New Forest Living May - Jun 2022

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

17 

NADIYA’S RECIPES 

I was going to write something 

optimistic about Spring days, 

but as I type, it is raining on a 

biblical scale - though, these 

lush green fields have to get 

their vitality from somewhere I 

suppose! 

But, don’t the lighter evenings 

just give you a big spring in your 

step? And a more optimistic 

outlook on life in general? 

This edition is all about a 

celebration of the season, 

with lots to enjoy and get 

your teeth stuck into. Plus, a 

look ahead to the rather lovely 

bounty of bank holidays we 

have coming up! Thank you, 

your majesty! 

06 

COMPETITIONS 

First up, I was lucky enough 

to interview the lovely Nadiya 

Hussain, who is every bit as 

charming as she is on her 

fantastic cookery shows. She 

has just launched a new range 

of cookware and we discussed 

this, alongside grabbing some 

recipes from her latest book 

Fast Flavours. 

16 

NADIYA HUSSAIN 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Contributors 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Helen Skeates 

e helen.skeates@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984494 

Cover image courtesy of Chris Terry 

HOME & GARDEN 

22 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, 

Hilperton BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Printed on sustainably sourced paper. 

Please recycle this copy or pass it along 

when you are finished for someone else 

to enjoy. 

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. 

On the home front, we have 

some upcoming trends to 

inspire you - many of them 

based on soft forms and 

natural materials - unsurprising 

when most of us look to our 

homes for cosseting comfort. 

If Wabi Sabi is an unknown 

concept to you, you need 

wonder no more! 

This is all alongside the usual 

dose of local events, education 

and fantastic local businesses 

- kick back with a cupps (and 

some leftover Easter Egg) and 

dive in - we will be back with 

July/August before you can 

say Diamond Jubilee. 

Katie 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Exbury 

offers the 

perfect day out 

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a 

spectacular 200-acre woodland garden 

and narrow-gauge steam railway located 

on the edge of the Beaulieu River. 

World-famous for the Rothschild collection of rare 

trees and shrubs, Exbury is much more than a garden! 

Boasting an adventure play area with brand new 

Log Trail, woodland walks and river views. 

For more information or to pre book, visit 

info@exbury.co.uk or call 023 8089 1203. 

www.exbury.co.uk 

Exbury Gardens, New Forest, Hampshire, SO45 1AZ 

Exbury Gardens is a registered charity: 801349

COMPETITION 

To enter any (or all!) of our competitions, head to 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions. 

Find the competition and enter on that post, 

using the appropriate keyword. 

T&C’s apply and no cash alternatives available. Winners chosen at 

random - entries made after closing date will not be accepted. 

WIN 

A SUMMER 

BBQ PACKAGE 

WORTH OVER 

£500! 

Barbecue expert, Char-Broil, has teamed up 

with Beefsteak Club wines to provide one 

winner a summer BBQ package to start your 

Jubilee garden party with a cheer, pairing 

wines with your barbecued food! The Char- 

Broil Performance Pro 2-Burner compact 

gas barbecue (RRP: £449.99) features 

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heat distribution, no messy flare ups and 50% 

juicier results. Also enjoy 3 cases of Beefsteak 

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a delicious BBQ. Beefsteak Club Malbec is a smooth, unoaked 

red wine that complements meaty kebabs, prime cuts of steak 

and burgers with blue cheese sauce. Beefsteak Club Sauvignon 

Blanc pairs with barbecued scallops or herby chicken thighs, and 

Beefsteak Club Malbec Rosé marries well with grilled seafood, as 

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Additional tools for above the 

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We have one to give away worth £399.99, including an 

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Closes 24/06/2022 - Competition keyword ‘CORDLESS’ 

WIN 

THE ULTIMATE 

GAMES 

BUNDLE WITH 

ASMODEE! 

Asmodee, the leading distributor of table-top games and 

accessories in the UK are giving you the chance to win a 

games bundle for the ultimate family night in. 

One lucky winner will receive a selection of games for a range 

of age groups, sure to keep the whole family happy. The 

prize bundle includes Dobble, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, 

Bananagrams, Ticket to Ride Europe, CATAN, Dixit, Azul, 

Cobra Paw and HINT. 

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Closes 24/06/2022 - Competition keyword ‘ASMODEE’ 

As the sun starts shining and 

we head into summer, it’s time 

to get your apron on and start 

baking ready for picnics and 

BBQs. British baking brand 

Tala has put together the 

perfect bundle of essential 

baking products for any keen 

baker including one of these 

glorious pastel mixing bowls. 

From cake tin sets, traybake 

tins to icing gear and nozzles galore, you’ll 

be cooking up a storm in no time! One lucky 

winner will get their hands on the whole 

baking bundle, details of which are available 

online. 

WIN 

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Must-Haves! 

Black Chalk Wine – one of WIN 

England’s most exciting A PAIR OF 

producers – is offering SPARKLING 

two lucky readers the WINES WITH 

chance to win a pair of 

BLACK CHALK 

its sparkling wines from 

the recently released 2018 

WINE! 

vintage: Black Chalk Classic 

2018 and Wild Rose 2018. Both 

wines, which have an RRP of £35 and £40 

respectively, are available to purchase at its 

recently opened on-site Tasting Room located 

in the heart of Hampshire’s Test Valley. 

Further information on events and booking Tours & Tastings can 

be found here: www.blackchalkwine.com 

www.talacooking.com 

Closes 24/06/2022 - Competition keyword ‘BAKING’ 

www.blackchalkwine.com 

Closes 24/06/2022 - Competition keyword ‘SPARKLING’ 


Over the past five years 

Your local holiday cottage specialist is currently 

looking for properties in the area to add to their 

ever-growing portfolio in the New Forest. 

Thinking of letting 

your holiday property? 

If you are considering letting your holiday home, 

we offer free, honest, expert advice on how to 

get the most out of your holiday property and 

the potential income you could generate 

through marketing. 

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15/11/2021 11:13 

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‘Into the Wild’ 

New Forest Cottages advert 2021.indd 1 15/11/2021 11:13 

5th April - 25th June 2022 

Step into the wild with this exhibition of artworks 

inspired by our natural world and the animals that 

inhabit it. Featuring paintings by Sandra Binney, 

botanical jewellery by Cathy McCarthy and 

ceramic animal sculptures by Sandra Bidmead. 

‘Aquamarine’ 

28th June - 1st October 2022 

An exhibition celebrating beachy, summer colours 

and our local artistic gems. Featuring seascape 

paintings by Holly Butler, patinated jewellery by 

Sara Berry and crystalline ceramics by Kim Birchall. 

www.chalksgallery.com 

01590 688048 

info@chalksgallery.com 

@chalksgallery 

Open Tues - Sat, 10am - 5pm 

29 St.Thomas Street, Lymington. SO41 9NE. 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7

THE ULTIMATE FESTIVAL 

FOR DOGS & DOG-LOVERS 

GETS SET FOR JUBILEE 

CELEBRATIONS 

We are a nation of dog-lovers. So, what 

better way to reward your pooch with a 

day out at Dogstival, a festival dedicated 

to our beloved four-legged friends... 

This year, Dogstival will be celebrating the Jubilee with canine 

‘kings and queens’ are set to descend on Broadlands, Romsey 

across the 4th and 5th June. The weekend is crammed full 

of canine (and human) entertainment with over 20 shows, 

demonstrations or expert talks, twelve doggy ‘have a go’ 

activities, six dog loving stand-up comedians and four great 

bands. You can also expect corgi parades, giant doggy 

Barkingham Palace street parties, and huge canine thrones, ideal 

for a spot of regal relaxation. 

New for this year is a canine comedy with the Barking Mad 

stand-up show. The festival welcomes Adam Bloom, Russell 

Hicks, Mary Bourke, Tony Law, Barry Ferns and Jonathan Hern, 

who between them have had crowds rolling around floors in 

laughter at Edinburgh Festivals to Glastonbury and TV shows 

Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You and 

Mock the Week…..not to mention a handful of sell out UK tours 

between them. 

The Hoburne Main Arena that will host terrier, lurcher and hawk 

racing, crime busting demonstrations from the UK Pet Detective, 

dog display teams and the UK 

Red Bull BMX stunt team. Plus, a 

special performance by the brilliant 

and contemporary Love Soul Choir 

on Saturday and the Sing Now Choir 

getting everyone up dancing on Sunday. 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Billed as the Coolest Dog Show in Town, Dogstival will also has a 

vintage funfair, and over 140 stands to shop and sniff around. It’s 

the ultimate festival for anyone who loves our four-legged friends. 

Dogstival takes place on 4th and 5th June 2022 at Broadlands 

Park, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 9ZD. For more information 

and tickets, visit Dogstival.co.uk. Day tickets are priced £15 

adults, £9 kids 6-16yrs. 

JENNY 

SUTTONRBSA 

LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS CATERING 

FOR ALL YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS 

Studio open 

11am to 5pm on following days: 

• May Bank Holiday, 30 April - 2 May 

• Jubilee Bank Holiday, 3 - 6 June 

• Hampshire Open Studios, 20 - 29 August 

• Pre-Christmas, 3 - 4 December 

• Other times by appointment 

The Studio, Yeatton House 

Hordle Lane, Downton, SO41 0HW 

Telephone: 07976 830 569 

Email: info@jennysutton-fineart.co.uk 

Website: jennysutton-fineart.co.uk 

We have an established reputation for expert 

workmanship and first-class service in all 

aspects of Land Rover maintenance. We cater 

for all class of vehicles, not just 4x4s! 

WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: 

MOT | WORK | SERVICING | FABRICATION 

WELDING | FULL DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES 

T: 023 8081 1973 | E: info@nf4x4.co.uk 

New Forest Garage Services, The Yews Workshops, 

Southampton Road, Cadnam SO40 2NG 


JUBILEE CELEBRATION 

4 TH & 5 TH JUNE 2022 | BROADLANDS ESTATE, ROMSEY 

dogstival.co.uk 

SPONSORED BY: 

SUPPORTED BY: 

TICKETS: 

£15 ADULTS | £9 KIDS (6-16YRS) | CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE

Lymington Open 

Gardens 2022 


Lymington Open Gardens is a popular 

event in the Lymington social calendar. 

It returns this year on Sunday 29 May 

from 2-6pm, and features fifteen gardens, 

including four new ones. 

The event is or-ganised by the Friends of St Barbe Museum + Art 

Gallery, with all profits helping the museum care for and display 

its unique collection, mount exciting art exhibitions and further 

the museum’s exten-sive outreach programme - putting the 

community at the heart of everything we do. 

The gardens vary in size from small, urban, courtyards to more 

expansive lawned gardens, featuring long established gardens 

as well as those newly planted. On the High Street there is one 

of Lyming-ton’s original town gardens while, nearby, another 

offers an oasis of calm. Some gardens have been specifically 

designed, one as a sensory garden, another featuring gravel to 

counter a high water table. Other gardens feature raised beds 

and themed fairy gardens for the grandchildren, vegetable plots, 

experiments in advanced composting techniques, chickens, 

as well as ponds, pergolas and patios in varying styles. In 

one garden you can see what may be the oldest plane tree in 

England, whilst an-other features a magnificent Scarlet Oak. 

Whether you are a plants-person or are interested in gar-den 

design and layout, or you just enjoy the beauty of the garden, you 

are bound to find a garden to suit your tastes. And the garden 

owners will be on hand to answer your questions. 

Admission to the gardens is by programme, costing £7.50 per 

adult. These will be available through-out May from the St Barbe 

Museum shop in New Street and from 2.00pm on 29 May at any 

one of the participating gardens. The programme includes a map 

to help you plan your afternoon. Teas with home-made cakes 

will be available at the United Reformed Church on the High 

Street and the Old School Cafe at the museum will also be open 

for teas, coffees, light lunches and cake. There will be several 

plants stalls, including outside the museum. While many gardens 

are within walking distance of each other, a bicycle might enable 

you to visit all fifteen. Parking details are also given on the 

programme. Nearly all gardens are accessible by wheelchair, at 

least in part. 

www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk/whats-on/events/communityevents 

Tea Rooms 

Craft Shops 

Gift Shops 

and Animals! 

OPEN 7 DAYS 

A WEEK 

ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST 

MOTORBIKE MUSEUMS 

Follow us on 

fi 

See our website 

for Special 

Event Days 

Sammy Miller Museum, Bashley Cross Roads, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 5SZ 

CALL US ON 01425 620777 (Museum) and 01425 616644 (Workshop) 

sammymiller.co.uk | www.sammymiller.co.uk 


love animals? 

Then you'll love 

new forest 

wildlife park! 


Enjoy a unique day out in the 

beautiful ancient woodlands of 

New Forest Wildlife Park where you 

will find over 260 animals from 

40 species including many native 

species both past and present... 

Watch the exotic and noisy Giant otters from the Amazon, the 

rare and beautiful Scottish wildcat, pine martens wolves, lynx, 

magnificent bison to name but a few. Meet our knowledgeable 

and friendly keepers as they feed the animals - they do love to 

chat about the animals in their care. Two impressive playgrounds 

for all ages which may test everyones abilities and burn off some 

of that extra energy! A good cup of coffee and snack and maybe 

a visit to the gift shop rounds of a fun and interesting visit to New 

Forest Wildlife Park . 

If you are as fascinated by animals as we are you may wish to 

try a Keeper Experience for a deeper insight into their care and 

future. 

Throughout the Easter Holidays there will be an Easter Egg Trail 

around the park and keeper talks throughout the day. 

For more visitor information go to our website at 

newforestwildlifepark.co.uk 

New Forest Wildlife Park 

Deerleap Lane, Nr Ashurst, Southampton SO40 4UH 


GETTING BACK 

to the day job 

Christopher King, CEO IAPS talks a return to normal 

for schools post-covid... 

Are schools back to normal then? Well, 

no, but we should be encouraged that 

people are asking this and perhaps 

anticipating the moment when they will 

be back to normal. It’s also encouraging 

that the dreadful expression ‘a new 

normal’ that many predicted would 

inevitably follow the outbreak of Covid-19 

seems to have faded away. What we 

want is normality as we knew it before 

2020. That is not to deny there will be 

changes to routines within schools as 

a result of adjustments made during 

the coronavirus pandemic. However, 

wherever I travel in the country, the 

schools talk of getting back to ‘normal’ or 

at least ‘pretty much normal’. 

The first comment has to be that IAPS 

schools up and down the country are in 

rude health and bouncing back strongly 

to judge by pupil recruitment. Nursery 

places are a very competitive area for 

recruitment but schools report that 

classes are full and oversubscribed 

by the time they get to Years 1, 2 and 

beyond. No doubt because of the 

positive messaging coming from parents 

in our schools about the online curriculum 

offer during the lockdown periods the 

spotlight has been shone on our schools 

and the excellent work they do. Those 

doom-mongers who predicted mass 

closure of fee charging schools must be 

feeling more than a little sheepish now. 

The return of school sport is one sure 

sign of a return to normality and the 

IAPS sports programme is in full swing. 

It looks likely that there will be 170 plus 

sporting events held this year in 22 

different sports, including skiing which 

has been switched from Italy to a UK 

snow dome (whilst not quite the same as 

the mountains shows a high degree of 

commitment to making the programme 

work if at all possible). No doubt one of 

the highlights of the sporting programme, 

and another sign of a return to normality, 

will be the swimming finals which will 

make a very welcome return to the 

Olympic pool in Stratford this summer. 

In our schools the play must go on, 

as must the concert, the fayre and all 

the other important traditional school 

events. IAPS schools may have had to 

adapt performance timings and space 

things out to allow for more comfortable 

social distancing but there is a collective 

determination to make sure these events 

take place. It is interesting that initial 

parental enthusiasm for online parents’ 

meetings has waned somewhat and, 

although some such meetings will no 

doubt endure, perhaps when they are in 

the style of an information evening on 

topics of current interest. More often than 

not, though, discussions about a child’s 

progress will be done face-to-face as is 

surely right and normal. 

Parents might notice certain school 

routines adopted during the early days 

of the pandemic may be retained for 

the better in the future. The drop off and 

collection routines have, for example, 

been modified in some schools and 

the change has proven to provide a 

better and more streamlined operation. 

Nonetheless there is no denying that if 

you visit an IAPS school now it will look 

very largely as if it has returned to normal. 

www.iaps.uk 


TALKING 

HEADS 

Angharad Holloway, Head at 

Talbot Heath School 

THE WORLD WE ARE PREPARING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE 

FOR IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING – HOW DO YOU LAY THE 

BEST FOUNDATIONS TO PREPARE PUPILS? 

At Talbot Heath, we have developed a groundbreaking futurefocussed 

interdisciplinary curriculum that will prepare our pupils 

for such a world. They are all taught coding, CAD, ethics, material 

science, architecture, sustainability and digital proficiency, from 

age 3 to 18, as part of their learning. They become resilient, 

adaptable, knowledgeable thinkers who are able to problem 

solve and work both independently and collaboratively. They 

have cutting edge knowledge and skills that mean they are ready 

to take on the world. 

Young people flourish when they feel safe, valued, respected, 

supported and inspired. a ‘can do’ attitude, encouraging them 

to think big while helping them to develop the self-belief and 

principles that will keep them grounded while they fly high. 

Rockets reach their dizzy heights because they are equipped 

and supported by a team of experts. The rigorous teaching, high 

standards and outstanding pastoral care at the school ensure 

that all the foundations are in place to allow the young people to 

explore and discover their loves and passions. 

IF YOU COULD INVITE ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, TO 

SPEAK AT THE SCHOOL, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? 

Martin Luther King, as he was such a powerful orator and 

significant figure in the history of civil rights and is a key part of 

my Global Citizenship teaching . Mary Shelley, as there are just 

so many questions that I want to ask her. 

WHAT BOOK WOULD YOU IMPLORE ALL PUPILS TO READ? 

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesyit’s 

profound, beautiful and good for the soul. 

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE EACH PUPIL TO REFLECT ON 

THEIR TIME AT THE SCHOOL? 

With affection and appreciation of how it has laid foundations for 

their life. 

01202 761881 

www.talbotheath.org 

Talbot Heath are named as one of the most innovative and influential independent schools in the country (i25 Excellence in Education Awards 2019) 

THINK BIG 

• Through school specialising in nurturing girls from 

Kindergarten to 6th Form 

• Ground-breaking STEAM curriculum for the future 

taught from age 3 • State of the art STEAM HUB 

• One to one iPads from Reception 

• Apple Distinguished School 

• Forest School in our own beautiful woods 

• Acres of outdoor space and sports facilities 

• Fully equipped Music School 

• Top performing Tennis & Swimming Academies 

• Dedicated Pastoral support and nursing team 

TALK TO US ABOUT OUR NEW SCHOLARSHIPS 

To find out more, book on to our Open Day 

on Fri 30th Sept 2022 

(6th form Open Eve is on Tues 11th Oct) 

Please register via our website, a warm welcome and 

exciting future awaits! 

Talbot Heath 

Independent School for Girls aged 3-18 

Bournemouth | 01202 761881 | www.talbotheath.org | Day and boarding | PRIVATE BUS SERVICE • NEW MILTON • LYMINGTON • NEW FOREST 



LAINGS FAMILY COLLECTION 

An Education in Diamonds 

There is a certain twinkle in the eyes of Richard 

Laing as he describes the proposal stories he 

has been a part of over the years. Nestled in 

the luxurious Laings showroom he laughs 

conspiratorially as he recounts the romantic and 

occasionally humorous tales. Richard’s role in 

all of them have been the same, he has found ‘the 

one’ – the diamond ring that marks forever. 

Growing up in a luxury family jeweller meant 

that an appreciation for diamonds was 

unavoidable. However, it was on Richard’s 

trips to the diamond capital, Antwerp, where 

he really fell for the world’s most famous 

gemstone. 

Historically the largest diamond district in the 

world, the streets of the Belgian city have an 

enchanting atmosphere. Since as far back 

as the 15th century the city has been the 

focus of diamond trade and at one point 

84% of the world’s rough diamonds passed 

through. It is a place filled with promise, 

unimaginable riches and mystery, with the 

sought-after-stones reigning supreme. 

With 380 workshops lining the Diamond 

Quarter, hours and days can be spent 

choosing from thousands of gemstones. 

There is an air of excitement to the district 

dubbed as the ‘Diamond Square Mile’. 

Everyone here is in the business of romance, 

creating something to perfectly tell a love 

story that they are not even privy to yet. 

“I loved the Antwerp trips. There’s so 

much to learn from each company, all with 

different strengths. Some are good for 

fancy cuts, others are better for uncertified 

diamonds, or certified, you get to know 

them and build relationships depending on 

what you’re looking for.” 

Honing his skills in Antwerp meant that 

Richard developed a keen eye for the very 

best diamonds available. In 2017 alone, 

roughly 234 million carats of diamonds were 

traded. This shows the substantial quantities 

that both the dealers and buyers work with, 

and Richard used his expertise to select 

only diamonds with incomparable fire and 

brilliance. 

“I used to visit Antwerp with my dad and 

when I went to dealers on my own, they 

would often think this is going to be easy, 

almost taking me for a bit of a ride. Instead, I 

examined every detail and selected the very 

best. It got to the point where they wouldn’t 

let me see the rest of the diamonds as they 

knew I was only going to pick superior 

stones.” 

When Richard talks about diamonds it 

is easy to see that, for him, it is all in the 

details.. With the knowledge he gained in 

Antwerp, he fully understands what makes 

them so renowned. As he examines the 

rings cushioned in Laings navy-blue boxes, 

he sees individual characteristics, invisible to 

most, that come together to create a unique 

personality for each stone that can then be 

admired by all. 

“Buying diamonds from Antwerp is always 

an amazing experience. After going for so 

many years, I gained such an appreciation 

of what was involved. When buying loose 

diamonds direct from dealers, you have to 

make sure you are selecting the best ones.” 

Richard uses this expertise to add his own 

personal seal of approval to Laings exclusive 

jewellery range – The Family Collection. 

From the very beginning and continuing 

now, every diamond within the collection is 

blessed with the diamond custodian’s seal 

of approval. He put in place the strictest 

criteria for the selected diamonds, with the 

‘cut’ being of utmost importance. 

“Whenever I visited Antwerp, I always knew 

that you could have the best colour, clarity 

and carat, however if the diamond is not cut 

down to perfection it will not outperform its 

counterparts. It was the always the detail 

that had me hooked and if you dig deep into 

the detail, then it’s the quality of the cut that 

really brings the diamond to life.” 

As a master of diamonds, his years of 

experience allows the Family Collection to 

tell its own story, with gemstones selected 

for their undeniable brilliance. With his 

extensive knowledge, Richard holds a 

unique position that has taken years of 

dedication to nurture. As custodian of 

Laings exclusive jewellery collection, his 

high-standards and technical know-how 

are critical to the Family Collection and its 

diamond selection. 

“I love the responsibility of buying 

diamonds.. I carry the Laing name and 

values, and know that I won’t waver from 

quality – even an inch. That’s why the Family 

Collection is so special, it’s a culmination 

of the diamond knowledge I gained in 

Antwerp and the closest collection to my 

heart. Nothing compares to knowing that 

the diamonds will become part of someone 

else’s special moments in life. It will become 

part of their own family story, as well as ours 

and that is truly special.” 

Unique to Laings, the Family Collection 

includes diamond pieces that have 

been inspired by personalities within the 

Laing family. With a selection of diamond 

engagement rings, matching wedding 

bands and jewellery suites, it is an exclusive 

collection of jewellery that is here for you 

at every stage of life. Fall in love with the 

collection and allow Laings diamond 

experts to guide you through the full range. 

Visit Laings showroom or shop online at 

laingsuk.com. 

West Quay, Harbour Parade, 

Southampton, SO15 1QE 

T: 02380 226 653 


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NADIYA 

Katie Thomson catches up with Nadiya Hussain, British television 

chef, author and television presenter, to discuss the launch of her 

new cookware collection with Prestige, Nadiya Loves 

You have a new cookware collection 

you’ve recently launched with Prestige 

- can you tell us a bit more about it? 

Well, it was a long time coming - 

something I wanted to do for such a long 

time. And the opportunity presented 

itself to work with Prestige - they’re an 

established company that people trust, 

and that was so important to me. In the 

kitchen, you want to trust your products 

and buy pieces with longevity - that 

people will love and will use time and 

time again. For me it was a no brainer. 

When I was looking through the 

collection, it struck me that many of 

the designs just made good sense. For 

example, why are there not more tins 

out there with the side written on them 

like yours have? 

Exactly! For me as a baker and a cook, 

I really wanted to be hands on in the 

design process - every part. Looking 

at different pots and pans, different 

materials for coatings and bases. The 

range is exactly as I wanted it. 

You wanted it to perform technically as 

well as aesthetically? 

Yes - it had to stand up to being used all 

the time, and look good on an open shelf 

or if you bring the food straight to the 

table from the oven. You can’t always find 

those two things together. I’m all about 

washing up as few dishes as possible, 

so one-pot cooking really speaks to 

me. I’m one of twenty-something in my 

extended family, one of five in mine, and 

the dishwasher is our friend! 

I was watching your latest series Fast 

Flavours and I loved the story of the 

turmeric-dyed yellow ‘curry spoon’ 

- an heirloom you’d want to give to 

your kids. Is there anything in the new 

collection you can see as an heirloom? 

I have cookware from my granddad 

which are over 60 years old that we 

still have - if you look after it, wash 

it properly, these things will last and 

that’s what I wanted the range to be 

all about. In terms of heirlooms, for me 

it’s all about the cast iron pieces! It’s 

something that you buy, you can hand 

down to your children - if you use it with 

love, you can keep it together. 

You’re obviously a passionate advocate 

for home cooking - how was lockdown 

for you on that front? Were there lots 

of banana breads and sourdoughs in 

your house? 

Oh yeah, we were every lockdown cliché 

going! We even did tie-dye [Nadiya 

gestures down at her tie-dye t-shirt] - I 

mean, we were tie-dying everything we 

could get! But in terms of being together, 

we tried to change the narrative, instead 

of ‘we are stuck at home’ it was ‘we are 

safe at home’, and we used the time to 

rediscover what it meant for us to be a 

family. For us, we had stopped eating 

together so much - so in lockdown we 

re-framed what was important, and now, 

no matter what is going on, we eat our 

evening meal as a family. 

Do your children like to cook? 

Yes, my eldest loves to cook. Last night 

I came home from work and I could see 

him in the kitchen window and he was 

washing the rice for dinner. My youngest 

loves to bake, then my middle son just 

loves to eat! 

If someone is a bit time stretched or 

nervous in the kitchen, where would 

you recommend they start? 

I’d always suggest they start small. And 

remember that it’s fine to make mistakes 

- that’s how we learn. I make mistakes, 

even Mary Berry makes mistakes…am I 

allowed to say that?! So, start small with 

something like a Rocky Road - you can 

measure, lick the bowl, all the good stuff 

without baking. Cooking wise, try a soup, 

you can’t go too far wrong. 

I was reading a little bit about how 

open you’ve been about your mental 

health struggles - is cooking still that 

happy place for you? 

Yes it is - baking is always going to be the 

thing I do with nervous energy or if I’m 

struggling. My family can’t work out if I’m 

baking for work or if it’s anxiety! It’s nice to 

create something out of that bad energy 

to make something good. I think people 

did that a lot in lockdown - and I hope that 

love for being in the kitchen carries on. 

Midweek in the Hussain household, 

what would be on the menu? 

It would be a slow-cooked chicken curry, 

potatoes, rice, a side salad - simple, 

warming, delicious comfort food. I want 

my kids to kick back when they get back 

from school - it’s how I want to show 

them my love. 

If time wasn’t a factor for you and you 

could have a really luxuriant day of 

cooking, what would you make? 

Bread! Probably a brioche which needs 

an overnight prove in the fridge. Or 

maybe croissants with all those layers of 

lamination. Also just simple things like 

crème brûlée - custard baked in a water 

bath with a nice crunchy top. 

Bakeoff has just been a phenomenon 

on another level - is it ever crazy to 

you that people like Ryan Reynolds 

watch it? 

I’ve heard he’s a big fan! Wholesome 

viewing that crosses divides - I mean, 

who doesn’t love cake! 

Nadiya X Prestige’ cookware & 

bakeware range is available to buy 

in stores at John Lewis and from 

Prestige’s website now. 


FAST 

flavours 

Nadiya has been kind enough 

to share three recipes from her 

latest book, Fast Flavours, to 

help you level-up your home 

cooking with minimal prep and 

active cooking time! 

CORONATION 

aubergine 

Aubergines often feature as a side dish 

when served at a table for dinner, but 

not here. We are taking this delicious 

aubergine, coating it with flavour, frying 

till tender and then drizzling over the 

simplest coronation dressing. It’s like 

dinner at my mum’s collided with my 

lunches at school to create this beauty. 

INGREDIENTS 

For the aubergine 

225ml olive oil 

3 cloves of garlic, minced 

1 small onion, grated 

1 teaspoon paprika 

1 teaspoon salt 

2 large aubergines, sliced into 1cm thick 

slices (about 600g) 

For the dressing 

200g Greek yoghurt 

2 teaspoons curry powder 

2 cloves of garlic, minced 

½ teaspoon salt 

2 tablespoons mango chutney, finely 

chopped 

2 tablespoons whole milk 

To serve 

a small handful of crispy fried onions 

a small handful of raisins 

a small handful of fresh coriander, thinly 

sliced 

SERVES 

4 

PREP 

20 

COOK 

50 

METHOD 

Start by putting the oil in a bowl with 

the minced garlic, onion, paprika and 

salt. Mix really well and set aside with a 

pastry brush. 

Pop the aubergines onto a tray (they can 

overlap, that is fine). Take the oil mixture 

and brush the aubergine slices generously 

with the oil on both sides till you have 

finished all the mixture. Set aside. 

Put one large or two small (if you have 

them) griddle pan(s) onto a medium heat 

(these are great on the barbecue, too, FYI). 

Griddle in batches on both sides. They 

take approx. 2 minutes on each side. 

You will know they are ready when the 

flesh looks saturated, less spongy and 

softer. Pop onto a plate, overlapping, 

ready to serve. 

Make the dressing by combining the 

yoghurt, curry powder, garlic, salt and 

mango chutney and giving it all a really 

good mix. Add a few tablespoons of whole 

milk to loosen the mixture just a little. 

Drizzle the dressing all over the top of the 

aubergine, saving the rest to serve on the 

side. Sprinkle with fried onions, raisins 

and coriander to serve. 

SERVES 

PREP 

COOK 

4-6 25 20 


LEMON LAMB 

with jewelled couscous 

We all need a whopper of a recipe in 

our repertoire, and when I do roasts, my 

kids prefer lamb. So I always go for a big 

piece of butterflied lamb. Here the meat 

is covered in a zingy mix of preserved 

lemon and ras-el-hanout, baked in the 

oven, and then popped onto a cosy bed 

of couscous and baked again, ready to 

slice up and serve. 

INGREDIENTS 

For the lamb 

350g jar of preserved lemons, drained 

3 tablespoons runny honey 

65g ras-el-hanout 

200ml oil, plus extra to serve 

750g butterflied leg of lamb 

For the couscous 

150g baby spinach leaves 250g 

couscous 

100g pine nuts 

a pinch of saffron strands 

a large bunch of fresh coriander, roughly 

chopped 

80g pomegranate seeds 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C and 

have a tray large enough to lay the leg of 

lamb in comfortably. Place the spinach 

into the base of the tray. 

Halve the preserved lemons and remove 

the seeds, but be sure to keep the flesh 

in. Put in a blender along with the honey, 

ras-el- hanout and oil and blend until 

smooth. 

Pour the mixture all over the leg of lamb 

on both sides and roast for 30 minutes. 

Remove the tray from the oven and add 

the couscous, pine nuts and saffron, 

mixing them in with the spinach. Pour in 

just enough water to cover the couscous 

and put the leg of lamb back on top. 

Cook for another 20 minutes. 

Remove the tray from the oven, take out 

the leg of lamb and leave to rest. 

Fluff the couscous up with a fork and 

transfer onto a platter. 

Slice up the leg of lamb and place on 

top of the couscous. Sprinkle over the 

coriander and pomegranate seeds, 

drizzle with a little olive oil and it’s ready 

to serve. 

CARROT BUNDT 

cake 

This bundt has all the deliciousness of a 

carrot cake, with spices, sweet carrot and 

cream cheese, but instead of frosting, all 

of that goodness is layered inside, rippled 

gently through the batter and baked in 

one bundt tin. 

18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

SERVES 

10- 

12 

PREP 

20 

COOK 

60 

INGREDIENTS 

For the cake 

170ml sunflower oil, plus extra for 

greasing 

440g light soft brown sugar 

4 large eggs 

270g carrots, finely grated 

280g plain flour, sifted 

2 teaspoon baking powder 

½ teaspoon salt 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoon mixed spice 

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

For the cream cheese ripple 

100g full-fat cream cheese 

20g unsalted butter, softened 

180g icing sugar 

3 tablespoons milk 

1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract 

icing sugar, for dusting 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°C and 

grease the inside of a bundt tin well. Put 

the oil, sugar, eggs and carrot in a bowl 

and mix well. 

Add the flour and baking powder, salt, 

cinnamon, mixed spice and nutmeg to a 

separate bowl and mix till incorporated. 

Add to the wet ingredients and mix till 

you have an even batter. 

Make the cream cheese ripple by 

whisking the cream cheese, butter, icing 

sugar, milk and vanilla bean extract 

together till combined. 

Pour half the carrot cake batter into the 

tin and level off. Add the cream cheese 

on top, then add the rest of the carrot 

cake batter in a final layer. Use a skewer 

to ripple the batter. 

Bake for 50 minutes–1 hour until the cake 

is risen and firm and a skewer inserted 

into the middle comes out clean. Take out 

and leave to cool in the tin for at least 20 

minutes so that the cake is firm enough 

to turn out. 

Use a table knife or small palette knife to 

gently loosen the edges of the cake, then 

turn out. Once cooled, dust with icing 

sugar and serve. Will keep in the fridge 

for up to 5 days. 

Photography: Chris Terry 

Nadiya’s Fast Flavours by Nadiya 

Hussain (Penguin Michael Joseph, 

£22) is out now.

TIME FOR 

tea 

With Cream Tea Day on the 

horizon on 24th June, we 

thought we’d look back at the history of 

the British love affair with the classic 

cream tea.. 

THE HISTORY 

Britain’s love affair with tea began when Portuguese Catherine 

de Braganza married Charles II in 1662, bringing the custom of 

drinking tea at court with her and making tea popular worldwide. 

In 1706, Thomas Twining opened London’s first tearoom. Before 

long, a flurry of tearooms appeared across the city, a far sight 

more inviting for a lady than the male-oriented coffee houses. 

The cream tea tradition flourished in the West Country following 

the tourism boom in the 1850s, brought on by the opening of the 

railway. Visitors bustled south looking to relax and indulge, and 

hotels, tearooms, farmhouses and cafés were happy to oblige 

– offering delicious afternoon cream teas, made with the finest 

local ingredients. The jam was invariably strawberry. And the 

cream was always clotted. 

AFTERNOON TEA 

Tiring of the long wait between lunch and dinner, we have the 

Duchess of Bedford to thank for the invention of afternoon tea. 

What started out as simply ordering tea and treats to her room 

when peckish soon evolved into a gowns-and-all social affair, 

inviting friends to join her in her country house. 

By the middle of the 19th century, afternoon tea was an every 

day occurrence; a spread of sandwiches, cakes, scones, cream 

and jam – the first hint of cream teas as we know them today. 

Find out more about Cream Tea Day and help raise money for 

charity by visiting: www.creamteasociety.co.uk 

Woodlands Lodge 

COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL 

Afternoon Tea 

Get together with family and friends 

and enjoy our home made sweet 

treats. We serve a traditional 

Afternoon Tea (£20 pp), as well as 

a Gentleman & Chocoholics version 

(both £25 pp), and our Enchanted 

Afternoon tea which is ideal for our 

younger guests (7.50 pp) 

Served daily 2-5 pm | Reserve a table 

now 02380 29 22 57 or via email 

reception@woodlands-lodge.co.uk 

www.woodlands-lodge.co.uk 


Accessible kitchen takes 

centre stage at new 

Elliotts Living Spaces 

showroom in Lymington 

Elliotts Living Spaces has unveiled the area’s 

first accessible kitchen display in Hampshire 

at its new showroom in Lymington... 

The showroom demonstrates leading kitchen supplier 

Symphony’s ‘Freedom’ kitchen in action. At present, those who 

live in the South who are interested in viewing the range must 

travel to Reading and Chichester. The new Lymington showroom 

makes it far easier for families and occupational therapists in the 

area to access this innovative kitchen collection. 

The range has been designed with multi-generational 

functionality as well as style in mind, enabling the entire family to 

continue enjoying cooking and socialising in a kitchen that’s safe 

and meets all access needs. 

Victoria Anderson, Elliotts Living Spaces Manager, said: “A 

Freedom kitchen is a great choice for many as they are built with 

safety, style and flexibility in mind and allow those with access or 

mobility issues to remain independent in the kitchen. 

“Features such as electric rise and fall worktops allow the 

individual to adjust the height to seated level and innovative 

oven housings and pull-out shelving help to create a safe food 

preparation space. Better yet, all of this is achievable without 

compromising on style. We’re really pleased to showcase the 

Freedom range in our new Lymington showroom and hope it 


makes the transition to an accessible kitchen a much easier one 

for many.” 

Accessible kitchens help to promote and support a person’s 

independence, while reducing risks associated with the kitchen. 

That’s why Occupational Therapists often recommend exploring 

a kitchen refit. 

The Elliotts Living Spaces’ showroom in Lymington is the largest 

in the group featuring 23 bathroom and 13 kitchen displays 

including an extensive choice for all budgets from renowned 

brands such as Laura Ashley, Stoneham, Neff, Crosswater, 

Laufen and Roper Rhodes. 

The Living Spaces showroom at Ampress Park, Lymington is on 

the same site as the new Elliotts builders’ merchant, meaning all 

building materials can be found under one roof. 

Visit elliotts.uk/so41 for more information and to sign up to 

receive opening offers. 

MAY SPRING TOURNAMENT 

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd 

JUNE KUSEYO CUP 

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th 

JULY WIP WOMENS FESTIVAL 


AUGUST BLUE JACKETS 


Gates open 12.30pm. Matches start approx. 1.30pm 

Visit our Facebook page for exact times 

Live commentating, Children’s Activities, 

Food, Drink, Stalls and Music... 

Fun for all the family 

Sponsorship & Social Packages Available 

www.newforestpoloclub.co.uk 

New Park, Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7QH 

Image courtesy of Michael Huggan Photography 

f 

i 


NEW 

ACCESSIBLE 

KITCHEN 

RANGE 

“ Kitchens are the heart of the home, and our accessible 

kitchen range means everyone in the family can come 

together and use the space. 

Worktops that adjust in height and pull-down cupboards 

are just some of the features we incorporate. A great 

choice for cooking with kids or adapting for wheelchairs.” 

SCAN TO 

BOOK YOUR 

FREE DESIGN 

APPOINTEMENT 

Victoria Anderson, Living Spaces Manager 

Ampress Park, Lymington 

elliottslivingspaces.uk 

Windows

Photo: Amber Interiors 

INTERIOR 

06U PDATES 

INSPIRATION AND TRENDS 

FOR YOU TO CONSIDER IN 

YOUR HOME THIS YEAR 

CURVED FURNISHINGS 

After the tough couple of years that everyone has 

endured, there is no doubt that people want a safe and 

cosy space in which to call home. Curvature has made 

a comeback within interiors, satisfying our desire for a 

happy and comforting life. This cocooning feel can come 

from the soft, round edges of a sofa or the meandering 

of an art feature - no matter what room of the house, this 

warming trend is one to keep up with. 

Products: Jonathan Adler Ether Curved Sofa, £4,500, sweetpeaandwillow. 

com; Dappled White & Gold Mirror, £139.95 audenza.com; 

Olbia Round Stoneware Vase, £42, cultfurniture.com 

TIMELESS MARBLE 

Not only does marble shout luxury 

and high-end quality, but it is also 

the perfect partner to metallic 

finishes such as brass and gold. 

Choose white or creamy shades of 

marble and you also have a great 

contrast with bold greens and blues. 

Richly veined marbles are set to 

be a particularly big kitchen trend 

in 2022, but you can also bring in 

these elements with accessories or 

lighting. 

Products: Marble Coasters 

(set of 4), £20, hauslife. 

co.uk; Deuce Bathroom 

Wall Light, £150, 

darlighting.co.uk 

SLATTED WALLS 

The trend for fluted and slatted designs dominated 2021, but 

it seems to show no sign of abating in 2022. 

With fluted glass a popular trend in 2021, we’re seeing this 

move towards fluted wood design. From kitchen cabinetry to 

statement headboards, the new trend for three-dimensional, 

vertical silhouettes ensures interiors will stand out this year. 

Panelling from naturewall.co.uk 

This wall panelling idea can also help to zone your space 

and shift the sense of proportion in your room. With clever, 

elongating properties, the linear nature of slatted designs 

also helps to give the appearance of taller ceilings. These 

panels are pre-fabricated and can be simply glued or 

screwed onto walls. 


Image Hypnos Beds 

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OLD BED / MATTRESS DISPOSAL AVAILABLE 

New shop now open! 

Unit 1, 23 Salisbury Road, Amesbury, SP4 7AW 

www.elitebedsandmattressesdirect.co.uk 

Thatcham: Unit 9, Wyvale Garden 

Centre, Bath Road, Thatcham, 

RG18 3AN • Tel : 01635 897665 

Devizes: l & 2 Windsor Drive, Devizes, 

SNlO 2TH • Tel: 01380 887943 

haus 

HOME | LIFESTYLE 

ARTISANAL SOFT 

FURNISHINGS 

FOR THE MODERN 

HOME 

USE CODE 

LIVE15 FOR 

15% OFF 

YOUR FIRST 

ORDER 

NEW COLLECTIONS OF MUDCLOTH AND KILIM 

PILLOWS AND LEATHER POUFFES COMING SOON - 

AVAILABLE TO PRE ORDER NOW 

FREE UK P&P ON ALL ORDERS 

www.hauslife.co.uk 

EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF WALL & FLOOR 

TILES, NATURAL STONE, VINYL & LVT 

Full Design & Fitting Service Available 

sales@lymingtontiles.co.uk | 01590 673175 

www.lymingtontiles.co.uk 


Photo: Allpace Home 

WABI SABI 

Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese term that can be 

translated to mean ‘flawed beauty’ or ‘the 

perfection in imperfection’. It often refers to 

the beauty found in nature which is organic, 

asymmetrical, or otherwise ‘imperfect’ but still 

aesthetically pleasing. Though it’s tricky to pin 

down a strict definition, the general philosophy 

has been taken in recent years to describe an 

aesthetic that emphasises nature, the incomplete 

or impermanent, and a slow living approach. 

In your home, think about soft palettes with natural 

materials, and buying investment pieces which will 

develop a patina over time. 

Clear Bubble Chandelier Light, £229.99, 

dowsingandreynolds.com 

STATEMENT LIGHTING 

Large, dramatic pendant lights and chandeliers, 

statement wall lamps and intriguing table and floor lamps are 

all part of this trend, which takes its lead from the exciting 

new styles currently being developed in lighting. However, 

statement lighting isn’t just limited to fixtures. Good lighting 

should be changeable to create the desired ambience, work 

light, relaxing light, specific lighting to highlight various 

features, artwork, ceiling cornicing, decorative features.. 

Products: Arista Cushion, £35, hauslife.co.uk; 

Marble Wabi Sabi Teapot £49, cielshopinteriors.com 

Arteriors Halette Sconce, £726, arteriorshome.com; Eliza 

Ceramic Table Lamp Leopard Motif, £118 darlighting.co.uk; 

Cassini 2 Way Gold Ceiling Shade, £70, iconiclights.co.uk 

Products: Ligne Roset Sofa, 

ligne-roset.com; Gem Diffuser, 

£67.99, dobbies.com; GPO 746 

Push Button Phone, £45.99, 

gporetro.com; Ada Print, £22, 

gailmyerscough.co.uk 

1970s DECOR INSPIRATION 

Seventies decor and colours are back. We will be seeing more 

terracotta, sage and mustard colours as well as mid-century 

furniture trademarks — peg legs on cabinets and tables, teak 

wood tones and highly textured fabrics. Think about rich colour 

and amp up the texture in your space. 

Photo: Pooky Lighting 


New Forest Designs: 

A New Way Of Living 


Kitchens - Bedrooms - Bathrooms - Studies 

Planning your next project? 

We understand that some projects can be overwhelming at times 

so it is our job to make sure everyone is working together to 

achieve the desired end result. 

We pride ourselves on providing a service second to none as 

we understand the importance required when you are investing 

in your new project. When visiting our showroom you will find 

a very homely and relaxed atmosphere. Our designers armed 

with their expertise and knowledge of the latest interior trends 

can take your ideas and create a design you have worked on 

together. 

About New Forest Designs 

Situated on the Fordingbridge high street, New Forest Designs 

is an independent family run business owned by Barrie & Jo. 

We recognise that whilst we are selling a product, we are more 

importantly providing a service to our customers. It is our priority 

to ensure that by choosing New Forest Designs we listen to our 

clients’ needs and work together to create a design perfect for 

their home. 

What service can we offer? 

Design & Planning 

New Forest Designs offers a complete, design service which 

is free of charge. This enables our designers and clients to trial 

ideas and designs together. Our expert knowledge in the kitchen, 

bathroom, bedroom and home office industry covers all areas 

from design, installation and project management. 

We can take measurements from your architect’s plans or should 

you wish we will visit you at home to discuss and survey your 

project. Once we have discussed your project we will create a 

design to suit your style, taste and budget. 

Installation 

We offer a supply and installation service where we will take care 

of your project from start to finish with our trusted tradesmen. We 

also offer a supply only service where we will work alongside your 

chosen team. 

So why choose New Forest Designs: 

• Free expert design and planning with over 20 years’ experience. 

• First class professional project management. 

• Services include building, flooring, electrics, plumbing etc. 

• Guarantees at every step of the way. 

• Award winning British manufacturers. 

• KBSA approved so your deposit is fully insured. 

Why not visit our website or pop in to see us at our Fordingbridge 

showroom – 6 High Street, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1AX 

01425 650235 www.nfdesigns.co.uk 

01425 650235 | nfdesigns.co.uk fi 

Call us now for a consultation 

New Forest Designs 

has over 20 years’ 

experience in designing 

and installing kitchens, 

bedrooms, bathrooms 

and studies. 

New Forest Designs, 6 High Street, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1AX 


NOTES FROM THE 

Garden 

In this edition, Gardening author 

and Broadcaster Matt Biggs tells us 

how there is much joy to be gained 

from just putting a little effort 

into brighting up our gardens this 

summer... 

With Jubilee Celebrations and summer on the horizon we can 

add so much to our gardens, and the enjoyment we gain from 

being in them. 

Growing from seed is a great option – whether you are an 

experienced gardener or just discovering your garden a packet 

of seeds is a magical thing. It is also a really good way to get 

children into gardening, there is something wonderful about 

sprinkling some tiny seeds into a tray or directly into the soil and 

then seeing those tiny green shoots popping up, and of course, 

seeds are very reasonably priced too. 

No two years are the same with growing conditions varying – sun, 

rain, light levels, pests and diseases, all of these have a huge 

impact on how successful you are but the trick is to sow little and 

often. If you want to try your hand at veggies there are all sorts 

of things you can plant, from’ cut and come again’ lettuce to 

courgettes, spinach, herbs – the choice is endless and the reward 

is on your plate - and with prices rising in the shops some home 

grown treats will not only taste great but ease the burden on the 

finances too. 

If you need instant colour then head for the garden centre or 

nursery and don’t forget local gardening groups too. Gardeners 

are generous souls and often sow more than they can use, or 

have seeds harvested from last year to share. 

Even if your space is limited you can still go mad and create 

a hanging basket, the bigger and bolder the better and you 

can even go patriotic with a red, white and blue arrangement. 

Whatever you do in your garden this summer make sure you plan 

in time to enjoy it too – the benefit of just sitting and watching the 

birds and bees and butterflies getting on with stuff is very, very 

therapeutic! 

KK 

Kingsbury 

Kitchens & Bathrooms 

A new kitchen & bathroom 

design & installation showroom 

www.kingsbury-kitchens.co.uk 

or call 01425 837300 / 07722 466958 

Manor Hatch, 63 Southampton Road, Ringwood, Hampshire. BH24 1HE SHOWROOM OPEN Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00 Sat 10:00 - 16:00 

kingsbury-ad_landscape.indd 1 17/10/2018 13:30 


IS YOUR FIREWOOD READY 

TO BURN CERTIFIED? 

When the nights draw in, there’s nothing 

like cosying up in front of a woodburner but 

knowing what fuel to burn is key to creating 

this ambience as well as ensuring the fire 

burns safely and efficiently without smoking, 

reducing the risk of releasing harmful 

pollutants into the atmosphere... 

New government legislation means that when we’re ready to 

light our fires this year, we need to use wood that’s certified and 

labelled as Ready to Burn. Ready to Burn woodfuel gives a better 

burn because it’s proven to have a lower moisture content of up 

to 20%, so it burns with less smoke than wetter wood, which in 

turn also helps reduce pollution from burning. 

Alternatively, if you use Manufactured Solid Fuel (MSF) - a fuel 

manufactured from coal, wood, plant-derived materials, waxes or 

petroleum products with other ingredients – these must also be 

certified and labelled as Ready to Burn, proving that they meet 

specified limits for smoke emissions and sulphur content. 

The Ready to Burn certified fuel scheme is backed by Defra 

which appointed the non-profit industry organisation HETAS 

to certify Manufactured Solid Fuels (MSF) and its subsidiary 

business, Woodsure, to certify woodfuel. 

Helen Bentley Fox, Director at Woodsure, said: “Using fuel that’s 

Ready to Burn will reduce particulate emissions and improve air 

quality, these fuels will also burn more efficiently and are better 

for your appliance and chimney, helping to reduce maintenance 

and fuel costs.” 

How to fuel a safe, efficient and 

environmentally-responsible burn this 

autumn: 

1. If you’re buying fuel for immediate use, look for the 

Ready to Burn label. To find a trusted retailer visit 

www.readytoburn.org or www.hetas.co.uk 

2. If you buy a large amount of wood in bulk, suppliers selling 

wood in over 2m3 must provide customers with advice on 

how to store and season the fuel so that is it dry to burn 

3. If you buy woodfuel from a small volume supplier (those 

selling less than 600m3 in a year) they have until 30 April 

2022 to comply with the new rules, so you’ll need to make 

sure the wood is properly seasoned before you use it. 

Advice on how to dry wet wood and measure moisture 

content can be found on www.readytoburn.org 

4. Around 40% of chimney fires take place between January 

and March, reduce the risk by making sure your appliance 

is regularly serviced and chimney is swept. 

Find your local HETAS Registered professional at 

www.hetas.co.uk 

: 

M 

www.newforestfires.co.uk 

info@newforestfires.co.uk 

V 01425 617610 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27 

• Large new showroom with 

• wood-burning, gas & electric fires 

• Top British & European brands 

• Full installation service 

• Free estimates 

• Flue & fireplace materials and accessories 

• Expert advice 

Benefit from our knowledge & experience; because we 

believe the hearth is at the heart of the home. 

CALL OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION 

New Forest Fires, The Barn, Greenacres Nursery, 

Silver Street, Hordle SO41 0FN 

Mon-Fri 0830-1630, Saturday 0900-1630, 

Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays


WHAT 

MAKES 

A CARER? 

Professor June Andrews discusses what 

makes a carer, and how her new book 

‘Carers and Caring’ can give some much 

needed advice to those who find themselves 

looking after a friend or loved one... 

Caring can be a joy and a privilege. It’s 

part of human life to care for others 

and can be source of great happiness. 

Being close to the person you care for, 

expressing love in practical ways and 

helping them to be comfortable and 

happy can be a wonderful experience. 

Especially in old age and towards the 

end of life it is a chance to give back to 

people who have helped others. However, 

it is not like that for everyone. 

Who counts as a carer? To those people 

who have a relative or friend they care for, 

it might seem odd to ask this question. 

Family and friends who do caring work 

often say that they are not ‘carers’. Yet 

they provide care as an act of love, 

loyalty, duty, kindness – or even by 

accident – looking after an ill, older, or 

disabled family member, friend, partner, 

or someone in their community. It is 

important to realise that if you are doing 

this, being recognised as a carer with 

the GP and social services can open the 

door to a lot of help and support that is 

otherwise missing. 

I am frequently asked for advice about 

dementia and care homes, but recently I 

have been asked more and more about 

caring in general. There is such a demand 

for information that I have written a book 

that can save time and reduce the cost of 

caring by advising on common problems 

and ways round the system, and sources 

of help. 

Carers are crying out for practical 

advice that is easy to read and based 

on experience and evidence. Some 

official processes are complicated and 

look like they were devised and written 

by a person who has never actually had 

to care. It can take time to search for 

answers, being referred from pillar to 

post, when dealing with health and social 

care. 

If you are having a wonderful experience, 

some of the problems described in my 

book will seem unnecessary. This is 

because the book is about helping, and 

the focus is on where things can go 

wrong, are difficult, or could be made 

better. This is not to suggest that caring 

is always tough. The ‘Joy of Caring’ is 

maybe the next book for me to write. 

Highlighting and offering solutions to 

the tough stuff is intended to make the 

reader’s caring experience less difficult 

now, allowing more space for the joyful 

stuff. 

The research shows that more than half 

of us will become carers at some stage, 

and whether this is about caring for your 

own parents, or helping plan for your own 

later life, I hope this will be useful. 

There is more at 

juneandrews.net 

https:// 

juneandrews.net/ 

carers-and-caringthe-onestop-guide 

DEMENTIA 

ACTION WEEK 

2022 

We can all be forgetful sometimes. 

Whether it’s losing the thread of a 

conversation, getting lost on a familiar 

drive or putting your keys in the fridge; 

such absent-minded moments can often 

be easily dismissed. 

But it is also the reason why the early signs 

of dementia can be difficult to spot. 

This Dementia Action Week (16-22 May), 

Alzheimer’s Society wants to make sure 

that no-one is missing out on a dementia 

diagnosis. 

Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 

the biggest barrier to people seeking a 

dementia diagnosis is the misconception 

around memory loss being a sign of 

normal ageing. 

Diagnosis rates have fallen to a five-year 

low due to Covid and we estimate there are 

around 33,000 people living with dementia 

who would have been diagnosed had the 

pandemic not happened. 

This Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s 

Society wants to empower anyone worried 

about their memory, or the memory of a 

loved one, to take the first step and visit 

our website. 

It is a one-stop shop of tools and 

information on subjects including 

symptoms and the process of arranging 

an assessment. Getting a diagnosis can 

be daunting, but we believe it’s better to 

know. 

If you’re worried about 

your memory, or that of a 

loved one, visit alzheimers. 

org.uk or call Alzheimer’s 

Society’s support line on 

0333 150 3456. 


Trusted 

to care 

Our highly trained care teams are 

specialists in residential, dementia and 

respite care. 

If you’re considering care for yourself 

or a loved one, call 01590 608130 or 

email laura.blake@careuk.com 

Rated 

9.9 

out of 10 on 

carehome.co.uk 

Sway Place care home 

Formerly known as Gracewell of Sway 

careuk.com/sway-place

Help at hand with the press 

of a button 24 hours a day 

50% off an installation 

with code ‘NEWFOREST’ 

Always at the end 

of the phone for you 

Helping to keep you 

independent at home 

A helping hand 

when you need it most 

Staying connected 

so you’re never alone 

023 8028 5523 

appletree.careline@nfdc.gov.uk • newforest.gov.uk/appletreecareline

New Forest Living May - Jun 2022

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