Wokingham and Bracknell Lifestyle Oct - Nov 2023
The Pre-Christmas edition is here - as the weather cools, the events calendar heats up, with lots of fun for all the family. We've also got some lovely recipes to welcome in the autumn and home and garden inspiration if you're planning on welcoming guests over the festive season.
The Pre-Christmas edition is here - as the weather cools, the events calendar heats up, with lots of fun for all the family. We've also got some lovely recipes to welcome in the autumn and home and garden inspiration if you're planning on welcoming guests over the festive season.
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C O N T E N T S<br />
A NOTE<br />
from the editor<br />
18 16<br />
INTERIOR HOME FOR UPDATES XMAS<br />
Editor Katie Thomson<br />
e katie@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
Assistant Editor Kate Norris<br />
Publisher Sally Thomson<br />
Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose<br />
Contributors<br />
Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,<br />
Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence<br />
FOR ADVERTISING<br />
Account Manager Helen Skeates<br />
e helen.skeates@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
t 01225 984494<br />
Front Cover courtesy of Dunelm<br />
JACK AUTUMNAL STEIN BAKING INTERVIEW & RECIPE<br />
22 20<br />
04<br />
COMPETITIONS<br />
13 27<br />
PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS<br />
AKTAR ISLAM<br />
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS<br />
Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,<br />
Hilperton BA14 6JB<br />
t 01225 984 550<br />
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Please recycle this copy or pass it along<br />
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The opinions expressed within are not<br />
necessarily those of the publishers.<br />
I write this note on the day<br />
I of intense had my discussion first English about<br />
strawberry the future of this GCSEs. week, I’m <strong>and</strong> sure my<br />
word, we can it was all recollect beyond delicious what a<br />
- tough perfectly time exam sweet, season it was was a<br />
very - <strong>and</strong> good how dramatic advert for we eating may<br />
seasonally. have felt about I’ve the tried impact to echo of<br />
this those in results all my recent on our fruit lives <strong>and</strong> -<br />
vegetable only to realise purchases, in the fullness <strong>and</strong> it’s<br />
had of time, a transformative it’s not the sole effect thing on<br />
my that cooking makes or - everything breaks a life’s just<br />
tastes trajectory. better - more vibrant,<br />
needing less seasoning <strong>and</strong><br />
just Here overall in the office, very tasty. we’ve been<br />
comparing all our own results<br />
I’m stories, making <strong>and</strong> whether most they of<br />
cooking were ones whilst of celebration I still have or a<br />
kitchen commiseration, - mine is we due all to agree be<br />
ripped that, with out hindsight, two weeks <strong>and</strong> can<br />
it look will be back camping at our stove school <strong>and</strong><br />
air experience frying for <strong>and</strong> two observe months from how<br />
there! it has shaped I’ve already us, but picked not that my<br />
kitchen, defined but us. it got me thinking<br />
about all the other areas that<br />
need It seems updating only right in my to home. reflect If<br />
you on school are thinking as we of come a similar into<br />
refresh, open day please season check - if you out have our<br />
home children pages or gr<strong>and</strong>children this edition still -<br />
they’re on their full educational of inspiring journey, trends<br />
<strong>and</strong> we have a few some timeless advice classics. to help<br />
choose the right school.<br />
We’ve also got some lovely<br />
editorial On the foodie on the side best of things plants<br />
for this pollinators edition, we - it’s have never an<br />
been interview so important with Michelin to support chef<br />
wildlife Aktar in Islam, the garden. plus some<br />
delicious recipes for the<br />
The autumn. competition guide this<br />
issue is a bumper one - we<br />
have If you an outdoor have furniture visitors<br />
set descending from Bramblecrest at Christmas, worth<br />
nearly you just £3,000, want plus to make a cordless some<br />
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that festive garden season, in shape. you’ll enjoy This,<br />
plus our home a lot pages more makes this edition.<br />
well<br />
worth a look <strong>and</strong> an enter!<br />
Please don’t forget to check<br />
We our website will be for back our again bumper in<br />
August crop of competitions.<br />
- I’ll be fully rebooted<br />
<strong>and</strong> recharged into summer<br />
mode. That’s See all you from then! me - I’m<br />
sorry to say that the next<br />
time you see us, we will be<br />
Katie<br />
in Christmas mode. Fair<br />
warning! Ho ho ho!<br />
Katie<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3
COMPETITIONS<br />
We have three ways to enter<br />
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4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 5
2 Events • 1 Admission • 1 Fabulous Garden<br />
Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair<br />
Craft & Design Fair<br />
desirefair.com<br />
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8 – 12 <strong>Nov</strong>ember<br />
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10am – 4pm Weekdays • 9am – 4pm Weekends • Admission to Garden gives entry to both events • Normal Garden admission charges apply • Free entry for RHS members<br />
wisley_nov23_110x153.indd 1 23/08/<strong>2023</strong> 09:24<br />
tickets<br />
On sale nOw<br />
a South hill park pantomime<br />
Writer Joyce Branagh<br />
Director Adam Stafford<br />
Fri 24 <strong>Nov</strong> – Sun 31 Dec <strong>2023</strong><br />
Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, <strong>Bracknell</strong> RG12 7PA<br />
box office 01344 484123 · southhillpark.org.uk<br />
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Please support the<br />
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6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
THE BROADWAY MUSICAL BASED ON THE HIT ANIMATED FILM<br />
THE MUSICAL<br />
Music by Stephen Flaherty Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens<br />
Book by Terrence McNally<br />
FRI 3 - SUN 5 NOV<br />
B r i t V i c T h e a t r e , A s c o t<br />
w w w . o c e a n t h e a t r e . c o m
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Example of before <strong>and</strong> after sclerotherapy
to relax. This can lead to lower heart rate, lower blood pressure,<br />
relaxed facial muscles, <strong>and</strong> increased gut function.<br />
Stimulation of the vagus nerve also leads to lower cortisol levels.<br />
Cortisol is the major stress hormone. When its levels are too<br />
high in the body, the body is stressed out. Over time, this leads<br />
to fatigue. However, if the cortisol levels aren’t lowered, the body<br />
can’t rest well. Stimulating the vagus nerve reduces the cortisol,<br />
allowing the body to rest as it should.<br />
SPA BENEFITS<br />
We all know we need to make more time for a bit of a pamper,<br />
but far from seeing it as an indulgence, we should see it as a<br />
necessary part of our overall well-being. Here are some of the<br />
reasons you should consider booking in a bit of time for yourself...<br />
RELEASES SEROTONIN AND<br />
DOPAMINE<br />
Studies have shown that massage increases our levels of<br />
serotonin <strong>and</strong> dopamine - Serotonin is a chemical that carries<br />
messages between nerve cells in the brain <strong>and</strong> throughout<br />
your body. Serotonin plays a key role in such body functions as<br />
mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing <strong>and</strong> bone health.<br />
Dopamine is most notably involved in helping us feel pleasure as<br />
part of the brain’s reward system.<br />
ENHANCES SLEEP<br />
In addition to the serotonin-melatonin connection, massage also<br />
stimulates the vagus nerve. This is the major parasympathetic<br />
nerve in the body. When it is stimulated, it tells the entire body<br />
HELPS WITH ANTI-AGING<br />
Regular facials <strong>and</strong> face massages helps in reducing wrinkles,<br />
boost cell regeneration <strong>and</strong> promote collagen development. This<br />
gives you younger looking skin. Combining different treatments<br />
will give optimal results - it’s best to talk through your personal<br />
needs with your aesthetician or therapist.<br />
REDUCES STRESS & AIDS<br />
MENTAL HEALTH<br />
Stress can harm your physical <strong>and</strong> mental health <strong>and</strong> contribute<br />
to health issues such as heart disease, depression, weight gain,<br />
<strong>and</strong> sleep issues. It is important to take the time to relax your<br />
mind <strong>and</strong> body to control your anxiety <strong>and</strong> stress levels. By<br />
keeping stress in check, you can improve your physical health.<br />
Spas can help reduce the stress on our physical body, <strong>and</strong> a spa<br />
day can serve as a great resource for overall stress reduction.<br />
By caring for our skin, our largest organ, we can reduce the<br />
overall impact of stress on the body. The cumulative negative<br />
impact of pollution, stress, <strong>and</strong> hormones results in damaged<br />
skin. By making time to care for your skin <strong>and</strong> the rest of your<br />
body, you can reduce the negative impact of environmental<br />
stressors. Facial massage activates your sympathetic nervous<br />
system. This reduces your anxiety levels <strong>and</strong> uplifts your mood.<br />
HEALING, WELLBEING & PERSONAL<br />
DEVELOPMENT IN CROWTHORNE<br />
Nikita is a passionate <strong>and</strong> experienced Reiki Practitioner, NLP coach <strong>and</strong> Yoga teacher, recently<br />
shortlisted for ‘Yoga teacher of the year’ by Om Yoga Awards. She combines breath work with<br />
meditation, essential oils <strong>and</strong> chakra balancing.<br />
Nikita offers bespoke coaching <strong>and</strong> therapeutic treatments from<br />
her home in Crowthorne, with her most popular offering being her<br />
unique 90-minute REIKI RITUAL treatment for self-care.<br />
Reiki is a traditional Japanese healing method, based on the<br />
principle of powerful life force energy being transferred from the<br />
therapist to the client, by means<br />
of gentle touch. Nikita devised<br />
a unique treatment, which<br />
she offers from her home in<br />
Crowthorne called ‘Reiki<br />
Ritual’, which combines the<br />
use of pure essential oils with<br />
Reiki <strong>and</strong> chakra balancing.<br />
Clients can experience<br />
holistic healing of their<br />
body, mind, <strong>and</strong> spirit,<br />
resulting in a state<br />
of balance <strong>and</strong><br />
harmony.<br />
salts, followed by application of pure essential oils<br />
to the feet, back, head, scalp, <strong>and</strong> pressure points<br />
of the face. Pure Reiki healing is then passed from<br />
the therapist to the client, through the form of light<br />
touch <strong>and</strong> heat. Most people feel completely relaxed<br />
<strong>and</strong> some even fall into a state of deep sleep. After<br />
the session you may either feel very tired or uplifted,<br />
depending on how your body receives the energy.<br />
The benefits last several days, <strong>and</strong> you may instantly<br />
notice improved sleep, clarity of thoughts, better<br />
focus, <strong>and</strong> concentration.<br />
Nikita enjoys sharing her gifts <strong>and</strong> intuitively giving<br />
people exactly what they need for their body, mind<br />
<strong>and</strong> soul.<br />
07539 689147 | nikita@journeywithnikita.com<br />
www.journeywithnikita.com<br />
Reiki Ritual is a<br />
90-minute session<br />
starting with a<br />
refreshing foot<br />
spa with Epsom<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 9
Cherry Picking<br />
your Boarding School<br />
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR OPEN DAYS<br />
It is a myth that boarding schools<br />
shut down for July <strong>and</strong> August, but<br />
it is equally a truth that they become<br />
hives of activity at the beginning of<br />
a new autumn term. Schools will<br />
enthusiastically prepare to welcome<br />
prospective families to their first open<br />
days as they look to take the first<br />
steps towards establishing the life-long<br />
relationships that epitomise their role.<br />
A boarding school can offer a unique<br />
<strong>and</strong> enriching experience, fostering<br />
independence, academic excellence,<br />
<strong>and</strong> personal growth. Attending a<br />
boarding school open day is an essential<br />
step in the decision-making process,<br />
giving you the opportunity to immerse<br />
yourself in the school’s environment,<br />
underst<strong>and</strong> its values, <strong>and</strong> evaluate<br />
whether it’s the right fit for your child’s<br />
individual needs.<br />
Before you step foot through the school<br />
gates, here are the three steps to success<br />
in choosing a boarding school:<br />
1. SPEAK TO STUDENTS<br />
Speak to students during your<br />
visit – they will give you an honest<br />
account of the boarding experience!<br />
Observe how they interact with<br />
you, are they confident <strong>and</strong> do<br />
they engage in conversation? Do<br />
they speak enthusiastically <strong>and</strong><br />
positively about the school? Look<br />
out for staff <strong>and</strong> pupil interactions<br />
<strong>and</strong> not just between those who<br />
are on open day ‘duty’. Is there<br />
two-way respect between staff <strong>and</strong><br />
students? How do students behave<br />
with <strong>and</strong> treat one-another?<br />
1. SIZE, FACILITIES, AND<br />
LOCATION<br />
Are you looking for a school<br />
which will offer a vast range of<br />
opportunities <strong>and</strong> experiences<br />
as part of a huge boarding<br />
community? Or will your child<br />
feel overwhelmed <strong>and</strong> lost in this<br />
environment? Does the location<br />
of the school suit your family<br />
circumstances?<br />
Notice how the boarding facilities<br />
are presented. Are they well looked<br />
after? Do they feel homely <strong>and</strong><br />
welcoming? Draw your attention<br />
to the wall displays - do they<br />
demonstrate inclusivity <strong>and</strong><br />
diversity or are they different<br />
versions of the same thing?<br />
How is safeguarding prioritised in<br />
boarding? What security measures<br />
does the school have in place<br />
to ensure student safety? What<br />
are the pupil <strong>and</strong> staff ratios in<br />
boarding houses <strong>and</strong> who is on site<br />
overnight?<br />
1. STUDENT WELLBEING<br />
Ask questions about the school’s<br />
commitment to care. What is the<br />
procedure if a boarder feels unwell<br />
during the night? How does the<br />
school manage day-to-day medical<br />
provision? What is their policy with<br />
regards to parent communication?<br />
Learn <strong>and</strong> ask questions about the<br />
school’s approach to mental health<br />
<strong>and</strong> wellbeing. Are counselling<br />
services available to boarders <strong>and</strong><br />
what measures are in place to<br />
prevent bullying or discrimination?<br />
Do students know who they can<br />
talk to if they have any concerns or<br />
worries?<br />
A boarding school is a hungry<br />
place! Are food options balanced,<br />
varied, <strong>and</strong> accommodating of<br />
dietary needs? The boarders<br />
themselves will be the first to tell<br />
you if they enjoy the food provided<br />
or whether they order pizza to their<br />
houses three times a week.<br />
The range <strong>and</strong> diversity of boarding<br />
schools is huge. Thankfully, so is the<br />
information available on the internet, so<br />
do narrow your search down by checking<br />
out websites <strong>and</strong> speaking to your<br />
current Head. Once you have your list of<br />
schools to visit, enjoy the experience –<br />
open days are normally great fun as well<br />
as being tremendously informative.<br />
The Boarding Schools’ Association<br />
(BSA) is part of the BSA Group. BSA<br />
Group supports excellence in boarding,<br />
safeguarding, inclusion <strong>and</strong> health<br />
education, serving more than 1,500<br />
organisations <strong>and</strong> people in 40 countries<br />
worldwide. Since its foundation in 1965-<br />
6, BSA has promoted boarding education<br />
<strong>and</strong> the development of quality boarding<br />
through high st<strong>and</strong>ards of pastoral care<br />
<strong>and</strong> boarding accommodation.<br />
10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 11
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
crosfields school<br />
Crosfields School, is an all-through school that<br />
offers a stable <strong>and</strong> nurturing environment for<br />
pupils to learn <strong>and</strong> flourish...<br />
With over 700 pupils from ages 3-16, our co-educational<br />
environment supports children from the moment they join us,<br />
helping them to develop a love of learning alongside key skills<br />
for life. Crosfields is a family-feel school, focused on building<br />
relationships that foster confidence <strong>and</strong> kindness.<br />
We are committed to empowering each individual, <strong>and</strong> our allthrough<br />
model gives pupils the skills to thrive both academically<br />
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We invite you to book a bespoke tour with one of our Senior<br />
Leaders who would be delighted to show you around <strong>and</strong><br />
answer any questions you might have about life at Crosfields.<br />
Register here www.crosfields.com/events.<br />
Visit our excellent<br />
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From Nursery to Year 11<br />
Crosfields School, Shinfield Road, Reading,<br />
Berkshire, RG2 9BL<br />
12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
AKTAR<br />
ISLAM<br />
Unleashed<br />
Sally Thomson caught up with the Michelin<br />
starred chef to discuss inspiration, teamwork <strong>and</strong><br />
hospitality after Covid...<br />
When I read your website the first<br />
thing that struck me was your<br />
strapline, ‘Opheem is just me,<br />
Unleashed’. Would you like to tell<br />
us more?<br />
Well, over the years I’ve always<br />
worked with other people. For<br />
example, in my last business,<br />
everyone had a say on how the food<br />
was presented. For example, you’d<br />
put a dish together <strong>and</strong> in its initial<br />
conceptual stage to where it ended<br />
up was far removed from what it<br />
was supposed to be.<br />
I underst<strong>and</strong> the unleash bit on<br />
your website - now you’re being<br />
totally yourself?<br />
I am lucky to do what I enjoy. The<br />
only thing that I’m constrained by<br />
is the produce that I’ve got access<br />
to, whatever is coming out of the<br />
l<strong>and</strong>, whatever is coming out of our<br />
seas. And the seasons. I’ve always<br />
worked with seasons <strong>and</strong>, it’s just<br />
natural for me to cook.<br />
What was it like when you<br />
received your Michelin star?<br />
Obviously, it’s an incredible<br />
experience to achieve such an<br />
award. It was lovely, incredible<br />
to achieve it a year after I set up<br />
Opheem especially after the years of<br />
constraints that I’ve experienced.<br />
I’m very proud of my team. I’m<br />
proud of everyone within the<br />
business. Because though I set<br />
the vision, the direction, we’re all<br />
in the boat together <strong>and</strong> we’re all<br />
rowing that boat together. When<br />
the waters are choppy we all have<br />
to experience that together. It’s the<br />
power of the team.<br />
Covid was a really difficult time<br />
for the hospitality industry - how<br />
did you navigate that time?<br />
We started Aktar at Home, but that<br />
became something much bigger<br />
than I expected.<br />
With Aktar at Home, it’s all about<br />
investing in the community <strong>and</strong><br />
creating jobs - much of the time for<br />
people that lost their jobs as a result<br />
of the p<strong>and</strong>emic. There are teams<br />
who are in the portioning <strong>and</strong> the<br />
packing team <strong>and</strong> the processing<br />
team. They’re all people who are<br />
from the inner city of Birmingham,<br />
you know, aged 25 <strong>and</strong> below<br />
who traditionally struggled to find<br />
employment. So, we give them a<br />
chance <strong>and</strong> an opportunity to join<br />
the team <strong>and</strong> develop within the<br />
team. And obviously they’re paid well<br />
above national living wage to make<br />
sure it gives them a start in life.<br />
The other thing that we did last year,<br />
was give away 6,000 care packages<br />
for people who were struggling<br />
to feed their families. We just<br />
asked people in the communities<br />
to nominate people within their<br />
community that they know are<br />
struggling to feed themselves or<br />
feed their kids. Just to get in touch,<br />
let us know, <strong>and</strong> we just sent a box<br />
out to them.<br />
I wanted to ask you about the<br />
name of your restaurant. Where<br />
does that come from?<br />
“I’ve always worked<br />
with seasons <strong>and</strong>,<br />
it’s just natural for<br />
me to cook”<br />
It was inspired by a region that was<br />
known as M<strong>and</strong>u, but it’s a Sultan of<br />
M<strong>and</strong>u, a guy called Giyath Shahi.<br />
He was an epicure in the late 1300s.<br />
He enjoyed the nicer things in life<br />
<strong>and</strong> there’s a particular manuscript<br />
that he wrote or commissioned,<br />
which concentrated on recipes from<br />
the time <strong>and</strong> his life. And something<br />
that he enjoyed was opium!<br />
So, Opheem ia a play on the word<br />
opium, but it’s more based on<br />
the underst<strong>and</strong>ing, it’s a sensory<br />
indulgence <strong>and</strong> that’s what his life<br />
was built around.<br />
Sensory indulgence, I love that. Do<br />
you ever visit India so you can go<br />
to the places which inspired you?<br />
I used to spend a lot of time in<br />
India. I’d spend a month or so<br />
there every year. At least three<br />
weeks just travelling <strong>and</strong> eating<br />
<strong>and</strong> documenting recipes <strong>and</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing the culture.<br />
It’s really inspirational - then towards<br />
the end of your trip, you always miss<br />
a roast dinner! There’s nothing like<br />
a Yorkshire pudding. By the end of<br />
it all you want is to come home <strong>and</strong><br />
have a lovely roast dinner.<br />
You can find out more about<br />
Opheem at opheem.com <strong>and</strong> Aktar<br />
at Home at aktarathome.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 13
Christmas is<br />
coming<br />
Come <strong>and</strong> join us this festive<br />
season <strong>and</strong> celebrate with<br />
one of our exciting events <strong>and</strong><br />
delicious Christmas menu.<br />
Festive menu<br />
available to<br />
book now<br />
2 courses £28.95<br />
3 courses £34.95<br />
Follow us on social media<br />
f TheQueensOak<br />
i thequeensoakpub<br />
The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane,<br />
Finchampstead, <strong>Wokingham</strong>, RG40 4LS<br />
0118 9731105<br />
www.thequeensoak.com
V0750 - VIL - Christmas <strong>2023</strong> - Christmas Press Adverts .indd 3 10/08/<strong>2023</strong> 15:01<br />
let it<br />
JUST<br />
£10PP<br />
DEPOSIT<br />
Full payment required<br />
by 31st <strong>Oct</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
JOIN US FOR A MAGICAL SEASON OF EVENTS<br />
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS, PARTY IN THE PUB, FAMILY EVENTS<br />
& CHRISTMAS DAY, NEW YEAR’S EVE AND MORE.<br />
FIND OUT MORE AT<br />
VillageHotels.com/Christmas<br />
Village Hotel Club <strong>Bracknell</strong><br />
Bagshot Rd, <strong>Bracknell</strong>, RG12 0QJ<br />
<strong>Bracknell</strong>.Hub@Village-Hotels.com
BEAUTIFUL Baking<br />
We sample some delicious recipes from the new Two Magpies Bakery recipe book, written by the<br />
bakery’s founder, Rebecca Bishop. The book aims to teach how to make all your favourite breads,<br />
pastries <strong>and</strong> pizzas, as well as recipes for celebrations cakes, bakes, bars <strong>and</strong> savoury dishes<br />
BERRY FRIANDS<br />
Fruity little almond cakes with a<br />
dollop of jam in the centre – a great<br />
afternoon pick-me-up <strong>and</strong> a longst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
favourite. Choose seasonal<br />
fruit such as sharp summer berries,<br />
juicy plums or autumnal figs <strong>and</strong><br />
blackberries. This recipe also works<br />
well with gluten-free flour.<br />
Make the fri<strong>and</strong> mix a couple of<br />
hours ahead (or even the day<br />
before) to allow the ground almonds<br />
to absorb the liquid egg white <strong>and</strong><br />
melted butter – the firm batter will<br />
rise more evenly.<br />
Makes: 10<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
130g unsalted butter<br />
160g caster sugar<br />
80g ground almonds<br />
50g plain (or gluten-free) flour<br />
130g egg whites<br />
150g seasonal berries (or stone<br />
fruits, figs, rhubarb, chopped)<br />
100g Raspberry Vanilla Jam<br />
50g apricot jam, sieved<br />
50g pistachios, chopped<br />
Brown the butter by bringing it to<br />
the boil in a pan. Allow it to bubble<br />
fiercely for 5–8 minutes, scraping<br />
the bottom of the pan with a spatula<br />
regularly. When the butter starts to<br />
smell sweet <strong>and</strong> nutty <strong>and</strong> the boiling<br />
foam rises up in the pan, pour the<br />
hot liquid (including the brown flecks<br />
<strong>and</strong> scrapings from the bottom of the<br />
pan) into a heatproof bowl. Allow the<br />
butter to cool, stirring occasionally<br />
as it firms up.<br />
fan/gas 4. Grease your mini cake<br />
moulds or muffin tin. Place half the<br />
fruit at the bottom of the moulds,<br />
then pipe or scoop your fri<strong>and</strong> mix<br />
to come a third of the way up the<br />
sides. Use a small spoon to place<br />
the jam into the middle of each cake<br />
before topping with a dollop of the<br />
remaining batter. Your moulds will be<br />
about two-thirds full. Decorate with<br />
more fruit on top.<br />
Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning the<br />
moulds or tin after 15 minutes. Use<br />
a skewer to check the cakes – it<br />
should come out clean. Cool for 5<br />
minutes before removing from the<br />
moulds/tin <strong>and</strong> cooling on a rack.<br />
Warm the sieved apricot jam <strong>and</strong><br />
brush over the top of each cake,<br />
then sprinkle with the chopped<br />
pistachio nuts.<br />
CARDOMOM<br />
KNOTS<br />
Makes: 12<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
Cardamom dough<br />
450g strong white bread flour<br />
80g icing sugar<br />
12g ground cardamom<br />
8g fine sea salt<br />
75g cold unsalted butter, cubed<br />
260g full-fat milk<br />
7g active dried yeast<br />
Cardamom butter<br />
100g soft unsalted butter<br />
80g caster sugar<br />
10g ground cardamom<br />
10g lemon juice<br />
½ tsp fine sea salt<br />
Try <strong>and</strong> source black cardamom<br />
seeds for this, grinding them fresh for<br />
every bake. The intense, astringent<br />
Weigh the sugar, almonds <strong>and</strong><br />
flour into a bowl <strong>and</strong> whisk until<br />
combined. Still using the whisk,<br />
gradually add the egg whites, then<br />
the cooled browned butter in three<br />
stages until absorbed <strong>and</strong> no longer<br />
oily-looking. Cover the mix <strong>and</strong><br />
leave to rest for a couple of hours or<br />
in the fridge overnight.<br />
Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C<br />
Two Magpies Bakery is published by Headline Home <strong>and</strong> is<br />
available from all good bookshops <strong>and</strong> online<br />
16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Coppid Beech<br />
Christmas Day<br />
Beech<br />
AT THE<br />
Take the hassle out of Christmas lunch <strong>and</strong> focus on<br />
spending quality time with your family this festive season.<br />
Adults<br />
£95.00<br />
IN ROWANS RESTAURANT<br />
Package Includes:<br />
Glass of Prosecco on arrival<br />
Four course festive menu<br />
Lunch served from midday, last sitting 2pm<br />
Christmas table novelties<br />
A magical visit from Father Christmas<br />
who will bring a gift for each child<br />
See what’s on offer at<br />
www.coppidbeech.com/christmas<strong>2023</strong><br />
Or call 01344 303 333 to book<br />
Children<br />
(12 <strong>and</strong> under)<br />
£49.00
Winter<br />
wonderl<strong>and</strong> party<br />
evening<br />
N O V E M B E R 2 4 -<br />
D E C E M B E R 1 6<br />
Celebrate the festive period here at The Casa Hotel.<br />
We have the perfect venue for any occasion. Whether it’s<br />
your Christmas Party, New Years’s Eve Ball, Wedding or a<br />
family get together; relax with us whilst we indulge you with<br />
great food, first class entertainment <strong>and</strong> warm hospitality.<br />
P A C K A G E S<br />
F R O M : £44.95 P E R<br />
P E R S O N<br />
B O O K B E F O R E 3 0 T H S E P T E M B E R T O R E C E I V E O U R E A R L Y B O O K E R S P R I C I N G !<br />
X M A S G I F T S<br />
Wine & Gift Shop<br />
Wine Bar & Coffee<br />
Tours & Tastings<br />
Weddings & Private Events<br />
Accommodation<br />
To book, please call our Christmas<br />
Coordinator on 01252 749143 or email<br />
christmas@thecasahoteluk.com<br />
Let us make your Christmas Magical<br />
T H E C A S A H O T E L U K . C O M<br />
O P E N W E D - S U N<br />
Waltham Rd, Twyford<br />
Berkshire · RG10 0BN<br />
stanlakepark.com<br />
@stanlakepark<br />
Christmas<br />
A T B E A R W O O D L A K E S<br />
C O M E A N D J O I N U S F O R A V E R Y<br />
M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S P A R T Y<br />
Enjoy the ultimate Christmas Party in our elegant Clubhouse, with<br />
fine food <strong>and</strong> some great party tunes to get everyone on the dance floor<br />
Prosecco on arrival, 3 course festive meal,<br />
table novelties, DJ <strong>and</strong> Photo booth<br />
£49.50 per person<br />
For more information, please call M<strong>and</strong>y on<br />
01183048200 ext. 3 or<br />
e-mail on m.hurst@bearwoodlakes.co.uk<br />
www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk | 01183048200<br />
Bearwood Lakes Golf Club, Bearwood Road, <strong>Wokingham</strong>, RG41 4SJ<br />
18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
taste is utterly unique. Once tasted it will live in your<br />
memory <strong>and</strong> keep you returning, again <strong>and</strong> again.<br />
Weigh the flour, icing sugar, cardamom <strong>and</strong> salt into a<br />
large bowl <strong>and</strong> mix to combine. Rub the cubed butter into<br />
the flour mix until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Warm<br />
the milk 30°C, add the yeast <strong>and</strong> stir to dissolve. Add this<br />
liquid to the dry mix <strong>and</strong> bring the dough together using<br />
your scraper until all the dry matter is incorporated.<br />
Allow the dough to rest in the bowl, covered, for 20<br />
minutes, then turn out onto the counter <strong>and</strong> knead for 5<br />
minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Place the<br />
dough back in the bowl, cover <strong>and</strong> prove for 1 hour with<br />
stretch <strong>and</strong> folds after 20 <strong>and</strong> 40 minutes. Maintain the<br />
dough temperature at 26°C.<br />
sections from the bottom edge, leaving the top edge still<br />
attached so that each strip has three sections. Prepare<br />
your tin by greasing it well or lining with cases.<br />
Plait the sections <strong>and</strong> roll each plaited strip so that the<br />
ends are tucked underneath when placed into the muffin<br />
tin. Prove for 1–2 hours until puffy <strong>and</strong> increased in size.<br />
Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Brush the<br />
buns with egg wash <strong>and</strong> sprinkle with nibbed sugar<br />
(optional), then bake for 12–15 minutes. Brush liberally with<br />
syrup as soon as they are out of the oven, then turn out of<br />
the tin after 10 minutes to prevent the buns sticking.<br />
While your dough is proving, make the cardamom butter<br />
by gently combining all the ingredients in a bowl.<br />
Roll the dough into a rectangle 60cm x 24cm, with<br />
the narrowest side next to your body. Spread with the<br />
cardamom butter <strong>and</strong> fold the bottom edge halfway to the<br />
centre of the dough, then fold the top edge of the dough<br />
to fully cover the first half of the dough (a single/letter fold).<br />
The dough will now measure 20cm x 24cm.<br />
Wrap the dough in cling film or baking parchment <strong>and</strong><br />
chill in the freezer for 20 minutes. Remove <strong>and</strong> place the<br />
longest side of the dough parallel to your body. Gently roll<br />
the chilled dough to 30cm high, then trim the sides. Cut<br />
12 x 2cm wide strips of dough. Cut each strip into three<br />
Trick or Treat<br />
Join us for a spooktacular afternoon tea at<br />
Royal Berkshire, near Ascot. Oh, <strong>and</strong> we have<br />
an extra special treat too... for each adult<br />
booked, one little monster gets one free!<br />
After tummies are full, head over to the Walled<br />
Garden for the tricks. With pumpkins, hay bales<br />
<strong>and</strong> a mystery trail, you’ll be spoilt for photo<br />
opportunities, making it a Halloween to remember.<br />
Friday 20th to Sunday 29th <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />
£40 per adult, plus one child free<br />
£22.50 per child, 12 years <strong>and</strong> under<br />
01344 623322<br />
royalberkshire@exclusive.co.uk<br />
exclusive.co.uk/trick-or-treat<br />
Come witches <strong>and</strong><br />
werewolves, goblins<br />
<strong>and</strong> ghouls...<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19
Robin Large Sofa in Basket Weave,<br />
S<strong>and</strong>stone, arlo<strong>and</strong>jacob.com<br />
HOME<br />
for Christmas<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
DINING SPACE - is your table large enough<br />
to host? Consider an extending table, which you can<br />
keep smaller throughout the year until you need to up<br />
the size.<br />
REPAINT - new paint or wallpaper is the fastest,<br />
<strong>and</strong> one of the cheapest, to completely transform the<br />
feel of a space.<br />
NEW SOFA - just be sure to choose one from a<br />
company who can deliver in time for Christmas!<br />
LIVING<br />
&DINING<br />
Broccoli Brown,<br />
Farrow & Ball<br />
Eyebright by<br />
Earthborn Paints<br />
Burano Dining Chair, bridgman.co.uk<br />
Navy Leaved Plant On Taupe A3 Graphic<br />
Print, Oak Frame, £45 cultfurniture.com<br />
QUICK FIXES<br />
REFRESH WITH NEW<br />
PRINTS - it’s amazing the life that new<br />
artwork can inject into a space - try to pick<br />
a piece which includes the colours of your<br />
larger furniture pieces, like your sofa.<br />
Istanbul Lamp,<br />
£179, hauslife.<br />
co.uk<br />
NEW CUSHIONS - seasonally<br />
change your cushions, you can keep the<br />
same inners <strong>and</strong> just swap the covers to<br />
refresh the space. Add more cosy fabrics<br />
like velvet, wool <strong>and</strong> corduroy as we come<br />
into the cooler months.<br />
NEW RUG - rugs have big impact<br />
without having to get new flooring.<br />
Clear Waters, Tresco by Ted<br />
Dyer - options from £120<br />
johndyergallery.com<br />
20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Local Independent Family Run Business since 2005<br />
Local Independent Family Run Business since 2005<br />
Where reputation matters<br />
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Local Independent Family Run Business since 2005<br />
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Proud members of<br />
Maidenhead Showroom:<br />
3 St Marks Crescent, Maidenhead, SL6 5DA<br />
Mon to Fri: 9.30-5pm<br />
Saturday: Maidenhead 10.00-3.30pm Showroom:<br />
3 St Marks Crescent, Maidenhead, SL6 5DA<br />
Maidenhead<br />
Maidenhead Mon to Fri: 9.30-5pm Showroom:<br />
Showroom:<br />
3 St Marks Crescent, Maidenhead, SL6 5DA<br />
Saturday:<br />
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Mon to Fri: 9.30-5pm<br />
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Saturday: 10.00-3.30pm<br />
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Mon to Fri: 9.30-5pm<br />
Saturday: 10.00-3.30pm<br />
• Blinds • Shutters • Curtains • Conservatory Blinds • Awnings<br />
• Blinds • Shutters • Curtains • Conservatory Blinds • Awnings<br />
Proud members of<br />
Where reputation matters
Annie Sloan Kitchen Paint<br />
QUICK FIXES<br />
REPAINT YOUR CABINETS - if your<br />
units are in good condition, this is a great way to<br />
save money <strong>and</strong> stop the upheaval that a kitchen<br />
transformation can bring. We advise you only get a<br />
professional to do this as you need the finish to be<br />
hard-wearing. Similarly, changing the worktops can<br />
have a transformative effect.<br />
LIGHTING- kitchen lighting must be both functional<br />
<strong>and</strong> aesthetically pleasing. How about changing a<br />
pendant light to a spotlight rail for more working light, or<br />
changing the pendants on your breakfast bar. Try adding<br />
a wireless lamp to brighten dark corners.<br />
RESTYLE - change up the accessories you have on<br />
the sides <strong>and</strong> have a big declutter<br />
ARTWORK - hanging some new prints, or propping<br />
some on open shelves can inject personality into a space<br />
<strong>and</strong> make it feel more inviting.<br />
KITCHEN<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
ADD NEW KITCHEN STOOLS - many of us<br />
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ADD SOME OPEN SHELVING - it’s a fresh<br />
way to add a bit more storage <strong>and</strong> you can display your<br />
favourite pieces<br />
Olive & Barr Kitchens<br />
Wireless Lamp, £150, oka.com<br />
It might be time to bite the bullet <strong>and</strong> opt for a<br />
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spaces which don’t st<strong>and</strong> up to<br />
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before Christmas, you need to be decisive<br />
about what you need. Consult an expert<br />
kitchen designer - they’ll have ideas to<br />
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something beautiful.<br />
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Sylvia Kitchen Stool,<br />
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22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
eachhouseart.co.uk<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
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REPAINT YOUR WALLS - if you<br />
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it’s amazing how much better fresh, clean <strong>and</strong> white<br />
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com; Tray, £35,<br />
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24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
LOVE YOUR AUTUMN GARDEN<br />
with British Garden Centres<br />
British Garden Centres is encouraging everyone to<br />
embrace nature’s time to plant with its autumn campaign<br />
‘Love Your Autumn Garden’ launching this year.<br />
The campaign’s aim is to encourage gardeners to continue<br />
gardening throughout the autumn <strong>and</strong> celebrate this<br />
amazing season by creating awareness that the garden is<br />
not dormant during the autumn <strong>and</strong> winter months. ‘Love<br />
Your Autumn Garden’ will encompass a range of autumn<br />
gardening activities including lawn care, planting, autumn<br />
bedding, trees, fruits <strong>and</strong> wild bird care.<br />
‘Love Your Autumn Garden’ will take advantage of the<br />
season of change <strong>and</strong> growth by giving the best tips <strong>and</strong><br />
advice on planting new trees, shrubs, <strong>and</strong> perennials.<br />
The warm <strong>and</strong> moist soil conditions, combined with the<br />
remaining summer heat, create the perfect environment for<br />
strong root growth <strong>and</strong> healthy establishment.<br />
As you prepare to plant your plants, consider adding some<br />
beautiful spring bulbs at their feet. British Garden Centres<br />
are currently offering a variety of options, including the<br />
cheerful ‘Tete a Tete’ dwarf narcissi, delicate crocuses, <strong>and</strong><br />
fragrant hyacinths.<br />
Autumn is also an important time for lawn care, with<br />
gardeners looking to prepare their lawns to make it through<br />
the difficult winter months <strong>and</strong> ensure it is looking its best<br />
come the spring. And with the days getting shorter <strong>and</strong><br />
the nights getting colder, don’t forget to start feeding the<br />
birds in your garden, if you are not already doing so.<br />
Amy Stubbs, Project <strong>and</strong> Development Manager at British<br />
Garden Centres said: “With the country experiencing a<br />
temperamental summer this year, consumers will be looking<br />
forward to getting out in their gardens <strong>and</strong> making up for<br />
lost time in autumn. There is so much you can do over the<br />
coming weeks that will provide stunning late-season colour;<br />
autumn is the natural start to the gardening season.”<br />
Visit your local British Garden Centres store which is full to<br />
the brim of inspirational autumnal ideas to make the most<br />
of your garden this season.<br />
Regular cleaning the<br />
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SBI SBI Ltd Ltd 0800 0742 721 sbiproducts.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27<br />
SBIWT247.indd 1 31/10/2022 14:10
Planting for Autumn colour<br />
NOTES FROM<br />
THE GARDEN<br />
As the full light of summer fades into<br />
Autumn so the colour palette of our gardens,<br />
changes <strong>and</strong> for me, Autumn is one of the<br />
most beautiful seasons in the garden.<br />
If you are starting from scratch <strong>and</strong> planning for colour, lucky you,<br />
then there are so many options, but the addition of some or any of<br />
the following will reward you as the summer wanes. Backlit plants<br />
can look amazing as the sun comes <strong>and</strong> goes <strong>and</strong> immediately, we<br />
think of Acers, that blaze of fire that creates so many spectacular<br />
exclamation points at this time of the year. Size certainly matters<br />
so check the height <strong>and</strong> spread that each plant will reach <strong>and</strong> then<br />
a little research will find you the ideal choice. If your soil type isn’t<br />
ideal – they are acid loving plants, then grow them in pots. A two- or<br />
three-year-old Acer in a beautiful pot can look spectacular <strong>and</strong> you<br />
can move it to the most advantageous spot to enjoy its autumn show.<br />
Trees are an obvious choice for colour <strong>and</strong> Amelanchier lamarkii or<br />
‘Snowy Mespilus’ is another beauty – it grows to about 7 metres so<br />
place it carefully, but it offers a lot- silvery leaves followed by snowy<br />
white flowers <strong>and</strong> pale copper leaves in spring. Berries follow that<br />
<strong>and</strong> then in autumn a stunning display of orange <strong>and</strong> red leaves –<br />
what more could you ask for? Shrubs also play a part – the wonderful<br />
‘Smoke Bush’, Cotinus ‘Grace’ has deep maroon leaves <strong>and</strong> a halo<br />
of fluffy grey toned flowers which look like the smoke of an autumn<br />
bonfire. Hydrangea quercifolia – the ‘Oak Leaved Hydrangea’ is<br />
“PALE AMBER SUNLIGHT FALLS ACROSS<br />
THE REDDENING OCTOBER TREES,<br />
THAT HARDLY SWAY BEFORE A BREEZE<br />
AS SOFT AS SUMMER: SUMMER’S LOSS<br />
SEEMS LITTLE, DEAR! ON DAYS LIKE THESE.”<br />
ERNEST DOWSON<br />
another treasure offering incredible leaf colour, <strong>and</strong> white flowers too.<br />
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’, turning yellow in autumn, looks<br />
fabulous …… I am spoilt for choice!<br />
Smaller plants also offer great colour, from N<strong>and</strong>ina domestica ‘Fire<br />
Power’ to Asters, Helianthus, Japanese Anemone, Cyclamen – <strong>and</strong><br />
let’s not forget the grasses. Miscanthus <strong>and</strong> Pennisetum or fountain<br />
grass add a totally different texture to the garden <strong>and</strong> as autumn<br />
winds increase also add a wonderful fluid movement too.<br />
Bourne Buildings Ltd<br />
THE LARGEST SHOWSITE IN THE UK WITH OVER 200 BUILDINGS,<br />
5,000 STONE ORNAMENTS & 100 FURNITURE SETS ON DISPLAY<br />
Set in a magical l<strong>and</strong>scape of water <strong>and</strong> wildlife, Bourne Buildings<br />
is not your typical garden buildings showsite.<br />
Well known for its vast selection of garden buildings <strong>and</strong> expert<br />
advice, Bourne Buildings offer st<strong>and</strong>ard, as well as made-to-order<br />
designs of varying qualities <strong>and</strong> styles, fit for all budgets.<br />
Our complete range of services include product installation, base<br />
laying <strong>and</strong> a re-felting service.<br />
Visit our showsite to see an impressive array of stone ornaments,<br />
including eye-catching armillary sphere sundials, <strong>and</strong> over 100<br />
small garden furniture sets.<br />
On display at our showsite in Farnham, we have over:<br />
• 60 Sheds<br />
• 35 Greenhouses<br />
• 60 Summer houses • 20 Garden Offices & Garden Rooms<br />
• 35 Playhouses • 8 Garages<br />
9:30am – 5pm Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat & 10am – 4pm on Sundays (Mar-<strong>Oct</strong>)<br />
10am – 4pm Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat & Sun (<strong>Nov</strong>-Feb)<br />
Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays all year round<br />
01252 718481 sales@bournebuildings.co.uk<br />
www.bournebuildings.co.uk<br />
Bourne Buildings Ltd, 39-43 Guildford Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9PY<br />
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
If you’re over 55 <strong>and</strong><br />
own your own home,<br />
you could be eligible for<br />
Equity Release<br />
This is a lifetime mortgage. To underst<strong>and</strong> the features <strong>and</strong><br />
risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that<br />
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07968 561 058 01344 306 654 greg@sageequityrelease.co.uk<br />
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Sage Equity Release is a trading style of The Later Life Lending Network Ltd, an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised <strong>and</strong> regulated by the<br />
Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales no. 09832887. Registered Address: 70 St. Johns Close, Knowle, Solihull, Engl<strong>and</strong>, B93 0NH<br />
For Equity Release advice we do not charge any upfront fees however, our typical fee of £995 is payable on completion for our service in relation to lifetime mortgage<br />
ai168908267816_half page contracts ad.pdf plus 1 11/07/<strong>2023</strong> commission 14:38:00 from the lender, however, this will be dependent on your circumstances.<br />
We deliver excellent<br />
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At Caremark, we pride ourselves on providing:<br />
• professional <strong>and</strong> planned home care<br />
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Delivering care <strong>and</strong> smiles at every visit.<br />
Caremark <strong>Wokingham</strong> & <strong>Bracknell</strong><br />
t: 0118 978 4657<br />
e: wokingham@caremark.co.uk<br />
w: caremark.co.uk/wokingham<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT<br />
FROM A GOOD CARE HOME?<br />
Finding out what a good care<br />
home looks like can help you to<br />
make choices about your care.<br />
It can also help you underst<strong>and</strong><br />
what you should be able to expect<br />
from a service you already use.<br />
When we inspect care homes, there are<br />
five questions we ask.<br />
Is it safe?<br />
Is it effective?<br />
Is it caring?<br />
Is it responsive to people’s needs?<br />
Is it well-led?<br />
In a good care home, you can expect<br />
to be safe because…<br />
The home <strong>and</strong> any equipment are well<br />
maintained <strong>and</strong> managers look for ways to<br />
improve safety. You should feel confident<br />
that your belongings are safe <strong>and</strong> secure.<br />
There are always enough staff on duty with<br />
the skills needed to make sure you are safe.<br />
You are protected from being bullied,<br />
harassed, harmed or abused. Abuse<br />
includes neglect <strong>and</strong> financial abuse.<br />
Staff deal with incidents <strong>and</strong> accidents<br />
quickly <strong>and</strong> openly (<strong>and</strong> investigate them if<br />
necessary) <strong>and</strong> they learn from mistakes.<br />
You feel safe <strong>and</strong> protected by staff,<br />
but you also have as much freedom as<br />
possible to do the things you want to do –<br />
regardless of your disability or other needs.<br />
Staff give you your medicine safely <strong>and</strong><br />
store it correctly. Where possible, the<br />
home involves you in reviewing your<br />
medicines <strong>and</strong> supports you to be as<br />
independent as possible.<br />
The home is kept clean <strong>and</strong> hygienic to<br />
prevent any risk of infection to you or<br />
other residents.<br />
You can expect a good care home to<br />
be effective because…<br />
You are regularly asked for your views<br />
about the quality <strong>and</strong> choice of the food<br />
<strong>and</strong> other aspects of the home, <strong>and</strong> your<br />
feedback is consistently good.<br />
Staff make sure you get the right food<br />
<strong>and</strong> drink you need, <strong>and</strong> that you have<br />
enough of it.<br />
Staff have the right knowledge,<br />
qualifications <strong>and</strong> skills to carry out their<br />
role so that you have a good quality of life.<br />
You are always asked to give your<br />
consent (permission) to your care,<br />
treatment <strong>and</strong> support in a way you can<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>. Where appropriate, your<br />
family <strong>and</strong> friends are also involved in<br />
decisions about your care.<br />
Staff know about your health needs <strong>and</strong><br />
personal preferences <strong>and</strong> give you as<br />
much choice <strong>and</strong> control as possible.<br />
Staff speak with health <strong>and</strong> social care<br />
professionals, such as GPs, <strong>and</strong> take the<br />
right action at the right time to keep you<br />
in good health.<br />
You are asked for your likes <strong>and</strong> needs<br />
when the home is adapted or decorated.<br />
Any changes to the home are made to<br />
help you to be as independent as possible.<br />
You can expect a good care home to be<br />
caring because…<br />
Staff know about your background, likes,<br />
hopes <strong>and</strong> needs. This includes any needs<br />
you have because of your age, disability,<br />
sex (gender), gender identity, race, religion<br />
or belief, or sexuality (whether you are<br />
lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual).<br />
You are encouraged to express your views,<br />
no matter how complex your needs are.<br />
You have access to advocates (people<br />
who can speak on your behalf).<br />
Staff also know your wishes for your care<br />
at the end of your life, if this applies.<br />
Staff treat you with dignity <strong>and</strong> respect.<br />
They spend time with you, develop<br />
trusting relationships <strong>and</strong> are concerned<br />
for your wellbeing.<br />
You have enough privacy.<br />
Your family <strong>and</strong> friends can visit you.<br />
You can expect a good care home to be<br />
responsive to your needs because…<br />
Your care, treatment <strong>and</strong> support are set<br />
out in a written plan that describes what<br />
staff need to do to make sure that you<br />
receive personalised care.<br />
You, <strong>and</strong> your family <strong>and</strong> friends where<br />
appropriate, are actively involved in<br />
developing this plan. For example, you<br />
should be able to have a choice about<br />
who provides you with personal care,<br />
such as help with washing <strong>and</strong> dressing.<br />
As your needs <strong>and</strong> preferences change,<br />
your plan is changed, <strong>and</strong> all those who<br />
need to know, such as your care staff, are<br />
kept up to date.<br />
The plan includes information about<br />
the whole of your life, including your<br />
goals, your abilities <strong>and</strong> how you want to<br />
manage your health. You may also have a<br />
health action plan.<br />
Staff work hard to prevent you from<br />
feeling lonely. They do this by helping you<br />
to keep in contact with your family <strong>and</strong><br />
friends.<br />
Staff also help you keep up your hobbies<br />
<strong>and</strong> get involved in the community if you<br />
want to.<br />
If you need to visit hospital, staff plan<br />
this well with you to make sure it goes as<br />
smoothly as possible.<br />
If you have any concerns <strong>and</strong> complaints,<br />
staff always take them seriously,<br />
investigate them thoroughly <strong>and</strong> respond<br />
to them in good time.<br />
You can expect a good care home to<br />
be well-led because…<br />
You know who the manager is, <strong>and</strong><br />
anyone else in charge.<br />
Managers know what their responsibilities<br />
are <strong>and</strong> are always honest, including<br />
when things go wrong.<br />
Staff know what is expected of them <strong>and</strong><br />
are happy in their work.<br />
Managers are available to support their<br />
staff.<br />
Staff have the confidence to report<br />
concerns about the care that colleagues,<br />
carers <strong>and</strong> other professionals give.<br />
When this happens they are supported<br />
<strong>and</strong> their concerns are thoroughly<br />
investigated.<br />
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
For times<br />
when...<br />
You feel like it’s time<br />
to try something new &<br />
experience a new take<br />
on life, Hallmark Care<br />
Homes is here for you!<br />
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hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk/alex<strong>and</strong>ragrange
We’re staying on<br />
your High Street<br />
With the face of high<br />
street banking remarkably<br />
changed since the<br />
p<strong>and</strong>emic, <strong>and</strong> many<br />
large banks closing the<br />
doors of small village<br />
<strong>and</strong> town branches,<br />
Newbury Building<br />
Society’s Dean Scott<br />
discusses why a ‘bricks<br />
<strong>and</strong> clicks’ approach is<br />
so critical to the<br />
Society’s business.<br />
What’s the one piece of positive feedback we hear more than any<br />
other when talking to our customers? Without a doubt, it’s how<br />
much they appreciate the human touch. In today’s digital world,<br />
it’s vital to our members that they can speak to a living,<br />
breathing human being who is ready <strong>and</strong> waiting to help – not a<br />
robot, chatbot (although we do have those now!), or a round-robin<br />
calling system that leaves you listening to hold music for hours.<br />
Abingdon branch<br />
The p<strong>and</strong>emic reinforced the importance of digital banking<br />
infrastructure, but despite this, we are still extremely passionate<br />
about the difference people make to our business – both customer<br />
<strong>and</strong> colleague. As a multitude of other lenders close the doors of<br />
small local branches, the high street is exactly where we want to<br />
be.<br />
“I opened a Senior Saver account online. It was so simple to do<br />
with very clear <strong>and</strong> easy to follow instructions. I love it that they<br />
also make it easy for me to visit one of their local branches with a<br />
passbook as well if I want to, despite it being an online account.<br />
So many banks/building societies are leaving the high street, it’s<br />
comforting to know that Newbury Building Society aren’t following<br />
that trend <strong>and</strong> that their customers can still go in <strong>and</strong> chat face to<br />
face”<br />
Yvonne, Smart Money People review, January <strong>2023</strong><br />
Being present for our customers, in the places they live <strong>and</strong> work,<br />
is part of our ethos as a trusted mutual organisation. Unlike banks,<br />
we have a commitment to reinvest our profits. We don’t have<br />
shareholders, so we get to put time <strong>and</strong> money back into the<br />
communities we operate in.<br />
This is something that has become even more critical to us recently<br />
<strong>and</strong> is why we launched our Cost of Living Support project last<br />
year. To ensure we’re using our space to the best of our ability <strong>and</strong><br />
that our branches remain fit for purpose, we’ve been working hard<br />
on a series of refurbishment projects over the last few years. We<br />
started with Abingdon in 2021, <strong>and</strong> we finished work on Newbury<br />
branch in December last year.<br />
Newbury branch<br />
Member feedback has been great, <strong>and</strong> we look forward to<br />
continuing to modernise our branch network this year, with<br />
plans to refurbish Winchester branch <strong>and</strong> subject to<br />
costings, our branch in Thatcham, too.<br />
Whilst we will certainly continue to improve our online<br />
platforms <strong>and</strong> digital experience, our strategy will remain<br />
one of ‘bricks <strong>and</strong> clicks’, a blend of physical High Street<br />
branches <strong>and</strong> online digital services, where good old<br />
fashioned service with a smile is at the root of our<br />
organisation.<br />
Visit us <strong>and</strong> see for yourself...<br />
<strong>Wokingham</strong> branch:<br />
19 Broad Street, <strong>Wokingham</strong>, RG40 1AU.<br />
Call: 0118 978 5945 | Email: wokingham@newbury.co.uk<br />
Follow us<br />
on our social networks @NewburyBS<br />
Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority <strong>and</strong> regulated by the Financial Conduct<br />
Authority <strong>and</strong> the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies <strong>and</strong><br />
we will communicate with you in English. We are participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints<br />
procedure which we will provide on request. Most complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial<br />
Ombudsman Service. 9663<br />
Newbury<br />
Building Society