West Berkshire Lifestyle Nov - Dec 2022
And just like that - Christmas is here! This special Nov/Dec edition celebrates the best of the festive season, with great gift ideas, fabulous pudding recipes, a guide to getting ready for guests and a whole host of other features to enjoy. Don’t forget to enter our competitions - this edition we really have a Christmas bonanza!
And just like that - Christmas is here! This special Nov/Dec edition celebrates the best of the festive season, with great gift ideas, fabulous pudding recipes, a guide to getting ready for guests and a whole host of other features to enjoy. Don’t forget to enter our competitions - this edition we really have a Christmas bonanza!
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
D&R FURNISHERS<br />
BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS, EXPERTLY FITTED<br />
FLOORING - Supply and fit of all types of carpets, natural flooring, engineered wood, LVT<br />
and vinyl. All sub floor preparation also provided.<br />
FURNISHINGS - Curtains, blinds, poles, tracks and shutters.<br />
FABRICS - We have the largest stock of fabrics in the south west, and hold pattern books<br />
from most of the designer fabric and wallpaper ranges.<br />
FURNITURE - A quality range of sofas and chairs, coffee tables, stools and mattresses.<br />
ACCESSORIES - a great range of lamps, cushions, bedding, rugs, gifts and candles to make<br />
your home a warm welcome.<br />
Free carpet, curtain and blind<br />
measuring service<br />
Get in touch with our friendly team today<br />
14-18 The Parade, Marlborough, Wilts, SN8 1NE<br />
01672 513491 www.dandrfurnishers.co.uk
C O N T E N T S<br />
A NOTE<br />
from the editor<br />
10<br />
FESTIVE DESSERTS TO INSPIRE<br />
I do hope you’re ready for<br />
some festive fun - because<br />
this edition is coming in<br />
with (sleigh) bells on! After<br />
so many years of disrupted<br />
celebrations, it’s great to be<br />
able to look forward to some<br />
normality and really get into<br />
the spirit.<br />
First up we’ve got some<br />
delicious recipes - if you aren’t<br />
a fan of Christmas pudding<br />
(I’m in your camp) we’ve got<br />
lots of alternatives to keep<br />
everyone happy!<br />
04<br />
COMPETITIONS<br />
If you are hosting Christmas<br />
guests this year, we’ve got all<br />
the tips and tricks you need to<br />
make the experience stressless<br />
for you and comfortable<br />
for your visitors - it will be so<br />
lovely, they may even want a<br />
repeat stay! Heaven forbid!<br />
The competition section in<br />
this edition is a real bonanza<br />
- we’ve got an adult and child<br />
bike duo, a smart washing<br />
machine, 2 x £150 vouchers<br />
for cashmere clothes and<br />
accessories, a deluxe hamper<br />
and family fun at the Sea Life<br />
centre all to be won!<br />
16<br />
GUEST BEDROOM<br />
Editor Katie Thomson<br />
e katie@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
Assistant Editor Kate Norris<br />
Publisher Sally Thomson<br />
Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose<br />
Contributors<br />
Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,<br />
Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence<br />
FOR ADVERTISING<br />
Account Manager Helen Skeates<br />
e helen.skeates@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
t 01225 984494<br />
Cover image courtesy of Waitrose<br />
20<br />
READY FOR WINTER?<br />
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS<br />
Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,<br />
Hilperton BA14 6JB<br />
t 01225 984 550<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
Printed on sustainably sourced paper.<br />
Please recycle this copy or pass it along<br />
when you are finished for someone else<br />
to enjoy.<br />
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be<br />
held liable for any loss occasioned by<br />
failure of an advertisement to appear, or<br />
any damage or inconvenience caused by<br />
errors, omissions and misprints. No part of<br />
this publication may be reproduced without<br />
prior permission from the publishers.<br />
The opinions expressed within are not<br />
necessarily those of the publishers.<br />
This is all alongside our usual<br />
dose of school, home, garden<br />
and later life advice.<br />
I hope you enjoy this issue<br />
and have some time in the<br />
coming months to take pause<br />
and reflect on the year - the<br />
passing of a much loved<br />
monarch, but a host of new<br />
beginnings - we will have the<br />
first King’s Christmas speech<br />
this year to punctuate our<br />
own celebrations. However<br />
you spend the festive season,<br />
I, and the rest of the team<br />
here, wish you a very happy<br />
Christmas and a peaceful<br />
New Year - see you in 2023!<br />
Katie<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3
COMPETITION<br />
To enter any (or all!) of our competitions, head to<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions.<br />
Find the competition and enter on that post,<br />
using the appropriate keyword.<br />
T&C’s apply and no cash alternatives available. Winners chosen at<br />
random - entries made after closing date will not be accepted.<br />
WIN Bobbin, the<br />
A SET OF PARENT London based<br />
AND CHILD independent<br />
bike retailer<br />
MATCHING offers a<br />
VINTAGE STYLE selection<br />
BIKES FROM of vintage<br />
style bikes in<br />
BOBBIN<br />
pastels and<br />
BIKES! beautiful bright<br />
shades, suitable<br />
from age two with<br />
balance bikes, all the way up to<br />
adults.<br />
They also offer a range of<br />
complimentary accessories<br />
including wicker baskets, pannier bags,<br />
helmets and bike decorations.<br />
We are offering one lucky reader an<br />
adult Brownie 7 Dutch Bike worth £549,<br />
Bobbin’s signature Dutch bicycle and a<br />
matching child’s Gingersnap bike (12”-<br />
26”) start from £189<br />
All handmade in small batches the<br />
Bobbin bikes offer high quality and<br />
comfortable, not to mention stylish,<br />
leisure bikes for the whole family.<br />
www.bobbinbikes.com<br />
Closes 19/12/<strong>2022</strong> -<br />
Competition keyword: ‘BOBBIN’<br />
Did you know that a Candy RapidO washing machine is so<br />
smart that you can show it a photo of your laundry and it will<br />
tell you the perfect cycle to wash it at? Candy’s Snap&Wash<br />
smart feature allows users to communicate with their washing<br />
machine via an app. This feature offers technology that provides<br />
efficiency from the comfort of your phone.<br />
If you like to keep things simple but not compromise on quality,<br />
then Candy is the perfect option for you. And we have a smart<br />
Candy RapidO washing machine to offer one lucky reader!<br />
www.candy-home.com<br />
Closes 19/12/<strong>2022</strong> - Competition keywords: ‘CANDY RAPIDO’<br />
Loop Cashmere is the home<br />
of feel good cashmere. Each<br />
garment is crafted with love,<br />
following sustainable practises<br />
from goat to finished garment.<br />
Our Winter 22 collection is out<br />
now, offering gorgeous lofty knits,<br />
irresistible textures and a rainbow of<br />
colour. The collection is designed in the<br />
softest cashmere to effortlessly see you<br />
through the winter months in complete<br />
luxury.<br />
We’re offering you the chance to win one of<br />
two £150 gift vouchers and treat yourself or<br />
a loved one, to a little sustainable luxury.<br />
www.loopcashmere.co.uk.<br />
Closes 19/12/<strong>2022</strong> - Competition keyword<br />
‘LOOP’<br />
WIN<br />
2 X £150<br />
VOUCHERS<br />
TO ONLINE<br />
WITH LOOP<br />
CASHMERE!<br />
WIN<br />
A CANDY SMART<br />
WASHING<br />
MACHINE<br />
WORTH OVER<br />
£400!<br />
Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas?<br />
Delight your friends and family with a selection box of delicious<br />
treats. One lucky reader will win a ‘<strong>Dec</strong>adent Christmas in a<br />
Box’ containing the following:<br />
6kg Free Range Whole Turkey | 4.5kg Unsmoked Ham | 1kg<br />
Side of Smoked Salmon | 1kg Organic Cheddar | 1kg Cropwell<br />
Bishop Stilton | Christmas Pudding | Harrow & Hope Brut<br />
Reserve (750ml bottle) | Classic Cranberry Sauce | Granny’s<br />
Apple Chutney | Artisan Coronation Sauce | British Goose<br />
Fat | Luxury Bread Sauce | Traditional Roast Gravy | Sage &<br />
Onion Stuffing | Pigs In Blankets | 200g Smoked Chicken 200g<br />
Smoked Duck.<br />
www.copasturkeys.co.uk<br />
Closes 09/12/<strong>2022</strong> - Competition keyword ‘COPAS’<br />
Discover the amazing<br />
underwater world of the<br />
SEA LIFE Aquariums<br />
at one of the 11<br />
locations throughout<br />
WIN<br />
4 X TICKETS<br />
TO ANY SEA<br />
LIFE CENTRE!<br />
WIN<br />
CHRISTMAS IN<br />
A BOX WORTH<br />
OVER £400<br />
WITH COPAS<br />
TURKEYS!<br />
the UK and Ireland.<br />
Are you a Shark lover, a<br />
Humboldt Penguin fan, or<br />
a clownfish fanatic? At SEA<br />
LIFE you can see them all - from<br />
the curious and the rescued to the rare and the enigmatic. Every<br />
SEA LIFE is unique, and so are its creatures – a visit here will get<br />
you closer to the oceans than ever before.<br />
There are 11 SEA LIFE centres where the prize can be redeemed;<br />
London, Birmingham, Great Yarmouth, Loch Lomond,<br />
Blackpool, Brighton, Manchester, Scarborough, Hunstanton,<br />
Weymouth and Bray. Three lucky readers will win 4x tickets.<br />
www.merlinannualpass.co.uk<br />
Closes 19/12/<strong>2022</strong> - Competition keywords: ‘SEA LIFE’<br />
4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
BUYSPECS DIRECT<br />
We are a family business supported by a friendly professional<br />
team that caters for all your optical needs. From detailed eye<br />
examinations to a wide choice of eyewear, your eye health is in<br />
good hands at BuySpecs Direct.<br />
BUYSPECS DIRECT<br />
Our philosophy is to provide tailored, high quality optical care<br />
for you and your family at an affordable price.<br />
FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS<br />
BUYSPEC<br />
BUYSPECS DIRECT<br />
Complete single vision spectacles from only quality £19.99 optical care for you and<br />
at BuySpecs Direct.<br />
Complete varifocal BUYSPECS spectacles from DIRECT<br />
only £99.99<br />
Our phliosophy is to provide tallored, high<br />
FREE NHS SIGHT<br />
affordable price Co<br />
C<br />
quality optical care for you and your family at an<br />
affordable We are a family price. Complete business single supported vision spectacles by a frien<br />
professional team Complete that caters varifocal for spectacles all your opt fr<br />
FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS<br />
needs. From detailed eye examinations to a w<br />
Complete single choice vision of spectacles eyewear, from your eye only health £19.99 is in good h<br />
Complete varifocal spectacles<br />
FABULOUS at from BuySpecs only £99.99 Direct. AND AFF<br />
Our phliosophy Buyspecs Direct, is to provide Unit 9, Pipers tallored, Court, high<br />
FABULOUS AND quality optical AFFORDABLE care for you<br />
01635<br />
and EYEWEA<br />
your<br />
293578<br />
family<br />
bst<br />
a<br />
affordable price.<br />
Buyspecs Direct, Unit 9, Pipers Court, <strong>Berkshire</strong> Drive, Thatcham RG1<br />
FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS<br />
FABULOUS AND AFFORDABLE 01635 293578 EYEWEAR bst@berkslabs.com<br />
Complete FABULOUS single vision AND spectacles from only £<br />
Buyspecs Direct, Unit 9, Pipers Court, <strong>Berkshire</strong> Drive, Complete Thatcham varifocal RG19 4ER spectacles from only £99<br />
FABULOUS AND AFFORDABLE Tomographer) which uses EYEWEAR<br />
laser scans<br />
W<br />
p<br />
n<br />
ch<br />
We are a family business suppor<br />
professional team that caters fo<br />
needs. From detailed eye examin<br />
We are a family business supported choice of by eyewear, a friendly your eye health<br />
qu<br />
professional team that caters for all your optical at BuySpecs Direc<br />
needs. From detailed eye examinations<br />
Our phliosophy<br />
to a wide<br />
is to provide<br />
choice of eyewear, your eye health is in good hands<br />
01635 293578 bst@berkslabs.com<br />
FREE OCT & FUNDUS PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
for everyone examined.<br />
AFFORDABLE EYEWEAR<br />
Our practice offers Topcon Maestro<br />
3D-OCT (Ocular Coherence<br />
to detect early macula changes and<br />
Buyspecs Direct, Unit 9, Pipers glaucoma Court, <strong>Berkshire</strong> retinal Drive, nerve Thatcham fibre changes RG19 4ER<br />
01635 293578 that bst@berkslabs.com<br />
would not be visible through our<br />
other tests. It also allows us to measure<br />
corneal central thickness and assess<br />
Anterior Chamber Angles. We strongly<br />
recommend regular OCT examination<br />
especially if you are diabetic, have a<br />
family history of glaucoma or moderate<br />
to high short sightedness.<br />
Buyspecs Direct, Unit 9, Pipers Court, <strong>Berkshire</strong> Drive, Thatcham RG19 4ER<br />
01635 293578 bst@berkslabs.com
A<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
CAROL<br />
WRITTEN BY<br />
BETH FLINTOFF<br />
DIRECTION<br />
PAUL STACEY<br />
30 NOV – 31 DEC <strong>2022</strong><br />
BOOK TICKETS NOW AT READINGREP.COM<br />
0118 370 2620 | READING REP THEATRE, KINGS ROAD, READING, RG1 4LY<br />
READING REP’S 10TH SEASON IS SPONSORED BY MUSE CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Disco<br />
Discover Beau’s<br />
THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR AT<br />
DONNINGTON GROVE<br />
Beau’s<br />
at Donnington Grove,<br />
at Donnington G<br />
simply an amazing restaurant<br />
afternoon teas and dinner. W<br />
food sourced from local suppli<br />
simply an amazing restaurant for breakfast, lunch,<br />
afternoon teas and dinner. We offer freshly prepared<br />
food sourced from local suppliers – great for Sunday lunch<br />
With crackling log fires, twinkling lights, mulled wine and, if we’re lucky, snow<br />
settling all around, the festive season is the perfect time of year to come together<br />
with the ones you love.<br />
“No<br />
plent<br />
And where better to enjoy the lead up to Christmas and New Year than at<br />
Donnington Grove?<br />
Tel: 01635 58<br />
Throughout <strong>Dec</strong>ember, cosy up in our country house hotel with a festive afternoon<br />
tea, enjoy an evening of fine food and plenty festive of feelings it, and at one country of our Party washing” Nights, or<br />
tuck into a traditional feast from our Christmas Menu. restaurant@donnington-grove.com<br />
Then see 2023 with our<br />
New Year’s Eve menu served in Beau’s Restaurant.<br />
Grove Beau Road, Brummel<br />
Newbury, Buy one,<br />
<strong>West</strong> <strong>Berkshire</strong> RG14 2LA<br />
get one fr<br />
DINE FROM £25 PER PERSON<br />
www.donnington-grove.comAfternoon T<br />
Tel: 01635 581000<br />
Tel: 01635 581000<br />
restaurant@donnington-grove.com<br />
restaurant@donnington-grove.com<br />
Grove Road, Newbury, Buy one,<br />
Grove Road, Newbury,<br />
<strong>West</strong> <strong>Berkshire</strong> RG14 2LA<br />
get one free<br />
<strong>West</strong> <strong>Berkshire</strong> RG14 2LA<br />
www.donnington-grove.comAfternoon Tea<br />
www.donnington-grove.com<br />
Bring this voucher to redeem<br />
Valid until end of September 2019.<br />
“No perfumes, but very fine linen,<br />
Bring this voucher to redeem<br />
Valid until end of September 20
Putting Girls First<br />
GSA Schools Create Happy, Well-Rounded, Confident Women<br />
The facts are that girls’ schools are<br />
crucial to achieving gender equality;<br />
they level the playing field for girls and<br />
consistently campaign for the benefit of<br />
girls and women, and always have.<br />
Looking At Women’s Lives Now<br />
In <strong>2022</strong> we are still five generations<br />
away from achieving gender parity<br />
at current rates of change. Whether<br />
deliberate or not gender bias still<br />
affects women’s life opportunities and<br />
ambitions. This has nothing to do with<br />
the innate talents and skills of girls<br />
and women of course; The Peterson<br />
Institute’s largest ever international<br />
survey of 92 countries found that<br />
companies with 30% more women<br />
at the top (at C-suite level) saw a 15<br />
percent increase in profitability in<br />
business.<br />
The Power of Girls’ Schools<br />
A modern girls-only education is vital<br />
to help girls achieve their full potential.<br />
Our schools put their ambitions firmly<br />
the centre. It’s at the heart of all we do.<br />
The Facts About Girls in Girls’ Schools<br />
In all girls’ environments:<br />
• Girls in classrooms are more likely<br />
to pursue ambitious educational<br />
goals<br />
• Girls excel athletically and have<br />
greater chances for leadership roles<br />
• Girls achieve a disproportionately<br />
large share of the top exam grades<br />
in the UK<br />
• Internationally educating girls is<br />
life changing, lifting people out of<br />
poverty, growing economies and<br />
saving lives<br />
Whereas:<br />
• Girls working alongside high<br />
achieving boys set their education<br />
goals lower, lack confidence in their<br />
abilities, and do less well in science<br />
and maths in contrast to girls in<br />
girls’ schools.<br />
• Girls get less teaching time in co-ed<br />
schools because generally teachers<br />
interact with boys more often in the<br />
classroom by a margin of 10 to 30<br />
percent<br />
Donna Stevens, GSA CEO: “Our mission<br />
at GSA is help our pupils create the world<br />
as it should be - a place where every<br />
girl can achieve and lead. An all- girls<br />
education gifts every girl with the skills<br />
and appetite to recognise her full talents<br />
and realise a brilliant life.”<br />
“The world should be a place where every girl can<br />
learn and lead. To achieve this we must ensure our<br />
economies, societies and education systems work for<br />
girls, not against them.”<br />
Malala Yousafazi<br />
GSA Alumna, Edgbaston High School<br />
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
GR Swimming<br />
Schools<br />
GR Swimming Schools has just scooped a<br />
coveted award in the swimming world –<br />
Swim England Swim School of the Year <strong>2022</strong>!<br />
Which means we have the best swim school right here on our<br />
doorstep serving Newbury, Hermitage, Bucklebury, Thatcham,<br />
Goring, Pangbourne & everywhere in between.<br />
They proved that they are worthy by:<br />
• providing lessons to children, adults, people with<br />
aquaphobia and are actively inclusive to SENs children.<br />
• Their teachers commitment to continue to learn and<br />
develop.<br />
• They have the highest safeguarding and safety standards<br />
and continually strive to maintain them.<br />
This is GR were recently certified as a Centre of Excellence by<br />
the Institute of Aquaphobia. Jo’s next challenge is to find more<br />
pool time locally to enable GR to expand their Aquaphobia<br />
programme and to also deliver 121 lessons to children with<br />
SENs. Hence their slogan “Every child is different – every child<br />
is equal”<br />
For more information about lessons, careers or pool time =<br />
swimlessons.co.uk or jo@swimlessons.co.uk<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
Swim England Swim School<br />
of the Year <strong>2022</strong><br />
■ Advanced Aquaphobia coach<br />
available for children & adult<br />
lessons in the local area.<br />
■ Uniquely structured,<br />
safe, FUN! Lessons from<br />
3 yrs. Continual<br />
assessment and lane<br />
progression.<br />
Max 6 children per class.<br />
■ Waiting list bookings for<br />
January 2023 being taken now.<br />
■ Mums - looking for a great job outside of school<br />
hours? Re-train to be a swimming teacher!<br />
We are an independent family run swim school<br />
- not a franchise<br />
*Every child is different, every child is equal*<br />
jo@swimlessons.co.uk | swimlessons.co.uk<br />
T: 07853 194327<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 9
FESTIVE<br />
Not a fan of traditional Christmas pudding or<br />
Fancies<br />
feel like shaking it up this year? Here are some<br />
amazing desserts that are every bit as festive...<br />
STICKY DATE PUDDINGS<br />
Preparation time: 25 minutes<br />
Cooking time: 35 minutes<br />
Serves: 8<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra<br />
for greasing<br />
80g light brown muscovado sugar<br />
6 Waitrose Medjool Dates, pitted and<br />
finely chopped<br />
3 British Blacktail Free Range Medium<br />
Eggs<br />
2 tbsp treacle<br />
175g self-raising flour<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1 heaped tsp mixed spice<br />
½ tsp fine sea salt<br />
2 tbsp whole milk<br />
STICKY DATE SAUCE<br />
40g unsalted butter<br />
3 Waitrose Medjool Dates, pitted and<br />
finely chopped<br />
125g light brown muscovado sugar<br />
250ml double cream, plus extra to serve<br />
METHOD<br />
For the puddings, preheat the oven<br />
to 180ºC, gas mark 4. Lightly grease<br />
8 mini pudding moulds (each about<br />
175ml in volume), put a small circle<br />
of baking parchment in the base of<br />
each, then sit them in a large, deep-sided<br />
roasting tin.<br />
Boil the kettle. In a large bowl, using<br />
electric beaters, cream the butter, sugar<br />
and dates for 2-3 minutes until light<br />
and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and then the<br />
treacle. Lightly beat in the flour, baking<br />
powder, mixed spice and salt, then<br />
loosen the mixture with the milk. Divide<br />
the mixture evenly between the moulds;<br />
it should fill them about halfway.<br />
Pour a kettle of just-boiled water into<br />
the roasting tin so the water sits about<br />
halfway up the outside of the moulds.<br />
Cover the top<br />
of the<br />
tin with 3 layers of large pleated sheets<br />
of tin foil, ensuring the foil is tightly<br />
sealed around the edges (you don’t want<br />
steam to escape as the puddings won’t<br />
rise). Bake for 30 minutes until risen and<br />
springy.<br />
To make the sauce, put the butter, dates<br />
and sugar in a saucepan and set over<br />
a low heat. Add a pinch of salt and<br />
stir occasionally until the sugar has<br />
dissolved. Stir in the double cream until<br />
combined; keep warm.<br />
Remove the foil and carefully release the<br />
side of the puddings from the moulds<br />
using a small, sharp knife. Invert onto<br />
plates and pour over the sticky date<br />
sauce, adding a little extra whipped<br />
cream, if liked.<br />
All recipes and images courtesy of<br />
Waitrose. You can find thousands more<br />
recipes at www.waitrose.com/recipes<br />
10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
fee fi fo fUn for<br />
all the family at the<br />
corn exchange pantomime!<br />
written and directed By plested Brown and wilsher<br />
Illustrations by Armadillo Images<br />
Fri 25 <strong>Nov</strong> – Sat 31 <strong>Dec</strong><br />
www.cornexchangenew.com/panto | Box office 01635 522733<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 11
CHOCOLATE &<br />
HAZELNUT<br />
SNOWFLAKE<br />
Preparation<br />
time: 25<br />
minutes +<br />
chilling<br />
Cooking time: 35<br />
minutes<br />
Serves: 8<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
2 x 320g packs Jus-Rol Puff Pastry<br />
Sheet<br />
100g hazelnut chocolate spread<br />
50g chopped roasted hazelnuts<br />
1 British Blacktail Free Range Medium<br />
Egg, lightly beaten<br />
Icing sugar, for dusting<br />
METHOD<br />
Unroll both of the pastry sheets and<br />
cut a 20-22cm circle from each (save<br />
the offcuts to make tarts, cheese twists<br />
or palmiers). Put one pastry circle on a<br />
sheet of baking parchment and cover<br />
one side evenly with hazelnut chocolate<br />
spread. Sprinkle over ½ the hazelnuts,<br />
leaving a 1cm border around the edge.<br />
Put the second pastry circle on top,<br />
12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
pressing<br />
lightly around<br />
the border to seal.<br />
Put the lid of a small jar (about<br />
4-5cm in diameter) in the centre of<br />
the pastry (so you don’t cut through it),<br />
then use a sharp knife to cut the pastry<br />
into quarters (excluding the central<br />
circle). Cut down the centre of each<br />
quarter and then repeat. You should have<br />
16 equal strips of pastry attached to the<br />
centre.<br />
Take 2 strips next to each other and twist<br />
them away from each other 3 times.<br />
Press the ends together in a point, to<br />
seal. Repeat all the way around the<br />
circle – you should now have 8 snowflake<br />
‘arms’. Slide the snowflake, on its<br />
parchment,<br />
onto a baking<br />
sheet; chill for<br />
30 minutes. 4<br />
Preheat the oven<br />
to 200ºC, gas<br />
mark 6.<br />
Lightly brush the<br />
egg all over the top of<br />
the snowflake. Bake for 30-35<br />
minutes until golden and puffed up. Allow<br />
to cool, then dust with icing sugar and<br />
sprinkle over the remaining hazelnuts to<br />
serve.<br />
COOK’S TIP<br />
If at any point while making the<br />
snowflake the pastry becomes<br />
soft or difficult to work with, put<br />
it in the fridge for 15 minutes to<br />
cool and firm up.
For a truly scrumptious Christmas<br />
Festive fare, great gifts and seasonal decorations<br />
Rosebourne ,<br />
Basingstoke Road,<br />
Aldermaston,<br />
Reading, RG7 4LD<br />
Rosebourne ,<br />
Amesbury Road,<br />
Weyhill,<br />
Andover, SP11 8ED<br />
Follow us:<br />
@LoveRosebourne<br />
www.rosebourne.co.uk<br />
Servicing & mechanical repairs<br />
Diagnostics<br />
Air conditioning / climate control<br />
Pre MOT checks and repairs service<br />
Registered MOT testing station<br />
Fleet management Cars or Vans<br />
Electric / Hybrid vehicle servicing<br />
Managed by Affinity Trust, Englefield Garden Centre<br />
is located on the beautiful Englefield Estate. Our team<br />
is made up of professional horticulturists and adults<br />
with learning disabilities. Together we grow more than<br />
100,000 plants a year.<br />
Englefield Garden Centre, The Street, Englefield,<br />
Theale, <strong>Berkshire</strong>, RG7 5ES<br />
0118 930 4898<br />
austincrabbe@affinitytrust.org<br />
www.englefieldgardencentre.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 13
VEGAN CHOCOLATE &<br />
COCONUT CARAMEL POTS<br />
Preparation time: 30 minutes + chilling<br />
Cooking time: 15 minutes<br />
Makes: 4<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
200ml pouch coconut milk<br />
2 pitted medjool dates, roughly chopped<br />
1 tsp vanilla bean paste<br />
100g vegan dark chocolate (such as Raw<br />
Halo Dark 85%), finely chopped<br />
250ml pack Oatly Whippable Creamy Oat<br />
1 tbsp maple syrup<br />
Raw vegan cacao powder, for dusting<br />
METHOD<br />
Put the coconut milk, dates and vanilla<br />
in a blender and whizz until smooth. Tip<br />
into a small pan and bring to the boil.<br />
Simmer vigorously, stirring regularly for<br />
10 minutes until thick and reduced by<br />
half. Divide between 4 small glasses and<br />
set aside to cool, then cover and chill for<br />
at least 1 hour.<br />
When the coconut caramel has chilled,<br />
put the chocolate in a medium mixing<br />
bowl. In a small pan, heat 100ml<br />
whippable creamy oat and the maple<br />
syrup to just before boiling. Take off the<br />
heat and pour over the chocolate in the<br />
bowl. Leave to melt for 1 minute, then stir<br />
until smooth.<br />
Put the remaining 150ml whippable<br />
creamy oat in another mixing bowl and<br />
use electric beaters to whisk to soft<br />
peaks. Set aside 2 tbsp to garnish, then<br />
fold the rest into the melted chocolate.<br />
Spoon into the glasses on top of the<br />
coconut caramel. Serve with a dollop<br />
of the whipped creamy oat and a<br />
dusting of cacao. These are best served<br />
immediately, but can be covered and<br />
chilled for up to 30 minutes.<br />
COOK’S TIP<br />
Make a double batch of the<br />
caramel, then cover and store<br />
in the fridge for up to 3 days.<br />
It’s particularly delicious<br />
spooned over baked apples.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15
BE OUR<br />
‘Tis (nearly) the season for hosting visitors - we’ve got top<br />
Guest<br />
tips on creating a sumptuous guest bedroom, plus tips to<br />
improve all areas of the home<br />
Left: Caitlin Marie Design,<br />
caitlinmariedesign.com<br />
Above: Annabel Grimshaw<br />
Interior Design (image from Chris<br />
Snook), annabelgrimshaw.com<br />
THE BEDROOM<br />
DON’T: WORRY IF YOU<br />
HAVEN’T GOT LOTS OF<br />
SPACE<br />
Ultimately you have to work with what<br />
you’ve got - in the last 2 years, many of<br />
us have seen our guest rooms overhauled<br />
to become home offices. If you’ve<br />
ditched the bed don’t worry - how about<br />
adding an attractive sofa bed that you<br />
can actually use the rest of the time as a<br />
break out area from your desk.<br />
DO: PROVIDE BASIC<br />
AMENITIES<br />
The more things you can put in the room<br />
to make their stay easier, without having<br />
to ask you for everything, the more<br />
relaxed everyone will feel. A mirror is<br />
important, as are fresh towels, tissues,<br />
and perhaps even a hair dryer. A bedside<br />
carafe and some glasses means they can<br />
help themselves to water too.<br />
DO: INVEST IN GOOD<br />
WINDOW TREATMENTS<br />
As you might have never slept in this<br />
space, you might not know how light<br />
behaves or how effective the current<br />
window treatments are for blocking out<br />
light. For a really luxurious look, pair<br />
blackout blinds or shutters with thick,<br />
decorative drapery. Shutters give a lovely<br />
secure feel to a space and really finish<br />
the room.<br />
DON’T: SETTLE FOR A<br />
LUMPY MATTRESS<br />
The same goes for the mattress as the<br />
window treatments - spend a night in the<br />
room and see if the bed is up to scratch.<br />
DO: PROVIDE GOOD<br />
LIGHTING<br />
Multi-level lighting is key for making a<br />
space feel cosy - make sure there are<br />
two bedside lamps and then another<br />
light source in the space, such as a<br />
standing lamp in the corner or a lamp on<br />
a dressing table<br />
DON’T: SKIMP ON THE<br />
BED LINENS<br />
Good bed linen really is worth the money<br />
- and it tends to wash better too. Provide<br />
a good quality duvet and pillows, linens<br />
and some additional blankets if your<br />
guests feel the cold.<br />
DO: CREATE<br />
SOMEWHERE THEY CAN<br />
UNPACK<br />
We all know it’s a bit stressful trying to<br />
live out of a suitcase - allowing for some<br />
hanging space and a few drawers to<br />
unpack into, can really help guests keep<br />
on top of things whilst they’re with you.<br />
DO: MAKE IT SMELL<br />
LOVELY<br />
Kit the room out with either fresh flowers,<br />
a reed diffuser, or room sprays. Neom<br />
candles have range of wonderful relaxing<br />
scents, which can fragrance the room<br />
even when they are not lit (Complete<br />
Bliss Scented Candle, 3 Wick, £48).<br />
Pillow spray to help deep sleep is also a<br />
lovely touch to make the<br />
space feel<br />
homely.<br />
16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Image Hypnos Beds<br />
LEADING BRANDS AT<br />
AMAZING PRICES<br />
“Over 25 Mattresses to try from leading<br />
manufacturers such as Hypnos, Kaymed,<br />
Mlily, Dormeo and many more...”<br />
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY<br />
FREE ONSITE PARKING<br />
OLD BED / MATTRESS DISPOSAL AVAILABLE<br />
New shop now open!<br />
Unit 1, 23 Salisbury Road, Amesbury, SP4 7AW<br />
www.elitebedsandmattressesdirect.co.uk<br />
Thatcham: Unit 9, Wyvale Garden<br />
Centre, Bath Road, Thatcham,<br />
RG18 3AN • Tel : 01635 897665<br />
Devizes: l & 2 Windsor Drive, Devizes,<br />
SNlO 2TH • Tel: 01380 887943<br />
Thatcham<br />
✓ Friendly in-home service ✓ Options for every budget ✓ Price includes measuring & fitting<br />
YOUR LOCAL BLINDS,<br />
CURTAINS & SHUTTERS<br />
SPECIALIST<br />
• I provide expert advice on the<br />
best window solutions<br />
• Flexible appointment times<br />
• Blinds & curtains tailor-made<br />
here in the UK<br />
“My local advisor helped me<br />
find a blind to fit my budget.<br />
The service was second to none”.<br />
Laura Jackson, customer<br />
• Ask me about multi-blind<br />
discounts<br />
• I won’t be beaten on price*<br />
• Electric blinds available<br />
ROLLERS | ROMANS | VERTICALS | VENETIANS | CURTAINS | SHUTTERS | WOODEN BLINDS<br />
Call me for a free in-home appointment:<br />
Phil Rose 07971602751<br />
*Based on the same spec, size & levels of service.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 17
Skimmia japonica<br />
DON’T: BE A<br />
PERFECTIONIST<br />
If your guests were hoping for hotel<br />
standards, then that’s where they should<br />
have stayed. Just aim to make sure<br />
the space is clean, comfortable and<br />
functional, then relax - there’s enough to<br />
be worrying about in the festive season<br />
without adding high expectations on top<br />
of that.<br />
THE REST OF<br />
THE HOUSE<br />
DO: ASSESS YOUR KERB<br />
APPEAL<br />
We can all become a little immune to the<br />
scenes we see every day, so taking a bit<br />
of time to objectively assess how things<br />
look can be really helpful. Give the area a<br />
sweep and a clear out, check wall lights<br />
are working, that your doormat is in good<br />
condition, and that any glass has had a<br />
good clean. Clean the door itself too - it<br />
really does help things look more up and<br />
together. If your door is on its last legs,<br />
now is the time to get a new one ordered<br />
- as a bonus it could save you money on<br />
heating your home too.<br />
Then, really set off your door with a<br />
classic wreath - you could make your<br />
own to really make it tie in with the<br />
setting, or to your personal tastes - go<br />
ultra-traditional with orange slices<br />
and berries or something a bit more<br />
contemporary with feathers or dried<br />
grasses.<br />
DON’T: FORGET TO<br />
REPAIR DAMAGE<br />
Last summer was exceptionally hot and<br />
dry, resulting in lots of hairline cracks<br />
from the humidity in the air. These are<br />
easy to fine fill, sand and repaint - it’s a<br />
quick job but makes such a difference.<br />
DO: REFRESH YOUR<br />
PLANTERS<br />
There are lots of great options for you to<br />
add some winter colour to pots at the<br />
front of your home. The little bobbing<br />
heads of cyclamen are gorgeous, as<br />
is the structure from winter heather.<br />
Skimmia japonica is a super winter<br />
shrub - glossy leaved and just the right<br />
size for pots, when winter is over and the<br />
container display has come to an end,<br />
you could plant them out in the garden<br />
to grow on. They come in a variety of<br />
shades - covered in clusters of longlasting<br />
buds during autumn and winter<br />
which eventually open to delicate flowers<br />
in spring.<br />
DO: RESTOCK<br />
CUPBOARDS<br />
Make sure your guests know where<br />
tea and coffee are kept and that they<br />
can help themselves - this is especially<br />
important if your morning routine is<br />
different to theirs. Some mince pies or<br />
other freshly baked goods are a lovely<br />
treat, especially if your guests have<br />
travelled far to see you.<br />
DO: KEEP SPARES<br />
It’s a nice gesture to make sure there<br />
are spares for those commonly-used,<br />
and often forgotten, items - toothpaste<br />
and other travel-sized toiletries and a<br />
phone charger. It makes people feel more<br />
comfortable if they can be self sufficient,<br />
without having to constantly ask to<br />
borrow things.<br />
DON’T: FORGET TO<br />
PROVIDE SEATING<br />
Think about where you are likely to<br />
congregate together and make sure<br />
there is enough seating to accommodate<br />
everyone at once. This might be at the<br />
kitchen table or the living room. Pouffes<br />
and ottomans make great occasional<br />
seating which can be tucked out the way<br />
when not in use. We love classic leather<br />
Moroccan designs, or storage ottomans<br />
which can be used for blanket storage.<br />
DON’T: FORGET TO<br />
RELAX<br />
For most of us, Christmas affords some<br />
rare time to relax in the company of those<br />
we hold dearest. Don’t<br />
forget to enjoy the<br />
company of those<br />
you are hosting<br />
- and don’t<br />
sweat the<br />
small details<br />
- your guests<br />
are just happy<br />
to see you!<br />
A festive wreath creates<br />
a warm welcome<br />
Moroccan Leather Pouffe, £99, hauslife.co.uk<br />
Macedon Storage Ottoman<br />
£92.99, wayfair.co.uk<br />
18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
PREPARE YOUR<br />
HOME FOR WINTER<br />
Taking on some basic maintenance can help<br />
prepare your home for winter as the changing<br />
weather conditions can cause costly damage. With<br />
a few easy steps you can be winter ready for the<br />
long, cold months ahead...<br />
1. SERVICE YOUR BOILER<br />
Your boiler should be serviced annually<br />
to make sure that it’s still safe to use and<br />
works efficiently. Ideally this should be<br />
done before the heating season. This<br />
will give you some time to make sure<br />
everything is still working before the days<br />
get too cold!<br />
There are other ways to ensure your<br />
central heating is efficient. Bleeding<br />
radiators, to release trapped air, is a DIY<br />
task. While power flushing, a job best left<br />
to the plumbers and heating engineers,<br />
can ensure a build up of sludge is<br />
removed from radiators.<br />
2. INSULATE YOUR LOFT SPACE<br />
If you haven’t already insulated this<br />
space, or you have poorly performing<br />
insulation that has slumped over time,<br />
tackling this project will quickly pay<br />
dividends over the colder months.<br />
3. CHECK YOUR GUTTERING<br />
An essential task when preparing your<br />
home for winter — look for leaves, moss<br />
and other debris and clear gutters and<br />
downpipes to prevent blockages in heavy<br />
rain and snow.<br />
Cracked, missing or damaged rainwater<br />
goods or brackets should ideally be<br />
replaced, too. Leaky rainwater goods,<br />
can, over a period of time lead to damp,<br />
so it’s important to make these cheap<br />
fixes now — rather than making costly<br />
remedial work at a later date.<br />
4. GET YOUR CHIMNEY SWEPT<br />
The winter weather can cause damage to<br />
your chimney, so the pre-winter months<br />
are a great time to get your chimney<br />
professionally swept. Sweeping will<br />
improve the efficiency of your chimney by<br />
ensuring any potential blockages, such<br />
as nests or a build up soot, are removed<br />
before you start using your open fire or<br />
log burning stove.<br />
5. INSULATE YOUR PIPES<br />
Insulating (or lagging) your pipes can<br />
reduce the loss of heating and also<br />
prevent them freezing and bursting. This<br />
is particularly important when plumbing<br />
is located in cold areas such as in<br />
uninsulated loft spaces and garages.<br />
Keep the heating at a low level (above<br />
4°C) even when you’re away from the<br />
property, as this will help maintain a<br />
consistent temperature around the pipes.<br />
Just in case of emergencies, know where<br />
your stopcock is to enable you to turn<br />
the cold water system off and limit further<br />
damage. The stopcock is usually located<br />
under your kitchen sink and normally<br />
looks like a tap/lever.<br />
6. MAKE SURE YOUR OIL TANK IS<br />
TOPPED UP<br />
If your property has an oil tank, make<br />
sure it’s topped up for winter. Doing so<br />
will help you avoid peak winter prices<br />
and make sure you don’t run out of oil<br />
through the colder months.<br />
7. GET YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE<br />
READY<br />
Making sure your garden is clear, clean<br />
and ready for winter is a good idea.<br />
Secure anything that could be swept<br />
away by the wind such as greenhouses,<br />
plant pots and wheelie bins.<br />
8. GET YOUR ROOF CHECKED<br />
Roof slates/tiles can become loose<br />
throughout the year and this could lead<br />
to leaks through the winter. It may be a<br />
good idea to get your roof inspected by<br />
a professional to make sure there are no<br />
areas that need fixing before the colder<br />
months.<br />
9. DRAUGHT PROOF WINDOWS,<br />
DOORS AND FLOORS<br />
With current energy prices rises,<br />
undertaking draught proofing measures<br />
can be a relatively simple and costeffective<br />
way of improving your home’s<br />
thermal performance.<br />
Measures include insulating loft hatches,<br />
adding draught proofing strips to doors,<br />
and blocking up unused chimneys.<br />
Some tasks can take minutes — others,<br />
such as insulating beneath timber<br />
suspended ground floors, are more<br />
invasive and will require considerably<br />
more work.<br />
10. MAKE SURE YOUR PROPERTY IS<br />
INSURED<br />
One of the most important things to<br />
consider when heading into winter is<br />
whether you have home insurance. The<br />
winter months bring darker nights which<br />
lead to higher crime rates, plus the UK<br />
weather obviously starts declining in the<br />
winter. Not only will most home insurers<br />
provide cover for things like theft, but<br />
also fire and flood too.<br />
20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
From<br />
£895<br />
for a fully<br />
fitted electric<br />
garage door.<br />
Garolla garage doors are expertly<br />
made to measure in our own UK<br />
factories, they’re strong and solidly<br />
built. The electric Garolla door rolls up<br />
vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside<br />
your garage, maximising valuable space.<br />
Our expert local installers will fit your<br />
new door and they’ll take away the<br />
old one too, so there’s no mess.<br />
Give us a call today and<br />
we’ll come and measure up<br />
completely FREE of charge.<br />
Gotta get a Garolla.<br />
WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR:<br />
• EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING<br />
• 2 REMOTE CONTROLS<br />
• ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION<br />
• FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR<br />
• AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS<br />
CALL US TODAY ON:<br />
0118 336 0174<br />
MOBILE:<br />
07537 149 128<br />
*Off er valid for openings up to 2.4m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.<br />
NOW<br />
SUPPLING ORIGIN<br />
ALUMINIUM DOORS<br />
AND WINDOWS<br />
...a brighter outlook<br />
Hillview Windows & Conservatories based in Newbury, <strong>Berkshire</strong>, is a familyrun<br />
double glazing company. Offering a range of quick and reliable services<br />
together with products comprising:<br />
• Roof lantern and lights.<br />
• Composite and aluminium front doors<br />
• Crittal style doors<br />
• Flush and casement uPVC windows<br />
• Guardian roof<br />
TEL: 01635 278778<br />
Info:<br />
info@hillview-windows.co.uk<br />
Sales:<br />
sales@hillview-windows.co.uk<br />
www.hillview-windows.co.uk<br />
Showroom: Hillview Windows Ltd, Unit A Hambridge Road, Newbury, <strong>Berkshire</strong>, RG14 5SS<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21
GIVING COUNT<br />
With Christmas around the corner, our<br />
regular contributor Matt Biggs gives us some<br />
tips on what to buy the gardener in your life...<br />
Giving gifts at Christmas is always both a pleasure and a puzzlewe<br />
want the recipients to enjoy what we give and, perhaps this<br />
year more than most, we want the gifts to be both valued and<br />
valuable. Thoughtful gardening gifts can fulfil both of these<br />
criteria, so here are a few suggestions:<br />
A subscription to a gardening magazine is a terrific gift for<br />
either a keen gardener or a new gardener – it lasts all year, has<br />
seasonal tips and ideas and is something to look forward to each<br />
month, what’s not to like!<br />
Membership of a local gardening club, or a gardening course<br />
or day is a really good idea too – there are lots of options from<br />
learning how to prune to a whole bee keeping course, just ensure<br />
you know the particular interest of the person concerned and the<br />
choice is yours.<br />
For people who may be house bound or less mobile, how about<br />
giving them a card with a little message in to the effect of –‘ This<br />
card entitles you to a day out at a garden centre, perhaps with<br />
coffee or lunch added to be taken during the next 6 months, and<br />
sign it – that way it can be taken in better weather or when the<br />
person is feeling up to going out and gives something to look<br />
forward to.<br />
Trees – fruit trees, ornamental trees, big trees, little trees – we<br />
know how important they are, and we know we need them so<br />
either a gardening gift voucher or indeed a tree in a pot to grow<br />
on, just ensure the trees eventual size is suitable for the space<br />
and give a gift that really will last.<br />
Thinking slightly outside of the box but for someone who maybe<br />
is having trouble keeping up with the basic garden tasks, how<br />
about buying them a few hours of a professional gardener in<br />
their area. That way the big tasks such as the autumn clear up,<br />
planting up of pots, grass maintenance etc can be done for them,<br />
allowing them to do the things that they can do and enjoy.<br />
There are magazines, there are books, there are tools, there are<br />
trugs and mugs and gloves – the list is endless so enjoy choosing<br />
and giving a gardening gift this year.<br />
To find out more about Matt visit his website<br />
matthewbiggs.com<br />
Bourne Buildings Ltd<br />
THE LARGEST SHOWSITE IN THE UK WITH OVER 200 BUILDINGS,<br />
5,000 STONE ORNAMENTS & 100 FURNITURE SETS ON DISPLAY<br />
Set in a magical landscape of water and wildlife, Bourne Buildings<br />
is not your typical garden buildings showsite.<br />
Well known for its vast selection of garden buildings and expert<br />
advice, Bourne Buildings offer standard, as well as made-to-order<br />
designs of varying qualities and styles, fit for all budgets.<br />
Our complete range of services include product installation, base<br />
laying and a re-felting service.<br />
Visit our showsite to see an impressive array of stone ornaments,<br />
including eye-catching armillary sphere sundials, and over 100<br />
small garden furniture sets.<br />
On display at our showsite in Farnham, we have over:<br />
• 60 Sheds<br />
• 35 Greenhouses<br />
• 60 Summer houses • 20 Garden Offices & Garden Rooms<br />
• 35 Playhouses • 8 Garages<br />
Opening hours 10AM - 4PM<br />
Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun<br />
CLOSED TUESDAY & WEDNESDAYS<br />
01252 718481<br />
sales@bournebuildings.co.uk<br />
www.bournebuildings.co.uk<br />
Bourne Buildings Ltd, 39-43 Guildford Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9PY<br />
22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
GATE AUTOMATION AND<br />
ENTRANCE SOLUTIONS<br />
SINCE 1985<br />
Our commitment to you is to provide the ultimate in quality, service and value, from<br />
the initial enquiry right through to installation.<br />
We provide a complete service from design through to installation. We can automate<br />
existing gates, doors and barriers, or simply add accessories to existing systems<br />
where needed.<br />
We also offer a speedy repair and annual maintenance service that you can rely on.<br />
HUNGERFORD, NEWBURY AND SURROUNDING AREAS<br />
V<br />
Find us on<br />
I<br />
V<br />
@asasautomation<br />
M<br />
www.asas.uk.com<br />
@ASASautomation<br />
0845 519 0411 03330112210 mail@asas.uk.com<br />
f
MG4 EV<br />
ALL ELECTRIC<br />
HATCHBACK<br />
Motoring journalist Sue Cooke test<br />
drives the MG4 EV all electric hatchback<br />
The MG automotive brand provokes fond memories of my youth<br />
when I owned a little red MGB roadster. MG plans a new all<br />
electric sports car in 2024, but in the meantime, MG has entered<br />
a new sector of the market, which it has never been in before –<br />
the all electric C segment.<br />
The MG4 EV, is a strikingly designed fully electric hatchback.<br />
There are six colours to choose from. I road tested the model<br />
painted in a gorgeous Holborn blue.<br />
In the cabin there is little difference to driving a traditional car.<br />
The driver slides behind the wheel and presses the brake pedal.<br />
Engage the rotary gear selector and automatically the vehicle<br />
goes into ‘Ready’ mode in complete silence.<br />
Standard hi tech features include a wireless charging tray, a<br />
10.25” colour touchscreen with Apple CarPIayTM and Android<br />
AutoTM and iSMART app connectivity. Advanced MG Pilot<br />
safety features include traffic signs recognition and lane<br />
departure warning. The driver assistance systems have useful<br />
voice control. If you have ever left your car in a multi storey<br />
and promptly forgot which floor it is on, then you will much<br />
appreciate the phone app which will find your MG for you!<br />
Using an adaptor, you can even boil a kettle using the battery<br />
that powers the car. There are five Drive modes including a snow<br />
mode.<br />
The MG4 EV entry level is the SE with the standard 51kWh<br />
battery. Using a rapid charger, the charge to 80% takes 39<br />
minutes with a top range of 218 miles. 0-62mph is a quick 7.7<br />
seconds. The cost is from £25,995.<br />
The SE long range uses the 64kWh battery and will charge to<br />
80% in 35 minutes with an increased mileage range of 281<br />
miles. 0-62mph is 7.9 seconds. The cost is from £28,495.<br />
The Trophy long range battery will complete 270 miles and is<br />
recognisable as the car has changes to the exterior design<br />
which include a two tone roof and a very attractive Twin Aero<br />
Rear Spoiler with a gorgeous red patterned light bar and rear<br />
privacy glass. Equipment includes an upgraded MG Pilot<br />
system, with the inclusion of Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change<br />
Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Additionally, the interior is in<br />
leather with electric driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering<br />
wheel, a Bluetooth key, satellite navigation, a 360 degree<br />
camera, and an upgraded MG iSmart system compatible with<br />
live services. The cost is from £31,495.<br />
With a predicted high residual value of 64.6% and a seven year<br />
warranty, the MG4EV offers value for money. The new hatchback<br />
makes buying an all electric car more affordable and offers the<br />
spaciousness of an SUV with plenty of headroom and generous<br />
amounts of legroom, hi tech features, quick performance and a<br />
reasonable mileage range.<br />
The MG brand has grown by 75.9% and MG says it is the<br />
fastest growing manufacturer with 153 dealers in the UK, which<br />
number is expected to increase to 160 by the end of the year.<br />
Future models will use this new MSP platform architecture and<br />
an MG5 is promised in <strong>Dec</strong>ember. An MG4 EV with a larger<br />
battery of 77kWh dual motor powertrain and an extended range<br />
up to 329 miles, will even include a ‘Launch Control’ button!<br />
My little red sports car was lots of fun, but it couldn’t boil a<br />
kettle!<br />
Facts at a Glance<br />
Model: MG 4 EV all electric<br />
Price: from £25,995 for SE standard<br />
Power: 51 kWh battery<br />
Performance: 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and on to a top<br />
speed of 100 mph<br />
CO2 emissions: zero<br />
Combined Range: 218 miles (WLTP) rapid charge to 80% in<br />
39 mins
Fore more information contact: 01635 254888 | kblwork@tesco.net | www.enbridgehouse.co.uk<br />
Enbridge House, Church Road, Woolton Hill, Newbury, <strong>Berkshire</strong> RG20 9XQ<br />
MAKE LIFE EASIER<br />
• Large range of Mobility Aids • PPE<br />
• Hire services • Wheelchairs • Stairlifts<br />
FREE HEARING HEALTH CHECK<br />
THE MOBILITY STORE<br />
SWINDON<br />
7 Clive Parade<br />
Cricklade Road,<br />
Swindon SN2 1AJ<br />
01793 701313<br />
swindon@thehearingand<br />
mobilitystore.co.uk<br />
THE MOBILITY STORE<br />
MARLBOROUGH<br />
56 George Lane,<br />
Marlborough SN8 4BY<br />
01672 511550<br />
wiltshiremobility@mail.com<br />
Rise and recline furniture<br />
Adjustable beds<br />
Mobility scooters<br />
Mobility scooter repairs<br />
FREE LEVEL ACCESS PARKING AT ALL STORES<br />
www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk<br />
Shoes and slipper<br />
Footcare appointments<br />
THE MOBILITY STORE<br />
WROUGHTON<br />
6 Devizes Road<br />
Wroughton SN4 0RZ<br />
01793 815083<br />
wroughtonmobility@mail.com<br />
THE MOBILITY STORE<br />
BOURTON ON THE WATER<br />
Lansdowne<br />
Bourton on the Water GL54 2AR<br />
01451 810088<br />
bourtonmobility@mail.com<br />
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
the joys of<br />
RETIREMENT<br />
From keeping fit and healthy to making the mental<br />
adjustment, we’ve got all the tips you need to make the most<br />
of your new-found free time.<br />
DEVELOP A ROUTINE<br />
You may find it feels more normal to<br />
continue getting up, eating and going to<br />
bed at roughly the same time every day.<br />
Plan in regular activities such as voluntary<br />
work, exercise and hobbies. This will<br />
keep things interesting and give you a<br />
purpose.<br />
WIND DOWN GENTLY<br />
Ensure a smoother transition by retiring in<br />
stages. By easing off your workload over<br />
several years, you’ll be able to get used<br />
to the idea of not working and fill your<br />
time in other ways. Ask your employer if<br />
you can cut back your working hours.<br />
EXERCISE YOUR MIND<br />
Government studies have shown that<br />
learning in later years can help people<br />
stay independent, so use your free<br />
time to continue to challenge yourself<br />
mentally, whether it’s learning an<br />
instrument or a language or getting a<br />
qualification.<br />
KEEP PHYSICALLY ACTIVE<br />
We should all aim to do at least 150<br />
minutes of moderate-intensity physical<br />
activity a week, so build up to this if you<br />
haven’t made exercise a normal part of<br />
your life previously. Why not sign up for<br />
a charity event to give you a goal to work<br />
towards?<br />
SEEK SOCIAL SUPPORT<br />
For many people, work can form a big<br />
part of their social life and it’s common<br />
to feel at a bit of a loose end once you<br />
retire. Fill the gaps by joining clubs and<br />
groups.<br />
PAMPER YOURSELF<br />
After decades of hard work, you are due<br />
some ‘me time’. Whether your idea of<br />
indulgence is a city break, a day trip to a<br />
spa or a small pleasure like dining out or<br />
going to the cinema, schedule some time<br />
for a well-deserved treat.<br />
GET A NEW PET<br />
Could you house a rescue cat or dog<br />
in need of a new home? Research<br />
has shown that our furry friends have<br />
a positive effect on our health and<br />
wellbeing.<br />
According to pet researcher Allen R.<br />
McConnell, a professor of psychology at<br />
Miami University, people with pets are<br />
generally happier, more trusting, and less<br />
lonely than those who don’t have pets.<br />
They also visit the doctor less often for<br />
minor problems.<br />
To find out more about rehoming a pet,<br />
visit your local animal rescue centre,<br />
the RSPCA or Dogs Trust. If you might<br />
be interested in volunteering to walk or<br />
foster an elderly person’s dog, contact<br />
The Cinnamon Trust.<br />
PUSH YOUR BOUNDARIES<br />
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, both healthwise<br />
and in general, and doing something<br />
different can be a refreshing change.<br />
Some people have found that simple<br />
changes, such as trying a tasty new<br />
recipe, finding a different hairdresser or<br />
joining an exercise class they haven’t done<br />
before gives them a new zest for life.<br />
GIVE BACK TO THE<br />
COMMUNITY<br />
Ever thought of volunteering? Perhaps<br />
you’d enjoy getting involved with your<br />
local youth club, animal rescue centre,<br />
environmental organisation or elderly<br />
support group.<br />
TRAVEL MORE<br />
Always dreamt of going on an aroundthe-world<br />
cruise, a wine-tasting trip<br />
through Italy, or a simple camping<br />
expedition in the Welsh valleys? Now you<br />
can finally make those long-held plans<br />
a reality, depending on your health and<br />
budget limitations.<br />
If longer trips aren’t practical, mini breaks<br />
may be a good alternative – or even days<br />
out to places you’ve never visited before.<br />
Edited from an article published for the<br />
British Heart Foundation - find more<br />
help and advice at www.bhf.org.uk<br />
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
arnes coaches<br />
01793 821303 | www.barnescoaches.co.uk<br />
NEW 2023 Holiday Borchure Out 1st<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember <strong>2022</strong>! Call today to pre-order your<br />
free copy to be posted to you.<br />
Sidmouth<br />
Mon 7th <strong>Nov</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
5 Days: From £449<br />
Includes visits to Exeter,<br />
<strong>West</strong> Bay, Lyme Regis,<br />
Dawlish, Teignmouth,<br />
Donkey Sanctuary & Wells.<br />
Skegness, Lincoln & The<br />
Wolds Turkey & Tinsel<br />
Mon 7th <strong>Nov</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
5 Days: From £389<br />
Includes visit to Stamford,<br />
Lincoln, Boston, Louth, &<br />
Melton Mowbray.<br />
Secret Santa Mystery<br />
Fri 11th <strong>Nov</strong><strong>2022</strong><br />
5 Days: From £319<br />
From North to South, to<br />
East, to <strong>West</strong>... our mystery<br />
destination is for you to<br />
guess! Includes visit to a<br />
famous Christmas market!<br />
Loch Lomond All<br />
Inclusive House Party!<br />
Fri 11th <strong>Nov</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
4 Days: From £369<br />
Includes a Michael Bublé<br />
Tribute Night! With visits to<br />
Stirling, Luss, Loch Lomond<br />
shores & great scenery!<br />
Isle of Wight, Sandown<br />
Turkey & Tinsel<br />
Fri 25th <strong>Nov</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
4 Days: From £319<br />
Includes visits to Alum Bay<br />
overlooking the Needles,<br />
Yarmouth, Shanklin & Ryde.<br />
St Agnes Mistletoe &<br />
Wine<br />
Mon 28th <strong>Nov</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
5 Days: From £379<br />
Includes visits to Bideford,<br />
Falmouth, Portleven,<br />
Padstow, Truro, views of<br />
Mount’s Bay, Land’s End, St<br />
Ives & Looe.<br />
Festive Cheer in St-<br />
Anne’s-on-sea, Lytham<br />
Sun 4th <strong>Dec</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
5 Days: From £419<br />
Includes visits to Bownesson-Windermere,<br />
Fleetwood,<br />
Southport. Great ‘Xmas<br />
Xtras’ included too!<br />
Barmouth Turkey &<br />
Tinsel Mon 5th <strong>Dec</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
5 Days: From £429<br />
Includes visits to<br />
Shrewsbury, Machynlleth,<br />
Aberystwth, Betws-y-Coed,<br />
Llandudno & Abergavenny.<br />
Belgian & German Xmas<br />
Markets, Brussels<br />
Fri 9th <strong>Dec</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
4 Days: From £429<br />
Includes Aachen, Bruges,<br />
Ypres & Brussels’ Christmas<br />
Markets!<br />
Looe Turkey & Tinsel<br />
Mon 12th <strong>Dec</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
5 Days: From £359<br />
Includes festive cream<br />
tea, ‘christmas’ dinner<br />
and bucks fizz reception,<br />
afternoon bingo & quiz,<br />
entertainment most<br />
nights. Visits out to Exeter,<br />
Falmouth, Fowey &<br />
Padstow.<br />
Chichester for Christmas<br />
Fri 23rd <strong>Dec</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
5 Days: From £629<br />
Includes visits to Southsea<br />
or Gunwharf Quay, Bognor<br />
Regis! Entertainement<br />
every night, Christmas<br />
Lunch and many more<br />
‘Xmas Xtras’ included!<br />
Ilfracombe for New Year<br />
Fri 30th <strong>Dec</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
4 Days: From £419<br />
Includes afternoon<br />
Devon tea, glass of fizz,<br />
gala evening dinner.<br />
Days out include stops<br />
in Barnstaple, Bideford,<br />
Woolacombe & Sanders<br />
Garden World.<br />
@Barnes Coaches
NEVER MISS A MOMENT WITH<br />
THE SMALLEST LITHIUM-ION<br />
RECHARGEABLE HEARING AID<br />
ON THE MARKET<br />
DID YOU KNOW HEARING LOSS CAN AFFECT THE<br />
PEOPLE AROUND YOU MORE THAN IT DOES YOU?<br />
Ask us about our ear wax removal, hearing test<br />
and hearing aid trial with latest technology.<br />
Buyspecs Direct<br />
Unit 9, Pipers Court, <strong>Berkshire</strong> drive, Thatcham RG19 4ER<br />
01635 293578