Wokingham and Bracknell Lifestyle Oct - Nov 2023

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C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

18 16 

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 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Helen Skeates 

e helen.skeates@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984494 

Front Cover courtesy of Dunelm 

JACK AUTUMNAL STEIN BAKING INTERVIEW & RECIPE 

22 20 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

13 27 

PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS 

AKTAR ISLAM 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, 

Hilperton BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Printed on sustainably sourced paper. 

Please recycle this copy or pass it along 

when you are finished for someone else 

to enjoy. 

Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be 

held liable for any loss occasioned by 

failure of an advertisement to appear, or 

any damage or inconvenience caused by 

errors, omissions and misprints. No part of 

this publication may be reproduced without 

prior permission from the publishers. 

The opinions expressed within are not 

necessarily those of the publishers. 

I write this note on the day 

I of intense had my discussion first English about 

strawberry the future of this GCSEs. week, I’m and sure my 

word, we can it was all recollect beyond delicious what a 

- tough perfectly time exam sweet, season it was was a 

very - and good how dramatic advert for we eating may 

seasonally. have felt about I’ve the tried impact to echo of 

this those in results all my recent on our fruit lives and - 

vegetable only to realise purchases, in the fullness and it’s 

had of time, a transformative it’s not the sole effect thing on 

my that cooking makes or - everything breaks a life’s just 

tastes trajectory. better - more vibrant, 

needing less seasoning and 

just Here overall in the office, very tasty. we’ve been 

comparing all our own results 

I’m stories, making and whether most they of 

cooking were ones whilst of celebration I still have or a 

kitchen commiseration, - mine is we due all to agree be 

ripped that, with out hindsight, two weeks and can 

it look will be back camping at our stove school and 

air experience frying for and two observe months from how 

there! it has shaped I’ve already us, but picked not that my 

kitchen, defined but us. it got me thinking 

about all the other areas that 

need It seems updating only right in my to home. reflect If 

you on school are thinking as we of come a similar into 

refresh, open day please season check - if you out have our 

home children pages or grandchildren this edition still - 

they’re on their full educational of inspiring journey, trends 

and we have a few some timeless advice classics. to help 

choose the right school. 

We’ve also got some lovely 

editorial On the foodie on the side best of things plants 

for this pollinators edition, we - it’s have never an 

been interview so important with Michelin to support chef 

wildlife Aktar in Islam, the garden. plus some 

delicious recipes for the 

The autumn. competition guide this 

issue is a bumper one - we 

have If you an outdoor have furniture visitors 

set descending from Bramblecrest at Christmas, worth 

nearly you just £3,000, want plus to make a cordless some 

lawnmower improvements worth ahead £679 of to get the 

that festive garden season, in shape. you’ll enjoy This, 

plus our home a lot pages more makes this edition. 

well 

worth a look and an enter! 

Please don’t forget to check 

We our website will be for back our again bumper in 

August crop of competitions. 

- I’ll be fully rebooted 

and recharged into summer 

mode. That’s See all you from then! me - I’m 

sorry to say that the next 

time you see us, we will be 

Katie 

in Christmas mode. Fair 

warning! Ho ho ho! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITIONS 

We have three ways to enter 

these amazing giveaways: 

SINGLE ENTRY 

You can enter this 

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– please select the keyword 

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to enter. 

COMPETITION 

CLUB 

You can join our Competition 

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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 

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you win. 

One lucky reader will win a three-night stay in the luxurious 

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4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

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‘...A breathtaking trail through 

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20 October – 

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The New Beautiful 

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Discover the night-time wonder of 

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2 Events • 1 Admission • 1 Fabulous Garden 

Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 

Craft & Design Fair 

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8 – 12 November 

RHS Garden Wisley 

10am – 4pm Weekdays • 9am – 4pm Weekends • Admission to Garden gives entry to both events • Normal Garden admission charges apply • Free entry for RHS members 

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tickets 

On sale nOw 

a South hill park pantomime 

Writer Joyce Branagh 

Director Adam Stafford 

Fri 24 Nov – Sun 31 Dec 2023 

Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell RG12 7PA 

box office 01344 484123 · southhillpark.org.uk 

/southhillparkartscentre southhillpark /shpartscentre #shpbeauty 

Registered charity 265656 

Please support the 

future of the arts 

6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

THE BROADWAY MUSICAL BASED ON THE HIT ANIMATED FILM 

THE MUSICAL 

Music by Stephen Flaherty Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens 

Book by Terrence McNally 

FRI 3 - SUN 5 NOV 

B r i t V i c T h e a t r e , A s c o t 

w w w . o c e a n t h e a t r e . c o m

ARE YOU TIRED OF 

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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 

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. 

HEALING, WELLBEING & PERSONAL 

DEVELOPMENT IN CROWTHORNE 

Nikita is a passionate and experienced Reiki Practitioner, NLP coach and Yoga teacher, recently 

shortlisted for ‘Yoga teacher of the year’ by Om Yoga Awards. She combines breath work with 

meditation, essential oils and chakra balancing. 

Nikita offers bespoke coaching and therapeutic treatments from 

her home in Crowthorne, with her most popular offering being her 

unique 90-minute REIKI RITUAL treatment for self-care. 

Reiki is a traditional Japanese healing method, based on the 

principle of powerful life force energy being transferred from the 

therapist to the client, by means 

of gentle touch. Nikita devised 

a unique treatment, which 

she offers from her home in 

Crowthorne called ‘Reiki 

Ritual’, which combines the 

use of pure essential oils with 

Reiki and chakra balancing. 

Clients can experience 

holistic healing of their 

body, mind, and spirit, 

resulting in a state 

of balance and 

harmony. 

salts, followed by application of pure essential oils 

to the feet, back, head, scalp, and pressure points 

of the face. Pure Reiki healing is then passed from 

the therapist to the client, through the form of light 

touch and heat. Most people feel completely relaxed 

and some even fall into a state of deep sleep. After 

the session you may either feel very tired or uplifted, 

depending on how your body receives the energy. 

The benefits last several days, and you may instantly 

notice improved sleep, clarity of thoughts, better 

focus, and concentration. 

Nikita enjoys sharing her gifts and intuitively giving 

people exactly what they need for their body, mind 

and soul. 

07539 689147 | nikita@journeywithnikita.com 

www.journeywithnikita.com 

Reiki Ritual is a 

90-minute session 

starting with a 

refreshing foot 

spa with Epsom 


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. 



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With over 700 pupils from ages 3-16, our co-educational 

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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 


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BEAUTIFUL Baking 

We sample some delicious recipes from the new Two Magpies Bakery recipe book, written by the 

bakery’s founder, Rebecca Bishop. The book aims to teach how to make all your favourite breads, 

pastries and pizzas, as well as recipes for celebrations cakes, bakes, bars and savoury dishes 

BERRY FRIANDS 

Fruity little almond cakes with a 

dollop of jam in the centre – a great 

afternoon pick-me-up and a longstanding 

favourite. Choose seasonal 

fruit such as sharp summer berries, 

juicy plums or autumnal figs and 

blackberries. This recipe also works 

well with gluten-free flour. 

Make the friand mix a couple of 

hours ahead (or even the day 

before) to allow the ground almonds 

to absorb the liquid egg white and 

melted butter – the firm batter will 

rise more evenly. 

Makes: 10 

INGREDIENTS 

130g unsalted butter 

160g caster sugar 

80g ground almonds 

50g plain (or gluten-free) flour 

130g egg whites 

150g seasonal berries (or stone 

fruits, figs, rhubarb, chopped) 

100g Raspberry Vanilla Jam 

50g apricot jam, sieved 

50g pistachios, chopped 

Brown the butter by bringing it to 

the boil in a pan. Allow it to bubble 

fiercely for 5–8 minutes, scraping 

the bottom of the pan with a spatula 

regularly. When the butter starts to 

smell sweet and nutty and the boiling 

foam rises up in the pan, pour the 

hot liquid (including the brown flecks 

and scrapings from the bottom of the 

pan) into a heatproof bowl. Allow the 

butter to cool, stirring occasionally 

as it firms up. 

fan/gas 4. Grease your mini cake 

moulds or muffin tin. Place half the 

fruit at the bottom of the moulds, 

then pipe or scoop your friand mix 

to come a third of the way up the 

sides. Use a small spoon to place 

the jam into the middle of each cake 

before topping with a dollop of the 

remaining batter. Your moulds will be 

about two-thirds full. Decorate with 

more fruit on top. 

Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning the 

moulds or tin after 15 minutes. Use 

a skewer to check the cakes – it 

should come out clean. Cool for 5 

minutes before removing from the 

moulds/tin and cooling on a rack. 

Warm the sieved apricot jam and 

brush over the top of each cake, 

then sprinkle with the chopped 

pistachio nuts. 

CARDOMOM 

KNOTS 

Makes: 12 

INGREDIENTS 

Cardamom dough 

450g strong white bread flour 

80g icing sugar 

12g ground cardamom 

8g fine sea salt 

75g cold unsalted butter, cubed 

260g full-fat milk 

7g active dried yeast 

Cardamom butter 

100g soft unsalted butter 

80g caster sugar 

10g ground cardamom 

10g lemon juice 

½ tsp fine sea salt 

Try and source black cardamom 

seeds for this, grinding them fresh for 

every bake. The intense, astringent 

Weigh the sugar, almonds and 

flour into a bowl and whisk until 

combined. Still using the whisk, 

gradually add the egg whites, then 

the cooled browned butter in three 

stages until absorbed and no longer 

oily-looking. Cover the mix and 

leave to rest for a couple of hours or 

in the fridge overnight. 

Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C 

Two Magpies Bakery is published by Headline Home and is 

available from all good bookshops and online 


Coppid Beech 

Christmas Day 

Beech 

AT THE 

Take the hassle out of Christmas lunch and focus on 

spending quality time with your family this festive season. 

Adults 

£95.00 

IN ROWANS RESTAURANT 

Package Includes: 

Glass of Prosecco on arrival 

Four course festive menu 

Lunch served from midday, last sitting 2pm 

Christmas table novelties 

A magical visit from Father Christmas 

who will bring a gift for each child 

See what’s on offer at 

www.coppidbeech.com/christmas2023 

Or call 01344 303 333 to book 

Children 

(12 and under) 

£49.00

Winter 

wonderland party 

evening 

N O V E M B E R 2 4 - 

D E C E M B E R 1 6 

Celebrate the festive period here at The Casa Hotel. 

We have the perfect venue for any occasion. Whether it’s 

your Christmas Party, New Years’s Eve Ball, Wedding or a 

family get together; relax with us whilst we indulge you with 

great food, first class entertainment and warm hospitality. 

P A C K A G E S 

F R O M : £44.95 P E R 

P E R S O N 

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 ! 

X M A S G I F T S 

Wine & Gift Shop 

Wine Bar & Coffee 

Tours & Tastings 

Weddings & Private Events 

Accommodation 

To book, please call our Christmas 

Coordinator on 01252 749143 or email 

christmas@thecasahoteluk.com 

Let us make your Christmas Magical 

T H E C A S A H O T E L U K . C O M 

O P E N W E D - S U N 

Waltham Rd, Twyford 

Berkshire · RG10 0BN 

stanlakepark.com 

@stanlakepark 

Christmas 

A T B E A R W O O D L A K E S 

C O M E A N D J O I N U S F O R A V E R Y 

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S P A R T Y 

Enjoy the ultimate Christmas Party in our elegant Clubhouse, with 

fine food and some great party tunes to get everyone on the dance floor 

Prosecco on arrival, 3 course festive meal, 

table novelties, DJ and Photo booth 

£49.50 per person 

For more information, please call Mandy on 

01183048200 ext. 3 or 

e-mail on m.hurst@bearwoodlakes.co.uk 

www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk | 01183048200 

Bearwood Lakes Golf Club, Bearwood Road, Wokingham, RG41 4SJ 


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 

Trick or Treat 

Join us for a spooktacular afternoon tea at 

Royal Berkshire, near Ascot. Oh, and we have 

an extra special treat too... for each adult 

booked, one little monster gets one free! 

After tummies are full, head over to the Walled 

Garden for the tricks. With pumpkins, hay bales 

and a mystery trail, you’ll be spoilt for photo 

opportunities, making it a Halloween to remember. 

Friday 20th to Sunday 29th October 

£40 per adult, plus one child free 

£22.50 per child, 12 years and under 

01344 623322 

royalberkshire@exclusive.co.uk 

exclusive.co.uk/trick-or-treat 

Come witches and 

werewolves, goblins 

and ghouls... 


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 


Local Independent Family Run Business since 2005 


Where reputation matters 

• Blinds • Shutters • Curtains • Conservatory Blinds • Awnings 

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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 


All carpets, vinyls, wood flooring, laminate flooring, 

luxury vinyl tiles and all your flooring needs. 

We are open Monday to Saturday 

FREE PARKING 

Give us a call to find out more 

01344 428 235 

NOW MOVED to Moss End Garden Centre, Moss End, 

Warfield, Bracknell, Berks RG42 6EJ 

Please visit our new website for more details about what we have to offer. 

www.rontaylorcarpets.co.uk

ABS specialise in managing both bathroom & kitchen refits 

from start to finish ensuring you only have to deal with one 

company for everything! 

We pride ourselves in having some of the best tradesmen in Berkshire 

who can create a bespoke bathroom or kitchen which will live up to 

your every expectation. 

We will manage the entire project so you only have to deal with us 

& don’t have to find fitters, tilers, electricians, plasterers or any other 

trade that might be needed. 

We undertake refurbishment, repairs, and the supply & installation of 

all related bathroom & kitchen work. Plus we can supply & fit your new 

boiler at the same time! 

We will supervise work regularly and provide you with updates. 

We always ensure minimum disruption and that we leave your premises 

clean and tidy following our visit. 

Workmanship carries a full 12 month guarantee and appointments are 

made at a time to suit the customer. 

67 Draycott | Bracknell | RG12 0UX 

Tel: 07866 101099 Web: www.abspb.co.uk 

Email: abs@abspb.co.uk 

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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. 

Regular cleaning the 

way you want it done 

Enhance Do you need your shelter outdoor and living shade? 

space 

Typically from 

£17.95 per hour 

Book 

Now!! 

Verandas • Glass • Rooms • Awnings • • Pergolas 

Carports • Solar • Garage Doors & Shutters & Shutters 

01189 680 949 

www.domestique.co.uk/wokingham 

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

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27 

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

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. 

Bourne Buildings Ltd 

THE LARGEST SHOWSITE IN THE UK WITH OVER 200 BUILDINGS, 

5,000 STONE ORNAMENTS & 100 FURNITURE SETS ON DISPLAY 

Set in a magical landscape of water and wildlife, Bourne Buildings 

is not your typical garden buildings showsite. 

Well known for its vast selection of garden buildings and expert 

advice, Bourne Buildings offer standard, as well as made-to-order 

designs of varying qualities and styles, fit for all budgets. 

Our complete range of services include product installation, base 

laying and a re-felting service. 

Visit our showsite to see an impressive array of stone ornaments, 

including eye-catching armillary sphere sundials, and over 100 

small garden furniture sets. 

On display at our showsite in Farnham, we have over: 

• 60 Sheds 

• 35 Greenhouses 

• 60 Summer houses • 20 Garden Offices & Garden Rooms 

• 35 Playhouses • 8 Garages 

9:30am – 5pm Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat & 10am – 4pm on Sundays (Mar-Oct) 

10am – 4pm Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat & Sun (Nov-Feb) 

Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays all year round 

01252 718481 sales@bournebuildings.co.uk 

www.bournebuildings.co.uk 

Bourne Buildings Ltd, 39-43 Guildford Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9PY 


If you’re over 55 and 

own your own home, 

you could be eligible for 

Equity Release 

This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and 

risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that 

this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or 

sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you 

are in any doubt, seek independent advice. 

Unlock the 

money within 

your home to 

help you in 

retirement 

Repay your existing mortgage 

Home improvements 

Holiday of a lifetime 

Helping the family 

No monthly repayments 

Get in touch 

07968 561 058 01344 306 654 greg@sageequityrelease.co.uk 

www.sageequityrelease.co.uk 

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 and regulated by the 

Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales no. 09832887. Registered Address: 70 St. Johns Close, Knowle, Solihull, England, B93 0NH 

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 

ai168908267816_half page contracts ad.pdf plus 1 11/07/2023 commission 14:38:00 from the lender, however, this will be dependent on your circumstances. 

We deliver excellent 

care at home 

with compassion and a cheery smile! 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

At Caremark, we pride ourselves on providing: 

• professional and planned home care 

• specialist Dementia care 

• a comprehensive understanding of your 

individual preferences 

• dignity and respect 

• safety and happiness that enables you to 

stay at home 

Delivering care and smiles at every visit. 

Caremark Wokingham & Bracknell 

t: 0118 978 4657 

e: wokingham@caremark.co.uk 

w: caremark.co.uk/wokingham 


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. 


For times 

when... 

You feel like it’s time 

to try something new & 

experience a new take 

on life, Hallmark Care 

Homes is here for you! 

Life within Alexandra 

Grange, means building 

new friendships, 

exciting new 

experiences & 

moments to 

cherish. 

Residential care | Dementia care | Respite care 

01189 145 485 | Berkshire, RG41 2RU 

hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk/alexandragrange

We’re staying on 

your High Street 

With the face of high 

street banking remarkably 

changed since the 

pandemic, and many 

large banks closing the 

doors of small village 

and town branches, 

Newbury Building 

Society’s Dean Scott 

discusses why a ‘bricks 

and clicks’ approach is 

so critical to the 

Society’s business. 

What’s the one piece of positive feedback we hear more than any 

other when talking to our customers? Without a doubt, it’s how 

much they appreciate the human touch. In today’s digital world, 

it’s vital to our members that they can speak to a living, 

breathing human being who is ready and waiting to help – not a 

robot, chatbot (although we do have those now!), or a round-robin 

calling system that leaves you listening to hold music for hours. 

Abingdon branch 

The pandemic reinforced the importance of digital banking 

infrastructure, but despite this, we are still extremely passionate 

about the difference people make to our business – both customer 

and colleague. As a multitude of other lenders close the doors of 

small local branches, the high street is exactly where we want to 

be. 

“I opened a Senior Saver account online. It was so simple to do 

with very clear and easy to follow instructions. I love it that they 

also make it easy for me to visit one of their local branches with a 

passbook as well if I want to, despite it being an online account. 

So many banks/building societies are leaving the high street, it’s 

comforting to know that Newbury Building Society aren’t following 

that trend and that their customers can still go in and chat face to 

face” 

Yvonne, Smart Money People review, January 2023 

Being present for our customers, in the places they live and work, 

is part of our ethos as a trusted mutual organisation. Unlike banks, 

we have a commitment to reinvest our profits. We don’t have 

shareholders, so we get to put time and money back into the 

communities we operate in. 

This is something that has become even more critical to us recently 

and is why we launched our Cost of Living Support project last 

year. To ensure we’re using our space to the best of our ability and 

that our branches remain fit for purpose, we’ve been working hard 

on a series of refurbishment projects over the last few years. We 

started with Abingdon in 2021, and we finished work on Newbury 

branch in December last year. 

Newbury branch 

Member feedback has been great, and we look forward to 

continuing to modernise our branch network this year, with 

plans to refurbish Winchester branch and subject to 

costings, our branch in Thatcham, too. 

Whilst we will certainly continue to improve our online 

platforms and digital experience, our strategy will remain 

one of ‘bricks and clicks’, a blend of physical High Street 

branches and online digital services, where good old 

fashioned service with a smile is at the root of our 

organisation. 

Visit us and see for yourself... 

Wokingham branch: 

19 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU. 

Call: 0118 978 5945 | Email: wokingham@newbury.co.uk 

Follow us 

on our social networks @NewburyBS 

Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct 

Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies and 

we will communicate with you in English. We are participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints 

procedure which we will provide on request. Most complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial 

Ombudsman Service. 9663 

Newbury 

Building Society

Wokingham and Bracknell Lifestyle Oct - Nov 2023

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