Solihull Living Nov - Dec 2023
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C O N T E N T S<br />
A NOTE<br />
from the editor<br />
28<br />
CHRISTMAS RECIPES<br />
As the frosty chill creeps in<br />
and the days grow shorter, I<br />
can’t help but feel a tingling<br />
excitement growing in<br />
my tinsel-covered toes.<br />
Christmas is just around<br />
the corner, and I’m ready to<br />
unleash my inner elf!<br />
Ah, Christmas, that<br />
magical time when diets<br />
are forgotten (hello Quality<br />
Street for breakfast), and<br />
joy is served in abundance.<br />
Get ready for festive feasts,<br />
questionable dance moves,<br />
and more laughter than<br />
your cheeks can handle.<br />
04<br />
COMPETITIONS<br />
If you are hosting the<br />
hoards this year, we’ve got<br />
some great tips on getting<br />
the home up and together<br />
- but if it’s a major overhaul<br />
you need, you’d better<br />
get your skates on (pun<br />
intended!)<br />
XMAS AT HOME<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 Marion Cassidy<br />
e marion@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
t 01225 984502<br />
Cover courtesy of John Lewis<br />
44<br />
FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE<br />
09<br />
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS<br />
Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,<br />
Hilperton BA14 6JB<br />
t 01225 984 550<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
Printed on sustainably sourced paper.<br />
Please recycle this copy or pass it along<br />
when you are finished for someone else<br />
to enjoy.<br />
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be<br />
held liable for any loss occasioned by<br />
failure of an advertisement to appear, or<br />
any damage or inconvenience caused by<br />
errors, omissions and misprints. No part of<br />
this publication may be reproduced without<br />
prior permission from the publishers.<br />
The opinions expressed within are not<br />
necessarily those of the publishers.<br />
We’ve also got some<br />
delicious dishes if you’re<br />
catering - step away from<br />
the Christmas pudding<br />
and instead get making a<br />
festive pavlova!<br />
We will be back in January,<br />
so I’m left to thank you for<br />
your support of our little<br />
magazine this year - we<br />
are nothing without our<br />
readers.<br />
From myself and the whole<br />
Minerva team, we hope<br />
you have a wonderful<br />
Christmas and a peaceful<br />
and prosperous 2024.<br />
Katie<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3
Time<br />
COMPETITION<br />
Find out more about entering our competitions online<br />
at www.minervamagazines/competitions.<br />
All the below close on 15th January 2024 with the exception of<br />
Copas which closes on 10th <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
CHRISTMAS HAMPER<br />
WORTH £500<br />
We have the ‘<strong>Dec</strong>adent Christmas in a<br />
Box’ to give away to one lucky reader.<br />
Worth £500, this delicious hamper is<br />
filled with goodies, including a 6kg<br />
free range turkey, 4.5kg unsmoked<br />
ham, 1kg side of salmon, 1kg organic<br />
Cheddar, 1kg Cropwell Bishop Stilton,<br />
Christmas Pudding, Harrow & Hope<br />
Brut Reserve, Pigs in Blankets, a range<br />
of luxury sauces and oils and Copas<br />
Rosemary Gin.<br />
You can see the full Christmas range at<br />
www.copasturkeys.co.uk<br />
Keyword ‘Copas Turkeys’<br />
WIN A CANDY SMART WINE<br />
COOLER WORTH £300<br />
We are offering one lucky reader the<br />
chance to win a smart Candy Wine<br />
Cooler worth over £300. This appliance<br />
helps preserve the natural taste and<br />
smell of your wine, giving you the<br />
experience of a professional wine cellar.<br />
Smart home appliance brand Candy<br />
has partnered with Vivino - when you<br />
connect to the hOn app, you can<br />
enjoy the ‘SNAP MY WINE’ function<br />
- allowing you to keep a record of the<br />
wines in your cooler, helping you pair<br />
wine with different kinds of food.<br />
Keyword ‘Candy Wine Cooler’<br />
BATTERY-POWERED<br />
PRUNERS<br />
STIGA, a world-leading manufacturer<br />
and distributor of gardening machinery<br />
and equipment, announces its firstever<br />
battery-powered pruner, the SC<br />
100e. The SC 100e’s exceptional<br />
performance pruning capability adapts<br />
to the operator’s needs and to the<br />
task at hand. Its high-quality carbon<br />
steel blades are extremely sharp. With<br />
an option to select from three blade<br />
opening settings, this allows the cutting<br />
and trimming of branches up to 3.0 cm<br />
in diameter. We have three of these to<br />
give away! www.stiga.com/uk<br />
Keyword ‘Stiga Pruner’<br />
SOS SUPERSTARS SET<br />
Give the gift of radiant skin this<br />
Christmas with the SOS Serum<br />
Skincare Superstars Beauty Elixir<br />
gift set. Inside there’s a gel-cream<br />
cleanser, hydrating daily moisturiser<br />
with SPF 30, a Night Cream that is<br />
ready to help you regain healthy skin<br />
that positively glows and nourishing<br />
and mattifying lip balm with broad<br />
spectrum SPF 30. We have 4 sets to<br />
give away, comprising SOS Cleanse,<br />
SOS H20 Day Cream SPF 30, SOS<br />
Night Cream, SOS Lip Balm SPF 30,<br />
andEssential Drops Fragrance for the<br />
Home: Pomegranate & Lychee<br />
Keyword ‘SOS Superstars’<br />
A LUXURY LINGERIE SET<br />
Create a storm this winter... New<br />
bra and brief set, Bobette, is both<br />
luxurious and seductive.<br />
Featuring feminine lace and with a<br />
generous cleavage the elastic lace<br />
creates a three dimensional look in an<br />
exciting play of colours.<br />
Choose from the elegant Black or<br />
breath-taking Ruby Red versions.<br />
Available from www.ouhlala.co.uk<br />
Bra - £72, Shorty £33. Fits B-E cup<br />
We have two sets to give away.<br />
Keyword ‘Bobette’<br />
A SMART HEATING KIT<br />
FROM WISER!<br />
Wiser, the award-winning smart<br />
heating system, is giving two lucky<br />
readers the chance to win a home<br />
heating kit worth £299.99, which<br />
includes a Room Thermostat, Heat<br />
Hub and two Radiator Thermostats.<br />
Easy to install, the Wiser heating<br />
system can lower your energy bills by<br />
up to 30% per year. Wiser is available<br />
in classic white or stylish anthracite to<br />
suit your home. To find out how Wiser<br />
can help you save on your energy bills,<br />
head to wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk<br />
Keyword ‘Wiser Energy’<br />
4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Birmingham Rep in association with Elliott & Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber present<br />
STEP THROUGH THE WARDROBE<br />
THIS CHRISTMAS…<br />
«««««<br />
“ A MAGICAL, MODERN<br />
TAKE ON NARNIA”<br />
London Theatre<br />
««««<br />
“ A FANTASTICAL<br />
FAMILY TREAT”<br />
The Telegraph<br />
Based on the novel by C.S. Lewis<br />
Directed by Michael Fentiman<br />
TUE 14 NOV <strong>2023</strong> –<br />
SUN 28 JAN 2024<br />
birmingham-rep.co.uk
Rubis Tweezers<br />
Slanted w/Leather<br />
Tweezer Case, £47.99,<br />
amazon.co.uk<br />
Animal Park<br />
Wallet, £30,<br />
vendulalondon.<br />
com<br />
Particularly British Piccalilli,<br />
Caramelised Onion Marmalade,<br />
Cranberry, Port & Orange Sauce,<br />
Christmas Spiced Chutney, £6.80 each<br />
Cotton Kimono-Style<br />
Dressing Gown,<br />
£39.99, and Alie Leaf<br />
Gold Plated Earrings,<br />
£11.99, hauslife.co.uk<br />
Stihl PG 10 Secateurs,<br />
£13.25, and Gardening<br />
Gloves, £26.20, stihl.co.uk<br />
Elevate Wine Glass, Set of 2,<br />
£35, dartington.co.uk<br />
Soho Street Cocktail<br />
Pouch, £28.99,<br />
sohostreetcocktails.com<br />
Assorted Chocolate Almonds<br />
and Nougat Luxury Selection,<br />
£35, farhi.co.uk<br />
Kocktail Bottled Cocktails -<br />
classics and new spins! All<br />
bottles £27, kocktail.co.uk<br />
Gold Plated Huggie<br />
Earrings, £30,<br />
matchboxjewellery.com<br />
time to<br />
WIN<br />
One lucky winner will win everything<br />
on this page. You can enter by joining<br />
our competition club, a single entry or<br />
by post - all details can be found here:<br />
minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
Competition closes 10am, 01/12/23<br />
Entrants must be over 18y/o. Please note,<br />
if some products are not available, the<br />
brands reserve the right to send an<br />
equivalent value prize<br />
instead. T&Cs apply.<br />
6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN!<br />
THE PERFECT GIFT!<br />
MEMBERSHIPS FROM £30!<br />
TREAT YOUR LOVED ONES TO THE<br />
GIFT OF THE GARDENS THIS<br />
CHRISTMAS & ALL YEAR ROUND!<br />
JOIN US THIS CHRISTMAS<br />
FOR: CLASSES - GIFT VOUCHERS - PARTIES<br />
STRATFORD SCHOOL OF JEWELLERY<br />
WWW.STRATFORDSCHOOLOFJEWELLERY.CO.UK<br />
BIRMINGHAMBOTANICALGARDENS.ORG.UK<br />
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Keratin-coated hot air styler with<br />
8 accessories for drying your<br />
hair and creating different styles<br />
with a single movement, £99.99,<br />
bellissimaitalia.co.uk<br />
Alya Phone Case Bag Leather<br />
Black, £69, lonestaroflondon.com<br />
A divine diffuser<br />
to fill your house<br />
with scent,<br />
Cedarwood<br />
and Bergamot<br />
Reed Diffuser,<br />
£49, voya.ie<br />
Hayman’s<br />
Sloe Gin, £29,<br />
haymansgin.com<br />
Comes in<br />
a matching<br />
cotton gift<br />
bag<br />
Cotton PJ Sets, from<br />
£43.99, hauslife.co.uk<br />
gifts for<br />
HER<br />
Hotel-quality dressing gowns - with<br />
embroidery options available Hotel<br />
Velour Robe, £70, tielleloveluxury.co.uk<br />
Beautiful, unique tea<br />
blends and accessories<br />
birdandblendtea.com<br />
Handleless Coffee<br />
Cup, £11.99,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
More than just an air<br />
fryer, it’s a master in slow<br />
cooking, roasting, and<br />
more, thanks to precise<br />
temperature control.<br />
I-Master Air Fryer Series<br />
5, £229.99, haiereurope.com<br />
Taittinger Prelude<br />
Grand Crus<br />
Champagne,<br />
johnlewis.com<br />
gifts for<br />
HIM<br />
British Wool Honeycomb<br />
Chunky Jumper, £79.95,<br />
glencroftcountrywear.<br />
co.uk<br />
This offers<br />
interchangeable<br />
grinding discs, a 15°<br />
grinding angle for a<br />
filigree edge and a 20°<br />
grinding angle for more<br />
robust blades. £159,<br />
horl.com<br />
Ideal for<br />
cooks and<br />
outdoor<br />
enthusiasts<br />
Herbs with no soil in<br />
sight! Hydro-Herb<br />
Hydoponic Kit, £25,<br />
hydro-herb.co.uk<br />
Super soft bamboo socks with a<br />
donation to animal charities. Save<br />
the Tigers Bamboo Socks £9.95,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
Give an experience<br />
to remember with<br />
a day on the tracks<br />
in supercars. Triple<br />
Premium Driving<br />
Day, £129.99,<br />
redletterdays.<br />
co.uk
Woods Farm Christmas Trees<br />
Freshly cut and dug from our 300 acres of trees daily<br />
Potted, rooted or cut - from table top to 40ft<br />
BIG<br />
TREES<br />
DELIVERED<br />
& INSTALLED<br />
ALSO AVAILABLE<br />
Door wreaths and traditional holly wreaths,<br />
mistletoe and holly.<br />
Big decoration shop on site open.<br />
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK<br />
9am-5pm <strong>Nov</strong>ember<br />
9am-7pm <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
Woods Farm, Bills Lane, Shirley, <strong>Solihull</strong> B90 2PP<br />
Tel: Mr G Gilbert 0121 733 2633 Email: info@woodsfarm.co.uk<br />
www.woodsfarm.co.uk
WWW.ORTHODONTICEXCELLENCE.CO.UK<br />
@ORTHODONTICEXCELLENCE_SOLIHULL<br />
ORTHODONTIC<br />
EXCELLENCE<br />
Don't wait any longer!<br />
Are you looking to transform your smile and boost your confidence?<br />
Look no further than Orthodontic Excellence, <strong>Solihull</strong>’s answer to the highest<br />
quality of orthodontic care.<br />
Orthodontic treatment isn't just about achieving a picture-perfect smile; it's about<br />
improving your overall oral health. Crooked teeth, misalignments, and bite issues<br />
can lead to various dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even<br />
jaw pain. By straightening your teeth and aligning your bite, orthodontic treatment<br />
can enhance your oral health, making it easier to maintain a clean and healthy<br />
smile.<br />
When it comes to selecting the right orthodontic practice, you deserve nothing but<br />
the best. Orthodontic Excellence has earned its reputation as the leading provider<br />
of exceptional orthodontic care. Here's why we stand out from the crowd:<br />
Award Winning Case - Dr Virginia Rootkin-Gray<br />
Best Orthodontic Case with Clear Aligners <strong>2023</strong><br />
Expertise and Accolades:<br />
We take pride in being voted the Best Orthodontic Practice 2022 and receiving multiple other prestigious awards. Our team of highly<br />
skilled orthodontists combines their expertise with the latest advancements in orthodontic technology to deliver outstanding results.<br />
Comprehensive Treatment Options<br />
We understand that every smile is unique. That's why we offer a wide range of treatment options, including traditional braces, clear aligners and<br />
more. Our orthodontists will work closely with you to create a personalised treatment plan that suits your needs and goals.<br />
State-of-the-Art Facilities<br />
When you step into our modern and welcoming clinic, you'll feel right at home. Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest<br />
technology to ensure precise and efficient treatment. We strive to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all our patients.<br />
Patient-Centred Approach<br />
Your satisfaction and well-being are our top priorities. We believe in building meaningful relationships with our patients, taking the time to listen<br />
to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. Our friendly and compassionate team will guide you through every step of your<br />
orthodontic journey.<br />
Included in Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners or Fixed Braces<br />
FREE Removable Retainers worth £150<br />
FREE Permanent Bonded Retainers worth £700<br />
FREE 3D Scans worth £300<br />
FREE Dental Monitoring worth £500 (Aligners only)<br />
Plus, to sweeten the deal, you get a full year of aftercare included<br />
and the opportunity to join our exclusive ACE retention program<br />
when you have orthodontic treatment with Orthodontic Excellence.
Family-friendly party game.<br />
Players earn points by getting their<br />
teammates to guess words and<br />
phrases using only single-syllable<br />
words. If you use any words<br />
with more than one syllable, the<br />
other team gets to bop you with a<br />
2-foot inflatable club. Poetry for<br />
Neanderthals, £19.99, Age 7+,<br />
Amazon, Smyths<br />
Magic away boredom<br />
on journeys with 180<br />
wizarding questions. It<br />
seems like it would be<br />
easy to name 3 Hogwarts<br />
Students—but can it be<br />
done under the pressure<br />
of 5 seconds? Harry<br />
Potter 5 Second Rule<br />
Mini, ages 8+, £9.99,<br />
Smyths<br />
Players must find their way to famous<br />
Pokémon characters in this simple<br />
strategy game of moving mazes<br />
Pokémon Labyrinth, Age 7+, £27.99,<br />
ravensburger.co.uk<br />
best<br />
GAMES<br />
The 100% offline party game<br />
where players compete<br />
to create the funniest text<br />
message thread. Players rotate<br />
drawing a sent card while the<br />
rest of the group competes<br />
for the funniest reply. Once<br />
everyone has played their<br />
chosen reply card, the judge<br />
decides which combo is the<br />
funniest. New Phone, Who<br />
Dis, 21.99, Age 17+,<br />
Amazon, Smyths,<br />
MenKind, Game<br />
Pass the parcel with<br />
a revolting twist -<br />
this hilarious family<br />
game gets everyone<br />
giggling! When the<br />
music stops, Farty<br />
Freddie will fart,<br />
giggle or burp - and<br />
if he lets out a trump<br />
so BIG he shakes<br />
and then you’re<br />
OUT! Farty Freddie,<br />
£19.99, Age 4+,<br />
Smyths<br />
Yoto Mini lets kids explore<br />
their imaginations as they<br />
explore the world. Kids<br />
from 3-12+ use physical<br />
cards to explore the<br />
best audiobooks, music,<br />
activities and educational<br />
audio on the move.<br />
£59.99, uk.yotoplay.com<br />
Elmer Applique<br />
Zip Sleepsuit, £23.50,<br />
jojomamanbebe.co.uk<br />
M.Y X<br />
Skate Complete 22 Inch<br />
Beginner Skateboard,<br />
£15.99, amazon.co.uk<br />
Pokémon Sleeping Charmander<br />
Pokémon 46cm, £39.99, smythstoys.com<br />
gifts for<br />
KIDS<br />
Organic Cotton Space<br />
Print Kids Pyjamas, £28,<br />
polarnopyret.co.uk<br />
Perfect for<br />
hard-to-buyfor<br />
teens<br />
The perfect STEM gift. Once<br />
assembled, children learn<br />
about music notations<br />
and can compose<br />
their own tunes by<br />
placing the pegs in<br />
different slots. £37.99,<br />
smarttoysandgames.<br />
co.uk<br />
Perfect activity packs for<br />
all ages, toucanbox.com<br />
Slimline Hollywood<br />
Mirror £84.99,<br />
vonhaus.com<br />
12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
22 <strong>Nov</strong> – 13 Jan 2024<br />
22 <strong>Nov</strong> – 13 Jan 2024<br />
From £15*<br />
From £15*<br />
7 – 24 <strong>Dec</strong> From £12.50*<br />
7 – 24 <strong>Dec</strong> From £12.50*<br />
30<br />
30<br />
Jan<br />
Jan<br />
–<br />
–<br />
4<br />
4<br />
Feb<br />
Feb<br />
From<br />
From<br />
£34*<br />
£34*<br />
7 – 11<br />
11<br />
Feb<br />
Feb<br />
From<br />
From<br />
£18*<br />
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14 14 Feb Feb<br />
From £18*<br />
15 Feb<br />
From From £25* £25*<br />
BOOK NOW belgrade.co.uk<br />
BOOK NOW belgrade.co.uk<br />
*Ticket price includes a £1.50 booking fee.<br />
*Ticket price includes £1.50 booking fee.
A delectable assortment of the most<br />
delicious Italian goodies - this is a great<br />
option for those avoiding alcohol at<br />
Christmas, but there are lots of great<br />
options on the website. The Grand<br />
Teetotaller, £93, lavialla.com<br />
gifts for<br />
FOODIES<br />
Microplane Bowl Grater £20,<br />
microplane.com<br />
Give your health a boost with a gutfriendly<br />
hamper, Christmas Gut Health<br />
Hamper, £38, momo-kombucha.com<br />
Perfect smoked salmon<br />
from the experts.<br />
Whisky & Soy Glazed<br />
Salmon from £9.90,<br />
smokin-brothers.com<br />
KitchenAid Cast<br />
Iron Almond Cream<br />
Non-Stick 26cm<br />
Casserole Dish<br />
with Lid, £200,<br />
hartsofstur.com<br />
The Scottish<br />
Pantry £85,<br />
baxtersofscotland.<br />
com<br />
Salt and Pepper Mill, Set,<br />
£29.99, amazon.co.uk<br />
Chocolate Slab Gift Box, £54.99,<br />
meltchocolates.com<br />
Every bottle of Sea<br />
Change helps fund<br />
ocean conservation<br />
projects across the globe.<br />
Christmas Day<br />
Pack, £38.99,<br />
seachangewine.com<br />
Leather Jellyfish Cat Teaser Toy<br />
£29, cheshireandwain.com<br />
Woov is a cordless heating dog pillow<br />
with infrared technology and rechargeable<br />
battery. Heated Pet Cushion, 60x90,<br />
£139.95, uk.stoov.com<br />
Dog Mama Ceramic<br />
Travel Mug £28,<br />
aliceandwoody.co.uk<br />
Fur Bebe Pet<br />
Shampoo by OUAI,<br />
£28, amazon.co.uk<br />
gifts for<br />
PETS<br />
Save the oceans with this green<br />
marble effect sustainable dog<br />
bowl. Made from recycled fishing<br />
nets, it’s sure to take pride of place<br />
in any one of your rooms. £29.99,<br />
tanglemission.com<br />
14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Spread A Little Joy<br />
This Christmas<br />
Shop our festive range and help make<br />
a mission possible this Christmas<br />
1 1 1 1<br />
midlandsairambulance.com/shop<br />
Scan here to shop<br />
the full range
Yoto Mini lets kids explore<br />
their imaginations as they<br />
explore the world. Kids<br />
from 3-12+ use physical<br />
cards to explore the<br />
best audiobooks, music,<br />
activities and educational<br />
audio on the move. £59.99,<br />
uk.yotoplay.com<br />
The perfect STEM gift. Once<br />
assembled, children learn about<br />
music notations and can compose<br />
their own tunes by placing the<br />
pegs in different slots. £37.99,<br />
smarttoysandgames.co.uk<br />
Perfect for<br />
hard-to-buyfor<br />
teens<br />
gifts for<br />
KIDS<br />
Pokémon Sleeping Charmander<br />
Pokémon 46cm, £39.99,<br />
smythstoys.com<br />
Elmer Applique Zip<br />
Sleepsuit, £23.50,<br />
jojomamanbebe.co.uk<br />
Slimline Hollywood Mirror<br />
£84.99, vonhaus.com<br />
M.Y X Skate Complete 22 Inch<br />
Beginner Skateboard, £15.99,<br />
amazon.co.uk<br />
Perfect activity<br />
packs for all ages,<br />
toucanbox.com<br />
The Scottish<br />
Pantry £85,<br />
baxtersofscotland.<br />
com<br />
KitchenAid<br />
Cast Iron 26cm<br />
Casserole Dish<br />
with Lid, £200,<br />
hartsofstur.com<br />
Perfect smoked<br />
salmon from the<br />
experts. Whisky<br />
& Soy Glazed<br />
Salmon from<br />
£9.90, smokinbrothers.com<br />
Give your health a<br />
boost with a gutfriendly<br />
hamper,<br />
Christmas Gut<br />
Health Hamper, £38,<br />
momo-kombucha.<br />
com<br />
Salt and Pepper<br />
Mill, Set, £29.99,<br />
amazon.co.uk<br />
gifts for<br />
FOODIES<br />
A delectable assortment of the most<br />
delicious Italian goodies - this is a great<br />
option for those avoiding alcohol at<br />
Christmas, but there are lots of great<br />
options on the website. The Grand<br />
Teetotaller, £93, lavialla.com<br />
Chocolate Slab Gift Box,<br />
£54.99, meltchocolates.com
C E L E B R A T E C H R I S T M A S<br />
I N M E L L S Q U A R E<br />
Experience <strong>Solihull</strong>’s most<br />
exciting food and drink<br />
destinations – Green’s, Vita and<br />
Taste Collective.<br />
Located in Mell Square, Green’s<br />
offers innovative cocktails<br />
alongside classics, cheese and<br />
charcuterie boards and a great<br />
selection of gin, wine and beer<br />
with a stunning garden-themed<br />
backdrop. There's also live music<br />
each and every Wednesday.<br />
Whilst Vita serves speciality coffee<br />
and tea, festive hot chocolate,<br />
healthy breakfast and brunch<br />
options, delicious cakes and<br />
pastries from local bakers as well<br />
as sparkling wine in a stylish<br />
setting.<br />
A covered, heated outdoor<br />
pergola style seating area is home<br />
to pop-up street food traders<br />
from all types of cuisine, from<br />
handmade burgers and authentic<br />
pizzas to vegan delights.<br />
Taste Collective plays host to<br />
some of the Midlands’ top<br />
Mell Square - <strong>Solihull</strong> - B91 3AY<br />
independent eateries in addition<br />
to creating a fun and relaxed<br />
environment with its outdoor<br />
bar and unique design, which is<br />
weather-proofed for all<br />
conditions. Plus, every Thursday,<br />
put your knowledge to the test<br />
with themed Quiz Nights. And<br />
on Wednesday's we play Music<br />
Bingo!<br />
Created to appeal to a wide<br />
range of ages and tastes,<br />
Green’s, Vita and Taste Collective<br />
offer the perfect setting to eat,<br />
drink and socialise with friends<br />
and family in <strong>Solihull</strong> this<br />
Christmas.<br />
Follow us for more details<br />
greens_solihull<br />
vita_solihull<br />
tastecollective_solihull
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A STOPOVER<br />
to remember<br />
W Dubai - Mina Seyahi<br />
With over two thirds of the world’s population living within an eight-hour flight<br />
of Dubai, it’s little wonder that it’s such a hub for travel. If your next long haul<br />
trip sees you transiting through, Katie Thomson has some suggestions about<br />
how to turn your stopover into a trip to remember.<br />
I’ve usually been in the camp of<br />
‘direct flights only, just get me on<br />
holiday as quickly as possible’<br />
but a stopover is both financially<br />
economical and sometimes the only<br />
option for certain destinations.<br />
But, instead of whiling away four<br />
hours between flights with endless<br />
phone scrolling or duty-free<br />
shopping, I decided on my most<br />
recent trip to the Maldives to make<br />
more of the journey, with three<br />
night stopover in Dubai. And you<br />
know what? I’m now a fully paid-up<br />
stopover super-fan, and I want to<br />
tell you what not to miss.<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
Dubai really is the city of activities<br />
- whether you are a thrill-seeker, a<br />
history buff or a die-hard shopper,<br />
you’ll be well-catered for.<br />
As this was a short stopover,<br />
we wanted to explore Dubai in a<br />
different way, so opted to see more<br />
of the city by water on a HERO<br />
Dubai Sunset Boat Tour.<br />
These two-person boats can reach<br />
speeds of up to 50kph and are a fun<br />
alternative to sightseeing Dubai’s<br />
beautiful skylines. You’ll stop at<br />
famous landmarks like Burj Al Arab,<br />
Ain Dubai, the Palm islands and<br />
many more, whilst getting to test<br />
your handling skills and take in<br />
some panoramic vistas.<br />
You’re taken out by an experienced<br />
guide, who’ll point out the<br />
architectural gems, alongside the<br />
palatial holiday homes of Emirati<br />
royalty.<br />
Dubai is sometimes considered<br />
to be a bit of a culture-vacuum,<br />
but if you’re interested in learning<br />
more about the Bedouin lifestyle, a<br />
Platinum Heritage Tour is the perfect<br />
way to see Dubai’s protected<br />
deserts and understand more about<br />
the history of the region.<br />
Eco-friendly tours take in the sites of<br />
Dubai’s deserts in luxury - there are<br />
lots of options, including camping<br />
out overnight, but we decided on<br />
a ride in a 1950s open-top Land<br />
Rover. The tour started by decking<br />
us out for the desert with our own<br />
headscarfs and cooler water bottles,<br />
before a drive through the rolling<br />
sand dunes. The visit included<br />
lots of information about the local<br />
flora and fauna, a soaring falconry<br />
display and culminated with a feast<br />
in a Bedouin camp, complete with<br />
a drum show and astronomy talk.<br />
It was such a wonderful way to get<br />
an insight into a completely different<br />
side of Dubai, and one I’d implore<br />
anyone to make time for.<br />
STAY<br />
A fantastic base for exploration is<br />
the beautiful W Dubai - Mina Seyahi<br />
- part of the Westin complex, guests<br />
can enjoy all the amenities of three<br />
hotels in one location.<br />
From a winding child-friendly pool<br />
and on-site waterpark, to an adult’s<br />
only pool, plus a fantastic swim up<br />
bar, the resort caters for all travelling<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19
From top to bottom: Expansive views from<br />
Attiko Restaurant; Rooms at the W Dubai<br />
Mina Seyahi; Platinum Heritage Desert<br />
Tours; HERO Boat Tours<br />
parties - we saw families, hen parties,<br />
couples and friends all making the<br />
most of the exceptional facilities.<br />
The hotel also has its own expansive<br />
section of beach - meaning you can<br />
dip in the warm waters of the Dubai<br />
Marina just steps from the pool.<br />
The W Dubai - Mina Seyahi is<br />
architecturally beautiful, modelled<br />
on a King Cobra with a hood and<br />
reaching skyward. The design concept<br />
is contemporary and luxurious, but<br />
with nods to desert history and<br />
folklore - including art installations<br />
featuring stories of Arabian Nights and<br />
sculptural, modern interpretations of<br />
Bedouin tents and carpets.<br />
Right by the pool, you can enjoy<br />
delicious food from Bussola - a sea<br />
view Italian restaurant with pizzeria on<br />
top deck, romantic fine dining below,<br />
plus terrace bar.<br />
Don’t miss the chance to visit the<br />
hotels spectacular Attiko restaurant<br />
- as well as enjoying expansive,<br />
glittering views of Dubai’s buzzing<br />
marina, it serves world-class<br />
Japanese food.<br />
PLAN YOUR<br />
VISIT<br />
I hope my experiences have helped<br />
convince you to consider Dubai for a<br />
longer stopover next time you travel.<br />
Breaking up a long haul journey helps<br />
to get you into the holiday mode -<br />
allowing you a more gentle adjustment<br />
into another time zone, as well as an<br />
opportunity to explore.<br />
TO BOOK:<br />
HERO Sunset Boat Tour, £218,<br />
per boat (for up to 2 people)<br />
heroboattours.com<br />
Heritage Safari, from £155 per person,<br />
platinum-heritage.com<br />
Rooms at the W Dubai - Mina Seyahi<br />
start from £344<br />
marriott.com<br />
20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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Porsche customers is its bold plan for the years to come. Book a test drive today.<br />
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Highlands Road, <strong>Solihull</strong><br />
West Midlands, B90 4GT<br />
0121 745 9911<br />
info@porschesolihull.co.uk<br />
www.porschesolihull.co.uk<br />
/Porschecentresolihull<br />
@porschecentresolihull<br />
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Christmas as it Should Be<br />
Everyone at Hatton Country World is determined to make<br />
this the most magical Christmas yet. And we’ve got<br />
everything you need to do just that...<br />
Whether it’s soaking up the atmosphere at NEW Christmas<br />
Light Trail. Choosing the perfect tree from our Garden<br />
Centre, shopping for those special gifts at our beautiful<br />
Shopping Village, bringing Christmas to life for your little<br />
ones at the Enchanted Christmas Kingdom, or celebrating<br />
with family, friends & colleagues with a festive fine dining<br />
experience at the Hatton Arms or an Escape Room<br />
adventure, Hatton does Christmas as it Should Be<br />
NEW Christmas Light Trail<br />
Step into a mesmerising wonderland of illuminated<br />
splendour at the Hatton Light Trail. With lights displays that<br />
will captivate your imagination with an interactive and<br />
immersive experience, the Hatton Light Trail will bring the<br />
magic of the Festive season alive for the young and old alike.<br />
Garden Centre & Christmas Shop<br />
British Garden Centres Christmas Shop returns to Hatton<br />
earlier this year, and they’ve completely transformed the<br />
garden centre experience.<br />
From great gift ideas to fantastic Christmas decorations, trees<br />
and lights. Entertain in style with the perfect table setting and<br />
treat yourself to some delicious seasonal treats.<br />
Whatever you’re doing this Christmas, do it with a bit of help<br />
from British Garden Centres here at Hatton.<br />
Shopping Village & Christmas Markets<br />
Of course there is so much more to explore in our charming<br />
Shopping Village. Converted over 30 years ago out of some<br />
Victorian farm buildings, this is very much ‘Christmas<br />
Shopping as it Should Be’.<br />
A myriad of independent shops with an array of choice;<br />
exquisite jewellery hand crafted on site; homeware; toys;<br />
ladies fashion: bike shop; the list goes on... And a choice of<br />
delicious cafés where you can stop and refuel.<br />
Treat yourself and get ready for the festive season at the hair<br />
and beauty salons. Or celebrate with friends with a Gin<br />
School Experience.<br />
HATTONWORLD.COM
If that’s not enough, there is even more to choose<br />
from at the weekends. Every weekend from the 4 th<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember there is a Christmas Market in Market<br />
Square- where the festive atmosphere really takes off.<br />
Enchanted Christmas Kingdom<br />
Next to Hatton Shopping Village lies the Enchanted<br />
Christmas Kingdom within Hatton Adventure World,<br />
open selected dates in <strong>Nov</strong>ember & <strong>Dec</strong>ember.<br />
Meet Father Christmas in his Woodland Grotto with more<br />
NEW magical experiences to explore.<br />
Alongside a host of festive activities, make your own<br />
reindeer food for Rudolph, the Owl and the Orient King<br />
Falconry Display, Yuletide with the Animals,<br />
Gingerbread <strong>Dec</strong>orating, Reindeer Quest, Festive<br />
Magic and Puppet Shows A magical day of festive<br />
fun.<br />
Christmas Celebrations at the Hatton Arms<br />
Stephanie and her team at the award winning<br />
Hatton Arms love helping you celebrate Christmas<br />
and they’re pulling out all the stops to make it the<br />
best Christmas yet.<br />
With Christmas Parties from only £27.95, bring<br />
Christmas cheer to your friends, family &<br />
colleagues.<br />
Our menus are always carefully crafted with seasonal<br />
local produce and our talented chefs have created<br />
special menus not only for our parties but for Christmas<br />
Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.<br />
However you plan to celebrate this year, we are here for<br />
you. Just give us a ring on 01926 492427 or book online<br />
at hattonarms.com<br />
Escape Room Adventure<br />
Finding the clues, solving the puzzles<br />
within an hour and escaping from a world<br />
of pirates and gangsters... if you can!<br />
That’s what Hatton Escape Rooms are<br />
about.<br />
It’s a thoroughly immersive and<br />
captivating adventure, which makes for a<br />
brilliant Christmas Party or great gift<br />
experience. Gift vouchers are available<br />
online. Will you Escape?<br />
For more information on all of the above visit our website.<br />
Telephone:<br />
telephone: 01926 01926 843411 843411<br />
www.hattonworld.com<br />
www.hattonworld.com<br />
HATTON COUNTRY WORLD, HATTON, WARWICK, CV35 8XA<br />
HATTON COUNTRY WORLD, HATTON, WARWICK, CV35 8XA<br />
CHRISTMAS AS IT SHOULD BE
The Value of<br />
Independent Early<br />
Years Education<br />
By Sarah Hollingsworth, Head of Gresham’s Pre-Prep School and<br />
IAPS’ recently-appointed Pre-Prep and Early Years Subject Adviser<br />
Albert Einstein famously said: “Logic will<br />
get you from A-B. Imagination will take<br />
you everywhere.” More recently, worldrenowned<br />
education expert and adviser<br />
Dr Ger Graus noted: “Children can only<br />
aspire to what they know exists.”<br />
These two much-quoted comments<br />
have a common theme and highlight the<br />
power of what children are exposed to<br />
during their early years and the impact<br />
this has on their future.<br />
Early years educators like myself have<br />
been entrusted with the important task<br />
of empowering those in our care with<br />
opportunities to develop essential life<br />
skills such as resilience, independence,<br />
kindness and imagination. But early<br />
years education has to start with what<br />
parents expose their children to at<br />
home, not least lots of love, exposure<br />
to reading, role modelling, but also<br />
choosing the best setting to entrust one<br />
of the most important people in their<br />
lives to.<br />
This is where it all begins. The period<br />
from birth to age eight is critical for<br />
cognitive, social, emotional and physical<br />
development. Optimal brain development<br />
requires a stimulating environment,<br />
nourishing food, top-quality care-givers<br />
and social interaction.<br />
Unsurprisingly, this is a hot topic for every<br />
government, not to mention the Princess<br />
of Wales, who has spoken recently about<br />
the importance of early years education.<br />
A massive part of that is having the best<br />
practitioners delivering this education<br />
and having the right opportunities and<br />
environments for them to learn in.<br />
I have been fortunate to work across<br />
the state-maintained and independent<br />
sectors and benefited from some of<br />
the very best training and guidance<br />
during my professional career, including<br />
incredible continuous professional<br />
development and leadership training. I<br />
am also the daughter of an early years<br />
teacher and, growing up, I witnessed<br />
how hard my mother worked and how<br />
much energy she gave to the children in<br />
her care.<br />
For the last seven years, I have been<br />
in a unique position as Headmistress<br />
of Gresham’s Nursery and Pre-Prep, a<br />
co-educational day and boarding school<br />
on the North Norfolk coast. The school<br />
has three parts: Nursery and Pre-Prep,<br />
The Prep School and The Senior School,<br />
each based on a different campus,<br />
allowing the children to have the security<br />
of friendships growing with them as<br />
they move through the school at crucial<br />
transition stages.<br />
Gresham’s believes that each child<br />
is different and has a gift. Our very<br />
youngest children, aged just two, are<br />
exposed to many opportunities, with<br />
access to all the school’s facilities as well<br />
as acres of woodland, swimming pool,<br />
astro turfs, tennis courts and sports hall.<br />
They experience opportunities which<br />
open their eyes to future jobs, interests<br />
and passions and also enjoy lessons in<br />
ballet and music, languages, computing,<br />
cooking, and outdoor learning half days.<br />
Research demonstrates high-quality<br />
opportunities help children to succeed.<br />
The independent sector is fortunate to<br />
have small class sizes and all the facilities<br />
and resources to offer this.<br />
There is no one more precious than<br />
our children. They are the future – and<br />
the future for a hopeful world. So, our<br />
task is simple. We work to create an<br />
environment where happy, relaxed, calm,<br />
courteous and curious children can<br />
flourish and be their best.<br />
24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
#ALSLetsMe<br />
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4-18 yrs Co-educational Independent Day School<br />
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ACHIEVE<br />
What will your child be?<br />
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15-17 Kenilworth Rd, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5TW
CHANGING<br />
SCHOOL FOR<br />
SIXTH FORM<br />
Whether you want to change<br />
from a single sex school to co-ed<br />
or from day to boarding, private<br />
to state, A levels to International<br />
Baccalaureate – or vice versa<br />
– there are plenty of reasons to<br />
move schools post-GCSEs.<br />
HOW TO CHANGE SCHOOLS<br />
FOR SIXTH FORM<br />
Families need to know what schools<br />
and colleges are in the area and<br />
how far your teen will be willing to<br />
travel. We’d advise getting the ball<br />
rolling with research towards the<br />
end of their year 10 in time for sixth<br />
form open days and applications<br />
which generally take place the<br />
following autumn, early in the new<br />
academic year.<br />
Discussions about post-GCSE<br />
options will already be underway at<br />
your child’s current school by then<br />
and looking at other sixth forms<br />
will widen your options. Maybe<br />
the broader based curriculum of<br />
the IB would suit them better than<br />
specialising at A level? Maybe they<br />
want to pursue a more practical,<br />
less exam based, route? Or perhaps<br />
your child simply feels ready for a<br />
fresh start and new faces.<br />
CHOOSING A NEW<br />
SIXTH FORM<br />
The decision needs to be a joint<br />
effort between parents and children,<br />
based as much on personal<br />
preference as objective research.<br />
Your child may have formed<br />
opinions about other schools via<br />
friends or social media but however<br />
popular a particular sixth form may<br />
be, it’s no good if it doesn’t offer the<br />
subjects they want to study.<br />
Guide your child to consider the<br />
areas of study they genuinely enjoy<br />
or find interesting. The demands<br />
of some A levels, such as maths,<br />
are a big jump from GCSE and<br />
most academically selective sixth<br />
forms will set higher GCSE grade<br />
requirements for these.<br />
It may seem too early when your<br />
child hasn’t even finished their<br />
GCSE courses to start talking about<br />
university subjects and destinations,<br />
but if they are going to change<br />
school for sixth form it’s important<br />
to at least start thinking about<br />
the ultimate goal. For instance, if<br />
Oxbridge or medical school is the<br />
aim then A level choices need to be<br />
made accordingly and a potential<br />
school’s record of Oxbridge and<br />
medical school places taken into<br />
account.<br />
If university isn’t part of the plan<br />
then you’ll need to ask the school<br />
or college about provision for pupils<br />
who are interested in alternative<br />
post-18 options such as degree<br />
apprenticeships.<br />
MOVING FROM STATE<br />
SCHOOL TO PRIVATE<br />
If you think your child would<br />
benefit from taking A levels at an<br />
independent school but are worried<br />
about affording the fees, it could be<br />
worth checking whether you can<br />
apply for a bursary. Some schools<br />
even offer bursaries specifically for<br />
pupils joining the sixth form from<br />
the local state sector. Read the<br />
following for more information about<br />
scholarships and bursaries.<br />
SIXTH FORM ENTRY<br />
REQUIREMENTS<br />
These differ considerably but five<br />
or six GCSEs including English and<br />
maths at grade 6 or above, with<br />
grade 7 or higher in subjects to be<br />
studied at A level (can be 8 or 9 for<br />
maths/further maths), is the minimum<br />
for most selective schools. Many<br />
schools in both the state and private<br />
sector set the sixth form entry bar<br />
much higher and in addition to a full<br />
set of GCSEs at grades 9-7, also<br />
expect candidates to sit papers in<br />
their prospective A level subjects.<br />
Schools will usually interview<br />
prospective sixth formers too.<br />
So what are the essentials to<br />
look out for?<br />
Check how many new pupils join for<br />
the sixth form - if the number is very<br />
low it may be harder for your child<br />
to integrate<br />
Look at trends in exam results<br />
rather than just the most recent<br />
ones (particularly important given<br />
the disruption Covid has caused in<br />
recent years’ GCSEs and A levels)<br />
Some schools are single sex up to<br />
GCSEs with a co-ed sixth form –<br />
ask what the ratio of boys to girls<br />
is and try to find out whether the<br />
culture of the school is suitable for<br />
your son or daughter<br />
What are the opportunities for new<br />
pupils for positions of responsibility<br />
(prefects etc)?<br />
What expertise is there to support<br />
Oxbridge and international university<br />
applications, or alternative routes<br />
such as degree apprenticeships?<br />
A fresh start can be a great<br />
motivator, but it isn’t a panacea. If<br />
your child is unhappy at their current<br />
school find out why – changing<br />
schools may not be the answer<br />
goodschoolsguide.co.uk<br />
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Cooking for<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
We have some delicious recipes from the appliance<br />
pros at Cuisinart to make festive hosting easier<br />
Shredded Brussels & Pancetta<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
80g pancetta, cubed<br />
125g sprouts<br />
Lemon Dijon<br />
Vinaigrette<br />
1 clove garlic, slightly<br />
crushed<br />
1 lemon, juiced<br />
3 tbsp dijon mustard<br />
40ml apple cider<br />
vinegar<br />
120ml olive oil<br />
2 tsp honey<br />
Sea salt & pepper<br />
METHOD<br />
Add the pancetta to a medium /<br />
hot frying pan and cook until the fat<br />
renders and the pancetta is crispy.<br />
Place the pancetta on paper towel<br />
before setting to one side.<br />
Trim and peel the sprouts. In the Easy<br />
Prep Pro, set up the fine slicing disc in<br />
the large work bowl and process the<br />
sprouts on ‘HIGH’.<br />
Set up the small work bowl with the<br />
small chopping/mixing blade.<br />
Add all the vinaigrette ingredients to<br />
the small work bowl. Secure the lid<br />
and process on ‘HIGH’ until a thick<br />
emulsion forms. Season with sea salt<br />
and black pepper. Run the machine<br />
using the ‘PULSE’ button until<br />
thoroughly mixed. Pour the vinaigrette<br />
into a suitable jug for serving.<br />
Place the sprouts into a serving dish<br />
and drizzle over a generous serving<br />
of the vinaigrette. Combine well and<br />
scatter over the crispy pancetta.<br />
Tip: Any remaining vinaigrette can be<br />
stored in an airtight container in the<br />
fridge for up to 5 days.<br />
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Spiced Victoria Sponge<br />
METHOD<br />
Preheat the oven to 180ºC / Fan 160ºC /<br />
Gas Mark 42.<br />
Grease a fluted bundt cake tin, alternatively<br />
you can use two greased and lined 20 cm<br />
springform cake tins. This will produce a<br />
more traditional cake.<br />
Set up the large work bowl of the Expert<br />
Prep Pro with the large chopping/mixing<br />
blade. Place the butter and sugar in the<br />
bowl and process on high until creamy.<br />
Add the eggs through the feed tube one by<br />
one, processing between each addition. Add<br />
the vanilla essence, cinnamon and nutmeg.<br />
Process to combine.<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
250g butter, room temperature<br />
250g caster sugar<br />
4 medium eggs<br />
1 tsp vanilla essence<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1 tsp grated nutmeg<br />
175g self raising flour<br />
75g ground almonds<br />
1tsp baking powder<br />
Clementine Cream (not shown)<br />
300 ml double cream<br />
1 tbsp sifted icing sugar, plus some for<br />
dusting the cake<br />
1 large Clementine, zested and 1 tbsp juice<br />
To Serve<br />
Seasonal berries<br />
Chopped pistachios<br />
Add the flour, ground almonds and baking<br />
powder. Process lightly.<br />
Pour the cake mixture into the cake<br />
tin(s) and smooth the batter until<br />
level.<br />
Bake in the oven for 30 to<br />
35 minutes until the cake<br />
is golden brown on top<br />
and a skewer comes out<br />
clean.<br />
Allow to rest for a<br />
moment in the tin(s)<br />
before turning out<br />
onto a wire rack<br />
and leave to cool<br />
completely. <strong>Dec</strong>orate<br />
the cake with berries,<br />
chopped pistachios<br />
and lightly dust with<br />
icing sugar.<br />
Make the Clementine<br />
cream by softly whipping<br />
the cream with the icing<br />
sugar, Clementine zest and<br />
juice using the whisk attachment<br />
of the hand blender. Serve with the<br />
clementine cream. If using traditional<br />
springform tins the clementine cream can be<br />
used between the sponges.<br />
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
BIRMINGHAM | MERE GREEN<br />
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Winter Pavlova<br />
METHOD<br />
Preheat the oven to 140ºC/120ºC<br />
fan/gas 1.Line a baking tray with<br />
greaseproof paper. Mark out<br />
a 23cm circle on the backing<br />
paper to help size your pavlova.<br />
Attach the whisk attachment to<br />
the Cuisinart Hand Blender and<br />
whisk the egg whites in a clean,<br />
dry bowl on a medium setting<br />
until frothy. Add the cream of<br />
tartar and the white wine vinegar.<br />
Continue to whisk on a higher<br />
setting until the egg whites start<br />
to form stiff peaks.<br />
Gradually beat in the sugar,<br />
whisking it back to stiff peaks<br />
after each addition. When it<br />
is glossy and smooth spoon<br />
the meringue mixture onto the<br />
baking paper, making a shallow<br />
dip in the centre with the back of<br />
the spoon.<br />
Bake in the oven for 70 minutes,<br />
until the meringue looks slightly<br />
gooey in the middle and crisp on<br />
the outside. Turn the oven off,<br />
leaving the door open slightly<br />
and allow the meringue to cool<br />
completely.<br />
Whip the cream to soft peaks<br />
using the whisk attachment of<br />
the Cuisinart Hand Blender on a<br />
high setting. Whisk in the icing<br />
sugar and vanilla essence being<br />
careful not to over whisk the<br />
cream.<br />
Spoon the cream onto the<br />
cooled meringue and decorate<br />
with the clementines.<br />
Sift over a dusting of icing sugar<br />
before serving.<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
4 egg whites<br />
1 tsp cream of tartar<br />
1 tsp white wine vinegar<br />
225g caster sugar<br />
250ml whipping cream<br />
1 tbsp sifted icing sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla essence<br />
4 - 6 peeled clementines<br />
Icing sugar for dusting<br />
32 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Santa Trains<br />
depart Kidderminster on selected dates from 25 <strong>Nov</strong>ember<br />
Get tickets from SVR.CO.UK or call 01562 757 900<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 33
FESTIVE<br />
Not a fan of traditional Christmas pudding or<br />
Fancies<br />
feel like shaking it up this year? Here are some<br />
amazing desserts that are every bit as festive...<br />
STICKY DATE PUDDINGS<br />
Preparation time: 25 minutes<br />
Cooking time: 35 minutes<br />
Serves: 8<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra<br />
for greasing<br />
80g light brown muscovado sugar<br />
6 Waitrose Medjool Dates, pitted and<br />
finely chopped<br />
3 British Blacktail Free Range Medium<br />
Eggs<br />
2 tbsp treacle<br />
175g self-raising flour<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1 heaped tsp mixed spice<br />
½ tsp fine sea salt<br />
2 tbsp whole milk<br />
STICKY DATE SAUCE<br />
40g unsalted butter<br />
3 Waitrose Medjool Dates, pitted and<br />
finely chopped<br />
125g light brown muscovado sugar<br />
250ml double cream, plus extra to serve<br />
METHOD<br />
For the puddings, preheat the oven<br />
to 180ºC, gas mark 4. Lightly grease<br />
8 mini pudding moulds (each about<br />
175ml in volume), put a small circle<br />
of baking parchment in the base of<br />
each, then sit them in a large, deep-sided<br />
roasting tin.<br />
Boil the kettle. In a large bowl, using<br />
electric beaters, cream the butter, sugar<br />
and dates for 2-3 minutes until light<br />
and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and then the<br />
treacle. Lightly beat in the flour, baking<br />
powder, mixed spice and salt, then<br />
loosen the mixture with the milk. Divide<br />
the mixture evenly between the moulds;<br />
it should fill them about halfway.<br />
Pour a kettle of just-boiled water into<br />
the roasting tin so the water sits about<br />
halfway up the outside of the moulds.<br />
Cover the top<br />
of the<br />
tin with 3 layers of large pleated sheets<br />
of tin foil, ensuring the foil is tightly<br />
sealed around the edges (you don’t want<br />
steam to escape as the puddings won’t<br />
rise). Bake for 30 minutes until risen and<br />
springy.<br />
To make the sauce, put the butter, dates<br />
and sugar in a saucepan and set over<br />
a low heat. Add a pinch of salt and<br />
stir occasionally until the sugar has<br />
dissolved. Stir in the double cream until<br />
combined; keep warm.<br />
Remove the foil and carefully release the<br />
side of the puddings from the moulds<br />
using a small, sharp knife. Invert onto<br />
plates and pour over the sticky date<br />
sauce, adding a little extra whipped<br />
cream, if liked.<br />
All recipes and images courtesy of<br />
Waitrose. You can find thousands more<br />
recipes at www.waitrose.com/recipes<br />
34 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Book tickets now<br />
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Entertainment | Tasting<br />
Shopping | Inspiration<br />
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Not all celebrities appear on all days. Details correct at time of print. The BBC logo is a trademark of the BBC. © BBC.<br />
The Good Food trademark is used under licence from Immediate Media Company London Limited. Organised and presented by Immediate Live. Immediate Live is<br />
the trading name of Upper Street Events Ltd and River Street Events Ltd. These businesses are owned by Immediate Media Company Limited.<br />
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 35
VEGAN CHOCOLATE &<br />
COCONUT CARAMEL POTS<br />
Preparation time: 30 minutes + chilling<br />
Cooking time: 15 minutes<br />
Makes: 4<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
200ml pouch coconut milk<br />
2 pitted medjool dates, roughly chopped<br />
1 tsp vanilla bean paste<br />
100g vegan dark chocolate (such as Raw<br />
Halo Dark 85%), finely chopped<br />
250ml pack Oatly Whippable Creamy Oat<br />
1 tbsp maple syrup<br />
Raw vegan cacao powder, for dusting<br />
METHOD<br />
Put the coconut milk, dates and vanilla<br />
in a blender and whizz until smooth. Tip<br />
into a small pan and bring to the boil.<br />
Simmer vigorously, stirring regularly for<br />
10 minutes until thick and reduced by<br />
half. Divide between 4 small glasses and<br />
set aside to cool, then cover and chill for<br />
at least 1 hour.<br />
When the coconut caramel has chilled,<br />
put the chocolate in a medium mixing<br />
bowl. In a small pan, heat 100ml<br />
whippable creamy oat and the maple<br />
syrup to just before boiling. Take off the<br />
heat and pour over the chocolate in the<br />
bowl. Leave to melt for 1 minute, then stir<br />
until smooth.<br />
Put the remaining 150ml whippable<br />
creamy oat in another mixing bowl and<br />
use electric beaters to whisk to soft<br />
peaks. Set aside 2 tbsp to garnish, then<br />
fold the rest into the melted chocolate.<br />
Spoon into the glasses on top of the<br />
coconut caramel. Serve with a dollop<br />
of the whipped creamy oat and a<br />
dusting of cacao. These are best served<br />
immediately, but can be covered and<br />
chilled for up to 30 minutes.<br />
COOK’S TIP<br />
Make a double batch of the<br />
caramel, then cover and store<br />
in the fridge for up to 3 days.<br />
It’s particularly delicious<br />
spooned over baked apples.<br />
36 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
CHOCOLATE &<br />
HAZELNUT<br />
SNOWFLAKE<br />
Preparation<br />
time: 25<br />
minutes +<br />
chilling<br />
Cooking time: 35<br />
minutes<br />
Serves: 8<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
2 x 320g packs Jus-Rol Puff Pastry<br />
Sheet<br />
100g hazelnut chocolate spread<br />
50g chopped roasted hazelnuts<br />
1 British Blacktail Free Range Medium<br />
Egg, lightly beaten<br />
Icing sugar, for dusting<br />
METHOD<br />
Unroll both of the pastry sheets and<br />
cut a 20-22cm circle from each (save<br />
the offcuts to make tarts, cheese twists<br />
or palmiers). Put one pastry circle on a<br />
sheet of baking parchment and cover<br />
one side evenly with hazelnut chocolate<br />
spread. Sprinkle over ½ the hazelnuts,<br />
leaving a 1cm border around the edge.<br />
Put the second pastry circle on top,<br />
pressing<br />
lightly around<br />
the border to seal.<br />
Put the lid of a small jar (about<br />
4-5cm in diameter) in the centre of<br />
the pastry (so you don’t cut through it),<br />
then use a sharp knife to cut the pastry<br />
into quarters (excluding the central<br />
circle). Cut down the centre of each<br />
quarter and then repeat. You should have<br />
16 equal strips of pastry attached to the<br />
centre.<br />
Take 2 strips next to each other and twist<br />
them away from each other 3 times.<br />
Press the ends together in a point, to<br />
seal. Repeat all the way around the<br />
circle – you should now have 8 snowflake<br />
‘arms’. Slide the snowflake, on its<br />
parchment,<br />
onto a baking<br />
sheet; chill for<br />
30 minutes. 4<br />
Preheat the oven<br />
to 200ºC, gas<br />
mark 6.<br />
Lightly brush the<br />
egg all over the top of<br />
the snowflake. Bake for 30-35<br />
minutes until golden and puffed up. Allow<br />
to cool, then dust with icing sugar and<br />
sprinkle over the remaining hazelnuts to<br />
serve.<br />
COOK’S TIP<br />
If at any point while making the<br />
snowflake the pastry becomes<br />
soft or difficult to work with, put<br />
it in the fridge for 15 minutes to<br />
cool and firm up.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 37
f a s h i o n &<br />
a c c e s s o r i e s<br />
p e r f e c t<br />
g i f t i n g<br />
h o m e w a r e s<br />
& c e r a m i c s<br />
1 0 % o f f<br />
u s i n g<br />
1 0 H A U S L I F E<br />
www.hauslife.co.uk
CHOCOLATE<br />
GINGER<br />
TRUFFLES<br />
Preparation time: 25 minutes +<br />
overnight chilling<br />
Cooking time: 5 minutes<br />
Makes: about 20<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
180g bar Belgian dark chocolate<br />
(54% cocoa)<br />
180ml double cream<br />
30g unsalted butter<br />
2 ½ tbsp The King’s Ginger<br />
liqueur<br />
30g crystallised ginger, very finely<br />
chopped (optional)<br />
2-3 tbsp cocoa powder<br />
Cooks’ Ingredients Gold Lustre<br />
Spray, to decorate<br />
METHOD<br />
Chop the chocolate as finely as<br />
you can and put in a large bowl.<br />
Put 130ml cream and the butter<br />
in a saucepan and heat until the<br />
butter has melted and the mixture<br />
is at steaming point. Pour over the<br />
chocolate and leave for 2 minutes.<br />
Stir to combine the chocolate and<br />
cream until all the chocolate is<br />
melted. Stir in the remaining 50ml<br />
cream, a pinch of fine salt and the<br />
liqueur. Pour into a large, shallow<br />
container and, if using, scatter the<br />
crystallised ginger on top. Cover<br />
and chill for at least 6 hours, but<br />
ideally overnight.<br />
Sift the cocoa powder onto a<br />
plate. Use a tablespoon to scoop<br />
balls of the truffle mixture and<br />
roll them in your hands to shape<br />
them. Roll in the cocoa powder,<br />
then arrange on a plate. Continue<br />
rolling until all the mixture has<br />
been used (pop it in the fridge if<br />
it softens too much), then spray<br />
with the gold lustre and chill for<br />
at least 30 minutes until ready to<br />
serve. These will keep in the fridge<br />
for up to 3 days.<br />
COOK’S TIP<br />
If you’re having a gathering,<br />
these chocolate truffles look<br />
pretty served individually in mini<br />
cupcake cases.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 39
WINTER JOBS<br />
in the garden<br />
As the cold winds of winter<br />
sweep across the country, many<br />
gardeners might be tempted to<br />
retreat indoors, believing that the<br />
gardening season has come to<br />
a halt. However, winter can be a<br />
crucial time for tending to your<br />
garden and preparing it for the<br />
upcoming spring. In fact, several<br />
essential gardening tasks can<br />
help your garden thrive during the<br />
colder months. Here are some<br />
important tasks to consider:<br />
PRUNING:<br />
Winter is an excellent time for<br />
pruning deciduous trees, shrubs,<br />
and fruit trees. With the leaves gone,<br />
it’s easier to see the plant’s structure<br />
and identify dead or damaged<br />
branches. Pruning during this<br />
season encourages healthy growth<br />
in the spring and reduces the risk<br />
of disease. Roses also benefit from<br />
winter pruning.<br />
WINTER MULCHING:<br />
Adding a layer of mulch to your<br />
garden beds can help protect the<br />
soil and plant roots from freezing<br />
temperatures. Mulch also helps<br />
to retain moisture and suppress<br />
weeds, ensuring your garden<br />
remains in good condition.<br />
PROTECTING<br />
VULNERABLE<br />
PLANTS:<br />
Tender plants, such as certain<br />
perennials or newly planted trees<br />
and shrubs, may need extra<br />
protection. Consider covering them<br />
with horticultural fleece or burlap to<br />
shield them from frost.<br />
CLEANING AND<br />
MAINTAINING<br />
TOOLS:<br />
Winter is an ideal time to clean<br />
and sharpen your gardening tools.<br />
Properly maintained tools will last<br />
longer and make your gardening<br />
tasks more efficient when the<br />
growing season returns.<br />
GREENHOUSE CARE:<br />
If you have a greenhouse, it’s<br />
essential to keep it in good<br />
condition. Check for any leaks or<br />
damaged glass and ensure proper<br />
insulation to protect your plants<br />
from the cold. You can also use the<br />
greenhouse to start seedlings early<br />
for spring planting.<br />
CLEARING DEBRIS:<br />
Clean up fallen leaves, dead plants,<br />
and any debris from the garden<br />
beds. Removing plant matter can<br />
help prevent the spread of diseases<br />
and discourage overwintering pests.<br />
One piece of kit that makes this a<br />
breeze is the Stiga VS 100e Kit<br />
Cordless Vacuum Shredder (£251,<br />
stiga.com/uk)- can not only be<br />
used as a blower but can also<br />
vacuum up debris around the<br />
garden and shred it into an ecofriendly<br />
mulch that you can then<br />
use on your flowerbeds. Two tools<br />
in one and all powered by battery<br />
technology! The bonus is it’s also<br />
great in the summer months for<br />
cleaning up after hedge trimming.<br />
FEEDING BIRDS:<br />
Winter is a challenging time for<br />
wildlife. Providing food, water, and<br />
shelter for birds can attract a variety<br />
of species to your garden and<br />
contribute to the local ecosystem.<br />
GARDEN PLANNING:<br />
Winter offers an excellent<br />
opportunity to plan your garden for<br />
the upcoming year. Research and<br />
order seeds, bulbs, and plants, and<br />
create a garden layout to ensure a<br />
well-organized and thriving garden<br />
in the spring.<br />
By attending to these essential<br />
gardening tasks during the winter<br />
months, you can help ensure a<br />
healthy, vibrant garden that will<br />
thrive in spring and beyond. So,<br />
don’t hang up your gardening<br />
gloves just yet; there’s plenty to do<br />
to keep your garden in excellent<br />
shape during the winter.<br />
40 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
Y<br />
MY<br />
K
Robin Large Sofa in Basket Weave,<br />
Sandstone, arloandjacob.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 />
and 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 and just swap the covers to<br />
refresh the space. Add more cosy fabrics<br />
like velvet, wool and 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 />
44 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
The whole house has<br />
been transformed by<br />
Rockwarm using a<br />
traditional white<br />
finish render for the<br />
External Insulation.<br />
We are extremely<br />
pleased with the<br />
installation, and the<br />
attention to to detail<br />
throughout, any<br />
minor problems were<br />
overcome with ease,<br />
a very helpful office<br />
staff, good<br />
communication and<br />
friendly. Wouldn’t<br />
hesitate to to highly<br />
recommend<br />
Rockwarm.
eachhouseart.co.uk<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
NEW BATHROOM - It might be time for a new<br />
bathroom. Depending on your fixtures, you may be able<br />
to reuse elements and just refresh the tiles. If you are<br />
undergoing larger works, chat through your plans with<br />
your bathroom installer to make sure they address all the<br />
practicalities.<br />
BATHROOM<br />
Rhoper Rhodes<br />
Roddy Wall Light pooky.com<br />
QUICK FIXES<br />
CHANGE ACCESSORIES-<br />
Replace your soap dispenser, toothbrush<br />
holder, loo roll holder and bin - a little refresh<br />
can make all the difference. The same goes<br />
for fresh, fluffy towels.<br />
REPAINT YOUR WALLS - if you<br />
don’t have full tiles, a fresh lick of paint can<br />
make a space feel cleaner and more inviting.<br />
Emerald Plumage Wallpaper,<br />
Divine Savages<br />
Dunelm<br />
REPLACE OLD/MOULDY SILICON -<br />
it’s amazing how much better fresh, clean and white<br />
silicon looks.<br />
NEW PRINTS - changing up your bathroom<br />
prints can breathe new life into the space.<br />
Hand Wash,<br />
£6.99, kitandkin.<br />
com; Tray, £35,<br />
boxwoodhomeinteriors.<br />
co.uk
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 and 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 />
and 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 and have a big declutter<br />
ARTWORK - hanging some new prints, or propping<br />
some on open shelves can inject personality into a space<br />
and make it feel more inviting.<br />
KITCHEN<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
ADD NEW KITCHEN STOOLS - many of us<br />
buy a quick fix with a new kitchen but it’s good to revisit<br />
with fresh eyes.<br />
ADD SOME OPEN SHELVING - it’s a fresh<br />
way to add a bit more storage and 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 and opt for a<br />
new kitchen - many of us are living with poorlydesigned<br />
spaces which don’t stand up to<br />
familial needs. If you’re trying to get this ordered<br />
before Christmas, you need to be decisive<br />
about what you need. Consult an expert<br />
kitchen designer - they’ll have ideas to<br />
maximise functionality whilst creating<br />
something beautiful.<br />
Print, inkanddrop.com<br />
Sylvia Kitchen Stool,<br />
£129, cultfurniture.com<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 47
GUEST<br />
BEDROOM<br />
OVERHAUL<br />
REDECORATE - updating the room and<br />
adding elements of interest like panelling can be<br />
transformative.<br />
NEW BED - lots of us have guest rooms<br />
with beds that have been retired from service<br />
somewhere else in the house. Making sure the<br />
bed is comfortable and inviting, plus aesthetically<br />
pleasing gives an instant update - after all, it is the<br />
biggest thing in the room.<br />
SOFA BED - for many of us, our guest room<br />
is now our home office, so it might make more<br />
sense to have a sofa bed that can act as a break<br />
out space when you’re working and save space<br />
when not in use.<br />
Ca’ Pietra Proper Good Paint<br />
Pair of Ophelia Droplet Mirrors, £260, frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk<br />
QUICK FIXES<br />
NEW LIGHTING - some new table lamps can<br />
refresh the space, or you can get wall lights with plugs<br />
to save space on the bedside tables.<br />
NEW BEDDING - new bedding really refreshes<br />
a space. Think about providing enough pillows and lots<br />
of layers like blankets and quilts - it makes a space feel<br />
inviting.<br />
ADD ACCESSORIES - decorative elements<br />
breathe life into a space - too often, guest rooms look<br />
forgotten about. Pair it right back, get rid of the clutter<br />
and add things like a reed diffuser, cushions on the bed,<br />
a mirror and a vase of flowers or a house plant.<br />
The perfect sofa bed for smaller spaces -<br />
Swyft Model 08 Sofa Bed swyfthome.com<br />
French Bedroom Company<br />
MAKE IT INVITING - adding things like fluffy<br />
towels, a nice cotton robe to wear or a basket with<br />
essentials like toothpaste,<br />
Demira Tassel Cushion, from £36,<br />
and Nia Tassel Throw, £65, both<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
48 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
GET INTO THE<br />
Groove<br />
Could a new pillow be the answer<br />
to a restful night’s sleep?<br />
We all know the feeling of waking up after an<br />
uncomfortable night - a stiff neck, radiating back pain or<br />
sore shoulders and poor sleep. Did you ever thing the<br />
culprit might be your pillows?<br />
Groove® think they might be, and that they have the<br />
solution to getting a much better night’s sleep.<br />
The Groove® (formerly EasySleeper) is memory foam<br />
pillow eliminates neck and upper back pain and<br />
stiffness by correcting your posture while you sleep.<br />
Recommended by physiotherapists and osteopaths,<br />
the shape is designed to keep your neck and spine in<br />
alignment. There is a contoured curve in the middle,<br />
which cradles the head, or a shoulder curve on the<br />
underside to cater for side sleepers.<br />
With a 100 day money-back guarantee, you can sleep<br />
easy in the knowledge that you can try the pillow at no<br />
risk. And, it might just change your life!<br />
£29.95 groovepillows.co.uk<br />
HOME CLEANING<br />
like a pro<br />
Three dogs (living their best hippo-like life), two children<br />
(one of which loves the mud,too) and an engineer<br />
living under one roof means that, despite best efforts,<br />
annoying stains on the lovely carpets do happen – and<br />
rather too frequently!<br />
However, the new VAX SpotWash Home Cordless<br />
comes into its own! Portable, and run with the same<br />
batteries as the VAX ONEPWR Glide 2 (which we<br />
recently reviewed and gives you double the run time as<br />
you can use one battery whilst the other is charging),<br />
this neat machine is the go-to for all manners of spills<br />
and stains, without the need to go all out with a full<br />
carpet clean! Infact, it is so good, you can’t even see<br />
where the stains were!<br />
more, the hard floor and multipurpose attachments<br />
contain an antimicrobial treatment to help protect<br />
against bacteria growth.<br />
Compact and lightweight, simply add water, solution<br />
and set to battle with those stains! This nifty cleaner will<br />
soon become the staple of your household!<br />
Find out more at www.vax.co.uk<br />
It also super handy for cleaning hard to reach areas, like<br />
the stairs, and even cars too. The mud mentioned earlier<br />
is also a persistent problem in the car, but the VAX<br />
SpotWash Home Cordless again comes to the rescue,<br />
eliminating even the most stubborn of stains!<br />
The VAX SpotWash Home Cordless is reassuringly<br />
hygienic too. For optimum results, use it with VAX<br />
Spot Washer Antibacterial Solution to kill over 99% of<br />
potentially harmful bacteria and create a fresh and clean<br />
environment for you and your family to enjoy. What’s<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 49
Wonderful Winter...<br />
NOTES FROM<br />
THE GARDEN<br />
For many people, winter in the garden just<br />
means getting your feet wet when you go to<br />
put out the bins or hang out the washing,<br />
but with a little careful planning, winter<br />
in the garden can be a wonderful, colourful<br />
place – and somewhere for the birds and<br />
insects to enjoy too.<br />
If you have so far failed to plant for winter colour, then a few well<br />
placed pots can provide the extra colour to ensure that when<br />
you look out of your window there is something lovely to enjoy.<br />
Heathers are a great choice, make sure they have ericaceous<br />
compost, pansies pack a punch and don’t forget to pop some<br />
spring bulbs in too – guaranteed to cheer up a grey day.<br />
Winter flowering Clematis, winter Honeysuckle Lonicera<br />
fragrantissima and the stately Mahonia will all give a splash of<br />
colour and as bees are increasingly to be found looking for food<br />
during the colder months you will be giving them a helping hand<br />
too.<br />
The Christmas rose Helleborus niger flowers usually in January<br />
and bees love them and the cheery yellow winter Aconite is<br />
another winner.<br />
It is also an idea to leave a few of your perennials standing rather<br />
than chopping them back – the frost on fennel and ornamental<br />
grasses looks wonderful and a little untidiness is great for<br />
overwintering insects too.<br />
Finally, for your gardening mad friends and relatives don’t forget<br />
that a thoughtful Christmas present can be a subscription to a<br />
great gardening magazine, gift vouchers to spend at the local<br />
nursery or garden centre and for housebound relatives a bird<br />
feeder strategically placed to be seen from an armchair and easy<br />
to refill will give hours of pleasure. Whatever your winter plans<br />
are, don’t leave your garden out of them!<br />
For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website:<br />
www.matthewbiggs.com<br />
BRITISH GARDEN CENTRES GUIDE<br />
Mood-boosting plants to<br />
enhance your wellbeing<br />
Plants have a remarkable ability to enhance our<br />
surroundings and positively impact our overall<br />
mental health and wellbeing. The British Garden<br />
Centres team explore some beautiful plants known<br />
for their mood-enhancing properties.<br />
LAVENDER<br />
Lavender, with its enchanting fragrance and vibrant purple blooms,<br />
is renowned for its calming effects. This versatile plant is often<br />
used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.<br />
WINTER JASMINE<br />
Winter Jasmine, with its intoxicating fragrance, is renowned for<br />
its mood-enhancing properties. This flowering plant has a long<br />
history of being used in traditional medicine to alleviate stress<br />
and improve sleep quality.<br />
CHOCOLATE COSMOS<br />
The chocolate cosmos boasts a luxurious, smooth brown<br />
blossom with a captivating fragrance reminiscent of vanilla and<br />
cocoa. Rest assured; the waft of chocolate scent carried by the<br />
wind will convert your garden into a serene sanctuary. Chocolate<br />
is associated with serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes<br />
relaxation, as well as the release of endorphins in our brains,<br />
fostering feelings of joy.<br />
BASIL<br />
Basil is a plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors<br />
and has the ability to improve your mood. This herb contains a<br />
compound known as linalool, which helps to decrease our stress<br />
levels. It is particularly effective in reducing anxiety and promoting<br />
a sense of calm, and it possesses a delightful floral fragrance.<br />
SNAKE PLANT<br />
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that also improves<br />
air quality, the snake plant is an excellent choice. Its unique<br />
vertical leaves and ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen<br />
make it a natural air purifier. By eliminating harmful toxins, this<br />
resilient plant can contribute to a healthier indoor environment,<br />
leading to an uplifted mood and increased productivity.<br />
PEACE LILY<br />
The peace lily is not only a beautiful addition to any room with its<br />
elegant white flowers, but it also acts as a natural air purifier. It<br />
effectively removes pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde,<br />
commonly found in cleaning products and household items.<br />
ALOE VERA<br />
The aloe vera plant is a popular choice for both its soothing<br />
properties and decorative appeal in the home and garden. With<br />
its succulent leaves containing a gel-like substance, aloe vera is a<br />
natural remedy for minor burns and skin irritations.<br />
50 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
TOUCHWOODSOLIHULL.CO.UK<br />
He's<br />
heRE<br />
Santa is back in residence this<br />
year at his enchanted Christmas<br />
grotto. He’s eagerly waiting to<br />
receive wish lists and will even<br />
have an early gift for your little<br />
ones. Be sure to book online<br />
so the elves can reserve<br />
your space.<br />
Magical Moments<br />
at Touchwood.<br />
BOOK TICKETS NOW<br />
CHRISTMASATTOUCHWOOD.CO.UK
Quality care in<br />
<strong>Solihull</strong> you can<br />
trust<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
When a family is thinking about care for a loved<br />
one, they want the best - they want to know that<br />
the care home they choose will put their loved<br />
one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first...<br />
Blossomfield Grange is managed by award-winning provider<br />
Care UK - one of the UK’s most highly successful care home<br />
operators* with over 40 years’ experience of delivering high<br />
quality care to older people.<br />
Blossomfield Grange stands out from other care homes with its<br />
large apartment-style living and luxury facilities. The home offers<br />
a choice between two room types, each with their own ensuite<br />
bathrooms, private dining areas and kitchenettes. Our one bed<br />
suites are ideal for individuals, whilst our companion suites offer<br />
an additional room, perfect for couples to enjoy as an extra living<br />
area.<br />
<strong>Living</strong> at Blossomfield Grange is all about quality of life, and<br />
we offer tailored care both for residential residents, as well as<br />
those living with dementia on our specialist memory care floor.<br />
All residents are supported to continue to enjoy lifelong hobbies<br />
and make new friends, from music sessions to quizzes, while<br />
dancing, exercise classes, yoga and gardening support residents<br />
to stay fit and active.<br />
GRANGE<br />
COURT<br />
Quality independent living<br />
apartments for the over 55’s<br />
Blossomfield Grange is designed with signage, colour schemes,<br />
soft furnishings and floor coverings all chosen to create a calm<br />
and accessible home from home. The dementia suite also<br />
includes extra items to aid reminiscence and create a sensory<br />
and engaging space. We also have our own café bistro, hair salon<br />
and large established gardens, enabling all residents to enjoy a<br />
fulfilling lifestyle.<br />
Blossomfield Grange care home<br />
1 Worcester Way Off Dog Kennel Lane, <strong>Solihull</strong> B90 4JX<br />
0121 667 6510<br />
careuk.com/blossomfield-grange<br />
*As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care<br />
Inspectorate in Scotland.<br />
from<br />
£180,000<br />
• Delightful one and two bedroomed<br />
apartments<br />
• Fully fitted kitchen with integrated<br />
appliances<br />
• Large bathroom with separate shower<br />
cubicle and bath<br />
• Spacious lounge, ample storage<br />
throughout<br />
• Beautiful gardens, owners lounge<br />
• Reserved parking available<br />
(additional charge)<br />
• Excellent local shopping<br />
For further details please call Linda Fleetwood on<br />
0121 706 8975<br />
298 Warwick Road, <strong>Solihull</strong> B92 7GL www.kingsdale.co.uk<br />
52 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Join us for<br />
our next<br />
event<br />
Blossomfield Grange<br />
care home, <strong>Solihull</strong><br />
Dementia café<br />
First Monday of every month<br />
10.30am - 12 noon<br />
Aimed at those living with dementia and their<br />
loved ones, you’ll have the opportunity to meet<br />
other people, share experiences, take part in<br />
our fun activities and get advice and support.<br />
Trusted to care.<br />
To book please call<br />
0121 667 6510 or email<br />
jo.hopkins@careuk.com
Hello<br />
<strong>Solihull</strong><br />
Homeowners and guests at Wheatley Place<br />
were joined by Celebrity guest David<br />
Harper to officially open the age-exclusive<br />
development in Shirley, <strong>Solihull</strong>.<br />
David Harper (pictured centre) along with homeowners, guests<br />
and staff members at the Wheatley Place Grand Opening.<br />
Wheatley Place, a state-of-the-art Retirement <strong>Living</strong><br />
Plus development for those aged 70 and over - that<br />
recently opened on Stratford Road in Shirley, has<br />
started to welcome its new community of residents<br />
- with BBC Antiques expert, David Harper, stopping<br />
by to officially open the development.<br />
The contemporary development offers a unique<br />
brand of retirement living with incredible amenities<br />
to help homeowners live a fulfilled and independent<br />
retirement. Apartments are spaciously designed<br />
with contemporary finishes throughout, fully-fitted<br />
kitchens with appliances and smart storage solutions<br />
built-in - every little detail is taken care of. It also<br />
comes with an enviable range of facilities and a true<br />
community feel.<br />
Evidence of this was proudly on display at its<br />
official opening event recently, which welcomed<br />
David Harper to Wheatley Place to cut the ribbon<br />
on the development and meet some of its latest<br />
homeowners.<br />
They heard first-hand from David about his work<br />
as an antiques expert and had the opportunity to<br />
pose questions to him about his experiences and<br />
forthcoming projects.<br />
David shared; “We had music, fabulous food, happy<br />
homeowners - who asked loads of questions during<br />
my talk and really kept me on my toes! Lots of guests,<br />
great company and a day to remember…thank you!”<br />
“What a brilliant event the Grand<br />
Opening was!”<br />
Lisa Shepherd, Estates Manager at Wheatley Place,<br />
has enjoyed seeing the new homeowners moving<br />
in and making the development their home while<br />
creating meaningful connections with one another:<br />
“Wheatley Place really has some fantastic facilities,<br />
while also allowing homeowners the opportunity<br />
to access a range of shops and amenities on their<br />
doorstep in Shirley high street and Sears Retail<br />
Park. There is also the added luxury of having their<br />
own wellness suite where they can enjoy a relaxing<br />
pampering and treatment of choice whenever they<br />
fancy. We also have an exercise studio, where we are<br />
currently looking to introduce a weekly Pilates class<br />
so health and wellbeing is a real priority and part of<br />
the way of life here.”<br />
David also took up the opportunity to stay in<br />
the on-site Guest Suite, which can be booked<br />
out at a competitive rate by friends and family of<br />
homeowners to stay in when visiting loved ones.<br />
David shared his thoughts on his stay in the Guest<br />
Suite; “I’ve opened many McCarthy Stones over the<br />
years - They’re always good fun events, lively and<br />
well attended, but this time, because I was travelling<br />
quite some distance, I asked if it was possible for<br />
me to stay in their guest accommodation the night<br />
before the Grand Opening.<br />
As someone who spends his life on the road filming<br />
antiques shows for the BBC and my YouTube<br />
Channel, I see and experience a lot of hotel rooms!<br />
And because I’ve seen a lot of McCarthy Stone Guest<br />
Suites whilst appearing at openings, I’ve often<br />
David Harper giving a comical, yet insightful talk to the<br />
Wheatley Place community.
admired (jealously) their guest accommodation!<br />
So, to get a chance to stay in one was actually quite<br />
exciting! One of the biggest problems with hotels is<br />
noise…people, machines, traffic and any number of<br />
other things that effect rest and recuperation!<br />
My guest accommodation was the perfect hotel for<br />
the night…Quiet, warm, comfortable and oh, so very<br />
clean and fresh…I even bagged myself a piping hot<br />
full English breakfast!”<br />
Laura Pittaway, part of the team behind Wheatley<br />
Place, said: “The Opening of Wheatley Place was<br />
a fantastic occasion, and our guests thoroughly<br />
enjoyed meeting David and learning more about his<br />
fascinating career both on and off-screen.<br />
There is still opportunity for local retirees to find<br />
their dream home and make the most of their<br />
retirement years at Wheatley Place. We’d like to<br />
encourage anyone interested to get in touch with<br />
the team to find out more.”<br />
YOU’RE INVITED...<br />
Join us on Thursday 30th <strong>Nov</strong>ember<br />
for our CHRISTMAS PARTY<br />
from 12pm - 3pm.<br />
Call today to book your place.<br />
Wheatley Place, Connaught Close, Stratford<br />
Road, Shirley, West Midlands, B90 4GZ<br />
Find out more at mccarthystone.co.uk/<br />
wheatley-place<br />
Wheatley Place, Shirley<br />
Retirement apartments<br />
available from £117,000 +<br />
with monthly rent of £269<br />
One and two bedroom properties available at our beautiful Wheatley Place<br />
development. Exclusively for the over 70s.<br />
MAKE YOUR MOVE HAPPEN WITH<br />
SHARED OWNERSHIP<br />
Run in partnership with Homes England,<br />
you can now enjoy retirement living without<br />
committing to the full price. Pay just 50% of<br />
the full property value and move in, with a<br />
monthly rent payable on the rest.<br />
50% SHARE<br />
Property Full Value £234,000<br />
Purchase 50% Share £117,000<br />
Rent on Share £269<br />
50%<br />
50%<br />
For more information call<br />
0800 201 4263<br />
or visit mccarthystone.co.uk/shared-ownership<br />
+Ts&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Example shown when purchasing a 50% share, with monthly rent. Other shares available.<br />
Qualifying criteria apply. Shared Ownership is available on selected apartments at participating developments only.<br />
Not available in conjunction with Part Exchange. See mccarthystone.co.uk/shared-ownership for details. Information correct at time of print.<br />
SC019021
THE ROAD TO RETIREMENT:<br />
Property Prospects<br />
As retirement approaches, many<br />
individuals contemplate a change of<br />
scenery, downsizing, or seeking a<br />
property that caters to their evolving<br />
needs and preferences. In the UK,<br />
the retirement property market offers<br />
a diverse range of options, each<br />
with unique features and financial<br />
considerations.<br />
LOCATION, LOCATION,<br />
LOCATION<br />
The importance of location cannot<br />
be overstated. Consider proximity to<br />
essential services such as healthcare<br />
facilities, shopping centres, public<br />
transport, and recreational amenities.<br />
Also, think about your lifestyle<br />
preferences; do you prefer urban<br />
living, a tranquil countryside setting,<br />
or a coastal retreat?<br />
PROPERTY TYPE<br />
Retirement properties come in<br />
various forms, including apartments,<br />
bungalows, and retirement villages.<br />
The choice depends on your mobility,<br />
lifestyle, and future healthcare<br />
needs. Apartments may offer<br />
easy maintenance and communal<br />
facilities, while bungalows provide<br />
more space and independence.<br />
Retirement villages often provide<br />
a supportive community centred<br />
around various amenities.<br />
ACCESSIBILITY AND<br />
ADAPTABILITY<br />
Consider the property’s accessibility.<br />
Look for features like ramps, wide<br />
doorways, and grab bars that can<br />
accommodate any mobility issues<br />
that may arise in the future. If the<br />
property requires modifications,<br />
factor in the cost and feasibility of<br />
making them.<br />
SERVICE CHARGES AND<br />
GROUND RENT<br />
Many retirement properties come<br />
with service charges and ground<br />
rent. These fees cover maintenance,<br />
communal facilities, and amenities.<br />
Carefully review these charges and<br />
their implications on your budget.<br />
Be aware of any potential increases<br />
over time.<br />
LEGAL STRUCTURE<br />
Understand the legal structure of<br />
the retirement property. Some may<br />
be leasehold, freehold, or part of a<br />
retirement community. Leasehold<br />
properties may have restrictions, so<br />
consult a solicitor to review the lease<br />
agreement thoroughly.<br />
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES<br />
Retirement properties often provide<br />
opportunities for social interaction<br />
and activities. Investigate whether<br />
there are communal spaces, social<br />
clubs, or organised events that<br />
align with your interests. A vibrant<br />
social life can greatly enhance your<br />
retirement experience.<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
CONSIDERATIONS<br />
When it comes to finances, think<br />
about the following:<br />
Budget: Determine your budget<br />
before beginning your search. Take<br />
into account the purchase price,<br />
service charges, ground rent, and<br />
any potential future expenses.<br />
Equity Release: Explore the<br />
possibility of using equity release<br />
schemes to fund your retirement<br />
property. These can provide a lump<br />
sum or regular income to help with<br />
the purchase.<br />
Selling Existing Property: If you’re<br />
selling your current home, calculate<br />
the proceeds from the sale and how<br />
they will contribute to your retirement<br />
property purchase.<br />
Downsizing Benefits: Downsizing to<br />
a smaller property can free up capital<br />
and reduce ongoing costs.<br />
Inheritance Planning: Consider<br />
the impact of buying a retirement<br />
property on your inheritance plans.<br />
Consult with financial advisors to<br />
ensure your financial strategy aligns<br />
with your goals.<br />
HEALTHCARE ACCESS<br />
As you age, healthcare becomes<br />
more critical. Ensure you have<br />
access to healthcare facilities,<br />
doctors, and pharmacies nearby.<br />
Consider proximity to hospitals and<br />
medical specialists, especially if you<br />
have existing health concerns.<br />
Buying a retirement property in the<br />
UK can be a significant step toward a<br />
comfortable and fulfilling retirement.<br />
By carefully considering location,<br />
property type, accessibility, financial<br />
aspects, and social opportunities, you<br />
can make an informed decision that<br />
supports your well-being and financial<br />
security during your golden years.<br />
Consult with experts, seek legal<br />
advice, and take your time to find the<br />
perfect retirement property that suits<br />
your needs and preferences.<br />
56 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
This is<br />
health<br />
Age is just a<br />
number in our<br />
care homes<br />
Whether you’re 65 or 105, you’re still you. Up for new<br />
things or loving your old favourites. Find a new place<br />
to enjoy every day with Bupa care homes.<br />
Bupa care homes near you<br />
Nursing | Residential | Short stay<br />
All types of funding welcome<br />
No health insurance needed<br />
Aston Court Care Home<br />
Sutton Coldfield B74 3BF<br />
Dementia<br />
nursing<br />
Ardenlea Court<br />
<strong>Solihull</strong> B91 2AF<br />
Dementia<br />
care<br />
Call our helpful care team<br />
to start your search<br />
0121 392 9612<br />
bupa.co.uk/care-services<br />
Dementia<br />
care<br />
Lines are open 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm Saturday.<br />
Closed Sundays and bank holidays. Calls are charged at no more than local rate and<br />
count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles. We may record or monitor our calls.<br />
Ardenlea Grove Care Home<br />
<strong>Solihull</strong> B91 2AB<br />
The Priory<br />
Shirley B90 4XA<br />
Care Home<br />
Provider of the<br />
Year 2022<br />
108666 UNI
Lady Katherine Housing & Care<br />
Rated by the Care Quality Commission as:<br />
GOOD<br />
RESIDENTIAL CARE<br />
RESPITE CARE<br />
SHELTERED HOUSING<br />
(now taking Christmas, Permanent and Respite bookings)<br />
If you would like to pay us a visit or discuss our<br />
current availability contact:<br />
Chris Mundell<br />
on<br />
01564 772415<br />
Company No. 7890553 www.leveson.org.uk Registered Charity 1146710
F_BAR_J010733 Q4 - <strong>Solihull</strong> <strong>Living</strong> Advert - Fountains - 240 x 165mm.indd 1 29/09/<strong>2023</strong> 12:58<br />
Care as unique<br />
as you are<br />
A place where your loved one matters<br />
When looking for a care home it’s important to to know your loved<br />
one will will be be valued for for the the unique unique person person they they are, are, surrounded surrounded by<br />
caring by caring people people who understand who understand their routines, their routines, know their know favourite their<br />
favourite foods, foods, and and support support them them to enjoy to enjoy the hobbies the hobbies<br />
and interests they love most.<br />
You’ll You’ll find find all this all this and and more more at Broadway at Fountains Halls Care Care Home. Home.<br />
Call 0121 5148 318 to find out how we can help you.<br />
1355 Stratford Road, Shirley, <strong>Solihull</strong>, B90 4EF<br />
barchester.com/Fountains<br />
Residential care • Dementia care • Respite breaks
Looking for<br />
quality care<br />
for a loved<br />
one in<br />
<strong>Solihull</strong>?<br />
BOOK<br />
A TOUR<br />
TODAY<br />
DISCOVER OUR WONDERFUL,<br />
WELCOMING CARE HOME COMMUNITIES.<br />
A dementia centre<br />
of excellence for <strong>Solihull</strong><br />
and the Midlands<br />
Woodview Rise, Blythe Valley Park,<br />
Shirley, <strong>Solihull</strong>, B90 8DQ<br />
Raising the bar<br />
in luxury residential,<br />
nursing and respite care<br />
Blossomfield Park,<br />
Blossomfield Road, <strong>Solihull</strong> B91 1FN<br />
Come and see for yourself what makes MACC Care so very special.<br />
Call: 0330 107 5947 to arrange a personalised tour now<br />
www.macccare.com/solihull
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
MAKING MEMORIES.<br />
SHARING SMILES.<br />
ENRICHING LATER LIVES<br />
Anyone thinking about<br />
care - for themselves or<br />
for a loved one - would<br />
be well advised to<br />
consider MACC Care.<br />
While each home within its<br />
growing network across the<br />
Midlands offers professional care<br />
and support within a ‘home from<br />
home’ environment, a close-knit<br />
community and a relaxed, familyfeel;<br />
in character and ‘personality’<br />
every MACC Care home is unique.<br />
Those living in and around<br />
<strong>Solihull</strong> are fortunate to have two<br />
contemporary care homes to<br />
choose between: Blossomfield<br />
Rose, minutes from <strong>Solihull</strong>’s town<br />
centre in leafy Blossomfield Park<br />
and Blythe Rose, conveniently<br />
located on the edge of Blythe<br />
Valley Park.<br />
A ‘BLOSSOMING’ COMMUNITY<br />
Blossomfield Rose takes<br />
luxury care to new levels. This<br />
contemporary care home looks<br />
and feels like a five-star hotel, with<br />
beautifully designed communal<br />
spaces, well-appointed en-suite<br />
bedrooms, wonderful facilities and<br />
a stunning parkland setting.<br />
Person-centred nursing, residential<br />
and respite care is delivered by an<br />
experienced and compassionate<br />
team who prioritise happiness and<br />
emotional wellbeing.<br />
Whether it’s meeting with friends<br />
over coffee and cake in the Coach<br />
House Café, taking in a classic<br />
movie in the in-house cinema and<br />
arts area, or enjoying a pamper<br />
in The Stables salon and wellness<br />
suite, the focus is very much ‘feelgood’.<br />
Outside spaces are nothing<br />
short of spectacular. Blossomfield<br />
Rose residents, their families and<br />
friends benefit from therapeutic<br />
green space in abundance, with five<br />
acres of mature private grounds<br />
to enjoy, a highlight of which is<br />
Tudor Grange’s beautifully restored,<br />
original walled garden.<br />
When it comes to activities and<br />
events, there is plenty going on,<br />
with fun and laughter, friendships<br />
and enrichment always high on the<br />
agenda.<br />
A DEMENTIA CARE CENTRE<br />
OF EXCELLENCE<br />
Purpose-designed, expertly staffed<br />
and equipped to deliver specialist<br />
dementia care, Blythe Rose offers<br />
enriching experiences for those<br />
living with dementia, from early<br />
diagnosis and changing behaviours,<br />
right through to complex cases,<br />
progressive conditions and end-oflife<br />
care.<br />
Great consideration has been given<br />
to the creation of inspirational<br />
living spaces throughout the<br />
home, in which individuals can<br />
feel safe, loved and supported to<br />
thrive, no matter how complex<br />
their needs. “MACC Care’s own<br />
progressive model of care, ‘<strong>Living</strong><br />
in Harmony’ enables residents to<br />
enjoy meaningful and fulfilling days.<br />
Assisted by ‘Homemakers’ they are<br />
gently encouraged to participate<br />
in everyday tasks, as much or<br />
as little as feels comfortable for<br />
them – helping to prepare meals,<br />
cleaning, eating together, enjoying<br />
social activities and so on,” explains<br />
Deena Heaney MBE, MACC Care<br />
Dementia Lead.<br />
“It’s a very different approach in<br />
dementia care that can make such<br />
a huge difference to individual<br />
wellbeing, helping to promote<br />
greater stability, and importantly,<br />
a sense of purpose and personal<br />
achievement.”<br />
Why not arrange a personalised<br />
tour? Please call 0330 107 5947<br />
for details and to arrange a tour.<br />
Alternatively, find out more at<br />
www.macccare.com/solihull<br />
BRINGING QUALITY<br />
CARE TO SOLIHULL
Getting older<br />
has its benefits...<br />
Beautifully appointed apartments. Exceptional facilities.<br />
An unrivalled location. Exclusively for the over 55s.<br />
Lovekin Gate, Blossomfield Park,<br />
Blossomfield Rd, <strong>Solihull</strong> B91 1FL<br />
Call: 0121 827 0721<br />
www.lovekingate.co.uk
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
LOVEKIN GATE<br />
“LUXURIOUS,<br />
CONTEMPORARY<br />
AND UNASHAMEDLY<br />
AGE-EXCLUSIVE”<br />
Adding to the sense of comfort<br />
and luxury, high specification<br />
fixtures and fittings are available,<br />
including Quartz worktops,<br />
Siemens appliances, Wilton carpets,<br />
Porcelanosa tiles and Amtico<br />
flooring. Further upgrade options<br />
are available to add to homeowners’<br />
convenience, including the Pax Lock<br />
luxury keyless entry system.<br />
MODERN AMENITIES WITH<br />
A HERITAGE BACKDROP<br />
Modern, maintenance-free<br />
living; superb facilities<br />
with a heritage, ‘country<br />
club’ feel; a vibrant new community; leafy mature<br />
private grounds, yet minutes away from <strong>Solihull</strong>’s<br />
shops, restaurants, arts, entertainment and transport<br />
links… while the stunning Lovekin Gate apartments<br />
have cross-generational appeal, there’s one important<br />
caveat - only those on the ‘right side of 55’ can live here!<br />
Nestled in the unique Blossomfield<br />
Park development, this select<br />
collection of one- and two-bedroom<br />
apartments from MACC Retirement<br />
is testament to the adage that<br />
getting older is not without its<br />
benefits. In fact, age-exclusive<br />
Lovekin Gate offers all that retirees<br />
need to live life to the full, today<br />
and in years to come, with carefullyconsidered<br />
support easily accessible<br />
as and when needed.<br />
GENEROUSLY PROPORTIONED<br />
LIVING SPACES<br />
Modern, light-filled and energyefficient,<br />
each spacious private<br />
apartment is safe and secure –<br />
a stress-free haven, perfectly<br />
suited for those pursuing an active,<br />
‘lock up and leave’ retirement<br />
lifestyle, and equally, those ready<br />
to downsize and make life a<br />
little easier.<br />
Many apartments offer stunning<br />
views across landscaped gardens to<br />
Tudor Grange, the Grade II mansion<br />
making up the centrepiece to what<br />
is widely considered one of <strong>Solihull</strong>’s<br />
most exciting listed building<br />
renovation schemes.<br />
This landmark building boasts<br />
wonderful amenities for the<br />
exclusive use of Blossomfield Park<br />
apartment owners including a bar<br />
and lounge, a library and games<br />
room, cinema and gym.<br />
“The amazing Lovekin Gate<br />
apartments offer a unique<br />
proposition: contemporary design,<br />
innovation and every modern<br />
convenience, within a setting that is<br />
rich in tradition and heritage.” says<br />
Nancy Magar, Land & New Homes<br />
Partner at Connells.<br />
“We’d urge anyone who is ready<br />
to re-think retirement to arrange a<br />
viewing and prepare to be wowed -<br />
Lovekin Gate exceeds expectations!”<br />
Book a viewing today<br />
To arrange a viewing or find<br />
out more, call appointed agents<br />
Connells on 0121 827 0721 or email<br />
blossomfieldpark@connells.co.uk<br />
www.lovekingate.co.uk<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 63
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