Plus, there will be gifts for him, for her,
for pet lovers, for teens, for children, and books, gift wrap, advent
calendars and so much more. All items can be purchased online
to click and collect from the barn, and most can be courier
delivered direct to your home.
To allow for unforgettable and precious memories to still be
created, Santa will also be transported Santa into a new virtual
world, live from his wonderful and wintry grotto, with his elves not
far away. Youngsters aged between two and nine years old will
still be able to meet Father Christmas face-to-face and enjoy the
same magical and inspiring experience, albeit virtually. Tickets
can be booked online and a choice of surprise presents can be
sent to the mums and dads ready for the big day.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
The British Crafts will also be a new and exciting online
experience, accessible via the same website. Every individual
piece is hand crafted making each item truly unique and a
genuine one-off. Starting on the 1st October, visitors can enjoy
being inspired as they browse items by the individual makers and
see the amazing hand-crafted items all made by hugely talented
crafts people here in Britain. Browsers can contact the craft
makers personally and many items can be purchased directly
from the website.
Famous Rougham Estate Christmas Trees will be available at
Blackthorpe Barn as usual, where visitors can come along to find
their perfect festive centrepiece. This year it is cashless payment
with trees available from 27th November until 23rd December,
visitors can choose from very freshly cut to pot grown in many
shapes and sizes. Each Christmas Tree is nurtured all year round
in plantations close to the barn, so the freshness and quality is
exceptional.
Blackthorpe Barn is just three miles east of Bury St Edmunds
in Suffolk, off the A14 at junction 45 (Sat Nav IP30 9JG).
Please see www.blackthorpebarn.com.
www.newmarketliving.co.uk | 7

A reflection on the experience of
Coronavirus in independent school seTTings
The period from early March to the
present day has undoubtedly been one
full of experiences which we would all
have wished we had not endured. The
thousands of people who have lost their
lives to the Coronavirus are individuals who
deserve to be remembered and the loss
for the families connected to them must be
enormous. Many thousands more have,
to a greater or lesser extent, fallen ill with
Covid-19 and to all this we can add the
huge negative impact of lockdown on the
country’s economy and general well-being.
The closure of schools has disrupted the
education of millions of children. It is difficult
to claim there is anything which is positive
from this experience and arguably it’s too
soon to be speculating along these lines.
In full recognition of all the bad things that
have happened so far in 2020 I am going to
attempt to lift the spirits in an educational
context and identify some areas where
there may be a lasting gain for schools and
the educational experience of children.
Online teaching and learning in IAPS school,
both prep and junior, has been far more
positive than anyone could reasonably have
anticipated. Yes, during the first couple of
weeks of school closure, the schools were
feeling their way and there were grounds
for genuine concern that what was on offer
was a long way short of the normal service.
However, as no end of heads commented,
they travelled further with online learning
in two weeks than they had in the previous
two years. In fact, towards the end of
the summer term as schools started to
welcome their pupils back, there was much
debate about whether the older pupils in
8 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk
Year 6 should be invited back when the
online learning had been so successful.
Success online come in unexpected ways
too as parents were able to look through
a window on school assemblies which
normally they did not have the opportunity
to do unless it was a special event.
The insight into assemblies was not
the only way the relationship between
the school and the parents was
recalibrated. The premium placed on clear
communication was never more evident
and the schools who got the tone right
from the start, even if they were passing
on somewhat unpalatable news, saw
the benefits of their efforts. Heads and
governors were having to take decisions
rapidly and to get them right first time
and, as they did, the confidence within the
school and parental body grew.
Many schools reduced the fees and
appealed to the parental body to honour
their obligation to pay them with many
predicting a poor response. Again, where
the communication was open and clear
- and parents felt they knew what was
happening and why - the vast majority of
parents paid the fees due.
Not every parent has been happy but
survey upon survey in IAPS schools has
shown a very high degree of satisfaction
with the decisions and actions of the
school. If anything confidence has grown
about sending a child to a private school.
Virtual Open Days and tours have proven
hugely successful and will no doubt
feature even when we do get back closer
to what we understood as normal.
by Christopher King, IAPS CEO
So yes, there has been great challenge
and the sector will be more fragile for some
time to come but the resilience of the
independent sector has been never more
evident and the quality in IAPS member
schools has shone through.
About IAPS
IAPS is a professional association for
heads with over 675 members in prep,
junior and pre-prep schools in the UK
and overseas. Founded in 1892, it is
the largest heads’ association within
the Independent Schools Council (ISC).
Schools must reach a very high standard
to be eligible for membership, with strict
criteria on teaching a broad curriculum,
maintaining excellent standards of
pastoral care and keeping staff members’
professional development training up
to date.
Christopher King is chief executive, and
supported by the senior managment
team, based at their headquarters in
Leamington Spa. Their priorities are
determined by the IAPS Council, made
up of members, elected by members.
The IAPS school directory can be found
by visiting iaps.uk

Find a new
perspective...
Take a look at our prospectus
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Energy | Courage | Integrity
“The best decision we
Book your place at our Open Events today!
www.kingsely.org

ever made...
Independent School School
Girls Girls and and Boys, Boys, ages ages 2-18 2-18
Day Day and and Boarding

ADVERTISING FEATURE
the leys school;
evolving and
embracing change
The Leys School is located in the
heart of the historic university city of
Cambridge...
The opportunities for academic
learning and enrichment this provides
are immense and the School’s
CamEx(Cambridge Experience)
programme was created in order to take
full advantage of what this unique city
has to offer. The Leys regularly hosts
world-renowned guest speakers who
take part in the Leys Lecture series; the
School Choir joins with College choirs to
perform in their Chapels; the awardwinning
Boathouse is shared with Kings,
Churchill and Selwyn Colleges; regular
trips take place to University departments
and Upper Sixth pupils may be mentored
by Cambridge post-grad students. The
academic and cultural buzz in Cambridge
is palpable and, in the UK’s fastest
growing city, nothing stands still for long;
one of numerous reasons why parents
choose a Cambridge education for their
children.
The global Covid-19 pandemic may have
profoundly changed education, not just in
the short term but, potentially, for years to
come. Pupils, teachers and parents may
have felt uncertain and anxious about
school closures and the cancellation of
public examinations, and it has been
down to individual schools to allay their
fears. At The Leys this has been the
overwhelming priority: to support pupils
and the wider school family during this
period of huge change and upheaval. In
a sector which has often been resistant
and slow to change, this could have
proved difficult. However, the school has
been making full use of technology within
the classroom for many years so the
adjustment from the traditional classroom
to online learning has been seamless
in many ways. Online teaching using
Google Classroom has empowered pupils
to adopt a flexible and collaborative
approach to their learning across all year
groups and subjects and the school’s
successful use of technology has
transformed the ‘classroom’. The results
of this have been phenomenal. Parents
have been delighted at the way the
school has adapted its teaching methods.
Pupils have been fully engaged with this
new way of learning and feedback has
been overwhelmingly positive.
The Leys has continued to keep one step
ahead of the game and, in 2019, one of
the teaching rooms was transformed into
a Virtual Reality classroom. The space
“The Leys has continued to keep one step
ahead of the game and, in 2019, one of the
teaching rooms was transformed into a
Virtual Reality classroom. ”
12 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk
provides an engaging and immersive
experience for pupils and teachers,
allowing them to create, upload and
share content in exciting and unique
ways.
For those pupils in Year 11 and the Upper
Sixth the cancellation of GCSEs and A
Levels may have felt like an anti-climax
to their years of hard work. To encourage
ongoing learning, two new programmes
were developed; Headstart was an online
course for Year 11 pupils and provided
a stimulating and exciting introduction
to their A Level studies. The Upper
Sixth pupils benefited from a bespoke
University Preparation course, presenting
them with practical challenges, further
academic study and career-related
networking opportunities. Both courses
were very well received and will be
continued and developed for future
generations of Leysians.
In a post-Covid world, the traditional
‘Cambridge’ education at The Leys will
continue. Teaching and learning will
evolve and embrace the technological
opportunities experienced during
the summer term. The resilience and
adaptability of Leys pupils and teachers
means the School is well-placed to
continue along its upward trajectory.
For further information or to visit
The Leys, contact the Admissions
Team on 01223 508904 or at
admissions@theleys.net

Sixth form
Making the right choice
So your child is going to do A levels. For
most, this will mean staying on at their
current school, either because they want
to, you want them to, or it just feels the
safest option. But some youngsters opt
for, or have no alternative but to make, a
fresh start with new people in a new place.
If your child fits into this second group, it’s
essential to take time out to consider the
options and make the right choice.
The Good Schools Guide knows from
visiting hundreds of schools and colleges
ever year that some students wind
up compromising on subject choices.
Sixth-forms vary, with many guaranteeing
literally any subject mix and others
restricting certain combinations because
of insoluble timetable clashes. Your child
may not know exactly which subjects
they want to study but its worth making
sure that they are broadly on the same
page as any prospective sixth form. The
full breakdown of past exam results (not
just the simple summary!) and previous
students’ university destinations should
tell you if the place is aligned with your
child’s own aspirations. Find out how
many A levels a pupil is expected to take.
And can you drop one if it all gets too
much?
Sixth form, for many, is when thoughts
turn to higher education, some schools
and colleges offer mock interview
practice, guaranteed work experience,
14 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk
special Oxbridge classes and meticulous
help with personal statements, among
other things. But university isn’t the be-all
and end-all.
We’re always impressed when schools
embrace alternative routes, such as
degree apprenticeships. How does the
school or college get students thinking
about different careers and industries, for
example through careers fairs, outside
speakers and getting students out into the
business world?
Track down a current pupil to find out
what the teaching and class sizes are like.
The search for small teaching groups is
often a key pull for parents and students
at sixth form. The culture matters too. Are
pupils trusted to manage their own time
and is there proper support for when the
stress levels start to creep up. It would
be easy to bypass pastoral care for these
nearly-adults but, with all the exams and
life-planning, this is a time when support
can be critical. Many schools now employ
on-site counsellors or see that teachers
receive appropriate training to help pupils
with well-being issues.
Read inspection reports. Everywhere will
have one, but check the date and don’t
treat it as gospel if more than a year or
two old. The Good Schools Guide reviews
many good sixth forms so see what we
have to say too. But what should really
swing it for you, once you’ve worked your
way through the suggestions here, is your
child’s gut feeling.
Take advantage
of open days,
soak up the
atmosphere,
continue to
visit and ask
questions of
local colleges
and schools
and ultimately make
sure your child feels happy with their
choice.
The Good Schools Guide 22nd
hardback edition
Over 1,200 in-depth reviews of leading
private and state schools, for children
aged 3-18, in the UK. These cover
everything you want, and need, to know
about a school and you won’t find this
level of independent, honest detail
anywhere else. Reviews are written by
parents, for parents, to help you find the
best school for your child.
The Good Schools Guide’s unique take
on:-
Academic and money matters
Head teacher profiles
Pastoral care, well-being and atmosphere
Extra-curricular activities, games, the arts
Entrance and exit information
www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk

ISLANDS TO
highlands
CLAM VONGOLE
Good clams can be found year-round on
the coast all around Britain, but are at their
best in the colder months. Clam vongole is
simply the best pasta dish, in my opinion,
but when made properly like Francesco
Mazzei showed me, it’s on a different level
entirely. Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 shallot, diced
100ml dry white wine
1kg clams, cleaned (see tip)
sea salt and freshly ground
black pepper
1 red chilli, diced
zest of 2 lemons, plus juice of 1 lemon
small bunch of parsley, chopped
50g parmesan, grated
METHOD
Bring a large pan of salted water to the
boil and cook the pasta, following the
packet instructions, until al dente.
While the pasta’s bubbling away, start the
sauce. In a large saucepan with a lid, heat
the oil over a medium heat, add the garlic
and shallot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring
often. Pour in the wine and clams, season
well, then put the lid on the pan and bring
to the boil. Reduce the heat a little and
cook for a further 4 minutes.
Resting a colander over a bowl, use a
large slotted spoon to lift the clams out of
the sauce into the colander, then bring the
sauce to the boil and simmer, uncovered,
until reduced by half.
Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan
with the sauce and cook for a further 2
minutes. Add the chilli, lemon zest and
juice and parsley and season well.
Stir everything together, then pop the
clams back into the pan along with any
of the juices caught in the bowl. Give
everything a really big stir again to mix it
all in, then scatter over the parmesan and
drizzle in a little more olive oil, if you like.
Serve immediately.
JAMES’S TIP
Fresh clams need to be alive before you
cook them. To clean the clams of sand or
grit, soak them for 20 minutes in a bowl
of cold salty water. Drain, then transfer
to a bowl of clean cold water to soak for
a further 10 minutes, so they don’t taste
too salty.
STEAK WITH
WHISKY BRAISED
ONIONS
Every chef becomes obsessed with certain
ingredients at some point in the year and
right now, my obsession is onions. These,
combined with steak and a simple mustard
sauce, were a favourite dish of Johnny on
Camera Two when we were filming the
show. Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
4 onions, peeled
50ml whisky
600ml beef stock
100g salted butter
1 garlic clove, crushed
a few pine sprigs, washed and patted dry
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
400g rump steak, 5cm thick
150g long-stem broccoli
FOR THE SAUCE
2 tablespoons Scottish grainy mustard
½ teaspoon English mustard
2 tablespoons salted butter
25ml whisky
75ml double cream
METHOD
If using, light your BBQ. When the coals
are silvery in colour, it’s ready to cook on.
Place the whole onions in a pan with the
whisky and beef stock.
Cover and bring to the boil then reduce
the heat slightly and simmer for 40
minutes. Use a slotted spoon to lift the
onions out of their cooking liquor and set
aside to cool a little. Reserve the liquor.
Meanwhile, place the butter, garlic and
pine sprigs into a separate pan and place
over a low heat to melt the butter. If not
cooking on the BBQ, preheat a griddle pan
over a high heat.
Cut the onions in half horizontally, then
drizzle over the oil and season well. Cook
on the griddle pan or on the BBQ, flatside
down, for a couple of minutes until
charred. Lift onto a plate and set aside.
Season the steak all over, then brush with
some of the melted pine butter. Cook on
the hot griddle pan or on the BBQ for 2
minutes, then brush with more butter, flip
over and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the long-stem broccoli to the pan or
BBQ for the last 2 minutes of cooking,
again brushing with pine butter. Lift the
steak onto a board and rest for 4 minutes.
To make the sauce, put both types of
mustard in a pan with 1 tablespoon of the
butter and 200ml of the reserved onion
cooking liquor. Pour in the whisky, then
flambé to burn off the alcohol, tipping the
pan gently and carefully to ignite. Place
over a medium heat and simmer until the
liquid has reduced by half, then stir in
the cream and season well. Whisk in the
remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to finish.
Slice the steak into 3-cm thick slices and
place on a platter with the broccoli, then
spoon over the sauce. Pull the onions into
petals and dot around before serving.
TARRAGON AND
WILD GARLIC
RISOTTO
with mushrooms and baked
kombu potatoes
In essence, this is of course two separate
dishes. I wanted to serve the potatoes
separately on the show, but little Sammy
Head – the legend of the food team –
couldn’t be bothered to walk back down
the mountain to get another bowl, so it
became one dish! A great, simple risotto
should be packed full of flavour; watch the
seasoning as it usually needs more salt
than you think and, whatever you do, don’t
make it too thick. Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
50g salted butter
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 shallot, diced
16 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk

CHEF JAMES MARTIN
WAS KIND ENOUGH TO
SHARE SOME FABULOUS
RECIPES FROM HIS BOOK
ISLANDS TO HIGHLANDS,
CELEBRATING THE BEST OF
THE BRITISH ISLES
Recipes and words from
James Martin’s Islands to Highlands:
80 fantastic recipes from around the
British Isles. Published by Quadrille
Publishing Ltd. RRP £25 and
available from all good book shops
and online
200g risotto rice
50ml dry white wine
500ml vegetable stock
200g wild mushrooms, roughly torn
50g mascarpone
25g parmesan, grated
small bunch of tarragon, chopped
a few wild garlic leaves
sea salt and freshly ground
black pepper
FOR THE POTATOES
150g new potatoes
1 parmesan rind
1 tablespoon kombu dried seaweed
pinch of sea salt
TO SERVE
2 tablespoons crème fraîche
a few micro herb sprigs or
a few chives, chopped
METHOD
If using, light your BBQ. When the coals are
silvery in colour, it’s ready to cook on.
Heat the butter in a deep non-stick pan over
a medium heat. Once the butter is melted
and foaming, add the garlic, shallot and
rice, stirring until the rice is well coated in
the butter. Stir in the wine and around threequarters
of the stock, bring to the boil, then
simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir through the mushrooms and cook for a
further 5 minutes until the rice is cooked and
just tender.
Put the potatoes in a saucepan and cover
with water, then add the parmesan rind,
kombu seaweed and pinch of salt. Bring to
the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Drain
the potatoes, then put them directly onto
the grill bars of the BBQ and cook for 2–3
minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.
Carefully lift out of the barbecue and set
aside.
To finish the risotto, stir in the mascarpone,
parmesan, tarragon (reserving a few sprigs
for garnish), wild garlic and remaining stock,
then season to taste. The texture should be
slightly runny.
To serve, spoon the risotto onto 4 plates
and garnish with a few extra sprigs
of tarragon and micro herbs. Split the
potatoes, top them with crème fraîche,
micro herbs or chives and either serve on a
separate plate alongside or place directly on
top of the risotto.
www.newmarketliving.co.uk | 17

20 years of Ely Farmers’ Market
Ely Farmers’ Market is 20 years old! We caught up with the
Ely Markets team to discover the secrets of its continuing
success…
Back in 2000, we were part of a growing movement to
protect the countryside, support small growers and revitalise
town centres. Ely Farmers’ Market gave local producers the
opportunity to sell their products direct to customers.
We’re proud of everyone who has been part of our journey
over the last two decades. Lots has changed but our emphasis
on quality, value and sustainability remains as important as
ever.
Ely Farmers’ Market takes place twice a month, all year round.
Our farmers produce a huge range of locally-grown crops,
plants and flowers – from strawberries and tomatoes to salad
vegetables and potatoes. Twenty years on we’re lucky enough
to have some of our founder traders still with us, plus a
constantly evolving selection of guests and newcomers.
Meat and fish have always been an important part of our
Farmers’ Market. Customers then and now want locally
reared meat with impeccable ethical credentials. Over the
years we’ve had ostrich meat, venison, locally-reared pork,
Aberdeen Angus beef, Norfolk mussels and so much more.
Ely Farmers’ Market has nurtured many new artisan producers,
giving them the confidence to set up their own shops. Cakes,
bakes, bread and preserves have always been popular choices
and we’ve seen many wonderful traders come and move on.
We still have a fantastic selection of products – from simple
jam and fruit pies, to luxury doughnuts and gravity-defying iced
cakes.
More recently, we’ve gained a reputation for vegan products
and laid-back street food. Traders old and new complement
each other perfectly and every year the Farmers’ Markets
becomes more diverse and innovative.
“These uncertain times prove how much value there is in
shopping locally and sustainably. The challenges of 2020 have
only made us stronger. We can’t wait to see what the next
decade brings!”
Ely Markets Diary:
• Charter Market - every Thursday, 8.30am - 3.30pm
• Craft, Food & Vintage Market - every Saturday, 8.30am - 3.30pm
• Farmers Market - every 2nd & 4th Saturday, 8.30am - 3.30pm
• Sunday Market - every week, 10am - 4pm
• Mini-Markets - every Tues, Wed & Fri, 8.30am - 3.30pm
ELY MARKET PLACE Cambridgeshire CB7 4NT
www.elymarkets.co.uk fli @ElyMarkets

MAKING A GUEST ROOM
W
feel like home
hilst it can feel like another job to
add to the list, preparing the guest
bedroom to receive guests for
Christmas can actually be quite relaxing -
making a space comfortable and inviting
really does something good for the soul.
When you start to plan your guest room,
think about what you’d expect to find in
a lovely hotel and try to make your room
measure up to that standard. Your budget
may not be enough to create a getaway
oasis, but you can clear the decks, lay out
all the necessities, and provide a quiet place
to relax.
PROVIDE A
COMFORTABLE BED
Don’t give your guests the oldest, saggiest
mattress you have. Try sleeping in the room
yourself and assess the quality of your sleep
on that mattress - it may be time to invest
in a new one. If you can’t afford a new bed,
think about getting a quality air mattress.
adding luxurious bed linens and comfort
items supplied by fine B&Bs: a featherbed or
wool mattress topper, a choice of pillows, a
cosy down quilt or thick throw, extra blankets
and freshly ironed pillowcases. We like to
provide a decorative basket in the room filled
with extra blankets.
MAKE ROOM FOR
A SUITCASE
Clear a space to put a luggage rack or
provide a small table or bench to set down
a suitcase. No one likes to have to stoop
over to the floor to pull out a clean pair of
socks. Even a chair is better than nothing.
SUPPLY EXTRA LINENS
Always have an extra set of bed and bath
linens available for your guests. Accidents
do happen! Or you may have one of those
wonderful guests who insists on changing
the sheets when they leave. Let them do it,
and thank them profusely.
UPGRADE YOUR
BEDDING
Beyond clean, crisp bedding, think about
CLEAR THE DECKS
Resist the temptation to cover the top of the
dresser with your prized collectables or fill
Earthy materials and handmade items make spaces feel cosy. Left to right: Clio
Basket, £25, habitat.co.uk; White Arrow Mudcloth, £56, hauslife.co.uk; Arizona
Natural Woven Chair, £385, Cielshopinteriors.com
20 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk

NEW HOMES
COMING SOON
AN ELEGANT COLLECTION
OF TWO, THREE AND FOUR
BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND
HOUSES IN A BEAUTIFULLY
LANDSCAPED SETTING
BURY ST EDMUNDS
Enjoy luxury modern living with
premium specification, just minutes
from Bury St Edmunds station and
the vibrant town centre’s shops,
bars and restaurants.
For more information and to register your interest call
01284 630 333 or email tayfields@weston-homes.com
weston-homes.com

Niamh Plaited Cushion
Cover, £42 and Elowen
Woven Throw, £65,
hauslife.co.uk
the wardrobe with
out-of-season
clothes. If you do
use the room for
storage, do try to
clear a descent
amount of space.
In a guest room, less is more –
more space, more comfortable, and more welcoming. Get
rid of anything you would not find in a hotel room. Keep
only the most useful items in the room, like a clock, a
make up mirror and a waste-paper bin.
MAKE SURE THERE’S A
COMFY PLACE TO SIT
French-style bedrooms
with classical
elements never go out
of style and always
make spaces feel
elegant and inviting
frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
Remember that your guests might like a little relaxation
time away from the rest of the house, so make sure they
have somewhere nice to sit in the room. Some people
do not feel comfortable sitting on a bed and your guests
shouldn’t have to. Place an upholstered armchair or side
chair in the room with a table and lamp close by.
BRIGHTEN THINGS UP
One of the biggest hotel decor missteps is when an
otherwise nice room has no light to read by - make sure
your room doesn’t fall prey to the same issue. It’s always
helpful to have a light control near the bed so your guest
won’t have to stumble around in the dark just to turn a
light on. If nothing else, provide a good reading light
near a chair or over the bed. Another fixture or
lamp near a desk would be great. A small night
light is helpful, and a lit magnifying makeup
mirror is a real luxury.
CLEAN THE
WARDROBE
If your guest room shares space with
a home office, clear at least a foot of
pole space in the cupboard. Or purchase
an inexpensive over-the-door hook that can
Here blogger Monica from theelginavenue.com
has created a functional office space which can be
transformed into a bedroom using a sofa bed
22 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk

The amazing sofa in a box company Snug Sofa have come up trumps
with a revelatory sofa bed - one that’s as comfy to sit on as to sleep on!
Genius! £1495, snugsofa.com
accommodate some hanging
clothes. It’s likely that guests will
have items they’d like to hang. Don’t
forget a supply of six to eight hangers.
A simple hook on the wall or behind a
wardrobe door can hold a robe, coat, or a
handbag.
ADD SOME PERSONALITY
Guest rooms can suffer from being
personality vacuums - try to let some of
your personal style infuse the space, or
try out some decorative ideas that inspire
you. We love spaces that mix mid-century
modern furniture with boho soft furnishings,
or fabulous colour on a single wall with
dramatic wallpaper. Maybe dare to go
dark with dark navy on the walls and gold
detailing. Have you got artwork that evokes
some feeling on the walls? Or a grand full
length mirror? Even table lamps can inject
some personality. You can afford to have
a bit of fun and creative license with the
styling of these kinds of spaces.
MAKE SOME
DRAWER SPACE
If you have an extra chest of drawers, that’s
ideal, but if not, clearing out at least one or
two drawers for small items is sufficient.
Both you and your guest will feel better
with odds and ends out of sight.
DON’T FORGET
SIMPLE BASICS
A lit clock next to the bed is a great
amenity, and an alarm clock or clock/radio
is even better. Provide paper and pens,
scissors, tape, tissue, and a hairdryer to
have all the bases covered. If you can,
provide somewhere to sit in front of a mirror
so guests can do make up or style their
hair. If you don’t have an extra iron and
ironing board to offer, be sure to tell your
guest where they can find yours.
PROVIDE PRIVACY
You might know that the big willow tree
just outside the window camouflages
everything going on, but your guests won’t.
Choose window coverings that add to the
character of the room and also provide
privacy and light control. If you need to keep
it simple, blinds work great. You can always
add a beautiful valance or side panels later.
NO BED, NO
PROBLEM
Over the last few months, many
of us have had to use guest
bedrooms as home offices.
Rather than spending 360 days
of the year edging around the periphery
of a large and mostly unused bed,
consider swapping it for a smart
sofa bed. This gives you more
usable space in the room, and
somewhere to take a quick coffee
break away from your desk. Just
make sure the bed element is
comfortable and supportive.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Add some lovely finishing touches to the
room - a reed diffuser to fill it with delicious
fragrance and pop some throw pillows on
the bed or chair. If you like them, add some
cut flowers to a dresser or move some of
your existing houseplants into the space for
some greenery. If you don’t use your room
much during the year, be sure to open the
windows for a few hours before guests
arrive to help air it out.
Top to Bottom: Rattan Table, £179,
ellajames.co.uk; Detroit Side Table, £169.99,
oakfurnitureland.co.uk; Stucco Table Lamp, £120
and shade £58, pooky.com; Cressida Tassel
Pillow, £39, hauslife.co.uk; Simone Table Lamp,
£105, sweetpeaandwillow.com; Masako LED
Wall Lamp, £45, made.com; Texas Butterfly
Chair, £200, homebodydecor.co.uk
www.newmarketliving.co.uk | 23

Only a 5%
deposit required
A stunning development of
2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in Orwell
Hurdleditch Road, Orwell,
Cambridgeshire, SG8 5QG
Marketing Suite & Show Homes
Open Daily by appointment only
AWARD WINNING
HOME BUILDER FOR
EIGHTH YEARS RUNNING
0333 321 8654 | croftend@croudacehomes.co.uk | www.croudacehomes.co.uk
COUNTRYSIDE HOMES FOR A CONTEMPORARY LIFESTYLE
Located on the edge of the beautiful
Cambridgeshire village of Orwell, Croft End is a
stunning development of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom
homes, including bungalows, a few miles south
of Cambridge.
The centre of Orwell is just a short walk from Croft
End. Local amenities include The Chequers, a
welcoming gastropub, a hairdresser, and a small
local store with post office. Shepreth is less than
10 minutes’ drive away, and has a railway station
serving trains to both Cambridge and London.
Orwell has a thriving community that holds events
through the year, with an annual village show, quiz
nights and a range of festive activities for all ages.
The nearby Clunch Pit is a designated Site of
Special Scientific Interest that overlooks the
village. This historic quarry is now a vital habitat
for numerous species of rare plants and flowers
including wild herbs, orchids and cowslip. The
Clunch Pit is now known for its wonderful views of
the Cam Valley and the expansive landscape of
South Cambridgeshire, making it popular
with walkers.
Orwell has a village school, Petersfield C of E Aided
Primary School, which is within walking distance of Croft
End. The village doesn’t have a secondary school, but is
in the catchment area for Bassingbourn Village College,
which is under six miles away, and the independent
Aurora Meldreth Manor School offers admission to
children of both primary and secondary school age.
Junction 11 of the M11 motorway is just a
20-minute drive from Croft End, with nearby
Shepreth offering regular, direct rail services
south to London Kings Cross, London Bridge, East
Croydon, Gatwick Airport and Brighton, and north to
Cambridge and Peterborough.
The area is well served for recreation, with challenging
golf courses, and a number of historic destinations,
including Wimpole Hall and RAF Duxford offering
fascinating days out for the whole family.
The Marketing Suite and Show Homes at Croft End
are currently open every day from 10am - 5pm by
appointment only. Organise your visit to this beautiful
new community and discover how you can experience
village living with all the contemporary comforts that
come with a Croudace home.

your chance TO WIN
A collectable print from independent
designer LucyLovesThis
‘LucyLovesThis is a small design studio, set up by book cover
designer Lucy Stephens. Having grown up in Cambridge, studied
in Leeds and then settling with her family in South London,
Lucy knows how the places she’s lived in have shaped and
inspired her. The collection features over 180 different letters. The
letter designs are made up intricate illustrations, monochrome
typography and contain the landmarks and icons that celebrate
each place.
Over seven years Lucy has grown a loyal fan base, excited to
collect prints and gifts that celebrate the places that make up
their life journey. Customers come back time and again to buy
their friends and family gifts that celebrate graduations, housewarmings,
weddings and birthdays. Prints are available unframed
for £21 and framed for £55.
See the full collection at lucylovesthis.com
THE COMPETITION
The team at LucyLovesThis have an amazing competition for
us - offering the winner a framed A4 print of their choice worth
£55! Plus, 5 runners up will receive an A4 unframed print of their
choice too, each worth £21! These personal prints filled with
local nods make amazing
gifts or treasured pieces
for your home. To be in
with a chance of winning,
simply head to www.
minervamagazines.co.uk/
competitions and enter
on that page - using the
keyword ‘LUCYLOVES’.
Competition closes
10/12/2020 and winners
will be notified by email
to choose their print. No
cash alternative available,
T&Cs apply.
26 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk

NOTES FROM THE GARDEN
PLANNING next year's springtime
Matt Biggs is our resident garden
advisor. Here he gives us advice
on how to prepare our garden for
next year. Matt trained at The
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and
has presented numerous television
programmes including Channel 4’s
Garden Club.
Gardening offers us so many benefits - the
opportunity to exercise, space to think,
space to grow new plants, delicious edibles
and fabulous fruit, play with the kids, count
butterflies, feed birds, and there is another,
really important thing that it offers us - the
opportunity to plan for the future.
With so much uncertainty in life there is
There is no doubt that this year has been a something very life affirming about planning
year like no other. It has changed so many our gardens for next year - and now is the
things in so many ways, and one of those is time to do that. Ornamental bulbs are in our
the time that some of us have had to spend garden centres now - bulbs are amazing!
in our gardens. Whether you are a true They require very little care, takes almost
‘son of the soil’ or someone who wouldn’t no skill at all to plant - even if you plant it
necessarily know a daffodil from a daisy, we upside down it will still appear - kids love to
have had time to contemplate that space help choose and plant them and then there
outside of our window, be it a window box, is that wonderful day when a green shoot
NURSERY courtyard or ADVERT garden. 153x110.qxp_Layout spikes 1 11/03/2020 its way out of 09:04 the ground Page heralding 1
the beauty to
follow. So this
month get out
to your garden
centre or
nursery, take a
pen and paper
and make a list
or check put
a bulb catalogue
and start planning for a new year filled with
colour and optimism - and bring some
excitement and colour into your life next
spring - all from a little brown bulb!
To find out more about Matt’s love of
gardening please visit www.matthewbiggs.
com where you will discover some
inspirational material.
Bring your garden to life at Tuddenham Nurseries
Premium Norfolk Roses, Patio Planters, Tools, Mulch, Compost and much more
• Bedding Plants available from May • Orders now being taken for bespoke hanging baskets •
01638 715362
3 High St, Tuddenham
Bury Saint Edmunds
IP28 6SQ
www.newmarketliving.co.uk | 27

RETIREMENT
Time for a change post-COVID?
Has a period of furlough or working from
home made you reconsider your retirement
options? Or, if you’re already retired, has
the upkeep of a larger family home become
a relentless task? Prior to COVID-19, you
might have pushed the idea of retiring
or moving to the back of your mind. But
sometimes a re-framing, brought about by
factors outside your control, could be just
what you need to take stock and consider
what life could be like going forward.
In recent years, there has been a growing
desire for luxury retirement living, with
people choosing to right-size from
their family home into purpose-built
accommodation that seamlessly meets their
needs. There are a myriad of reasons for this
big move; perhaps your children have long
flown the nest, and the thought of having
a smaller home to maintain is enticing, you
might be on the edge of retirement and
looking for a fresh start. We caught up with
some people who had recently made the
move to find out about their big decision...
For Mary and Tony Martin (in their mid
seventies), the choice was brought about
by the isolation they felt during lockdown.
Mary commented, “We lived in quite a
remote place, without many neighbours.
During lockdown, we felt utterly isolated
and everything, from food shopping to the
maintenance of the house, was a challenge.
Our children were very supportive, but
they live far away and we just realised how
much certain circles of our life had closed.
When we looked around a local retirement
village, we were struck by how much was
readily available on the doorstep! A small
supermarket, a hairdressers, a wellness
centre and, most importantly, a community -
all steps from the front door. The rooms were
beautifully appointed and ready to move in
to without stress.”
Retirement accommodation is purpose-built
with the older person in mind, so the homes
are easily accessible by all. They are built
for comfort and ease, such a plug sockets
at waist height and even accessible places
to charge mobility scooters! Not only that,
there is often a support network available,
so if you do need extra care or help with
something, care packages can be arranged.
For Dennis Slater (late seventies), the
move was motivated in part by the passing
of his wife, “It wasn’t until a few years after
my wife Helen passed away that I realised
quite how isolated I’d become - rarely
venturing out and actually losing touch
with friends. It was my son who showed
me round a development nearby his
house and the sense of community really
captured me. I was sad to leave the family
home and all the memories there, but I
carry them with me in my heart and have
instead found a new lease of life thanks to
the new friends I’ve made.”
Dennis’s desire for company is an oft-sought
part of this move - retirement villages
allow the resident to become a part of a
community of like-minded people, with a
much wider social network available.
Another huge incentive for moving to a
retirement village is that the homes come
with top safety and security measures, often
including sensor lighting, alarms and camera
entry system. Given that home invasions
are on the rise, it is reassuring to know that
a community is gated and safe. David and
“During lockdown, we felt utterly isolated
and everything, from food shopping to the
maintenance of the house, was a challenge.”
Sandy Williams (late sixties) found that their
move was motivated by this desire for a
‘lock up and leave’ home. David said “Sandy
and I had always anticipated using our
early retirement to travel. Obviously we are
curtailed at the moment but we have lots of
plans in the pipeline! We wanted to be able
to consider longer trips away, but without the
worry of security back home. It was anxiety
brought on by a trip a few years earlier,
where we’d returned home to a frozen pipeinduced
flood. We can leave home safe in
the knowledge that the property is ticking
over under careful watch.”
Roger and his wife Susan took the big leap
for another reason; “after Susan suffered a
quite debilitating fall, our two-up two-down
house just presented a nightmare for her
mobility - she was even living in the sitting
room for a time” said Roger. “I wanted to live
somewhere that gave me the peace of mind
that Susan could exist happily in the space,
her mobility issues considered. I wasn’t
ready to annex my social life completely
either and having everything close-by means
I can indulge in my hobbies on a daily basis,
a lot of the time with Susan too - it’s been
the best decision we’ve made in years.”
Different companies have different
structures within the retirement complexes,
so it is worth looking around a few to see
which one best fits your needs. Some are
energy efficient, some have guest suites,
landscaped gardens, a house manager
and even a homeowner’s lounge, where all
residents on site can get together. Others
offer several upscale care home options,
including assisted living, nursing, residential
and even dementia care.
We recommend making a list of what you are
looking for both in terms of accommodation
and facilities in your next dwelling before
you begin your search for the next chapter!
Be informed and make sure you are aware
of all the costs - ground rents, maintenance
charges - and be sure that the care options
available can change as your needs do.
28 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk

We’re open to new residents
We’re excited to welcome new residents
and visitors into our home and can’t wait
to meet you.
At Gracewell of Kentford, the health and
safety of our residents continues to be of the
utmost importance to us. We’ve created a
home that people love to live in. A place that
is full of life and activity. A place that you’ll
love to call home.
Gracewell of Kentford
Jeddah Way, Kennett, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8JY
Call 01638 598959 or visit
GracewellKentford.co.uk for more details.
Living at Gracewell
• 24 hour residential, nursing,
dementia and respite care
• Dedicated and compassionate
care team
• Picturesque garden
• Welcoming café with
complimentary refreshments
• Home cooked, nutritious meals
• Wide range of daily activities
Residential, nursing &
dementia care home 1 May 2020
GW_ADV_KEN_0920_New&ElyLiving_165x240_02.indd 1 11/09/2020 11:54

Gracewell of Kentford
care home: open for
new residents and safe
regular visits
Providing residential, nursing and
dementia care, as well as respite
care services
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have focused tirelessly on
protecting the safety of residents and team members.
We are now open to new residents and we are facilitating safe
regular visiting. With cases again on the rise across the UK, we’re
continuing to keep in place our rigorous infection prevention
control measures to ensure our home is safe this winter.
Visits to our home are guided by our framework. If it is safe to
visit, all visitors go through a screening process which includes
ADVERTISING FEATURE
checking their temperatures. They’re also equipped with and
advised on how to properly wear PPE and are then escorted
through the building. This balanced approach has been a
success, and we’ll continue to allow these to take place as long
as it is safe.
In addition, we have now developed a framework for visitors
to be awarded an “enhanced visitor status” through our ‘Safe
Visits’ protocol. This protocol identifies mechanisms that would
allow relatives to visit their loved ones in a safe, controlled, and
managed way where there is a clinical need. Each protocol is
then personalised to the needs of both the resident and relative,
with the needs, risks, training requirements and potential
outcomes identified and taken into consideration.
Looking ahead to the winter, we’re confident in our ability to
continue this success with the support of all our team members,
residents and relatives.
To find out more about the home, visit
www.gracewellkentford.co.uk or call 01638 598959.
CHURCH STREET PROBATE
SPECIALIST IN PROBATE, INHERITANCE TAX
& ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
Church Street Probate offers different services
depending on the clients needs.
Whether its checking over the inheritance tax forms
to ensure that these have been completed properly
for the client to submit to HMRC or dealing with the
complete process by gathering the assets, working
out the inheritance tax, submission of forms to
HRMC and obtaining the grant of probate.
Church Street Probate prides itself on
charging a fixed fee for its services.
The cost of gaining a grant is dependent on the
size and complexity of the estate.
BOOK YOUR FREE
CONSULTATION TODAY
07594 602444
info@churchstreetprobate.co.uk
www.churchstreetprobate.co.uk
30 | www.newmarketliving.co.uk

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RANGE OF
DESIGNS FROM
CONTEMPORARY
TO CLASSIC
A WORLD OF CHOICE AT REEDS
UNBEATABLE PRICES FROM A FAMILY BUSINESS YOU CAN TRUST!
SOFAS | CHAIRS | FURNITURE | BEDS | MATTRESSES | FLOORING | CURTAINS | BLINDS
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REEDS Furniture, Bed Centre & Homestore, Bridge Street, Downham Market PE38 9DS T: 01366 382213
REEDS Furniture, Flooring & Bed Centre, Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely CB6 3NX T: 01353 669754