Leamington and Warwick Living May - Jun 2021
Summer is nearly upon us, so we have a bounty of great features, including lots of inspiration for the garden, fabulous recipes and a competition page with over £1500 worth of prizes to be won!
Summer is nearly upon us, so we have a bounty of great features, including lots of inspiration for the garden, fabulous recipes and a competition page with over £1500 worth of prizes to be won!
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Contents<br />
A Note<br />
from the EDITOR<br />
07<br />
Back<br />
A Culinary Journey through<br />
to Basics - perfect egg recipes<br />
Northern Irel<strong>and</strong><br />
The competition<br />
page returns<br />
04<br />
At last, as I write, we are hopefully<br />
nearing the end of the restriction<br />
tunnel. We should proceed<br />
with caution, but the tantalising<br />
glimpses of life returning to normal<br />
are just great to savour.<br />
The past year has been fraught with<br />
challenges, but hasn’t it been filled<br />
with learning too? Of our resilience,<br />
our adaptability <strong>and</strong> of course, a big<br />
old beacon shining on the things<br />
that really matter. It’s hard to think<br />
it’s been over a year since we went<br />
into the first lockdown - I naively<br />
thought it would be a month or<br />
two. Here we are, more than 365<br />
days on - a little battle weary, but all<br />
the wiser. But, it’s shaped us - <strong>and</strong><br />
shaped the way we make our little<br />
magazine too!<br />
First up, we’ve got some tasty egg<br />
recipes which will take you right<br />
back to nailing those basics, plus<br />
some ideas on how to take them to<br />
the next level.<br />
How can your<br />
garden grow?<br />
13<br />
Key Account Manager Marion Cassidy<br />
e marion@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
d/l 01225 984502<br />
twitter: @<strong>Leamington</strong>Live<br />
Editor Katie Thomson<br />
e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
Building in<br />
22<br />
conservation areas<br />
Publisher Sally Thomson<br />
Pre-Press Manager Kate O’Connell<br />
Contributors Rebecca Rose, Peter Thomson, Sue Cooke, Matthew Biggs<br />
Angela Cave <strong>and</strong> Pete Lawrence. Front cover courtesy of Clarence Court Eggs<br />
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ<br />
Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton<br />
Trowbridge BA14 6JB<br />
t 01225 984 550<br />
visit our website www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by failure of an<br />
advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions <strong>and</strong><br />
misprints. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the<br />
publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers.<br />
Then we are focusing on the<br />
garden - the hub of our social<br />
lives over the last few months! It’s<br />
also a necessary extension of our<br />
living space, so with that in mind<br />
we’ve gathered together lots of<br />
inspiration to help you perfect your<br />
space.<br />
Finally, we are bringing back our<br />
very popular competition page<br />
- this issue it has nearly £1,500<br />
worth of prizes! You can enter<br />
all the ones listed on the page,<br />
plus some web-exclusives at<br />
minervamagazines.co.uk - you<br />
can also opt into being the first to<br />
hear about new giveaways when<br />
they are launched.<br />
All that’s left for me to say is, enjoy<br />
this edition <strong>and</strong> keep on truckin’ -<br />
the end really is in sight. So, a big<br />
social-distanced-virtual-Zoom hug<br />
from us all at Minerva, <strong>and</strong> see you<br />
again in July.<br />
Katie<br />
Katie<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3
COMPETITION<br />
Time<br />
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To enter any (or all!) of our competitions, head to<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions.<br />
Find the competition <strong>and</strong> enter on that post,<br />
using the appropriate keyword.<br />
T&C’s apply <strong>and</strong> no cash alternatives available. Winners chosen at<br />
r<strong>and</strong>om - entries made after closing date will not be accepted.<br />
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Closes 30/05/<strong>2021</strong> - Competition keyword ‘CHAR’<br />
Skincare <strong>and</strong><br />
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two runners up will each receive<br />
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At home or in the Cotswolds,<br />
win two fabulous Macrame<br />
kits with everything else<br />
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Then visit Larkswold in the<br />
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There are plenty of dates to<br />
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Why not check out:<br />
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Closes 30/05/<strong>2021</strong> - Competition<br />
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Closes 30/05/<strong>2021</strong> - Competition<br />
keyword ‘LARKSWOLD’<br />
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The Parents’ Choice awardwinning<br />
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Winners will receive a mat worth £140 plus The Block<br />
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Closes 30/05/<strong>2021</strong> -<br />
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‘LOVEVERY’<br />
Wage war on dirt, bacteria <strong>and</strong> odours in the<br />
home with the new Vax Platinum SmartWash.<br />
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outperforms the UK’s leading rental <strong>and</strong><br />
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There is no trigger to press <strong>and</strong> hold down whilst<br />
cleaning, instead the motion sense technology<br />
automatically dispenses the correct mix of clean water<br />
<strong>and</strong> VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution when you<br />
push forward to wash <strong>and</strong> dries when you pull back.<br />
Its FlexForce brush bars agitate the carpet to remove<br />
tough stains, dirt <strong>and</strong> spills, delivering a deep clean<br />
seven times more effective than vacuuming alone.<br />
Also included is a stretch hose, Spinscrub h<strong>and</strong><br />
tool <strong>and</strong> 2-in-1 antimicrobial wash tool to deep<br />
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We’ve got one to win worth £299.99 including a<br />
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Closes 30/05/<strong>2021</strong> - Competition<br />
keyword ‘VAX SMARTWASH’<br />
VAX SmartWash<br />
<strong>and</strong> steam cleaner<br />
worth<br />
£359<br />
4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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BACK TO<br />
Perfect egg recipes for every<br />
chef’s repertoire - all from the<br />
egg-sperts...Clarence Court<br />
Basics<br />
Now, first things first - you need to<br />
nail the basics - that is, perfect runny<br />
poached eggs <strong>and</strong> dippy boiled eggs.<br />
Always start with the freshest possible<br />
eggs, then...<br />
PERFECTLY POACHED<br />
Two must do tips before you start - add<br />
at least 1 tsp light coloured vinegar to<br />
your water. The second is to sieve your<br />
egg. When you crack an egg you’ll notice<br />
that there’s a firmer white <strong>and</strong> a more<br />
liquidy white. Well, that liquidy white is<br />
what creates all those white wispy bits.<br />
So add the egg to a fine mesh sieve/<br />
strainer <strong>and</strong> the thinner, more liquid white<br />
is removed, leaving only the firmer white<br />
which will envelop the yolk.<br />
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then<br />
reduce to low (or turn off the heat). Crack<br />
the egg in a fine mesh sieve (over a small<br />
bowl) <strong>and</strong> remove the liquidy whites. For<br />
a firm white <strong>and</strong> runny yolk you’ll want to<br />
poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes.<br />
DELIGHTFULLY DIPPY<br />
The timing here is based on using room<br />
temperature eggs. For a set white with a<br />
runny yolk, you want to boil for four-five<br />
minutes. Poke a hole in the top of the<br />
eggs with a needle or egg-puncher before<br />
you start.<br />
THOMAS FRAKE’S<br />
PORK HOLSTEIN<br />
Holstein usually uses white veal, but you<br />
can use pork, chicken or turkey. This<br />
recipe uses tenderised pork loin, breaded<br />
<strong>and</strong> fried in butter until golden, <strong>and</strong> then<br />
finished with chopped anchovies <strong>and</strong><br />
capers in butter. A Braddock White egg<br />
is essential to finishing the dish as it<br />
provides a rich golden yolk that becomes<br />
the luxurious sauce.<br />
Preparation time: 30 minutes<br />
Cooking time: 12 minutes<br />
Serves: 2<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
2 pork loin steaks<br />
100g flour<br />
1 Clarence Court egg<br />
100g Panko breadcrumbs<br />
25g parmesan, grated<br />
50g salted butter<br />
25ml rapeseed oil<br />
4 Clarence Court Braddock White Duck<br />
eggs<br />
4 anchovies, finely chopped<br />
20g capers<br />
Ingredients for the pickled cabbage:<br />
¼ white cabbage<br />
½ Bramley apple<br />
90ml white wine vinegar<br />
30g sugar<br />
10g fennel seeds<br />
METHOD<br />
Bring the vinegar, sugar <strong>and</strong> fennel seeds<br />
to the boil <strong>and</strong> remove from the heat.<br />
Finely shred the cabbage <strong>and</strong> apple <strong>and</strong><br />
submerge into the vinegar. Leave to cool,<br />
then refrigerate.<br />
Flatten the pork with a rolling pin until<br />
5mm thick. Grate parmesan into the<br />
breadcrumbs. Dredge the pork in flour,<br />
then egg, then breadcrumbs, <strong>and</strong> repeat.<br />
In a deep frying pan, heat the butter <strong>and</strong><br />
rapeseed oil on a mid-low heat until<br />
foaming. Fry the pork for 3 minutes a side,<br />
or until golden <strong>and</strong> crisp, being careful<br />
not to burn. Remove from the frying pan<br />
to a tray, spoon over some of the hot<br />
butter,<strong>and</strong> keep warm in a low oven.<br />
Fry the eggs in a little oil until the white is<br />
cooked but the yolk is still liquid.<br />
Add the pork Holstein to the plate, spoon<br />
over the capers <strong>and</strong> very finely chopped<br />
anchovies. Add the fried egg on top <strong>and</strong><br />
the pickled cabbage alongside.<br />
SWEETCORN CHILLI<br />
FRITTERS<br />
Sweet <strong>and</strong> spicy crunchy corn fritters are<br />
a fantastic carrier for Burford Brown eggs<br />
<strong>and</strong> fresh guacamole.<br />
Preparation time: 20 minutes<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7
Cooking time: 15 minutes<br />
Serves: 4<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
1 small can of sweetcorn, drained<br />
(approx. 198g)<br />
6 spring onions, trimmed <strong>and</strong> sliced<br />
50g courgette, coarsely grated<br />
50g carrot, peeled, coarsely grated<br />
A small bunch fresh cori<strong>and</strong>er, leaves<br />
picked <strong>and</strong> stalks finely chopped<br />
1 red or green chilli, de-seeded <strong>and</strong><br />
chopped<br />
2 limes<br />
½ teaspoon smoked paprika<br />
Salt <strong>and</strong> pepper<br />
60g self-raising flour<br />
5 Clarence Court Burford Brown eggs<br />
50 ml milk<br />
2 ripe avocadoes<br />
10 cherry tomatoes<br />
Olive oil<br />
METHOD<br />
Drain the sweet corn <strong>and</strong> add to a<br />
mixing bowl with 3 sliced spring onions,<br />
grated courgette, carrot, sliced cori<strong>and</strong>er<br />
stalks, half the chopped chilli <strong>and</strong> a few<br />
scrapings of lime zest. Mix together <strong>and</strong><br />
then add the paprika, season well with<br />
salt <strong>and</strong> pepper then stir in the flour.<br />
Crack one egg into a separate bowl,<br />
whisk then pour into the grated mix with<br />
the milk. Mix well <strong>and</strong> place to one side.<br />
Peel <strong>and</strong> de-stone the avocadoes, chop<br />
the flesh <strong>and</strong> scoop into a bowl. Chop<br />
the tomatoes <strong>and</strong> add with the remaining<br />
sliced spring onion, chopped chilli,<br />
roughly chop a few cori<strong>and</strong>er leaves,<br />
squeeze over the lime juice <strong>and</strong> add a<br />
splash of olive oil. Season well, stir <strong>and</strong><br />
place to one side.<br />
Poach the 4 eggs to your liking <strong>and</strong> use<br />
a slotted spoon to place them in a bowl<br />
of cold water. Keep the cooking water on<br />
the hob on a low heat so you can re-heat<br />
the eggs when ready.<br />
Place a large frying pan on a medium<br />
heat. Add enough olive oil to make a<br />
thin layer. Test the oil is hot enough by<br />
dropping a spoon of mixture into the<br />
pan if it bubbles it’s good to go. Add<br />
spoonfuls of batter into the pan <strong>and</strong> fry<br />
on both sides until golden. Use a fish<br />
slice to transfer to a plate lined with<br />
kitchen roll <strong>and</strong> then on to warm serving<br />
plates. Repeat until all the mixture has<br />
gone. Re-heat the eggs in the pan of<br />
simmering water <strong>and</strong> place on top of the<br />
fritters. Divide up the guacamole <strong>and</strong><br />
scatter over the cori<strong>and</strong>er leaves.<br />
FRESH EGG PASTA<br />
DOUGH<br />
You can either eat it straightaway or air dry<br />
a batch <strong>and</strong> then store it in an airtight jar<br />
for another day. To make a truly rich <strong>and</strong><br />
bright pasta dough, use only egg yolks<br />
(not the whites) in the dough, at a ratio of 2<br />
egg yolks to 100g Tipo 00 pasta flour.<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
4 Large Burford Brown eggs<br />
400g Tipo 00 pasta flour<br />
METHOD<br />
If using a food processor, crack in the<br />
eggs <strong>and</strong> tip in the pasta flour. Pulse a<br />
few times until it comes together like<br />
thick breadcrumbs. If it’s looking quite<br />
dry add a tiny splash of water or olive oil<br />
<strong>and</strong> pulse a couple more times. Tip the<br />
dough out on a clean work surface <strong>and</strong><br />
knead well for a few minutes until it feels<br />
springy <strong>and</strong> quite firm. Shape the dough<br />
into a disc <strong>and</strong> wrap in cling film, <strong>and</strong><br />
then place in the fridge to rest for around<br />
an hour.<br />
If you’re making the dough by h<strong>and</strong>,<br />
make a mound of flour on a clean work<br />
surface <strong>and</strong> then make a well in the<br />
flour. Crack the eggs into the middle<br />
<strong>and</strong> use a dinner knife to incorporate<br />
the flour gently into the centre <strong>and</strong><br />
whisk it into the eggs. Continue mixing<br />
in the flour <strong>and</strong> then use your h<strong>and</strong>s to<br />
combine everything together <strong>and</strong> form<br />
a rough dough. If it’s feeling a little dry<br />
just sprinkle over a little water or olive<br />
oil <strong>and</strong> start kneading. Knead well for a<br />
few minutes until the dough feels springy<br />
<strong>and</strong> quite firm. Shape into a disc as<br />
before. The dough is now ready for you<br />
to roll <strong>and</strong> shape as you prefer.<br />
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Life<br />
Happens Here<br />
Life<br />
Happens Here<br />
Find views that will blow<br />
you away, whatever<br />
the weather.<br />
With over 850 holiday cottages<br />
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Ref: P00610<br />
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IT’S<br />
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24TH - 25TH JULY <strong>2021</strong><br />
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Dining at Mallory Court Hotel<br />
Our hotel <strong>and</strong> dining will be open from Monday 17th <strong>May</strong>!<br />
Enjoy our Tastes of the Season menu in The Dining Room at The Manor<br />
House or on the terrace with stunning views across our grounds. Choose<br />
your favourite place nestled in the gardens for a scrumptious Afternoon<br />
tea with a variety of s<strong>and</strong>wiches, cakes, scones, fancies <strong>and</strong> fine teas.<br />
After a bite to eat, take a stroll around our picturesque grounds <strong>and</strong> spend<br />
the afternoon exploring <strong>and</strong> perhaps even have another cup of tea or<br />
something sparkling!<br />
To book please call us on 01926 330214<br />
We can’t wait to welcome you back!<br />
HOTEL OPENING 17 TH MAY!<br />
MALLORY.CO.UK | 01926 330214<br />
PROUD TO BE PART OF EDEN HOTEL COLLECTION<br />
13_04_<strong>2021</strong>- <strong>Leamington</strong>_<strong>and</strong>_<strong>Warwick</strong>_<strong>Living</strong> - Mallory Court.indd 1 www.minervamagazines.co.uk 12/04/<strong>2021</strong> 15:36 | 11
DIGITAL CONCERT<br />
COLLECTIONS<br />
WATCH FROM YOUR HOME UNTIL 30 JUNE<br />
Pour your favourite drink, dim the lights <strong>and</strong> turn up the music!<br />
Book online: cbso.co.uk/digital-concerts<br />
12 | <strong>Living</strong>-Magazine-153x110-02-A.indd www.minervamagazines.co.uk 1 06/04/<strong>2021</strong> 22:31
HOW CAN YOUR GARDEN<br />
GROW<br />
In these strange <strong>and</strong> unprecedented times,<br />
our gardens have never been more important.<br />
They have been the meeting place of<br />
family <strong>and</strong> friends <strong>and</strong> a real saviour in the<br />
face of so much difficulty. Whether you<br />
have green fingers or black thumbs, we<br />
have lots of inspiration for your space <strong>and</strong><br />
ways to make it work harder for you!<br />
Image from OKA<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 13
We look forward to seeing you again<br />
12th April <strong>2021</strong><br />
Come <strong>and</strong> see our lovely new range of clothing. Over the last 10 years we<br />
have increased the clothes range in the Gifts & Interiors Shop<br />
<strong>and</strong> are now very excited to introduce our new Spring/Summer season.<br />
We are alsofully stocked with lovely accessories, gifts <strong>and</strong> beautiful interior<br />
design ideas for the home.<br />
Hillers Gifts & Interiors is part of the award winning Hillers Farm Shop. It is run by fourth<br />
generation sisters Sally <strong>and</strong> Emma who are at the forefront of this busy, flourishing Farm<br />
Shop with so much more. The Farm Shop has an array of fantastic homemade products<br />
<strong>and</strong> many other delicious items that are carefully selected from specialist suppliers to<br />
bring their customers the very best in fresh, quality produce that is sourced locally<br />
wherever possible. Within the Farm Shop, there is a delicatessen <strong>and</strong> well stocked<br />
cheese counter, Ragley Estate Meats <strong>and</strong> Hillers Fish Shop <strong>and</strong> onsite there is The<br />
Garden Restaurant, Gifts & Interiors <strong>and</strong> Garden Shop, really something for everyone.<br />
Visit Hillers, a family run enterprise that is passionate about bringing g you the best in<br />
quality local produce <strong>and</strong> customer service that's second to none!<br />
So<br />
whether you want to browse in the award winning Farm Shop, enjoy a delicious meal<br />
in<br />
the Restaurant, walk round the beautiful Display Garden or find the perfect outfit or<br />
a<br />
gift for that special someone, visit Hillers where you'll be assured of a warm welcome<br />
NOW OPEN<br />
Hillers Farm Shop, Garden & Plant Centre with beautiful display gardens<br />
<strong>and</strong> The Hillers Hut for takeaway food & drink.
IDEAS FOR<br />
SMALL GARDENS<br />
LET THERE<br />
BE LIGHTS<br />
Small gardens have a lot more potential than you may<br />
appreciate. Whether dealing with a long narrow space<br />
behind a period home, a cramped backyard that lacks<br />
privacy, or even a little courtyard, the possibilities are<br />
endless. So don’t write off your small outdoor area just yet...<br />
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GROW?<br />
Are you hoping to grow cut flowers, your favourite herbs,<br />
or a few vegetables? When space is limited, it is especially<br />
important to determine which of these are worth growing<br />
yourself, <strong>and</strong> which are better to purchase seasonally from<br />
your local farmer’s market or shop. Focus on growing<br />
flowers <strong>and</strong> produce that are usually expensive, hard to<br />
find, have a short shelf life, or you use regularly.<br />
CREATE SEATING WITHIN BORDERS<br />
A great idea is to add seating to the edges of raised beds<br />
- it makes otherwise unused space a flexible element for<br />
socialising. Sleepers are a great option, or patio slabs on<br />
small diving walls. Have a folding bistro table on h<strong>and</strong> to<br />
create a dining area where needed.<br />
MAKING YOUR OWN GARDEN<br />
LIGHTING PLAN<br />
Garden lighting usually serves two purposes. Firstly to<br />
provide functional light <strong>and</strong> secondly to create an attractive<br />
atmosphere. Here is how to plan your space:<br />
STEP 1: SKETCH YOUR GARDEN AREA<br />
Sketch your garden area as close to scale as possible. Indicate<br />
important areas of your garden such as the terrace, seating<br />
area or other garden features you wish to illuminate.<br />
STEP 2: CONSIDER WHAT AREAS NEED THE<br />
MOST LIGHTING<br />
Decide which areas in your garden need the most lighting. Are<br />
there certain parts of your garden that you wish to have more<br />
atmospheric lighting? Or are there certain areas that need<br />
more functional bright light? Is an extra lamp needed outside<br />
your front door? Indicate these places on your plan.<br />
STEP 3: DETERMINE THE TYPE OF LIGHTING NEEDED<br />
Think about what kind of lighting is best for the areas that you<br />
have outlined. Think about how much light intensity you will<br />
need. Decide whether you want functional or mood lighting.<br />
Are you looking to highlight a particular tree or shrubs?<br />
Consider alternating between bright light <strong>and</strong> softer lights to<br />
create a beautiful effect.<br />
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX<br />
What about vertical gardens? Railing planters? Hanging<br />
baskets for strawberries?<br />
CREATE PRIVACY<br />
You may not have room for large evergreen trees <strong>and</strong><br />
shrubs to create privacy. But, would a row of one of the<br />
many columnar varieties that provide height—without<br />
the width—work? If only seasonal screening is needed,<br />
perhaps narrow, columnar, deciduous trees or shrubs<br />
would be suitable? Or perhaps growing well-behaved<br />
climbers (e.g. jasmine or annual vines) on a vertical trellis<br />
would be the best solution.<br />
ADD A WATER FEATURE<br />
Water features are always a great addition to a garden.<br />
While a pond <strong>and</strong> waterfall may not be realistic, a simple<br />
recirculating wall fountain or bubbling tabletop pot may be<br />
the answer.<br />
MAKE EVERY SQUARE INCH COUNT<br />
Focus on high-value trees, shrubs, <strong>and</strong> perennials that<br />
offer multiple seasons of interest with attractive leaves,<br />
seasonal flowers, unique textures, colourful bark <strong>and</strong>/or<br />
great autumnal colour.<br />
STEP 4: DETERMINE THE LIGHT DIREC-<br />
TION FOR EACH LIGHT POINT<br />
Also figure out the direction your light needs to face<br />
to achieve your desired light effect. Are you wanting<br />
to uplight a fence or wall? Are you looking to<br />
illuminate the driveway with a recessed ground<br />
spot <strong>and</strong> if that is the case, do you need the<br />
light to be fixed shining upwards or adjustable<br />
so the you can direct the light yourself?<br />
Advice from<br />
www.lamp<strong>and</strong>light.co.uk<br />
Festoon lights<br />
<strong>and</strong> solar powers<br />
lanterns, from<br />
Lights4Fun.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15
KEEP THE COLOUR PALETTE<br />
SIMPLE<br />
Two or three colours in varying shades,<br />
together with green, will be less visually<br />
cluttered than a jelly-bean-like explosion.<br />
CREATE A SENSE OF ORDER<br />
Clean lines bring an orderly feel to the<br />
garden. A clear rectilinear design can<br />
define spaces, while flowing organic<br />
curves can be used to soften awkward<br />
angles.<br />
Image from Colin Poole<br />
CREATE SECTIONS<br />
This garden has three sections, all with<br />
clear individual purposes – making<br />
the space feel bigger because of the<br />
multifunctional uses. The top level<br />
features a patio, which is bathed in<br />
morning sunshine. A central seating area<br />
made for socialising <strong>and</strong> the bottom<br />
deck houses a water feature. Then there’s<br />
the homeowner’s ‘she shed’.<br />
USE THE DIAGONAL AXIS<br />
A typical new build garden is often wide<br />
but shallow. Looking straight across the<br />
back garden therefore emphasises the<br />
shortest dimension. Alter the perspective<br />
by turning the patio, planting beds, <strong>and</strong><br />
sight lines 45-degrees to line up with the<br />
diagonal axis, creating the illusion of a<br />
much larger space.<br />
LOOK FOR COMPACT PLANTS<br />
Choose plants that won’t overwhelm<br />
the ground plane, but don’t be afraid to<br />
include moderate sized or columnar trees<br />
to achieve the appropriate scale.<br />
Image from Moda<br />
Furnishings<br />
SOCIABLE<br />
SEATING<br />
Image from Dobbies<br />
Corner sofas are a great addition to the garden,<br />
extending the feel of living space outside. We<br />
love options with room to lounge, but also those<br />
with interchangeable tables which allow for<br />
dining, making the space more versatile. Opt for<br />
neutral colours <strong>and</strong> style with cushions so you<br />
can freshen up the look any time.<br />
To increase the usability of the space through<br />
the year <strong>and</strong> intothe cooler evenings, some<br />
element of heating is wise. We love the options<br />
from Moda Furnishings, which have either gas<br />
fireplaces within the table, or the pure theatre<br />
of an inset grill <strong>and</strong> corresponding ice bucket<br />
for drinks - you need never leave the table!<br />
Patio heaters have also come a long way in<br />
design <strong>and</strong> functionality.<br />
16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Image from OKA<br />
ADD SOFTNESS<br />
The modern garden should<br />
cry out to be sat in - it<br />
should cosset <strong>and</strong> relax<br />
- like an extension of the<br />
living room. To achieve<br />
this, it’s important to<br />
add soft elements.<br />
Remembering that on<br />
the whole, gardens<br />
are hard spaces in their<br />
bones - but by layering<br />
textiles, materials <strong>and</strong><br />
different seating options, we<br />
can create something really<br />
rather special.<br />
As<br />
well as textiles,<br />
take care to<br />
look at the ways your<br />
hard l<strong>and</strong>scaping interacts with<br />
your soft l<strong>and</strong>scaping - that is,<br />
your decking, patio, walls with<br />
your planting <strong>and</strong> lawns. Lots<br />
of texture <strong>and</strong> softness can be<br />
added with the careful selection<br />
of plants <strong>and</strong> trees - you want<br />
movement in the wind <strong>and</strong> tactile<br />
elements.<br />
THE LIFE AQUATIC<br />
Adding water to the garden can be one of the best things to do for<br />
your mental health. Here are a few things to consider:<br />
CONSIDER THE MOOD YOU ARE TRYING TO CREATE<br />
Water can play many roles in the garden, so it is good to be clear<br />
about the different atmospheres you want to achieve. For instance,<br />
a swimming pool or natural swimming pond could create a wonderful<br />
social space in a family garden, while an ornamental water feature<br />
could make a dramatic focal point in a smaller, urban plot.<br />
Images, left to right from top: Mudcloth Cushion <strong>and</strong> Anouk Cushion,<br />
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Image from Go<br />
Modern Furniture<br />
MAKE SURE YOUR WATER FEATURE RELATES TO THE<br />
STYLE OF THE HOUSE<br />
Design detailing <strong>and</strong> choice of materials are an essential part of<br />
good garden design, but they are particularly important in smaller<br />
gardens, where water features might need to be sited close to a<br />
property. Water features can look completely out of place if they<br />
have no relation to the character of the house or the design of the<br />
garden that surrounds them. Use materials to reflect the other<br />
elements in the garden, such as paths <strong>and</strong> walls, <strong>and</strong> match the<br />
colour <strong>and</strong> tone of the materials to that of the building so they<br />
don’t jar <strong>and</strong> make for an uncomfortable setting.<br />
REMEMBER THAT DIFFERENT MATERIALS CREATE<br />
DIFFERENT SOUNDS WHEN WATER FALLS ONTO OR<br />
RUNS OVER THEM<br />
We all see <strong>and</strong> experience the sound of water very differently. It’s<br />
a very personal experience <strong>and</strong> you need to explore what it is that<br />
appeals to you about different sounds <strong>and</strong> what you might find<br />
distracting. Metal for example, can create quite a harsh sound if<br />
water falls onto it directly, but it will sound completely different if<br />
water falls down it vertically.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19
SIZE REALLY DOES MATTER<br />
When viewing a pond or reflective surface,<br />
the more water you can see the bigger<br />
impact it will have, so don’t stint on size.<br />
Remember that if your pool or water<br />
feature is surrounded by planting, then the<br />
visible surface of water reduces further.<br />
PLAY WITH THE JOURNEY<br />
Think about the journey that water could<br />
take around your garden <strong>and</strong> unusual ways<br />
to capture it. Playing with the passage<br />
of water provides a wonderful interest in<br />
the garden. This is especially exciting for<br />
children <strong>and</strong> encourages outdoor play,<br />
exploration <strong>and</strong> creativity. Movement<br />
also helps to keep water clean <strong>and</strong> avoid<br />
stagnation as it heats up, especially in more<br />
open areas. Also consider where the water<br />
might be captured from, such as roofs or<br />
drainpipes. Introducing something like a<br />
rain chain is a great way to add interest <strong>and</strong><br />
allows you to see the water run from the<br />
roof down the chain into the garden below.<br />
BE HONEST ABOUT THE<br />
TIME YOU CAN COMMIT TO<br />
MAINTENANCE<br />
Filtration systems can minimise<br />
maintenance required to keep water fresh,<br />
but remember a shallow pool of water is<br />
more likely to go green over time than a<br />
deeper water pool <strong>and</strong> don’t forget water<br />
can become hot <strong>and</strong> dry out in certain<br />
conditions, too, so you might need to top<br />
it up over time.<br />
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20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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BUILDING IN A<br />
CONSERVATION<br />
AREA<br />
Just because your home<br />
is not listed, does not<br />
mean there might be<br />
restrictions in place from<br />
Conservation Area laws.<br />
Here the HomeOwners<br />
Alliance tell us what<br />
we should be aware<br />
of if planning home<br />
improvements which may<br />
fall outside of permitted<br />
development...<br />
WHAT IS A CONSERVATION<br />
AREA?<br />
These are designated areas of historic<br />
<strong>and</strong> architectural interest in which there<br />
are legal restrictions on what changes<br />
can be made to buildings, greenery <strong>and</strong><br />
street furniture in order to preserve the<br />
unique character of the place. The first<br />
conservation areas were established in<br />
1967 <strong>and</strong> now there are around 10,000 in<br />
the UK including estates, parks, stretches<br />
of canal, historic town centres <strong>and</strong> some<br />
entire villages.<br />
The precise restrictions on what you can<br />
do will vary according to the rules set<br />
by your local authority <strong>and</strong> the nature<br />
of the area they are trying to protect.<br />
For example in some areas the rules<br />
might prevent changes to railings, street<br />
lighting, trees, windows, right down to the<br />
colour of paint that residents are allowed<br />
to use on their front doors.<br />
WHAT ARE THE PLANNING RE-<br />
STRICTIONS FOR HOMES IN A<br />
CONSERVATION AREA?<br />
Local authorities place extra restrictions<br />
on properties within conservation areas<br />
known as ‘Article 4 Directions’. These<br />
limit the changes that home owners<br />
would otherwise be able to make to their<br />
properties under their normal ‘permitted<br />
development rights’. These rights govern<br />
the home improvements that property<br />
owners are usually allowed to make<br />
without requiring planning permission.<br />
If you live in a conservation area, these<br />
automatic rights are more limited.<br />
You should speak to your local planning<br />
authority <strong>and</strong> look on its website in order<br />
to find out what specific restrictions apply<br />
to the conservation area that you live in.<br />
However the general rules are that you<br />
cannot, without permission, demolish:<br />
• A building that is more than 115<br />
cubic metres<br />
• A gate, wall or fence that is over 1<br />
metre if it borders the road or higher<br />
than 2 metres if not.<br />
You would also need permission for the<br />
following alterations<br />
• A single storey extensions that<br />
extend more than 3 metres beyond<br />
the back wall of the house or 4<br />
metres if the house is detached<br />
• Extensions greater than one storey<br />
“Local authorities place extra restrictions on<br />
properties within conservation areas known as<br />
‘Article 4 Directions’. These limit the changes that<br />
home owners would otherwise be able to make to<br />
their properties under their normal ‘permitted<br />
development rights’.”<br />
• Side extensions<br />
• Roof extensions or alterations<br />
• Cladding in any material<br />
• Any new construction of sheds,<br />
outbuildings, swimming pools.<br />
• The installation of chimneys, flues<br />
or vents at the front of the house or<br />
at the side if it faces the road<br />
• Installing satellite dishes or<br />
antennae that face the road.<br />
• Fitting solar panels to the front<br />
of the roof facing the street than<br />
150mm from the roof slope.<br />
• Fitting solar panels that protrude by<br />
more than 150mm from the roof<br />
In addition your local authority may<br />
have imposed specific rules on the<br />
conservation area that you live in so it<br />
is vital to check these. Such rules could<br />
prevent you from:<br />
• Replacing original windows or<br />
doors<br />
• Altering the guttering or pipes<br />
• Felling trees or shrubs<br />
• Painting the facade or changing the<br />
colour of window frames <strong>and</strong> doors<br />
WHERE CAN I GET ADVICE<br />
ON CARRYING OUT BUILDING<br />
WORK WITHOUT BREAKING<br />
THE RULES?<br />
Speak to your local planning authority at<br />
an early stage <strong>and</strong> talk through your plans<br />
to find out if they are likely to require<br />
planning permission. If you do need to<br />
apply for permission, you could get your<br />
builder, architect or a planning consultant<br />
to submit an application on your behalf.<br />
Find out more at www.hoa.org.uk<br />
22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27
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GET SET - BAKE!<br />
Dust off your baking bowls<br />
<strong>and</strong> whip out your whisks for<br />
Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day!<br />
Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day is back<br />
for its sixth year running, so it’s time to heat<br />
up your ovens, grab the over ripe bananas<br />
<strong>and</strong> get involved on the 17 <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
Communities are being called on to unite<br />
against dementia this <strong>Jun</strong>e by signing up<br />
for Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day. Join<br />
together with families, friends, neighbours<br />
<strong>and</strong> colleagues to help raise vital funds to<br />
beat dementia.<br />
Last year saw a huge rise in people baking,<br />
<strong>and</strong> with more time being spent at home<br />
practicing tray bakes <strong>and</strong> lemon drizzles to<br />
perfection, there has never been a better<br />
time to support the 850,000 people living<br />
with dementia in the UK.<br />
The UK’s leading dementia charity is<br />
encouraging everyone to get involved in<br />
Cupcake Day after a devastating year for<br />
people affected by dementia. Over a quarter<br />
of all Covid-19 deaths in the UK were<br />
people living with dementia, thous<strong>and</strong>s<br />
have faced an increase in symptoms <strong>and</strong><br />
mental health decline, <strong>and</strong> it’s been a heartbreaking<br />
time for families, who have either<br />
been cut off from loved ones or facing a<br />
lack of respite from caring duties.<br />
Podcaster, writer, <strong>and</strong> former 2019 Great<br />
British Bake Off contestant Michael<br />
Chakraverty is among those putting his<br />
support behind Cupcake Day <strong>and</strong> is<br />
encouraging people to get involved to help<br />
Alzheimer’s Society stop dementia in its<br />
tracks.<br />
Get your baking bowls at the ready. Sign<br />
up for Cupcake Day here: www.alzheimers.<br />
org.uk/cupcake-day. Meanwhile try this<br />
delicious recipe.<br />
Lemon Meringue Cupcakes<br />
Makes 12<br />
125g unsalted butter, softened<br />
250g caster sugar<br />
grated zest of 1 lemon<br />
2 eggs, beaten<br />
150g self-raising flour<br />
2 tbsp milk<br />
3-4 tbsp lemon curd<br />
2 egg whites<br />
• Preheat the oven to 180°C, 160°C fan,<br />
Gas mark4. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with<br />
paper cases.<br />
• Place the butter, 150g of the sugar <strong>and</strong><br />
lemon zest in a bowl <strong>and</strong> cream together<br />
until light <strong>and</strong> fluffy.<br />
• Add the eggs, flour <strong>and</strong> milk <strong>and</strong> mix to a<br />
smooth batter.<br />
• Spoon the batter into the paper cases <strong>and</strong><br />
bake for 20-22 minutes, until springy to the<br />
touch. Leave to cool on a cooling rack.<br />
• Using a teaspoon, spoon out a hole about<br />
1 cm deep in the middle of each cupcake.<br />
Spoon 1 tsp of the lemon curd into each<br />
hole.<br />
• Whisk the egg whites until stiff then<br />
gradually whisk in the remaining sugar, a<br />
little at a time, until you have thick glossy<br />
meringue.<br />
• Spoon the meringue onto the top of each<br />
cake, adding spikes with a fork or the back<br />
of the spoon.<br />
• Cook the meringue either with a chef’s<br />
blowtorch, or under a hot grill - keep an eye<br />
as they can burn very quickly!<br />
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29
Top tips to step back to normality<br />
Dr Hilary Jones provides useful tips regarding moving forward during the p<strong>and</strong>emic<br />
Many of us have spent the past year in the<br />
comfort of our own homes, establishing<br />
a work routine from our bedrooms or<br />
living rooms, adapting exercise <strong>and</strong> diet<br />
regimes, <strong>and</strong> finding alternative ways to<br />
communicate with friends <strong>and</strong> family.<br />
Lockdown created a welcome slow-down<br />
for many people, allowing us to reflect on<br />
our fast-paced lives <strong>and</strong> spend more time<br />
looking after ourselves. As restrictions<br />
gradually ease <strong>and</strong> more freedoms are<br />
granted, it may lead you to feel conflicting<br />
emotions, so to help during this confusing<br />
time, I have provided my top tips to step<br />
back into normality, including:<br />
Go at your own pace<br />
Take time for yourself<br />
Reconnect with loved ones<br />
Get enough sleep<br />
Put your health first <strong>and</strong> get regular check<br />
ups<br />
Although friends <strong>and</strong> family may be<br />
excited for their COVID bubbles to burst<br />
as measures begin to loosen, it is normal if<br />
you feel overwhelmed <strong>and</strong> anxious at the<br />
thought of slowly returning back to your<br />
hectic pre-COVID life.<br />
My top tip<br />
Try to take each step at a time - you don’t<br />
have to jump straight back into your old<br />
routine. If going on a walk is enough for<br />
one day, stick with it, but try to build on<br />
this every day. Perhaps meet up with<br />
a friend or grab a coffee from the local<br />
shop - stepping out of your comfort zone,<br />
gradually <strong>and</strong> responsibly, can help reestablish<br />
a routine that works for you.<br />
Take time for yourself<br />
As we adjust to yet another big change,<br />
it’s more important than ever to look after<br />
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
ourselves <strong>and</strong> take note of how we are<br />
feeling. You may think you have taken too<br />
much time for yourself over the last year,<br />
however, as life picks up its pace again,<br />
it is likely you will crave more me-time,<br />
so be conscious to allow yourself these<br />
moments.<br />
My top tip<br />
Think about an activity that is just for<br />
you – for example reading a book before<br />
bed, taking a bath, or watching a movie.<br />
Practising mindfulness by taking 5 minutes<br />
every day to focus on your breath is an<br />
exercise that can help you feel relaxed,<br />
ease anxiety <strong>and</strong> enable you to focus on<br />
the present, giving yourself the time that<br />
you need.<br />
Reconnect with loved ones<br />
Communicating with others can help keep<br />
our spirits up, lessen feelings of isolation<br />
<strong>and</strong> anxiety, <strong>and</strong> make new memories.<br />
The p<strong>and</strong>emic has made it difficult for<br />
the majority of us to connect with friends<br />
<strong>and</strong> family, with most interaction having<br />
taken place at a social distance or behind<br />
a screen, so it is an exciting feeling being<br />
able to reunite with those close to you once<br />
more.<br />
My top tip<br />
As you begin to reconnect with your loved<br />
ones, be attentive to any changes in their<br />
health - you are much more likely to notice<br />
any changes than they are, especially if<br />
you haven’t seen them for a while. Have<br />
you noticed your family member or friend<br />
having difficulty following the conversation,<br />
for example? Then suggest they get their<br />
hearing tested - Hidden Hearing’s 5-minute<br />
online hearing test – available at www.<br />
campaignforbetterhearing.co.uk can<br />
provide an immediate insight into how well<br />
they are hearing.<br />
Thanks to the support of The National<br />
Campaign for Better Hearing, you or your<br />
loved one could be nominated to receive a<br />
top of the range hearing aid.<br />
Get enough sleep<br />
You will probably find your sleeping pattern<br />
change as our day-to-day activities get<br />
busier. Going back to work, doing more<br />
exercise <strong>and</strong> socialising will have a bigger<br />
impact on our energy levels than we might<br />
think, so getting enough rest is key.<br />
My top tip<br />
Try to stick to a regular sleeping routine,<br />
going to sleep <strong>and</strong> waking up at a similar<br />
time each day, <strong>and</strong> aim for at least eight<br />
hours sleep a night. If you struggle to get<br />
some shut eye, reduce screen time, avoid<br />
caffeine before bed <strong>and</strong> exercise regularly.<br />
Put your health first by having<br />
regular check ups<br />
Your health may have taken a backseat<br />
during the p<strong>and</strong>emic, <strong>and</strong> you may not<br />
have had your regular health checks, such<br />
as going to the dentist or getting your<br />
eyesight <strong>and</strong> hearing tested. However,<br />
it is important to take the initiative <strong>and</strong><br />
book these appointments so that you can<br />
fully enjoy life’s magical moments postlockdown.<br />
My top tip<br />
As restrictions ease <strong>and</strong> summer comes<br />
along, you want to be able to absorb your<br />
senses to feel connected to the world<br />
around you once more – including hearing<br />
the birds outside, people watching in the<br />
bustling streets, <strong>and</strong> ordering that long<br />
awaited drink at your local pub. Prioritise<br />
your hearing health by booking a free<br />
hearing test at your local Hidden Hearing<br />
centre - call 0800 037 2060 or visit www.<br />
hiddenhearing.co.uk/hidden-hearing