Horsham Living Oct - Nov 2023

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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 20 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Laura Rodney 

e laura@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984501 

Front Cover courtesy of the Capitol 

Theatre Horsham 

04 29 

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 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

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COMING SOON... 

Fri 6 October 

DAME JOAN COLLINS 

Seldom told tales, enchanting anecdotes, 

and rare and fascinating footage from her 

seven decades in showbusiness 

Tue 10 & Wed 11 October 

SWAN LAKE/NUTCRACKER 

Classical Ballet and Opera House with 30 

piece opera orchestra present the classic 

ballets over two nights 

Fri 13 & Sat 14 October 

THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY 

The sensational multi award-winning 

West End and Broadway show makes a 

triumphant return 

Fri 13 October | Studio 

ENSEMBLE REZA 

Warm, lyrical tones of Vivaldi, Respighi, 

Rossini and more 

Sat 28 October 

NOEL FITZPATRICK 

TV’s Supervet offers an antidote to 

the hectic whirlwind of modern living, 

showing that love really is all that matters 

Fri 3 & Sat 4 Novemberr 

COPPÉLIA 

The award-winning English Youth Ballet 

returns 

Fri 10 November 

PAUL FOOT: DISSOLVE 

Multi-award-winning and trail-blazing 

comedian, Paul Foot, is back with his 

most personal, surprising and groundbreaking 

show ever 

Sat 11, Sun 12 & Mon 13 November 

DAVID BADDEIL 

Baddiel presents three work in progress 

revivals of his ‘Not the...’ trilogy of shows 

Mon 13 - Sat 18 November 

ANNIE 

Direct from London’s West End the 

smash-hit production starring Craig 

Revel Horwood 

Thur 16 - Sat 18 November 

THE TEMPEST 

One of Shakespeare’s greatest works, 

don’t miss this stylish production 

which features bold, surreal imagery, 

and places the focus firmly on the 

characters in this classic story 

Wed 22 November 

FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK 

Straight from the West End, the ultimate 

feel good Irish-inspired Christmas show 

is back 

Thur 23 November 

FRANKIE BOYLE 

Frankie Boyle is on tour, giving you an 

opportunity to grab a laugh or two before 

the world gets any worse 

Fri 24 November 

DAVE GORMAN 

Extended following two sold out runs, 

Dave Gorman returns with more 

slideshow-based comedy 

Fri 8 - Sun 31 December 

SLEEPING BEAUTY 

Don’t miss this year’s fun-filled 

pantomime starring West End superstar 

Carrie Hope Fletcher, CBeebies favourite 

Andy Day and Crawley’s favourite dame 

Michael J Batchelor 

Wed 20 - Sun 24 December | Studio 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 

Celebrate the festive season with 

Charles Dickens’ classic tale brought 

to life in a stunning heart-warming 

adaptation

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

AN AWESOME Christmas AT 

THE CAPITOL HORSHAM! 

There’s a packed programme of top entertainment to choose from 

at The Capitol, Horsham and we got to chat to with John Partridge 

who is starring as Captain Gastoff in this year’s pantomime 

Beauty and the Beast... 

What are you most looking forward to 

in this year’s pantomime at The Capitol 

Horsham? 

Christmas is a time for family. For 

coming together with those nearest and 

dearest in celebration. Pantomime is 

very much part of that tradition, which 

is why I love it so much. I remember 

going to my first pantomime and being 

bewitched by the fairytale of it all …. and 

slightly terrified of Abanazar. So I guess 

I’m looking forward to TERRIFYING 

Horsham! 

What will you bring to your role of 

Captain Gastoff? How do you plan to 

make this character your own? 

I’ve worked with the Musical Supervisor 

before on La Cage aux Folles so there will 

definitely be a few showstoppers. Let’s 

just say Captain Gastoff likes to be the 

centre of attention! I’m going to role up 

all the “divas” I’ve worked with over the 

years and mould them into one monster. 

You’ll have to see if you recognise 

anyone! 

Who is this panto for? Can you 

describe the target audience & what 

can they expect? 

Pantomime is for everyone. It’s one of 

the last social events that can genuinely 

be enjoyed by the whole family. Young 

and old alike. This show will have magical 

sets, beautiful costumes, dazzling 

choreography - we intend to give this 

classic “tale as old as time” new life. 

What would you say to anyone who 

hasn’t been to a panto before? 

You’re missing out! Christmas is not 

Christmas without pantomime. It’s like 

turkey with no gravy! 

With the current cost of living crisis, 

many people might hesitate to spend 

money on theatre. What can we do to 

support theatre & the arts during these 

challenging times? 

I understand that, I really do. You want 

to know if you are going to spend your 

money on what feels like a luxury you’re 

going to get your money’s worth. I can 

assure you this year’s pantomime is 

going to be a SPECTACULAR! On a 

slightly serious note, most regional and 

smaller theatres make their annual profit 

from panto so if you’re lucky enough 

to have a local theatre, especially like 

the one you have in Horsham, I would 

urge you to try and make one trip to that 

theatre in a year. 

Can you share any memorable 

moments from past panto 

performances that have stayed with 

you throughout your career? 

My first pantomime as an actor was in 

Humpty Dumpty. My sister Fiona played 

my mum and she has always been a 

massive influence in my life, as well as 

being my best friend. She sang the song 

“More I Cannot Wish You” from Guys & 

Dolls to me in it and to this day I still get 

teary when I hear that song. That’s the 

power of theatre. 

Panto is known for its humour & 

interaction with the audience. How 

do you prepare for the unpredictable 

nature of live theatre? 

I love a good heckle – it’s where the 

magic is. The audience in Pantomime 

really is like one of the characters of 

the show. You need them in order for 

the play to work; for the gags to work; 

you feed off that energy. So make sure 

when you come to Horsham you give me 

what for – as long as you’re ready for the 

comeback! 

Lastly, what message do you hope the 

audience takes away from Beauty and 

The Beast at The Capitol this year? 

Simple, really … I want you to say “That 

was the BEST pantomime I’ve EVER 

seen!” 

Tickets for all shows can be booked 

online at www.thecapitolhorsham.com 

or calling The Capitol Box Office on 

01403 750220. 

8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Q&A with John Partridge

LOVE YOUR AUTUMN GARDEN 

with British Garden Centres 

British Garden Centres is encouraging everyone to 

embrace nature’s time to plant with its autumn campaign 

‘Love Your Autumn Garden’ launching this year. 

The campaign’s aim is to encourage gardeners to continue 

gardening throughout the autumn and celebrate this 

amazing season by creating awareness that the garden is 

not dormant during the autumn and winter months. ‘Love 

Your Autumn Garden’ will encompass a range of autumn 

gardening activities including lawn care, planting, autumn 

bedding, trees, fruits and wild bird care. 

‘Love Your Autumn Garden’ will take advantage of the 

season of change and growth by giving the best tips and 

advice on planting new trees, shrubs, and perennials. 

The warm and moist soil conditions, combined with the 

remaining summer heat, create the perfect environment for 

strong root growth and healthy establishment. 

As you prepare to plant your plants, consider adding some 

beautiful spring bulbs at their feet. British Garden Centres 

are currently offering a variety of options, including the 

cheerful ‘Tete a Tete’ dwarf narcissi, delicate crocuses, and 

fragrant hyacinths. 

Autumn is also an important time for lawn care, with 

gardeners looking to prepare their lawns to make it through 

the difficult winter months and ensure it is looking its best 

come the spring. And with the days getting shorter and 

the nights getting colder, don’t forget to start feeding the 

birds in your garden, if you are not already doing so. 

Amy Stubbs, Project and Development Manager at British 

Garden Centres said: “With the country experiencing a 

temperamental summer this year, consumers will be looking 

forward to getting out in their gardens and making up for 

lost time in autumn. There is so much you can do over the 

coming weeks that will provide stunning late-season colour; 

autumn is the natural start to the gardening season.” 

Visit your local British Garden Centres store which is full to 

the brim of inspirational autumnal ideas to make the most 

of your garden this season. 

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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. 


Rock 

Role 

There’s more to a Hurst education than academic 

excellence. Here, self-expression is positively encouraged. 

Children are inspired to explore. Invaluable years 

in our nurturing, enriching environment in which all 

children thrive, blossom and grow. Prepared. For life. 

Hurstpierpoint College 

www.hppc.co.uk 

CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR PUPILS AGED 4-18

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. The experts at the Good 

Schools Guide have given us some top tips on 

what to look out for when making your choice. 

• 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 

Looking for Sixth Form? 

Your future starts here! 

Are you a bright, ambitious student 

in Years 10 or 11 and planning your 

educational journey beyond GCSEs? 

Reigate Grammar School Sixth Form is the place where your 

dreams can flourish. As you stand at the crossroads of your 

educational future, allow us to share why choosing Reigate 

Grammar School Sixth Form is a decision that will shape your 

path to success. 

Our commitment to academic excellence is unwavering. Our 

passionate and experienced teachers are dedicated to providing 

a stimulating and nurturing environment that fosters growth. 

Whether you aspire to study sciences, humanities, or arts, our 

wide range of A Level and BTEC subjects ensures you can 

follow your passion and explore your interests with unparalleled 

support. 

But it is not just about academics at Reigate Grammar School 

Sixth Form. We believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals. Our 

extensive co-curricular activities, clubs, and committees provide 

opportunities for you to develop leadership skills, pursue your 

passions, and make lifelong friendships. You’ll grow as a person, 

gaining invaluable life skills beyond the classroom. 

Our award-winning Harrison Centre with its university-grade 

library and learning centre plus café, study area, innovation room, 

terrace and gardens, are designed to enhance your learning 

experience. We provide you with access to the resources you 

need to excel academically. 

At Reigate Grammar School Sixth Form, we believe in 

personalized support. Our dedicated team of teachers will 

work closely with you to set and achieve your academic and 

career goals. Whether it’s preparing for university applications, 

pursuing work experience opportunities, or offering guidance 

on your future aspirations, we are here to help you every step of 

the way. This year over 96% of university offers to our students 

were to prestigious universities such as Oxbridge, Russell Group 

institutions, and Medical Schools. 

In addition to academic excellence and comprehensive support, 

we also take pride in our diverse and inclusive community. At 

Reigate Grammar School Sixth Form, we focus on fostering 

cultural understanding and global perspectives. 

Choosing Reigate Grammar School Sixth Form means choosing 

a path to a brighter, promising future. Join us, and let’s embark 

on the next step of your journey together. Your success story 

starts here. Apply now, your future is bright at RGS! 

www.reigategrammar.org/admissions/entry-at-16 



Experience holistic 

development at its best 

at RGS Sixth Form. 

Academic excellence 

is just the beginning of 

your incredible journey. 

v 

TOP CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY 

SCHOOL IN SURREY 

SIXTH FORM APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 & 2025 

admissions@reigategrammar.org | 01737 222231 

reigategrammar.org | @reigategrammar 

COME & VISIT US! 

SIXTH FORM EVENING 

23 JANUARY 2024 

Visit rgs.to/open to register 

or book a private tour

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 


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 


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 


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 


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 


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. 


to relax. This can lead to lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, 

relaxed facial muscles, and increased gut function. 

Stimulation of the vagus nerve also leads to lower cortisol levels. 

Cortisol is the major stress hormone. When its levels are too 

high in the body, the body is stressed out. Over time, this leads 

to fatigue. However, if the cortisol levels aren’t lowered, the body 

can’t rest well. Stimulating the vagus nerve reduces the cortisol, 

allowing the body to rest as it should. 

SPA BENEFITS 

We all know we need to make more time for a bit of a pamper, 

but far from seeing it as an indulgence, we should see it as a 

necessary part of our overall well-being. Here are some of the 

reasons you should consider booking in a bit of time for yourself... 

RELEASES SEROTONIN AND 

DOPAMINE 

Studies have shown that massage increases our levels of 

serotonin and dopamine - Serotonin is a chemical that carries 

messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout 

your body. Serotonin plays a key role in such body functions as 

mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing and bone health. 

Dopamine is most notably involved in helping us feel pleasure as 

part of the brain’s reward system. 

ENHANCES SLEEP 

In addition to the serotonin-melatonin connection, massage also 

stimulates the vagus nerve. This is the major parasympathetic 

nerve in the body. When it is stimulated, it tells the entire body 

Chakra Spa - 

Felbridge Crowne 

Plaza 

In the heart of Felbridge West Sussex, 

Chakra Spa is the perfect place to relax, 

unwind and free your body from stress 

or anxieties. 

HELPS WITH ANTI-AGING 

Regular facials and face massages helps in reducing wrinkles, 

boost cell regeneration and promote collagen development. This 

gives you younger looking skin. Combining different treatments 

will give optimal results - it’s best to talk through your personal 

needs with your aesthetician or therapist. 

REDUCES STRESS & AIDS 

MENTAL HEALTH 

Stress can harm your physical and mental health and contribute 

to health issues such as heart disease, depression, weight gain, 

and sleep issues. It is important to take the time to relax your 

mind and body to control your anxiety and stress levels. By 

keeping stress in check, you can improve your physical health. 

Spas can help reduce the stress on our physical body, and a spa 

day can serve as a great resource for overall stress reduction. 

By caring for our skin, our largest organ, we can reduce the 

overall impact of stress on the body. The cumulative negative 

impact of pollution, stress, and hormones results in damaged 

skin. By making time to care for your skin and the rest of your 

body, you can reduce the negative impact of environmental 

stressors. Facial massage activates your sympathetic nervous 

system. This reduces your anxiety levels and uplifts your mood. 


Offering a range of spa days, treatments, and overnight breaks, 

delivering the perfect relaxation for any occasion. 

Our spa thermal facilities include an indoor heated swimming 

pool, sauna, steam room and spa pool surrounded with our 

loungers, just relaxing by the pool in peace helps release the 

stresses of the day to day and recharge your mind. Essing aching 

muscles in the spa pool, alongside benefitting your bodies cardio 

vascular efficiency. 

Our treatments are designed with your relaxation and feeding 

your inner Charka’s. Such as an indulgent hot stones massage to 

improve your sleep or a skin specific nourishing facial to cleanse, 

tone and free your skin from impurities. Our Ritual Combination 

Treatments have been carefully curated by our experienced spa 

team to combine some of our most powerful treatments and 

leave your mind and body in complete zen. 

What our guests say “ What incredible service of Owen within the 

restaurant. Then the totally unbelievable massage I received from 

Amber. Wow! What a professional. I felt healed more than relaxed 

after the experience.” 

“Me and my family had a much needed girls overnight spa break. 

Grace, the spa receptionist was very friendly as was Emily the 

therapist, who gave us all amazing facials and massages” 

Why not make every day a spa day with our Exclusive Chakra 

Spa Membership, with access to our functionally equipped 

Fitness suite, swimming pool, Sauna & Steam room and Spa 

pool. Quote HLCHAKRA23 to enjoy a no joining exclusively 

though out October & November. 

If you’re looking for a haven where you can escape reality, The 

Chakra Spa in Felbridge West Sussex is the place for you. 

chakra-spa.co.uk 


Win a Chakra Ritual 

Spa Day* for 2! 

Book a treatment or spa day during October or 

November 2023, and you could win our most 

popular package for you and a friend! 

Scan the QR code to book now. Quote HLCHAKRA in the notes 

section of your booking to be entered into the draw to win! 

Restful, calming and rejuvenating 

There is nothing like a spa treatment at the luxurious Chakra Spa, 

Crowne Plaza Felbridge. With a wide range of relaxing spa days, treatments and 

overnight breaks, this is the ultimate destination for rest and relaxation. 

We would love to welcome you to Chakra Spa. 

For any enquiries, contact us on 01342 337755 or spa@cpfelbridge.com. 

/chakraspafelbridge 

chakraspafelbridge 

*T&C’s apply. See website for full details.

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 


Enhance Do you need your shelter outdoor and living shade? 

space 

Verandas • Glass • Rooms • Awnings • • Pergolas 

Carports • Solar • Garage Doors & Shutters & Shutters 

SBI SBI Ltd Ltd 0800 0742 721 sbiproducts.co.uk 

“We Pride Ourselves on Our Customer Care” 

Established since 1986. 

Ladies That Do! Domestic Agency is a tailor made 

service to accommodate client’s individual needs. 

Our uniformed staff are vetted by us 

and fully insured, giving our client’s 

peace of mind and security. 

Our offices are operated by friendly, experienced 

staff, ready to discuss your personal requirements. 

Regular Cleaning 

Occasional Cleaning 

Spring Cleaning 

lroning 

HORSHAM 01403 241726 

HOVE 01273 747977 

HAYWARDS HEATH 01273 747977 

e-mail info@ladiesthatdo.co.uk 

www.ladiesthatdo.co.uk 

SBIWT247.indd 1 31/10/2022 14:10 


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 


f a s h i o n & 

a c c e s s o r i e s 

p e r f e c t 

g i f t i n g 

h o m e w a r e s 

& c e r a m i c s 

1 0 % o f f 

u s i n g 

1 0 H A U S L I F E 

www.hauslife.co.uk

GUEST 

BEDROOM 

OVERHAUL 

REDECORATE - updating the room and 

adding elements of interest like panelling can be 

transformative. 

NEW BED - lots of us have guest rooms 

with beds that have been retired from service 

somewhere else in the house. Making sure the 

bed is comfortable and inviting, plus aesthetically 

pleasing gives an instant update - after all, it is the 

biggest thing in the room. 

SOFA BED - for many of us, our guest room 

is now our home office, so it might make more 

sense to have a sofa bed that can act as a break 

out space when you’re working and save space 

when not in use. 

Ca’ Pietra Proper Good Paint 

Pair of Ophelia Droplet Mirrors, £260, frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 

QUICK FIXES 

NEW LIGHTING - some new table lamps can 

refresh the space, or you can get wall lights with plugs 

to save space on the bedside tables. 

NEW BEDDING - new bedding really refreshes 

a space. Think about providing enough pillows and lots 

of layers like blankets and quilts - it makes a space feel 

inviting. 

ADD ACCESSORIES - decorative elements 

breathe life into a space - too often, guest rooms look 

forgotten about. Pair it right back, get rid of the clutter 

and add things like a reed diffuser, cushions on the bed, 

a mirror and a vase of flowers or a house plant. 

The perfect sofa bed for smaller spaces - 

Swyft Model 08 Sofa Bed swyfthome.com 

French Bedroom Company 

MAKE IT INVITING - adding things like fluffy 

towels, a nice cotton robe to wear or a basket with 

essentials like toothpaste, 

Demira Tassel Cushion, from £36, 

and Nia Tassel Throw, £65, both 

hauslife.co.uk 


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. 


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. 

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 

“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 

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! 

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. 

Mill River Lodge 

Dukes Square, Denne Road, Horsham RH12 1JF 

Dementia Residential Care 

We will provide the care you deserve by 

tailoring your daily support around you. 

Let us enable you to continue living a full and wholesome life. Whether you want to continue 

with your hobbies or try something new, develop new friendships or nurture existing ones or you 

just need to feel safe and secure in the knowledge that we will be with you 24 hours a day. 

For more information call us or visit: 

01403 227070 

www.shaw.co.uk/mill 

Proud to be 

Employee 

• Owned • 

We are the UK’s largest employee-owned healthcare provider 

shawhealthcare 

www.shaw.co.uk 

@shawhealthcare 


Divorce and Separation 

– Family Law Partners 

Approach 


Family Law Partners work with clients 

to help them avoid the traditional Court 

process where possible, which is often both 

emotionally and financially draining... 

As a firm we have one of the strongest dispute resolution teams, 

which includes mediators, collaborative lawyers, an Arbitrator 

and a therapist. 

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)? 

ADR is an alternative way to resolve a dispute, other than 

via Court. The majority of clients prefer making decisions 

themselves relating to children and financial matters rather than a 

Judge having the final say. 

In family matters ADR includes solicitor-led negotiation, 

mediation, collaborative law, Early Neutral Evaluation / Private 

FDR, and Arbitration, all of which can be used as individual 

options, or as a combination. 

Two of the most commonly used forms of ADR are solicitor-led 

negotiations and Mediation. 

What is Solicitor-Led negotiation? 

The aim of solicitor led negotiation is to try and reach an 

agreement via solicitors’ correspondence, discussions on the 

telephone between solicitors or a round table meeting. Often 

solicitor-led negotiation is regarded as a good alternative to 

mediation, when mediation is not suitable. 

Mediation 

Mediation is a voluntary, without prejudice and confidential 

process whereby the parties meet with a trained independent 

mediator. The mediator will not impose a decision on the parties 

and instead he/she acts as a facilitator to assist the parties to 

explore and discuss the issues in dispute, with the aim of finding 

solutions. 

Hannah Viet is a Director and Mediator at Family Law Partners, 

specialist family lawyers in Horsham. 

Contact Family Law Partners: 01403 599215 or email 

enquiries@familylawpartners.co.uk. 

A different approach to 

family law 

Our Horsham team deliver exceptional client 

care and promote the use of alternative 

dispute resolution to help minimise both the 

emotional and financial cost of separation. 

The Family Law Partners office is in 

central Horsham. We also advise clients in 

Billingshurst, Cranleigh, Crawley, Godalming, 

Guildford and surrounding areas. 

We can help you with: 

Children matters 

• 

Divorce and Separation 

Dissolution of Civil Partnerships 

Cohabitation disputes 

Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements 

Cohabitation agreements 

Mediation and Collaborative Law 

For a confidential conversation and to learn 

more about our fixed fee appointments 

contact our team: 

01403 599215 

info@familylawpartners.co.uk 

www.familylawpartners.co.uk 


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 


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’ 

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/ 


KEYWORDS: ‘HOLIDAY 

INN’ 

WIN: A 

STAYCATION 

WITH 

HOLIDAY INN 

GUILDFORD 


second sight 

We speak with Goring Hall 

Hospital and clear the air on what 

cataracts is and the benefits of 

getting them treated... 


What is Cataract? 

A Cataract is a condition where the natural lens of the eye 

becomes clouded as part of the aging process. As a result, 

vision becomes blurry. Cataract is very common in older people 

and according to a number of government sources an estimated 

30% of people aged 65 years or older have a Cataract in one or 

both eyes. 

What are the signs and symptoms of cataracts? 

There are a number of different symptoms associated with 

cataracts. Many people experience clouded or blurred vision, 

frequent changes in the prescription of glasses, glare (affecting 

night vision), light sensitivity and an increased need for brighter 

light when reading. 

Cataract treatment 

Cataract treatment in the early stages can be managed by your 

Optician with a change in glasses every two years, the use of 

over-the-shoulder brighter light when reading and anti-glare 

sunglasses can also help. For more advanced cases, surgery 

may be required which involves the removal of the natural lens 

of the eye. A lens implant is then required to replace the natural 

lens and restore vision. At Goring Hall we have a few different 

lens options which are suitable for different types of Cataract. 

YAG laser treatment is also offer at Goring Hall Hospital and 

the hospital has recently invested in a new YAG SLT laser. This 

means that patients can also have treatment for Glaucoma at 

Goring Hall Hospital. 

Benefits of Cataract treatment at Goring Hall Hospital 

We have some well-known Consultants practising with us at 

Goring Hall Hospital. With fast track access patients can have 

treatment at a time that suits them. Private appointments can 

be booked online via the Goring Hall Hospital website. We also 

offer competitive prices, 10 months interest free payment options 

helping to spread the cost and 6 months aftercare. Premium lens 

options. 

Our patient rate is 

a 4.9 on Google 

**Chrysalis Finance working in partnership 

with Circle Health Group. Loans are subject 

to status, terms and conditions apply. Loans 

are arranged by Chrysalis Finance Limited 

of PO Box 404, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 

0EA. Both Circle Health Group and Chrysalis 

Finance Limited are authorised and regulated 

by the Financial Conduct Authority to carry 

out the regulated activity of credit broking. 

Ophthalmology 

Services West Sussex 

Goring Hall Hospital in Worthing offers a comprehensive 

Ophthalmology service to treat a range of common ophthalmic 

problems for the West Sussex community and beyond. 

Our highly skilled Ophthalmologists and Specialist nurses 

will be able to diagnose and treat an extensive range of 

conditions, including but not limited to:* 

• Cataracts 

• Age-Related Macular 

Degeneration 

• Glaucoma 

• Squint Surgery. 

We see insured and self-pay patients and offer flexible 

finance options**, making paying for treatment more 

affordable than you might think. 

Fast-track your health today, 

call us on 0800 157 7761 

27393 2618 MKT ADV / 07.2023 

30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

4403_27393_2618 MKT ADV_Ophthalmology 153x110_v2.indd 1 21/08/2023 12:00

A CAPITOL PRODUCTION 

1 – 31 DECEMBER 2023 

thecapitolhorsham.com

Denbies Wine Estate 

Your day out in the Surrey Hills Wine Country 

The Vineyard Hotel | Tours & Tastings | Dining 

Art Gallery | Experience Days | Wine & Gift Shop 

Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA | denbies.co.uk | 01306 876616

Horsham Living Oct - Nov 2023

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