North Hampshire Lifestyle Jan - Feb 2024

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

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

22 

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 

25 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Contributors 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Helen Skeates 

e helen.skeates@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984494 

EDUCATION 

11 

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 

WIN A PRONTEAU 

SCANDI-X 4 IN 1 

INSTANT HOT WATER 

TAP, WORTH OVER £900 

Join the Scandi interior design 

revolution with Pronteau Scandi-X, 

Abode’s latest instant hot water tap 

with 4 IN 1 functionality, striking 

monobloc silhouette, real wood lever 

handles, and your choice of three 

contemporary finishes including Matt 

White, Matt Black and Scandi Grey. 

Find out more at pronteau.co.uk 

Keyword ‘Scandi-X’ 

WIN A £500 VOUCHER TO 

SPEND ONLINE 

Sif Jakobs Jewellery is celebrated for 

its enchanting creations, seamlessly 

merging a chic Nordic aesthetic with 

accessible elegance. Meticulously 

crafted from 925 sterling silver and 

delicately coated with 18K gold, each 

piece radiates a luxurious charm. 

Inspired by Italian luxury, the brand 

embodies a timeless and exquisite 

elegance. We’ve got a £500 voucher to 

give away to one lucky winner! 

Shop online at sifjakobs.com 

Keyword ‘Sif Jakobs’ 

WIN AN ACTIVEWEAR 

SET FROM ANITA ACTIVE 

Two lucky winners will receive a set 

comprised of an Anita Active Control 

bra and control tights. The IPSO GOLD 

award winning massage tights are 

made from a specially textured power 

fabric making them superb for work 

outs and travel alike. The deltaPad 

sports bra from Anita active is a totally 

new concept in support thanks to its 

patented deltaPad foam cup. 

Shop online at anita.com 

Keyword ‘Anita Active’ 

WIN TWO STUNNING 

LOCKETS FROM DOWER 

& HALL 

Each Dower & Hall locket serves 

as a beautiful keepsake to cherish 

wonderful moments in your life, 

whether you choose to capture a 

treasured photograph or a meaningful 

memento. Their new locket collection 

is a sparkling combination of thoughtful 

design and wearable beauty! A stylish 

spin on sentimental lockets, the ideal 

gift or the perfect way to chronicle the 

moments that matter. 

Shop online at dowerandhall.com 

Keyword ‘Dower & Hall’ 

WIN A B&B STAY IN A 

LUXURIOUS SUITE 

Win a one night stay at the luxury 

Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, courtesy of 

Hand Picked Hotels in Worcester. Set 

in 26 acres of extensive gardens, this 

statuesque country house hotel is 

renowned as one of Worcestershire’s 

best-kept secrets. 

See more at handpickedhotels.co.uk 

Keyword ‘Stanbrook Abbey’ 

WIN A LUXURIOUS 

CAMDEN WATCH 

COMPANY WATCH 

The Camden Watch Company 

timepieces are not only designed in 

Camden, but inspired by Camden, too. 

These stunning watches ooze class 

and elegance and really stand out 

against their plastic competitors. Their 

flagship store can be found in Camden, 

and they are online, too. We have the 

No.27 Purple and Brown and the No.27 

Midnight Edition to give away. 

Shop at camdenwatchcompany.com 

Keyword ‘Camden Watch’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Work for an organisation 

you can be proud of 

After dedicating more than 30 years to 

his position, Ken decided to take a step 

back to reflect on what he wanted to do 

next. As someone who thrives on engaging 

with people, he discovered he really 

missed interacting with customers and 

helping them to resolve their problems. 

When he popped into the Society to open a new savings 

account, Ken realised they were advertising for people to 

work in his local branch. He went for an interview, and the 

rest, as they say, is history! 

We caught up with Ken to find out about what a day in his 

work life looks like, what he enjoys most about his job, and 

whether he’d recommend it to others. 

What do you like most about your role at the Society? 

“I wanted a role where I could speak and deal with people, 

and my role is perfect for that – I get to build rapport and 

relationships with our customers, especially our regular 

ones who have been coming into the branch for years. I’ve 

also built some brilliant friendships with my colleagues over 

the years and have even maintained friendships with people 

who no longer work in the branch.” 

What skills do you need to work in a branch? 

“Definitely adaptability – it’s an old cliché but no two days 

are the same! Being able to adapt to the busier periods, 

such as ISA season, as well as the quieter times, is a helpful 

skill. Getting on with people and building relationships with 

people of all ages is also really key. Our customers love us 

because they get to know the people who work here.” 

What would surprise people about working for the 

Newbury? 

“It’s such a personal place to work. I was made to feel very 

welcome when I first started, and even Phillippa, our CEO, 

makes an effort to learn your name and welcome you to the 

Society. It’s a really friendly atmosphere.” 

How does your role at the branch fit into your life? 

“I have now been working part-time after nearly 40 years of 

working full-time. This has been a big change for me which I 

am slowly adapting to, but having a supportive and adaptable 

manager in Lisa has really helped with the transition. 

Branch roles can be flexible nowadays, so it’s great for students, 

people who have maybe been off or away from work 

for a long time, or even people with young children.” 

What piece of advice would you give to people who are 

unsure about a role in finance? 

“Definitely to not be afraid if you’ve not got a finance background. 

I hadn’t worked in finance before either. Newbury 

provides great training and it’s all about the journey and 

learning.” 

Working for Newbury Building Society 

We strive to make the Society a great place to work and 

offer a range of benefits including personalised training 

anddevelopment, a community-focused organisation with 

the chance to support local charities, 2 paid volunteering 

days per year, and your birthday off. 

To find out about roles in your area, visit 

www.newbury.co.uk/careeers/. 

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

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

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

provide on request. Most complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 9391 

Newbury 

Building Society

Coach Holidays 

Holidays include pick up from home in Hook, Fleet, Alton 

Battlefields of Flanders & the Somme Mon 11 March 

4* Hotel Alize £585 Double, £659 single 4 days 

Cotswold Explorer Mon 8 April 5 days boutique hotel 

3* Three Ways House Hotel £829 Double, £929 single 

Seine River Cruise Fri 10th May Paris to Honfleur 

MS Seine Princess £999 Double, £1,249 single 5 days 

Eastbourne Mon 13th May 

3* York House Hotel £669 Double, £749 single 5 days 

Ring for Brochure 

Hardware | Switches & Sockets | Lighting 

corston.com 

01252 265263 

enquiries@CandyTours.co.uk 

www.CandyTours.co.uk 


WELFORD PARK 

SNOWDROPS 2024 

We are delighted to announce from 

Wednesday 31st January to Sunday 

3rd March 2024* the award-winning 

Welford Park Snowdrops gardens and 

grounds will be open to the public 

to enjoy the swathes of snowdrops, 

hellebores, aconites and winter 

flowering shrubs. 

Welford Park boasts one of the finest spread of Galanthus in the 

UK. The dainty droplets of snowdrops thrive amongst the 5-acre 

beech wood, enchanting riverbanks of the River Lambourn and 

the G.cultivars are in the formal garden of Welford Park. 

Enjoy a walk around the grounds of the picture-perfect Queen 

Anne style house (not open), the Home of the Great British Bake 

Off, then head to the tea tent for a warming drink and bite to eat 

with a visit to the Gift shop to round off a lovely day. Tickets are 

available online from 1st December 2023 www.welfordpark. 

co.uk. Tickets can also be purchased on the gate with both 

cash and card. Ticket prices are as listed. Car parking is free 

and sociable dogs are allowed but must be on a lead at all times 

ADULT £12 

CONCESSIONS £10 

CHILDREN 4-15 £5 

CHILDREN Under 4 Free of Charge 

and owners must clean up after their dogs and use the bins 

provided. 

The charities being supported this 2024 snowdrop season: 

7th February, National Garden Scheme supporting many 

nursing charities; 11th February, Newbury Cancer Care for their 

2024 Appeal; 18th February the Newbury Soup Kitchen; 25th 

February, Stroke Care, Newbury. 

For more information and help with bookings: 

Snowdrops@welfordpark.co.uk Tel: 01488 608691 

Welford Park, Newbury, Berkshire RG17 8HU 

* (Closed Monday & Tuesday) 

Tea Tent open: 11am-5pm 

Light Lunches, Cake, Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate 

Gates open: 11am – last admission 4.30pm 

Car Park locked: 6pm 

ADVERTISING FEATURE

PRACTICAL PLANNING: 

When it's time 

to Divorce 

The festive season, with its 

pressures, close confines and focus 

on family-time, can sometimes be 

the final straw in the breakdown 

of a marriage. Getting divorced 

after the Christmas season can be 

emotionally challenging, but it’s 

important to approach the process 

with a clear understanding of your 

rights and responsibilities. In the UK, 

divorce proceedings are governed 

by family law, and the process 

typically involves several steps: 

REFLECT ON YOUR 

DECISION 

Before initiating divorce 

proceedings, take some time to 

reflect on your decision. Divorce 

is a significant life event, and it’s 

essential to be sure that it’s the 

right step for you. Consider seeking 

counselling or support from friends 

and family to help you navigate your 

emotions. 

CONSULT WITH A 

SOLICITOR 

Once you are certain about your 

decision to divorce, it’s advisable 

to consult with a solicitor who 

specialises in family law. A solicitor 

can provide you with legal advice 

and guide you through the divorce 

process, helping you understand 

your rights and obligations. 

FILLING OUT THE 

DIVORCE APPLICATION 

Your solicitor will assist you in 

completing the divorce application. 

This document is then filed with the 

court, along with the appropriate fee. 

SERVE THE DIVORCE 

APPLICATION 

The divorce application must be 

served on your spouse, who will 

have the opportunity to respond. 

This is usually done online or by 

post. Your solicitor can help ensure 

this step is carried out correctly. 

FINANCIAL 

SETTLEMENT 

Alongside the divorce proceedings, 

it’s essential to address financial 

matters, including the division 

of assets, property, and financial 

support. You may wish to attend 

mediation sessions to reach an 

agreement or via solicitors. If an 

agreement cannot be reached, an 

application to court can be made 

and the court can make a decision 

based on the circumstances. 

CHILD 

ARRANGEMENTS AND 

SUPPORT 

If you have children, it’s crucial 

to decide on arrangements for 

them and child support as soon 

as possible. The court’s primary 

concern is the best interests of 

the children, and it’s typically best 

if both parents can agree these 

matters through mediation or 

negotiation. The sooner these are 

settled, the better for your children. 

ATTEND COURT 

HEARINGS 

Depending on the complexity of 

your case and whether you and 

your spouse can agree on the 

terms, you may need to attend 

court hearings. These hearings will 

address any outstanding issues 

related to financial matters and 

child arrangements. 

CONDITIONAL ORDER 

AND FINAL ORDER 

After the court grants a Conditional 

Order, there is a waiting period of 

at least six weeks before you can 

apply for the Final Order, which 

finalizes the divorce. 

MOVING FORWARD 

After obtaining the Final Order, 

your marriage will be legally 

dissolved. Take this time to focus 

on your emotional healing, seek 

support from friends and family, 

and begin planning for your future. 

Getting divorced after Christmas 

or any time of the year can be 

a difficult process, but with the 

right legal advice and emotional 

support, you can navigate it 

successfully. Remember that every 

divorce is unique, and the specific 

steps and timeline may vary 

depending on your circumstances. 

Consulting with a qualified solicitor 

is essential to ensure that you 

understand and meet all legal 

requirements in the UK. 


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ISI INSPECTION 

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in all areas 

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a tour and have a glimpse 

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

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“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 


NURTURING 

RESILIENCE: 

GUIDING CHILDREN 

THROUGH ENTRANCE 

EXAM STRESS 

As the academic landscape 

becomes increasingly 

competitive, children face 

unprecedented levels of stress, 

particularly when preparing 

for entrance exams. Nurturing 

their emotional well-being is 

essential to ensure a balanced 

and healthy approach to these 

challenges. 

Firstly, it’s crucial for parents and 

schools/colleges to create an open 

dialogue with children about their 

feelings and fears regarding exams. 

Encouraging them to express 

themselves fosters emotional 

intelligence and helps alleviate 

anxiety. Parents can play a pivotal 

role in providing a supportive 

environment, emphasising that 

mistakes are opportunities for 

growth rather than reasons for 

disappointment. 

Establishing a structured study and 

revision routine is another effective 

strategy. Breaking down study 

sessions into manageable chunks 

not only enhances concentration 

but also prevents burnout. Regular 

breaks for recreational activities or 

relaxation can refresh a child’s mind 

and maintain a positive mindset. 

Teaching mindfulness techniques 

can equip children with valuable 

tools to manage stress. Breathing 

exercises, meditation, or simple 

yoga routines can help them stay 

focused and calm amidst the 

pressures of exam preparation. 

These practices contribute to 

overall well-being and resilience. 

Encouraging a healthy lifestyle is 

essential during exam periods. 

A balanced diet, sufficient sleep, 

and regular exercise significantly 

impact cognitive function and 

emotional stability. Parents should 

be attentive to signs of excessive 

stress and intervene if necessary, 

ensuring a harmonious balance 

between academic rigor and 

personal well-being. 

In conclusion, helping children 

cope with entrance exam 

stress involves fostering open 

communication, implementing 

effective study habits, introducing 

mindfulness techniques, and 

prioritising a healthy lifestyle. By 

adopting a holistic approach, 

parents and educators can guide 

children through the challenges of 

exam preparation, nurturing their 

resilience and preparing them for 

success in both academic and 

emotional spheres. 


CARING IN 

THE COST OF 

LIVING 

The current economic 

climate has caused a rise 

in the cost of living for 

everyone, including the costs 

associated with owning a fourlegged 

friend... 

IF YOU ARE REALLY 

STRUGGLING TO 

PAY FOR YOUR DOG 

FOOD YOU SHOULD 

CONSIDER GOING TO 

A FOOD BANK FOR 

DOGS, YOU CAN CHECK 

ONLINE TO FIND THE 

CLOSEST ONE TO YOU 

Research from The Kennel Club, as part 

of its Be Puppywise campaign* revealed 

that 40 per cent of owners are worried 

about how they will continue to care for 

their dog if the cost of living continues to 

rise, while equally, 30 per cent don’t know 

if they can afford to keep their dog if the 

current economic climate continues. 

The Kennel Club has shared some useful 

advice to answer questions that might be 

on your mind. 

COULD I BE MORE CAREFUL 

WITH MY DOG SPENDING? 

There are a number of different costs 

associated with caring for a dog, some 

are regular and some can be more 

unpredictable, here are a few tips to be 

savvy with savings: 

1. Shop the sales – When it comes 

to regular purchases like dog food 

or treats, consider buying in bulk to 

get discounts. Or try out different 

brands of food that cost less - be 

sure to make this change slowly 

as switching to avoid an upset 

stomach for your pup. 

2. Get cooking – Small bags of 

gourmet treats can easily tot up 

your grocery bill, if you want to 

reward your dog with something 

special, try making your own treats, 

The Kennel Club website has lots 

of healthy recipes that are easy to 

follow with simple ingredients. 

3. Get thrifty – When it comes to 

essential kit for your dog like leads 

or crates try buying second hand 

instead, it is cheaper and good for 

the environment! For some free 

entertainment, The Kennel Club 

website has lots of free games and 

ideas for making your own toys out 

of items you will probably have lying 

around the house! 

I’M WORRIED ABOUT MY VET 

BILL? 

Vet visits can be expensive for routine 

check-ups and the more unpredictable 

accidents. The health and welfare of your 

dog is always a priority so it is important 

to never avoid veterinary care, however, 

there are some steps you can take to try 

minimise the trips to the vet: 

1. Keep your pup healthy – Some 

common health problems such 

as gum disease, ear infections, 

obesity and overgrown nails can be 

prevented through: 

• Regularly grooming your dog, 

including brushing their fur and 

teeth 

• Keep them fit with regular exercise, 

you can check how much exercise 

is needed for your specific breed 

on The Kennel Club website 

thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds-a-to-z/ 

• Read your dog food labels and 

check your portion size is correct 

2. Keep your pup insured – 

Sometimes the unpreventable 

happens and a surprise visit to the 

vets can be a big blow to the bank. 

For this reason it is important to 

have the safety of pet insurance 

which will considerably reduce the 

amount you have to pay. Insurance 

companies require you to pay 

a monthly fee for a policy that 

will cover a variety of issues and 

treatments and is an investment 

that can save you in the future. You 

can find out more about The Kennel 

Club’s Insurance here: 

3. kcinsurance.co.uk 

CAREFUL CONSIDERATION 

The Kennel Club always urges anyone 

considering becoming a dog-owner to 

carefully think about whether they are 

ready to make the lifelong commitment 

of caring and providing for a dog – 

this includes being prepared for the 

unpredictable like economic changes or 

unexpected veterinary costs. However, 

sometimes things change and if you 

already own a dog and have tried all 

options, you may have to face the 

incredibly hard decision on whether to 

give up your pet. The Kennel Club urges 

anyone going through this to contact a 

Breed Club or Breed Rescue who can 

help inform you on the next steps to 

make sure every dog remains healthy and 

happy throughout the process. You can 

find contact details for Breed Rescues 

here: thekennelclub.org.uk/findarescue 

The Kennel Club has created a dedicated 

cost of living advice and information hub 

on its website: 

thekennelclub.org.uk/costofliving 


Volunteers 

Needed! 

We rescue and rehome dogs. 

Chloe 

Manolo 

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 

Tyrion 

Pesto 

Please call to book an appointment to visit 

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary is a small independent animal 

rescue organisation. We do not operate a ‘walk around’ 

option as we believe that an interview process helps 

determine the right companion for you. 

Registered Charity: 256728 | Established 1958 

Tel: 01344 882689 | pineridgedogs@yahoo.co.uk 

Priory Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 8RJ 

10% OFF 

with code Hants 

Happy Woofs Natural Treats: Tail-wagging joy for puppies 

and dogs of all ages. Elevate training with high-value 

rewards and enjoy long-lasting chews that calm, support 

dental health, and nourish their microbiome of your dog. 

HAPPY WOOFS: BECAUSE ‘SIT’ HAPPENS, MAKE TREAT TIME PAW-SITIVELY NATURAL!! 

WWW.HAPPYWOOFS.CO.UK 


ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Navigating the Aisles: 

A Comprehensive Guide to Planning Your Dream Wedding 

Planning a wedding is an exhilarating 

journey, filled with excitement, romance, 

and the promise of a lifetime together 

– but ‘wedmin’ can take over and the 

path to marital bliss is paved with careful 

planning and budget considerations. 

In this article, we will explore essential 

aspects of planning a wedding, including 

budget considerations, questions to ask 

vendors, and upcoming trends. 

Budget Considerations 

Before diving into the intricate details of 

wedding planning, it’s crucial to establish 

a realistic budget. Begin by identifying 

your priorities - whether it’s a lavish 

venue, a gourmet menu, or a stunning 

gown. Allocate funds accordingly, 

ensuring you have a clear understanding 

of your financial boundaries. Consider 

additional expenses such as 

transportation, accommodation, and 

unforeseen costs. 

To make the most of your budget, 

explore alternative options for venues 

and vendors. Many couples are now 

opting for unconventional spaces like 

historic barns, art galleries, or even 

family gardens for their celebrations. 

Additionally, mid-week weddings can 

often be more cost-effective than 

weekend affairs. Be transparent with your 

vendors about your budget constraints, 

as they may have creative solutions to 

help you achieve your vision without 

breaking the bank. 

Questions to Ask Vendors 

Choosing the right vendors is crucial to a 

seamless wedding day. When meeting with 

potential suppliers, ask these key questions 

to ensure you’re on the same page: 

1. Availability: Confirm that your 

chosen vendors are available on 

your wedding date. Popular vendors 

often get booked months or even 

years in advance. 

2. Pricing and Packages: Request 

detailed pricing information, 

including any hidden costs. Inquire 

about package deals that may offer 

better value for your budget. 

3. Experience: Ask about the vendor’s 

experience and request references 

from previous clients. A seasoned 

professional is more likely to handle 

unexpected challenges with grace. 

4. Contracts and Policies: Review 

contracts thoroughly, paying 

attention to cancellation policies, 

payment schedules, and any other 

terms and conditions. 

5. Collaboration: Discuss how the 

vendor collaborates with other 

professionals involved in your 

wedding. Communication between 

different suppliers is crucial for a 

coordinated and stress-free event. 

Upcoming Trends 

Wedding trends in the UK are constantly 

evolving, reflecting changing tastes 

and cultural influences. Here are some 

upcoming trends to keep an eye on: 

1. Sustainable Weddings: With 

environmental consciousness on the 

rise, couples are increasingly opting 

for eco-friendly weddings. This trend 

includes sustainable decor, locally 

sourced food, and even attire made 

from ethical materials. 

2. Micro Weddings: Smaller, intimate 

weddings have become a popular 

choice, allowing couples to focus on 

meaningful connections with their 

closest friends and family. 

3. Virtual Elements: Incorporating 

virtual elements, such as livestreamed 

ceremonies for remote 

guests, is a trend that emerged 

during the global pandemic and 

continues to gain popularity. 

4. Bold Colour Palettes: Couples 

are moving away from traditional 

pastels, embracing bold and vibrant 

colour schemes to add personality 

and uniqueness to their celebrations. 

Conclusion 

Planning a wedding in the UK is an 

exciting journey that requires careful 

consideration of budget, vendor selection, 

and emerging trends. By approaching 

the process with thoughtful planning 

and an open mind, couples can create a 

celebration that reflects their love story 

while staying within their means. Cheers 

to the beginning of a beautiful lifelong 

adventure! 


Winter Weddings 

AT THE ELVETHAM 


Are you ready to embark on a journey of love and 

enchantment this winter season? Look no further than 

The Elvetham Hotel for your perfect wedding celebration. 

Nestled amidst acres of pristine 

landscapes, our charming country 

house hotel transforms into a winter 

wonderland that dreams are made of. 

Imagine exchanging vows in front of a 

roaring fireplace, or under a sparkling 

canopy of stars in our enchanting 

gardens. 

Our experienced team is dedicated to 

making your winter wedding dreams 

come true. We offer a variety of 

breathtaking event spaces that can 

be adapted to match your unique 

style. Warm, inviting, and filled with 

character – just like your love story. 

After a day of celebration, your guests 

can retire to one of our elegant rooms 

situated within the hotel grounds. 

Wake up and reminisce with family and 

friends over breakfast overlooking the 

stunning formal gardens. 

Book your 2024 wedding at The 

Elvetham before 31st March 2024 

and you can enjoy two complimentary 

bridal changing rooms to host the 

bride and groom. Spend the night 

before and morning of your special day 

in elegance and comfort* 

Contact us to secure your date for a wedding that will be remembered and cherished forever, email 

our weddings team at wedding weddingoffice@elvethamhotel.co.uk, call 01252 844 871 or visit 

www.elvethamhotel.co.uk/weddings 


*Room is subject to availability and may not be the room pictured.

Photographer: Tell Your Story 

A beautiful, fairytale wedding venue in Berkshire 

Set in 250 acres of beautiful countryside, the Mansion House at De Vere Wokefield Estate is the 

perfect setting for your dream day. Choose to say your vows outside under the eaves of our 

Wedding Pavilion or say “I do” in one of the stunning spaces inside this Grade II listed Mansion. 

With over 300 bedrooms, including 12 luxury suites, across the Estate, get in touch today to find 

out more about holding your wedding day at De Vere Wokefield Estate. 

www.devere.co.uk/wokefield-estate | 0118 933 4019 | wokefield.weddings@devere.com 

Goodboys Lane, Mortimer, Reading, RG7 3AE

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. 

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 

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 



Amilla Water-sports 

“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.” 

Patina Maldives 



Fresh at Amilla 

Amilla Sunset Villa 

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. 

Best for: Barefoot Luxury, 

Nature Lovers 

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. 

Amilla Water Villa 

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. 

For those looking for something 

completely different with their 

Maldives stay, they even have a 

treetop villa with a gorgeous pool 

- you feel immersed in the jungle, 

wild, ultra-luxurious and completely 

secluded. 

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. It is also a turtle nesting site 

- the team have an onsite marine 

biologist who ensures that these 

endangered creatures can nest in 

peace and safety. 

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 eggs are 

fresh, thanks to the hens at Amilla’s 

‘Cluckingham Palace’. 

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 

VARU Water Villa 

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 jetty protrusions - these 

jetties house the pristine water 

villas. With enormous doors from 

the bedroom and the ensuite, you 

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 

VARU Pool 

VARU Water Villa

Kanifushi Water Villas 

Kanifushi Grand Pool Villa 

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 this slice of 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 

Best for: Guest Entertainment, 

Seclusion 

ATMOSPHERE 

KANIFUSHI 

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 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. 

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. 

The distance between the 

restaurants on such a rangy island 

would be a challenge, but there’s a 

regular free shuttle running up and 

down the island, or guests can grab 

some bikes to be able to cover the 

distance on two wheels. Of course, 

the added benefit of its size is, that 

other than breakfast at the large 

main restaurant, you’ll be blissfully 

unaware of how many other guests 

Kanifushi Grand Pool Villa 

are staying. 

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, it really 

is special. 

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 


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. 

California Walnut 

Mince Chilli 

SERVES 4 

INGREDIENTS 

100 g California Walnuts 


1 tbsp oil 






400 g can red kidney beans drained 

and rinsed 


rinsed 


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. 

Chilli 

California 

Walnut Nachos 

SERVES 4 

INGREDIENTS 

100 g California Walnuts plus 

extra to serve 


1 tbsp oil 






400 g can red kidney beans 

drained and rinsed 


rinsed 


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. 

For more delicious recipes visit: 

www.californiawalnuts.co.uk 


oof Page 

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If a specific colour is required, please inform us of the Pantone reference number. 

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SMILE PUBLICATIONS LIMITED, 3 WHEELWRIGHTS YARD, THE STREET, HATFIELD PEVEREL, CHELMSFORD, ESSEX. CM3 2EA TEL: 01

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 


28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

CRL Stone Quartz worktops in 

Verona; Hotpoint Venting Hob

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 


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 

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 


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. 

Enhance Do you need your shelter outdoor and living shade? 

space 

COME AND VISIT OUR BORDON SHOWROOM 

Verandas • Glass • Rooms • Awnings • • Pergolas 

Carports • Solar • Garage Doors & Shutters & Shutters 

25% off 

ALL DOORS 

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

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


eechdown club 

LIVE 

life 

BETTER 

Visit our website 

beechdown.co.uk 

Call us on 

01256 36 22 22 

@beechdownclub 

Find us at 

Winchester Rd 

RG22 4ES

North Hampshire Lifestyle Jan - Feb 2024

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