Ludlow Lifestyle Sep - Oct 2022

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Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DF

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

20 

RECIPES FROM JACK STEIN 

If you read last edition, you 

may remember me remarking 

that we work in a former 

chicken shed (cue jokes about 

scrambled brains and headless 

chickens...) and whilst our 

setting is nothing short of 

bucolic - a tin roof really isn’t 

the one in a heatwave. 

So I write this particular editor’s 

note whilst simultaneously 

trying to prevent the contents 

of my desk from flying away 

in the path of my fan and 

sipping an iced coffee instead 

of my usual tea. I hope you’ve 

got something equally thirstquenching 

to enjoy with this 

issue with - a G&T is preferable, 

but tends to be frowned upon 

in an office setting... 

06 

COMPETITIONS 

In this issue we’ve got 

some fab recipes from Jack 

Stein, son of famous fish 

chef Rick, alongside some 

delicious dishes from the Rice 

Association to elevate this 

humble grain. 

24 

BATHROOM RENO 

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 Lynda Shipton 

e lynda@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984497 

Cover image courtesy of Samantha 

Hadadi for the Rice Association 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

EASY RICE RECIPES 

16 

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 a 

real life bathroom renovation 

where a 20+ year old suite 

has been transformed into a 

contemporary sanctuary - we 

hope it inspires you if you’re 

planning your own renovation. 

The new school year has 

begun, so we have a great 

article from the Independent 

Association of Prep Schools on 

that all-important early years 

education. 

We also hear from Dr Lucy 

Pollock on the worries and 

wonders of ageing, and 

everything she’s learnt about 

geriatric care. 

We hope you enjoy this 

edition - we will next be with 

you in November - and full 

warning...there will be mention 

of Christmas! 

Katie

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS 

By appointment at our saleroom at your home 

By email- just send us a photo to valuations@stroudauctions.co.uk 

Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF

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 HAIER 

WINE COOLER 

WORTH 

£450 

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And you get to enjoy your wine at its 

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The door has special Anti UV glass 

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www.haier-europe.com/en_GB/ 

Closes 5/11/2022 - 

Competition keyword: ‘HAIER’ 

WIN 

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this Summer one lucky winner 

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Competition keyword: 

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Following the overwhelming response to 2019’s ‘The 1980 

Tour’, Midge Ure & Band Electronica are delighted to finally 

return to the road in 2022 and 2023 with the 

‘Voice & Visions’ tour, celebrating 40 years 

since the release of Ultravox’s Rage In 

Eden and Quartet albums. Transporting 

fans back to the decade of electronics, 

experimentation, synthesizers and great 

songwriting, the albums highlights will be 

showcased alongside landmark hits from 

Ure’s incredible back catalogue. 

We have two pairs of tickets to give away for each 

of the following venues – please nominate 

a venue when you make your entry. 

Competition Keywords ‘Midge Ure + 

[your chosen venue] 

1 Oct 22 - Coventry Albany Theatre 

6 Oct 22 - Exeter Corn Exchange 

8 Oct 22 - Bath Pavilion 

5 Nov 22 - Cheltenham Town Hall 

www.midgeure.gigantic.com 


Competition keyword: ‘MIDGE’ 

WIN 

2X TICKETS 

TO SEE 

MIDGE URE! 

We’ve teamed up with 

Asmodee, the biggest games 

company in the world, to 

provide a games bundle for 

the whole family to enjoy this 

Christmas! 

One lucky winner will receive 

a selection of games for a 

range of age groups, sure to 

keep the whole family happy. 

6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

WIN 

A BUMPER 

GAME 

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ASMODEE! 

The prize bundle includes 

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Ticket to Ride Europe, CATAN, 

Dixit, Azul, Cobra Paw and 

HINT. 

www.asmodee.co.uk 


Competition keyword ‘GAME 

BUNDLE’ 

Enjoy the festive season in the city, 

with a dazzling Christmas afternoon 

tea and a luxury stay at The Strand 

Palace. Just steps away from 

Covent Garden market, which will 

be decked in its festive best, the 

hotel is ideally located to explore 

the top attractions in London. Take 

in a show, or a Pantomime, and 

be back at your hotel in only a few 

minutes. Once you’ve shopped 

until you’ve dropped, retreat back 

to the hotel for a delightful afternoon tea, 

filled with festive treats. 

The lucky winner will receive a festive stay for 

two, including breakfast, and a luxury afternoon 

tea. Prize must be taken in December. 

WIN 

www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk 

Closes 5/11/2022 - Competition keyword: ‘FESTIVE TEA’ 

A FESTIVE STAY 

FOR TWO AT 

THE STRAND 

LONDON

Buying and selling at 

stroud auctions... 

At Stroud Auctions we know that not everyone really 

understands the process of buying and selling at 

auction. After they have done it once they are usually 

hooked, and go on to really enjoy both buying and 

selling, so at Stroud Auctions we always work hard to 

make that first experience an enjoyable one. 

SELLING 

If you have something you think may be valuable then you 

definitely need to consider selling it at Stroud Auctions. We work 

hard to make sure that your item is seen by all the right people, 

maximizing the bids and the final price achieved. Not all auction 

salerooms offer the same level of service, which includes: 

• Specialist valuers – this is so important. Genuine 

knowledge of the type of item you are thinking of selling is 

absolutely vital – a general auctioneer without this specialist 

knowledge cannot offer the same informed valuation or 

advice. Stroud Auctions have informed, enthusiastic valuers 

in every field. 

• Online bidders – Stroud Auctions have over 10 years’ 

experience with online bidding and have developed a highly 

regarded ‘end to end’ service for distance buyers. This 

means more bids and better prices for our sellers. 

• Free valuations – Stroud Auctions offer completely 

free valuations, so you can make an informed decision 

about your valuables. Choose from a free home visit, an 

appointment at our saleroom or an online valuation by 

email. 

• Specialist auctions – any item of value will achieve a far 

better result if sold with similar lots, hence why all Stroud 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Auctions’ sales are made up of specific specialist areas. We 

never sell anything in a general auction of random items, 

everything is safely stored until the most suitable auction 

comes around. 

BUYING 

If you’ve never bought anything at auction then you are definitely 

missing out! Stroud Auctions’ regular monthly sales are full of 

unique items for you, your home or your collection. Held over 2 

or 3 days, our auctions average 1500-2000 lots, the largest in the 

region. Our aim is to make buying at auction enjoyable, so our 

staff are all happy to help with advice on how to find the things 

you want and successfully buy them. Here are some of the items 

we regularly include in our auctions: 

Jewellery – including diamonds, antique, Art Deco, Victorian 

Watches – including Rolex, Breitling, Tag Heuer, IWC, pocket 

watches 

Silver, Coins, Stamps, Vinyl Records, Toys, Classic Cars and 

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Medals and Militaria, Guns and Sporting Items 

01453 873800 | www.stroudauctions.co.uk 

Contemporary jewellery, designed and made 

on the premises. Commissions undertaken. 

Tel: 01584 810085 

18 Market Square | Tenbury Wells | Worcs | WR15 8EA 

www.georginafranklin.co.uk 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7

IAPS GOES from strength 

to strength 

By Christopher King, IAPS CEO... 

The independent school sector continues 

to ride on its roller coaster. At the time 

of writing, in advance of a new school 

year, it does look as if there are plenty 

of negative factors lining up to puncture 

any post Covid optimism which might 

have occurred. Alarming increases in 

fuel and heating costs, high inflation not 

seen for more than 30 years, a squeeze 

on parental incomes and a gloomy 

mood in general, given the political and 

international landscape, do not combine 

to give much reason for thinking the next 

academic year will be any kind of bed of 

roses. All that having been said, there are 

some lessons learnt from the experience 

of the time of the pandemic which give 

good cause to stop one throwing in the 

proverbial towel. 

We learnt from the time of maximum 

impact of Covid-19 that parents of 

children at IAPS schools were remarkably 

loyal and supportive of the schools their 

children attended. We also found the 

total number of children on roll in our 

schools went up, not by many, but set 

against dire predictions of impending 

collapse of the sector this was a 

remarkable achievement. 

In short, the independent sector has 

demonstrated considerable resilience 

and positive energy can be drawn from 

the experiences of the last few years. The 

fundamental strengths of our schools 

remains unchanged. A holistic education, 

alert to the changing expectations of the 

wider society but tied to tradition when 

it makes sense to do so because of the 

stability this offers, lies at the heart of 

IAPS schools. Small class sizes, a sense 

that every child is known and valued, 

and a determination to offer excellence 

as standard. In combination, all these 

features offer a compelling model which 

continues to draw families into the 

independent school fold. 

There are changes which have been 

gathering pace in the prep school world. 

Much of this change involves new 

ownership and governance for schools. 

There are some investors in our sector 

with a motivation which is opaque and 

where their vales do not appear to align 

with the expectations we have for IAPS 

membership. However, the investment 

some of the so called ‘groups’ have 

brought to the schools is welcomed 

for the statement of confidence in the 

school’s future that this brings. The 

gathering into a larger foundation by 

some senior school governing bodies 

has been eyed with some suspicion 

in a few corners of the independent 

school sector. The drivers for such a 

move, where assimilation in this way 

has taken place, has been called into 

question. In reality, where senior school 

governing bodies have moved to draw 

prep schools into their fold, this has 

grown confidence amongst the majority 

of the current and prospective parental 

body, even if the leadership and staff 

might feel destabilised, at least for some 

time. Change brings such responses 

but time can heal this and it does seem 

that where new alignments are taking 

place confidence can return quickly as 

commitments on the school’s future 

start to be followed through on. The 

history of the prep school sector shows 

that there have regularly been well 

documented changes in ownership. 

The difference at this time would seem 

to be the aggregation of the schools 

into ‘groups’ but if they are well funded 

and can achieve economies of scale 

to suppress some costs which would 

otherwise have to be reflected in higher 

fees for parents then this can certainly be 

welcomed. The change of ownership and 

governance shows no sign of stopping 

and the parental body need not be 

concerned if they can see the values of 

the school aligning with their’s and that 

fundamentally children are happy and 

well cared for whist attending the school. 

8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Friday 7th October 

9.00 am - 12.00 pm 

INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING EDUCATION FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 5-18 YEARS 

www.christcollegebrecon.com | 01874 615440 | admissions@christcollegebrecon.com 

OPEN MORNING 1 ST OCTOBER 9.30AM - 12.30PM 


Open Day: 

Saturday 8th 

October 

The very best start for 

your child. 

With 90 acres of beautiful grounds, Abberley Hall offers 

an unrivalled freedom to learn. Exceptional pastoral 

care, small class sizes and personalised pathways make 

it the very best start for your child. 

Join us on Saturday 8th October for our Open Day. 

To find out more, please visit our website. 

www.abberleyhall.co.uk 

Co-educational boarding and day school for ages 2-13.

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION 

Come and join us. 

Please contact us to make your appointment 

for a one-to-one tour 

BEDSTONE 

Flexi-boarding - Extended Days 

An independent school for boys and girls aged 4-18 

Bedstone College | Bucknell | Shropshire | SY7 0BG 

admissions@bedstone.org | 01547 530961 | www.bedstone.org

TALKING HEADS 

Knowing the principles, background and values of the Head of any school can give an excellent indication 

of what the school strives for. For prospective parents, meeting the Head can help them make that 

difficult decision of which school to choose. We asked two local Head teachers the same searching 

questions so you can get to know them a little better... 

Brendan Brady, 

Headmaster at 

Moor Park Prep 

School 

Dr Michael Gray, 

Headmaster at 

Hereford Cathedral 

School 

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR 

EDUCATIONAL INSPIRATION? 

Several people. My English 

teacher at high school, 

Allan Munro, showed me how important are depth of 

knowledge and passion for one’s subject. The first Year 

Five teacher I worked with, Ann Botha, left a lasting 

influence on the importance of love in all children’s lives. 

The first Headmaster I worked for, Dudley Forde, was 

an exemplary leader whose legacy in the schools he led 

was the importance of staff. Lastly, Ronnie Kuhn, revered 

Headmaster of St Charles College, taught me about 

balancing independent schools as businesses with their 

core focus as educational institutions. 

THE WORLD WE ARE PREPARING OUR YOUNG 

PEOPLE FOR IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING – HOW DO 

YOU LAY THE BEST FOUNDATIONS TO PREPARE 

PUPILS? 

By offering them a curriculum that is full, rich and varied. 

One that develops their desire to learn, challenges them to 

be flexible, and allows them to learn to manage change. 

They need to be encouraged to make mistakes – and learn 

from them. A varied extra-mural programme must challenge 

them physically. 

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT MAKES A GOOD SCHOOL A 

GREAT SCHOOL? 

Great schools have their children as their focus. They see 

the importance of teaching and learning and the nurturing 

of kindness, social conscience and community as central 

to all they do. 

WHAT BOOK WOULD YOU IMPLORE ALL PUPILS TO 

READ AND WHY? 

There is no one book children must read. They must just 

read. For pleasure, for knowledge, for insight, for learning. 

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE EACH PUPIL TO REFLECT ON 

THEIR TIME AT THE SCHOOL? 

They would see Moor Park as the best years of their lives, 

when childhood was free and unfettered. Where climbing 

trees, building forts and playing with your mates created 

memories for life. 

General Enquires: 01584 872342 

www.moorpark.org.uk 

WHO HAS BEEN 

YOUR EDUCATIONAL 

INSPIRATION? 

I have been greatly influenced 

by the Rwandan people and, in particular, Agathe 

Uwilingiyimana. She was Education Minister, then Prime 

Minister, and a pioneer for education and women’s rights. 

She is rightly seen today as a national hero who sacrificed 

everything to serve others and do what is right. She was 

tragically killed on the first day of the genocide against the 

Tutsi. 

THE WORLD WE ARE PREPARING OUR YOUNG 

PEOPLE FOR IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING – HOW DO 

YOU LAY THE BEST FOUNDATIONS TO PREPARE 

PUPILS? 

I believe the best preparation is a holistic education 

enabling pupils to understand the complexity of problems 

and the interdisciplinarity required to create solutions. 

It provides the necessary digital, social and cognitive 

aptitudes, ranging from understanding how to harness 

artificial intelligence to knowing how to disagree without 

being disagreeable. Personal resilience, a strong moral 

compass, and intellectual agility are crucial. 

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT MAKES A GOOD SCHOOL A 

GREAT SCHOOL? 

A great school has clarity on its values and vision, which 

underpin everything that it does. At Hereford Cathedral 

School we feel confident in our identity and have a clear 

vision for the path ahead. 

WHAT BOOK WOULD YOU IMPLORE ALL PUPILS TO 

READ AND WHY? 

For our more senior pupils, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of 

Leadership, by John Maxwell. In a world where servant 

leadership is lacking, we need young people who are 

committed to adding value to the lives of others. 

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE EACH PUPIL TO REFLECT ON 

THEIR TIME AT THE SCHOOL? 

Our pupils should remember their time with us as happy, 

purposeful and fulfilled, as well as feeling that they were 

equipped for life beyond school. They should be ready to 

thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

01432 363506 (Senior & Sixth Form) 

01432 363511 (Junior & Nursery) 

www.herefordcs.com 



your child 

is our future 

Help your child succeed and gain confidence to try with 

English and Maths tutoring by qualified teachers... 

Kip McGrath Malvern is part of a well established chain of educational 

centres for young people and adults wishing to improve and develop 

their skills in English, Maths, English as a Foreign Language and 

Catch-up Education. 

Run by Anne Marie Preece and Ada Poyser, every child is offered a 

free assessment and will be offered a unique, bespoke and proven 

educational system which is tailored to match individual needs. 

“We have a huge variety of resources and an excellent educational 

software system for computer based learning, as well as worksheets, 

books and games for written, practical and verbal tasks”, says Anne. 

“Tuition is available at all levels and pupils can attend either in-centre 

or on-line”, says Ada. 

“We want everyone to realise their full potential and to celebrate” 

Kip McGrath,172 Worcester Road, Malvern WR14 1AA 

kipmcgrath.co.uk/malvern 

ENGLISH AND MATHS 

TUTORING 

BY QUALIFIED TEACHERS 

HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED AND 

GAIN CONFIDENCE TO TRY! 

Fill in the gaps in spelling, reading, 

comprehension and grammar 

Understand new concepts or master 

the basics in maths 

YOUR CHILD IS OUR FUTURE 

Pre-school to GCSE level • Proven methodology 

Tailored to individual needs 

In centre and online • Qualified teachers 

CALL NOW FOR A FREE ASSESSMENT 

01684 561835 

malvern@kipmcgrath.co.uk 

172 Worcester Road, 

Malvern WR14 1AA 

kipmcgrath.co.uk/malvern 


Girls 3 - 18 | Boys 3 - 13 

Open Day 

Saturday 17th September, 10am 

Register for our Whole School Open Day 

www.moretonhall.org/open-day 

11+, 12+ and 13+ Admissions and Scholarship Day - Friday 7th October 

Boarding School of the Year 

TES INDEPENDENT SCHOOL AWARDS 2021 

Moreton Hall, Weston Rhyn, 

Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3EW 

01691 773671 | admissions@moretonhall.com

Register 

today for 

SEPTEMBER 

2023 

INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL | 3-18 years 

SENIOR & SIXTH FORM 

OPEN MORNINGS 

Saturday 24 September & 5 November 

Visit us to discover an education that is focused on the individual. A school where pupils are encouraged 

to set their sights high, feel valued for who they are and become their full potential. We are one of the 

oldest schools in the country, but our approach to education is forward-thinking. Pupils enjoy a broad, 

varied and exciting curriculum and our strong and supportive pastoral programme underpins everything 

we do, ensuring we are a happy and inclusive school from Nursery to Sixth Form. 

For more information: 

01432 363506 

admissions@herefordcs.com 

HEREFORDCS.COM

FIGHT FOR YOUR 

National Rice Week (12th - 18th of September 2022). The week 

will celebrate all the different types of rice and dispel some myths 

surrounding this versatile grain - from rice being hard to cook, to 

how to reheat rice and make the most of all types of rice... 

Rice 

PEA AND BROAD 

BEAN RISOTTO SOUP 

by Jemma Loi 

Prep time: 10 minutes 

Cooking time: 20 minutes 

Serves 4 

INGREDIENTS 

1 tbsp olive oil 

½ large leek (approx. 90g), finely sliced 

½ small white onion 

2 garlic cloves, finely diced 

100g arborio rice 

1 litre of vegetable stock 

250g frozen peas 

150g broad beans 

1 large handful of fresh parsley (25g) 

Optional: Home-made croutons, in which 

case you will need 1-2 rolls / slices of bread 

METHOD 

Heat the olive oil in a large pan on a medium 

heat and sauté your leek and onion until soft, 

then add the garlic for a further 1-2 minutes. 

Add your risotto rice (arborio) and gently toast 

for a few minutes. Pour in 2/3 of your stock, 

cover with a lid and leave to simmer for 15 

minutes. Keep an eye on the ratio of stock 

to solids (should be even), add more broth 

if needed, then add both the broad beans 

and peas, following by a handful of chopped 

parsley. Cover with a lid and simmer for a 

further 5-7 minutes. 

If you are making croutons, roughly chop 

your bread into chunks, toss in olive oil and 

seasoning and bake in the oven at around 190 

degrees for 10 minutes. 

Once your soup is ready, dish up, top with the 

parsley and croutons if using, and season to 

taste. Enjoy! 

*whilst this recipe is plant based, don’t be 

afraid to experiment with vegetables / stocks, 

or even add some shredded cooked chicken 

for the final ten minutes for a protein boost! 


Griffiths A.H. 

PRODUCERS OF AWARD 

WINNING SMOKED MEAT, 

POULTRY, GAME 

FOR WEDDINGS & EVENTS TRY OUR 

BUFFET STYLE PORK/BEEF ROASTS AND BBQ 

• HOMEMADE PRESERVES, FREE RANGE EGGS 

• SPECIALITY MEATS FOR DINNER PARTIES 

& SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

• OWN PRODUCED MEATS 

• GAME IN SEASON 

• HOME-MADE PIES, AWARD WINNING 

SAUSAGES & BURGERS 

Ludlow’s only authentic Spanish Tapas Bar 

Open Wed & Thurs 10am until last food order 8pm 

Friday & Saturday 9am until last food order 9pm 

Contact us on 01584 873130 

Find us between Corve Street 

and Ludlow library 

ADVICE ON 

CUTS & COOKING 

LUDLOW 

01584 872141 

11 Bull Ring 

LEINTWARDINE 

01547 540231 

22 High Street 

Off Corve Street, Ludlow, SY8 2PG 

Tel: 01584 873130 - Email parkwaytascabar@gmail.com 

www.parkwayrestaurant.co.uk 


MIDDLE EASTERN GREEN RICE WITH 

TOFU KEBABS by Nadias Healthy Kitchen 

Prep time: 30 minutes 

Cooking time: 30 minutes 

Serves 6 

INGREDIENTS 

For the rice 

300g long grain rice (white or 

wholegrain) 

1 tbsp oil 

¼ white onion, chopped 

2 garlic cloves 

300g frozen broad beans, thawed 

50g fresh dill 

400ml-500ml vegetable stock 

For the tofu kebabs 

450g firm tofu, drained* 

¼ white onion, chopped 

4 garlic cloves 

2 tsp paprika 

2 tsp cumin 

25g fresh coriander or parsley 

55g oat flour (or flour of choice) 

1 tbsp oil for frying 

METHOD 

Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, 

then drain and rinse well. 

Heat 1tbsp of oil in a large pan. Add the 

onions and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. 

Add in the broad beans, rice, dill and 

stock, stir then cover and bring to a 

boil over a medium heat. Cook for 5 

minutes, then reduce the heat and 

leave to simmer for another 15-20 

minutes or until all the water has 

absorbed. 

Whilst the rice is cooking, make the 

tofu kebabs. Add all the ingredients to 

a food processor and blend until you 

have a smooth mixture. Shape into 6 

large flat kebabs, or 12 small patties. 

Brush a grill pan with a little bit of oil, 

then cook the kebabs over a medium 

heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. 

Serve the tofu kebabs with the rice 

and enjoy! 

*I used firm tofu that didn’t need 

pressing. Some tofu brands require 

pressing, so check the package for 

instructions. 


VEGAN RICE 

PUDDING WITH 

ROASTED PLUMS 

by Samantha Hadadi 

Prep time: 5 mins 

Cooking time: 15 mins 

Serves 2 

INGREDIENTS 

For the plums: 

1 tbsp maple syrup 

½ tsp vanilla extract 

300g ripe plums, stoned and sliced 

¼tsp ground cinnamon 

For the rice pudding: 

180g cooked leftover cooked or 

pouched Basmati rice 

180-250ml plant-based milk e.g. 

cashew 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

½ tsp ground cinnamon 

Pinch ground nutmeg 

2 tbsp maple syrup 

2-4 tbsp plant-based cream 

Optional: Flaked almonds to serve 

Optional: Home-made croutons, in 

which case you will need 1-2 rolls / 

slices of bread 

METHOD 

Start by preheating your oven to 

180C / gas mark four and then 

prepare the plums. Whisk together 

the vanilla and maple syrup. 

Arrange your sliced plums on a lined 

baking tray, then drizzle with the 

maple syrup. Sprinkle over ground 

cinnamon, then toss to coat. Roast 

until juicy and oozing (around 15 

minutes but check at 12 minutes). 

Set aside. 

In the meantime, make your rice 

pudding. Add the cooked rice to a 

medium pan, then pour in 180ml 

of milk, as well as the vanilla, 

cinnamon, nutmeg and 2 tbsp of 

maple syrup. Stir well, then heat 

(on a low to medium heat) until 

thickened, creamy and the rice is 

soft (around 10 minutes) - add a 

splash more milk, if needed. Stir 

in the plant-based cream until you 

achieve texture desired. 

Serve warm with flaked almonds 

and the plums and their juices. 


JACK STEIN: 

Born to Cook 

liberally with salt and sugar. Sprinkle with 

dill and lay the pieces on a large piece of 

clingfilm, ready to wrap. Douse liberally in 

gin. If using two pieces of trout, lay them 

For the tomato sauce 

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 

1 red chilli, finely chopped 

1 onion, finely chopped 

GIN-CURED 

TROUT 

Just about every culture has their own 

version of a dish like this, probably 

because it’s a light, bright, party pleaser. 

Serves 10 | Prep: 5 mins 

INGREDIENTS 

1 side of sea trout 

100ml gin 

50g sugar 

50g table salt, fine 

25g dill, finely chopped 

1 pinch white peppercorns, crushed 

Fresh horseradish root 

5 borage, or other edible flowers 

Pickled cucumber in house pickle 

750ml rice wine vinegar 

2 star anise 

5sprigs thyme 

1g chilli flakes 

375ml water 

10g salt 

100g sugar 

5g dashi granules (sachet) 

METHOD 

Start this recipe the day ahead - the trout 

needs to cure overnight. 

Portion the belly of trout off the side, then 

cover 

Huevos Rancheros make a great spicy breakfast 

on top of one another and wrap, airtight, 

in the clingfilm, careful not to let any of 

the juices escape. Refrigerate overnight. 

For the house pickle, add a two-to-one 

vinegar to water ratio into a large pot. 

Add a large pinch of salt and 100g of 

sugar. Add in the aromats, thyme, star 

anise, and chilli flakes. Pour in the dashi 

granules. The standard rule of pickling 

is to add vegetables in while cold. Bring 

it up to the boil and then remove the 

vegetable. You can reuse the same 

pickle juice over and over. Serve the trout 

topped with the pickle. 

Recipe courtesy of Food Network /Born to Cook 

HUEVOS 

RANCHEROS 

This classic Mexican breakfast dish 

is a must for all lovers of spice in the 

morning. 

Serves 4 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 

30 mins 

1tbsp sunflower oil 

1tsp salt 

1x 400g can of chopped tomatoes 

1tsp Marmite 

a pinch of five-spice powder 

To garnish 

1 avocado, peeled, stone removed and 

sliced 

a little chopped fresh coriander 

120ml sour cream 

pickled jalapeños, to taste 

METHOD 

First make the tomato sauce. Sauté 

the garlic, chilli and onion in the oil in a 

frying pan, adding the salt, until soft but 

not coloured. Then add the tomatoes, 

Marmite and five-spice and simmer until 

reduced and thick. 

Sauté the eggs in the oil and season. 

When they are nearly cooked, add the 

butter to the pan and spoon the melted 

butter over them. You might need to do 

this in batches, depending on the size of 

your pan. 

Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over a 

medium heat and warm the tortillas for 

10–20 seconds each. Keep warm as you 

heat each one before you serve. 

Dinner party favourite 

INGREDIENTS 

8 free-range eggs 

1tbsp sunflower oil, plus more if 

needed 

a knob of butter 

8 x 10cm corn or flour tortillas 

salt and pepper 

Spread the tomato sauce over the 

tortillas and top with an egg. Garnish with 

avocado, coriander, soured cream and 

jalapeños. 

Recipe and image from Jack Stein’s World on 

a Plate 


press RESET 

*do not undertake diet changes without consulting a medical professional 

Do you feel sluggish, bloated, sugar addicted or just 

not in best health? A juice cleanse might be just the 

reset you need*. Of course, our bodies are well-adapted 

to remove toxins alone, but a juice cleanse, with a 

focus on nutrient-dense, cold pressed juices gives the 

digestive system a chance to reset - with a plan, you 

don’t have to think about meals either - just grab your 

juice and go. You might also find you lose some weight, 

which is a good boost to help you on your way to a 

healthier lifestyle. Katie Thomson tests two of the most 

popular on the market... 

PRESS 3 DAY BEGINNER 

JUICE CLEANSE 

BEST FOR: 

couples and those that feel hunger more easily 

WHAT IS INCLUDED: 

You’ll sip your way through 8 cold-pressed juices per day, 

featuring the vitamin- packed Daily Celery, creamy m*lkshakes 

and a few of the PRESS signature green juices. You’ll feel 

energised and less bloated, with improved sleep and skin 

quality to match. Calories per day: 929 

PLENISH 5 DAY INTERMEDIATE 

JUICE CLEANSE 

BEST FOR: 

those with more weight to lose, intermittent fasting 

WHAT IS INCLUDED: 

This intermediate cleanse is for those who want to balance 

impact with enjoyment. Six delicious drinks a day, with a real 

breadth of superfood ingredients – this plan is designed to help 

you feel refreshed and upbeat. Each 500ml bottle is packed 

with the finest organic produce and free of any preservatives, 

stabilisers or added sweeteners. Every cleanse arrives with 

a cleanse manual to guide you through the process and free 

Plenish glass straw to help you enjoy your juices with no mess 

(and no additional plastic). Calories per day: 955 

WHAT WE THOUGHT: 

The variety of flavours was great, which meant it didn’t feel 

monotonous. The quality of the ingredients is also excellent. 

Plenish was the first cleanse business, and it’s clear that they 

know what they are doing! 

WHAT WE THOUGHT: 

Compared to other cleanses, this one is great if you tend to 

feel hungry easily, as there are juices at regular intervals in the 

day. We loved the m*lkshakes, which felt like a treat. 

We did this one as a couples cleanse - it was great to find 

something that both partners could do happily and encourage 

each other with. The brand has a number of different options, 

depending on whether you’re a cleansing pro or novice. 

PROS: No hunger pangs during the cleanse, which was 

surprising. After only a few days, our sleep really improved, 

as did bloating. All the juices taste great - though my partner 

isn’t a fan of the ginger flavour, so did struggle with some of 

the juices. 

CONS: If you are in a heterosexual couple, the calories 

for both cleanses are the same, which might be challenging 

for a male needing more calories. Toward the end, my partner 

supplemented with some homemade soup. 

Beginners 3 Day Couples Cleanse is £230 (saving 10% on 

individual packages) press-london.com 

PROS: We didn’t hit that usual energy slump in the 

afternoon and we weren’t reaching for sugary snacks. We both 

lost some weight too, which was a real bonus and a great 

stepping stone for maintaining overall health. 

CONS: The hard green juices aren’t always that palatable, 

but the rest of the mix is wonderful. 

3 Day Cleanse from £177 per person, plenishdrinks.com 


Unsightly veins? 

We have the answer 

Varicose and spider veins are very 

common. While they are different entities 

to each other with different causes, 

neither should be expected to resolve 

spontaneously and can affect adults of all 

ages. This leaves those who suffer from 

them distressed and in need of help... 

The NHS only approves treatment for varicose veins in a few 

exceptional situations and does not offer treatment for spider 

veins at all. This leaves large numbers of people in need of help. 

This help is now at hand with a comprehensive new vascular 

service at The Wye Clinic in Hereford. Leading this service is Mr 

Bajwa, an experienced consultant vascular surgeon who offers 

the most up-to-date assessment and treatments for all vascular 

problems, including varicose and spider veins. 

The vital first stage in any assessment is an in-depth 

consultation. Understanding how someone is affected by 

troublesome veins, along with their hopes and expectations, 

is key. Though spider veins and varicose veins have different 

causes, they can co-exist. Having an expert such Mr Bajwa 

assess how the problem has occurred and discuss the possible 

treatment options is essential to achieving the best outcomes. 

Investigations such as ultrasound scanning are often needed to 

provide the detailed information needed to plan the best way 

forward. 


Troublesome veins such as varicose and spider veins can bleed, 

become painful and are usually unsightly. They can also cause 

skin changes and ulcers. Any of these problems on its own is a 

reason for treatment though they may develop together. 

Treatment for varicose and spider veins has many forms. These 

treatments can be used either individually or in conjunction with 

each-other in a management plan that is individualised for every 

patient. Mr Bajwa is an expert and offers all the most modern and 

safe treatments available. Whether it be state-of-the-art foam 

treatments, radiofrequency ablation, or phlebectomy they are all 

available at The Wye Clinic. With local anaesthetic, recovery is 

quicker meaning you are back up and running in no time. 

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HAPPY 

HORMONES 

positive periods 

It’s not normal to dread your time of the 

month - we look at some products that can 

help and some advice from the experts! 

BALANCE 

HORMONES 

Tired of painful cramps, 

unpredictable moods, bloating 

and low energy at that time of 

the month? 

Reduce symptoms and live in 

harmony with your hormones 

by incorporating these periodpositive 

foods and lifestyle 

changes. 

BALANCE YOUR BLOOD SUGARS: 

Reduce cravings, and support good energy, mood levels, and 

weight management with these tips: 

• Don’t skip meals 

• Swap to a savoury breakfast containing protein, fat and 

vegetables 

• Avoid sugars and refined carbs 

• Pair carbs with a protein/fat (eg toast with avocado instead 

of jam) 

BOOST ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS: 

Avoid painful cramping by boosting antioxidants and reduce 

PMS with healthy fats. Aim for half a plate of plant foods with 

each meal and increase these foods: 

• Turmeric & black pepper 

• Green tea 

• Ginger 

• Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, collard greens 

• Nuts and seeds 

• Avocado 

• S.M.A.S.H. fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, 

Herring) 

• Coconut and extra virgin olive oil 

Female hygiene can be a minefield - and tie that in with 

grooming and you can end up with sore razor burn 

or ingrown hairs. OYO have created a bundle of three 

products to help ease the itch. 

First is a natural cleansing butter, which is gentle on 

skin and can double as a shave cream, then a scrub 

to exfoliate the skin, and finally a final moisturising oil 

to soothe and keep skin rash free. Bundle, £36, or all 

products available individually, oyoskincare.com 

SUPPORT DETOXIFICATION: 

The body needs to get rid of excess toxins and hormones, 

otherwise they can start recirculating, causing bloating, mood 

imbalances. Give your liver & gut some TLC: 

• Add cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, 

rocket, and watercress, 3x a week (opt-out if you have 

hypothyroidism) 

• Avoid plastics and chemicals in beauty and cleaning 

products 

• Incorporate probiotic foods like sauerkraut, miso and kefir 

daily 

• Drink at least 2L of water a day 

• Get your heartrate up at least 30 mins a day 

MANAGE YOUR STRESS & SLEEP: 

Managing stress and good sleep is crucial for a pain-free 

period. Magnesium, also known as ‘natures valium’, will be your 

best friend to reduce stress, promote sleep and reduce period 

cramps. 

• Try a magnesium salt bath before bed 

• Practice deep belly breathing and meditation 

• Stick to a healthy bedtime routine 

Tried menstrual cups but found them hard to use, or worse, 

leaky? The disc-shaped Nixit cup might be the solution for 

you. The disc has no uncomfortable tail and instead tucks in 

just under the pubic bone. Pop it in and you are all set for up 

to 12 hours of wear. 

Our testers ranged from younger women to mums and they 

all found them easy to use - and loved the fact that their 

period could be waste and worry free. Nixit Menstrual Cup, 

£36, nixit.com 

Start with the ones that feels most accessible and gradually 

build healthy hormone habits from there. Alternatively, working 

with a qualified nutritional therapist can help you can reach your 

goal faster and without guesswork. Book in for a free 15-minute 

discovery call on www.manifestinghealth.co.uk or email 

victoria@manifestinghealth.co.uk. 

Victoria is a qualified nutritionist and helps to facilitate selfgrowth 

by helping you identify your core mind, body and spirit 

challenges, so that you can overcome them with empowered 

education. 


A BATHROOM TO 

Inspire 

Thinking of remodelling your 

bathroom? It can feel a little 

daunting knowing where to 

begin. We catch up with two 

home owners and newbie 

renovators to find out about 

their project…. 

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE 

OBSTACLES YOU FACED WITH 

THIS PROJECT? 

Our main objective with this project was to 

refresh and update the room. The bathroom 

was 20+ years old and in need of both a 

practical and an aesthetic overhaul. We were 

quite happy with the layout of the room, so in 

that sense we weren’t looking to reconfigure 

the space, it was more a case of refreshing 

and redesigning the existing layout. This was 

certainly of some comfort to us as we were 

very much newbies to renovations of any kind! 

One literal object we were hoping to conquer 

was a column, originally positioned between 

the sink and the toilet. Fully tiled, it was 

difficult to know what exactly might be behind 

it, although the plumber suspected it was the 

waste pipe. He informed us that it should be 

possible to get rid of it, cut the pipe down to 

a more discreet level and hide it within a new 

sink/toilet unit. But it was a risk, as he couldn’t 

be certain what was lurking within the column. 

Luckily his guess was spot on as it was indeed 

the waste pipe. 

Another issue we faced once work began 

was that once the tiles came up, the floor was 

unfortunately almost completely rotten. So the 

timber needed replacing, which we had to just 

put down to being one of those things! 

DID YOU HAVE A CERTAIN 

DESIGN OR LOOK IN MIND? 

In some sense yes. I knew the type of look I 

was hoping to find in terms of the tiles. And 

luckily Tile Choice had such a wide range that 

we were able to find something that we loved 

very quickly. We wanted to fully tile the room 

as we intended for the space to be a practical 

family bathroom, and therefore we needed 

it to be easy to clean! So we were after a tile 

that was practical but stylish for both floors 

and walls. I was seeking a beige porcelain tile 

that had a sort of rustic natural stone look to 

it, while also bringing a warm tone to the room 

and so the Naples Beige range of wall and 

floor tiles ticked every box for us! They sent 

us a full sized tile sample which was great 

for us to get a feel as to whether it worked 

Taps: Nuie Bathrooms, 

Windon Mono Basin Mixer 


for the room, and there was even a feature on 

the website where you could upload a photo 

of your room, and then preview how the tile 

visualises, which was handy for us to do before 

we committed. 

I was keen for there to be a monochrome theme 

in terms of some of the bathroom features. We 

are lucky with the amount of light that comes 

into the bathroom. Despite the room being 

north-facing, the windows are so large they’re 

almost their own feature wall. So we knew we 

could afford to be a little bold and include a 

few splashes of black and grey in the room. I 

had fallen in love with a shower set in the Nuie 

Bathrooms brochure that was available in matt 

black, and so we decided to continue the matt 

black theme and pair it with matching matt 

black taps, vanity unit handles, shower screen 

finishes and flush button, as well as a anthracite 

coloured heated towel rail and vanity unit. We 

felt that, combined, they tied together very 

nicely, and when combined with the Naples 

Beige tiles, created the right amount of warmth 

and ambience. 

Shower system: Nuie Bathrooms, 

Complete Shower Set, Square 

Heated Towel Rail: Nuie Bathrooms, 

Piazza Flat Panel Heated Towel Rail 

Tiles: Tile Choice, Naples Beige 

Porcelain Floor & Wall Tiles 

We knew that we wanted a vanity unit to 

stretch across the area where the existing sink 

and toilet lay. All being well, with the column 

removed, this unit could sit comfortably in the 

space, and therefore encapsulate the cistern of 

the toilet. So we just needed to find a design 

that suited us. Nuie Bathrooms had us covered. 

They had a range of bathroom furniture that 

really fitted with our vision. But something 

we found incredibly useful was their online 

interactive 3D design tool. It was invaluable 

during the design process and was so easy to 

use! All that was required of us was to input 

our room dimensions, and then we were free to 

browse their entire catalogue of products and 

styles. It really brought the project to life for us 

and quite quickly we found a vanity unit that 

worked both in terms of size but also style. 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS 

THE BIGGEST FOCUS AREA 

FOR YOU WHEN IT CAME TO 

REMODELLING? 

We of course wanted to completely refresh the 

room, but if I had to choose, then I would say 

the bath was the main focus. We are looking 

to start a family in the not so distant future, 

and with this room being the only bathroom 

in the house, a new fully functioning bathtub 

was extremely important to us. Our previous 

bath was a crescent shaped jacuzzi-style tub. 

The air jets had never worked since moving 

into the house, and they were always a pain to 

clean. We found that no matter how much you 

doused them in bleach, you never got rid of all 

the grime within them, and as such whenever 

you drew a bath you would notice all sorts of 

dirt seep out. That and the fact that there was 

barely any enamel left meant that we pretty 

much had never taken a bath since moving into 

the property! 

Vanity unit: Nuie Bathrooms, 

Hudson Reed Fusion Vanity Unit 

We knew we wanted a bathtub that stretched 

the entire width of the room, but we also 

decided (while using the 3D design tool), that an 

‘L-shaped’ bath suited the layout of the room 

best. Our bathroom is not the largest of rooms, 


and this shape of tub would utilise the space, while the shower screen 

would help create the illusion of a larger room. Plus, having the bathtub 

spanning the full width of the room meant optimum space for a relaxing 

soak at the end of a hectic day. 

WHAT STORAGE SOLUTIONS DOES THE NEW 

BATHROOM OFFER? 

We wanted to go for a clean look with the new design, maximizing the 

feeling of space as much as possible. Therefore it was important that 

the vanity unit offered a decent amount of storage. The Nuie Hudson 

Reed Fusion unit ticked a lot of boxes for us in this sense, as visually it 

offered a sleek, stylish and modern look, while also featuring two sets 

of cupboards for all our toiletries. Since it has been installed, we have 

actually found ourselves looking for bits and pieces to fill the space 

(even with the waste pipe hidden within it)! This ample amount of space 

has meant that we don’t need to clutter the windowsill and bathtub 

with toiletries, giving the room and all its gorgeous features a chance 

to shine. 

THE OVERHEAD SHOWER SYSTEM LOOKS LIKE A 

BIT OF A FEATURE IN ITSELF! 

It’s beautiful isn’t it? We were really keen to purchase an overhead 

shower, but I also wanted one that had a rinser kit arm also, to allow for 

those days when you aren’t washing your hair. I have always dreamed 

of owning one of those showers! And with it being available in matt 

black, it really has established itself as a feature of the room, as well as 

tying in beautifully with the matching monochrome taps below it. 

Our main goal with the refit was to create a bathroom that felt like 

an escape, and to ensure that clutter was kept to a minimum. And I 

think we have managed to achieve this through smart choices that are 

both practical, yet provide a sense of clean, chic style. We couldn’t be 

happier. 

NUIE BATHROOM 

DESIGN TOOL 

This was the dream tool when it came to 

mapping out our bathroom design. 

We were able to browse through all of 

Nuie’s products and styles, enter your room 

dimensions and plan our space in 3D to see 

our bathroom come to life. 

STOCKIST 

INFORMATION 

Before 

For bathroom furniture, ceramics, bath, 

shower, screen, heated towel rail and taps: 

Nuie Bathrooms 

www.nuiebathrooms.com 

For floor and wall tiles: Tile Choice 

www.tilechoice.co.uk 

For heated mirror: Pebble Grey 

www.pebblegrey.co.uk 

After 

Bathroom fitted and installed by 

JD Kitchen and Bathroom Installations 

f @jdkitchenandbathrooms 


KARNDEAN KARNDEAN • CORMAR • AMTICO CARPETS • ALTERNATIVE • TERNATIVE FLOORING TIVE FLOORING • ADAM • ADAM CARPETS AM CARPETS 

• TRADTIONAL & CONTEMPORARY RUGS • ULSTER 


We 

love 

Autumn at the Plant Centre 

With all the gorgeous colours of asters, dahlias, 

rudbeckias, japanese anenomes, sedums, verbenas and 

heathers blooming away, and many shrubs and trees 

looking stunning, and perfect planting conditions, what 

more could gardeners want? Autumn bedding perhaps, 

and houseplants from our ever-expanding range. Plus 

pots, tools and gloves for the big Autumn tidy-up … 

and you can make a start on Christmas shopping, with 

new giftware in, some of our decorations from last year 

reduced, and the new ones starting to come out on 

display. Don’t forget to check for reduced perennials and 

other bargains indoor and outdoor … and as we move into 

Winter, plan what to grow from seed next year. 

Open 9am - 5pm, 7 days a week 

Dog-friendly 

The Plant Centre, Bromfield, 

Ludlow SY8 2JR 

01584 856873 

www.ludlowplantcentre.co.uk 

The 

Stitchery 

A TRADITIONAL HABERDASHERY 

IN WORCESTERSHIRE! 

Stocking a wide range of fabulous 

fabrics, wonderful wools in every 

colour and all the haberdashery 

you need in the heart of 

Worcestershire. 

18 High Street 

Upton-upon-Severn 

Worcestershire WR8 0HB 

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 


PLANNING FOR A 

colourful spring 

Chimonanthus praecox 

In this edition, our regular 

contributor Matt Biggs gives us advice 

on how we can start planning ahead 

for a colourful Spring... 

With winter approaching and all the joys of the winter garden to 

anticipate, it might be difficult to think as far ahead as spring. 

However, a little forward planning and your spring garden will give 

you a display of colour that will reward your planning and give 

you even more to look forward to! 

Bulbs are a given, bulbs in borders, bulbs in pots and window 

boxes, bulbs indoors - we love bulbs! There are so many fantastic 

colours available, and you can plan for some really popping 

colour combos – deep blue hyacinths with orange tulips really 

make a statement, darkest purple with lime green, reds, oranges 

and pinks too – the choice is yours and there is a lot of choice. 

Bulbs are the obvious choice but there are so many other 

additions to ensure your spring is colourful – and fragrant too. 

Your local nursery or garden centre will have knowledgeable 

staff to advise you and there are magazines, radio and TV 

programmes a plenty too. There are some wonderfully fragrant 

shrubs for a really stunning display, and I have a couple of 

favourites. Daphne odora is a simply beautiful plant with pale 

pink/lilac flowers and dark green leaves, well worth growing 

and grow it somewhere near to the house where you can 

appreciate the delightful scent as you go to and fro. Another 

stunner is Sarcococca confusa – tiny white flowers that really 

pack a perfume punch and I have to add the Wintersweet plant, 

Chimonanthus praecox which has the most incredibly fragrant 

waxy yellow flowers. 

Sometimes it is also worth walking around your local area and 

taking a peek into what grows well. This is a really good tip if 

you have just moved in – it will give you a clue as to the soil type 

and prevailing winds etc. and if your good gardening neighbour 

happens to be in their garden it is a good way to meet people 

too – as is a visit to the local allotments. Autumn is all about the 

planning – and planning is such fun, so surround yourselves 

with plant catalogues, get to the garden centre and enjoy the 

anticipation of a spectacular Spring! 

To find out more about Matt visit his website 

matthewbiggs.com 

Also 

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Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 4AW 


For more than twenty years, Dr 

Lucy Pollock has specialised 

in treating and caring for older 

people. More recently, she has 

written a book, The Book About 

Getting Older, to help everyone 

better understand the challenges 

older people face. 

Lucy hopes that the book will give honest 

answers to tough questions, so that 

everyone can support their loved ones 

and themselves to lead long, happy, 

healthy lives. 

“Older people are just the rest of us 

grown up,” says Lucy simply. “But I 

think most people have an older person 

in their life – be it a spouse, neighbour, 

parent or grandparent – who they may 

be worried about.” 

“Information is power. So, for me, the 

best thing I can possibly do is to give 

readers the words and confidence they 

need to tackle difficult questions and 

situations. Later life can be complicated. 

If I’ve helped just one reader with that, 

then I’ll have done my job.” 

When did you become more personally 

aware of the challenges for older people? 

“Before I became a medical student, 

I hadn’t spent a lot of time with older 

people. My remaining two grandparents 

lived far away, and we didn’t have a very 

close relationship. But my father was 

a geriatrician, so I think I was always 

subconsciously drawn to practising 

medicine for older people because of 

that. I quickly learned that older people 

are so interesting, but they can be 

challenging to treat and diagnose – it’s 

very easy to get treatment wrong, but it’s 

enormously rewarding to get it right.” 

“Younger people can be awkward or naïve 

about older people, especially if they 

haven’t spent much time around them 

THE WORRIES & WONDERS 

OF AGEING 

before. I know I was guilty of this at the 

start of my medical career. But an older 

person is still a person. I’ve learned loads 

from my patients – not just about medicine, 

but about life. One of the greatest rewards 

of my job is simply listening and realising 

what’s important to somebody.” 

How can we debunk the 

misconceptions about older people 

and change their position in society? 

“What’s interesting is that even in countries 

like Japan where older people have 

historically been respected and revered, 

attitudes have been shifting recently and 

some of that respect has been slipping 

away. Respect is a very vulnerable concept, 

and it can be lost quite easily. So, I think 

what’s important instead is to develop 

honesty and clarity. It’s so crucial that we 

recognise that older people are as diverse 

as any other group of people. 

“Living a good later life also doesn’t mean 

that you need to be contented every day. 

For some reason, it’s often assumed 

that older people have a very bland set 

of emotions, but it’s just not the case. 

Many older people have been through 

some terrible things in their life, and it’s 

perfectly okay for them to have sad days. 

“As a society we need to be realistic 

and honest about older people, and this 

change in attitude needs to influence the 

decisions made by politicians and policy 

makers too.” 

You mention in your book that the 

‘goalposts of ageing’ have moved over 

the years. How do you define that? 

“Life expectancy has increased year-onyear 

until very recently, but ‘healthy life 

expectancy’ just hasn’t kept up at the 

same rate. This means that older people 

are – on average – living four years longer 

than 20 years ago, but they’re also living 

a bigger proportion of their lives with a 

disability. In some cases, this disability 

may not greatly affect their independence 

or ability to enjoy life, but for others it has 

a huge impact. 

“However, it’s important not to make 

assumptions. Assuming that someone 

doesn’t have a good quality of life just 

because they’re housebound is wrong. 

In the same way, an older person who 

appears to be happy and healthy may 

actually be very tired and ready for their 

life to come to an end. It’s nuanced, and 

we need to realise that our goals, wishes 

and expectations for our life evolve as we 

get older.” 

What are your hopes for the future of 

ageing? 

“Something I’ve been thinking very hard 

about over the last few years is how do 

we make ageing better. Most recently, the 

pandemic has obviously had a massive 

impact on people in later life. As well as 

the fear of coronavirus itself, many older 

people have been affected by physical 

and mental deconditioning from not 

getting outdoors, not being active and 

not seeing their families. So it’s important 

that we restore their confidence, because 

isolation can be incredibly damaging. 

“That’s where we all need to get better at 

solving these challenges. On an individual 

level, older people and their families 

must get better at talking to each other 

honestly about their problems and wishes. 

On a societal level, we need to prioritise 

making changes to healthcare systems 

and government policies to improve older 

people’s lives. I’m currently working on 

a local project to provide some hospital 

services at home, which will allow older 

people to access care in their own 

environments. This would be a game 

changer, but more needs to be done. And 

many staff are so tired and overwhelmed 

at the moment, so it’s very difficult. 

“There’s a long way to go but I believe 

things can change. Good care is cheaper 

than bad care. And listening to someone’s 

needs is more resource-effective than 

applying standard health guidelines. We 

must listen to every individual.” 

Having written the book, what is your 

top advice for a more positive outlook 

as we age? 

“Make time for humour and fun! Old 

age can be full of joy and laughter, but 

sometimes it’s easy to get busy or sink 

into a routine. Even if you have to plan 

a fun activity, make sure you regularly 

do something that gives you a lift. It’s 

vital to enjoy the small things and keep 

connecting to others.” 

Article from 

AgeUk - you can 

volunteer to help 

the organisation, 

plus find a wealth 

of advice and 

resources at 

ageuk.org.uk 

“Older people are accustomed to facing very difficult situations. 

In later life, your day-to-day existence can move from being 

relatively untroubled to quite complicated quickly.” 


Make New Friends 

This Autumn At 

Brockington House 

Brockington House is a luxury care home in the heart of Hereford, offering residential, 

nursing and dementia care. There is lots to do with a variety of daily activities, social areas 

to chat and share stories or cozy corners to relax and read a book. 

Please contact us on 01432 623324 or visit www.dormycare.co.uk

Need a hand 

with your 

hands? 

There’s no 

need to 

wait... 

Our expert consultants are passionate about 

your health and recovery. 

To book an assessment 

call: 01432 802600 

or visit: thewyeclinic.com 

The Wye Clinic is a centre of excellence in central Hereford 

for hand surgery, dermatology, the Hereford Menopause 

Clinic and much, much more.

Ludlow Lifestyle Sep - Oct 2022

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