Henley and Marlow Lifestyle Jan - Feb 2024

Getting your affairs in order 

Later life planning can be a difficult 

subject to speak about with your 

loved ones but it’s important to 

initiate those conversations and 

prepare for the inevitable. By being 

prepared you put your wishes at 

the forefront but also protect those 

around you. 

Jonathan Gallop, Partner and head of 

the Wills, Trusts and Probate team at 

Blaser Mills Law advises on what you 

should consider when getting your 

affairs in order. 

Create or update your Will 

Creating a Will is the first and 

most important step that you can 

take when planning for later life, it 

safeguards your assets and protects 

your loved ones from any disputes 

that may arise. 

Putting a Will in place ensures your 

estate is shared according to your 

wishes. Your Will can include details 

of who will manage your estate, 

assets and property. You can also 

preserve your legacy by leaving your 

estate to a favourite charitable cause. 

If you die without a Will, also known 

as dying intestate, you and your loved 

ones will have no control over what 

happens to your assets. Instead, the 

intestacy rules will apply and the 

Government will decide who inherits 

what. 

It’s also a good idea to have your 

Will regularly reviewed by a solicitor 

and kept up to date with your latest 

wishes. 

Consider a letter of wishes 

Consider what you want your loved 

ones to know after you die which 

won’t be included in your Will. This 

can include your funeral instructions, 

advice to guardians on raising your 

children or even an explanation of 

your Will and why your assets were 

shared in a specific way. 

Set up a Lasting Power 

of Attorney 

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) 

is a document that legally appoints 

someone to act on your behalf, 

should you become unable to 

manage your own affairs. There are 

two types of LPA’s that you can set 

up, one that will make medical and 

welfare choices and one that will 

handle your property and financial 

assets. 

You can choose someone you trust 

or seek a professional Attorney (such 

as an accountant or solicitor) that will 

act on your behalf. 

Make an Advance Decision 

An Advance Decision is used to 

specify which medical treatment 

you would accept or refuse in critical 

circumstances. This situation may 

occur if you were to be unconscious, 

unable to communicate or have lost 

the capacity to make decisions. 

Look after your affairs 

Keeping important documents 

and information safe will make 

things easier for your loved ones. 

Make sure to let them know 

where they can find things such 

as your bank, credit, pension and 

tax details, your passport, birth 

or marriage certificates and any 

online passwords to your digital or 

subscription services. 

How Blaser Mills Law can help 

At Blaser Mills Law we work hard on 

your behalf to protect your estate for 

your loved ones. We ensure you have 

the right structures in place, giving 

you peace of mind for the future. 

For further information and advice 

on how to get your affairs in order 

contact Jonathan Gallop on +44 (0) 

1494 781 360 or email 

cad@blasermills.co.uk. 

About Jonathan 

Located in the Marlow office, 

Jonathan is a Partner and Head of 

the Wills, Trusts and Probate team at 

Blaser Mills Law. 

Jonathan is recognised in the leading 

legal directories, The Legal 500 

and Chambers High Net Worth. 

He has worked at Blaser Mills Law 

for over 15 years and has built long 

standing relationships with clients, 

including generations of families, 

professionals and business owners in 

Buckinghamshire and the Chilterns. 

For further information visit: 

blasermills.co.uk 

020 3814 2020 | blasermills.co.uk

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

14 

COMFORTING RECIPES 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

As we embark on the 

inaugural edition of the year, 

I am thrilled to welcome you 

to the January issue of our 

magazine. In the spirit of new 

beginnings, this edition is a 

testament to the optimism 

and promise that the coming 

year holds for each one of 

us. 

The dawn of a new year 

brings with it a canvas of 

opportunities waiting to 

be painted with the vibrant 

hues of hope, resilience, 

and accomplishment. If that 

sounds too lofty, we hope 

that this little magazine is an 

entertaining accompaniment 

to your morning coffee, and 

can provide some inspiration 

in your home, your kitchen, 

or even for your plans to 

travel. 

As we bid farewell to the 

challenges of the past and 

usher in a new chapter, 

our team has worked to 

bring you an entertaining 

and informative read, ready 

to help you navigate the 

unknowns of the year ahead. 

KITCHEN RENO 

23 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Contributors 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Joe Crossley 

e joe@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984505 

EDUCATION 

08 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, 

Hilperton BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Printed on sustainably sourced paper. 

Please recycle this copy or pass it along 

when you are finished for someone else 

to enjoy. 

Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be 

held liable for any loss occasioned by 

failure of an advertisement to appear, or 

any damage or inconvenience caused by 

errors, omissions and misprints. No part of 

this publication may be reproduced without 

prior permission from the publishers. 

The opinions expressed within are not 

necessarily those of the publishers. 

On the foodie front we have 

some great recipes if you 

are giving Veganuary a go 

this year. Then we’ve got a 

kitchen renovation to really 

inspire. 

Finally, don’t miss our 

competition section - this 

edition, we have nearly 

£3,000 worth of goodies to 

give away! 

We will see you again in 

March - when we will be 

getting ready for those white 

rabbits of Easter! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

Time 

COMPETITION 

Find out more about entering our competitions online 

at minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions - join our 

Competition Club and enter over 60 comps a year for 

only £12.99! Or enter for free by post. 

All the below close on 15th March 2024 

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4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN WYCOMBE THIS WINTER 

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AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, AGATHA CHRISTIE and the Agatha Christie Signature 

are registered trademarks of Agatha Christie Limited in the UK and elsewhere. All rights reserved. 

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NEW YEAR: Fresh Intentions 

As the old year makes way for the 

new, there’s a sense of hope and 

opportunity that surrounds us. The 

New Year provides a fresh start, a 

chance to set new intentions and 

goals. This isn’t limited to any age 

group – whether you’re a teenager, 

in your prime, or enjoying your 

golden years, setting positive goals 

is something everyone can embrace. 

Here are some ideas to help you 

kickstart your journey toward a better 

you in the coming year. 

MINDFUL MEDITATION: Age 

knows no bounds when it comes 

to the benefits of mindfulness. 

Practicing meditation can help 

reduce stress, improve focus, and 

promote emotional well-being. Make 

it a goal to start or deepen your 

meditation practice. You can find 

guided meditations online or use 

apps to help you get started. 

STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE: 

Regular physical activity is key to 

a healthy life, regardless of your 

age. Whether it’s daily walks, yoga, 

or gym workouts, setting fitness 

goals for the New Year can keep 

you active and energised. Make 

a commitment to yourself to stay 

active and reap the many health 

benefits it offers. 

LEARN SOMETHING NEW: 

It’s never too late to acquire new 

skills or knowledge. Consider 

enrolling in a course, learning a 

musical instrument, or taking up 

a new hobby. The thrill of learning 

something new can invigorate 

your mind and bring a sense of 

accomplishment. Studies have 

shown that learning something new 

can help to stave off illnesses like 

dementia. 

VOLUNTEER AND GIVE 

BACK: Age has no bearing on the 

power of kindness. Volunteering 

is a wonderful way to give back to 

the community and make a positive 

impact. Set a goal to volunteer your 

time or resources to a cause you’re 

passionate about. It’s a fulfilling way 

to start the year. 

CULTIVATE A POSITIVE 

MINDSET: Positivity knows no 

age limits. Work on cultivating a 

positive mindset by practicing 

gratitude, affirmations, and 

mindfulness. A positive outlook can 

improve your mental health and 

overall quality of life. 

BE GREENER: The New Year is 

a great time to assess if you could 

improve your green credentials. 

Whether that’s changing energy 

supplier, making your home more 

energy efficient, walking or using 

public transport or shopping at 

sustainable stores, it’s a great time 

to reassess and improve. 

DE-CLUTTER AND 

SIMPLIFY: Decluttering your 

living space can bring a fresh start 

to your life. Make it a goal to simplify 

and organize your home, getting 

rid of things you no longer need. 

A clutter-free space can lead to a 

clutter-free mind. 

SET FINANCIAL GOALS: 

Financial stability is vital in every 

stage of life. Set clear financial goals 

for the year, whether it’s saving for a 

holiday, paying off debt, or investing 

in your pension. Planning your 

financial journey can provide peace 

of mind - seek professional help if 

you want to get your financial ducks 

in a row. 

TRAVEL AND EXPLORE: The 

desire for adventure never fades. 

Make a goal to travel to new places 

or explore your own region more 

thoroughly. Travel enriches the soul 

and creates lasting memories. 

READ MORE: “The reading of all 

good books is like a conversation 

with the finest minds of past 

centuries.” —Rene Descartes Set a 

goal to read more books, whether 

for entertainment or learning. It’s 

a fantastic way to expand your 

knowledge and imagination. 

PRACTICE SELF-CARE: Selfcare 

is crucial for maintaining your 

physical and mental well-being. 

Allocate time in your routine for 

self-care activities like spa days, 

journalling, or hobbies that bring 

you joy. 

Setting positive goals and intentions 

for the New Year can go beyond 

our appearance. It’s an opportunity 

for everyone to embrace change, 

growth, and personal development. 

So, regardless of your age, take the 

time to reflect on what you want to 

achieve and set your intentions for 

a brighter, better you in the coming 

year. Remember, the power of fresh 

intentions lies within you, waiting to 

be unleashed as you step into the 

New Year. 


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Celebration 

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just a day to cherish, or 

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tea, we offer the perfect 

blend of joy and 

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one delicious bite at a time. 

Winter Cocktails 

Warm up your winter 

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season with each sip, and let 

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your evening with delight. 

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Boarding 

Myth-Buster 

The commonly used term 

‘sent’ to boarding school 

typically derives several 

negative connotations 

and indicates that the 

child in question has no 

say in the matter. 

However, this is far from the truth 

nowadays and this example is just 

the tip of the iceberg when it comes 

to boarding misconceptions. In fact, 

the reality of boarding today, should 

one choose to board, tells a story of 

unrivalled quality in education, life-long 

friendships, enriching experiences, and 

a supportive ‘home-from-home’. 

Here are six common myths about 

boarding you might have come across: 

1. Boarding schools are strict and 

disciplinary environments: Every 

school, whether it is boarding, 

day, state or independent will 

have rules and regulations, some 

stricter than others. But without 

fail, what all boarding schools 

offer in abundance, is a supportive 

and nurturing environment 

for students to grow both 

academically and personally. 

2. Boarding only attracts wealthy, 

gifted or troublesome kids: 

Boarding schools cater for a 

hugely diverse range of students 

from all backgrounds, cultures 

and academic ability. Boarding 

is not exclusively private, you 

might be surprised to hear there 

is a thriving state boarding 

community, too. Many families 

choose boarding for the excellent 

educational opportunities and 

unique experience it can offer. 

3. Boarding schools are isolated: 

You’ll find boarding schools 

nestled in big cities as well as 

rural areas. Regardless of their 

location, they all foster a strong 

sense of community and a homefrom-home 

experience with plenty 

of opportunity to bond with peers 

and develop lifelong friendships. 

4. My child will be lonely at 

boarding school: Whilst it is 

common, and perfectly normal, 

for boarders to feel homesick 

at times, boarding schools offer 

robust induction programmes 

and open communication with 

family. Experienced staff create 

a supportive, kind and caring 

environment for students where 

tight-knit friendships blossom 

amongst boarders. 

5. It’s all work and no play at 

boarding school: Outside of the 

classroom, boarding offers a vast 

range of extracurricular activities, 

including sports, arts, clubs, and 

leadership opportunities. There 

truly is something for everyone 

which allows students to explore 

their interests and develop a wellrounded 

skill set. 

6. I’ll never see my child if they 

board: There are many types of 

boarding arrangements available, 

tailored to different needs and 

family circumstances. Some 

popular options include weekly 

boarding, flexi-boarding and 

even day boarding. Schools are 

committed to ensuring boarders 

have regular contact with family 

members whilst at school. 

Though the decision to board is not 

right for every child - or family - there 

are lots of individuals who blossom 

in this immersive environment. 

Boarding has the power to develop 

and instil fundamental skills such as 

independence, time management, 

social skills, resilience, cultural 

awareness and leadership. 

The boarding experience has come 

a long way in recent decades and 

it’s important to separate fact from 

fiction when considering a boarding 

education today. Above all else, it’s 

important to remember the main 

reason young people say that they 

want to board - it is so much fun. 

The joyful, diverse experience, full of 

possibilities and wonder, is a world 

away from the cold showers and iron 

bedsteads of old. 

The Boarding Schools’ Association 

(BSA) is part of the BSA Group. 

BSA Group supports excellence in 

boarding, safeguarding, inclusion 

and health education, serving more 

than 1,600 organisations and people 

in 40 countries worldwide. Since 

its foundation in 1965-6, BSA has 

promoted boarding education and 

the development of quality boarding 

through high standards of pastoral 

care and boarding accommodation. 


ISI INSPECTION 

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September Join us for 2024 

a tour and have a glimpse 

into an exciting day at Herries! 

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into an exciting day at Herries! 

Call 01628 483350 or email admissions@herries.org.uk 

www.herries.org.uk 

Call 01628 483350 or email admissions@herries.org.uk 

www.herries.org.uk 

“Small places can do big things” Joanna Year 5 

“Small places can do big things” Joanna Year 5 

Small Class Sizes • Specialist Subject Teachers • 11+ Study Skills 

Sports at Bisham Abbey • Woodland Activities • Wraparound Care 

Volunteers 

Needed! 

This will have a negative impact on their 

secondary education and future life chances. 

Children’s literacy charity Schoolreaders 

recruits volunteers to listen to children read 

in primary schools, focusing on schools 

where children require the most support. 

Volunteers are asked to listen to children 

read once a week in term time and to commit 

to an academic year. 

95% of children supported by a 

Schoolreaders volunteer improve their 

reading age . Partner schools also reported 

that volunteers had a positive impact on 

pupils with 95% improving their reading 

confidence and 87% their reading enjoyment. 

Jane Whitbread, founder of Schoolreaders, 

comments “Children who leave primary 

school unable to read well can’t access their 

secondary schooling fully which will 

compromise their life opportunities. One in 

seven adults in England (7.1 million) are 

functionally illiterate and cannot read 

instructions on a medicine label, sit a driving 

theory test or fill in a job application form. 

Working together we can change this.” 

To find out more about Schoolreaders visit www.schoolreaders.org 

Schoolreaders CIO Registered Charity Number: 1159157. Registered in England and Wales 


Image from Georg Roske 

I N T 

Blue 

O T H E 

Travel experts Kuoni recently 

conducted a report that showed the 

Maldives as the most popular dream 

destination worldwide. With crystalline 

waters, white sand beaches and 

abundant aquatic adventures, it’s easy 

to see why. 

If you’re planning your own trip of a 

lifetime to the Maldives, you might 

think that resorts and their various 

offerings are ubiquitous - but each has 

unique topography and feel, so finding 

the right fit for you is essential to make 

the most of your holiday. 

So how do you choose between the 

180 or so different resorts dotted 

across these turquoise waters? Katie 

Thomson tested out four unique 

locations. 

Best for: Modern Luxury, 

Epicurean Guests 

PATINA MALDIVES 

Only 50 minutes by speedboat transfer 

from Male Airport, Patina is one of 

three new resorts created from a 

reclaimed sand bank to form the Fari 

Islands - alongside a Ritz Carlton and 

soon-to-open Capella. This introduces 

a new concept for guests, who can 

stave off any ‘island-fever’ by hopping 

between the resorts and enjoying their 

amenities and restaurants. 

The largest of four islands, the 

sprawling site is beautifully planted 

with lush vegetation and fringed by 

white sandy bays. The spaces expand 

and contract - with the social hub of 

the Fari Marina Village (a place for 

guests from all three resorts to mingle) 

and wide ocean vistas, combined with 

10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

more cosseting spaces to dig into and 

really relax. 

Interior design and architecture inform 

the feel of this resort - its spaces 

inspire and cocoon. The designs are 

bold and utterly beautiful - rather than 

typical palettes of blues and whites, 

the team have created enveloping 

villas filled with natural finishes, 

charcoal bedsheets and lots of timber, 

with interesting finishes and blend 

beautifully with the outdoors. The 

rooms are full of modern technological 

comforts and carefully planned lighting 

and furniture - you can even have the 

TV removed from the room to allow 

you to open the sliding doors to their 

full expanse and bring the outside in. 

An outdoor shower off the capacious 

en suite bathroom continues this 

sense of biophillic design. All 90 

villas have a large private pool and 

an oversized outdoor bathtub and 

hammock - perfect for relaxing in 

complete seclusion. 

Technology is at the heart of the 

resort - helping Patina to achieve its 

sustainability goals. Solar panels are 

installed on all the villa roofs, and the 

kitchens are zero waste; there’s also a 

strict no single-use plastic rule. 

The amenities are plentiful - from 

FLOW, the beautiful holistic spa, a 

submarine for below-water adventures, 

a range of waterspouts and even an 

art club - where the creative focus is 

on preserving marine life with coral 

clay creations and workshops to 

create bracelets from ghost fishing 

nets. Then there’s the showpiece, the 

Adastra superyacht, a state-of-the-art 

trimaran, perfect for dolphin watching. 

The team at patina recognise that 

their guests are used to a high level of 

dining, and as such their ‘dine around’ 

concept allows guests a to enjoy the 

many a la carte restaurants on the 

site and subsidised visits to the other 

Fari resorts. Chefs from around the 

world have been cherry-picked to offer 

unique gastronomic experiences, from 

plant-based Roots to South American 

Steakhouse Brasa. Kids will love it too 

- with a unique airstream food truck 

offering burgers and a Tuk-Tuk serving 

ice cream. 

If you’re looking for exceptional food, 

design-led interiors and a resort 

with great sustainability credentials, 

where a veritable galaxy of possible 

adventures await, Patina is a shining 

example of a modern Maldivian resort. 

R A T E S One-Bedroom 

Pool Villas at Patina Maldives, 

Fari Islands (patinahotels.com/ 

maldives-fari-islands) start from 

approx.. GBP1,699++ per night 

based on two sharing, including daily 

breakfast, USD100 resort credit and 

complimentary Guest Benefits. Terms 

and conditions apply. 

Image from Georg Roske

Best for: Barefoot Luxury, 

Nature Lovers 

Amilla Sunset Villa 

AMILLA MALDIVES 

I think if you wanted something 

which was most evocative of the 

Maldivian holiday experience you 

have in your head, then Amilla 

Maldives is your resort. 

The warmest welcome we enjoyed, 

our delayed flight was greeted by 

the most cheerful team, holding 

thirst-quenching coconuts. Our 

buggy was decorated with flowers 

and our names, and we were 

whisked off to our water villa home. 

The villas are vast - with 

accommodation options to suit 

many group sizes. The traditional 

one-bedroom water villas total 

220 square metres, and the beach 

villas too offer spacious, flexible 

accommodation, only steps from 

the purest blue waters. 

Unlike islands built from sandbanks, 

Amilla Maldives resort is situated on 

an already-established island, with a 

bounty of flora and fauna - carefully 

tended to by a veritable army of 

landscapers and caretakers. On 

checking into your villa, you’ll be 

greeted by a set of ‘his and hers’ 

bikes - ready to explore the trails 

of this tropical paradise. Cycling 

around is a pleasure, with sandy 

roads winding through dense 

jungles - there is of course the 

option to hail a golf buggy to get 

you to lunch, but the joy really is 

in the exploration. The island is a 

breeding ground for the native and 

rare White Tailed Bird, alongside 

host of other avian and reptilian life. 

Amilla Water Villa 

There are lots of tempting foodie 

options, all with a laid-back feel 

that helps you sink into holiday 

mode with ease. Wellness is also a 

huge part of the offering here - all 

dietary requirements are catered for, 

and the chefs continue to develop 

their range of fermented drinks and 

menus based around the island’s 

own organic garden. 

The resort is uniquely positioned 

to make the most of the glorious 

Baa Atoll a Unesco Biosphere 

Reserve, with Hanifaru Bay just 

a 30 minute boat ride away. This 

bay is known for its abundance 

of marine life, and visitors of the 

hotel can enjoy snorkelling with 

two giants of the sea - the manta 

ray and peaceful whale sharks. We 

opted for the former, and it was 

truly a once in a lifetime experience, 

and something I will never forget. 

We were surrounded by over 30 

manta, balletically gliding through 

the waters and within inches of us 

- happy to indulge in their feeding 

whilst paying us no notice. 

If your mission on your holiday 

is pure relaxation with a barefoot 

luxury feel, Amilla Maldives is 

a special place. The staff are 

unerringly friendly and the list of 

activities, from tennis clinics and 

football, to drumming workshops 

and wine-tasting, will mean you can 

wake up to each day with a fresh 

itinerary - or just a wonderful place 

to really relax. 

R A T E S Amilla Maldives (amilla. 

com; tel: +960 660 6444) currently 

offers five nights for the price of four 

on stays from 8 January – 14 April 

2024. Sunset Water Pool Villas start 

from approx. GBP1472++ per night 

including breakfast. 

Best for: Value for Money, 

Guest Enrichment 

VARU BY 

ATMOSPHERE 

The smallest of the resorts we 

stayed at, this feeling of intimacy 

actually works in VARU by 

Atmposphere’s favour - with enough 

seclusion in your villa, but stacks 

of amenities only steps from your 

accommodation. 

A relatively new resort, it feels 

contemporary and the perfect fit 

for couples and families alike. The 

island consists of a neat collection 

of beach bungalows alongside three 

jetties housing the pristine water 

villas. With enormous doors from 

the bedroom and the ensuite, you 


VARU Water Villa 

VARU Water Villa 

Best for: Guest Entertainment, 

Seclusion 

ATMOSPHERE 

KANIFUSHI 

can soak in glorious sea views in 

complete privacy. The villas are air 

conditioned, but if you can, sleep 

with your doors open - it’s magical 

to hear water lap beneath you. 

Breakfast and lunch is served daily 

buffet style at Lime & Chili - our 

first lunch was accompanied by 

the displays of a passing pod of 

dolphins. Sundowner cocktails can 

be enjoyed at the Bay Rogue bar 

and, for a truly Maldivian evening, 

complete with sarongs for men and 

women, dinner at KAAGÉ will give 

you traditional island dishes elevated 

with a modern twist. 

The surroundings here are smart 

but informal - couples and families 

can relax fully, helped by a flexible 

all-day dining menu. 

Guest enrichment is at the very core 

of the offering here. The team want 

their guests to experience something 

different and make lasting memories 

- wine-tasting evenings, Bavarian 

beer festivals and educational talks 

all offer unique, memory-making 

moments. Details mean everything 

to the team here - we were delighted 

every afternoon to return to the 

room to see new leaf art on the bed, 

painstakingly created from foliage 

foraged from the island. 

VARU offers all this on an allinclusive 

basis, meaning that 

once you’re there, you can fully 

relax into holiday mode. Stay over 

four nights and you’ll also have a 

complimentary treatment in the 

spa. Situated in a set of over-water 

buildings, from the massage table 

you’ll look at the ocean below 

through a glass floor panel. 

The Maldives is rightly seen as a 

luxury destination, but at VARU, 

you can enjoy that luxury, elevated 

service and bountiful amenities for 

an amazing price. It delivers the all 

the experiences, hospitality and 

pristine settings to make lifelong 

memories in paradise, for a fraction 

of the price of other resorts. 

RATES VARU by Atmosphere 

starts at just £550 per night based 

on the Beach Villa. 

varu-atmosphere.com 

The topography of Atmosphere 

Kanifushi is unique, a long and 

narrow sandbank stretching for 

over 2km, with a strip of jungle-like 

canopy running through the centre. 

This island paradise is home to 350 

staff - almost twice the number of 

guests, ensuring every need and 

whim is catered for. The large size 

of the island means you never feel 

cramped - indeed, the beach villas, 

with their enormous glass-ended 

pools feel truly secluded. 

These capacious rooms and outdoor 

spaces mean that you may never feel 

the need to visit the communal pools 

- but there are large facilities there 

too, both for children and adults. 

The deck and outdoor area of the 

Kanifushi Grand Pool Villa 


Kanifushi Grand Pool Villas is astounding - complete with 

a 15 foot pool reaching out to the beach, a huge private 

deck, a large swing seat and a round sofa bed. The mini 

bar is well-stocked and replenished daily, so if you’re 

after seclusion and romance, you could enjoy your sunset 

drinks without having to venture from your villa. 

Kanifushi Grand Pool Villa 

The villas are huge too, with a gorgeous surprise in 

the en-suite - it being indoor/outdoor! With a bath and 

shower open to the elements, it makes for a very special 

bathing experience. 

Guests will be spoilt for choice with foodie options - 

with six restaurants to choose from. Most notable is the 

amazing Teppanyaki Grill - you will be delighted by a 

culinary show as an expert chef chops, juggles and sets 

your seafood ablaze - it’s not all for show though, the 

results are truly delicious. There’s evening entertainment 

every day, along with options for boat trips and guided 

snorkelling excursions. 

Don’t miss the spa, a series of beautiful huts accessed 

by stepping stones over a koi pond - guests staying 

for four nights will receive a complimentary treatment, 

enjoyed in a hut with pristine sea views. 

If you’re looking for a resort with a huge array of 

activities on offer, but with enough space to make it feel 

like you’re on a private paradise, Atmosphere Kanifushi 

is for you. 

RATES- Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives starts at 

just £812 per night based on the Sunset Beach Villa. 

atmosphere-kanifushi.com 

Drawing on over four decades of travel expertise, my goal is 

to assist, inspire, and craft your travel itineraries, no matter the 

scale. Operating as an Independent Travel Agent, I deliver a tailormade 

experience meticulously tailored to suit your preferences 

and financial considerations. I am committed to guiding you 

every step of the way, starting from our initial consultation and 

reservation, all the way to your safe return home. 

When you choose D&G Travel of Marlow for your holiday 

arrangements, rest assured that your financial investment is 

safeguarded, granting you the freedom to unwind and savor the 

essence of your holiday. Whether you prefer the convenience 

of a home visit or meeting over coffee, I am flexible and eager 

to discuss your travel aspirations. 

A sincere and warm welcome awaits you. If you find yourself 

daydreaming about your next adventure, whether it's 

scheduled for 2024 or beyond, please don't hesitate to reach 

out. 

Contact me today! 

Gillian Luxon, 

Director, D&G Travel of Marlow 

01628 471192 / 07798790070 

gillian@dandgtravelofmarlow.co.uk 

dandgtravelofmarlow.co.uk 


Enjoy delicious comfort classics with a 

VEGANUARY TWIST 

FROM CALIFORNIA WALNUTS 

Whether you’re planning to go vegan for one day, or the entire 

month; these delicious dishes will keep you coming back for more! 

California Walnut Pasta Bake 

SERVES 5 

INGREDIENTS 

100 g California Walnuts plus 25g 

300 g mushrooms 

1 tbsp oil 

2 cloves garlic crushed 

1 tsp ground cumin 

1 tsp chilli powder 

400 g can chopped tomatoes 

2 tbsp tomato puree 

400 g can red kidney beans drained 

and rinsed 

400 g can black beans drained and 

rinsed 

2 tbsp chopped coriander 

250 g pasta shapes 

50 g vegan hard cheese finely grated 

6 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 200oC, gas 

mark 6. 

Place 100g walnuts in a food 

processor and mix to give a 

coarse crumb. Repeat with the 

mushrooms and mix into the 

walnuts. 

Heat the oil in a large saucepan 

and fry the walnut mixture and 

garlic for 5 minutes. Add the spices 

and cook for 1 minute. 

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato puree 

and both beans and cook gently for 

10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Season and stir in the coriander. 

Meanwhile, cook the pasta shapes 

in boiling water for 11-12 minutes, 

drain and stir in the chilli mince, 

transfer to a baking dish. In a small 

bowl, mix together the cheese, 

breadcrumbs and remaining 25g 

chopped walnuts and sprinkle over 

the dish. 

Bake for 15-20 minutes until 

golden. 

For more delicious recipes visit: 

www.californiawalnuts.co.uk 


The 

MARLOW 

DONKEY 

has had a makeover, 

come in and see us! 

Station Road, Marlow SL7 1NW 

Scan the QR code to book your table ...

Chilli 

California 

Walnut 

Nachos 

SERVES 4 

INGREDIENTS 

100 g California Walnuts plus extra to serve 

300 g mushrooms 

1 tbsp oil 

2 cloves garlic crushed 

1 tsp ground cumin 

1 tsp chilli powder 

400 g can chopped tomatoes 

2 tbsp tomato puree 

400 g can red kidney beans drained and 

rinsed 

400 g can black beans drained and rinsed 

2 tbsp chopped coriander 

350 g tortilla chips 

50 g Tex Mex flavoured grated vegan cheese 

200 g guacamole 

200 g tomato salsa 

METHOD 

Place the walnuts in a food processor and 

mix to give a coarse crumb. Repeat with the 

mushrooms and mix into the walnuts. 

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the 

walnut mixture and garlic for 5 minutes. 

Add the spices and cook for 1 minute. 

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato puree and 

both beans and cook gently for 10 minutes, 

stirring occasionally. Season and stir in the 

coriander. 


Italian BBQ 

California 

Walnut ‘Mince’ 

Pizza 

SERVES 4 

INGREDIENTS 

420 g strong white bread flour 

7 g sachet dried fast action yeast 

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus extra 

for drizzling 

140 g pizza sauce 

200 g grated mozzarella or vegan 

alternative 

1 red pepper sliced 

1 small red onion sliced 

150 g California Walnuts 

2 tbsp bbq sauce 

Fresh basil leaves to garnish 

METHOD 

Place the flour, yeast and 1 tsp salt into 

the bowl of a kitchen mixer fitted with 

a dough hook. Stir to combine and mix 

in the oil and 250ml warm water to 

make a dough. Knead for 10 minutes. 

Transfer to a large, oiled bowl, cover 

and prove for 1 hour or until doubled 

in size. 

Preheat the oven to 220oC, gas mark 7. 

Lightly knead the dough to knock out 

the air and divide into 2 balls. Roll out 

each ball to 26cm circle on a floured 

surface, spread with the pizza sauce 

leaving a 2cm border round the edges. 

Sprinkle with cheese followed by the 

pepper and onion. Bake for 12 minutes. 

Meanwhile, place the walnuts and bbq 

sauce in a food processor and blend to 

a mince-like consistency. Scatter over 

the pizzas and cook for a further 3-4 

minutes. 

Scatter over fresh basil leaves and a 

drizzle of oil to serve 


T H E I V Y 

Collection 

There are few things in life that are a guarantee, but a 

great meal at the Ivy Collection is one of them. High-end 

brasserie-style food - the dishes that your soul and belly 

really crave - cooked to perfection and served in an 

inimitably stylish interior. 

The Ivy are delving into a new era, with their brand new 

app, The Ivy Premier Rewards App. The Ivy App invites 

guests to luxuriate in a world of exquisite cuisines and 

exclusive rewards, making it a compelling offering for 

passionate food enthusiasts. 

Based on their selected favourite site, guests will 

be introduced to the app designed around The Ivy 

Collection or The Ivy Asia, both offering the same 

benefits. With the new app, guests can earn points 

every time they dine at The Ivy Collection, The Ivy West 

Street, The Ivy Club, The Ivy Asia and Granary Square 

Brasserie, and use their earned points to pay further 

balances at the participating restaurants across the 

group, including private dining rooms. 

The Ivy app offers two membership tiers, Green and 

Gold. Available to everyone, Green Membership enables 

guests to earn points equivalent to 5% of the total 

spend as well as double points and a sweet surprise on 

one reservation for the week prior to and following their 

birthday. For those guests who make a minimum of ten 

visits in a 12-month period, their membership will be 

automatically upgraded to a Gold Membership where 

benefits include those of a Green Member in addition 

to a pass to The Ivy Club for two people each year and 

access to priority reservation services. 

Find out more at theivycollection.app 

Bourne Buildings Ltd 

THE LARGEST SHOWSITE IN THE UK WITH OVER 200 BUILDINGS, 

5,000 STONE ORNAMENTS & 100 FURNITURE SETS ON DISPLAY 

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

is not your typical garden buildings showsite. 

Well known for its vast selection of garden buildings and expert 

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

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

Our complete range of services include product installation, base 

laying and a re-felting service. 

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

including eye-catching armillary sphere sundials, and over 100 

small garden furniture sets. 

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

• 60 Sheds 

• 35 Greenhouses 

• 60 Summer houses • 20 Garden Offices & Garden Rooms 

• 35 Playhouses • 8 Garages 

10am – 4pm Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat & Sun 

Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays all year round 

01252 718481 sales@bournebuildings.co.uk 

www.bournebuildings.co.uk 

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


STYLISH 

Stays 

Katie Thomson heads for a restorative break at the 

Dylan Coastal Resort, Carmarthenshire 

You may have visited South Wales 

for the gems of the Gower Peninsula, 

or even the coastal routes of 

Pembrokeshire - but if you didn’t stop 

to explore the joys of Carmarthenshire, 

you are missing some of the country’s 

most scenic spots. On its Western 

borders you will find the ancient 

Brecon Beacons, right to the golden 

sandy beaches along Carmarthen Bay 

- there’s so much to discover. 

Nestled in the quiet seaside town of 

Laugharne on the Carmarthen coast, 

the Dylan Coastal Resort is a state 

of the art, luxurious holiday retreat, 

complete with a beautiful spa and Milk 

Wood House, the on-site restaurant 

featuring the best of local produce. 

The Dylan Coastal Resort makes the 

most of the expansive vistas afforded 

by its prime location on the hills 

overlooking the Taf Estuary. The resort 

is a collection of 60 luxury lodges, 

all designed to maximise the setting 

and offer a supremely comfortable 

self-catering experience. Some, like 

our ‘Epic’ lodge, come with a hot 

tub - perfect for soaking up the everchanging 

sea view. 

Taking its name from poet and Welsh 

literary legend Dylan Thomas, guests 

can enjoy the same views as Dylan 

himself - his famous writing hut is set 

on the cliff edge below the resort. The 

setting is certainly inspiring and you 

can visit his hut, as well as enjoying 

some spectacular circular walks taking 

in coastal and woodland scenery just 

a stroll from the main entrance. 

With so much on offer on the site, 

you’d be forgiven for not wanting to 

venture far - there are a few lovely 

eateries in Laugharne, but we loved 

Milk Wood House. With three separate 

terraces to dine on, an open kitchen 

featuring a wood-fired pizza oven, 

and a refined yet rustic approach to 

cooking, the Milk Wood Kitchen and 

Bar is the perfect place to drink and 

dine, soaking in the views. 

Relaxation is paramount here and the 

spa delivers on every level. It has been 

thoughtfully designed to maximise the 

views - the swimming pool featuring 

two-storey windows out to the sea. 

The on-site spa also offers up a host 

of luxury treatments with premium 

skincare brand ishga, to help you relax 

into your stay, brightening, cleansing 

facials to deep tissue massages – all 

of which will be tailored to suit your 

individual needs. 

The resort is ideally placed for further 

exploration - on a gloriously sunny 

day, we took the scenic coastal route 

to Tenby. If you’ve not visited before, 

I’d implore you to - with it’s historic 

13th century fortress walls alongside 

rows of brightly coloured terraces, 

it’s picturesque and a joy to wander 

around. Couple that with it’s bevy of 

independent stores and charming 

pubs, it’s the perfect day trip from 

the resort. 

A trip to recharge the batteries was 

needed and the Dylan Coastal resort 

delivered on every level. If you’re 

looking for a destination which offers 

fantastic facilities, unparalleled 

comfort and the most picturesque of 

settings, consider this beauty spot for 

your next staycation. 

Stays at Dylan Coastal Resort start from £379. 

For more information or to book, please, visit 

www.luxurylodges.com/dylan-coastal-resort 


MY LITTLE HERO 

FACIAL SERUM 

Bring dull skin back to life with VOYA My Little Hero, the 

original VOYA facial serum. Fucus Serratus (Seaweed) 

and Sunflower Seed Oil hydrate and strengthen 

skin, while Camelina Oil protects and nourishes. 

Gentle enough for most skin types, this super-serum 

strengthens and moisturises for a visibly glowing 

complexion. £64, voya.ie 

Beauty 

HOT PICKS 

SILK TO SET 

KAJAL LINER 

Wing it, smoke it, waterline or buff 

it. Adored by makeup artists and 

non professionals in equal measure! 

These kajals create crisp wings or 

can be buffed for an effortless, chic 

smoky eye. Available in a beautiful 

range of shimmering jewel tones 

and classic brown and black. £17, 

hildunbeauty.com 

RHUG BEAUTY 

HYDRATION SET 

Meet your defence against 

dehydrated and dull-looking skin. This 

mix of our Purifying Cleansing Lotion, 

our favourite vitamin-rich Active 

Treatment Serum and Protecting Day 

Cream will leave your skin feeling reenergised 

and nourished. 

Set Includes: Purifying Cleansing 

Lotion 120ml, Active Treatment Serum 

30ml, Protecting Day Cream 15ml and 

a Muslin Cloth £175, 

rhugwildbeauty.com 

LIP 

‘INJECTION’ 

Lip Injection is a powerful 

needle-free dual effect 

formula which plumps up 

the volume on lips instantly, 

whilst performing a long 

term volumising effect which 

can more than double the 

appearance of lip size in 

just 4 weeks. The profound 

plumping effect can even 

diminish the appearance 

of vertical lip lines, both 

instantly and long term. 

BEAUTY 

COMPLEX GIFT 

SET 

Beauty Complex is more than just 

a collagen supplement, it’s a super 

supplement with 8 active ingredients 

working together to transform the 

hair, skin and nails. All with the ease 

of a single powdered sachet solution, 

ensuring optimal nutrient delivery and 

absorption, simply add water! 

Beauty Complex was designed by 

experts to compensate for declining 

Collagen, Ceramides and Hyaluronic 

Acid in the body. Perfect for those 

looking to upgrade their beauty game 

and support their hair, skin and nails 

from within - £125, reviveactive.com 

Plumping lips isn’t new. What is new is that this 

technology doesn’t just irritate lips into temporarily 

appearing bigger like other lip plumpers. Incredibly, 

micronised hyaluronic acid spheres (the very same 

ingredient used in injectable lip volumisers) reach the 

underlying tissue in a micronised form where they swell 

and expand in the lips up to 1000 times their dehydrated 

size. This exerts pressure in the direction of the surface, 

plumping lips outwards making them look fuller and 

younger in just minutes. £38, freeze-frame.uk 


The meaning of flowers 

NOTES FROM 

THE GARDEN 

As we plan our gardens for the spring 

and summer, I thought it might be fun to 

reflect on what, traditionally, has been 

the meaning of flowers as seen by our 

forebears – and with Valentines on the way 

beware of what goes into that bouquet!! 

The red rose is, of course, the symbol of love and roses are a 

sure winner in the garden. As well as the more usual varieties 

there are some stunning older ones too so before you plant 

check all the options- your local nursery or garden centre will be 

happy to help. Jubilee Papa Meilland is a hybrid tea bush rose 

and a real stunner but there are many, many choices. 

Pink flowers symbolise perfect happiness and can also mean 

‘Please believe me’ and pinks and purples planted together 

can look spectacular – from Gerberas to Carnations, Peonies to 

Poppies, get your sketchbook out and plan that border. Papaver 

‘Pink Fizz’ is a true pink poppy – with frills! 

Yellow is the colour of jealousy, though if you plant a profusion 

of yellows the only jealousy may be of people envying your great 

taste! Sunflowers say summer – and certainly are a statement. 

Children love a ‘sunflower race’ to see whose plant grows the 

“THE EARTH LAUGHS IN FLOWERS.” 

RALPH WALDO EMERSON 

tallest and the dried heads feed the birds too. 

In the blue corner we have Stephanotis which symbolises 

happiness in marriage, and a desire to travel, how lovely, and it is 

a lovely plant too. 

And last but by know means least is Wisteria which apparently 

asks ‘Will you dance with me?’ 

Whatever you plant, enjoy choosing, enjoy planting and then 

enjoy the fruits, and flowers, of your labour. 

For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website: 

www.matthewbiggs.com 

Facial Aesthetics - Body Contouring - Advanced Skincare 

We are a multi-award winning and CQC registered medical aesthetic clinic. 

Offering the world’s leading non-surgical treatments for a wide range of skin 

conditions as well as facial ageing, body, and feminine health concerns. 

● Laser hair removal 

● Medical skincare 

● HydraFacial 

● Thread vein removal 

● Feminine health 

● Skin tightening 

● Injectables 

● Emsculpt NEO 

● CoolSculpting 

We are discreetly located on Furze Platt Road opposite Pinkneys Green with 

plenty of on site parking. To learn more or to book a consultation please 

call our team on 01628 20 20 28 or visit www.berkshireaesthetics.com 

Dr Selena Langdon 

Medical Director 


p e r f e c t 

g i f t s , 

c l o t h e s & 

a c c e s s o r i e s 

1 0 % o f f 

o n l i n e a n d i n 

s t o r e u s i n g 

1 0 H A U S L I F E 

3 Abbeygate Steet, Bath | www.hauslife.co.uk

Renovate & 

ELEVATE 

We take a deeper look into a beautiful 

renovation to find out what makes a 

good kitchen great - with thoughts 

from the owner, Kate 

Photography by Lucy Hartley-Saunders 

Origin Bifold Doors; 

Hampton Kitchen in Onyx 


CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE 

DESIGN PROCESS? 

Absolutely - we all know there are a lot of 

options out there for kitchens, but I knew I 

wanted an in-frame, painted design with a light 

wood grain. I came across Smile Kitchens and 

instantly loved the elevated styling they offer - 

the Hampton range caught my eye particularly. 

It had all the timeless styling that I was looking 

for, and a lovely combination of colours. 

I was initially a little concerned by the lack of 

a showroom, but I needn’t have been. After a 

discovery consultation where I listed my must 

haves, my designer Corinne got to work on 

rendering that with my space dimensions. In 

the meantime, I was sent large door and knob 

samples so I could have them to hand when 

my design was ready to view. To really give me 

a feel for how the kitchen would look, it was 

rendered onto a video, giving me a 360 view of 

the space. I make a few tweaks and Corinne 

came back each time, just perfecting the vision 

I had for this important space. 

This is a big room (approximately 4.5 x 5.5m) 

and it has openings or glazing on all sides - 

this meant that planning a more conventional 

kitchen with lots of base and wall units was a 

challenge. The interruption on each of the walls 

meant that the cupboard configurations had 

to be carefully considered - and Corinne got 

this spot on. We opted for lots of tall cabinets, 

including a built in larder and a pantry with 

bi-fold doors - perfect as a breakfast station. 

These cupboards hide all the big appliances, 

meaning the worktops can stay clutter-free, 

and help to keep you organised with lots of 

internal shelves. 

LET’S TALK FLOORING... 

Tiles are a great option for flooring, but 

because of the painted kitchen finish and the 

quartz worktops, I wanted to warm up the 

space with timber. Obviously, kitchen floors 

need to be robust - able to withstand spills, 

“I think the triangular work 

space concept is a little outdated 

for how we use kitchens now. 

Of course it makes sense to keep 

everything accessible and easy 

to move around, but for me, 

it was also important that the 

space felt social and made the 

most of the setting.” 

items being dropped and the general traffic 

of daily life. I was concerned a timber or 

engineered floor would dint, so instead opted 

for LVT from the experts at Karndean. I spent a 

lot of time comparing samples before settling 

on Canadian Nude Oak - it was light enough 

without reading too grey or white. 

The best bit about this floor was the ease of 

installation - my partner and I were able to 

cover a huge area over the course an evening. 

The rigid core planks click together easily and 

have a reassuring solidity. 

FUNCTIONALITY IS KING IN A 

KITCHEN - HOW DO YOU MAKE 

SURE THE SPACE WORKS? 

I thought long and hard about how I’d use 

the space. I think the triangular work space 

concept is a little outdated for how we use 

kitchens now. Of course it makes sense to 

keep everything accessible and easy to move 

around, but for me, it was also important that 

the space felt social and made the most of 

the setting. The kitchen sink enjoys the best 

views - looking even better with the lovely CRL 

quartz running over the sill. 

I wanted the island to be social - I didn’t 

include a sink on there because I didn’t want 

the washing up to be the focus. Instead the 

hob faces out into the room. Finally, the fridge 

is right by the island, so you can load shopping 

in easily, or food out ready to be prepped. 

Then for me it was about choosing the right 

appliances. These are the bits that make all the 

difference! I’ve lusted after a fridge with double 

doors for years, and this amazing Haier model 

is a technological gem. It automatically detects 

when you’ve gone shopping, and adjusts the 

temperature of the fridge in anticipation. Its 

different humidity control zones means food 

stays fresher for far longer too. The freezer 

drawers are perfect for actually being able to 

see everything - there will be nothing lurking at 

the back, forgotten about. 

The oven is lovely and capacious - mounted 

into the tall units for convenience. And the 

integrated dishwasher is ideal, with moveable 

baskets and there’s also ActiveDry technology, 

which opens the door near the end of the cycle 

to allow air to circulate. 

The design of the kitchen necessitated a 

venting hob - this means we can keep that 

clean look above the island without a hood. 

This hob from Hotpoint is a thing of beauty - it 

has a vast cooking area which can also be 

synced, creating increased zones for larger 

pots and pans. My favourite feature is the 

‘keep warm’ setting - perfect when you’re not 

Hotpoint Built 

In Double Oven; 

Hampton Kitchen 

in Pearl 


Haier Fridge 

Clearwater Kettle Tap; 

CRL Stone Quartz 

worktops in Verona 

Heritage Bronze Sockets and Switches from 

Corston Architectural 


eady to serve. Above the island 

is an inset ceiling speaker from 

Lithe Audio, which you connect 

to your phone with Bluetooth - it 

really creates a great social space 

or just a lovely place to cook. 

Finally, I’m not sure what my life 

was before a boiling water tap - 

but I don’t want to go back there. 

This is a quadruple function 

kettle tap - in essence it does 

everything your normal tap does, 

but with the bonus of filtered cold 

and 98C water. It makes cooking 

a breeze, and that morning cuppa 

so much more efficient. It’s got 

built in safety features too to 

make sure kids can’t get hurt. 

THE WORKTOPS ARE 

LOVELY - WHAT ARE 

THEY MADE FROM? 

I knew from the outset that I 

wanted quartz worktops - these 

are slim 20mm profile tops from 

CRL Stone. I went with the Verona 

finish, which had a subtle marble 

to help bring together the colours 

of the wall units and the island. 

It’s hardwearing and looks so 

beautiful - it’s the ultimate luxury. 

THE GLAZING IS SUCH 

A SIGNIFICANT PART 

OF THE ROOM - WHAT 

DID YOU CHOOSE? 

Yes, so we have glazing on three 

walls - the windows above the 

sink are UPVC but the doors are 

all aluminium. We agonised over 

whether to have bifold doors or 

sliders - worried that bifold doors 

can lose energy efficiency over 

time. We opted in the end to 

go with industry leaders Origin 

Doors - they are manufactured 

to very high standards and come 

with a 20 year guarantee, which 

was so reassuring. They have an 

eight-point locking system too, 

so essential for security. 

We had a 3.7m gap, so opted 

for three large doors - meaning 

we have a single openable door 

which is more convenient for 

everyday life, and fewer frames 

- maximising the views and 

the feeling of the outside being 

in. Origin make the doors to 

order, so they can find the right 

configuration for your space. 

ANYTHING YOU’D DO 

DIFFERENTLY? 

Nope! I genuinely love it and 

love cooking in here. It has a 

great feel and just functions so 

well. I love all the tech - it makes 

life so much easier. We’ve got 

some lovely blinds coming from 

Blinds2Go which I can’t wait to 

get up. Then it’s getting ready 

for our first Christmas using the 

space - I can’t wait! 

STOCKIST DETAILS: 

Appliances: Haier HFW7819EWMP Smart 

Fridge Freezer - see the range: haier-europe. 

com/en_GB; Hotpoint PVH92BUK Black 

90cm Vented Hob; Hotpoint Class 2 DD2 

540 IX Built-in Double Oven - Stainless Steel 

Hotpoint H8IHT59LSUK Fully Integrated 

Standard Dishwasher; Clearwater Kettle Tap, 

01684 299555, clearwaterproducts.co.uk 

Kitchen: Hampton Range in Pearl and Onyx 

from Smile Kitchens, smilekitchens.com 

Flooring: Karndean Luxury Vinyl Tile in 

Canadian Nude Oak from palioexpress.com 

Worktops: CRL Stone in Verona, 01706 

863600, or visit crlstone.co.uk 

Sockets and switches: corston.com 

Ceiling Speaker: Lithe Audio, litheaudio.com 


OF HENLEY-ON-TH OF CL 

OF HENLEY-ON-THAMES 

OF CLIFTON 

WINTER SALE 

OF HENLEY-ON-TH OF CL 

15 % OF CLIFTON 

OFF 

OF HENLEY-ON-THAMES 

Pantone 

5497C 

Black 

ALL TIMBER WINDOWS & 

DOORS IN DECEMBER 

& JANUARY 

Improve the comfort and appearance of your home with natural timber windows and doors from sustainable sources. 

Constructed from engineered timber slow grown in cold climates, their strength, stability and beauty are guaranteed. 

With a15% discount off all timber windows and doors in our Winter Sale, visit our showroom to view our lovely range 

of products. You’ll receive expert advice and see how beautiful timber windows and doors really can enhance the value and 

beauty of your home. 

Timber Windows of Henley-on-Thames 

6A Hart Street, 

Henley-on-Thames, 

Oxfordshire, 

RG9 2AU 

Showrooms also in Cheltenham, Cirencester, 

Moreton-in-Marsh & Oxford 

Telephone: 01285 653999 

info@timberwindows-cotswolds.com 

www.timberwindows.com

28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

CRL Stone Quartz worktops in 

Verona; Hotpoint Venting Hob

BURNING BRIGHT 

(and hot, and efficiently...) 

If you have a wood burning stove or open fire, you’ll 

know that running it becomes a bit of a pre-occupation 

- if you use it as a primary heat source in the home, 

keeping it ticking over all day can become a chore. 

Furthermore, with spiralling energy costs, many of us 

are searching for the most cost effective solution for 

keeping the house warm as the colder weather bites. 

If you are looking for an alternative or even a 

supplement to kiln-dried logs, you might have heard 

of wood briquettes. Lava Logs provide an eco-friendly 

wood fuel choice, offering a high energy, longer-burning, 

cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to firewood. 

WOOD BRIQUETTES VS. LOGS: 

A PRICE COMPARISON 

A standard 0.8m³ bag of traditional firewood holds 

250kg of material. This comes in at an average cost of 

£150 with delivery. 

A pallet of premium-quality wood briquettes contains 

910kg of material, coming to a total cost of £472 with 

delivery. 

Four times the fuel volume at the equivalent cost for 

firewood is £600, meaning that you actually get more 

weight for your money with briquettes. 

That’s not all. Logs also have a 15% lower calorific value 

— this refers to the amount of heat energy produced 

when a specific quantity of wood is burned. 

So, add in a 15% cost increase to achieve the same 

level of energy output, and you’ll be paying £690 for 

logs, compared to £472 for briquettes. This means that 

wood briquettes are, £ for £, over 45% better value for 

money! 

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to 

feel good about yourself, as briquettes are far cleaner 

and less polluting. 

Order your Lava Logs from duffieldtimber.com - with 

free UK delivery. 

Hardware | Switches & Sockets | Lighting 

corston.com 


HiH Hen & Mar Life Ad 246x171 Quality Lifestyle Dec23 OL.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2023 15:31 Page 1

The importance of 

the independent 

In the last edition of Lifestyle, we focused on how wearing hearing aids can 

stimulate cognitive function and help maintain good memory and 

communication skills. 

However, it is estimated that one in six people in the UK have hearing loss 

and yet still fail to address the issue for up to ten years. If you have 

sidestepped hearing issues but are ready to bring your hearing back in line, 

or you are wondering if you might need hearing aids, then you need to know 

what to look for when choosing an audiologist. 

Help in Hearing is an independent and with over 50 years combined 

experience, our clinicians are highly trained in testing hearing and fitting 

hearing aids. Your hearing is complex, so it is vital you have a thorough 

assessment with an experienced audiologist as the first step on your journey. 

We give you the time you need 

Your hearing requirements are unique, so it is important you are given 

enough time to find the right solution for you, matching your lifestyle, 

technology choice and budget. The extensive aftercare that we offer is vital to 

ensure comfort and maximum efficacy. New hearing aid wearers are given as 

many appointments as they need, booked in with the same audiologist every 

time, giving continuity of care. 

We believe that this bespoke, yet highly professional approach makes us 

different to other providers. Whether you are an existing wearer and find 

your current aids frustrating and uncomfortable, or you are someone needing 

clinical advice, book to see us and we will look after all your hearing needs. 

“Exceptional service provided by a very professional audiologist whose sole 

objective is to maximise the quality of your hearing.” Michael Hart 

Call us on 01491 577555 to schedule your appointment and take 

the first step towards better hearing and cognitive health.

RI_RCK_Advert (21x26.5cm)_Big Winter Sale_V2_PRINTREADY.pdf 1 08/12/2023 14:16 

C 

M 

Y 

M 

Y 

Y 

Y 

K 

Choose your offer – it’s as easy as 1 or 2 or 3 

1. £1,000 Choose off your your offer kitchen – it’s as easy as 1 or 2 or 3 

2. Free Quooker Tap 

1. £1,000 off your kitchen 

3. 25% off dry fit 

2. Free Quooker Tap 

3. 25% off dry fit 

NEW YEAR 

KITCHEN NEW YEAR 

PROMOTION KITCHEN 

PROMOTION 

We offer a complete project-managed 

Building and installation service — or 

supply only. We offer a complete project-managed 

Building and installation service — or 

GERRARDS supply CROSS only. 

12F Pilgrim Walk · Packhorse Road 

Gerrards GERRARDS Cross · SL9 CROSS 7QE 

In addition to one of the above offers, you can also get your hands on: 01753 963 12F 000 Pilgrim Walk · Packhorse Road 

£2,100 Cashback off NEFF and Siemens appliances. 

Gerrards Cross · SL9 7QE 

In addition to one of the above offers, you can also get your hands THAME on: 01753 963 000 

T&C's apply £2,100 — visit Cashback our website off NEFF for more and information. Siemens appliances. 

Unit 8 Rycote Lane Farm · Rycote Lane 

Thame · THAME OX9 2NZ 

T&C's apply — visit our website for more information. 

01844 279 Unit 900 8 Rycote Lane Farm · Rycote Lane 

Thame · OX9 2NZ 

ridgewayinteriors.co.uk 

01844 279 900 

hello@rkiltd.co.uk 

ridgewayinteriors.co.uk 

hello@rkiltd.co.uk

Henley and Marlow Lifestyle Jan - Feb 2024

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