Newmarket and Ely Living Jun - Jul 2024
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YOUR FREE COPY<br />
JUNE/JULY <strong>2024</strong><br />
<strong>Newmarket</strong><br />
& <strong>Ely</strong>living<br />
that’s<br />
SHALLOT<br />
Celebratory recipes with<br />
this humble vegetable<br />
easy summer<br />
STYLE<br />
Winning looks for a<br />
stylish summer<br />
National<br />
GARDEN<br />
Scheme<br />
Local open gardens to<br />
inspire your planting<br />
WIN<br />
A GARDEN LOUNGE<br />
SET, LUXURY<br />
SWIMWEAR, KITCHEN<br />
& BATHROOM<br />
ACCESSORIES &<br />
MORE<br />
Improve<br />
MOVE<br />
Don’t<br />
Tips on adding the most value<br />
to your home<br />
FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • INTERVIEWS • TRAVEL
Independent day <strong>and</strong> boarding<br />
school for girls aged 3 - 18<br />
Join us<br />
<strong>Jun</strong>ior<br />
School<br />
Open Day<br />
For girls aged 3 to 11<br />
Saturday 28 September <strong>2024</strong><br />
10.00am - 12.00pm<br />
Register at stmaryscambridge.co.uk/visit
18 16<br />
C O N T E N T S<br />
INTERIOR HEALTHY RECIPES UPDATES<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 />
JACK ADDING STEIN VALUE INTERVIEW TO YOUR & RECIPE HOME<br />
12 22<br />
FOR ADVERTISING<br />
Account Manager Joe Crossley<br />
e joe@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
t 01225 984505<br />
Front Cover courtesy of Fatface, fatface.com<br />
04<br />
COMPETITIONS<br />
08 27<br />
PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS<br />
SUMMER BRIGHTS<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 <strong>and</strong> 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 />
A NOTE<br />
from the editor<br />
I’ve realised more recently<br />
that my emotional b<strong>and</strong>width<br />
I had my first English<br />
is a bit like a plant...a bit of<br />
strawberry this week, <strong>and</strong> my<br />
word,<br />
sunshine<br />
it was<br />
<strong>and</strong><br />
beyond<br />
I become<br />
delicious<br />
a<br />
-<br />
different<br />
perfectly<br />
person!<br />
sweet, it was a<br />
very good advert for eating<br />
seasonally. As the sun I’ve starts tried to to peek echo<br />
this out from in all behind my recent the fruit clouds, <strong>and</strong><br />
vegetable this edition purchases, is bursting <strong>and</strong> with it’s<br />
had stories a transformative to put a spring effect in your on<br />
my step cooking <strong>and</strong> a - smile everything on your just<br />
tastes face. better - more vibrant,<br />
needing less seasoning <strong>and</strong><br />
just I’m overall mid-renovation very tasty. with my<br />
home at present <strong>and</strong> I know<br />
I’m the various making pitfalls the of most certain of<br />
cooking projects on whilst a cost I still vs have benefit a<br />
kitchen analysis. - mine We’ve is asked due to the be<br />
ripped experts out at the in two HomeOwners’ weeks <strong>and</strong><br />
it Alliance will be to camping do the hard stove work <strong>and</strong><br />
air for frying us <strong>and</strong> for give two us months an insight from<br />
there! into those I’ve already renovations picked which my<br />
kitchen, will give but maximum it got me value thinking for<br />
about minimal all outlay. the other areas that<br />
need updating in my home. If<br />
you On the are foodie thinking front of a we similar have<br />
refresh, some recipes please celebrating check out our an<br />
home unsung pages hero - this the edition flavour-packed<br />
full shallot. of inspiring Who trends knew<br />
they’re<br />
<strong>and</strong> that a this few versatile timeless classics. little root<br />
veg could be used in so<br />
We’ve many different also got ways! some lovely<br />
editorial on the best plants<br />
for If you pollinators are looking - to it’s shake never up<br />
been<br />
your wardrobe<br />
so important<br />
a little<br />
to support<br />
as the<br />
wildlife<br />
mercury<br />
in<br />
rises,<br />
the garden.<br />
check out our<br />
summer style guide - we are<br />
The<br />
all about<br />
competition<br />
those easy-breezy<br />
guide this<br />
issue is a bumper one - we<br />
pieces that still make you<br />
have an outdoor furniture<br />
looked pulled together.<br />
set from Bramblecrest worth<br />
nearly £3,000, plus a cordless<br />
Our later life guide sees an<br />
lawnmower worth £679 to get<br />
insightful guide to retirement<br />
that garden in shape. This,<br />
accommodation - perfect<br />
plus a lot more makes it well<br />
worth<br />
if you’re<br />
a look<br />
considering<br />
<strong>and</strong> an enter!<br />
those<br />
next big steps.<br />
We will be back again in<br />
August<br />
We will<br />
-<br />
be<br />
I’ll<br />
back<br />
be fully<br />
again<br />
rebooted<br />
in the<br />
<strong>and</strong> height recharged of summer into - hopefully summer<br />
mode. having See already you then! had some<br />
lovely sunshine <strong>and</strong> looking<br />
forward to some wonderful<br />
August scorchers<br />
Katie<br />
ahead.<br />
See you then!<br />
Katie<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3
Time<br />
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All the below close on 15th <strong>Jul</strong>y <strong>2024</strong><br />
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now across the world.<br />
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Keyword ‘ULLEHUSE’<br />
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WORTH £325<br />
Forget deflating air beds <strong>and</strong> hard roll<br />
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sleep in one bundle – yes, it’s ALL<br />
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Keyword ‘Bundle Bed’<br />
4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk<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 <strong>and</strong> bringing<br />
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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 />
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runners up will receive another costume<br />
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Find out more at Amplebosom.com<br />
Keyword ‘Anita Rosa’
Celebrating<br />
10 YEARS<br />
2014-<strong>2024</strong><br />
Your local Family<br />
Farm attraction<br />
New indoor <strong>and</strong> outdoor play areas<br />
Interactive animal talks<br />
throughout the day<br />
Amazing cafe with hot/cold food<br />
OPEN<br />
Open daily from 10am to 5pm,<br />
excluding Mondays during<br />
term time<br />
Book online today<br />
www.southanglefarmpark.co.uk
Cambridge comedy<br />
garden<br />
Prepare for the all-new Cambridge<br />
Comedy Garden, l<strong>and</strong>ing in Parker’s<br />
Piece this <strong>Jul</strong>y 17th to 21st!<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
Under a bustling Big Top, prepare for an uproarious lineup<br />
featuring comedy titans such as HARRY HILL, JOSH<br />
WIDDICOMBE, SARA PASCOE, DARA Ó BRIAIN, FERN<br />
BRADY, DYLAN MORAN, SIMON AMSTELL, HENNING WEHN,<br />
SINDHU VEE, <strong>and</strong> an array of other comedic talents. Joining these<br />
luminaries are rising stars including LINDSEY SANTORO, LOUISE<br />
YOUNG, MARJOLIEN ROBERSTON, KEMAH BOB, <strong>and</strong> DAN<br />
TIERNAN, ensuring an eclectic mix of humour for all tastes.<br />
Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere as the fully-seated<br />
Big Top provides the stage for unforgettable performances.<br />
Indulge in a selection of craft beers, tantalizing street eats from<br />
local vendors, <strong>and</strong> soak in the vibrant ambiance reminiscent of<br />
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This comedy extravaganza marks the latest endeavour from<br />
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R<strong>and</strong>olph bring their expertise to Cambridge, adding another<br />
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Cass R<strong>and</strong>olph expresses enthusiasm for exp<strong>and</strong>ing the Comedy<br />
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electric atmosphere anticipated at each show.<br />
With tickets expected to sell rapidly, secure your spot now<br />
<strong>and</strong> be a part of this inaugural Cambridge Comedy Garden<br />
experience! Visit www.cambridgecomedygarden.co.uk for<br />
more information <strong>and</strong> to reserve your tickets today.<br />
6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7
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Delilah Paint,<br />
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coloursofarley.com<br />
ANYDAY Trousers,<br />
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Birdsong Wallpaper,<br />
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Elsie Stripe<br />
Blouse,<br />
£55, Monsoon<br />
ANYDAY Pocket Cardi,<br />
£34, John Lewis<br />
Deliberate Bag £95,<br />
dunelondon.com<br />
COLOUR BOLT<br />
Step into a world where joy <strong>and</strong> personality<br />
shines through every detail. A celebration of selfexpression<br />
through vibrant tones, eclectic decor<br />
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mundane muted palettes that have dominated<br />
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instantly infuse your space <strong>and</strong> wardrobe with<br />
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George at Asda<br />
Lighting by pooky.com<br />
Garden Chair<br />
with Stool,<br />
£179,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
Everyday Tiered<br />
Maxi Dress, £18,<br />
very.co.uk<br />
Striped<br />
Trousers, £54,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
Top, £14.50,<br />
George at Asda<br />
Gene Clog in<br />
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8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Burford Rattan Dining Set, available<br />
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Pair of Napkins, £28,<br />
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If you’re looking for a few new additions<br />
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Brisa Large Serving Bowl,<br />
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 9
Road Test Review<br />
GENESIS ELECTRIFIED GV70<br />
Are you in need of an electric vehicle that meets the dem<strong>and</strong>s of family life <strong>and</strong> feels<br />
like a smooth estate to drive? Enter the Genesis Electrified GV70.<br />
OVERVIEW<br />
Genesis is the luxury arm of Hyundai, who<br />
have been making huge strides in the<br />
SUV market with their perennially-popular<br />
Kona <strong>and</strong> Tuscon models. They’ve<br />
taken these successes <strong>and</strong> refined<br />
them, creating the Electrified GV70 - a<br />
stunning luxury crossover - from its gently<br />
articulated curves to a beautifully-decked<br />
out interior, this is a luxurious ride in every<br />
sense. We took it for a spin...<br />
DRIVING<br />
Given its heft, it h<strong>and</strong>les corners<br />
surprisingly well - this is largely thanks<br />
to the rear-biased power delivery, which<br />
means the nose goes where you point it.<br />
Comfort is king, with the combination of its<br />
whisper-quiet motor <strong>and</strong> noise-cancelling<br />
technology - it effectively minimises<br />
wind noise with its st<strong>and</strong>ard acoustic<br />
windscreen <strong>and</strong> laminated side windows.<br />
RANGE<br />
The official range of the Genesis<br />
Electrified GV70 st<strong>and</strong>s at 283 miles,<br />
although opting for the 20-inch wheel<br />
configuration slightly reduces it to 276<br />
miles. However, in real-world conditions,<br />
a more realistic estimate would be<br />
around 230 miles - still more than<br />
enough for day-to-day life, as well as<br />
some significant road trips.<br />
POWER<br />
Simplicity reigns in the Genesis Electrified<br />
GV70 lineup, boasting a singular<br />
mechanical configuration: dual electric<br />
motors <strong>and</strong> a four-wheel-drive setup,<br />
culminating in a formidable total power<br />
output of up to 483bhp. This propels<br />
the GV70 to achieve a brisk 0-62mph<br />
acceleration in just 4.2 seconds, eclipsing<br />
the performance of competitors such as<br />
the BMW iX3, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model<br />
Y Long Range, <strong>and</strong> Volvo C40.<br />
INTERIOR<br />
The st<strong>and</strong>ard 14.5in infotainment screen<br />
is one of the largest you’ll find in the<br />
class. However, for shorter drivers, it<br />
can be a little hard to reach because of<br />
its high-placement on the dashboard<br />
- happily, there’s a dial on the central<br />
console to control the screen too.<br />
Overall the interior feels spacious <strong>and</strong><br />
luxurious, with soft coatings on all the<br />
areas you regularly touch. The many<br />
options for seat <strong>and</strong> steering wheel<br />
adjustments amplify the comfort -<br />
adjustable lumbar support is st<strong>and</strong>ard, or<br />
opting for the Comfort Seat pack adds a<br />
massaging driver’s seat.<br />
Front <strong>and</strong> rear parking sensors, along<br />
with a reversing camera, are included<br />
as st<strong>and</strong>ard features. Additionally, the<br />
Electrified GV70 offers a clever feature<br />
to aid in kerb visibility through its side<br />
mirrors: when in reverse, the reversing<br />
lights project lines onto the ground<br />
behind the car.<br />
CHARGING<br />
The GV70 boasts a faster charging<br />
capability compared to the iX3 <strong>and</strong><br />
Model Y, as it can accept power at a<br />
rate of up to 240kW. This translates<br />
to approximately 18 minutes for a<br />
10-80% charge when utilising a rapid<br />
charger with such capacity. On the other<br />
h<strong>and</strong>, a home wall charger will take<br />
approximately 12 hours to complete a full<br />
0-100% recharge.<br />
SAFETY & SUPPORT<br />
All models come equipped with<br />
automatic emergency braking (AEB)<br />
featuring pedestrian detection, lanekeeping<br />
assistance, <strong>and</strong> rear cross-traffic<br />
alert. The Innovation Pack enhances<br />
safety further with additional automated<br />
functionalities, including lane-change<br />
assist on motorways, blind-spot<br />
monitoring, <strong>and</strong> an upgraded emergency<br />
braking system.<br />
Unique to Genesis, a Genesis Personal<br />
Assistant will help you at every stage of<br />
your journey, from your initial enquiry,<br />
through the ordering process, to servicing.<br />
They’ll help you choose the right model,<br />
arrange your test drive from home <strong>and</strong><br />
help you build <strong>and</strong> order your perfect car.<br />
Every Genesis comes with five<br />
years’ peace of mind included. The<br />
comprehensive care plan includes<br />
warranty, scheduled services, roadside<br />
assistance as well as courtesy cars.<br />
OVERALL<br />
This is a phenomenal vehicle which<br />
st<strong>and</strong>s tall alongside other makes in the<br />
class. More than once, we returned to<br />
the car in a car park to see it getting an<br />
admiring look over - it certainly does turn<br />
heads <strong>and</strong> has an elegant presence. It’s<br />
equally comfortable in the city <strong>and</strong> on<br />
country roads - it really does offer the<br />
best of all worlds.<br />
AWD Dual Motor Sport £65,105 (OTR).<br />
To start your journey with Genesis<br />
please look at the website<br />
www.genesis.com<br />
10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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 t<strong>and</strong>oori 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 <strong>and</strong> 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 cori<strong>and</strong>er<br />
2 tsp smoked paprika<br />
Salt <strong>and</strong> pepper, to taste<br />
Vegetable oil<br />
To serve<br />
4 naan breads<br />
4 tbsp raita<br />
2 tbsp cori<strong>and</strong>er 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 <strong>and</strong> cumin seeds, salt<br />
<strong>and</strong> sugar into a small pan over<br />
a medium heat <strong>and</strong> stir until the<br />
sugar <strong>and</strong> salt are fully dissolved.<br />
Pour the hot pickling liquor over<br />
the shallots <strong>and</strong> leave to cool<br />
slightly. Cover the bowl <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong><br />
lime juice <strong>and</strong> mix well.<br />
In another bowl, mix the<br />
yoghurt with the spices <strong>and</strong><br />
some salt <strong>and</strong> pepper. Add<br />
this spiced yoghurt to the<br />
salmon <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> 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 cori<strong>and</strong>er <strong>and</strong> sliced<br />
green chilli. Serve with lime halves<br />
for squeezing over.<br />
CHAAT MASALA<br />
POTATOES AND<br />
SHALLOTS<br />
Sweet <strong>and</strong> crunchy, raw echalions<br />
shallots marry perfectly with crispy<br />
new potatoes, cold yoghurt <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> pepper, to taste<br />
250g thick Greek yoghurt<br />
1 echalion, thinly sliced on a<br />
m<strong>and</strong>olin or by h<strong>and</strong><br />
1 green chilli, thinly sliced<br />
1½ tsp cori<strong>and</strong>er seeds, toasted<br />
1½ tsp nigella seeds, toasted<br />
For the cori<strong>and</strong>er chutney
30g fresh cori<strong>and</strong>er, reserving a few<br />
for garnish<br />
1 green chilli, deseeded <strong>and</strong> 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 />
<strong>and</strong> 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 />
<strong>and</strong> top with the chaat masala,<br />
turmeric <strong>and</strong> 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 cori<strong>and</strong>er<br />
chutney. Put all the ingredients into<br />
a food processor or blender <strong>and</strong><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 />
cori<strong>and</strong>er chutney, swirling it through<br />
without completely incorporating.<br />
Drizzle with half of the tamarind<br />
dressing, <strong>and</strong> top with the potatoes,<br />
shallot <strong>and</strong> chilli. Drizzle over the<br />
remaining cori<strong>and</strong>er chutney <strong>and</strong><br />
tamarind dressing, then sprinkle<br />
over the toasted seeds <strong>and</strong> reserved<br />
cori<strong>and</strong>er leaves <strong>and</strong> 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 />
<strong>and</strong> pickles for a delicious feast.<br />
Serves: 4<br />
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus<br />
2 hours marinating time <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> pepper, to taste<br />
800g skinless bone-in chicken<br />
thighs <strong>and</strong> drumsticks<br />
2 tsp vegetable oil<br />
6 cloves<br />
1 cinnamon stick<br />
120g round shallots, peeled <strong>and</strong><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 <strong>and</strong><br />
roughly chopped<br />
2 green chillies<br />
For the temper:<br />
1 tbsp vegetable oil<br />
2 round shallots, peeled <strong>and</strong> thinly<br />
sliced<br />
30g cashew nuts<br />
1 tsp mustard seeds<br />
10 curry leaves<br />
Put the yoghurt, turmeric <strong>and</strong> salt<br />
<strong>and</strong> pepper in a bowl <strong>and</strong> stir to<br />
combine. Mix through the chicken,<br />
cover <strong>and</strong> 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 />
<strong>and</strong> their liquid in a blender with<br />
the ginger <strong>and</strong> 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 />
<strong>and</strong> cinnamon <strong>and</strong> let sizzle for a<br />
couple of minutes until fragrant.<br />
Add the shallots <strong>and</strong> cook, stirring<br />
often, until golden – around 6<br />
minutes.<br />
Add the chicken <strong>and</strong> fry for 8<br />
minutes until seared all over.<br />
Lower the heat, add the sugar, a<br />
pinch of salt <strong>and</strong> 100ml of water.<br />
Cover <strong>and</strong> simmer for 20 minutes,<br />
stirring halfway through. Stir in the<br />
cashew paste, simmer for a further<br />
5 minutes, add the cardamom, <strong>and</strong><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 <strong>and</strong><br />
cook for five minutes until starting<br />
to turn golden. Add the cashews<br />
<strong>and</strong> fry for a further 2 minutes.<br />
Add the mustard seeds <strong>and</strong> curry<br />
leaves, cook for 30 seconds. Pour<br />
the temper over the curry <strong>and</strong> serve<br />
with rice or chapati.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 13
N E W S E A S O N<br />
Sunglasses<br />
Dorothy<br />
back in oz<br />
Whether you have been to Oz<br />
a thous<strong>and</strong> times, or this<br />
is your first visit, an epic<br />
adventure awaits you.<br />
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmund’s own production of Dorothy, Back<br />
in Oz, is a must for families this Summer. A fun, high-energy, familyfriendly<br />
musical complete with songs, dancing, familiar favourite such<br />
as Tinman <strong>and</strong> Scarecrow <strong>and</strong> an evil princess with interchangeable<br />
heads!<br />
After a huge storm hits Stowmarket, Dorothy finds herself transported<br />
back to the magical l<strong>and</strong> of Oz with only her trusty talking chicken,<br />
Billina, for company. But all is not well. The yellow brick road has been<br />
smashed <strong>and</strong> the Emerald City lies in ruins. The Gnome King now sits<br />
on the throne but Oz his dying under his rule. Dorothy will be joined<br />
by friends new (Lioness) <strong>and</strong> old (Scarecrow <strong>and</strong> Tinman) along the<br />
way who help her to overcome the Gnome King <strong>and</strong> restore hope <strong>and</strong><br />
colour to the people of Oz. Watch out though – Tinman has found<br />
fame making videos teaching his signature dance moves <strong>and</strong> has a<br />
new identity – Tik Tok!<br />
Following the success of last year’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz we<br />
return to the Emerald City with Dorothy Back In Oz<br />
based on the second novel in L Frank Baum’s Oz<br />
series, The Marvellous L<strong>and</strong> of Oz.<br />
Friday 16 - Saturday 31 August<br />
theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505<br />
SAVE 10%<br />
with code<br />
SUNNY10<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
written by<br />
MIKE AKERS<br />
inspired by<br />
L. FRANK BAUM<br />
directed by<br />
OWEN CALVERT-LYONS<br />
& DAVID WHITNEY<br />
SPECIAL<br />
FAMILY OFFER!<br />
Buy one of our adult &<br />
child bundle tickets for<br />
just £30!<br />
Price B<strong>and</strong> A & B<br />
FRI 16 - SAT 31 AUG<br />
theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
I M P R O V E<br />
don’t<br />
M O V E<br />
Significant home improvements are expensive, so it’s important to consider how your plans<br />
will add value to your home. More <strong>and</strong> more of us are choosing to improve rather than move.<br />
So, here the experts at the HomeOwners’ Alliance give us 10 ways to make your property<br />
better to live in, in a way that can also add value to your home.<br />
Image from Higham Furniture<br />
KNOCK DOWN A<br />
WALL FOR OPEN<br />
PLAN LIVING<br />
Spend £3,500, add £48,000<br />
Our research found that removing<br />
an internal wall to create an open<br />
plan kitchen <strong>and</strong> diner was the best<br />
way to add value to your home. It<br />
could cost around £3,500 but add<br />
£48,000 to the average London<br />
property or £27,000 to the average<br />
home in Dorset.<br />
Not only will this add value to your<br />
home, it should also make it more<br />
pleasant to live in, with more <strong>and</strong><br />
more of us opting for open-plan<br />
living. Knocking down walls means<br />
more communal spaces where<br />
families can enjoy quality time<br />
together, whether that’s chatting<br />
while dinner is cooked or keeping<br />
an eye on kids while they do their<br />
homework.<br />
Best of all, this is a relatively simple<br />
project that most builders can<br />
complete in under a week. Meaning<br />
you could make almost £50k in just<br />
7 days!<br />
You may need the assistance of<br />
a structural engineer. A Chartered<br />
Structural Engineer or Chartered<br />
Civil Engineer can assist with the<br />
design of structural elements such<br />
as beams (RSJ’s), columns or<br />
retaining walls.<br />
BUILD A GARDEN<br />
ROOM<br />
Spend £6,700, add £10,000<br />
Another option is to add another<br />
living space outside. Building a<br />
garden room adds around £36,000<br />
to an averagely valued home in<br />
Surrey, or £10,000 in London,<br />
according to our research in<br />
partnership with the Federation<br />
of Master Builders (FMB) <strong>and</strong> The<br />
Guild of Property Professionals.<br />
SPRUCE UP YOUR<br />
KITCHEN<br />
Spend £4,000, add £15,000<br />
A new kitchen isn’t just a treat for<br />
you, it can also significantly boost<br />
the value of your home. Putting in a<br />
new worktop, cabinet doors or floor<br />
doesn’t have to break the bank – it<br />
costs around £4,000 on average.<br />
But, it could add £17,000 to the<br />
value of a London property, or the<br />
FMB <strong>and</strong> The Guild of Property<br />
Professionals found it could add<br />
around £15,000 to the average<br />
home in Cambridgeshire.<br />
MAKE WAY FOR<br />
AN ENSUITE<br />
Spend £7,000, add £15,000<br />
Another way to add extra bathroom<br />
space is to carve some space out of<br />
your master bedroom to create an<br />
Image from<br />
simon-taylor.co.uk<br />
16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Email: enquiries@tradelinkinstallations.co.uk<br />
Website: www.tradelinkinstallations.co.uk
ensuite. The job should take around<br />
11 days but could add £14,525 to the<br />
value of the average London home.<br />
Image from pooky.com<br />
CREATE A<br />
DOWNSTAIRS LOO<br />
Spend £1,500, add £26,000<br />
A downstairs toilet is a big attraction<br />
to a variety of different buyers.<br />
Adding one will make your home<br />
attractive to young families with<br />
children, those that like entertaining<br />
<strong>and</strong> don’t want guests w<strong>and</strong>ering<br />
upstairs, to older buyers who might<br />
be looking to future proof their<br />
homes.<br />
So, turning wasted space, such as<br />
an understairs cupboard into a loo<br />
can add value to your home. This is<br />
a great project if you have a limited<br />
budget because for only a relatively<br />
small outlay of around £1,500 you<br />
could add around £26,000 to your<br />
home’s value, according to our<br />
research.<br />
CREATE A<br />
PARKING SPACE<br />
Spend £2,000, add £13,000<br />
We love green front gardens but<br />
if parking is at a premium in your<br />
neighbourhood, then paving over part<br />
Image from Benjamin Moore UK<br />
of your front garden to create<br />
space for off road parking<br />
could significantly boost your<br />
home’s value. A parking space<br />
can add as much as 13%<br />
to the value of your home<br />
according to Direct Line.<br />
Our research found that a new<br />
driveway would add £13,354<br />
to the value of the average<br />
Surrey property.<br />
You’ll need to check with your<br />
local council to see if you need<br />
planning permission to do<br />
this. Usually, if your home isn’t<br />
on an A or B road you won’t<br />
need permission, but you<br />
will have to comply with your<br />
local authority’s regulations on<br />
dropping the kerb.<br />
SPRUCE UP<br />
YOUR BACK<br />
GARDEN<br />
Spend £4,000, add £9,000<br />
Gardens are often overlooked<br />
when property projects are<br />
concerned but ploughing<br />
some money into your green<br />
space can be rewarding. Our<br />
analysis found that adding<br />
decking <strong>and</strong> lighting to your<br />
back garden can really boost<br />
the asking price when a<br />
property goes on the market.<br />
For example, a property in<br />
Dorset would be worth £8,946<br />
more after the job was done<br />
but would only require an<br />
outlay of £3,971.<br />
18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
BATHROOM, HEATING, PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES<br />
NOT JUST A PLUMBERS MERCHANT<br />
HOME IMPROVEMENT SECTION<br />
Electrical accessories <strong>and</strong> cables • Plumbing fittings<br />
Drill bits • Screws<br />
NOW OPEN<br />
• Sealants • Tools<br />
Rainwater Products • Plus many other DIY products<br />
WE ALSO SELL<br />
BATHROOMS<br />
Visit our website<br />
to view our<br />
showroom video<br />
Find us at the rear of Sharman’s Garden Centre, Camel Road, Littleport CB6 1EW<br />
Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 1pm<br />
01353 860093 | www.portplumbing.co.uk
Image from lights4fun.co.uk<br />
DECORATE<br />
Spend £1,000, add £5,000<br />
If you are planning to put your<br />
property on the market make sure<br />
you give it a fresh lick of paint first.<br />
Don’t underst<strong>and</strong> the importance of<br />
kerb appeal by updating the exterior<br />
of your home. Getting professionals<br />
in could set you back around £1,000,<br />
but it could add £5,000 to your<br />
home’s value, according to property<br />
expert Phil Spencer.<br />
CONVERT YOUR<br />
L O F T<br />
Spend £20,000, add £40,000<br />
ENERGY EFFICIENCY<br />
Image from gardentrading.co.uk<br />
Homeowners looking to add floor<br />
space could significantly add value<br />
to their home. Loft conversions cost<br />
around £20,000 on average but they<br />
could boost your home’s value by<br />
£40,000, according to Spencer.<br />
GET PLANNING<br />
PERMISSION<br />
Spend £400, add £20,000<br />
If you are preparing to sell your<br />
home <strong>and</strong> can’t afford a big project<br />
to boost the value, you could<br />
consider just getting the planning<br />
permission. Buyers are prepared to<br />
pay quite a premium to avoid the<br />
paperwork involved in an extension<br />
<strong>and</strong> to know red tape won’t st<strong>and</strong> in<br />
the way of their plans <strong>and</strong> allowing<br />
them to start works the minute they<br />
pick up the keys.<br />
Submitting a basic planning<br />
application costs up to £400 but<br />
could add as much as 10% to the<br />
value of your home, according to<br />
insurance firm Hamilton Fraser.<br />
10 million UK homeowners<br />
experience barriers to creating<br />
energy efficient homes<br />
If we want to improve the UK’s<br />
housing stock, have warmer<br />
homes <strong>and</strong> meet our Net Zero<br />
targets, then something needs to<br />
change. Our latest survey shows<br />
most homeowners in <strong>2024</strong> see<br />
the biggest barrier as £££.<br />
• The majority of UK<br />
homeowners (57%)<br />
experience obstacles<br />
preventing them from<br />
carrying out energy<br />
efficiencies<br />
• More than one third of<br />
homeowners have been held<br />
back by cost, with 18%<br />
saying that the savings may<br />
not justify the up-front cost<br />
• Lack of incentives <strong>and</strong><br />
grants is a barrier for 1 in 5<br />
homeowners (19%)<br />
• Trust is a factor – 11% cite a<br />
lack of trusted tradespeople<br />
<strong>and</strong> 6% cite previous<br />
insulation sc<strong>and</strong>als as barriers<br />
• Age matters – compared<br />
with homeowners overall,<br />
younger homeowners (18-<br />
34) are twice as likely to<br />
have a heat pump (11% vs<br />
4%) <strong>and</strong> over a third more<br />
likely to have installed solar<br />
panels (13% vs 9%).<br />
• Some homeowners say a<br />
lack of trusted tradespeople<br />
(11%), a lack of skilled<br />
trades (8%) <strong>and</strong> previous<br />
insulation sc<strong>and</strong>als (6%)<br />
have also stopped them<br />
from carrying out energy<br />
efficiencies.<br />
What are the best ways to make<br />
my home more energy efficient?<br />
Head to hoa.org.uk for their<br />
comprehensive guide on how to<br />
make your home more energy<br />
efficient. It sets out the options<br />
of the energy efficient measures<br />
you can invest in to reduce how<br />
much energy your home needs<br />
to stay warm.<br />
20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21
Sambuca Tumbled & Aged Limestone - Reminiscent of the<br />
original flagstone floor, the Sambuca limestone features soft<br />
shades of grey <strong>and</strong> blue along with h<strong>and</strong> cut tumbled edges <strong>and</strong><br />
a brushed aged finish. R<strong>and</strong>om length x 500 x 20mm size. Can<br />
go inside <strong>and</strong> out. £53.94m², terzettostone.co.uk<br />
Composite decking is a great choice for lowmaintenance,<br />
long-lasting decking. Envirobuild’s<br />
decking is also made from 90% recycled<br />
materials, using 100% wind farm energy. From<br />
£29.69 per 4m length, envirobuild.com<br />
GARDEN<br />
Glow Up<br />
There’s still time to transform your space for the<br />
summer - here are some beautiful products to help<br />
your transformation<br />
Solar Lanterns,<br />
on sale from<br />
£175 each,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
Porcelain works wonderfully in<br />
a variety of settings - it’s super<br />
hard-wearing <strong>and</strong> anti-slip,<br />
making it perfect for patios.<br />
Chorus White Italian Porcelain<br />
– Available In <strong>and</strong> Out. You can<br />
create a trade account online to<br />
receive reduced prices. Price from<br />
- £43m²., rfl<strong>and</strong>scapeproducts.<br />
co.uk<br />
Lacock Lounge Set,<br />
currently on sale for<br />
£1452, hauslife.co.uk<br />
Astor 8 Seat Square Dining<br />
Set, currently on sale for<br />
£974.99, envirobuild.com
NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME<br />
Beautiful gardens to visit in your area - plus raising vital funds for nursing <strong>and</strong><br />
health charities. For more details, visit ngs.org.uk<br />
CLOVER COTTAGE<br />
50 Streetly End, West Wickham<br />
CB21 4RP<br />
ELY OPEN GARDENS<br />
<strong>Ely</strong>, Cambridgeshire, CB6 1AD<br />
A delightful <strong>and</strong> varied group of gardens<br />
in an historic cathedral city: The Bishop's<br />
House, has mixed planting <strong>and</strong> formal<br />
rose garden bordered by wisteria. 12<br />
Chapel Street, a small town garden,<br />
shows varied gardening interests <strong>and</strong> a<br />
railway! 1 Merlin Drive <strong>and</strong> 1 Robins<br />
Close are modern estate gardens. 5b<br />
Downham Road a small garden shows<br />
how careful planting can create a<br />
tranquil garden in a challenging plot. 42<br />
Cambridge Road is a long garden with<br />
fig trees at one end <strong>and</strong> a town<br />
vegetable plot at the other.<br />
Sunday 2nd <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Admission: Adult: £10.00 | Child: Free<br />
In winter find a flowering cherry tree,<br />
borders of snowdrops, aconites, Iris<br />
reticulata, hellebores <strong>and</strong> miniature<br />
Narcissus. Pond <strong>and</strong> arbour raised beds<br />
of fruit <strong>and</strong> vegetables. In summer<br />
arches of roses <strong>and</strong> clematis, hardy<br />
geraniums, delightful borders of English<br />
roses <strong>and</strong> herbaceous plants.<br />
Sunday 2nd <strong>and</strong> 9th <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Admission: Adult: £3.50 Child: Free<br />
MOAT HOUSE<br />
Little Saxham, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5LE<br />
Set in a two acre historic <strong>and</strong> partially<br />
moated site. This tranquil, mature<br />
garden has been developed over 20<br />
years. Bordered by mature trees the<br />
garden has various sections inc a<br />
sunken garden, rose <strong>and</strong> clematis<br />
arbours, herbaceous borders with<br />
hydrangeas <strong>and</strong> alliums, small<br />
arboretum.<br />
GREAT THURLOW HALL<br />
Great Thurlow, Haverhill CB9 7LF<br />
13 acres of beautiful gardens set around<br />
the River Stour, masses of snowdrops in<br />
late winter are followed by daffodils <strong>and</strong><br />
blossom around the riverside walk in<br />
spring. Herbaceous borders, rose<br />
garden <strong>and</strong> extensive shrub borders<br />
come alive with colour from late spring<br />
onwards, there is also a large walled<br />
kitchen garden <strong>and</strong> arboretum.<br />
Sunday 2nd <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Admission: Adult: £5.00 | Child: Free<br />
COTTAGE GARDEN<br />
79 Sedgwick Street, Cambridge,<br />
Cambridgeshire, CB1 3AL<br />
Small, long, narrow <strong>and</strong> planted in the<br />
cottage garden style with over 40<br />
roses, some on arches <strong>and</strong> growing<br />
through trees. Particularly planned to<br />
encourage wildlife with small pond,<br />
mature trees <strong>and</strong> shrubs. Perennials<br />
<strong>and</strong> some unusual plants interspersed<br />
with sculptures.<br />
Monday 8th <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Admission: Adult: £4.00 | Child: Free<br />
Sundays 9th <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Admission: Adult: £6.00 | Child: Free<br />
ISAACSON’S<br />
6 High Street, Burwell, CB25 0HB<br />
Warmed <strong>and</strong> sheltered by the medieval<br />
walls of a C14 house (the oldest in<br />
Burwell) the garden is richly diverse in<br />
format <strong>and</strong> planting. There are 'theatres'<br />
(auricula, pinks), hints of Snowdonia, the<br />
Mediterranean, <strong>and</strong> a French potager <strong>and</strong><br />
Anglesey Abbey in the snowdrop season.<br />
Sunday 9th <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Admission: Adult: £8.00 | Child: Free
Into the Garden<br />
LOOKING TO SPRUCE UP YOUR GARDEN THIS SUMMER?<br />
TAKE A LOOK AT THESE SKILLED, LOCAL TRADESPEOPLE THAT<br />
ARE JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY...<br />
If an Englishman’s home is<br />
his castle, his garden is his<br />
crown. Having access to an<br />
outside space is for many<br />
people more than just a<br />
luxury – but a necessity for<br />
an individual’s emotional <strong>and</strong><br />
physical wellbeing.<br />
It can also have a significant<br />
impact on the value of your<br />
property. A well-maintained<br />
garden, which has seen a<br />
degree of investment <strong>and</strong><br />
improvement, can add<br />
between five <strong>and</strong> ten per cent<br />
towards the overall value of<br />
your property.<br />
We’ve brought together local<br />
companies to help make your<br />
outside space as beautiful<br />
<strong>and</strong> enjoyable as possible this<br />
summer.<br />
Twenty Pence Garden Centre<br />
Visit our family-run establishment in Wilburton<br />
for something everyone will enjoy. Explore<br />
our vast indoor <strong>and</strong> outdoor plant section<br />
with expert assistance for your gardening<br />
needs. Relax at Applejacks Restaurant with<br />
our dish of the day, or savour authentic Italian<br />
flavours at The Orchard Pizzeria. Meanwhile,<br />
kids can have a blast at The Putting Shed<br />
with thrilling 9-hole crazy golf, plus a free<br />
children’s play area <strong>and</strong> pedal go-kart track<br />
next to the Orchard Ice Cream Parlour. What<br />
are you waiting for?<br />
01353 741024<br />
www.twentypence.co.uk<br />
Greensleeves <strong>Newmarket</strong><br />
Whether you’re dreaming of a vibrant<br />
green lawn that you’ll love, aiming for<br />
one that will leave your neighbours in<br />
awe, or aspiring to be the talk of the<br />
neighbourhood, we have the perfect lawn<br />
care package for you.<br />
Partner up with the UK’s number 1 most<br />
trusted lawn care experts to keep your<br />
lawn healthy year after year.<br />
Contact Andrew or Ruth on<br />
01638 660 460<br />
newmarket@greensleeves-uk.com<br />
Lets Garden<br />
Do you need a gardener? Look no further!<br />
We’re a family run business, fully qualified<br />
horticulturalists with over 10 years’<br />
experience <strong>and</strong> an eye for detail. Working<br />
in <strong>and</strong> around Cambridgeshire we offer<br />
all aspects of garden maintenance <strong>and</strong><br />
much more. Specialising in creating <strong>and</strong><br />
maintaining your dream garden.<br />
For all your gardening needs, contact us<br />
now for your free quote.<br />
07902492595<br />
now.lets.garden@gmail.com<br />
f/LetsGarden1 i@letsgarden1<br />
Adam & Eden Restoration<br />
Adam & Eden Restoration is your goto<br />
for all your outdoor garden building<br />
needs.<br />
With over 20 years of experience,<br />
we prioritise lasting results <strong>and</strong> your<br />
privacy, with a focus on minimal<br />
disruption.<br />
We offer a fully bespoke service, crafting<br />
custom-made outdoor buildings <strong>and</strong><br />
h<strong>and</strong>ling everything from removal to<br />
erection of the structure.<br />
Contact Doug on 07837 116994<br />
adams<strong>and</strong>eden@outlook.com<br />
Thurlow Nunn St<strong>and</strong>en Ltd<br />
When you visit our Thurlow Nunn<br />
St<strong>and</strong>en Country Store showrooms, you<br />
will be able to purchase a wide range<br />
of supplies, including lawn <strong>and</strong> garden<br />
equipment, tools, workwear, Calor<br />
gas, cleaning products, pet food, pest<br />
control, clothing <strong>and</strong> toys.<br />
Pop into your Littleport or Kennett<br />
Country Store or visit our online shop<br />
for our full range of products.<br />
01353 863038 (Littleport)<br />
01638 750322 (Kennett)<br />
www.tnsgroup.co.uk/buy-online<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 25
Summer<br />
IN THE CITY<br />
A resort-style hotel in the heart of central London, The Ned has<br />
all the ingredients for a decadent weekend away...<br />
STYLE<br />
The hotel opened in 2017 - a<br />
spectacular conversion of the original<br />
Midl<strong>and</strong> Bank HQ designed in 1924 by<br />
Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens. The project<br />
was a partnership between the US-<br />
Based Sydell Group <strong>and</strong> the inimitably<br />
stylish Soho House Group - the latter’s<br />
astonishing attention to detail evident<br />
in the impeccable interiors. Stylistically,<br />
the hotel references the 1920s, Thirties<br />
<strong>and</strong> Forties, all with a modern level of<br />
decadence. Think of polished marble<br />
floors, deep mahogany <strong>and</strong> plush<br />
velvet - plus the beautiful architectural<br />
framework of the original building.<br />
FOOD & DRINK<br />
The former Gr<strong>and</strong> Banking Hall is<br />
home to the Ned’s impressive array of<br />
restaurants, separated by partitions<br />
created from the bank’s former teller<br />
stations. From Asian-Pacific cuisine<br />
at Kaia, to Lutyen’s Grill <strong>and</strong> Italian<br />
restaurant Cecconi’s - you can sample a<br />
world of flavours in one location.<br />
If health <strong>and</strong> freshness is the order of the<br />
day, Malibu Kitchen brings Californian<br />
food to the City with a healthy menu of<br />
superfood salads, raw vegetables, cured<br />
fish <strong>and</strong> meat, flatbreads, juices <strong>and</strong><br />
smoothies. Or you can have a taste of<br />
Latin America with Cantina Malibu. On<br />
offer for dinner service from Monday –<br />
Saturday, featuring Mexican favourites<br />
such as tuna tostadas <strong>and</strong> pork carnitas<br />
tacos, served alongside margaritas,<br />
martinis <strong>and</strong> more.<br />
All are articulated by the central stage in<br />
the round, where diners can enjoy live<br />
music from each respective space.<br />
ROOMS<br />
The same attention to detail evident in<br />
the communal spaces is echoed in the<br />
rooms - many of them furnished with<br />
Soho House’s own furniture lines. The<br />
mahogany beds are large <strong>and</strong> deliciously<br />
comfortable - perfect for sprawling in<br />
your fluffy robe.<br />
There is a generosity in the room’s<br />
amenities too - full-sized Cowshed<br />
products in an array of ‘flavours’ are there<br />
to try, alongside thoughtful touches like<br />
hair straighteners <strong>and</strong> charging cables -<br />
everything is geared toward making sure<br />
your stay is as comfortable <strong>and</strong> stressfree<br />
as possible.<br />
THE SPA<br />
For a central-London hotel, the spa<br />
here is a surprise <strong>and</strong> a joy. Located in<br />
a bank vault, the space feels delightfully<br />
enveloping, <strong>and</strong> it oozes the same style<br />
as upstairs with its chequerboard marble<br />
floor <strong>and</strong> green verdite columns. The<br />
treatment menu is extensive - there’s<br />
a men’s grooming bar as well as a<br />
hairdressers, alongside a full menu of<br />
massages <strong>and</strong> facials.<br />
The spa space also includes a beautiful<br />
pink marble hammam space, as well as a<br />
relaxation lounge <strong>and</strong> a gym.<br />
T O S T A Y :<br />
Bedrooms start from £425 per night.<br />
Find out more at thened.com<br />
SPECIAL OFFER<br />
Ned’s Summer Escape<br />
Enjoy 15% off best flexible rate for stays<br />
until 21st November when you book<br />
before the 4th August, rates from £360<br />
a night.<br />
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Olive Dress,<br />
£115, Busby<br />
& Fox<br />
Tarnish-Proof gold plated<br />
earrings, £14.99, hauslife.co.uk<br />
Boho Dress,<br />
£26, George<br />
at Asda<br />
Bag, £39.50, M&S<br />
Bella Slider, £37,<br />
Accessorize<br />
easy<br />
S U M M E R<br />
S T Y L E<br />
Summer is looming into view - so bringing<br />
the season of ease. Light cottons, breathable<br />
linens - effortless silhouettes<br />
AND OR Skirt, £69,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Leona Cardi,<br />
£75, John Lewis<br />
Lyons Tan S<strong>and</strong>als,<br />
£95, Dune<br />
Margaret Midi Dress,<br />
£129, Barbour<br />
Cotton smock<br />
dress with<br />
pockets, £49.99,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
S<strong>and</strong>als,<br />
£65, M&S<br />
UV Sunglasses, £19.99,<br />
hauslife.co.uk<br />
Clara Denim Dress,<br />
£65, Fatface<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27
NEW BEGINNINGS<br />
Choosing Retirement Accommodation<br />
As one approaches retirement<br />
age, the prospect of downsizing<br />
<strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> foremost, consider the<br />
location. Do you want to stay close<br />
to family <strong>and</strong> 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 />
<strong>and</strong> recreational activities. Access<br />
to public transport is also crucial<br />
for maintaining independence<br />
<strong>and</strong> 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, <strong>and</strong> assisted<br />
living facilities. Determine the<br />
level of support you require <strong>and</strong><br />
choose accommodation that aligns<br />
with your needs <strong>and</strong> preferences.<br />
Independent living offers freedom<br />
<strong>and</strong> autonomy, while assisted living<br />
provides additional support with<br />
daily tasks <strong>and</strong> 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, <strong>and</strong> 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 />
<strong>and</strong> whether the accommodation<br />
can accommodate those changes.<br />
Look for features such as accessible<br />
design, mobility aids, <strong>and</strong> flexible<br />
care options. By future-proofing your<br />
choice, you can ensure that your<br />
retirement accommodation remains<br />
suitable <strong>and</strong> 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 />
<strong>and</strong> the availability of support<br />
services. Assess whether the<br />
accommodation offers on-site<br />
healthcare professionals, emergency<br />
assistance, <strong>and</strong> access to additional<br />
care if needed. Prioritising access<br />
to healthcare can provide peace of<br />
mind <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong><br />
contractual aspects of the retirement<br />
accommodation. Seek legal advice<br />
if necessary to underst<strong>and</strong> the<br />
terms <strong>and</strong> obligations involved. Pay<br />
attention to details such as lease<br />
agreements, service contracts,<br />
<strong>and</strong> exit fees. It’s crucial to have<br />
clarity regarding your rights <strong>and</strong><br />
responsibilities as a resident.<br />
SOCIAL AND<br />
RECREATIONAL<br />
OPPORTUNITIES<br />
Retirement accommodation often<br />
provides a range of social <strong>and</strong><br />
recreational activities to enrich<br />
residents’ lives. From fitness<br />
classes <strong>and</strong> hobby groups to<br />
communal events <strong>and</strong> outings,<br />
these opportunities foster a sense<br />
of community. Take the time to<br />
explore the amenities <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> open-mindedness.<br />
Take the time to explore different<br />
options, ask questions, <strong>and</strong> involve<br />
loved ones in the decision-making<br />
process. By carefully considering<br />
your needs <strong>and</strong> preferences, you<br />
can embark on this journey with<br />
confidence <strong>and</strong> enthusiasm.<br />
Choosing retirement accommodation<br />
requires thoughtful planning <strong>and</strong><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, <strong>and</strong><br />
embracing the journey, you can make<br />
an informed decision that aligns<br />
with your lifestyle <strong>and</strong> preferences.<br />
Remember, this transition is an<br />
opportunity for new beginnings <strong>and</strong><br />
exciting possibilities.<br />
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Quality care in<br />
<strong>Newmarket</strong> you<br />
can trust<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
When a family is thinking about care<br />
for a loved one, they want the best - they<br />
want to know that the care home they<br />
choose will put their loved one’s safety,<br />
happiness <strong>and</strong> wellbeing first.<br />
Kentford Manor is managed by award-winning provider Care UK<br />
- one of the UK’s most highly successful care home operators*<br />
with over 40 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to<br />
older people.<br />
<strong>Living</strong> at Kentford Manor is all about quality of life. Every<br />
colleague in the home is passionate about enabling residents to<br />
enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs <strong>and</strong><br />
preferences. The lifestyle team organises a huge variety of group<br />
<strong>and</strong> one-to-one activities, with plenty going on each day.<br />
With the extra support that our care home offers, new residents<br />
are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able<br />
to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even<br />
discovering new hobbies with our daily activities.<br />
The purpose-built home is designed for enjoying a luxury lifestyle,<br />
with en-suite rooms <strong>and</strong> facilities including a cinema, bistro, hair<br />
<strong>and</strong> beauty salon, <strong>and</strong> comfortable lounges <strong>and</strong> dining rooms.<br />
The home also boasts stunning gardens with wheelchair friendly<br />
pathways – the perfect place to spend some time when the<br />
weather allows.<br />
Kentford Manor care home<br />
Jeddah Way, Kennett, <strong>Newmarket</strong> CB8 8JY<br />
01638 438 350<br />
careuk.com/kentford-manor<br />
*As rated by the Care Quality Commission in Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Care<br />
Inspectorate in Scotl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
D-Day 80th<br />
Anniversary<br />
event<br />
Join us for our next event<br />
D-Day 80th Anniversary<br />
Commemoration<br />
Thursday 6th <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong><br />
2pm onwards<br />
Join us in celebrating the peace <strong>and</strong> freedom<br />
given to us through the bravery <strong>and</strong> sacrifice of<br />
so many. To commemorate such an important<br />
day in our history, we’ll be:<br />
• Joined by Women’s Section Royal British<br />
Legion<br />
• Enjoying 1940’s themed food <strong>and</strong> light<br />
refreshments<br />
Trusted to care.<br />
Kentford Manor care home<br />
<strong>Newmarket</strong><br />
To find out more, call 01638 438 350<br />
or email katrina.rayment@careuk.com
A FANTASTIC<br />
RANGE OF<br />
DESIGNS FROM<br />
CONTEMPORARY<br />
TO CLASSIC<br />
A WORLD OF CHOICE AT REEDS<br />
UNBEATABLE PRICES FROM A FAMILY BUSINESS YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
SOFAS | CHAIRS | FURNITURE | BEDS | MATTRESSES | FLOORING | CURTAINS | BLINDS AND MORE!<br />
Opening Times: Mon – Sat 9am to 5pm in Downham <strong>and</strong> <strong>Ely</strong> | Sunday 10am to 4pm in <strong>Ely</strong> only<br />
Visit the café in our Downham Market Store where delicious food <strong>and</strong> drink awaits you.<br />
Check out our website reedshomestore.co.uk | Find us on facebook for the latest updates<br />
REEDS Furniture, Flooring, Bed Centre & Homestore, Bridge Street, Downham Market PE38 9DS T: 01366 382213<br />
REEDS Furniture, Flooring & Bed Centre, Lancaster Way Business Park, <strong>Ely</strong> CB6 3NX T: 01353 669754