Banbury Living Oct - Nov 2023

Exceptional Breadth | Individual Focus
Registration deadline for First Form 2024
and Third Form 2024 and 2025 entry
Thursday 30 November 2023
cokethorpe.org

C O N T E N T S
A NOTE
from the editor
18 15
INTERIOR HOME FOR UPDATES XMAS
Editor Katie Thomson
e katie@minervapublications.co.uk
Assistant Editor Kate Norris
Publisher Sally Thomson
Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose
Contributors
Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,
Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence
JACK AUTUMNAL STEIN BAKING INTERVIEW & RECIPE
22 18
FOR ADVERTISING
Account Manager Steve Davies
e steve.davies@minervapublications.co.uk
t 01225 984506
Front Cover courtesy of Del Monte
04
COMPETITIONS
14 27
PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS
AKTAR ISLAM
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS
Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,
Hilperton BA14 6JB
t 01225 984 550
www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Printed on sustainably sourced paper.
Please recycle this copy or pass it along
when you are finished for someone else
to enjoy.
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be
held liable for any loss occasioned by
failure of an advertisement to appear, or
any damage or inconvenience caused by
errors, omissions and misprints. No part of
this publication may be reproduced without
prior permission from the publishers.
The opinions expressed within are not
necessarily those of the publishers.
I write this note on the day
I of intense had my discussion first English about
strawberry the future of this GCSEs. week, I’m and sure my
word, we can it was all recollect beyond delicious what a
- tough perfectly time exam sweet, season it was was a
very - and good how dramatic advert for we eating may
seasonally. have felt about I’ve the tried impact to echo of
this those in results all my recent on our fruit lives and -
vegetable only to realise purchases, in the fullness and it’s
had of time, a transformative it’s not the sole effect thing on
my that cooking makes or - everything breaks a life’s just
tastes trajectory. better - more vibrant,
needing less seasoning and
just Here overall in the office, very tasty. we’ve been
comparing all our own results
I’m stories, making and whether most they of
cooking were ones whilst of celebration I still have or a
kitchen commiseration, - mine is we due all to agree be
ripped that, with out hindsight, two weeks and can
it look will be back camping at our stove school and
air experience frying for and two observe months from how
there! it has shaped I’ve already us, but picked not that my
kitchen, defined but us. it got me thinking
about all the other areas that
need It seems updating only right in my to home. reflect If
you on school are thinking as we of come a similar into
refresh, open day please season check - if you out have our
home children pages or grandchildren this edition still -
they’re on their full educational of inspiring journey, trends
and we have a few some timeless advice classics. to help
choose the right school.
We’ve also got some lovely
editorial On the foodie on the side best of things plants
for this pollinators edition, we - it’s have never an
been interview so important with Michelin to support chef
wildlife Aktar in Islam, the garden. plus some
delicious recipes for the
The autumn. competition guide this
issue is a bumper one - we
have If you an outdoor have furniture visitors
set descending from Bramblecrest at Christmas, worth
nearly you just £3,000, want plus to make a cordless some
lawnmower improvements worth ahead £679 of to get the
that festive garden season, in shape. you’ll enjoy This,
plus our home a lot pages more makes this edition.
well
worth a look and an enter!
Please don’t forget to check
We our website will be for back our again bumper in
August crop of competitions.
- I’ll be fully rebooted
and recharged into summer
mode. That’s See all you from then! me - I’m
sorry to say that the next
time you see us, we will be
Katie
in Christmas mode. Fair
warning! Ho ho ho!
Katie
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITIONS
We have three ways to enter
these amazing giveaways:
SINGLE ENTRY
You can enter this
competition alone for 70p per
entry (the cost of a stamp)
in the competition section of
minervamagazines.co.uk
– please select the keyword
for the competition you wish
to enter.
COMPETITION
CLUB
You can join our Competition
Club for an introductory offer
of £12.99 - this gives you
automatic entry into every
competition we run for a
year from the start of your
subscription - that’s over 60
competitions, including cash
prizes in December! Saving
you over £40 on entering
them individually online. No
need to remember to enter
each month - instead, sign
up and we will do the rest
for you.
This nominal fee covers our
admin costs and makes
being in with a chance of
winning our amazing array
of prizes a complete breeze!
Head to minervamagazines.
co.uk/competition-club to
find out more. T&Cs apply
and can be found online.
BY POST
You can send your entry on a
postcard with the keyword to
Minerva, Unit 21C, Paxcroft
Farm, Hilperton, BA14 6JB -
one entry per postcard.
Please include a contact
number or email address so
we can notify you in the event
you win.
One lucky reader will win a three-night stay in the luxurious
Chestnut Barn in the heart of the Norfolk Broads worth £700,
thanks to Visit Great Yarmouth and Travel Nest.
Sleeping up to four guests, this beautifully
converted barn offers upside down living at its
best with its spacious first floor living space
featuring gorgeous far reaching countryside
views. Dating back to the 1880’s, the stylish
holiday home has plenty
of character with exposed
beams and is dog-friendly
too. The wood burner ensures
guests are cosy whatever
the weather and outside are
attractive gardens to the front,
and rear. Downstairs there’s
a super king master bedroom
with a second bedroom that
can be made up as a twin or
super king.
www.visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk
direct.travelnest.com/properties/4310086
WIN:
A SHORT
BREAK IN THE
NORFOLK
BROADS
WORTH
£700
CLOSING DATE: 30/10/23 | KEYWORDS: ‘NORFOLK BREAK’
Win the VAX ONEPWR Glide 2 and make dirty hard floors a
thing of the past. With not a cloth, mop or bucket in sight, it
washes spills and stains, extracts dirt and debris and dries in
one simple step, allowing you to make light work of cleaning
hard floors while killing 99.9% of bacteria. 1
The VAX Glide 2 has advanced, dual edge
brush rolls which are designed to be
gentle on hard floors and allow you to
clean right up to skirting boards, kitchen
units and furnishings. Its extra-large water
tanks also means there is less need to
empty and refill, enabling you to clean
for longer without interruption and
move from room to room with ease.
www.vax.co.uk
[1]
When using VAX ONEPWR Multi-Floor
Solution at Deep Clean concentration.
CLOSING DATE: 30/10/23
KEYWORDS: ‘VAX GLIDE 2’
WIN:
THE VAX
ONEPWR
GLIDE 2
WORTH
£349.99
Designed for on-the-go grilling, this black
porcelain enamel kettle BBQ is perfect for
WIN:
picnics, camping and even the garden! The ONE OF 4
charcoal basket is divided allowing for
NK-14 INCH
for easy grilling customization, while top PORTABLE BBQS
and bottom vents COURTESY OF
ensure effortless NAPOLEON
temperature control.
With a lightweight
design and Cool Touch
handle, it’s a breeze to carry.
The four-legged assembly
offers stability wherever
you go.
www.napoleon.com
CLOSING DATE: 30/10/23
KEYWORDS: ‘NAPOLEON
BBQ’
The term “beauty sleep” has a lot
of truth in it. During sleep, the body
goes into a cycle of repair and
renewal.
Oi-Lin® Night Emulsion jumpstarts
and supports this natural
process synergising with the skin’s
restorative powers. Its nutrient-rich
WIN: formula provides maximum hydration,
SUNRIDER combining essential oils and herbal
extracts, Vitamin E-rich wheat germ oil
OI-LIN NIGHT
to protect against aging free radicals,
EMULSION
and sodium hyaluronate that diminishes
visible lines and targets future wrinkles.
Sunrider uses only skin-friendly ingredients
from plant-based sources to nurture skin health.
Apply it nightly to awaken to rejuvenated skin that looks softer,
fresher, brighter, and smoother.
CLOSING DATE: 30/10/23 | KEYWORD: ‘SUNRIDER’
4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
We’ve teamed up with the newly refurbished
Holiday Inn Guildford to offer our readers the
exclusive chance to win a staycation break.
The lucky winner and their guest will enjoy a
night’s stay with dinner and breakfast at the
hotel.
The Holiday Inn Guildford has unveiled a major
refurbishment to transform
its public spaces and
showcase a brand new
Open Lobby concept on
the ground floor.
https://www.lghhm.com/
portfolio/holiday-innguildford/
CLOSING DATE: 30/10/23
KEYWORDS: ‘HOLIDAY
INN’
WIN: A
STAYCATION
WITH
HOLIDAY INN
GUILDFORD

cotsw lds
Sandown
Letting your holiday home has never been easier
At Cotswolds Hideaways our local team is well placed
to help you let your holiday home
Benefits include: A Marketing or Marketing and Managed service
Professional photography | No joining or annual fee | Peace-of-mind damage cover
Competitive commission rate | No restrictions on the use of your property
We’re always looking to expand our portfolio, so why not get in touch
and request your FREE Property Letting Guide?
newowners@cotswoldshideaways.co.uk | 01451 887 766 | Office in Stow-on-the-Wold
Gardens, Teashop, Plant Centre,
Gift Barn, Gallery, Museum, Play
Area, Orchards, Annual Events
Open All Year Round
Waterperry Gardens, Nr Wheatley,
Oxford OX33 1LA. T 01844 339226
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Visit your locally run auction
house for free valuation!
Monthly Auctions
Classic Cars & Motorbikes
Aviation & Motoring Memorabilia
Live Steam Models & Railwayana
International Militaria & Medals
Silver, Jewellery, Watches & Coins
Collectable & Interesting Items
Enquiries: +44 (0)1327 359595
admin@humbertellis.com
Lower Boddington, NN11 6XX
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 5
waterperry-smilead-Aug23.indd 1 08/08/2023 16:16

Rubis Tweezers
Slanted w/Leather
Tweezer Case, £47.99,
amazon.co.uk
Animal Park
Wallet, £30,
vendulalondon.
com
Particularly British Piccalilli,
Caramelised Onion Marmalade,
Cranberry, Port & Orange Sauce,
Christmas Spiced Chutney, £6.80 each
Cotton Kimono-Style
Dressing Gown,
£39.99, and Alie Leaf
Gold Plated Earrings,
£11.99, hauslife.co.uk
Stihl PG 10 Secateurs,
£13.25, and Gardening
Gloves, £26.20, stihl.co.uk
Elevate Wine Glass, Set of 2,
£35, dartington.co.uk
Soho Street Cocktail
Pouch, £28.99,
sohostreetcocktails.com
Assorted Chocolate Almonds
and Nougat Luxury Selection,
£35, farhi.co.uk
Kocktail Bottled Cocktails -
classics and new spins! All
bottles £27, kocktail.co.uk
Gold Plated Huggie
Earrings, £30,
matchboxjewellery.com
time to
WIN
One lucky winner will win everything
on this page. You can enter by joining
our competition club, a single entry or
by post - all details can be found here:
minervamagazines.co.uk
Competition closes 10am, 01/12/23
Entrants must be over 18y/o. Please note,
if some products are not available, the
brands reserve the right to send an
equivalent value prize
instead. T&Cs apply.
6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

FAT REDUCING
SKIN TIGHTENING
COLLAGEN THERAPY
ANTI AGEING
MEDICAL GRADE SKINCARE
Pamela Crombie
Senior Aesthetic Practitioner
Contact 01295 985 001 or 07826 755534
quartzaesthetics@gmail.com
Find Us The Wellness Centre,
54 Bloxham Road, Banbury OX16 9JR
www.quartzaesthetics.co.uk
Clinically proven and
leading technologies
Long term
measurable results
Book with your personal travel agent.
Christmas
in Lapland
Christmas in
Lapland is a
truly enchanting
experience.
Finnish Lapland, nestled within the Arctic Circle, transforms into a
winter wonderland during the holiday season. Visitors from around
the world flock to Lapland to meet Santa Claus in his village, where
wishes are shared, and naughty-or-nice lists are revealed.
Book with financial protection.
Inspired destination ideas help to create the perfect trip
Planning an adventure?
I can help you plan it and create special memories.
Less hassle with flexible appointment times.
Santa in Lapland, Northern Lights, Iceland, Canada, Winter Sun,
Beach Holidays, City Breaks. Worldwide tailor made bespoke
itineraries including Australia and New Zealand,
Family holidays, Adult escapes and everything in between.
Begin your holiday hunt and get in touch today.
Call 01295 231525 07539 410580
Email Catherine.Blackburn@brillianttravel.co.uk
www.catherineblackburntravel.co.uk
www.facebook.com/catherinebrillianttravel
Catherine.brillianttravel
Lapland’s snowy landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop, with
the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights painting the
night sky. Winter activities abound, from reindeer sleigh rides and dogsledding
to snowshoeing and snowmobiling, allowing you to embrace
the Arctic spirit.
Accommodation options in Lapland are diverse, including unique ice
igloos and cozy glass igloos that offer a chance to sleep beneath the
stars and the Northern Lights.
Catherine Blackburn, a seasoned traveler with extensive knowledge
of Scandinavia and beyond, offers personalized travel services to help
you plan your dream Lapland Christmas getaway. Whether you prefer
a day tour or an extended stay, Lapland has something magical for
everyone during this festive season. Explore her website and follow
her on Facebook for travel inspiration and recommendations.
www.catherineblackburntravel.co.uk
ADVERTISING FEATURE
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7

SELL YOUR ANTIQUES
& COLLECTABLES
Free Weekly Valuations at Holloway’s Every Thursday
9.30 am - 4 pm with Jasper Marsh
Free Weekly Jewellery Valuations with
Melissa Lee Patrick
10am - 2pm by appointment
Hanson Holloway’s Ross:
49 Parson’s Street, Banbury OX16 5NB
To find out more visit:
www.hollowaysauctioneers.co.uk
Bidding Platform: www.hansonslive.co.uk
AUCTIONS
EVERY
MONTH
V 01295 817777
fI
HollowaysAuctions
L
HHRauctions

BANBURY
CHRISTMAS LIGHT
Switch on
Sunday 26th November
Why not wrap up well and head down to Banbury
Town Hall on Sunday 26th November to join for
us for this year’s annual Christmas Light Switch
On event, which will mark the end of another very
busy, but exciting, year of events for Banbury
Town Council, the highlight of which was our
Party in the Park Coronation event back in May to
celebrate King Charles’s accession to the throne.
We will have some fantastic live music performances
from local artists and groups to get us all in the festive
spirit. There will also be fairground rides and activities
for the children, with delicious food and drink available
to purchase. Also, if we are all good then then we may
even get a special visit from a certain somebody before
his big trip on Christmas Eve? The highlight of the event
will of course be the switching on of the Christmas lights,
followed by an amazing firework display to bring the
event to a close. We look forward to seeing you there for
some Banbury festive fun – and thank you to everyone
who has attended and supported our events this year.
Happy Christmas people of Banbury from your Town
Council…and we’ll be back with more great events in 2024!
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 9

Cherry Picking
your Boarding School
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR OPEN DAYS
It is a myth that boarding schools
shut down for July and August, but
it is equally a truth that they become
hives of activity at the beginning of
a new autumn term. Schools will
enthusiastically prepare to welcome
prospective families to their first open
days as they look to take the first
steps towards establishing the life-long
relationships that epitomise their role.
A boarding school can offer a unique
and enriching experience, fostering
independence, academic excellence,
and personal growth. Attending a
boarding school open day is an essential
step in the decision-making process,
giving you the opportunity to immerse
yourself in the school’s environment,
understand its values, and evaluate
whether it’s the right fit for your child’s
individual needs.
Before you step foot through the school
gates, here are the three steps to success
in choosing a boarding school:
1. SPEAK TO STUDENTS
Speak to students during your
visit – they will give you an honest
account of the boarding experience!
Observe how they interact with
you, are they confident and do
they engage in conversation? Do
they speak enthusiastically and
positively about the school? Look
out for staff and pupil interactions
and not just between those who
are on open day ‘duty’. Is there
two-way respect between staff and
students? How do students behave
with and treat one-another?
1. SIZE, FACILITIES, AND
LOCATION
Are you looking for a school
which will offer a vast range of
opportunities and experiences
as part of a huge boarding
community? Or will your child
feel overwhelmed and lost in this
environment? Does the location
of the school suit your family
circumstances?
Notice how the boarding facilities
are presented. Are they well looked
after? Do they feel homely and
welcoming? Draw your attention
to the wall displays - do they
demonstrate inclusivity and
diversity or are they different
versions of the same thing?
How is safeguarding prioritised in
boarding? What security measures
does the school have in place
to ensure student safety? What
are the pupil and staff ratios in
boarding houses and who is on site
overnight?
1. STUDENT WELLBEING
Ask questions about the school’s
commitment to care. What is the
procedure if a boarder feels unwell
during the night? How does the
school manage day-to-day medical
provision? What is their policy with
regards to parent communication?
Learn and ask questions about the
school’s approach to mental health
and wellbeing. Are counselling
services available to boarders and
what measures are in place to
prevent bullying or discrimination?
Do students know who they can
talk to if they have any concerns or
worries?
A boarding school is a hungry
place! Are food options balanced,
varied, and accommodating of
dietary needs? The boarders
themselves will be the first to tell
you if they enjoy the food provided
or whether they order pizza to their
houses three times a week.
The range and diversity of boarding
schools is huge. Thankfully, so is the
information available on the internet, so
do narrow your search down by checking
out websites and speaking to your
current Head. Once you have your list of
schools to visit, enjoy the experience –
open days are normally great fun as well
as being tremendously informative.
The Boarding Schools’ Association
(BSA) is part of the BSA Group. BSA
Group supports excellence in boarding,
safeguarding, inclusion and health
education, serving more than 1,500
organisations and people in 40 countries
worldwide. Since its foundation in 1965-
6, BSA has promoted boarding education
and the development of quality boarding
through high standards of pastoral care
and boarding accommodation.
10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Rye St Antony, Oxford An Independent Day and Boarding School
for Girls aged 3 to 18 and Day School for Boys aged 3 to 11.
‘Academic success is not
incompatible with happiness...
Rye seems to have cracked it.’
Good Schools Guide
Be Ambitious. Be Curious. Be Yourself.
Contact us now to arrange a visit admissions@ryestantony.co.uk
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 11

CHANGING
SCHOOL FOR
SIXTH FORM
Whether you want to change
from a single sex school to co-ed
or from day to boarding, private
to state, A levels to International
Baccalaureate – or vice versa
– there are plenty of reasons to
move schools post-GCSEs.
HOW TO CHANGE SCHOOLS
FOR SIXTH FORM
Families need to know what schools
and colleges are in the area and
how far your teen will be willing to
travel. We’d advise getting the ball
rolling with research towards the
end of their year 10 in time for sixth
form open days and applications
which generally take place the
following autumn, early in the new
academic year.
Discussions about post-GCSE
options will already be underway at
your child’s current school by then
and looking at other sixth forms
will widen your options. Maybe
the broader based curriculum of
the IB would suit them better than
specialising at A level? Maybe they
want to pursue a more practical,
less exam based, route? Or perhaps
your child simply feels ready for a
fresh start and new faces.
CHOOSING A NEW
SIXTH FORM
The decision needs to be a joint
effort between parents and children,
based as much on personal
preference as objective research.
Your child may have formed
opinions about other schools via
friends or social media but however
popular a particular sixth form may
be, it’s no good if it doesn’t offer the
subjects they want to study.
Guide your child to consider the
areas of study they genuinely enjoy
or find interesting. The demands
of some A levels, such as maths,
are a big jump from GCSE and
most academically selective sixth
forms will set higher GCSE grade
requirements for these.
It may seem too early when your
child hasn’t even finished their
GCSE courses to start talking about
university subjects and destinations,
but if they are going to change
school for sixth form it’s important
to at least start thinking about
the ultimate goal. For instance, if
Oxbridge or medical school is the
aim then A level choices need to be
made accordingly and a potential
school’s record of Oxbridge and
medical school places taken into
account.
If university isn’t part of the plan
then you’ll need to ask the school
or college about provision for pupils
who are interested in alternative
post-18 options such as degree
apprenticeships.
MOVING FROM STATE
SCHOOL TO PRIVATE
If you think your child would
benefit from taking A levels at an
independent school but are worried
about affording the fees, it could be
worth checking whether you can
apply for a bursary. Some schools
even offer bursaries specifically for
pupils joining the sixth form from
the local state sector. Read the
following for more information about
scholarships and bursaries.
SIXTH FORM ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
These differ considerably but five
or six GCSEs including English and
maths at grade 6 or above, with
grade 7 or higher in subjects to be
studied at A level (can be 8 or 9 for
maths/further maths), is the minimum
for most selective schools. Many
schools in both the state and private
sector set the sixth form entry bar
much higher and in addition to a full
set of GCSEs at grades 9-7, also
expect candidates to sit papers in
their prospective A level subjects.
Schools will usually interview
prospective sixth formers too.
So what are the essentials to
look out for?
Check how many new pupils join for
the sixth form - if the number is very
low it may be harder for your child
to integrate
Look at trends in exam results
rather than just the most recent
ones (particularly important given
the disruption Covid has caused in
recent years’ GCSEs and A levels)
Some schools are single sex up to
GCSEs with a co-ed sixth form –
ask what the ratio of boys to girls
is and try to find out whether the
culture of the school is suitable for
your son or daughter
What are the opportunities for new
pupils for positions of responsibility
(prefects etc)?
What expertise is there to support
Oxbridge and international university
applications, or alternative routes
such as degree apprenticeships?
A fresh start can be a great
motivator, but it isn’t a panacea. If
your child is unhappy at their current
school find out why – changing
schools may not be the answer
goodschoolsguide.co.uk
12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

MEET THE HEAD
As the 9th Head at Beachborough School, I
am privileged to lead a thriving, diverse and
inclusive community that already means a
great deal to me. I truly believe that potential
lies within every child, and it is our job as
teachers and school leaders, to work with our
children to help them recognise their potential
and find the ‘greatness’ within them.
‘Greatness’ is not solely about what you can do but about who
you are, and it describes learners who have allowed their failures
as well as their successes to define them, shaping qualities of
character – resilience, self-belief and risk-taking as these are the
companions on the road to potential.
At Beachborough, every child is encouraged and supported to
unlock their potential and discover what really inspires them to
learn and succeed. I am proud to say that our children are happy,
and with happiness comes success and our children excel in
not only their learning, but in their all-round character too.
The Beachborough ethos is committed to an education which
has the wellbeing of each child at its heart and to develop
individuals who thrive in today’s modern world. Understanding
and promoting the whole child is our priority as we prepare to
send each one off to their carefully chosen senior school with
the energy, enthusiasm, and resilience to cope with failure and,
to enjoy success.
We pride ourselves in strong academic results within a nurturing
and safe environment which enables us to foster positive mental
ADVERTISING FEATURE
wellbeing and a lifelong love for learning so each child has the
opportunity to achieve their optimum goals and most importantly,
to be socially and intellectually prepared for the challenges
which may lie ahead.
Alongside our progressive and innovative curriculum, our
impressive and varied co-curricular offering allows opportunities
to try something new and enriches learning in every aspect. At
Beachborough there really is something for everyone and we
encourage our children to just ‘have a go’.
I would welcome you to visit us, so you can see first-hand what
a unique and wonderful school Beachborough is.
Mrs Simone Mitchell,
Head at Beachborough School
Beachborough School, Westbury, Nr Brackley
Northamptonshire NN13 5LB
www.beachborough.com
01280 700071 admissions@beachborough.com
Start Here,Go Anywhere...
www.beachborough.com | admissions@beachborough.com
Beachborough School, Westbury, Brackley, NN13 5LB

AKTAR
ISLAM
Unleashed
Sally Thomson caught up with the Michelin
starred chef to discuss inspiration, teamwork and
hospitality after Covid...
When I read your website the first
thing that struck me was your
strapline, ‘Opheem is just me,
Unleashed’. Would you like to tell
us more?
Well, over the years I’ve always
worked with other people. For
example, in my last business,
everyone had a say on how the food
was presented. For example, you’d
put a dish together and in its initial
conceptual stage to where it ended
up was far removed from what it
was supposed to be.
I understand the unleash bit on
your website - now you’re being
totally yourself?
I am lucky to do what I enjoy. The
only thing that I’m constrained by
is the produce that I’ve got access
to, whatever is coming out of the
land, whatever is coming out of our
seas. And the seasons. I’ve always
worked with seasons and, it’s just
natural for me to cook.
What was it like when you
received your Michelin star?
Obviously, it’s an incredible
experience to achieve such an
award. It was lovely, incredible
to achieve it a year after I set up
Opheem especially after the years of
constraints that I’ve experienced.
I’m very proud of my team. I’m
proud of everyone within the
business. Because though I set
the vision, the direction, we’re all
in the boat together and we’re all
rowing that boat together. When
the waters are choppy we all have
to experience that together. It’s the
power of the team.
Covid was a really difficult time
for the hospitality industry - how
did you navigate that time?
We started Aktar at Home, but that
became something much bigger
than I expected.
With Aktar at Home, it’s all about
investing in the community and
creating jobs - much of the time for
people that lost their jobs as a result
of the pandemic. There are teams
who are in the portioning and the
packing team and the processing
team. They’re all people who are
from the inner city of Birmingham,
you know, aged 25 and below
who traditionally struggled to find
employment. So, we give them a
chance and an opportunity to join
the team and develop within the
team. And obviously they’re paid well
above national living wage to make
sure it gives them a start in life.
The other thing that we did last year,
was give away 6,000 care packages
for people who were struggling
to feed their families. We just
asked people in the communities
to nominate people within their
community that they know are
struggling to feed themselves or
feed their kids. Just to get in touch,
let us know, and we just sent a box
out to them.
I wanted to ask you about the
name of your restaurant. Where
does that come from?
“I’ve always worked
with seasons and,
it’s just natural for
me to cook”
It was inspired by a region that was
known as Mandu, but it’s a Sultan of
Mandu, a guy called Giyath Shahi.
He was an epicure in the late 1300s.
He enjoyed the nicer things in life
and there’s a particular manuscript
that he wrote or commissioned,
which concentrated on recipes from
the time and his life. And something
that he enjoyed was opium!
So, Opheem ia a play on the word
opium, but it’s more based on
the understanding, it’s a sensory
indulgence and that’s what his life
was built around.
Sensory indulgence, I love that. Do
you ever visit India so you can go
to the places which inspired you?
I used to spend a lot of time in
India. I’d spend a month or so
there every year. At least three
weeks just travelling and eating
and documenting recipes and
understanding the culture.
It’s really inspirational - then towards
the end of your trip, you always miss
a roast dinner! There’s nothing like
a Yorkshire pudding. By the end of
it all you want is to come home and
have a lovely roast dinner.
You can find out more about
Opheem at opheem.com and Aktar
at Home at aktarathome.co.uk
14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL Baking
We sample some delicious recipes from the new Two Magpies Bakery recipe book, written by the
bakery’s founder, Rebecca Bishop. The book aims to teach how to make all your favourite breads,
pastries and pizzas, as well as recipes for celebrations cakes, bakes, bars and savoury dishes
BERRY FRIANDS
Fruity little almond cakes with a
dollop of jam in the centre – a great
afternoon pick-me-up and a longstanding
favourite. Choose seasonal
fruit such as sharp summer berries,
juicy plums or autumnal figs and
blackberries. This recipe also works
well with gluten-free flour.
Make the friand mix a couple of
hours ahead (or even the day
before) to allow the ground almonds
to absorb the liquid egg white and
melted butter – the firm batter will
rise more evenly.
Makes: 10
INGREDIENTS
130g unsalted butter
160g caster sugar
80g ground almonds
50g plain (or gluten-free) flour
130g egg whites
150g seasonal berries (or stone
fruits, figs, rhubarb, chopped)
100g Raspberry Vanilla Jam
50g apricot jam, sieved
50g pistachios, chopped
Brown the butter by bringing it to
the boil in a pan. Allow it to bubble
fiercely for 5–8 minutes, scraping
the bottom of the pan with a spatula
regularly. When the butter starts to
smell sweet and nutty and the boiling
foam rises up in the pan, pour the
hot liquid (including the brown flecks
and scrapings from the bottom of the
pan) into a heatproof bowl. Allow the
butter to cool, stirring occasionally
as it firms up.
fan/gas 4. Grease your mini cake
moulds or muffin tin. Place half the
fruit at the bottom of the moulds,
then pipe or scoop your friand mix
to come a third of the way up the
sides. Use a small spoon to place
the jam into the middle of each cake
before topping with a dollop of the
remaining batter. Your moulds will be
about two-thirds full. Decorate with
more fruit on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning the
moulds or tin after 15 minutes. Use
a skewer to check the cakes – it
should come out clean. Cool for 5
minutes before removing from the
moulds/tin and cooling on a rack.
Warm the sieved apricot jam and
brush over the top of each cake,
then sprinkle with the chopped
pistachio nuts.
CARDOMOM
KNOTS
Makes: 12
INGREDIENTS
Cardamom dough
450g strong white bread flour
80g icing sugar
12g ground cardamom
8g fine sea salt
75g cold unsalted butter, cubed
260g full-fat milk
7g active dried yeast
Cardamom butter
100g soft unsalted butter
80g caster sugar
10g ground cardamom
10g lemon juice
½ tsp fine sea salt
Try and source black cardamom
seeds for this, grinding them fresh for
every bake. The intense, astringent
Weigh the sugar, almonds and
flour into a bowl and whisk until
combined. Still using the whisk,
gradually add the egg whites, then
the cooled browned butter in three
stages until absorbed and no longer
oily-looking. Cover the mix and
leave to rest for a couple of hours or
in the fridge overnight.
Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C
Two Magpies Bakery is published by Headline Home and is
available from all good bookshops and online
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15

taste is utterly unique. Once tasted it will live in your
memory and keep you returning, again and again.
Weigh the flour, icing sugar, cardamom and salt into a
large bowl and mix to combine. Rub the cubed butter into
the flour mix until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Warm
the milk 30°C, add the yeast and stir to dissolve. Add this
liquid to the dry mix and bring the dough together using
your scraper until all the dry matter is incorporated.
Allow the dough to rest in the bowl, covered, for 20
minutes, then turn out onto the counter and knead for 5
minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Place the
dough back in the bowl, cover and prove for 1 hour with
stretch and folds after 20 and 40 minutes. Maintain the
dough temperature at 26°C.
sections from the bottom edge, leaving the top edge still
attached so that each strip has three sections. Prepare
your tin by greasing it well or lining with cases.
Plait the sections and roll each plaited strip so that the
ends are tucked underneath when placed into the muffin
tin. Prove for 1–2 hours until puffy and increased in size.
Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Brush the
buns with egg wash and sprinkle with nibbed sugar
(optional), then bake for 12–15 minutes. Brush liberally with
syrup as soon as they are out of the oven, then turn out of
the tin after 10 minutes to prevent the buns sticking.
While your dough is proving, make the cardamom butter
by gently combining all the ingredients in a bowl.
Roll the dough into a rectangle 60cm x 24cm, with
the narrowest side next to your body. Spread with the
cardamom butter and fold the bottom edge halfway to the
centre of the dough, then fold the top edge of the dough
to fully cover the first half of the dough (a single/letter fold).
The dough will now measure 20cm x 24cm.
Wrap the dough in cling film or baking parchment and
chill in the freezer for 20 minutes. Remove and place the
longest side of the dough parallel to your body. Gently roll
the chilled dough to 30cm high, then trim the sides. Cut
12 x 2cm wide strips of dough. Cut each strip into three
Traditional Family Butcher
We believe we supply the finest quality, locally sourced
meats and meat products that you will find anywhere
Sausages, Burgers and Pies made here at Fritwell by hand
And there’s more... Orders being taken for Christmas
Parties, weddings, business lunches, picnics
Bespoke menus to fulfil your requirements
So if you need a caterer that has a really good relationship
with the best country butcher for miles
Autumn sausage making classes now available
Please contact Gordon for details
45 East Street, Fritwell, Bicester OX27 7PX
Tel 01869 345229 Fax 01869345522
gbwrighton@AOL.com ✦ www.wrightons.co.uk
CHRISTMAS TREES
100's to choose from
Sawn & Potted
Ranging from 3ft-20ft
Holly wreaths & mistletoe
Christmas Lights & decorations
Saltway Farm,
Broughton Road,
Banbury, Oxon,
OX16 9UL
Orders
now being
taken for
Christmas
Hampers
Tel: 01295 270789
info@saltwayfarmshop.co.uk
16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

BURNT
CHEESECAKE
with Spiced Mandarins
Celebrate Bonfire Night with a perfect
dessert, from Del Monte
Vegetarian, gluten-free
Serves 10-12
Prep time: 30 minutes. Cook
time: 1 hour, plus overnight
chilling
INGREDIENTS:
680g full-fat cream cheese
250g caster sugar
Good pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
25g cornflour
4 medium eggs
300ml double cream
Ingredients for the
mandarins:
2 cans (298g) Del Monte®
Mandarin Segments in Juice
4 tbsp soft light brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
5-6 cardamom pods, slightly
squashed
METHOD:
Make the cheesecake the day before
you want to serve it. Preheat the
oven to 200°C/gas 6 and find a
20cm round springform tin. Take a
large piece of baking parchment,
more than big enough to line the
tin, and scrunch it up in your hands
– this makes the paper easier to
manipulate. Unscrunch the paper and
put it in the tin, using a smaller cake
tin to help mould it to the sides. Don’t
worry about the creases and wrinkles
– these are all part of the look of the
cheesecake!
If you have a mixer, put the cream
cheese, sugar, salt, vanilla and
cornflour into it and beat them
thoroughly together. Otherwise, do
this in a large mixing bowl, beating
until smooth. Add the eggs and start
beating them into the cream cheese
mixture, gradually pouring in the
cream as you go. If you’re using a
mixing bowl, beat in the eggs one at
a time before beating in the cream.
You want a nice, smooth mixture.
Pour the mixture carefully into the
lined tin and transfer to the oven.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until the
cheesecake is puffed up, very brown
at the edges and a rich golden
brown in the centre. It should have a
slight wobble in the middle still. Take
out of the oven and leave to cool
completely in the tin – it will sink as
it cools. Transfer to the fridge and
refrigerate overnight.
While the cheesecake is baking, make
the spiced mandarins. Drain the juice
from both cans into a saucepan. Add
the brown sugar and whole spices and
put over a medium heat. Stir until the
sugar is dissolved, then let the juice
come to a brisk simmer and cook for
about 10 minutes until the liquid is
reduced and syrupy. Take off the heat,
add the mandarin segments and stir
gently. Leave to cool then refrigerate.
When you’re ready to serve, carefully
remove the paper and transfer the
cheesecake to a serving plate. Serve
in slices, with a generous spoonful of
the mandarins and their syrup.
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 17

Robin Large Sofa in Basket Weave,
Sandstone, arloandjacob.com
HOME
for Christmas
OVERHAUL
DINING SPACE - is your table large enough
to host? Consider an extending table, which you can
keep smaller throughout the year until you need to up
the size.
REPAINT - new paint or wallpaper is the fastest,
and one of the cheapest, to completely transform the
feel of a space.
NEW SOFA - just be sure to choose one from a
company who can deliver in time for Christmas!
LIVING
&DINING
Broccoli Brown,
Farrow & Ball
Eyebright by
Earthborn Paints
Burano Dining Chair, bridgman.co.uk
Navy Leaved Plant On Taupe A3 Graphic
Print, Oak Frame, £45 cultfurniture.com
QUICK FIXES
REFRESH WITH NEW
PRINTS - it’s amazing the life that new
artwork can inject into a space - try to pick
a piece which includes the colours of your
larger furniture pieces, like your sofa.
Istanbul Lamp,
£179, hauslife.
co.uk
NEW CUSHIONS - seasonally
change your cushions, you can keep the
same inners and just swap the covers to
refresh the space. Add more cosy fabrics
like velvet, wool and corduroy as we come
into the cooler months.
NEW RUG - rugs have big impact
without having to get new flooring.
Clear Waters, Tresco by Ted
Dyer - options from £120
johndyergallery.com
18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

HOME TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS
We specialise in:
• Multi-Room Audio
• Home Cinema Rooms
• Networking/Wifi
• Smart Lighting
• Security
• System Aftercare & Support
Discover why homeowners and businesses across the country choose Ethos AV as their
premier audio-visual partner. Our passion for innovation, bespoke solutions, attention to detail,
and commitment to customer satisfaction set us apart. Experience the Ethos AV advantage
today.
07464035653 info@ethosav.co.uk www.ethosav.co.uk Bloxham Mill, Banbury, OX15 4FF
NEW
COTTON
PYJAMA AND
KIMONO
RANGE
ONLINE
haus
LIFESTYLE | GIFTS
MACHINE
DROP-OFF POINT
The Fat Quarter,
Cherwell Business Village,
Banbury OX16 2SP
01295 981057
www.thefatquarter.co.uk
FREE UK P&P ON ALL ORDERS OVER £60
hauslife.co.uk
JENNY FEENEY
Banbury 07706 731002 countryclovercompany@gmail.com
www.countryclovercompany.com
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19

Annie Sloan Kitchen Paint
QUICK FIXES
REPAINT YOUR CABINETS - if your
units are in good condition, this is a great way to
save money and stop the upheaval that a kitchen
transformation can bring. We advise you only get a
professional to do this as you need the finish to be
hard-wearing. Similarly, changing the worktops can
have a transformative effect.
LIGHTING- kitchen lighting must be both functional
and aesthetically pleasing. How about changing a
pendant light to a spotlight rail for more working light, or
changing the pendants on your breakfast bar. Try adding
a wireless lamp to brighten dark corners.
RESTYLE - change up the accessories you have on
the sides and have a big declutter
ARTWORK - hanging some new prints, or propping
some on open shelves can inject personality into a space
and make it feel more inviting.
KITCHEN
OVERHAUL
ADD NEW KITCHEN STOOLS - many of us
buy a quick fix with a new kitchen but it’s good to revisit
with fresh eyes.
ADD SOME OPEN SHELVING - it’s a fresh
way to add a bit more storage and you can display your
favourite pieces
Olive & Barr Kitchens
Wireless Lamp, £150, oka.com
It might be time to bite the bullet and opt for a
new kitchen - many of us are living with poorlydesigned
spaces which don’t stand up to
familial needs. If you’re trying to get this ordered
before Christmas, you need to be decisive
about what you need. Consult an expert
kitchen designer - they’ll have ideas to
maximise functionality whilst creating
something beautiful.
Print, inkanddrop.com
Sylvia Kitchen Stool,
£129, cultfurniture.com

eachhouseart.co.uk
OVERHAUL
NEW BATHROOM - It might be time for a new
bathroom. Depending on your fixtures, you may be able
to reuse elements and just refresh the tiles. If you are
undergoing larger works, chat through your plans with
your bathroom installer to make sure they address all the
practicalities.
BATHROOM
Rhoper Rhodes
Roddy Wall Light pooky.com
QUICK FIXES
CHANGE ACCESSORIES-
Replace your soap dispenser, toothbrush
holder, loo roll holder and bin - a little refresh
can make all the difference. The same goes
for fresh, fluffy towels.
REPAINT YOUR WALLS - if you
don’t have full tiles, a fresh lick of paint can
make a space feel cleaner and more inviting.
Emerald Plumage Wallpaper,
Divine Savages
Dunelm
REPLACE OLD/MOULDY SILICON -
it’s amazing how much better fresh, clean and white
silicon looks.
NEW PRINTS - changing up your bathroom
prints can breathe new life into the space.
Hand Wash,
£6.99, kitandkin.
com; Tray, £35,
boxwoodhomeinteriors.
co.uk
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21

Planting for Autumn colour
NOTES FROM
THE GARDEN
As the full light of summer fades into
Autumn so the colour palette of our gardens,
changes and for me, Autumn is one of the
most beautiful seasons in the garden.
If you are starting from scratch and planning for colour, lucky you,
then there are so many options, but the addition of some or any of
the following will reward you as the summer wanes. Backlit plants
can look amazing as the sun comes and goes and immediately, we
think of Acers, that blaze of fire that creates so many spectacular
exclamation points at this time of the year. Size certainly matters
so check the height and spread that each plant will reach and then
a little research will find you the ideal choice. If your soil type isn’t
ideal – they are acid loving plants, then grow them in pots. A two- or
three-year-old Acer in a beautiful pot can look spectacular and you
can move it to the most advantageous spot to enjoy its autumn show.
“PALE AMBER SUNLIGHT FALLS ACROSS
THE REDDENING OCTOBER TREES,
THAT HARDLY SWAY BEFORE A BREEZE
AS SOFT AS SUMMER: SUMMER’S LOSS
SEEMS LITTLE, DEAR! ON DAYS LIKE THESE.”
ERNEST DOWSON
Trees are an obvious choice for colour and Amelanchier lamarkii or
‘Snowy Mespilus’ is another beauty – it grows to about 7 metres so
place it carefully, but it offers a lot- silvery leaves followed by snowy
white flowers and pale copper leaves in spring. Berries follow that
and then in autumn a stunning display of orange and red leaves –
what more could you ask for? Shrubs also play a part – the wonderful
‘Smoke Bush’, Cotinus ‘Grace’ has deep maroon leaves and a halo
of fluffy grey toned flowers which look like the smoke of an autumn
bonfire. Hydrangea quercifolia – the ‘Oak Leaved Hydrangea’ is
another treasure offering incredible leaf colour, and white flowers too.
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’, turning yellow in autumn, looks
fabulous …… I am spoilt for choice!
THE HEAT STORE LT
Smaller plants also offer great colour, from Nandina domestica ‘Fire
Power’ to Asters, Helianthus, Japanese Anemone, Cyclamen – and
let’s not forget the grasses. Miscanthus and Pennisetum or fountain
grass add a totally different texture to the garden and as autumn
winds increase also add a wonderful fluid movement too.
With over 45 years in the business we have t
THE HEAT STORE LTD
With over 45 years in the business we have the
experience and we are here to help
experience and we are here to help
Wood Burning Stoves
• Multi-fuel Wood Burning Stoves Stoves
• Multi-fuel Stoves
Gas Stoves Fires
• Gas Stoves & Fires
• Electric Stoves & Fires
• Esse Esse Cookers
• Servicing
• Servicing Installations
• Installations
Chimneys & Flues
• Maintenance
• Problem solving
• Chimneys Flue lining& Flues
Maintenance
Contact us at:
2 Redditch Sweeping Road, Studley B80 7AX
Tel: 01527 853622
Problem solving
Flue lining
2 Church Street, Charlbury OX7 3PP
Tel: 01608 819088
Email: sales@heatstoreltd.co.uk
22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
www.heatstoreltd.co.uk
Con
2 Re
Stud
B80
015
We
Em

Ensuring Consumer
Safety and Compliance:
The Vital Role of
Professional Installers
As the demand for sustainable and efficient home
heating solutions continues to rise, the role of
skilled installers becomes increasingly crucial in
safeguarding homeowners.
Highlighting the indispensable value of professional installers in
maintaining safe and compliant homes, Alan Young, Compliance
Manager for leading biomass and solid fuel heating expert
HETAS, explores the importance of adhering to legislation for the
benefit of both consumers and the environment.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE
A well-maintained stove or boiler is not only pivotal in ensuring
optimal performance but is a fundamental aspect of homeowner
safety. It’s vital that installers conduct regular maintenance
checks that mitigate potential hazards, such as carbon monoxide
leaks and fire hazards. By addressing these issues proactively,
consumers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their wood
burning stove or boiler is running efficiently and safely. Regular
maintenance such as an annual chimney sweep prolongs the life
of the stove and also saves homeowners money in the long run
by reducing the risk of costly breakdowns.
COMPLIANCE WITH LEGISLATION
Compliance with industry regulations and standards guarantees
that the stove or boiler installed meets safety criteria and
environmental guidelines. Homeowner safety should always be
the top priority; and installers play a critical role in upholding this
commitment. By staying up to date with the latest legislations,
installers can guide homeowners towards sustainable and
environmentally friendly heating choices, contributing to the
global efforts in reducing carbon footprints.
EMPOWERING CONSUMERS WITH KNOWLEDGE
One of the most significant advantages that professional
installers bring to the table is their ability to empower
homeowners with valuable knowledge. From offering insights into
the latest energy-efficient technologies to explaining the benefits
of regular maintenance, installers can help homeowners make
informed decisions about the best suited heating solutions for
their home. Raising awareness fosters trust and loyalty and also
encourages them to prioritise maintenance and compliance with
legislation. Together, consumers and installers can form a strong
alliance in driving the adoption of eco-friendly heating solutions
and creating a safer environment for all.
For more information about becoming HETAS registered, visit
hetas.co.uk.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
At Bicester Tiles & Fireplaces we offer a vast range of electric
and multi-fuel stoves, fireplaces and tiles amongst many other
interior items.
We have over 30 brands in display in our showroom based
on the Telford Road industrial estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
We are an independent small business designed to work
with you to create a bespoke and personalised service and
desired end result. We can provide not only the supply of
goods and materials, but installation, maintenance and
aftercare service too.
Corinium Stoves offer an unrivalled range of wood burning
stoves, fireplaces, gas fires and electric appliances.
We have a large showroom nestled on the outskirts of
Cirencester with over thirty brands on display. We can
tailor our services to suit your needs from supply only to
full installations. All works are carried out by our own in
house installation, maintenance and aftercare team.
01285 861 099
sales@corinium-stoves.co.uk
Unit H Lakeside Business Park,
South Cerney, GL7 5XL
M1b, Telford Rd, Bicester OX26 4LD
01869 247729
kelly@tilesandfireplaces.co.uk
tilesandfireplaces.co.uk
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 23

Honda ZR-V
Sport SU V
Motoring Journalist Sue Cooke test drives the Honda ZR-V Sport SUV...
If you are considering an October half
term holiday in Europe, I would highly
recommend driving, in Honda’s latest
SUV which I am road testing. The
journey will be time consuming but
becomes part of the holiday and scenic
views can be enjoyed and passengers
can decide when and where to stop.
Research by Honda UK reveals France
is the most popular destination to drive
to, with 2,900 UK Google searches every
month. A journey to the capital, Paris
takes just 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Any long journey requires a comfortable
car with everyday practicality and
Honda’s new ZR-V, is just the vehicle,
powered by the award winning e:HEV
hybrid powertrain.
This new full-hybrid form of power uses
a lithium-ion battery and two compact,
powerful electric motors with a newly
developed 2.0-litre direct-injection
Atkinson-cycle petrol engine. With
no input from the driver, the system
automatically shifts between EV (for
urban driving), Hybrid (when stronger
acceleration is needed) and Engine Drive
(high speed motorway driving). In all
drive modes, brake and deceleration
energy is recuperated which shows on
the screen and encourages me to lift my
foot off the accelerator more. On hard
acceleration the ZR-V has a glorious
sporty soundtrack.
This C segment SUV boasts a quite
beautiful and elegant exterior design
with sequential indicators. There are five
exterior colours, including the Still Night
Blue Pearl of my road test car. With
standard 18-inch alloy wheels finished in
a Matt Berlina Black the result is a sporty
looking car.
In the cabin, high-quality materials,
detailed finishing, and subtle lighting are
used to create a premium ambience. The
low set dashboard and raised central
console, alongside plush knee pads and
arm rests, have the effect of cosseting.
A large nine-inch touchscreen stretches
across the front of the cabin and labelling
and instructions make it easy to use.
Clear labelling on the steering wheel
helps to use the voice instruction and
change the volume and station on the
audio system.
Storage spaces are in abundance, with
a split layer centre console which is
unique to the ZR-V. The deep storage
box has enough space to easily stow a
tablet. I like the grip on the door - useful
for holding it open and all the family like
the figure hugging seats and supportive
headrests.
The ZR-V has 370 litres of cargo space.
With fold-flat rear seats this increases
to 1291 litres. There is a useful load
partition, retractable parcel cover, under
floor storage, a low, wide boot aperture
and flat cargo floor which helps when
loading heavy items. On the Sport
grade there is an automatic power
tailgate improving the ease of loading
and unloading with both hands full. The
system reacts to a kicking movement
under the vehicle’s rear bumper to open
the boot, while a walk-away function
automatically closes it.
The ZR-V is the latest Honda to feature
the company’s advanced suite of Honda
SENSING technologies as standard.
Combined with a comprehensive airbag
system and impressive all-round collision
performance, the ZR-V achieves high
levels of both active and passive safety.
The Honda ZR-V combines beautiful
design, powerful performance,
exceptional driving dynamics and
outstanding comfort, so is a great choice
for a family holiday drive. Honda’s
research found that the longest drive was
to Portugal which takes 18 hours and
26 minutes to reach from the Channel
Tunnel. For tips on driving safely visit
Honda UK’s Engine Room https://www.
honda.co.uk/engineroom/cars/how-todrive-safely-this-summer/index.html.
Facts at a Glance
Model: Honda ZR-V Sport SUV
Price: from £41,095 OTR
Powertrain: e:HEV hybrid
Performance: 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds
and on to a top speed of 107mph.
CO2 emissions: 131g/km (combined)
Fuel economy: 49mpg (combined)
24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

The new dynamic SUV from
Honda has a premium,
sporty design and a powerful,
efficient full hybrid engine. This
advanced SUV is now available
to order from Johnsons Honda
in Oxford.
Honda ZR-V Elegance –
Metallic paint
List price £30,115.00
Honda deposit
contribution
£2,500.00
Customer deposit £5,155.50
Total amount
of credit
36 monthly
payments
Duration
£22,459.50
£249.00
37 months
Final payment
incl. option fee
Total amount
payable
Representative
APR
Annual contracted
mileage
Excess mileage
charge
Interest rate
PA (fixed)
£17,637.91
£34,257.41
6.9% APR
10,000
9.42ppm
6.7%
Johnsons Honda Oxford
Oxford Motor Park, Langford Ln, Kidlington OX5 1RY
0330 128 0219
www.johnsonscars.co.uk/honda
@johnsonscars
/johnsonscarsltd
johnsons_cars
Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Honda ZR-V Elegance: combined 49.6. Combined CO2 130g/km. Figures are provided for comparability
purposes; only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and/or equivalent all-electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These
figures may not reflect real-life driving results. Fuel consumption, CO2 produced and equivalent all-electric range can vary significantly depending on a number
of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load.
New retail ZR-V Hybrid ordered with Honda and finance approved by Honda Finance Europe from 1st July 2023 to 30th September 2023 and registered by 31st
March 2024. Subject to model and colour availability. Offers applicable at participating dealers (excluding Channel Islands) and are at the promoter’s absolute
discretion. Not to be used along with any other offers currently available. OTR may be subject to change due to actual or unexpected changes in tariffs, duties
taxes or other costs which may affect importation or other costs of supply. Maximum customer deposit 30%. At the end of the agreement, there are three
options: i) Retain: Pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle, ii) Return: Return the vehicle, or iii) Renew: Part-exchange your Honda for a new one.
You do not have to pay the final payment if you return the car at the end of the agreement and you have paid all other amounts due, the vehicle is in good
condition and has been serviced in accordance with the Honda service book and the maximum annual mileage has not been exceeded. Excess mileage
charge includes VAT at current rate. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status.
All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Honda Franchise Dealers are credit brokers, not lenders. As the dealer offers products
from a limited number of carefully selected finance providers, they are not independent financial advisors. We may or may not make a payment and / or reward
to the dealer if you enter into an agreement with us. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Honda Financial
Services is a trading name of Honda Finance Europe Plc. A company registered at Companies House No 03289418. Honda Finance Europe plc are authorised
and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register number 312541.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT
FROM A GOOD CARE HOME?
Finding out what a good care
home looks like can help you to
make choices about your care.
It can also help you understand
what you should be able to expect
from a service you already use.
When we inspect care homes, there are
five questions we ask.
Is it safe?
Is it effective?
Is it caring?
Is it responsive to people’s needs?
Is it well-led?
In a good care home, you can expect
to be safe because…
The home and any equipment are well
maintained and managers look for ways to
improve safety. You should feel confident
that your belongings are safe and secure.
There are always enough staff on duty with
the skills needed to make sure you are safe.
You are protected from being bullied,
harassed, harmed or abused. Abuse
includes neglect and financial abuse.
Staff deal with incidents and accidents
quickly and openly (and investigate them if
necessary) and they learn from mistakes.
You feel safe and protected by staff,
but you also have as much freedom as
possible to do the things you want to do –
regardless of your disability or other needs.
Staff give you your medicine safely and
store it correctly. Where possible, the
home involves you in reviewing your
medicines and supports you to be as
independent as possible.
The home is kept clean and hygienic to
prevent any risk of infection to you or
other residents.
You can expect a good care home to
be effective because…
You are regularly asked for your views
about the quality and choice of the food
and other aspects of the home, and your
feedback is consistently good.
Staff make sure you get the right food
and drink you need, and that you have
enough of it.
Staff have the right knowledge,
qualifications and skills to carry out their
role so that you have a good quality of life.
You are always asked to give your
consent (permission) to your care,
treatment and support in a way you can
understand. Where appropriate, your
family and friends are also involved in
decisions about your care.
Staff know about your health needs and
personal preferences and give you as
much choice and control as possible.
Staff speak with health and social care
professionals, such as GPs, and take the
right action at the right time to keep you
in good health.
You are asked for your likes and needs
when the home is adapted or decorated.
Any changes to the home are made to
help you to be as independent as possible.
You can expect a good care home to be
caring because…
Staff know about your background, likes,
hopes and needs. This includes any needs
you have because of your age, disability,
sex (gender), gender identity, race, religion
or belief, or sexuality (whether you are
lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual).
You are encouraged to express your views,
no matter how complex your needs are.
You have access to advocates (people
who can speak on your behalf).
Staff also know your wishes for your care
at the end of your life, if this applies.
Staff treat you with dignity and respect.
They spend time with you, develop
trusting relationships and are concerned
for your wellbeing.
You have enough privacy.
Your family and friends can visit you.
You can expect a good care home to be
responsive to your needs because…
Your care, treatment and support are set
out in a written plan that describes what
staff need to do to make sure that you
receive personalised care.
You, and your family and friends where
appropriate, are actively involved in
developing this plan. For example, you
should be able to have a choice about
who provides you with personal care,
such as help with washing and dressing.
As your needs and preferences change,
your plan is changed, and all those who
need to know, such as your care staff, are
kept up to date.
The plan includes information about
the whole of your life, including your
goals, your abilities and how you want to
manage your health. You may also have a
health action plan.
Staff work hard to prevent you from
feeling lonely. They do this by helping you
to keep in contact with your family and
friends.
Staff also help you keep up your hobbies
and get involved in the community if you
want to.
If you need to visit hospital, staff plan
this well with you to make sure it goes as
smoothly as possible.
If you have any concerns and complaints,
staff always take them seriously,
investigate them thoroughly and respond
to them in good time.
You can expect a good care home to
be well-led because…
You know who the manager is, and
anyone else in charge.
Managers know what their responsibilities
are and are always honest, including
when things go wrong.
Staff know what is expected of them and
are happy in their work.
Managers are available to support their
staff.
Staff have the confidence to report
concerns about the care that colleagues,
carers and other professionals give.
When this happens they are supported
and their concerns are thoroughly
investigated.
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Bluebird Care Bicester, Banbury & Buckingham

Will
£
£
£ £
LPA
Living
Will
£
Banbury Wills & Probate
Part of Bicester Wills Ltd
Standard Single Will - £225
Standard Mirror Wills - £325
Bloodline Wills - £625
Lasting Power of Attorney
Property & Financial Affairs - £325
Lasting Power of Attorney
Health & Welfare - £325
Both Lasting Powers of Attorney - £500
Paul and the Team
offer a friendly
estate planning
service
Phone us on
01295 237400
Home visits
no extra
charge!!
Probate Assistance from - £1,800
www.banburywillsandprobate.co.uk
Telephone: 01295 237400
paul@banburywillsandprobate.co.uk
Roses Care Services
Care Workers
required to join our
domiciliary care business
‘Putting People First,
Quality Guaranteed’
We are currently recruiting Carers to provide care in the community to enable people
to live independently in their own homes in Banbury and surrounding district.
Full and part-time positions available for qualified carers but not essential as a full
training programme is available to new recruits.
• Day, Evening and Weekend Work available
• Excellent Rates of Pay including Pension and other fringe benefits
• Generous mileage allowance • Relocation Support Offered
Contact Marlene Lines or Sarah Tagg
01265 810711 or 07912 045094
Email: marlene@rosecare.co.uk
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

RETIRE in style
Don’t panic if your pension savings aren’t where you thought
they’d be. There’s still plenty of steps you can take to help you
retire on your own terms. The key is having a decent plan in place.
CONSOLIDATE YOUR PENSION POTS
It’s likely you’ll have more than one employer in your lifetime,
which means you’ll probably have more than one pension pot
too. This can make it hard to know how much you’ve got saved
so far, and whether you’re on track to meet your future goals.
You could consider transferring your old pensions, and
combining them under one roof. You’ll have more control of
your money and where you’re invested in the run up to and in
retirement. If you’ve lost track of your old pensions over the
years don’t worry. The government’s pension tracing service can
help you track them down.
If you’re thinking about transferring, check you won’t lose
valuable guarantees or benefits or have to pay high exit fees.
CONSIDER WHEN TO FINISH WORK
There isn’t a standard retirement age anymore, so the line
between retirement and working life isn’t clear cut. Your financial
situation and health are likely to influence when you finish
working. You might decide to retire earlier or carry on working
well into later life. In fact, many people choose the best of both
worlds and semi-retire first.
All employees have the right to request flexible working from
their employer, which includes cutting down your hours. Your
employer has the right to refuse but they must give you a valid
reason for doing so.
The Citizens Advice Bureau provides guidance on how to
request flexible working.
WORK OUT HOW MUCH YOU NEED TO
RETIRE
To help simplify saving for retirement, the Pensions and Lifetime
Savings Association (PLSA) has updated national income and
living standards to help people work out how much income they
might need.
They have set out three living standards:
• Minimum: £12,800 a year will cover all your needs with a
bit of money left over for fun
• Moderate: £23,300 a year would leave you more financially
secure
• Comfortable: £37,300 a year would mean you have more
financial freedom and can afford some luxuries
These figures are based on a single person living outside of
London.
Find out more at www.hl.co.uk
HERE FOR YOU ANYTIME
YOUR FUNERAL WISHES
our local experts
FUNERALS FROM £995 *
Unattended Funerals Memorials Attended Funerals
10 The Parade,
Oxford Road,
Kidlington OX5 1EE
01865 378888
L. Hartness Funeral Directors
11 Victoria Road, Bicester OX26 6QD
01869 253282
S. & R. Childs Funeral Directors
69 London Road,
Hedington, Oxford
OX3 9AA
01865 427272
81 High Street,
Witney
OX28 6HY
01993 702675
We’re here for you anytime. Whatever your wishes or budget,
we can provide a funeral to suit you.
dignityfunerals.co.uk/local
Proud to be a Dignity Funeral Director, providing
exceptional services to families across the UK.
*Pricing is correct at time of going to print and is subject to change.
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29

Join us for
our next
event
Highmarket House
care home, Banbury
Falls prevention
Wednesday 22nd November
11am - 12noon
We are pleased to welcome Shirley Wong, from
Oxfordshire Falls Prevention Service, who will
share insights on maintaining independence,
preventing falls and reducing balance problems.
There will also be a chance to ask questions,
share experiences and take a closer look at our
home. Enjoy hot drinks and refreshments.
Trusted to care.
To book please call
01295 500423 or email
francesca.cowley@careuk.com
11170-184529-Highmaket-House-Banbury-Living-October-mag-171x246+3.indd 1 06/09/2023 10:48:38

Book your private viewing appointment:
01869 690272
Clifton Road, Deddington, Oxfordshire OX15 0TP

MAO A4
40 th Anniversary International Concert Series
40
THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2023, 7.30PM
SJE ARTS
NOTOS
QUARTETT
PIANO QUARTETS
BY WALTON, MAHLER
AND BRAHMS
'...the players [are]
unanimous in the way
they shape the music
and so impeccable
in their blend and
tuning – this is
superb chamber
music playing.‘
© UWE ARENS
The Guardian
© JENNIE CALDWELL
FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2023, 7.30PM
SHELDONIAN THEATRE
CATRIN FINCH
AND AOIFE
NÍ BHRIAIN
‘The duo certainly
demonstrated the
Celtic affinity of
Irish and Welsh.
Beautiful music’
Songlines magazine
FOR TICKETS AND FULL PROGRAMME INFORMATION VISIT
WWW.MUSICATOXFORD.COM
BOX OFFICE 01865 244806 | INFO@MUSICATOXFORD.COM
9 NOV 17 NOV