Bristol Living Dec 2022 - Jan 2023
And just like that - Christmas is here! This special Dec 22/Jan 23 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 Dec 22/Jan 23 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!
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YOUR FREE COPY DECEMBER <strong>2022</strong>/JANUARY <strong>2023</strong><br />
<strong>Bristol</strong><br />
NEW YEAR<br />
NEW HOME<br />
If <strong>2023</strong> heralds a move, we<br />
have a practical guide<br />
LIVING<br />
Historic<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
AT THE SS GREAT BRITAIN<br />
FESTIVE<br />
FANCIES<br />
Delicious alternatives to<br />
Christmas pudding<br />
WIN<br />
AN ADULT AND<br />
CHILD BIKE DUO, A<br />
SMART WASHING<br />
MACHINE, A<br />
£400 CHRISTMAS<br />
HAMPER AND<br />
MORE!<br />
A LIFESTYLE JOURNAL FOR THE CITY OF BRISTOL
Say<br />
to gifts<br />
that make<br />
memories<br />
From pottery making<br />
in <strong>Bristol</strong>, to wine<br />
tasting in Bath.<br />
Find Christmas gifts<br />
for everyone at<br />
yuup.co
CONTENTS<br />
04 COMPETITIONS<br />
The competition page you don’t want to miss -<br />
with lots of goodies to win this edition<br />
09 GIFT GUIDE<br />
Perfect presents for everyone on<br />
your gift list this year<br />
12 EDUCATION<br />
If you are considering boarding school, we<br />
chat to the Boarding Schools Association<br />
18 FESTIVE FANCIES<br />
Delicious dessert alternatives if you are not<br />
a fan of a Christmas pudding<br />
26 HOMEMOVING GUIDE<br />
Top tips if you are planning to move<br />
home in the New Year<br />
32 BEAUTY HOT LIST<br />
Our pick of beauty and hair products to<br />
lift the winter gloom<br />
A NOTE FROM THE<br />
EDITOR<br />
I do hope you’re ready for some festive fun - because<br />
this edition is coming in with (sleigh) bells on! After<br />
so many years of disrupted celebrations, it’s great to<br />
be able to look forward to some normality and really<br />
get into the spirit.<br />
Before I launch into what is coming up - I want to<br />
apologise for a recipe mistake in the last edition - we<br />
misprinted a recipe for a spicy dahl - the correct<br />
method is available on www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
should you wish to make the dish.<br />
Right...this issue - first up we’ve got some delicious<br />
recipes - if you aren’t a fan of Christmas pudding (I’m<br />
in your camp) we’ve got lots of alternatives to keep<br />
everyone happy!<br />
The competition section in this edition is a real<br />
bonanza - we’ve got an adult and child bike duo,<br />
a smart washing machine, 2 x £150 vouchers for<br />
cashmere clothes and accessories, a deluxe hamper<br />
and family fun at the Sea Life centre all to be won!<br />
EDITOR Katie Thomson<br />
e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
PUBLISHER Sally Thomson<br />
ASSISTANT EDITOR Kate Norris<br />
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Tessa Welbourn<br />
e tessa@minervapublications.co.uk | t 01225 984 551<br />
CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Rose, Pete Lawrence<br />
WWW.MINERVAMAGAZINES.CO.UK<br />
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by failure of an<br />
advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions and<br />
misprints. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from<br />
the publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers.<br />
Address: Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton BA14 6JB<br />
This is all alongside our usual dose of school, home,<br />
garden and later life advice.<br />
I hope you enjoy this issue and have some time in<br />
the coming months to take pause and reflect on the<br />
year - the passing of a much loved monarch, but a<br />
host of new beginnings - we will have the first King’s<br />
Christmas speech this year to punctuate our own<br />
celebrations. However you spend the festive season,<br />
I, and the rest of the team here, wish you a very<br />
happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year - see you<br />
in February!<br />
Katie<br />
Front cover courtesy of SS Great Britain<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 TO<br />
SPEND 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
s a very<br />
and<br />
A WIBBLY-WOBBLY<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
A LITTLE CHRISTMAS ROBIN TELLS<br />
ME THAT YOU’VE DECIDED TO CAST<br />
CAUTION TO THE WIND AND THROW A<br />
FESTIVE PARTY PAR EXCELLENCE...<br />
How wonderful! You’ve printed the invitations, the playlist<br />
has been organised and the bar well-stocked, which just<br />
leaves the important matter of what to serve your expectant<br />
guests. Might I suggest a jelly? You may be sceptical but<br />
hear me out. Having spent decades in the gastronomic<br />
wasteland, the wibbly-wobbly stuff is shaking off its<br />
homespun image and enjoying a renaissance amongst the<br />
influencers of social media. For once, I’m in total agreement<br />
with the too-cool-for-school brigade. After all, who but the<br />
most po-faced amongst us hasn’t been captivated by the<br />
sight of a spectacular shimmering jelly? Those in search of<br />
seasonal ‘wow’ factor, should look no further.<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
FEATURE<br />
It’s unfortunate reputation as childrens’ party fodder belies<br />
the fact that for centuries jelly was synonymous with the<br />
most ambitious haute cuisine. During the Victorian era<br />
jelly making reached heights of gravity-defying brilliance,<br />
as chefs in the great aristocratic houses and best London<br />
hotels competed to create showstopping wobblers that<br />
were as much design statements as culinary ones. Thanks<br />
to the Industrial Revolution, the British became undisputed<br />
masters of the jelly mould. Manufacturers adapted the diestamping<br />
techniques of their colleagues in the silver trade<br />
to the mass-production of copper moulds in elaborate<br />
shapes – each one a miniature architectural masterpiece –<br />
lined with tin. The tin was important because it stopped the<br />
taste of the copper tainting the jelly and, more importantly,<br />
prevented your guests from dropping down dead with<br />
Verdigris poisoning. By the late 19th century, manufacturers<br />
were illustrating hundreds of designs in their catalogues –<br />
fantastical, multi-tiered geometric crowns, turreted castles<br />
with scrolling minarets, embossed with all manner of birds,<br />
animals, fruits and flowers. So esteemed were British jelly<br />
moulds that chefs from the Continent were known to cross<br />
the Channel in search of the ultimate mould. They are still.<br />
Collectors have been known to pay over £1,000 for rare<br />
designs. If I find one in my stocking, I shall be very happy.<br />
Merry Christmas!<br />
0<br />
ishing all Fine our Art customers Fine<br />
Auctioneers<br />
Art Auctioneers and & Valuers clients & Valuers a very<br />
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers<br />
Merry Christmas A Trusted and a Presence prosperous Since and 1860<br />
A Trusted Presence Since 1860<br />
A Trusted Fine Art Presence Auctioneers Since & Valuers<br />
Happy New Year 1860<br />
FREE VALUATION<br />
FREE A VALUATION Trusted Presence Since<br />
DAYS<br />
DAYS 1860<br />
FREE VALUATION DAYS<br />
Held FREE at the salerooms<br />
Held at the Held salerooms at<br />
VALUATION<br />
the salerooms<br />
DAYS<br />
<strong>2022</strong> Auction Highlights<br />
Every Monday (except at Bank Every Monday Held (except at the salerooms Bank Holidays) Holidays)<br />
Every Monday 10am (except - 1pm Bank Holidays)<br />
Every 10am Monday - 1pm (except & 2pm Bank - 5pm Holidays)<br />
10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm<br />
NO 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm<br />
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY<br />
NO APPOINTMENT NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY<br />
NECESSARY<br />
Valuers for <strong>Bristol</strong>,<br />
Valuers South<br />
Valuers<br />
for <strong>Bristol</strong>, Gloucestershire,<br />
for <strong>Bristol</strong>,<br />
South Gloucestershire,<br />
South Gloucestershire,<br />
Somerset & Wells<br />
Somerset & Wells<br />
Somerset<br />
www.clevedonsalerooms.com<br />
& Wells<br />
£6,800<br />
www.clevedonsalerooms.com<br />
www.clevedonsalerooms.com<br />
01934 01934<br />
01934 01934<br />
830 830 111 111<br />
830 111 830 111<br />
01934 830 111<br />
info@clevedonsalerooms.com<br />
info@clevedonsalerooms.com<br />
info@clevedonsalerooms.com<br />
Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre,<br />
Clevedon Clevedon Salerooms, The The Auction Centre,<br />
Kenn Road, Clevedon, <strong>Bristol</strong>, BS21 6TT<br />
Clevedon Kenn Kenn Road, Road,<br />
Salerooms, Clevedon, Clevedon,<br />
The <strong>Bristol</strong>, <strong>Bristol</strong>,<br />
Auction BS21 BS21<br />
Centre, 6TT 6TT<br />
Kenn Road, Clevedon, <strong>Bristol</strong>, BS21 6TT<br />
Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre,<br />
Kenn Road, Clevedon, <strong>Bristol</strong>, BS21 6TT<br />
0 £8,200<br />
£15,000<br />
Wishing Wishing all our all customers our customers and and clients clients a very a very<br />
Merry Wishing Merry Christmas all Christmas our customers and and a prosperous and a prosperous clients a and very and<br />
Merry Christmas Happy Happy and New a New prosperous Year<br />
Year<br />
and<br />
Wishing all our customers and clients a very<br />
Happy New Year<br />
Merry Christmas and a prosperous and<br />
Happy New Year<br />
<strong>2022</strong><br />
<strong>2022</strong> Auction Highlights<br />
<strong>2022</strong> Auction Highlights<br />
<strong>2022</strong> Auction Highlights<br />
£4,400<br />
£4,400 £4,400<br />
£6,800 £6,800<br />
£6,800<br />
£15,000 £15,000<br />
£15,000 £15,000<br />
£7,000 £8,200<br />
£5,000 £5,000<br />
£7,000 £8,200<br />
£5,000<br />
£7,000 NEXT SALES: Thursdays £8,200<br />
5th && 26th <strong>Jan</strong>uary<br />
£5,000<br />
NEXT SALES: Thursdays 5th & 26th <strong>Jan</strong>uary<br />
To browse and bid visit: www.clevedonsalerooms.com<br />
To NEXT browse SALES: and Thursdays bid visit: www.clevedonsalerooms.com<br />
5th & 26th <strong>Jan</strong>uary<br />
To browse and bid visit: www.clevedonsalerooms.com<br />
£5,000<br />
£5,000<br />
£15,000
haus<br />
LIFESTYLE | GIFTS<br />
MENTION<br />
BRISTOL<br />
LIVING FOR<br />
10% OFF IN<br />
STORE<br />
POP UP SHOP NOW OPEN AT<br />
28 UPPER BOROUGH WALLS, BATH<br />
FREE UK P&P ON ALL ORDERS<br />
www.hauslife.co.uk
WHAT’S ON<br />
<strong>Dec</strong> 22/<strong>Jan</strong> 23<br />
BRISTOL OLD VIC<br />
24 Nov – 7 <strong>Jan</strong><br />
THE NUTCRACKER<br />
Be transported to a fantastical kingdom where toys<br />
come to life, nutcrackers can talk and just about<br />
anything feels possible… The latest in <strong>Bristol</strong> Old Vic’s<br />
series of festive family blockbusters.<br />
Ages 7+<br />
2 <strong>Dec</strong> – 8 <strong>Jan</strong><br />
BELLE AND SEBASTIEN<br />
Expect snowy peaks and wet noses in a tale of faithful<br />
friends. Cécile Aubry’s classic family story reimagined<br />
by two of the South West’s strongest co-producing<br />
partners, Travelling Light and <strong>Bristol</strong> Old Vic.<br />
Ages 4+<br />
11–14 <strong>Jan</strong><br />
THERE’S NOBODY ELSE IN THE<br />
WORLD AND THE WORLD WAS<br />
MADE FOR ME<br />
The latest show from <strong>Bristol</strong> Old Vic’s Young Company<br />
exploring power, punishment and the current state of<br />
young people’s mental health.<br />
19 <strong>Jan</strong> – 11 Feb<br />
DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE<br />
BONES OF THE DEAD<br />
International touring company Complicité presents<br />
a new work for the theatre, directed by Simon<br />
McBurney and based on Nobel Prize-winning author<br />
Olga Tokarczuk’s novel of the same name.<br />
bristololdvic.org.uk<br />
VICTORIAN<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
WEEKENDS<br />
3-4 & 10-11 <strong>Dec</strong><br />
FALLING<br />
SNOW<br />
FESTIVE<br />
FOOD &<br />
DRINK<br />
VICTORIAN<br />
CHARACTERS<br />
LIVE MUSIC<br />
Buy your tickets at<br />
ssgreatbritain.org/bristolliving<br />
or scan the QR code<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7
BS3 SANTA RETURNS<br />
TO BRISTOL<br />
BRISTOL ACTOR STEWART WRIGHT<br />
IS BACK, OFFERING FAMILIES THE<br />
OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THIS FESTIVE<br />
SEASON UNFORGETTABLE WITH A NEWLY<br />
REWORKED PRODUCTION OF BS3 SANTA...<br />
Fresh from a sell-out run of Ben Elton’s comedy The Upstart<br />
Crow, Wright will bring Father Christmas to life. Experienced<br />
at entertaining all ages with his own brand of improvisation<br />
and audience interaction, theatre meets ‘An Audience with<br />
Father Christmas’ in BS3 Santa.<br />
Created by Wright, in the height of the COVID pandemic,<br />
BS3 Santa was originally produced to be performed outdoors<br />
on people’s doorsteps and in the streets of <strong>Bristol</strong>. For <strong>2022</strong>,<br />
in association with Tobacco Factory Theatres, BS3 Santa has<br />
transformed into an enchanting, interactive show which will be<br />
performed both indoors and outdoors at venues across <strong>Bristol</strong>.<br />
From Tuesday 13 to Friday 23 <strong>Dec</strong>ember (excluding Mon 19<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>) there will be two shows of BS3 Santa a day (10.15am and<br />
11.30am) at Tobacco Factory Theatres. <strong>Bristol</strong> audiences can<br />
also catch BS3 Santa at Zion Community Art Space (27 Nov at<br />
6.30pm), Yate Library (8 and 9 <strong>Dec</strong> at 6.30pm) and Windmill<br />
Hill City Farm (15, 17, 18, 20, 22 <strong>Dec</strong> at 6pm). Find out more<br />
at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
15% off*<br />
for family<br />
bookings!<br />
*when purchasing 4 tickets<br />
including at least one child ticket<br />
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
THE<br />
VERY MERRY<br />
GIFT<br />
GUIDE<br />
PERFECT PRESENTS<br />
FOR EVERYONE ON<br />
YOUR LIST<br />
Easy to use, handheld appliances are<br />
a game changer, and they don’t come<br />
better than KitchenAid, 6-Speed Hand<br />
Mixer with Flex Edge Beaters, £119,<br />
kitchenaid.co.uk<br />
Upgrade<br />
tatty old slippers<br />
for these stylish<br />
moccasins,<br />
Fielding<br />
3 Suede<br />
Slippers, £49,<br />
moshulu.co.uk<br />
Support his fitness<br />
goals in <strong>2023</strong> - get<br />
better results from any<br />
workout routine with<br />
the thin, lightweight<br />
fitness smartwatch<br />
that includes a<br />
6-month Premium<br />
membership, Fitbit<br />
Versa 4, £199.99, fitbit.<br />
com<br />
gifts for<br />
HIM<br />
Beautiful pieces for your festive table - we love the<br />
platters and mugs in this simple, glorious collection.<br />
Sophie Conran Mistletoe Round<br />
Platter, £41 and Set of 2 Mugs,<br />
£31.50, portmeirion.co.uk<br />
Let the pub come to you with our Pub<br />
in a Box, full of Devon cider and<br />
snacks, Pub In A Box, £20.99,<br />
sandfordorchards.co.uk<br />
Slip into cosy luxury with<br />
cashmere socks<br />
- with the option<br />
to monogram,<br />
Tabitha, Ribbed<br />
Cashmere<br />
Socks, £34.50,<br />
pantherella.com<br />
gifts for<br />
HER<br />
Beautiful puzzles - featuring shaped puzzle<br />
pieces, called whimsies, designed to match<br />
the theme of the image for an entertaining<br />
experience, ‘The Jumper’ Wooden Puzzle, 250<br />
pieces from £32, wentworthpuzzles.com<br />
The whole family can match in luxury organic<br />
cotton PJs, from £28 polarnopyret.co.uk<br />
Help her soothe her skin and<br />
soul with this collection - a<br />
candle, bath and body oil and<br />
a decadent overnight hydration<br />
therapy, ESPA Soothing<br />
Collection, £45 (worth £53),<br />
espaskincare.com<br />
Look chic anywhere with<br />
Silhouette’s signature, flattering<br />
sunglasses, Fuschl, £265,<br />
silhouette.com<br />
Stylish, comfortable bikes<br />
to hop around town,<br />
Brownie 7 Dutch Bike,<br />
£549, bobbinbikes.com<br />
Luxuriously soft cashmere with subtle<br />
detailing, Lofty Cashmere Batwing Sweater<br />
in Birch, £199, loopcashmere.co.uk
For the Harry Potter fans, these<br />
velour Hedwig PJs are a cosy<br />
treat, Hedwig Pyjamas, £20,<br />
marksandspencer.com<br />
The perfect snuggle suit for<br />
Christmas lounging, made<br />
in super soft organic cotton,<br />
Big Character Snuggle Suit,<br />
£44, welovefrugi.com<br />
gifts for<br />
KIDS<br />
A children’s<br />
favourite made<br />
easy to listen to through<br />
the ingenious Tonies<br />
box, Tonies Snail and<br />
the Whale, £14.99,<br />
tonies.com<br />
Challenge them with a 1500<br />
piece puzzle, Ravensburger<br />
Pokémon 1500pcs puzzle, £18.99,<br />
ravensburger.co.uk<br />
The cutest Christmas<br />
jumpers, Jolly<br />
Knitted Jumper, £38,<br />
welovefrugi.com<br />
An amazing 60 hole automatic<br />
bubble launcher. Charge it up, dip<br />
it into the bubble solution provided,<br />
aim, pull the trigger and watch<br />
thousands of bubbles emerge,<br />
Bubble Gun Extreme, £39.99<br />
thumbsup.com<br />
gifts for<br />
FOODIES<br />
(& DRINKERS!)<br />
Take the guesswork out of cooking<br />
meat with the Meater - it connects<br />
to your phone for accurate cooking<br />
every time. MEATER Plus With<br />
Bluetooth® Repeater, £119,<br />
store-uk.meater.com<br />
The ultimate gift for a truffle<br />
lover! This signature box includes<br />
delicious 200ml White Truffle Oil,<br />
190g Ultimate Truffle Mayo, 22g<br />
Royal Truffle Ketchup, 100ml<br />
Seriously Addictive White Truffle<br />
Hot Sauce, 90g Gourmet Truffle<br />
Honey & 65g Signature Truffle Dust.<br />
Truffle Guys Signature Selection<br />
Box, £89.95, truffleguysuk.com<br />
Inspired by the Norfolk<br />
coastline, Coastal gin has<br />
a delicate, salty influence<br />
complemented by bright<br />
citrus flavours. We also love<br />
their eco-friendly refill packs.<br />
Bullards Coastal Gin, £40,<br />
bullardsspirits.co.uk<br />
Baking kits with a festive flair, Christmas<br />
Macaron Kit, £18, honeywellbakes.com<br />
No Christmas Day feast is complete without these merry condiments, including<br />
Christmas Spice Chutney, which contains a host of festive spices, and our<br />
Cranberry, Port & Orange Sauce, which cuts through rich meats like<br />
turkey and goose with its tingling tartness. The Festive Four Gift Pack,<br />
£14.15, tracklements.co.uk<br />
10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Know someone who started a business in lockdown and<br />
could use some kit to elevate their work? Thermal printers<br />
don’t use any ink and can print onto different shaped<br />
labels. Zebra are market leaders and their products are<br />
great quality with lots of label size options, to help with<br />
everything from pricing to branding, Zebra 2-inch, £99 or<br />
4-inch £189, ZSB Thermal Printer, amazon.co.uk<br />
Make pots, bowls and more in this hands-on<br />
pottery workshop led by a friendly team of female<br />
ceramicists! Crafty Pottery: Hand Building & Wheel<br />
Throwing in Fishponds, £40, yuup.co<br />
gifts for<br />
THAT PERSON<br />
WITH<br />
EVERYTHING<br />
Cleverly created to diffuse<br />
our 100% natural Essential<br />
Oil Blends at the touch<br />
of a button, the Neom<br />
Wellbeing Pod not only<br />
scents any space within<br />
minutes, but it also works<br />
to boost your wellbeing<br />
too - check our Neom’s<br />
scent packages featuring<br />
the highest quality essential<br />
oil blends to promote good<br />
mood, sleep, relaxation<br />
and more, Real Luxury<br />
Pod Starter Pack, £115,<br />
neomorganics.com<br />
Greenery is always a welcome gift - especially to lift<br />
the spirits in the gloomier winter months. We love<br />
Bunches’ flower subscriptions too. Large Monstera,<br />
£48.30, bunches.co.uk<br />
Say goodbye to chaotic poop bags<br />
and squished treats in your pockets...<br />
and say hello to Westley - a brand<br />
of thoughtfully designed harnesses<br />
and accessories, Dog<br />
Walking Bum Bag,<br />
£30, and Harness £32,<br />
wearewestley.com<br />
gifts for<br />
PETS<br />
Named after its deep, cosy<br />
sides and deep-filled luxury<br />
mattress which give the bed a<br />
den-like feel, the Deeply<br />
Dishy Bed is perfect for<br />
hunkering down in, from<br />
£145, charleychau.com<br />
This Chief<br />
Mouser<br />
Training Kit<br />
is the perfect<br />
gift for the<br />
avid hunter<br />
- kittens and<br />
mature cats<br />
alike. Inspired by<br />
the role given to the<br />
cats of Downing Street<br />
(currently Larry the Cat)<br />
who have the important<br />
job of keeping<br />
mice at bay, £29,<br />
cheshireandwain.<br />
com<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 11
HOW THE UK<br />
OFFERS THE<br />
BEST IN WORLD<br />
BOARDING FOR<br />
STUDENTS<br />
THERE ARE BOARDING SCHOOLS ON<br />
EVERY CONTINENT ON THE PLANET<br />
(APART FROM THE ONE WITH LOTS<br />
OF SNOW AND PENGUINS!). YET FOR<br />
ALL THE SECTOR’S GLOBAL SPREAD,<br />
THE OLDEST, MOST DIVERSE AND<br />
CHOICE-RICH LAND OF BOARDING IS<br />
THE UK.<br />
Incredibly, the world’s oldest boarding school began<br />
accepting boarding students in the year 597, less than<br />
200 years after the fall of Rome and more than 1100 years<br />
before the American <strong>Dec</strong>laration of Independence.<br />
More than 1400 years on, the UK is still a place where<br />
boarding continues to evolve with two brand new,<br />
government-funded boarding schools opening within<br />
the last decade and one independent school in the heart<br />
of London recently adding boarding for the first time.<br />
The diversity of UK boarding is not just a marketing<br />
strapline. Geographically, UK boarding can be found<br />
as far north as the Shetland Islands, just 50 miles from<br />
Norway and as far south as the Isles of Scilly, 28 miles<br />
south of Cornwall.<br />
Parents are spoilt for choice with boarding schools that<br />
are independent, state run, single sex, co-educational,<br />
academic, all-round, faith, arts, drama and music<br />
focused – or myriad combinations in between.<br />
Size-wise, the smallest UK boarding school has just<br />
one student while the largest has more than 1300. The<br />
average UK boarding school has around 150 boarders,<br />
although there are many that have fewer with around 30<br />
that have more than 500.<br />
There are around 70,000 boarding students at UK schools<br />
including more than 25,000 from dozens of countries<br />
across the world – a reflection of the continuing very<br />
high demand from parents to access the UK’s widely<br />
regarded education system.<br />
Some of this demand is about ensuring strong academic<br />
results for the chance to access the UK’s leading higher<br />
education institutions with four universities currently in<br />
the world’s top 10 (Cambridge alone has gained more<br />
than 120 Nobel prizes, nearly 50 more than the whole<br />
of France!).<br />
Aside from excellent academic teaching and learning,<br />
the popularity of boarding at schools in the UK is driven<br />
by the unique opportunities it offers young people from<br />
8-18.<br />
Boarding school is all about learning to live with others,<br />
experiencing a shared space, working together, having<br />
extra time to try new things (by avoiding school runs<br />
twice a day) and learning to stand on your own two feet.<br />
All UK boarding schools monitor closely the feedback<br />
they receive from parents and the most regular<br />
comments are about how their children have become<br />
more independent and confident thanks to their<br />
boarding experience.<br />
Much of this independence and confidence comes from<br />
being with other young people – but it is also the highly<br />
trained, caring and professional boarding staff who help<br />
them to prosper and thrive on solid foundations.<br />
For parents searching for boarding school options for<br />
their child, they can be reassured that the UK offers the<br />
cream of the crop with the best boarding opportunities<br />
in the world.<br />
Robin Fletcher, CEO, Boarding Schools’ Association<br />
(BSA) and BSA Group<br />
12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Christmas<br />
Bazaar<br />
SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER<br />
10.30AM – 1.30PM<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO CHRISTMAS GIFT STALLS<br />
SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES FESTIVE FOOD AND DRINK<br />
WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOPS AND MUCH MORE!<br />
EVERYONE WELCOME!<br />
BADMINTON SCHOOL | WESTBURY-ON-TRYM<br />
0117 905 5200 | BADMINTONSCHOOL.CO.UK
BRISTOL PUPIL<br />
SELECTED INTO<br />
U18S SEVERN STARS<br />
NETBALL ACADEMY<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
Twelve-year-old Jina, a pupil in Year 8 at Badminton<br />
School in <strong>Bristol</strong>, has been selected to join the<br />
prestigious U18s Severn Stars Netball Super League<br />
Nova Academy based in Worcester…<br />
This phenomenal achievement for someone so young<br />
will enable Jina to train and play against some of the<br />
most talented netball players in the country.<br />
It comes after Badminton School’s appearance on<br />
CBBC’s new TV series ‘Our Boarding School’, which<br />
featured Jina during an episode where her skills on the<br />
court were noticed by a talent scout.<br />
Jina said: “I am very proud of myself for getting into<br />
the Nova Academy because it has always been a dream<br />
and I am glad I achieved it at the age of 12. Playing with<br />
older players makes me nervous sometimes but they<br />
are really nice and caring. They are also extremely good<br />
which aspires me to train harder.”<br />
Miss Elsley, Assistant Director of Sport at Badminton,<br />
said: ‘I am so incredibly proud of Jina and what she<br />
has achieved. Not many people get the opportunity to<br />
experience playing at topflight level, so this next year<br />
will give Jina an insight into what it truly takes to play<br />
at elite level and whether it is something she wishes to<br />
pursue longer term. Jina has worked so hard, overcome<br />
so much adversity and shown so much courage to<br />
achieve what she has.”<br />
www.badmintonschool.co.uk<br />
Wells Cathedral<br />
Christmas Highlights <strong>2022</strong><br />
19 th , 20 th & 21 st <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
Carols by Candlelight Concerts 7.00pm<br />
Tickets: £15-£50; book online:<br />
wellscathedral.eventbrite.co.uk<br />
22 nd & 23 rd <strong>Dec</strong>ember (x2)<br />
Cathedral Carol Service 6.00pm<br />
24 th <strong>Dec</strong>ember, Christmas Eve<br />
Crib Services 2.00pm, 3.15pm<br />
Festal Evensong 5.15pm<br />
Eucharist of Christmas Night 11.00pm<br />
25 th <strong>Dec</strong>ember, Christmas Day<br />
Cathedral Eucharist 9.30am<br />
Choral Matins 11.30am<br />
Plan your visit at wellscathedral.org.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15
STARTING THE<br />
JOURNEY TO A<br />
LIFE-LONG LOVE<br />
OF LEARNING<br />
CHOOSING A SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD TO<br />
START IN AT RECEPTION IS A BIG DECISION,<br />
AND COLLEGIATE PREP ARE HERE TO HELP...<br />
At Collegiate Prep School we understand that making<br />
that all important decision on where to start your child’s<br />
educational journey is a huge one. There are so many<br />
factors to consider that it may feel overwhelming, but<br />
starting your research early and getting to know the<br />
schools that are on your short list is an excellent first<br />
step. Start by chatting to other parents and read any<br />
online reviews or reports, but the best way to discover<br />
how they can give your child the best possible start is to<br />
visit the school in person, either at an open event or for<br />
your own personal tour.<br />
What is it that makes Collegiate Prep’s Reception so<br />
special? It’s not just the small class sizes (up to 16) in our<br />
purpose-built classrooms; the bespoke outdoor learning<br />
area set in the heart of the prep school community; or<br />
our on-site forest school for muddy adventures. It’s also<br />
our understanding that as your child starts on their<br />
educational journey with us, they thrive when they play,<br />
explore and are provided with a creative curriculum.<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
We have a very simple philosophy – happy children do<br />
well. So, with ‘happy’ at the heart of all we do, we pack<br />
every day with discovery, adventure and exploration. We<br />
enable them to flourish through play-based activities,<br />
whilst developing a strong foundation in the core skills<br />
of Literacy and Numeracy, ensuring your child falls<br />
in love with learning from the very beginning of their<br />
journey with Collegiate.<br />
Working closely with families is incredibly important<br />
too, and recognising how busy family life can be we<br />
offer wrap-around care from 7.30am and until 6.00pm<br />
at the end of the day, with the core school day starting at<br />
8.15am and finishing at 3.50pm.<br />
To discover how we can give your child the best possible<br />
start, please join us at our Reception Information<br />
Morning on Thursday 12th <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2023</strong>. Visit our<br />
website www.collegiate.org.uk to register, or please get<br />
in touch with our Admissions Team who will be happy<br />
to support your enquiry on 0117 992 3194 or email<br />
admissions@collegiate.org.uk.<br />
16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Aim high,<br />
stay grounded<br />
Independent co-educational day and boarding<br />
school in <strong>Bristol</strong> for 0-18.<br />
Clifton College continues to lead the way as one of the<br />
best public schools in the country providing exceptional<br />
pastoral care, inspirational teaching, first-class inclusive<br />
sports, diverse and targeted co-curricular activities and<br />
excellent facilities.<br />
Discover life at Clifton College, visit<br />
cliftoncollege.com
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 />
18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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 | 19
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 />
20 | 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.
We’re open: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm<br />
Sun 9am-4pm<br />
Shop online: fiveacre.farm<br />
Christmas shopping at Five Acre Farm Shop<br />
on North Street... Find the perfect gift for everyone<br />
from our range of homewares, sustainable toiletries,<br />
books, plants & gardening supplies, and craft beers,<br />
wines & spirits from local brewers and distillers.<br />
We also have shelves full of great local food produce<br />
and seasonal fruit & veg from our own farm in<br />
Backwell. You can even grab a coffee and snack<br />
from the counter to keep you fuelled whilst shopping!<br />
Vale House Kitchen is a bespoke country skills and<br />
cookery school situated in the village of Timsbury<br />
8 miles south west of Bath. We offer all the traditional<br />
courses you would expect from a cookery school but will<br />
have the added dimension of teaching skills such as<br />
fishing, shooting, foraging and butchery.<br />
CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS NOW AVAILABLE<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>uary 15th - Marmalade Making<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>uary 29th - Beginners Cookery<br />
February 4th - Introduction to Sourdough<br />
Tel: 07854239926<br />
info@cliftonwineschool.com<br />
A very warm welcome to C lifton Wine School!<br />
We are a local wine school hosting events in <strong>Bristol</strong> at the Hotel du Vin.<br />
Choose from our Cheese and Wine Matching night, a Fine Wine tasting,<br />
Wines of the World evening courses, Steak and Red Wine night, and so<br />
much more. We also do unforgettable hen parties and corporate events.<br />
We don’t sell wine, we give you confidence to<br />
choose the best wines for yourself.<br />
You can purchase any course or<br />
tasting as a Wine School Gift Voucher<br />
starting from £30 the perfect present<br />
for any wine lovers!<br />
Tastings, courses and events now<br />
also available online.<br />
www.localwineschool.com/bristol<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21
IRISH<br />
CREAM<br />
FUDGE<br />
Preparation time: 20 minutes +<br />
cooling + chilling<br />
Cooking time: 25 minutes<br />
Makes: Makes about 30 pieces<br />
MAKES A<br />
LOVELY<br />
GIFT<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
397g can condensed milk<br />
150ml whole milk<br />
425g light brown soft sugar<br />
115g unsalted butter<br />
100ml Baileys The Original Irish<br />
Cream<br />
Large pinch of salt<br />
100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa<br />
solids), chopped<br />
METHOD<br />
Line a 20cm x 20cm baking tin<br />
with parchment. Put the milks,<br />
sugar and butter in a large,<br />
nonstick saucepan and warm<br />
over a medium heat, stirring<br />
occasionally, until the sugar<br />
has dissolved. Put a sugar<br />
thermometer in the pan and turn<br />
up the heat a little, bringing the<br />
mixture to a moderate bubble.<br />
Stir continuously until the<br />
thermometer reaches 113-115ºC<br />
or ‘soft-ball stage’ (this should<br />
take about 15 minutes). Take the<br />
pan off the heat and set aside for<br />
5 minutes.<br />
Stir the Irish cream and salt into<br />
the mixture. Using electric beaters<br />
set to a medium speed, beat for<br />
about 10 minutes until you have<br />
a thick mixture that’s starting to<br />
come away from the sides of the<br />
pan. (You can also do this with a<br />
wooden spoon, beating for about<br />
15 minutes.) Tip the mixture into<br />
the lined tin, spreading it out<br />
evenly. Cool to room temperature,<br />
then cover and chill for 1 hour.<br />
Melt the chocolate in a bowl set<br />
over a pan of gently simmering<br />
water, stirring until smooth.<br />
Meanwhile, put a large sheet of<br />
baking parchment on the work<br />
surface. Turn out the fudge and<br />
trim the edges to neaten, then cut<br />
into squares about 3cm x 3cm.<br />
Dip ½ of each square of fudge in<br />
the chocolate. Leave to set on the<br />
parchment, chilling again briefly<br />
if needed.<br />
22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
A NEW HOME,<br />
GIFT AND<br />
LIFESTYLE STORE<br />
IN SALTFORD<br />
FLOURISH FOODHALL AND KITCHEN<br />
HAS EXPANDED ITS OFFERING WITH A<br />
STUNNING NEW HOMEWARE STORE AND<br />
CRAFTING HUB, OPEN JUST IN TIME FOR<br />
YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING...<br />
The store stocks a wide range of beautiful gifts, many of<br />
which are handmade by local artists and makers, luxury<br />
Christmas food, home décor, kitchen & garden wares,<br />
pet care, art, candles, soaps, wellbeing products and<br />
much more, alongside a large crafting space where you<br />
can take up a range of workshops.<br />
Charlotte Lewis, manager at Flourish Home and<br />
Lifestyle says:<br />
“The store is packed with Christmas gift ideas, while our<br />
crafting space will be hosting activities such as jewellery<br />
making, landscape painting and wreath making over the<br />
coming couple of months”.<br />
Other festive features at Flourish include beautiful, high<br />
quality local Christmas trees from Frenchay Forestry in<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
<strong>Bristol</strong>, and delicious free-range, locally farmed turkeys<br />
and other meats, which you can pre-order for Christmas<br />
day online on the Flourish website or in-store (orders<br />
closing on 15th <strong>Dec</strong>ember).<br />
If you’re looking for a lovely gift for that family member<br />
who already has everything, you can even buy gift cards<br />
that can be used across the whole site, including in our<br />
Kitchen, Foodhall and Home & Lifestyle store, and<br />
they’re valid for a whole year.<br />
Flourish Home & Lifestyle is open from 10am to 5pm<br />
Monday - Thursday and Saturday, 10am – 7pm on<br />
Friday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday! Why not pop into<br />
the kitchen for a festive hot drink or a warming bite to<br />
eat by the log fire.<br />
LUXURY CHRISTMAS FOOD & GIFTS<br />
BUTCHERY & DELI PRE-ORDERS, FESTIVE FOOD, HOMEWARE,<br />
GIFTS, STOCKING FILLERS, CHRISTMAS TREES,<br />
GIFT VOUCHERS & WORKSHOPS<br />
www.flourishatglenavon.co.uk<br />
Glenavon Farm, 331 Bath Road, Saltford, <strong>Bristol</strong> BS31 3TJ<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 23
Garden Trading Dining Longworth<br />
Chair, £220, Longcot Dining Table,<br />
£1,200, Holwell Crockery From £12,<br />
www.gardentrading.co.uk<br />
WHERE TO BUY<br />
Christmas Snowflake Table Runner, £30,<br />
iamfy.co 2 Natural tree top star, £9.99,<br />
giselagraham.co.uk 3 White Paper Star,<br />
45cm £8.50, 60cm £11 and Layered Paper<br />
Snowflake (4), 50cm, £38, all hauslife.co.uk<br />
5 Ceramic Christmas Tree Tray 18.5cm,<br />
£4, hobbycraft.co.uk 6 Wooden Bench,<br />
120cm, £159, hausife.co.uk 7 Christmas Eve<br />
Cushion, £135, janconstantine.com 8 Dried<br />
Grass Filled Baubles, from £6, hauslife.co.uk<br />
9 Burnished Brass House Tea Light Lantern,<br />
£55, coxandcox.co.uk<br />
Brass Six Candle Candleabra, £109,<br />
www.hauslife.co.uk<br />
1<br />
Simply Scandi<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
2<br />
A timeless, pared back style for a<br />
beautiful festive season<br />
3<br />
4<br />
www.lights4fun.co.uk<br />
5<br />
6<br />
8<br />
7<br />
9<br />
24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Wet Room trends<br />
& Inspiration<br />
Wet Room trends<br />
& Inspiration<br />
Wet rooms are increasing in<br />
popularity as they are very stylish<br />
while maximising your home’s<br />
space. Wet For rooms big are families, increasing wet in rooms<br />
are ideal popularity as they’re as easy are very to clean stylish<br />
and maintain while maximising while still your adding home’sa<br />
touch space. of luxury. For big families, wet rooms<br />
are ideal as they’re easy to clean<br />
and maintain while still adding a<br />
If you’re looking for considering touch of luxury.<br />
wet room, then check out our tips<br />
below. If you’re looking for considering a<br />
wet room, then check out our tips<br />
below.<br />
Numerous showerheads<br />
Treat yourself to numerous<br />
showerheads<br />
Numerous<br />
if you<br />
showerheads<br />
want to spend<br />
Treat yourself to numerous<br />
a little extra on your bathroom.<br />
showerheads if you want to spend<br />
With various showerheads, you<br />
a little extra on your bathroom.<br />
can have<br />
With various<br />
multiple<br />
showerheads,<br />
showers in<br />
you<br />
one,<br />
creating can have a spa multiple experience. showers in one,<br />
Showering creating under a spa rainfall experience. after a<br />
busy Showering day or using under the rainfall power after a<br />
setting busy to day wake or using you up the on power those<br />
early setting winter to mornings. wake you up on those<br />
early winter mornings.<br />
Creative drainage solutions<br />
Creative drainage solutions<br />
Spending a little more money on<br />
Spending a little more money on<br />
using using an effective an effective drainage drainage system system<br />
is not is only not only practical practical but but offers offers aa<br />
centrepiece for for your your bathroom as as<br />
well well as it as being it being practical.<br />
Lighting<br />
Incorporating natural light will help create a<br />
Lighting<br />
calming experience which can be helped by<br />
Incorporating natural light will help create a<br />
combining this with the right artificial light.<br />
calming experience which can be helped by<br />
combining this with the right artificial light.<br />
Many showers now come with their own<br />
colour-changing Many showers now lights come to with add their to own the ambience<br />
as colour-changing well as reflect lights your to mood. add to the ambience<br />
as well as reflect your mood.<br />
Kellaway Bathrooms have a broad range of<br />
wetrooms Kellaway Bathrooms as well as have all the a broad other range elements of<br />
wetrooms as well as all the other elements<br />
you need to create the perfect space for<br />
you need to create the perfect space for<br />
you and your home.<br />
you and your home.<br />
172-174 Kellaway Avenue,<br />
172-174 Horfield, Kellaway <strong>Bristol</strong>, Avenue,<br />
Horfield, BS6 7YQ <strong>Bristol</strong>,<br />
0117 942 BS6 60507YQ<br />
0117 942 6050
THE HOME MOVING<br />
WE WENT TO THE EXPERTS AT THE HOME<br />
OWNERS ALLIANCE TO FIND OUT ABOUT<br />
THE HOT TOPICS IN THE HOUSING MARKET<br />
Guide<br />
WHY AVOID THE<br />
BUSIEST DAY TO MOVE?<br />
While it may seem sensible to move on<br />
a Friday, moving at the same time as<br />
large swathes of other people can put<br />
pressure on the professionals helping<br />
you move, which can mean a greater<br />
risk of delays.<br />
Of course delays can occur at any time,<br />
but on the last Friday of the month, it is<br />
also peak time for conveyancing fraud<br />
and you will need to pay more for a<br />
removal company. If there are delays in<br />
transferring funds at completion, you<br />
may have to spend the weekend in a<br />
hotel or on a friend’s sofa.<br />
For those reasons, moving on the<br />
busiest day of the year isn’t for the<br />
faint-hearted, especially with the<br />
August bank holiday also happening<br />
that week, pushing more moves onto<br />
the remaining four days.<br />
TIPS ON AVOIDING MOVING DAY<br />
DELAYS<br />
Suggest a mid-week move to all in<br />
your chain pointing out the potential<br />
downfall of choosing to move on<br />
a busy day like Friday. Savings are<br />
possible, for example, removals firms<br />
may offer mid-week deals on prices.<br />
See our guide to house removals costs<br />
at hoa.org.uk/advice<br />
Book the removals firm. Make sure<br />
everyone in the chain knows you’re<br />
working towards that date and book<br />
your removals firm well in advance,<br />
so you only need to confirm as soon<br />
as you exchange. It’s best to ask them<br />
to come to your house to assess the<br />
volume of your belongings. This<br />
ensures you have the right sized van<br />
and number of team members on the<br />
day of your move.<br />
Choose a removals firm you trust and<br />
have rapport with.<br />
Talk through what would happen if a<br />
delay occurred. For example, do they<br />
have emergency storage if needed?<br />
HOW TO ADD VALUE TO<br />
YOUR HOME<br />
Significant home improvements<br />
are expensive, so it’s important to<br />
consider how your plans will add<br />
value to your home. More and more<br />
of us are choosing to improve rather<br />
than move. So, here are 10 ways to<br />
make your property better to live in,<br />
in a way that can also add value to<br />
your home.<br />
If you have lots of plans for home<br />
improvements, it makes sense to focus<br />
on projects that will also add value.<br />
That way what you spend now will be<br />
reflected in the price of your property<br />
when you sell. But what adds value to<br />
a house?<br />
We asked over 300 members of the<br />
Federation of Master Builders (FMB)<br />
and estate agent members of the<br />
Guild of Property Professionals which<br />
projects will add value to your house.<br />
Here’s what they said.<br />
1. KNOCK DOWN A WALL FOR<br />
OPEN PLAN OR BROKEN PLAN<br />
LIVING<br />
Our research found that removing an<br />
internal wall to create an open plan<br />
kitchen and diner was the best way to<br />
add value to your home.<br />
Not only will this add value to your<br />
home, it should also make it more<br />
pleasant to live in, with more and<br />
more of us opting for open-plan living.<br />
Knocking down walls means more<br />
communal spaces where families can<br />
enjoy quality time together, whether<br />
that’s chatting while dinner is cooked<br />
or keeping an eye on kids while they do<br />
their homework.<br />
Best of all, this is a relatively simple<br />
project that most builders can<br />
complete in under a week.<br />
2. BUILD A GARDEN ROOM<br />
Another option is to add another living<br />
space outside. With so many more of<br />
us working from home, it is great to<br />
delineate living and working space<br />
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
and claw back that guest bedroom but<br />
having a dedicated office. Or it could<br />
be used as a gym!<br />
3. SPRUCE UP YOUR KITCHEN<br />
A new kitchen isn’t just a treat for<br />
you, it can also significantly boost the<br />
value of your home. Putting in a new<br />
worktop, cabinet doors or floor doesn’t<br />
have to break the bank – it costs<br />
around £4,000 on average. But, it could<br />
add £17,000 to the value of a London<br />
property, or the FMB and The Guild of<br />
Property Professionals found it could<br />
add around £15,000 to the average<br />
home in Cambridgeshire.<br />
4. CREATE A DOWNSTAIRS LOO<br />
A downstairs toilet is a big attraction<br />
to a variety of different buyers. Adding<br />
one will make your home attractive to<br />
young families with children, those<br />
that like entertaining and don’t want<br />
guests wandering upstairs, to older<br />
buyers who might be looking to future<br />
proof their homes.<br />
So, turning wasted space, such as<br />
an understairs cupboard into a loo<br />
can add value to your home. This is<br />
a great project if you have a limited<br />
budget because for only a relatively<br />
small outlay of around £1,500-£2,500<br />
you could add around £26,000 to<br />
your home’s value, according to our<br />
research.<br />
5. MAKE WAY FOR AN EN SUITE<br />
Another way to add extra bathroom<br />
space is to carve some space out of<br />
your master bedroom to create an en<br />
suite. The job should take around 11<br />
days but could add £14,525 to the value<br />
of the average London home.<br />
6. CREATE A PARKING SPACE<br />
We love green front gardens but<br />
if parking is at a premium in your<br />
neighbourhood, then paving over part<br />
of your front garden to create space for<br />
off road parking could significantly<br />
boost your home’s value. A parking<br />
space can add as much as 13% to the<br />
value of your home according to Direct<br />
Line.<br />
You’ll need to check with your local<br />
council to see if you need planning<br />
permission to do this. Usually, if your<br />
home isn’t on an A or B road you won’t<br />
need permission, but you will have<br />
to comply with your local authority’s<br />
regulations on dropping the kerb.<br />
7. SPRUCE UP YOUR BACK<br />
GARDEN<br />
Gardens are often overlooked when<br />
property projects are concerned but<br />
ploughing some money into your<br />
green space can be rewarding. Our<br />
analysis found that adding decking<br />
and lighting to your back garden can<br />
really boost the asking price when a<br />
property goes on the market.<br />
8. DECORATE<br />
If you are planning to put your<br />
property on the market make sure<br />
you give it a fresh lick of paint first.<br />
Don’t understand the importance of<br />
kerb appeal by updating the exterior<br />
of your home. Getting professionals<br />
in could set you back around £1,000,<br />
but it could add £5,000 to your home’s<br />
value, according to property expert<br />
Phil Spencer.<br />
9. CONVERT YOUR LOFT<br />
Homeowners looking to add floor<br />
space could significantly add value to<br />
their home.<br />
10. GET PLANNING PERMISSION<br />
If you are preparing to sell your home<br />
and can’t afford a big project to boost<br />
the value, you could consider just<br />
getting the planning permission.<br />
Buyers are prepared to pay quite a<br />
premium to avoid the paperwork<br />
involved in an extension and to know<br />
red tape won’t stand in the way of their<br />
plans and allowing them to start works<br />
the minute they pick up the keys.<br />
Submitting a basic planning<br />
application costs up to £400 but could<br />
add as much as 10% to the value of<br />
your home, according to insurance<br />
firm Hamilton Fraser.<br />
Get help submitting an application<br />
from a local planning consultant.<br />
And finally, before you start, ask the<br />
experts.<br />
Improving your home to make it more<br />
enjoyable is a benefit for you and your<br />
family today. Opting for a project that<br />
will also give you a big financial boost<br />
when you sell only adds to the benefits.<br />
However, if your primary aim is to add<br />
value to your home then you should<br />
consult an expert first to make sure<br />
you’ll get a return on your investment.<br />
Invite a few estate agents to value your<br />
property and ask them what they think<br />
will add the most value. The best local<br />
agents will be able to tell you what<br />
refurbishment projects other homes<br />
on your road have benefited from and<br />
how much value those projects added.<br />
www.hoa.org.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27
2<br />
1<br />
4<br />
OCEAN HUES<br />
Echoing the reassuring and relaxing colour of the sea,<br />
aqua is set to be one of the hottest shades of the season.<br />
Opt in with larger pieces of furniture wrapped in<br />
oceanic hues, or make it easier to incorporate into an<br />
existing scheme with smaller accessory items.<br />
INTERIORS <strong>2023</strong><br />
It’s that time of year where we look at our spaces anew<br />
– here are our forecasts for some upcoming interior<br />
trends if you want to refresh your home.<br />
3<br />
ARCHES<br />
Arched doors are big news in extensions<br />
and renovations, and the gentle curves are<br />
softening the hardened edges that have<br />
proliferated for so long. Use as a motif if<br />
you’re decorating, or as a shape for windows<br />
and doors if you’re renovating.<br />
SOOTHING PASTELS<br />
While we might see a rise of deep and bold colors in <strong>2023</strong>,<br />
certain spaces still call for a level of zen—and this is where<br />
pastels come back in. Think eucalyptus, mid-level blues,<br />
soft pink and putty taupes.<br />
5<br />
GET THE LOOK<br />
1. Diamond Aqua Blanket,<br />
£55, weavergreen.com; 2. Blue<br />
Arches Ceramic Pot Cover,<br />
£24.99, giselagraham.co.uk; 3.<br />
Cliff & Ocean Art Print, £41.95,<br />
abstracthouse.com; 4. image<br />
© Studio McGee; 5. Eucalyptus<br />
No.92, victorycolours.co.uk; 6.<br />
Squishmeister Corner sofa £2845,<br />
loaf.com<br />
6<br />
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Image Hypnos Beds<br />
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Amesbury, SP4 7AW • Tel: 01980 874242<br />
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
TREES MATTER<br />
IN THIS EDITION, OUR REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR<br />
MATT BIGGS GIVES US ADVICE ON WHERE TO<br />
START IF YOU WANT TO PLANT A TREE...<br />
For thousands of years, we have appreciated trees, we<br />
have planted trees, we have written about trees, we have<br />
even worshipped trees. Even before we knew just how<br />
important they are to our environment, something<br />
within us recognized that trees matter.<br />
There are so many options that the first task must be to<br />
decide what you want your tree for. Is it for structure<br />
within your garden, for shade, for visual impact? Might<br />
it be for fruit, to attract birds or just because it is your<br />
favourite tree!<br />
Do look at the eventual height and spread of your tree –<br />
you might not see it when it is fully grown but you don’t<br />
want to cause problems for others and it is such a shame<br />
to have to remove a tree because it was in the wrong spot.<br />
Winter is a good time to plant, as long as the ground is<br />
frost free and not waterlogged; it is really important not<br />
to stint on the groundwork. Water the tree roots really<br />
well, even stand it in a bucket for an hour and make sure<br />
the hole is big enough – it needs to be three times as<br />
wide as the pot and the same depth. Fork the soil in the<br />
hole so that the roots can make their way easily as they<br />
develop, tease out the roots from the rootball and plant<br />
in a square hole. Use mychorrizal fungi to help the roots<br />
grow, and make sure when you place it in the hole the<br />
various aspects of it are where you want them – branches<br />
showing their ‘best side’. When you refill the soil into the<br />
hole don’t leave any pockets of air, firm and water well<br />
and stake the tree if need be.<br />
You can, of course also get the kids in on the act, acorns,<br />
conkers and tree seeds are so easily collected, pop them<br />
in a pot, labelling them so you know what is what, water<br />
and wait! It is so exciting to see that first green shoot and<br />
the tree and the child can grow together, how lovely!<br />
Whatever you plant and wherever you plant it, planting<br />
a tree is one of the most positive things you can do, for<br />
yourself and for future generations.<br />
To find out more visit Matt’s website: matthewbiggs.com<br />
Hi-Line are experts in Tree Care Services. Trained and<br />
equipped to deal with all scenarios, from basic garden<br />
tree operations to the complex multi-faceted technical<br />
projects. We have the experience and qualifications to<br />
ensure the job is completed safely and on-time.<br />
We care about the environmental landscape, and can<br />
consult with you on trees ill-health, planting schemes,<br />
specialist pruning, selective pruning, tree removal and<br />
young tree maintenance.<br />
For expert guidance<br />
contact our Bath and<br />
Somerset team for a free<br />
garden consultation<br />
today.<br />
0333 45678 86<br />
quotes@hi-line.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 31
GREAT<br />
VALUE<br />
SET<br />
PERFECT GLAM<br />
The only eye-shadow pallet you’ll ever need -<br />
beautiful, blendable neutrals and buttery soft<br />
shimmers in colours to take you from day to night.<br />
Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette, £46,<br />
lookfantastic.com<br />
LUSH LASHES<br />
Get longer and thicker eyelashes in as little<br />
as 8 weeks with this nightly lash treatment.<br />
RapidLash® Eyelash Enhancing Serum,<br />
£40, Boots<br />
BEAUTY<br />
Hot Picks<br />
SELF CARE SUPER SET<br />
Discover the magic of the Hebrides this festive season with Ishga’s new<br />
limited edition Self Care Face Set, containing their bestselling organic<br />
facial skincare products, presented in a 100% vegan leather washbag by<br />
Fenella Smith. Set includes award-winning Anti-oxidant Marine Cream<br />
and Exfoliating Face Mask. Self Care Face Set, £95, uk.ishga.com<br />
BOOST HAIR<br />
VOLUME<br />
Save money and kick off your<br />
scalp and hair wellness journey<br />
with this starter kit. Featuring hair<br />
growth shampoo, conditioner and<br />
a mask, alongside an enriching hair<br />
oil and a scalp treatment to boost<br />
growth. Then amp up the volume with<br />
a professional styling tool that dries,<br />
styles and volumises in one simple<br />
step - it makes that salon blow dry<br />
look easy to achieve at home. Hair<br />
Wellness Starter Kit, £113.49 and<br />
Blowout Brush Pro, £67.99, both<br />
bondiboost.co.uk<br />
GROW UP<br />
Grow by IMARAÏS is a unique<br />
sugar-free hair care gummy powered<br />
by organic-certified functional<br />
mushrooms, Reishi, Chaga, and<br />
Snow Mushroom, to support healthy<br />
hair growth, nourish the scalp, and<br />
support healthy-looking hair. Grow,<br />
£42, imaraisbeauty.com<br />
SKIN ROUTINE<br />
A great entry point if you are looking to create a<br />
skincare routine. Enriched with pure and powerful<br />
botanicals, this exceptional skin care ritual visibly<br />
reduces the appearance of fine lines,<br />
wrinkles and uneven skin tone, whilst<br />
protecting against pollution. Herbal<br />
Recovery Discovery Ritual Set, £16,<br />
jurlique.co.uk<br />
GREAT<br />
VALUE<br />
SET<br />
32 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
GIFT<br />
VOUCHERS<br />
FOR<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
New Season, New You!<br />
• General lingerie<br />
• Bridal<br />
• Maternity<br />
• The Elderly<br />
• Sports<br />
• Medical & Support<br />
• Swimwear<br />
• Nightwear<br />
enquiries@perfectfit.uk.com<br />
0117 986 0950<br />
50 Temple Street, Keynsham,<br />
<strong>Bristol</strong> BS31 1EH<br />
BOTANICALS COLLECTION<br />
N O W O N L I N E<br />
STERLING SILVER AND GOLD VERMEIL JEWELLERY WITH<br />
SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES - FROM £10 | hauslife.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 33
A PRACTICAL<br />
GUIDE TO<br />
BEREAVEMENT<br />
THE EMOTIONAL ASPECT OF DEALING WITH<br />
A BEREAVEMENT – EVEN ONE THAT WAS<br />
EXPECTED – CAN BE DEVASTATING, BUT<br />
WHEN YOU START THINKING ABOUT THE<br />
PRACTICALITIES OF WHAT TO DO NEXT IT<br />
CAN BECOME EVEN MORE STRESSFUL AND<br />
OVERWHELMING. IT CAN BE VERY EASY TO<br />
OVER COMPLICATE THE PROCESS AND GET<br />
LOST ON YOUR JOURNEY - THE EXPERTS AT<br />
THE BEREAVEMENT ADVICE CENTRE HAVE<br />
COMPILED THIS EXTENSIVE GUIDE...<br />
STEP 1 – WHERE DO I START?<br />
During the first few hours after a loved one has died, it<br />
can be very difficult knowing what to do with yourself.<br />
Knowing where to begin and taking that first step can be<br />
the hardest bit. While you’re waiting to collect the official<br />
paperwork from the doctor or the hospital to register the<br />
death, there are a few things you can be getting on with<br />
if you want to. One of these is finding any paperwork<br />
which might detail, for example, whether there are<br />
specific funeral wishes or requests for organ/body<br />
donation, as these need to be identified very soon after<br />
the death. If you feel up to it you can also begin to call<br />
family and friends to let them know what’s happened.<br />
STEP 2 – REGISTERING THE DEATH<br />
With the exception of when the Coroner is involved<br />
you’ll usually be contacted by either the hospital or the<br />
deceased’s doctor to arrange collection of the Medical<br />
Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD for short). You<br />
can then make an appointment with the Registrar to<br />
complete the official registration, it’s worth bearing in<br />
mind the death needs to be registered in the county<br />
where the person died, not where they lived.<br />
STEP 3 – MAKING THE FUNERAL<br />
ARRANGEMENTS<br />
It’s important to remember when you hand over the<br />
“Green Form” you are personally entering into the<br />
contract for payment with the Funeral Director. If you’ve<br />
found a Will or even a Letter of Wishes this might give<br />
you an idea about what your loved one wants for their<br />
funeral. This can be a relief for some as it takes some of<br />
the decisions out of their hands, but it can be a concern<br />
for others especially if there isn’t enough money or the<br />
requests are unrealistic. It’s important to understand that<br />
funeral wishes in a Will aren’t legally binding and don’t<br />
have to be followed if they’re not possible.<br />
STEP 4 – BUILDING A PICTURE OF THE<br />
ESTATE<br />
If you had Power of Attorney or managed the deceased’s<br />
finances you will probably have a clear picture of how<br />
the estate is put together. Alternatively the deceased may<br />
have been very organised, leaving you with a folder or<br />
filing cabinet containing all the information you’ll need<br />
to look after the estate.<br />
STEP 5 – LETTING EVERYONE KNOW<br />
There will probably be more people to tell about the<br />
death than you expect, and it can be hard to think of<br />
everyone. It can be helpful to make two lists, one<br />
for personal e.g. family/friends/work colleagues and<br />
another for professional e.g. financial organisations/<br />
insurance companies/family solicitor/accountant/<br />
financial advisor.<br />
STEP 6 – WORKING OUT IF YOU NEED<br />
PROBATE<br />
It’s worth remembering that Probate is only needed in<br />
certain circumstances, not just because a Will hasn’t been<br />
made or because the total value of the whole estate seems<br />
high. There are different factors which make Probate<br />
a requirement, but in simple terms it is decided by the<br />
value of individual sole assets within a person’s estate.<br />
There are exceptions to this rule so call us and we can<br />
check for you.<br />
STEP 7 – THE FINAL STEP<br />
Once you’ve obtained Probate (if required) then you<br />
can arrange for any sole assets to be sold or transferred.<br />
Before you hand over anything to the beneficiaries you’ll<br />
need to make sure any debts are settled and Inheritance<br />
Tax has been paid. When you’re comfortable that all<br />
debts have been paid you can either:<br />
Follow the instructions in the Will to pay any Legatees/<br />
Beneficiaries OR Distribute the estate to the deceased’s<br />
relatives in line with inheritance laws called the Rules of<br />
Intestacy<br />
It’s really important that you keep clear records that show<br />
what money is coming in and out of the estate as this<br />
will give you a clear paper trail showing how the estate<br />
has been administered. You can then put these together<br />
with the Death Certificate, the Will (if there was one)<br />
and the Grant of Probate (if this was required) to form<br />
your estate accounts.<br />
Edited from an article published for the Bereavement<br />
Advice Centre, you can find more information and<br />
advice at bereavementadvice.org or call 0800 634 9494.<br />
34 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk