Stratford-upon-Avon Living May - Jun 2024
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YOUR FREE COPY MAY/JUNE <strong>2024</strong><br />
living<br />
that’s<br />
SHALLOT<br />
Celebratory recipes with<br />
this humble vegetable<br />
Cyrus<br />
TODIWALA<br />
easy summer<br />
STYLE<br />
Winning looks for a<br />
stylish summer<br />
WIN<br />
A GARDEN LOUNGE<br />
SET, LUXURY<br />
SWIMWEAR, KITCHEN<br />
& BATHROOM<br />
ACCESSORIES &<br />
MORE<br />
We catch up with<br />
the renowned chef<br />
Calm &<br />
COSY<br />
A living room transformation to<br />
inspire your renovation<br />
FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • INTERVIEWS • TRAVEL
30 APR – 4 MAY<br />
30 Apr – 4 <strong>May</strong><br />
14 – 18 MAY<br />
20 MAY– 1 JUNE<br />
31 MAY – 1 JUNE<br />
30 Apr – 4 <strong>May</strong> 30 Apr – 4 <strong>May</strong><br />
21 – 22 JUNE<br />
26 JUNE<br />
Book now belgrade.co.uk
C O N T E N T S<br />
A NOTE<br />
from the editor<br />
16<br />
RECIPES CELEBRATING SHALLOTS<br />
Ah, <strong>May</strong> and <strong>Jun</strong>e in the UK<br />
– the seasons of blooming<br />
flowers, endless cups of tea,<br />
and magazines filled with<br />
delightful reads - well, we<br />
hope you agree!<br />
As the sun starts to peek<br />
out from behind the clouds,<br />
this edition is bursting with<br />
stories to put a spring in your<br />
step and a smile on your<br />
face.<br />
04<br />
COMPETITIONS<br />
On the home front we have<br />
a living/diner transformation<br />
to really inspire you - with<br />
most of the work undertaken<br />
by the homeowners<br />
themselves! It’s a calm and<br />
welcoming space - perfect if<br />
you like things more neutral.<br />
On the foodie front we have<br />
some recipes celebrating an<br />
unsung hero - the flavourpacked<br />
shallot. Who knew<br />
that this versatile little root<br />
veg could be used in so<br />
many different ways!<br />
LIVING ROOM RENO<br />
Editor Katie Thomson<br />
e katie@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
Assistant Editor Kate Norris<br />
Publisher Sally Thomson<br />
Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose<br />
Contributors<br />
Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,<br />
Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence<br />
FOR ADVERTISING<br />
Account Manager Marion Cassidy<br />
e marion@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
t 01225 984502<br />
Front Cover Courtesy of Fatface<br />
21<br />
RETIREMENT PLANNING<br />
28<br />
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS<br />
Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,<br />
Hilperton BA14 6JB<br />
t 01225 984 550<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />
Printed on sustainably sourced paper.<br />
Please recycle this copy or pass it along<br />
when you are finished for someone else<br />
to enjoy.<br />
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be<br />
held liable for any loss occasioned by<br />
failure of an advertisement to appear, or<br />
any damage or inconvenience caused by<br />
errors, omissions and misprints. No part of<br />
this publication may be reproduced without<br />
prior permission from the publishers.<br />
The opinions expressed within are not<br />
necessarily those of the publishers.<br />
If you are looking to shake up<br />
your wardrobe a little as the<br />
mercury rises, check out our<br />
summer style guide - we are<br />
all about those easy-breezy<br />
pieces that still make you<br />
looked pulled together.<br />
Our later life guide sees an<br />
insightful guide to retirement<br />
accommodation - perfect<br />
if you’re considering those<br />
next big steps.<br />
We will be back again in the<br />
height of summer - hopefully<br />
having already had some<br />
lovely sunshine and looking<br />
forward to some wonderful<br />
July and August scorchers<br />
ahead. See you then!<br />
Katie<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3
Time<br />
COMPETITION<br />
Find out more about entering our competitions online<br />
at minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions - join our<br />
Competition Club and enter over 60 comps a year for<br />
only £12.99! Or enter for free by post.<br />
All the below close on 15th July <strong>2024</strong><br />
WIN A FINAMILL<br />
RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC<br />
PEPPER MILL & SPICE<br />
GRINDER BUNDLE!<br />
Fall in love with freshly-ground spices<br />
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WIN ONE OF 3 METHVEN<br />
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WIN A ULLEHUSE 6-SEATER<br />
GARDEN LOUNGE SET IN GREY<br />
WORTH £949.99 FROM JYSK<br />
Get summer ready with the help<br />
of JYSK. The best-selling JYSK<br />
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WIN CLASSIC<br />
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Shop online at bundlebeds.com<br />
Keyword ‘Bundle Bed’<br />
WIN A GIN TASTING SESSION<br />
AND BOTTLE OF ARTISAN GIN<br />
You have the chance to win one of<br />
four pairs of Gin Tasting Experience<br />
vouchers plus a 50cl bottle of one<br />
of Warwickshire Gin Company’s six<br />
signature gins in a prize worth £77.<br />
The inspiration behind the awardwinning<br />
craft distillery’s portfolio of<br />
artisan premium spirits, comes from a<br />
desire to capture a moment in history,<br />
developing flavours to fully represent the<br />
county’s own unique story and bringing<br />
the range of hand-crafted flavours to life.<br />
Find out more at:<br />
warwickshiregincompany.co.uk<br />
Keyword ‘Warwickshire Gin’<br />
WIN ANITA ROSA FAIA<br />
SWIMWEAR<br />
One lucky winner will win the Anita<br />
Rosa Secret <strong>Jun</strong>gle Elouise Soft Cup<br />
Swimsuit (size 10-12) and cover up, two<br />
runners up will receive another costume<br />
from the Secret <strong>Jun</strong>gle collection.<br />
With practical and decorative zip front<br />
opening for a customised design and fit,<br />
it’s made with Lycra Xtra Life fibre so it’s<br />
long lasting. The wire-free cups are kept<br />
in a powernet shelf with wide underbust<br />
elastic for an extra bust support.<br />
Comes with low cut rounded back and<br />
adjustable straps for ease of dressing.<br />
Find out more at Amplebosom.com<br />
Keyword ‘Anita Rosa’<br />
4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
SATURDAY 7 th SEPTEMBER <strong>2024</strong><br />
SCAN THE QR CODE TO<br />
BUY SHOW TICKETS!<br />
BUY TICKETS ONLINE:<br />
www.moretonshow.co.uk<br />
or call 01608 651908<br />
FREE<br />
Saturday 7th September <strong>2024</strong><br />
Car<br />
Parking<br />
Fun for all the family: The Shetland Pony Grand National,<br />
Premium Livestock Showing, Arena Eventing Competition,<br />
Fun in Farmtastic, Sheep Shearing Competitions, Top Show Jumping,<br />
Rural Crafts, Fabulous British Food & lots of free activities for all to enjoy!<br />
NEW Attwell Farm Park Feature!<br />
Showground Opening Hours 8.30 - 17.30<br />
01.03.<strong>2024</strong> – 31.07.<strong>2024</strong> 01.08.<strong>2024</strong> – 06.09.<strong>2024</strong> Show Day<br />
Adult £27.50 £30.00 £35.00<br />
Child (5-15) £13.75 £15.00 £17.50<br />
Family (2 adults<br />
& up to 3 children)<br />
£68.75 £75.00 £87.50<br />
✩✩✩✩✩ THE TIMES<br />
✩✩✩✩✩ THE TELEGRAPH<br />
✩✩✩✩✩ THE INDEPENDENT<br />
✩✩✩✩✩ BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE<br />
“Pure Pleasure” THE GUARDIAN<br />
OZ & ARMONICO: ALE-LELUJAH<br />
23 <strong>May</strong> <strong>2024</strong> 7.30pm - Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa<br />
Join Britain’ s best-loved boozebrain on a Quest for the Holy Ale. Oz Clarke returns<br />
for another evening of music, mayhem and mild malt liquor. Mixing in a four<br />
thousand year<br />
- old Hymn to the Goddess of Beer, with Purcell’s ‘Drunken Poet’, Bach, Weelkes<br />
and some Hopular Hits of the Beerhalle, Oz will assiduously guide you from bar<br />
to bar.<br />
This programme will suit all palates, from part-time<br />
tipplers and querulous quaffers, to the upper echelons<br />
of the inebriati. WISH YOU WERE BEER!!<br />
Generously supported by Roger Medwell DL MBE, President<br />
of Armonico Consort<br />
Narrator Oz Clarke | Musicians William Towers,<br />
Christopher Monks & Eloise Irving plus guests<br />
THE FAIRY QUEEN – HENRY PURCELL<br />
27 <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 7.30pm Royal Pump Room, Leamington Spa<br />
For 15 years, Armonico Consort has been in demand by festivals in the UK and<br />
Europe to perform its inimitable version of Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas. The singers and<br />
actors of the company now turn their attention to Purcell’s greatest semi opera in a<br />
brand new semi staged version with a specially adapted script from Shakespeare’s<br />
‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ create for the first time a<br />
modern day retelling of both of these incredible works in<br />
one joyous evening!<br />
Armonico Consort will conjure up Purcell’s world of<br />
dreams and darkness, love and laughter in a not to be<br />
missed evening!<br />
This performance is generously supported by Hilary Eldridge,<br />
member of the Conductor’s Circle.<br />
Armonico Consort and Baroque Players | Narrators Oz Clarke & Laura Moretto<br />
Tickets: www.armonico.org.uk Registered charity no. 1103159<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 5
Park Home NEW StoneL <strong>2024</strong> WLG 171x246.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/<strong>2024</strong> 10:13 Page 1<br />
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F R I D A Y 1 9 T H J U L Y 2 0 2 4
ALL NEW<br />
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 9
S T Y L I S H<br />
Stays<br />
COOMBE ABBEY<br />
HOTEL warwickshire<br />
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Warwickshire, England,<br />
Combe Abbey Hotel stands as a beacon of history and luxury.<br />
Originally a 12th-century Cistercian monastery, it has evolved<br />
into a stunning hotel while retaining its historic charm and<br />
architectural grandeur.<br />
Guests are welcomed into a world of opulence and tranquillity,<br />
where every corner exudes elegance and sophistication. The<br />
hotel offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, from cosy<br />
rooms to indulgent suites, each meticulously appointed with<br />
modern amenities and picturesque views of the surrounding<br />
countryside. Iwona and Abbi were particularly welcoming and<br />
helpful, ensuring we had everything we needed for our stay.<br />
Culinary delights await at the hotel’s restaurants and bars,<br />
where guests can savour exquisite dishes crafted from locally<br />
sourced ingredients. The Garden Room Restaurant offers fine<br />
dining with a modern twist, while The Abbeygate Bar provides<br />
a more relaxed atmosphere for light bites and afternoon tea. If<br />
you fancy soaking up the opulence in your room, there is also<br />
an extensive Room Service Menu.<br />
Combe Abbey Hotel is also the perfect venue for weddings,<br />
celebrations, and special events. With its enchanting setting<br />
and experienced event planners, it promises unforgettable<br />
moments amidst the historic beauty of Warwickshire.<br />
Beyond the hotel’s walls, guests can explore the wonders of<br />
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In essence, Combe Abbey Hotel offers a timeless retreat<br />
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Warwickshire.<br />
Coombe Abbey Hotel, Brinklow Rd, Binley, Coventry<br />
CV3 2AB | coombeabbey.com<br />
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tetbury<br />
Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Tetbury, the Calcot Hotel<br />
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Moreover, the spa at Calcot Hotel is a sanctuary of tranquillity<br />
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The latest addition to the Calcot experience is the Grain Store,<br />
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wellness. This modern space features cutting-edge equipment<br />
and innovative fitness programmes tailored to every guest’s<br />
needs. From energising workouts to relaxing yoga sessions,<br />
the Grain Store offers a holistic approach to well-being,<br />
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In summary, the Calcot Hotel and Spa is a haven of<br />
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10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 11
O U T O F A F R I C A<br />
in the heart of Leicestershire<br />
Escapism. That’s been the fodder of<br />
my day dreams recently. I honestly<br />
feel like I haven’t taken a deep breath<br />
in months - I’m sure we can all relate<br />
to those stretches where life feels like<br />
a hamster wheel.<br />
Well, if that’s you too, I think I have<br />
the perfect antidote. I was recently<br />
invited to stay at a glamping tent with<br />
a difference - an Out of Africa-themed<br />
safari tent, nestled lakeside in the<br />
glorious surrounds of Brook Meadows<br />
Farm Camp Site.<br />
This is no ordinary tent though - inside<br />
the khaki canvas of the Marabou Safari<br />
Glamping Lodge you’ll find a kitchen<br />
with a fridge and a hob, a full bathroom<br />
with a luxury roll top bath, two double<br />
beds (including one mosquito netdraped<br />
four-poster), two tented singles<br />
and the absolute jewel in the crown - a<br />
bespoke cabin bed festooned with fairy<br />
lights. This bed caused literal squeals<br />
of delight with our accompanying sixyear-old,<br />
who bundled herself into the<br />
space immediately, declaring she never<br />
wanted to leave.<br />
The interior has been so thoughtfully<br />
conceived, with layered details - antique<br />
furniture, vintage glassware, quirky<br />
lighting and a vast array of jungleprinted<br />
velvets and cane detailing.<br />
Owner Claire’s eye for design is evident,<br />
and all the elements are functional as<br />
well as beautiful.<br />
We don’t necessarily equate camping<br />
with a good night’s sleep, but this is<br />
glamping, so the beds were supremely<br />
comfortable and the bedding cosy.<br />
We awoke well rested, to the distant<br />
moos of the farm’s cattle and dappled<br />
sunlight on the canvas.<br />
lake - who knew that waiting for the<br />
whistle of a stove-top kettle would<br />
be the needed prompt to take a deep<br />
breath. There’s something luxuriant<br />
and lovely about the necessity of<br />
camping, glamping or otherwise, to<br />
slow things down; you’re more mindful<br />
in everything that you do - from rolling<br />
up the canvas covers on the windows<br />
to lighting a fire, things take more time<br />
and that’s perfectly lovely.<br />
As well as being the heat source of<br />
the tent, the wood-burning stove was<br />
also our oven - we loved the elemental<br />
nature of it, not to mention the<br />
amazing flavour it gave our sausages!<br />
There’s a fire pit with cooking grill<br />
outside too - ready to make the most<br />
of the summer months.<br />
The farm is a working one, and we<br />
were treated to a talk about the calving<br />
season - even getting to see a calf that<br />
was only a day old. The farm is also<br />
home to a flock of happy hens, and<br />
owner Mary will help little visitors to<br />
collect the day’s eggs, some still warm<br />
in the nest. This connection to nature,<br />
and to food production, is so vital for<br />
children to understand, and the whole<br />
process is brought to life on the farm.<br />
Mary even discussed how the different<br />
chicken breeds produce varying<br />
colours of egg shells - something we<br />
were treated to in our own hamper.<br />
There’s lots to enjoy in and around the<br />
farm. Optional extras include a range of<br />
gorgeous handmade, locally sourced,<br />
hampers delivered fresh to the door;<br />
wood fired pizzas on site every<br />
Tuesday and Saturday and a coffee<br />
shop with artisan homemade coffee<br />
and cakes. As part of a working farm<br />
guests can take a 4x4 tour of farm or<br />
settle in on a straw bale for a Saturday<br />
night ‘moovie’ in the cowshed cinema.<br />
Brook Meadows have also partnered<br />
with local petting farm Mini Meadows<br />
to provide visitors to the lodges and<br />
tents with passes to enjoy.<br />
Many of us holiday with our four legged<br />
friends in tow - and your furry child will<br />
be well catered for with a little welcome<br />
pack of their own, featuring homebaked<br />
treats, rope toys and a natural<br />
nose and paw balm - you won’t be the<br />
only one feeling relaxed after a stay!<br />
If you are looking for a true retreat, in<br />
the most beautiful of surroundings, I’d<br />
implore you to book a stay at Brook<br />
Meadows - I know I’ll be back next time<br />
I need to take some time for myself.<br />
Katie Thomson and family stayed as a guest of Brook Meadow (01858 880886<br />
www.brookmeadow.co.uk). A four-night self-catering midweek stay in Marabou costs<br />
from £145 per night based on two people sharing. Add £15 per night per additional<br />
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camping pitches cost from £24 midweek and £26 Friday to Sunday or Electric<br />
camping pitches from £34 midweek and £36 Friday to Sunday. Cost includes one<br />
vehicle for 2 people and the pitch. Based on a two-night minimum stay at weekends.<br />
Mornings were slower, with a coffee<br />
taken out on the deck overlooking the<br />
Brook Meadow, The Wrongs Farm, Welford Road, Sibbertoft, Market Harborough<br />
Leicestershire, LE16 9UJ<br />
12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 13
Meet the Chef<br />
CYRUS<br />
TODIWALA<br />
The Three Counties Food and<br />
Drink Festival will be welcoming<br />
award-winning chef and author<br />
Cyrus Todiwala in their guest<br />
chef line-up on Sunday 28th July.<br />
Sally Thomson caught up with<br />
Cyrus to talk about his most<br />
recent cookery book and his visit<br />
to Worcestershire this summer.<br />
As an additional treat for our<br />
readers, Cyrus has kindly shared<br />
his classic Butter Chicken recipe<br />
with us.<br />
I understand that you are going<br />
to be involved with the Three<br />
Counties Food and Drink Festival<br />
in July, Have you done it before?<br />
No, not as yet, but I am looking<br />
forward to it. They caught me just in<br />
time before I made other plans.<br />
I understand that you were very<br />
much involved with your family<br />
cooking. So, did that trigger you<br />
love of cooking?<br />
Well, living in India you never<br />
thought of cooking as a profession?<br />
Now chefs have been glorified,<br />
they’ve got recognition, they’ve<br />
got exposure and there are now<br />
cooking programmes in India.<br />
In my days, if you opted to become<br />
a cook, you were considered an<br />
insult to a middle class family.<br />
Rather a disgrace more than<br />
anything else.<br />
When you entered the cooking<br />
profession you were fixated<br />
and decided that was want you<br />
wanted to do?<br />
Over a period of time, things like<br />
dyslexia or similar were treated<br />
as lethargy or laziness. There are<br />
certain things I just couldn’t do.<br />
One of them is maths, it didn’t gel<br />
with me.<br />
I’m a practical person so could<br />
have done a lot of things, but my<br />
tastebuds were good and my<br />
understanding of food evolved from<br />
childhood and over a period of time.<br />
What was the first dish that you<br />
made on your own?<br />
My first one was chapatis.<br />
We lived in what you call a joint<br />
family. My mother’s sister lived in<br />
one side of the house and we lived<br />
on the other side. My grand aunt<br />
used to make the most excellent<br />
chapatis. I used to help myself<br />
to them from her box. And with<br />
nobody else around I would take<br />
them and caramalise them with<br />
butter and sugar and then sell them<br />
to my cousins and my sister!<br />
Now your heritage, you have<br />
plethora of wonderful dishes, do<br />
you have one that you absolutely<br />
love or does it depend on your<br />
mood or is seasonality? Which is<br />
the one which makes your mouth<br />
water?<br />
As a child, one of the things I<br />
enjoyed most was my mother’s dish<br />
called eggs on potato. So we so<br />
coddled eggs on cumin flavoured<br />
potato. Do you know Ronnie<br />
O’Sullivan? He’s coming here for a<br />
class today so I’m going to teach<br />
him how to make that.<br />
We layer it up, we break a couple of<br />
eggs on top and we let them coddle<br />
nicely in the heat of the pan.<br />
In terms of your style of cooking<br />
is it Parsi cuisine?<br />
It was part of our upbringing as<br />
we are Zorastrians. Our religion is<br />
the oldest monotheistic religion in<br />
the world. We predate Christianity<br />
by about two and a half thousand<br />
years. We had to flee Persia from<br />
the occupation, and we had to seek<br />
refuge and the closest was India. But<br />
I do enjoy living here. Meanwhile I’m<br />
in love with the world.<br />
THE THREE COUNTIES<br />
FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL<br />
As well as cookery demonstrations<br />
from Cyrus, the festival will<br />
showcase over 160 traders<br />
showcasing food, drink, gifts,<br />
crafts, garden products, and<br />
delicious street food and bars.<br />
There’s a full menu of family<br />
entertainment including a cookery<br />
school for kids, live music and<br />
more cookery masterclasses from<br />
Phil Vickery, Rachel Allen, and<br />
Marcus Bean, as well as Bake-Off<br />
favourites, Matty Edgell and Dan<br />
Hunter. www.threecounties.co.uk<br />
14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
BUTTER<br />
CHICKEN<br />
MASALA<br />
The classic Butter Chicken from<br />
North India, Chicken Makhani, is<br />
a bit different from as well as a bit<br />
more subtle than this. The Butter<br />
Chicken Masala of Bombay is so<br />
well known it does not even have<br />
any other Indian term for it. Ideally<br />
use the cooked Chicken Tikka<br />
recipe from my book, but you<br />
could instead marinate 4 cubed<br />
chicken breasts in 4 heaped<br />
tablespoons of thick plain yoghurt<br />
with 1 tablespoon of tandoori<br />
paste and then grill it like the tikka.<br />
Butter Chicken in Bombay was<br />
made famous by the one and only<br />
Delhi Durbar restaurant. Please do<br />
not think of calories when cooking<br />
this dish as the word does not<br />
exist here! Serves 4<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
40g/3 tbsp butter<br />
2tsp chilli powder<br />
1tsp caster sugar<br />
½ tsp salt<br />
200g tomato puree<br />
juice of ½ lime<br />
5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) piece of fresh<br />
ginger, grated or finely chopped<br />
1 heaped tsp cumin seeds,<br />
toasted and ground<br />
2–3 green chillies, finely chopped<br />
(plus 1–2 extra split and added for<br />
flavour, optional)<br />
200ml double cream<br />
Chicken Tikka (see recipe intro)<br />
1 heaped tbsp chopped coriander<br />
MEHTOD<br />
Heat the butter in a kadai, wok<br />
or large deep frying pan until it<br />
foams. Remove from the heat and<br />
add the chilli powder, sugar and<br />
salt, stir well and put back onto<br />
the heat, stirring and cooking for a<br />
minute or so, then add the tomato<br />
pure and lime juice and cook for<br />
2 minutes over a low heat, stirring<br />
well.<br />
Add the ginger, half the cumin and<br />
the chopped chillies and cook<br />
over a low heat until the butter<br />
separates slightly. Add the split<br />
chillies, if using, and the cream<br />
and simmer for 6–8 minutes.<br />
Discard the split chillies.<br />
Add the cooked chicken tikka<br />
meat, and heat through until<br />
piping hot. Taste and re-season,<br />
if necessary. Sprinkle with the<br />
chopped coriander and the<br />
remaining toasted ground cumin.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15
That’s Shallot<br />
UK Shallot help us celebrate this unsung hero! Find<br />
more recipes at: ukshallot.com<br />
SALMON AND<br />
SHALLOT<br />
TANDOORI<br />
SKEWERS<br />
These tandoori salmon skewers are<br />
the perfect BBQ recipe for summer,<br />
or they can also be grilled indoors<br />
on a griddle pan if it’s a classic<br />
British summer of rain!<br />
Serves: 4<br />
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus<br />
up to 60 minutes marinating time)<br />
Cooking Time: 10 minutes<br />
For the quick pickled shallots<br />
4 round shallots, peeled and finely<br />
sliced<br />
125ml water<br />
125ml white wine vinegar<br />
½ tsp fennel seeds<br />
½ tsp cumin seeds<br />
1 tbsp table salt<br />
2 tbsp golden caster sugar<br />
For the skewers<br />
4 skinless salmon fillets (about 125g<br />
each)<br />
2 round shallots, finely chopped<br />
1 large garlic clove, grated<br />
2.5cm piece of fresh ginger,<br />
grated<br />
Juice of 1 lime<br />
100g Greek yoghurt<br />
1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder<br />
1 tsp ground turmeric<br />
1 tsp ground cumin<br />
2 tsp ground coriander<br />
2 tsp smoked paprika<br />
Salt and pepper, to taste<br />
Vegetable oil<br />
To serve<br />
4 naan breads<br />
4 tbsp raita<br />
2 tbsp coriander leaves<br />
1 long green chilli, finely sliced<br />
Lime halves<br />
Prepare the quick pickled shallots.<br />
Place the sliced shallots in a clean<br />
bowl. Put the water, wine vinegar,<br />
fennel and cumin seeds, salt<br />
and sugar into a small pan over<br />
a medium heat and stir until the<br />
sugar and salt are fully dissolved.<br />
Pour the hot pickling liquor over<br />
the shallots and leave to cool<br />
slightly. Cover the bowl and place<br />
in the fridge to pickle.<br />
To prepare the salmon, cut<br />
each fillet into 4 equal-sized<br />
chunks. Place the chunks<br />
in a bowl with the chopped<br />
shallots, garlic, ginger and<br />
lime juice and mix well.<br />
In another bowl, mix the<br />
yoghurt with the spices and<br />
some salt and pepper. Add<br />
this spiced yoghurt to the<br />
salmon and mix well again.<br />
Leave to marinate in a cool<br />
place for at least 20 minutes,<br />
or up to an hour.<br />
Once marinated, thread the<br />
salmon onto your skewers.<br />
Brush the hot barbecue or<br />
griddle pan lightly with a little<br />
vegetable oil then lay the<br />
skewers on it. Cook for 2–3<br />
minutes on each side until<br />
golden brown and lightly<br />
charred. Meanwhile, warm<br />
the<br />
naan on a low heat in the oven.<br />
Once cooked, transfer the skewers<br />
to a warm plate.<br />
Spread the naans with a tablespoon<br />
each of raita. Top with a salmon<br />
skewer. Scatter over the pickled<br />
shallots, some coriander and sliced<br />
green chilli. Serve with lime halves<br />
for squeezing over.<br />
CHAAT MASALA<br />
POTATOES AND<br />
SHALLOTS<br />
Sweet and crunchy, raw echalions<br />
shallots marry perfectly with crispy<br />
new potatoes, cold yoghurt and a<br />
zingy dressing in this fresh Indianinspired<br />
salad.<br />
Serves: 4<br />
Preparation Time: 10 minutes<br />
Cooking Time: 35 minutes<br />
For the potatoes<br />
750g baby new potatoes, cut<br />
lengthways into 1cm thick slices<br />
2 tbsp olive oil<br />
1 tsp chaat masala<br />
½ tsp ground turmeric<br />
Salt and pepper, to taste<br />
250g thick Greek yoghurt<br />
1 echalion, thinly sliced on a<br />
mandolin or by hand<br />
1 green chilli, thinly sliced<br />
1½ tsp coriander seeds, toasted<br />
1½ tsp nigella seeds, toasted<br />
For the coriander chutney
30g fresh coriander, reserving a few<br />
for garnish<br />
1 green chilli, deseeded and roughly<br />
chopped<br />
1 tbsp lime juice<br />
4 tbsp olive oil<br />
Salt<br />
To serve<br />
1½ tbsp shop-bought tamarind<br />
paste<br />
1½ tsp caster sugar<br />
¼ tsp chaat masala<br />
Preheat the oven to 200°C fan. Put<br />
a large pan of salted water on to<br />
boil. Once boiling add the potatoes<br />
and cook for 4-5 minutes until<br />
cooked through. Drain the potatoes.<br />
Add the potatoes to a large baking<br />
tray – drizzle with the 2 tbsp oil,<br />
and top with the chaat masala,<br />
turmeric and seasoning. Toss<br />
to mix thoroughly. Roast in the<br />
oven, stirring once or twice, for 35<br />
minutes, or until deeply golden.<br />
Meanwhile, make the coriander<br />
chutney. Put all the ingredients into<br />
a food processor or blender and<br />
blitz until smooth. Set aside.<br />
To make the tamarind dressing,<br />
whisk together all the ingredients in<br />
a small bowl with 1½ teaspoons of<br />
water until the sugar is dissolved.<br />
Set aside.<br />
Spread the yoghurt on a large<br />
serving platter. Top with half the<br />
coriander chutney, swirling it through<br />
without completely incorporating.<br />
Drizzle with half of the tamarind<br />
dressing, and top with the potatoes,<br />
shallot and chilli. Drizzle over the<br />
remaining coriander chutney and<br />
tamarind dressing, then sprinkle<br />
over the toasted seeds and reserved<br />
coriander leaves and serve.<br />
CHICKEN,<br />
SHALLOT AND<br />
CASHEW CURRY<br />
This warming, fragrant chicken curry<br />
is the perfect dish to cook over the<br />
weekend when you have a little bit<br />
more time. Serve with rice, chapatis<br />
and pickles for a delicious feast.<br />
Serves: 4<br />
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus<br />
2 hours marinating time and 30<br />
minutes soaking)<br />
Cooking Time: 45<br />
minutes<br />
For the chicken<br />
2 tbsp Greek yoghurt<br />
2 tsp turmeric<br />
Salt and pepper, to taste<br />
800g skinless bone-in chicken<br />
thighs and drumsticks<br />
2 tsp vegetable oil<br />
6 cloves<br />
1 cinnamon stick<br />
120g round shallots, peeled and<br />
finely chopped<br />
1 tsp sugar<br />
100ml warm water<br />
½ tsp ground cardamom<br />
For the cashew paste:<br />
75g cashew nuts<br />
5cm piece of ginger, peeled and<br />
roughly chopped<br />
2 green chillies<br />
For the temper:<br />
1 tbsp vegetable oil<br />
2 round shallots, peeled and thinly<br />
sliced<br />
30g cashew nuts<br />
1 tsp mustard seeds<br />
10 curry leaves<br />
Put the yoghurt, turmeric and salt<br />
and pepper in a bowl and stir to<br />
combine. Mix through the chicken,<br />
cover and leave in the fridge to<br />
marinate for at least 2 hours.<br />
Meanwhile, make the cashew paste.<br />
Soak the cashews in 100ml of<br />
warm water<br />
for half an hour. Put the cashews<br />
and their liquid in a blender with<br />
the ginger and chillies, blitzing to a<br />
smooth paste.<br />
Heat the 2 teaspoons of vegetable<br />
oil in a large, lidded saucepan on<br />
a medium heat. Add the cloves<br />
and cinnamon and let sizzle for a<br />
couple of minutes until fragrant.<br />
Add the shallots and cook, stirring<br />
often, until golden – around 6<br />
minutes.<br />
Add the chicken and fry for 8<br />
minutes until seared all over.<br />
Lower the heat, add the sugar, a<br />
pinch of salt and 100ml of water.<br />
Cover and simmer for 20 minutes,<br />
stirring halfway through. Stir in the<br />
cashew paste, simmer for a further<br />
5 minutes, add the cardamom, and<br />
take the pot off the heat.<br />
Allow the curry to rest whilst<br />
making the temper – heat the 1<br />
tbsp oil in a small frying pan on a<br />
medium heat. Add the shallots and<br />
cook for five minutes until starting<br />
to turn golden. Add the cashews<br />
and fry for a further 2 minutes.<br />
Add the mustard seeds and curry<br />
leaves, cook for 30 seconds. Pour<br />
the temper over the curry and serve<br />
with rice or chapati.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 17
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19
HOW TO MAKE SUMMER BATHROOM<br />
RENOVATIONS WITH WATER SAVING<br />
IN MIND<br />
Did you know you could save around £400 simply by<br />
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“It is a common misconception that you need to replace the<br />
whole shower to enhance the performance, when in fact, you<br />
can simply replace your existing shower head to reinvigorate<br />
your showering experience, which is cost-effective and easy<br />
to-do.<br />
“Our shower heads are designed to reduce water usage,<br />
leading to lower gas consumption for heating. A Methven<br />
shower head which operates at 6 litres per minute, can<br />
therefore help a family of four save approximately £400 plus<br />
per year on their energy bills.<br />
“Households in the UK with a bath and shower, with<br />
unrestricted fixtures and appliances, use a staggering<br />
147.75 litres of water per person, per day on average. With a<br />
standard shower operating at 15 litres of water per minute, a<br />
6-minute shower uses as much as 90 litres.<br />
“The Aurajet Aio handset from<br />
Methven, for example is optimised<br />
to 8/litres per minute. The<br />
handset also features patented<br />
Aurajet® technology for a<br />
powerful, full-bodied spray,<br />
providing up to 20% more<br />
spray coverage*, while helping<br />
to reduce water consumption<br />
and bills.<br />
*Compared to a conventional<br />
Methven handset<br />
For more information about<br />
Methven’s water saving showering<br />
solutions, visit: uk.methven.com<br />
Extensions, Renovations<br />
and New Build<br />
<br />
Call / Text: 07933 138013<br />
Reach out to discuss how we can work together to create<br />
a beautiful bespoke home<br />
www.novarebuild.co.uk<br />
Check out our website for more information<br />
20 years building across the Warwickshire area<br />
20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
A living and dining room<br />
transformation to inspire...<br />
Photography by Lucy Hartley-Saunders<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21
With many of us opting to<br />
improve instead of move, it’s never<br />
been more important to make our<br />
spaces work better for us. After<br />
extending a kitchen to the side<br />
of their house, homeowners Kate<br />
and Tom needed to reconfigure<br />
the existing kitchen and separate<br />
dining room into a space that<br />
reflected the flow of their lives.<br />
Opting to open the rooms<br />
completely, we caught up with<br />
them to discuss the process.<br />
In terms of the build, can you tell us<br />
what you’ve done?<br />
The living area occupies what was once<br />
the dining room, and the dining room was<br />
the teeny tiny kitchen. We prioritised a<br />
larger living space over a big dining area -<br />
I think many of us have moved away from<br />
the formal dining space, instead opting<br />
to have something move convivial. We<br />
have a large breakfast bar in the kitchen,<br />
which is in the new extension, so there are<br />
options for dining, and it made sense to<br />
just keep the space flowing.<br />
A structural steel was added between the<br />
old kitchen and dining room, then the old<br />
door from the hallway was blocked up, so<br />
the sofa could tuck neatly into that corner<br />
of the room.<br />
We pulled up all the floorboards to insulate<br />
fully underneath, and pulled down the<br />
ceiling to make the new electrical elements<br />
easier to install, and again improve the<br />
insulation. The two spaces were fully replastered.<br />
It was a lot of work, but actually,<br />
the walls weren’t in great condition before<br />
and now they are beautifully smooth.<br />
“We prioritised a larger<br />
living space over a big<br />
dining area - we wanted<br />
to have something move<br />
convivial.”<br />
What flooring was here before<br />
and why have you chosen the<br />
finish you have?<br />
This space has been transformed<br />
by the flooring, which was an<br />
easy-to-lay, fully DIY process.<br />
The flooring runs from the<br />
kitchen all the way through<br />
to the living area. It had to be<br />
something that would work with<br />
the underfloor heating, be able<br />
to stand up to the demands of<br />
kitchen life, be easy to clean<br />
with two dogs in the house and<br />
still give the space a feeling<br />
of warmth. I wanted to find a<br />
clean-looking tone which didn’t<br />
read too grey or too yellow, so<br />
settled on Canadian Nude Oak<br />
from Karndean - it’s a rigid-core<br />
product, so doesn’t need gluing<br />
down and just clicks together<br />
using the tongue and groove<br />
system. It can be laid over an<br />
existing floor too.<br />
That stove is amazing - why<br />
did you choose it?<br />
The existing fireplace had a small<br />
opening in it, and it looked like it<br />
would lend itself well to an inset<br />
stove. I’m not over-stating it<br />
when I say this stove is one of my<br />
favourite things I’ve ever had in<br />
22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
▶<br />
The doors were a real success story - we widened<br />
what was once the single kitchen door into a set<br />
of slimline double doors on parliament hinges so<br />
they can open right back to the wall. The glazing<br />
helps to ensure light can shine on this darker<br />
pocket of the house. We used reeded glass film to<br />
create an obscured effect for the utility door - still<br />
allowing light to shine, but without needing to see<br />
the detail of the appliances in there.<br />
▶<br />
The dogs are clearly giving<br />
this feather-filled sofa<br />
their seal of approval. The<br />
space is styled with subtle<br />
patterns and textures,<br />
including lovely throws and<br />
cushions from homewares<br />
brand hauslife.co.uk<br />
▶<br />
We went for the Stovax Riva2, which had a sleek but<br />
robust design. The visuals are spectacular - the range<br />
provides convergent airflow to keep the glass clean.<br />
I’m eco-conscious, so that weighed in heavily on my<br />
choice - the Riva2 not only meets but exceeds Ecodesign<br />
efficiency standards, which aim to improve air quality by<br />
minimising the level of permitted emissions from wood<br />
burning products. For those in smoke control areas, as<br />
we are, all models are DEFRA exempt as standard for<br />
burning wood in urban areas without the need for an<br />
additional kit.<br />
▶<br />
This is actually an extendable table - so it can be round<br />
to seat four people, then has leaves to take it all the way<br />
to a 12 seater. It’s only the two of us, so we didn’t want a<br />
massive table that spent most of the year getting in the<br />
way, only to be used at full capacity at Christmas. So,<br />
this arrangement really suits us. I wanted the chairs to be<br />
sleek and sit below the top line of the table, as the space<br />
is small and I didn’t want them to encroach. Then the<br />
black lines just make sure that strong shade is present in<br />
each little zone.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 23
The ‘during’ photos are interesting to look back<br />
on - it really is a big transformation<br />
▶<br />
“I really love this<br />
space. It feels<br />
welcoming and cosy,<br />
and that was always<br />
the goal. It’s not a<br />
formal seating area,<br />
but a place to retreat<br />
from daily life”<br />
▶<br />
There’s no getting away from the need for a TV<br />
in a living space, but I really didn’t want it to be<br />
the focal point of the room. I wanted a smaller<br />
television with a slimline frame, so it didn’t make<br />
such a visual statement - I really loved the slimline<br />
look of this Mitchell & Brown QLED 4K Ultra HD<br />
TV- and even better, they’re a British brand with<br />
a seven year warranty, which is so much longer<br />
than many other brands. It’s a smart TV, so ready<br />
to go with all the apps. We’ve got it mounted on<br />
a pull-out bracket, ready to move as and when<br />
it’s needed.<br />
my home. It offers instant cosiness,<br />
and such a beautiful focal point<br />
whether it’s roaring or gently glowing.<br />
That sofa looks incredibly<br />
comfortable…<br />
Oh, my, goodness! It is the most<br />
comfortable sofa I’ve ever sat on -<br />
it’s the Chaise Otto from<br />
sofa.com. My partner and I saw it<br />
in our local showroom and sat on<br />
it for nearly half an hour! We didn’t<br />
want to move, and it immediately<br />
transported us to lazy Sundays in<br />
front of the fire, stretched out on<br />
the chaise. It has feather-wrapped<br />
cushions which make it dreamily<br />
squishy, and the covers are<br />
removable for washing, which is<br />
essential with my penchant for beige<br />
alongside having two dogs…it also<br />
means we can update the look of it<br />
in a few years without replacing the<br />
whole sofa.<br />
Are there any other design<br />
elements you love?<br />
We’ve zoned this space with this<br />
huge rug from Ruggable - it’s actually<br />
machine washable so can stand<br />
up to daily life, spills, muddy dog<br />
paws and more! Then we have the<br />
amazing Lithe Audio ceiling speakers<br />
- one above the dining table and the<br />
other in the adjoining kitchen space,<br />
connected to one another. It’s lovely<br />
to be able to have music on whilst<br />
cooking, and then keep the ambient<br />
sounds on during dinner. I think they<br />
look really sleek too.<br />
How did you use black as an<br />
accent?<br />
The house already has blackframed<br />
windows, so it made sense<br />
to include this in the other design<br />
choices. By echoing the black in the<br />
stove surround, the internal doors<br />
and the dining chairs, it means your<br />
24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Scan me to<br />
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eye can move from vignette to vignette, without<br />
feeling like one element is really pulling focus.<br />
Is the cabinetry bespoke?<br />
Sort of! We had some quotes which really varied, so<br />
we found the most cost-effective solution was using<br />
IKEA Metod upper cabinets on a frame on the floor,<br />
and then using some sturdier timber to make tops<br />
and shelves. By running the skirting boards around<br />
the front of the frame, they look built in - it’s a really<br />
good tip for making things look bespoke.<br />
Is there anything you’d change?<br />
I really love this space. It feels welcoming and cosy,<br />
and that was always the goal. It’s not a formal<br />
seating area, but a place to retreat from daily life,<br />
where you can really just spill out and chill. It’s<br />
versatile enough to cater for our needs as they shift.<br />
The space is full of design touches which help make it feel lived in,<br />
but also high end. All the sockets and switches are from Corston<br />
Architectural, and they just exude quality. Family photos are<br />
styled alongside more conventional decor items, plants and pieces<br />
collected from holidays - this isn’t a show home, but reflective<br />
of who lives here. Lighting is key too - wall lights help make the<br />
room feel cosy, with lamps and picture lights offering additional<br />
multi-level lighting.<br />
▶<br />
STOCKIST INFORMATION:<br />
Sofa, Otto Chaise in Taupe Brushed Linen Cotton<br />
sofa.com; Sarrah Blue Quartz Rug, ruggable.co.uk;<br />
Alvah Extendable Round Dining Table and Chantilly<br />
Polyester Blend Upholstered Slat Back Parsons Chair both<br />
wayfair.co.uk; Karndean Canadian Nude Oak Flooring,<br />
palioexpress.com; Neutral Abstract Sands Canvas Print,<br />
abstracthouse.com; Stovax Riva2, find your nearest supplier<br />
at stovax.com; QLED 4K Ultra HD TV (available in 43”,<br />
50” & 55” screen sizes), find your local stockist online at<br />
mitchellandbrown.co.uk; Reeded Glass Film,<br />
surfacedesigns.com; Heritage Clear Glazed Doors,<br />
climadoor.co.uk; Cushions, Coffee Table, Throw and<br />
Log Basket from hauslife.co.uk; Ceiling Speakers from<br />
litheaudio.com<br />
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
NOTES FROM THE<br />
Garden<br />
By now we have enjoyed snowdrops,<br />
daffodils, cherry blossom and so much<br />
more from tulips to the brilliant green of<br />
new leaves on the trees… and there is so<br />
much more to come.<br />
Currently and over the<br />
past months there has<br />
been a huge amount<br />
of media coverage of<br />
mental health - both<br />
the fleeting and the<br />
fundamental, and also<br />
a number of reports<br />
about the benefits of<br />
gardening.<br />
After a stressful day, if<br />
you are lucky enough<br />
to have an outdoor<br />
space, just a few<br />
minutes breathing<br />
the air, watching the<br />
birds and seeing the<br />
seasonal changes can be<br />
incredibly beneficial.<br />
Tending your houseplants can be, too. Your garden is your<br />
own personal space, it is a valuable resource for you and<br />
for your family and making it a space you want to spend<br />
time in is so important. It need not cost a fortune, or indeed<br />
anything, there are often items on websites that are free to<br />
pick up, gardeners love to share seeds and cuttings and it is<br />
amazing how quickly you can enjoy the fruits of your labour,<br />
from a bunch of flowers to bring the outdoors inside, to a<br />
salad of your own home grown leaves. It has so much to offer<br />
so I hope your gardens bring you joy - and help to keep you<br />
healthy in mind and body.<br />
For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website:<br />
www.matthewbiggs.com<br />
Mill Lane Nurseries Cleeve Prior<br />
“40 years of growing experience”<br />
tel: 01789 773231 info@milllanenurseries.co.uk milllanenurseries.co.uk WR11 8JZ<br />
We specialise in qualii moss<br />
lined hanging baskets, paao,<br />
bedding & perennial plants, aa<br />
grown on sii at our nursery.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27
NEW BEGINNINGS<br />
Choosing Retirement Accommodation<br />
As one approaches retirement<br />
age, the prospect of downsizing<br />
and moving into retirement<br />
accommodation becomes<br />
increasingly relevant. It’s a significant<br />
decision that requires careful<br />
planning. Here, we delve into some<br />
common considerations to help guide<br />
you through this transitional phase.<br />
LOCATION, LOCATION,<br />
LOCATION<br />
First and foremost, consider the<br />
location. Do you want to stay close<br />
to family and friends, or perhaps<br />
venture to a new area for a fresh<br />
start? Think about amenities nearby,<br />
such as shops, healthcare facilities,<br />
and recreational activities. Access<br />
to public transport is also crucial<br />
for maintaining independence<br />
and staying connected with the<br />
community.<br />
TYPES OF<br />
ACCOMMODATION<br />
Retirement accommodation<br />
comes in various forms, including<br />
independent living apartments,<br />
retirement villages, and assisted<br />
living facilities. Determine the<br />
level of support you require and<br />
choose accommodation that aligns<br />
with your needs and preferences.<br />
Independent living offers freedom<br />
and autonomy, while assisted living<br />
provides additional support with<br />
daily tasks and healthcare services.<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
CONSIDERATIONS<br />
Budgeting plays a vital role in the<br />
decision-making process. Consider<br />
the cost of accommodation, including<br />
any ongoing fees for maintenance,<br />
utilities, and services. Explore<br />
financial options such as selling your<br />
current property, renting, or accessing<br />
equity release schemes.<br />
FUTURE-PROOFING<br />
Planning for the future is essential<br />
when considering retirement<br />
accommodation. Think about how<br />
your needs may change over time<br />
and whether the accommodation<br />
can accommodate those changes.<br />
Look for features such as accessible<br />
design, mobility aids, and flexible<br />
care options. By future-proofing your<br />
choice, you can ensure that your<br />
retirement accommodation remains<br />
suitable and supportive in the years<br />
to come.<br />
HEALTHCARE AND<br />
SUPPORT SERVICES<br />
As we age, our healthcare<br />
needs may evolve. Consider<br />
proximity to healthcare facilities<br />
and the availability of support<br />
services. Assess whether the<br />
accommodation offers on-site<br />
healthcare professionals, emergency<br />
assistance, and access to additional<br />
care if needed. Prioritising access<br />
to healthcare can provide peace of<br />
mind and ensure your well-being as<br />
you age.<br />
LEGAL AND<br />
CONTRACTUAL<br />
CONSIDERATIONS<br />
Before finalising any agreements,<br />
thoroughly review the legal and<br />
contractual aspects of the retirement<br />
accommodation. Seek legal advice<br />
if necessary to understand the<br />
terms and obligations involved. Pay<br />
attention to details such as lease<br />
agreements, service contracts,<br />
and exit fees. It’s crucial to have<br />
clarity regarding your rights and<br />
responsibilities as a resident.<br />
SOCIAL AND<br />
RECREATIONAL<br />
OPPORTUNITIES<br />
Retirement accommodation often<br />
provides a range of social and<br />
recreational activities to enrich<br />
residents’ lives. From fitness<br />
classes and hobby groups to<br />
communal events and outings,<br />
these opportunities foster a sense<br />
of community. Take the time to<br />
explore the amenities and social<br />
offerings available within different to<br />
find the right fit for your lifestyle.<br />
EMBRACING THE<br />
JOURNEY<br />
Moving into retirement<br />
accommodation marks the<br />
beginning of a new chapter in<br />
life. Embrace this transition with<br />
optimism and open-mindedness.<br />
Take the time to explore different<br />
options, ask questions, and involve<br />
loved ones in the decision-making<br />
process. By carefully considering<br />
your needs and preferences, you<br />
can embark on this journey with<br />
confidence and enthusiasm.<br />
Choosing retirement accommodation<br />
requires thoughtful planning and<br />
consideration of various factors. By<br />
focusing on location, accommodation<br />
type, financial considerations, social<br />
opportunities, healthcare services,<br />
future-proofing, legal aspects, and<br />
embracing the journey, you can make<br />
an informed decision that aligns<br />
with your lifestyle and preferences.<br />
Remember, this transition is an<br />
opportunity for new beginnings and<br />
exciting possibilities.<br />
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Questions<br />
about care?<br />
We can help<br />
At WCS Care we know moving into a care home is an<br />
emotional and difficult decision and there’s a lot to think about.<br />
With over 30 years’ experience, we can help you navigate<br />
the process of finding the right care home, so that you feel<br />
confident about the decision you make – whether that’s<br />
choosing a WCS care home, or one outside<br />
our group that’s more suited to your needs.<br />
Josephine<br />
Rugg<br />
Trusted<br />
Advisor<br />
Call me today to get answers<br />
to your questions.<br />
07802 728443 j.rugg@wcs-care.co.uk<br />
wcs-care.co.uk /wcscare Registered charity number 1012788<br />
Wild Heart<br />
Willow Coffins<br />
Wild Heart Coffins is a small family<br />
run business handcrafting unique,<br />
beautiful willow coffins from their<br />
workshop just outside Leamington Spa<br />
in Warwickshire.<br />
Locally made willow coffins are one of<br />
the most environmentally sustainable<br />
choices for funerals. Unlike many other<br />
willow coffins available, we source<br />
all of our materials from the UK, including willow from the<br />
Somerset Levels and Douglas Fir wood from sustainably<br />
managed forests in Wales.<br />
We also invite families to come and weave a small part of<br />
the coffin, if they wish to do so. Many people have reported<br />
how comforting they found this experience.<br />
All Wild Heart Coffins are FFMA accredited, and are<br />
therefore suitable for cremation and all types of burial.<br />
www.wildheartcoffins.co.uk<br />
wildheartcoffins@gmail.com | 07787 435685<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29
High quality care in<br />
<strong>Stratford</strong>-<strong>upon</strong>-<strong>Avon</strong><br />
At Care UK’s Ambleside care home in<br />
<strong>Stratford</strong>-<strong>upon</strong>-<strong>Avon</strong>, we’ll support you to<br />
continue living your life the way you choose<br />
while delivering award-winning care in a place<br />
you can call home.<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
Our highly trained teams are experts in providing high quality care<br />
from residential, nursing and dementia care, to short term care.<br />
A lifestyle tailored to you<br />
At our ‘good’ CQC rated home our team is passionate about<br />
supporting you to enjoy a fulfilling life. We’ll learn all about your<br />
interests and preferences so we can create a fully personalised<br />
lifestyle plan that you’ll enjoy whether it’s gardening, cheese and<br />
wine socials or playing chess.<br />
Everything under one roof<br />
Ambleside offers luxurious facilities, including a coffee shop, hair<br />
salon, cinema and beautiful landscaped gardens.<br />
Our chef-led kitchen teams are passionate about providing<br />
high-quality food using fresh, local produce, and there’s always a<br />
choice of nutritious and delicious dishes at every meal.<br />
Hear what relatives have to say<br />
We recognise the importance of friends and family staying<br />
involved in their loved one’s care and lifestyle plan and our<br />
regular relative meetings are popular.<br />
And in our recent relative survey, 91% of families were impressed<br />
with the physical presentation of the inside of the home^ and<br />
90% of relatives were happy with the atmosphere in the home.^<br />
Trust us to care<br />
At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high-quality, person-centred<br />
care for over 40 years. We pride ourselves on the transparency of<br />
our care quality and fee information – ensuring you can trust us to<br />
care from that very first step of your journey into care.<br />
To find out more about Ambleside, please call 01789 868 367<br />
Ambleside care home<br />
Evesham Road, Dodwell, <strong>Stratford</strong>-<strong>upon</strong>-<strong>Avon</strong> CV37 9TG<br />
Careuk.com/ambleside<br />
^Care UK relative survey April & September 2023. Study operated by QRS<br />
Market Research, an independent survey agency.<br />
A BRITISH GARDEN CENTRES GUIDE<br />
Companion planting<br />
Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different types of plants<br />
together for their mutual benefit. This method not only helps protect plants from pests and<br />
diseases, but also promotes pollination, saves space, enhances productivity, and attracts<br />
beneficial insects. Companion planting is an effective and eco-friendly way of gardening as it<br />
eliminates the need for chemical sprays to repel insects and other pests.<br />
BEANS WITH SWEETCORN AND SQUASH<br />
A good example of the companion planting method is the “three<br />
sisters” method. This technique involves planting three main crops -<br />
beans, sweetcorn, and squash - together in the same plot of land.<br />
The beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can convert<br />
nitrogen from the air so it can be used by the soil. This process helps<br />
to increase soil fertility and provides the sweetcorn and squash with<br />
the necessary nutrients to grow. The sweetcorn acts as a natural trellis<br />
for the beans to climb. As the beans grow up the corn stalks, they<br />
provide stability, whilst the beans also provide shade to the soil, which<br />
helps to keep it moist and cool. The squash acts as a natural mulch,<br />
which helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.<br />
GARLIC WITH ROSES<br />
Planting garlic bulbs at the foot of roses makes them taste nasty to<br />
aphids, ants, snails and flea beetles. The beautiful globe flowers of the<br />
garlic also have the added benefit of attracting bees and butterflies.<br />
Garlic is also said to help with powdery mildew when sprayed on the<br />
plant as well as enhancing the rose’s fragrance.<br />
TOMATOES AND BASIL<br />
Planting basil near tomato plants can be beneficial as the aromatic<br />
oils released by basil can enhance the flavour of tomatoes. Basil<br />
also has natural pest-repelling properties, which can help protect the<br />
tomato plants from insects like aphids and whiteflies.<br />
MARIGOLDS WITH VEGETABLES<br />
If you are looking for a natural and effective way to ward off harmful<br />
insects like aphids and whitefly, French marigolds could be the perfect<br />
solution and act as a natural repellent for pests that can damage your<br />
vegetable patch. We recommend planting French marigolds alongside<br />
peas, beans, potatoes, and sweetcorn.<br />
ONIONS WITH CARROTS<br />
Planting onions alongside carrots can be extremely beneficial for<br />
both vegetables? Onions have a strong scent that acts as a natural<br />
repellent for root flies, which are known to damage carrot growth. Not<br />
only does this method offer a practical solution for pest control, but it<br />
also maximises the use of your vegetable.<br />
HERBS AND BRASSICAS<br />
Did you know that certain herbs can not only enhance the flavour of<br />
cabbage, broccoli, and kale but also keep away unwanted pests like<br />
cabbage moths? Thyme, Sage, and Rosemary are some of the most<br />
effective herbs when it comes to repelling cabbage moths, thanks to<br />
their strong scent.<br />
LAVENDER AND CHILLI<br />
Planting lavender and chilli together offers multiple benefits for your<br />
garden. Lavender’s aromatic scent acts as a natural pest repellent,<br />
deterring insects like aphids and moths that can harm chilli plants,<br />
while also attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies,<br />
enhancing pollination and resulting in a better chilli harvest.<br />
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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