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Azure - West Sussex Lifestyle Jul - Aug 2024

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Y O U R F R E E C O P Y<br />

J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 4<br />

AZURE<br />

WEST SUSSEX<br />

LIFESTYLE<br />

WIN<br />

Luxury<br />

competitions<br />

inside<br />

A SUMMER<br />

IN THE GARDEN<br />

PHIL VICKERY<br />

WE CATCH UP WITH THE<br />

CHEF - PLUS NAB A RECIPE<br />

ADAM FROST<br />

ON HIS LOVE OF GARDENING


“Our guiding principle<br />

is to deliver care to a<br />

standard that we would<br />

expect for our own<br />

parents and loved ones.”<br />

Residential Care<br />

Respite Care<br />

Dementia Care<br />

Scan to download<br />

our brochure<br />

01243 543228<br />

manager@nytonhouse.co.uk<br />

www.nytonhouse.co.uk<br />

Find us on Facebook<br />

and Instagram<br />

For the last 45 years, Nyton House<br />

has been providing outstanding<br />

care in a beautiful rural setting on<br />

the outskirts of Chichester,<br />

<strong>West</strong> <strong>Sussex</strong>.<br />

We aim to enable residents to live<br />

a happy & fulfilling life,<br />

we empower residents to make<br />

their own choices and treat<br />

everyone with dignity & respect.<br />

Nyton House<br />

Residential Care Home,<br />

Nyton Road, <strong>West</strong>ergate,<br />

Chichester, PO20 3UL


C O N T E N T S<br />

A NOTE<br />

from the editor<br />

14<br />

PHIL VICKERY AND HIS RECIPE<br />

Welcome to the high summer<br />

edition of your fave local<br />

lifestyle magazine!<br />

As the days stretch longer<br />

and some sunshine finally<br />

makes an appearance (I<br />

swear I have webbed feet<br />

by now), it’s time to embrace<br />

the season’s vibrant energy.<br />

We are a nation obsessed<br />

with gardening, and this is no<br />

more true than in this edition,<br />

where we have a real life<br />

transformation to inspire you.<br />

If you’d like your space to be<br />

a little less abandoned and<br />

a little more Eden, hopefully<br />

this guide will help kick-start<br />

your plans for summer.<br />

04<br />

COMPETITIONS<br />

Speaking of gardens, we<br />

had a chat with multi-<br />

Chelsea gold medal<br />

winning horticulturist and<br />

TV Presenter Adam Frost -<br />

it was wonderful to get an<br />

insight into where his love of<br />

gardening began.<br />

GARDEN RENOVATION<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 Joe Crossley<br />

e joe@minervapublications.co.uk<br />

t 01225 984505<br />

Front Cover courtesy of Fatface<br />

23<br />

ADAM FROST<br />

30<br />

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS<br />

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,<br />

Hilperton BA14 6JB<br />

t 01225 984 550<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />

Printed on sustainably sourced paper.<br />

Please recycle this copy or pass it along<br />

when you are finished for someone else<br />

to enjoy.<br />

Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be<br />

held liable for any loss occasioned by<br />

failure of an advertisement to appear, or<br />

any damage or inconvenience caused by<br />

errors, omissions and misprints. No part of<br />

this publication may be reproduced without<br />

prior permission from the publishers.<br />

The opinions expressed within are not<br />

necessarily those of the publishers.<br />

We also had the chance to<br />

catch up with the charming<br />

Phil Vickery, who also gave<br />

us a fabulous recipe to try.<br />

He’s utterly charming and is<br />

set to appear at this year’s<br />

Three Counties Food & Drink<br />

Festival.<br />

If you’re thinking your home<br />

needs a seasonal lift, we<br />

have a lovely piece called<br />

Interior Espresso, designed<br />

to show you smaller projects<br />

that can breathe new life into<br />

your space.<br />

So, kick back, relax, and<br />

let the sunshine guide you<br />

through these pages filled<br />

with seasonal inspiration!<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 25th <strong>Aug</strong>ust <strong>2024</strong><br />

WIN A STELLAR VERVE<br />

COOKWARE BUNDLE WORTH<br />

OVER £300!<br />

Want to cook more healthily this<br />

summer? With new cookware range,<br />

Stellar Verve, you can prepare your<br />

favourite recipes and reduce the fat<br />

thanks to its responsive non-stick<br />

technology that requires little to no oil.<br />

To celebrate the launch of Verve, we’ve<br />

teamed up with Stellar to give one lucky<br />

reader the chance to win a bundle of<br />

Stellar Verve goodies including a 26cm<br />

Frying Pan, 28cm Wok, 26cm Grill Pan,<br />

all worth over £300.<br />

Available at www.stellar.co.uk.<br />

Keyword ‘Stellar’<br />

WIN A BBQ TRADITIONALIST’S<br />

TREAT BY CHAR-BROIL<br />

WORTH OVER £300<br />

Anyone who loves the smell and taste<br />

of charcoal BBQ will love the new Char-<br />

Broil Charcoal L. The BBQ impresses<br />

with its large 3,665cm2 cooking area<br />

and nifty features from the versatile<br />

charcoal bowl to side shelves with<br />

practical hooks for grilling utensils. In<br />

a stylish black design, key features<br />

include a temperature gauge on the lid,<br />

adjustable smoke stack and charcoal<br />

trays and an integrated bottle opener<br />

for keeping the chef hydrated! Charcoal<br />

L (£319.99 RRP) is available online and<br />

at garden centres nationwide.<br />

Keyword ‘Char-Broil BBQ’<br />

WIN THE OPINEL BBQ SET<br />

This timeless companion, available from<br />

Berry Useful, comprises a 16cm steel<br />

bladed knife complete with a safety<br />

collar that locks the blade in open and<br />

close positions, a spatula and XL tongs<br />

with a grid lifting slot at the heel, making<br />

time at the BBQ easier!<br />

Available from berryuseful.co.uk<br />

Keyword ‘Opinel’<br />

Essentials Lace B<br />

The Essentials Lace femin<br />

this season’s fashion shad<br />

Whether as loungewear<br />

dress – the understated b<br />

a delicate silk band, is su<br />

their removable pads pro<br />

with four hook and eye c<br />

lined with perforated, bre<br />

second skin!<br />

This great style also come<br />

even more variety to you<br />

their underwear to be sty<br />

Available from www.stud<br />

Sizes S/ M/L/XL<br />

WIN A TRUSTED BONA<br />

PREMIUM SPRAY MOP TO<br />

NURTURE FLOORS<br />

Bring out the beauty of wood and hard<br />

surface floors with the trusted Bona<br />

Premium cleaning system. The durable<br />

Premium Spray Mop and washable,<br />

reusable microfibre pads plus Bona’s<br />

water-based, low-VOC, GREENGUARD<br />

GOLD certified cleaning formula<br />

remove 99% of bacteria from your<br />

floors. We’ve five Bona Premium Spray<br />

Mops for Wood or Hard Surface Floors<br />

including 4L cleaning solution to win.<br />

Shop online at www.bona.com<br />

WIN THE BRAND NEW<br />

HOZELOCK AUTO REEL MOBILE<br />

AND BOKASHI COMPOSTER<br />

WITH KITCHEN CADDY<br />

Hozelock is giving away the ultimate<br />

gardening bundle, including the<br />

brand-new Auto Reel Mobile, Bokashi<br />

Composter and Kitchen Caddy, worth<br />

over £340.<br />

Built to cover all of your composting<br />

and watering needs, this bundle is the<br />

perfect solution to help your garden<br />

thrive this summer and includes<br />

Hozelock’s most premium hose storage<br />

solution.<br />

WIN ONE OF THREE<br />

UNDERWEAR SETS<br />

Introducing the Essentials Lace bralette<br />

from ANITA: comfort meets style!<br />

Perfect for lounging or adding a touch of<br />

elegance to any outfit. With adjustable<br />

back closures and removable pads, it<br />

offers a flattering fit. Plus, it’s wire-free<br />

and breathable, making it feel like a<br />

second skin! Pair with the matching<br />

Essentials Lace brief for the ultimate style<br />

and comfort combo!<br />

If you can’t wait to win then grab yours<br />

from www.studiolingerieandresort.com.<br />

Keyword ‘Bona’<br />

Keyword ‘Hozelock’<br />

Keyword ‘Anita’<br />

For more informatio<br />

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Join Guild Care for a sensational inclusive walk<br />

along the stunning seafront of Worthing, where<br />

every step you take makes a difference!<br />

10km, 5km or shorter distance options<br />

But that’s not all – the excitement doesn’t stop at the finish line!<br />

As you cross the threshold of triumph, you’ll be greeted by the lively<br />

rhythms of laughter and happiness at Beach House Grounds.<br />

It’s time to dive into the Walk with Purpose Family Festival, where<br />

your senses will be treated to an extravaganza of delights!<br />

Sunday 8th September <strong>2024</strong><br />

START TIMES<br />

From 10am<br />

START POINT<br />

Beach House Grounds<br />

Proudly sponsored by<br />

AFTER THE WALKS<br />

Family Festival on Beach House<br />

Grounds from 11am<br />

REGISTER TODAY!<br />

guildcare.org/walkwithpurpose<br />

Guild Care is a registered charity, number 1044658


GREAT DAYS OUT<br />

Perfect family fun - to keep even the<br />

busiest little people happy!<br />

Guide<br />

AMBERLEY MUSEUM<br />

AMBERLEY, NR ARUNDEL BN18 9LT<br />

WWW.AMBERLEYMUSEUM.CO.UK<br />

Amberley Museum showcases our<br />

industrial past with a fascinating<br />

collection of exhibits, including vintage<br />

vehicles, steam engines, and historic<br />

buildings. Visitors can enjoy practical<br />

craft demonstrations and varied<br />

exhibitions of telecommunications,<br />

broadcasting and electrical history.<br />

Dog friendly museum with nature trails.<br />

Pre-book your tickets online. Open<br />

Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4.30pm.<br />

REWILDING US<br />

WORTHING, WEST SUSSEX<br />

WWW.REWILDINGUS.CO.UK<br />

Embark on a journey through our<br />

seasonal, coastal, and mushroom<br />

foraging courses. Discover how to<br />

locate and utilize wild edibles in the lush<br />

environments of <strong>Sussex</strong> & Surrey. With<br />

experiences open to all, and under 18s<br />

going free with an adult. Whether it is<br />

for family and friends, team building, a<br />

special occasion, or a corporate event,<br />

drop us a message and let’s make that<br />

happen for you.<br />

CLARENCE PIER<br />

SOUTHSEA, PORTSMOUTH, PO5 3AA<br />

WWW.CLARENCEPIER.CO.UK<br />

Clarence Pier, nestled along the<br />

vibrant Southsea coastline, is<br />

a premier destination for family<br />

fun and thrilling adventures. With<br />

everything from classic carousels to<br />

heart-stopping coasters, the iconic<br />

funfair boasts a myriad of rides and<br />

attractions for all ages.<br />

Plus check out their 3 huge arcades<br />

and indoor crazy golf, The Putt Hutt!<br />

TANGMERE MILITARY<br />

AVIATION MUSEUM<br />

TANGMERE, PO20 2ES<br />

WWW.TANGMERE-MUSEUM.ORG.UK<br />

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum<br />

exists to promote awareness of the<br />

United Kingdom’s military aviation<br />

heritage and to educate present and<br />

future generations in military aviation<br />

by exhibiting the history of aircraft<br />

and personnel involved in military<br />

aviation with particular reference to<br />

RAF Tangmere and its unique place<br />

in that history.<br />

CHICHESTER<br />

HARBOUR<br />

CHICHESTER PO207AW<br />

WWW.CONSERVANCY.CO.UK<br />

Explore Chichester Harbour onboard<br />

our solar powered cruise boat this<br />

summer. A great way to experience the<br />

harbour’s beauty and tranquillity from<br />

the water. The boat is very accessible<br />

with plenty of seating and space to<br />

move around and take in the stunning<br />

views. Pre-book online for Discovery<br />

Cruises, Seal Safaris, Birdwatching and<br />

Sunset Cruises.<br />

JANE AUSTEN’S<br />

HOUSE<br />

CHAWTON HAMPSHIRE GU34 1SD<br />

WWW.JANEAUSTENS.HOUSE<br />

Jane Austen’s House is the inspiring<br />

Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen<br />

lived and wrote her globally beloved<br />

novels. Discover the sunny Drawing<br />

Room where Jane Austen read Pride and<br />

Prejudice aloud to a neighbour on the<br />

very day she received her first copy and<br />

the vibrant green Dining Room where<br />

she wrote and where her writing table still<br />

sits today. Tickets last for one year!<br />

6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Summer days<br />

at Woolbeding Gardens<br />

A horticultural haven.<br />

Open Thursdays and Fridays until 27 September.<br />

Booking essential.<br />

© National Trust 2020. Registered Charity no. 205846.<br />

Photography © National Trust Images/Laurence Perry.<br />

nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-gardens<br />

Find out<br />

more today<br />

Search WWT Arundel<br />

NEW<br />

Every day in<br />

the summer<br />

holidays<br />

NINE<br />

postcardS.<br />

Epic<br />

one<br />

Adventure<br />

Pelican Postie has dropped their<br />

postbag, scattering mail across<br />

our wetland centres. Can you find<br />

the lost postcards and discover<br />

where the world’s animals are<br />

holidaying this summer?<br />

Arundel<br />

Wetland Centre<br />

© WWT <strong>2024</strong>. Registered charity no. 1030884<br />

England<br />

© WWT<br />

and<br />

2023.<br />

Wales,<br />

Registered<br />

SC039410 Scotland.<br />

charity no. 1030884 England and Wales, SC039410 Scotland.<br />

Have a Summer of Wonder at<br />

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre<br />

NEW Postcard Trail, pond dipping & boat safaris<br />

Make your season a Summer of Wonder with a visit to<br />

wetlands bursting with wildlife and activities for all ages.<br />

Experience in-your-face nature, <strong>Jul</strong>y 20th through Sept 1<br />

at this gorgeous wetland reserve.<br />

Get eye to eye with an emperor dragonfly on board the<br />

20-minute Boat Safari, bookable at the admissions desk<br />

for only £3 per person. Cast a net at pond dipping for awesome<br />

encounters with mini beasts of the shallows! Diving<br />

beetles, dragonfly larvae, freshwater snails and blood<br />

worms may wriggle as your catch. Book at the admissions<br />

desk for £3 for a party pf six.<br />

Discover wetlands around the<br />

world on the Postcard Trail and get<br />

hands-on to create your own wetland<br />

souvenir with a free trail guide.<br />

Explore exhibits of threatened and<br />

endangered ducks and geese from<br />

around world. Watch British wildlife<br />

like the resident sand martin colony<br />

and the nesting kingfishers from<br />

unique hides, built for purpose.<br />

Book tickets online or in centre on<br />

the day or join WWT as a member for<br />

free admission. Open 7 days a week<br />

all summer.<br />

Damatian<br />

Pelican<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7


To Kiss Poster, desenio.com<br />

Delilah Paint,<br />

earthbornpaints.co.uk<br />

Cushion with Pad, £75,<br />

coloursofarley.com<br />

ANYDAY Trousers,<br />

£36, John Lewis<br />

Birdsong Wallpaper,<br />

fionahoward.com<br />

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 and personality<br />

shines through every detail. A celebration of selfexpression<br />

through vibrant tones, eclectic decor<br />

and clothing. It’s a bold move away from the more<br />

mundane muted palettes that have dominated<br />

in the past, inviting a lively mix of colours that<br />

instantly infuse your space and wardrobe with<br />

joy, creativity and a new zest for life. Instant<br />

dopamine! Pair back with neutral bases.<br />

Orange Broderie<br />

Swing Dress, £24,<br />

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 />

Sand, £90,<br />

dunelondon.com<br />

8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Burford Rattan Dining Set, available<br />

with Four or Six Seats, currently £763<br />

off, £2,485 hauslife.co.uk<br />

Pair of Napkins, £28,<br />

avalonhome.co.uk<br />

ALFRESCO<br />

LIVING<br />

If you’re looking for a few new additions<br />

to add to your collection, we’ve pulled<br />

together a curated edit with everything you<br />

need to serve your guests in style - from<br />

the little details like napkins and serving<br />

boards to gorgeous outdoor furnishings<br />

that will suit the whole family.<br />

Set Of 4 Riviera<br />

Mimosa Placemats, £80,<br />

roseandgrey.co.uk<br />

Monstera Plate, £45,<br />

roseandgrey.co.uk<br />

Brisa Large Serving Bowl,<br />

£46.99, hauslife.co.uk<br />

Drinks<br />

Dispenser, £30,<br />

ellajames.co.uk<br />

Trendsetters<br />

OUR FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE FASHIONS & FINDS<br />

Fabric by abigailborg.com<br />

Striped Serving Bowl, £78,<br />

spicerandwood.co.uk<br />

Candle Pair, £15,<br />

talkingtables.co.uk<br />

Candlestick, £6,<br />

jysk.co.uk<br />

Lighting by lights4fun.com<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 9


IT'S A GAME<br />

CHANGER<br />

BUT NOT<br />

FREE<br />

When the Chancellor<br />

announced his plan<br />

for expanding the<br />

childcare support for<br />

parents with young<br />

children last year,<br />

families across the<br />

country would have<br />

been jumping for joy.<br />

Some of these children who will be<br />

benefiting from the new places for nine<br />

month olds in September had not even<br />

been born then!<br />

It’s true that early education and childcare<br />

is very expensive, especially for our<br />

youngest children. This is a time when<br />

parents are going back to work after<br />

parental leave and can least afford to take<br />

the hit. Research has shown that many<br />

parents end up working just to pay for<br />

their child’s nursery.<br />

So the offer of “free” hours for their child<br />

is a game changer. Unfortunately it’s not<br />

free. It will make a big difference to family<br />

finances, but there will still be costs.<br />

The reason that childcare has been so<br />

expensive over the last few years in the<br />

UK compared with similar countries is<br />

because the Government contribution<br />

has been so low. There has only been<br />

some help for children once they turn<br />

three, unless they are from disadvantaged<br />

backgrounds and that’s only from age<br />

two.<br />

Unfortunately although the Government<br />

offers funded hours, the money they pay<br />

for these has never covered the actual<br />

costs of delivering high quality early<br />

education and care. When we speak to<br />

providers, 83% say funding rates do not<br />

cover their costs and at a lower rate than<br />

inflation. As a result of underfunding,<br />

early years providers have had to<br />

increase the cost of paid-for hours to<br />

make up the shortfall.<br />

From September, children of working<br />

parents aged nine months upwards<br />

will be entitled to 15 hours of funded<br />

childcare per week. This is great news<br />

– not just enabling parents to work but<br />

high quality early education and childcare<br />

supports children’s development,<br />

wellbeing and learning.<br />

There are catches however:<br />

• The 15 hours are only during<br />

term time – most parents work all<br />

year round so most providers will<br />

“stretch” these hours across the<br />

year – reducing the hours per week<br />

• The Government only pays for<br />

the actual childcare sessions,<br />

which does not include any meals,<br />

snacks, consumables or additional<br />

activities – so families may see<br />

settings make charges for these<br />

• Depending on the length of your<br />

sessions, you will need to pay for<br />

any additional hours you need at<br />

the nursery’s usual fee especially<br />

for early or later hours.<br />

National Day Nurseries Association which<br />

represents nurseries across England,<br />

Scotland and Wales recommends that<br />

parents speak as soon as possible to<br />

their local providers to find a place for<br />

their child. Our research showed that<br />

many nurseries were concerned they<br />

wouldn’t be able to meet demand.<br />

Ratios of staff to children are higher for<br />

our youngest children so in many cases<br />

they need to recruit more practitioners.<br />

We hope everyone who wants and needs<br />

these funded childcare sessions gets a<br />

place in their preferred local childcare<br />

provider. We are sure you will all feel<br />

the benefits but until the Government<br />

changes the funding system, they won’t<br />

be free either to you the parents or those<br />

who are delivering them.<br />

By Purnima Tanuku OBE,<br />

Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries<br />

Association (NDNA)<br />

www.ndna.org.uk<br />

10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Slindon College is an Independent Day and Boarding School providing<br />

a Specialist Learning Environment for boys aged 8-18. The College is set in<br />

the historic Slindon House located in the South Downs National Park.<br />

Open Mornings<br />

9.30am to 12.00noon<br />

Saturday 28th September <strong>2024</strong><br />

Saturday 1st March 2025<br />

Private visits available throughout the year<br />

. .<br />

Slindon House, Slindon, Arundel, <strong>West</strong> <strong>Sussex</strong>, BN18 0RH<br />

01243 814320 registrar@slindoncollege.co.uk www.slindoncollege.co.uk<br />

Scan to register!


Could your skills and experience<br />

help change a young person’s life?<br />

Become a Supported Lodgings Host and help a 16- to 24-year old<br />

learn the skills they need to live independently and achieve their<br />

potential. Supported Lodgings Hosts with WSCC receive training,<br />

ongoing support, and fees from £15k* a year (per young person)<br />

Interested in becoming a Supported Lodgings Host?<br />

Call our friendly team on 0330 222 7775 or scan the QR code for<br />

more information fosteringwestsussex.org.uk/supported-lodgings<br />

*Fee dependent on the duration a young person is in your care. Additional fees available for specialist roles.<br />

WS33509 06.24


Every young person<br />

needs a home. Do you<br />

have room in yours?<br />

If you have a patience, a sense of humour, a<br />

spare bedroom and some experience of caring<br />

for children, <strong>West</strong> <strong>Sussex</strong> County Council<br />

would love to hear from you!<br />

Unlike fostering, the role of a Supported Lodgings Host is less<br />

about caregiving and more about helping a young person, aged<br />

16-24, develop skills and confidence to prepare them for adult life.<br />

For some, the focus will be on teaching practical skills – cooking,<br />

cleaning, budgeting, laundry – for others this will be about<br />

providing emotional support, and advocacy, to help them get<br />

ready to live independently.<br />

Most stay for about 6-24 months before moving on, but this can<br />

vary.<br />

<strong>West</strong> <strong>Sussex</strong> County Council currently cares for over 300 young<br />

people aged 16+. While all are in safe accommodation, many<br />

would benefit from being in a supportive home environment.<br />

Can I continue to work full time?<br />

Yes! Supported Lodgings Hosts can continue with work and hobbies<br />

as young people do not need ongoing care and supervision.<br />

Do I have the right experience?<br />

All you need is a spare room and a kind heart – WSCC will help<br />

with the rest! Hosts need to undertake sufficient training to<br />

ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />

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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 13


A BRITISH<br />

STAPLE<br />

TV presenter and author Phil Vickery has been<br />

an integral part of the This Morning family for<br />

over 22 years and is firmly regarded as one<br />

of Britain’s favourite chefs. This summer, you<br />

can catch him at Three Counties Food & Drink<br />

Festival, which runs on 27th & 28th <strong>Jul</strong>y at<br />

Three Counties Showground, Malvern.<br />

Here Sally Thomson catches up with Phil to<br />

have a chat about food and the delights of<br />

enjoying good dishes...<br />

THIS MORNING I WATCHED A LITTLE SHORT OF VIDEO OF<br />

YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER WINNIE. YOU WERE HAVING<br />

A CHAT ABOUT THE JOYS OF FRESH PRODUCE IN THE<br />

SPRINGTIME, IN PARTICULAR TALKING ABOUT ASPARAGUS,<br />

RASPBERRIES AND STRAWBERRIES AND HOW MUCH YOU<br />

LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR.<br />

Jersey royals, the first salad. I love all that sort of stuff and as a<br />

seasoned chef, which I’ve always been, we were always taught<br />

fresh is best.<br />

SO YOU WERE ALWAYS INTERESTED IN REGIONAL, LOCAL<br />

PRODUCE?<br />

Yes, I’ve always cooked that way my whole life. There is<br />

something absurd about eating a raspberry from Guatemala in<br />

February.<br />

YES, I FEEL EXACTLY THE SAME AS THAT. I LIKE TO TRY AND<br />

GROW MY OWN PRODUCE AS WELL. I’VE GOT RASPBERRY<br />

CANES IN THE GARDEN WHICH I ENJOY.<br />

It’s nice to look forward to the first game in season: the first<br />

pheasant, or the first roe buck. It’s always been a priority of<br />

mine.<br />

SO DO YOU LIVE OUT IN THE WILDS?<br />

Yes, I live in the country.<br />

WELL, WE’RE VERY LUCKY. WE’VE GOT LOADS OF<br />

PHEASANTS IN OUR GARDEN BUT I COULDN’T DO<br />

ANYTHING WITH THEM. I JUST LET THEM WANDER AROUND.<br />

Oh, I like to eat them. Bear in mind, when I was a young chef,<br />

there were so many pheasants around that they were bred as<br />

game birds. But it’s always been very important to me that we<br />

cook in season. And that will never change. I was born up in<br />

Folkestone in Kent. I wanted to be a doctor, but my elder brother<br />

became a doctor, so I had to change course. I’ve always had<br />

sort of a fairly outdoorsy life. I’ve done a variety of things and I’m<br />

largely self-taught.<br />

YOU SPENT QUITE A LOT OF TIME IN TAUNTON, DIDN’T YOU,<br />

AT THE CASTLE HOTEL?<br />

I did. Yeah, that’s really where I made my name. I was told<br />

“Oh, you’re a good lad, but you probably won’t get the job at<br />

the Castle.” I was like, “Okay, fair enough, but I’ll help you.”<br />

Meanwhile I had nine very happy years there (at The Castle), and<br />

I was very lucky.<br />

SO IN TERMS OF, YOU’RE GOING TO BE DOING THE THREE<br />

COUNTIES, THE DRINK FESTIVAL?<br />

I am indeed. I love cooking outdoors. Especially if you climb<br />

that hill and you get the view across the whole vista up there, it’s<br />

sensational. It’s beautiful. I was very impressed. Plus you can<br />

interact with the audience a bit more, have a bit of a laugh. So I<br />

really enjoy it.<br />

ARE YOU ALLOWED TO SAY WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO COOK<br />

THIS TIME?<br />

I haven’t got a clue what I’m going to cook at the moment. It’s<br />

probably piggies. No, it will be seasonal. It might be a bit of my<br />

pork, I’m not quite sure. Again, it’s what weather’s like. If the<br />

weather’s really hot, then I’ll do light food. If it’s a bit grim and<br />

overcast, then I’ll do some other stuff.<br />

SO WILL IT BE WITHIN A MARQUEE?<br />

Yes, it will be, yeah.<br />

SO WOULD YOU EVER LIKE TO HAVE YOUR OWN COOKERY<br />

PROGRAMME OR A SLOT?<br />

I’m happy working on This Morning. I’ve been all around the<br />

world on This Morning. I’ve been to... oh my goodness. I’ve<br />

cooked on the Indian Barrier Reef. I’ve cooked outside the<br />

Opera House. I’ve been all over India. I’ve been all over Namibia.<br />

I’ve been all over Norway. I’ve been all over Alaska. I’ve been to<br />

Peru. I’ve been very lucky.<br />

SO WHAT’S GOING TO BE YOUR GO-TO DISH FOR<br />

THIS EVENING? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO COOK FOR<br />

YOURSELF?<br />

This evening, I might have some Arctic char. It’s like an oily fish,<br />

a bit like salmon. It’s lovely. It’s a beautiful fish. It’s a freshwater<br />

fish out of England, but this one’s come from Norway. But they<br />

do have a very mild salmon flavour. Perhaps with some Jersey<br />

Royals and some roasted English asparagus.<br />

See Phil Vickery and many other top chefs at the Three Counties<br />

Food & Drink Festival this summer on 27th & 28th <strong>Jul</strong>y at Three<br />

Counties Showground, Malvern. WR13 6NW.<br />

For the further information visit threecountiesfoodfestival.com<br />

14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


SMOKED<br />

CHICKEN,<br />

TOMATO &<br />

PEA PAN PIE<br />

SERVES 4<br />

PREP 15 mins<br />

COOKING 40–45 mins<br />

No faffing about: just line an ovenproof<br />

frying pan with filo, bake, fill, top and<br />

bake again. The base is nice and crisp,<br />

and the filling is hearty and tasty. Pretty<br />

much any filling can be used, but the<br />

drier the fillings, the better the pie.<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

10 sheets frozen filo pastry, roughly<br />

defrosted<br />

1 egg, beaten<br />

25–30g butter, melted<br />

4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for<br />

drizzling<br />

1 onion, finely chopped<br />

1 courgette, finely chopped<br />

1 garlic clove, crushed<br />

400g can chopped tomatoes in juice<br />

200g frozen peas<br />

10g beef stock cube, crumbled<br />

400g smoked chicken breast, roughly<br />

chopped<br />

1 teaspoon smoked paprika<br />

4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley<br />

(about a small bunch)<br />

salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />

green salad, to serve (optional)<br />

METHOD<br />

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark<br />

6. Place a few sheets of filo pastry<br />

in a 20cm × 3cm-deep, ovenproof,<br />

non-stick frying pan, brushing each<br />

layer with a little beaten egg and then<br />

melted butter. Keep any trimmings for<br />

the top later.<br />

Bake in the oven for 10 minutes to set<br />

the egg and pastry, then remove.<br />

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan<br />

over a high heat. Add the onion,<br />

courgette and garlic and cook for 10<br />

minutes to soften.<br />

Add the tomatoes, peas and stock<br />

cube and simmer for 12–15 minutes<br />

until nice and thick. Stir in the chicken<br />

and season well with salt and pepper.<br />

Spoon into the cooked filo.<br />

Very finely slice the rest of the filo<br />

pastry and place into a bowl. Drizzle<br />

with olive oil, sprinkle over the smoked<br />

paprika and chopped parsley, then<br />

season well.<br />

Recipe from Phil Vickery, The Canny Cook, Kyle<br />

Books (3 Feb. 2022)<br />

Arrange the filo on top of the filled<br />

pie. Pop into the oven and bake<br />

for a further 15 minutes until nicely<br />

browned. Serve with green salad, if<br />

you like.<br />

16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


LITTLEHAMPTON<br />

GOLF CLUB<br />

Founded 1889<br />

<strong>West</strong> <strong>Sussex</strong>’ only<br />

Links Course<br />

Popular venue for Home Counties golfers wanting that “links” day away<br />

Enjoy the challenge and beauty of our unique links course, designed to<br />

provide a true seaside golfing experience<br />

MEMBERSHIPS<br />

• Ask us about our Country or Holiday Memberships<br />

• 15 months for the cost of 12 month memberships from 1st January 2025<br />

• Golf competitions or casual roll-ups on most days<br />

• Superb and varied social diary throughout the year<br />

VISITORS<br />

• Society groups and individuals most welcome<br />

• Check out our website for up to date green fees offers<br />

<strong>2024</strong> PRO-AM NOW FULL<br />

Contact manager@littlehamptongolf.co.uk for a chat about our club<br />

01903 717 170<br />

Follow us f LittlehamptonGolfClub i littlehamptongolfclub


Feeding a<br />

CROWD<br />

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a BBQ or an<br />

impromptu lunch, we’ve got some delicious<br />

recipes for you...<br />

RED FOX<br />

BREAKFAST<br />

TACOS<br />

with a cheese crust<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

80g chorizo, diced<br />

(optional)<br />

4 small tortillas (corn or<br />

wheat)<br />

100g Belton Farm Red Fox<br />

cheese, grated<br />

4 medium eggs<br />

1 avocado, sliced<br />

Lime wedges, for serving<br />

Hot sauce, for serving<br />

(optional)<br />

Pink pickled onions, for<br />

serving (optional)<br />

Fresh coriander, leaves<br />

picked, for serving<br />

METHOD<br />

Add your chopped chorizo<br />

to a pan and fry until<br />

crispy. Set aside.<br />

In a frying pan on a<br />

medium heat, add a<br />

handful of grated red fox<br />

cheese, let bubble and<br />

melt. Once melted, bring<br />

place a tortilla on top of the<br />

melted cheese. Cook for a<br />

minute or two, then flip.<br />

In another frying pan fry<br />

the eggs until the whites<br />

are set but the yolk is still<br />

runny.<br />

Assemble the cheesy<br />

tacos, add a couple<br />

of avocado slices, the<br />

chorizo, the fried eggs<br />

and top with the coriander<br />

leaves, a couple of dabs of<br />

hot sauce and the pickled<br />

onions. Serve with lime<br />

wedges alongside.<br />

Recipe courtesy of Belton Farm Red Fox Cheese<br />

Recipe courtesy of Belton Farm Red Fox Cheese<br />

RED FOX<br />

CHEESE<br />

SAUCE<br />

Loaded Hotdogs<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

2 shallots, sliced into<br />

rings<br />

100ml red wine vinegar<br />

100ml water<br />

1 tsp sugar<br />

1 tsp salt<br />

200g smoked bacon<br />

lardons, optional<br />

50g butter<br />

50g plain flour<br />

250ml of milk<br />

½ tbsp English mustard<br />

½ tbsp Turmeric<br />

200g of Belton Farm Red<br />

Fox cheese<br />

4 hot dog sausages<br />

(veggie or meat)<br />

4 sub rolls<br />

1 green chilli, finely<br />

sliced<br />

15g chives, finely<br />

chopped<br />

Crispy onions, optional<br />

METHOD<br />

Add the onion slices to<br />

a small bowl. Heat up<br />

the red wine vinegar,<br />

water, sugar and salt<br />

on a medium heat until<br />

simmering. Pour over the<br />

onion slices and put to<br />

one side.<br />

Add bacon pieces to a<br />

pan and fry until crispy<br />

and browned, for about<br />

10 mins, drain on kitchen<br />

roll and put to one side.<br />

Meanwhile, make the<br />

cheese sauce. Add 50g of<br />

butter for a pan on a low<br />

heat and allow to melt.<br />

Once melted, add 50g of<br />

plain flour and whisk until<br />

a paste is created.<br />

Turn up to a medium<br />

heat and add the milk.<br />

Whisk until all the milk<br />

is combined and has<br />

created a thick sauce<br />

consistency.<br />

Whisk in the grated Red<br />

Fox cheese until melted<br />

and combined with the<br />

sauce and generously<br />

add salt and pepper.<br />

Grill the hot dogs for 5-7<br />

minutes until browned<br />

and a little crispy.<br />

Add the sausages to<br />

the sub rolls. Top with a<br />

generous drizzle of the<br />

Red Fox cheese sauce.<br />

Finish with the bacon<br />

bits, quick pickled<br />

onions, chives, green<br />

chillies and crispy onions<br />

if using.<br />

18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


CARR’S TEAR &<br />

SHARE BREAD<br />

with Tracklements<br />

Caramelised Onion<br />

Marmalade<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

500g Carr’s Strong White Flour<br />

1 Jar Tracklements Onion<br />

Marmalade<br />

1 tbsp Sugar<br />

1 tsp Salt<br />

1 Packet Yeast<br />

100g Unsalted butter, melted<br />

250ml Warm Water<br />

150g Cheddar Cheese, finely grated<br />

METHOD<br />

In a large mixing bowl, combine the<br />

strong white flour, sugar, salt and<br />

yeast. Make a well in the centre and<br />

pour in the melted butter and warm<br />

water. Bring everything together to<br />

form a dough. Turn out onto a lightly<br />

floured surface and knead for a few<br />

minutes until smooth and elastic.<br />

Return the dough to the bowl,<br />

cover with a damp tea towel and<br />

leave to rise in a warm place for an<br />

hour. Once the dough has risen,<br />

knock out the air and turn out on a<br />

lightly floured surface and roll into a<br />

rectangle.<br />

Spread the onion marmalade evenly<br />

over the dough, top with the grated<br />

cheese and roll everything up. Divide<br />

into 8 equal portions and arrange in<br />

a lightly greased round tin or skillet<br />

pan, leaving space for growth.<br />

Cover loosely with cling film and<br />

place in a warm place for 30-35<br />

Recipe courtesy of ukshallot.com<br />

minutes to allow the dough to rise<br />

again. Preheat the oven to 180°C<br />

fan and bake the bread for 30-40<br />

minutes until risen, golden and the<br />

onion marmalade is bubbling around<br />

the edge.<br />

Allow to cool slightly before brushing<br />

with melted butter and topping with<br />

a light grating of cheese. Serve and<br />

enjoy straight from the pan/tin.<br />

GRILLED SHALLOT<br />

& CHICKEN<br />

BANH MI<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

2 medium carrots, peeled and<br />

julienned<br />

100g radish, thinly sliced<br />

1 tbsp sugar<br />

½ tsp salt<br />

3 tbsp rice wine vinegar<br />

For the chicken:<br />

4 tbsp vegetable oil<br />

2 tbsp fish sauce<br />

1 tbsp oyster sauce<br />

½ tsp chilli flakes<br />

2 tsp sugar<br />

3 cloves of garlic, peeled<br />

2 stalks fresh lemongrass, trimmed<br />

2 teaspoons of lime zest<br />

700g boneless, skinless chicken<br />

thighs<br />

4 echalion shallots, peeled and<br />

quartered<br />

To assemble:<br />

1 large or 2 small French baguettes<br />

4 tbsp pork liver pate<br />

4 tbsp mayonnaise<br />

4 tsp hot sauce<br />

4 tsp soy sauce<br />

Recipe courtesy of Belton Carr’s<br />

Fresh coriander<br />

½ a cucumber<br />

METHOD<br />

Start by preparing the carrot and<br />

radish. Add the julienned carrots<br />

and sliced radish to a large bowl<br />

and toss in the sugar, salt, and<br />

vinegar. Set aside for 1 hour, stirring<br />

occasionally.<br />

Next prepare the marinade for the<br />

chicken and shallots. In the bowl of<br />

a food processor, add 2 tablespoons<br />

of the oil, the fish sauce, oyster<br />

sauce, chilli flakes, sugar, garlic,<br />

lemongrass, and lime zest. Process<br />

until smooth. Add to a bowl, along<br />

with the chicken and echalion<br />

shallots, and toss to coat in the<br />

marinade. Cover, transfer to the<br />

fridge, and marinate for 1-4 hours.<br />

Once marinated, heat the remaining<br />

2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying<br />

or griddle pan over a medium-high<br />

heat. Sear the chicken and shallots<br />

for about 5 minutes on each side,<br />

or until cooked through, this may<br />

need to be done in batches. Remove<br />

to a chopping board and slice the<br />

chicken into strips.<br />

Cut the baguettes to the lengths you<br />

want for each sandwich. Slice the<br />

baguette pieces length ways.<br />

Spread each sandwich with the<br />

sauces (pate, mayonnaise, soy<br />

sauce, and hot sauce) and then<br />

layer with the pickled vegetables,<br />

coriander, and cucumber. Top with<br />

the chicken and shallots and enjoy.<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19


MODERN<br />

EARTHY<br />

PAINT<br />

Make your home a<br />

calming place, with<br />

modern earthy tones to<br />

connect with nature<br />

‘Bunny Hop’,<br />

earthbornpaints.co.uk<br />

LIGHTING<br />

Lighting makes a huge impact<br />

- adding table lamps for a soft<br />

glow is great. And you can<br />

get either corded wall lights<br />

or those with a rechargable<br />

bulb if you don’t want the<br />

upheaval of chasing in<br />

new wires<br />

Sophie Allport x COAT,<br />

‘Lyddington Mist’,<br />

sophieallport.com<br />

‘Viridis’ Paint,<br />

grahambrown.com<br />

Pooky x Matthew<br />

Williamson<br />

Pendant Light,<br />

£44, pooky.com<br />

Larkhall Large<br />

Table Lamp £145,<br />

hauslife.co.uk<br />

Furniture from oka.com<br />

DECLUTTER<br />

Decluttering can make<br />

a huge difference to the<br />

way we feel in our homes.<br />

Get the help of an expert<br />

if you need practical steps for<br />

ongoing storage solutions.<br />

Storage baskets are a practical<br />

and aesthetically pleasing way to<br />

organise your belongings<br />

Set of 3 Baskets,<br />

£155, hauslife.co.uk<br />

Espresso<br />

INTERIOR<br />

Small-scale updates you can<br />

make to re-awaken your home<br />

BRIGHT<br />

CUSHIONS<br />

Inject some colour and pattern<br />

without having to lift a paint brush<br />

with some new cushions<br />

Outdoor Green Cushion, £40, claire-Louise.<br />

co.uk; Kappar Cushion, £145, abigailborg.com;<br />

Coral Cushion, £42, tartanblanketco.com<br />

BTC X Beata Heuman<br />

Alma Wall Light, £575,<br />

originalbtc.com<br />

Pre-loved kitchen, uke.co.uk<br />

posterstore.com<br />

NEW ART<br />

New posters, prints, or originals<br />

can transform a space. For<br />

something unique, head to your<br />

local antiques dealership or fairs<br />

REPAINTED<br />

KITCHEN<br />

A new kitchen is a big expense - if<br />

your cabinets are in good fettle and<br />

you’re happy with the functionality,<br />

a repainted or re-wrapped kitchen<br />

can be a great solution<br />

20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


DYSON KING<br />

Architectural Ironmongers Ltd<br />

The experts with over 25 years experience in supplying fittings for all doors,<br />

windows, gates, locks and safes.<br />

Comprehensive stocks of olde worlde, black antique, polished brass, china, crystal cut<br />

perspex, real bronze and satin aluminium.<br />

Full scheduling service to architects, builders and the general public.<br />

Tel: 01243 776739 | www.dysonking.com<br />

office@dysonking.com<br />

Unit 5, Chichester Trade Centre, Quarry Lane, Chichester, <strong>West</strong> <strong>Sussex</strong> PO19 8ET<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21


Enhance Do you need your shelter outdoor and living shade?<br />

space<br />

Verandas • Glass • Rooms • Awnings • • Pergolas<br />

Carports • Solar • Garage Doors & Shutters & Shutters<br />

SBI SBI Ltd Ltd 0800 0742 721 sbiproducts.co.uk<br />

SBIWT244.indd 1 27/07/2022 11:26<br />

Apuldram Roses<br />

1000’s of fabulous homegrown roses to<br />

choose from, old favourites to new varieties.<br />

Discover the World of Roses!<br />

Come and visit for an enchanting experience<br />

where you’ll delve into the fascinating world<br />

of roses. Whether you’re a budding gardener<br />

or an experienced horticulturist, there’s<br />

something for everyone!<br />

01243 758769<br />

www.apuldramroses.co.uk<br />

Apuldram Roses,<br />

Crouchers Farm,<br />

Birdham Road,<br />

Chichester, <strong>West</strong><br />

<strong>Sussex</strong> PO20 7EQ<br />

Open 7 Days a Week<br />

10am - 4pm<br />

Check website for most<br />

up to date timings to<br />

avoid disappointment<br />

FIL<br />

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MANUFACTURERS OF<br />

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WE ALSO MANUFACTURE:<br />

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RE-FELTS<br />

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T: 01243 641 683<br />

E:INFO@TROJANTIMBERPRODUCTS.CO.UK<br />

22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Garden<br />

GLOW UP<br />

When it comes to projects that are a double whammy, garden<br />

landscaping ticks those boxes - hugely enhancing the lifestyle<br />

of the owner alongside adding a possible 20% to your home’s<br />

value 1 . Homeowners Tom and Kate wanted to transform their<br />

space from the unusable, awkward and dark sloped space, into<br />

a multi-level tiered garden that allowed for entertaining. We<br />

caught up with them to discuss the project.<br />

P H O T O G R A P H Y LUCY SAUNDERS<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 23


Envirobuild Explorer Decking and<br />

Barton Rattan Set<br />

CAN YOU TALK US<br />

THROUGH HOW THE<br />

GARDEN WAS BEFORE AND<br />

HOW YOU APPROACHED<br />

THIS PROJECT?<br />

The garden was just not fit for<br />

purpose. The access steps<br />

were treacherous and made<br />

arriving home awkward and a bit<br />

anticlimactic. The hard landscaping<br />

left very little space for garden<br />

furniture, and the finishes were<br />

either bare concrete or hardcore.<br />

The sloped site was challenging.<br />

The biggest job was the removal<br />

of earth and the creation of larger<br />

retaining walls - this allowed the<br />

usable space to double.<br />

We then wanted to zone the space<br />

as lounging and dining, with the<br />

dining on decking coming off<br />

the kitchen, and the lounging on<br />

porcelain slabs, meeting in the<br />

middle on the walkway.<br />

HOW DOES IT WORK WITH<br />

THE EXISTING HOUSE?<br />

The extension was designed with<br />

the garden in mind, with the Origin<br />

bi-fold doors opening from the<br />

kitchen onto the raised decking<br />

area. The black ‘Granite’ finish<br />

of the decking complements the<br />

doors, and also provides contrast<br />

against the buff-coloured stone of<br />

the house.<br />

24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


There’s a nice circularity now<br />

between the inside and out, and<br />

the two different seating zones<br />

are connected by a path which is<br />

bordered by the same repeating<br />

plant drifts to create a flow.<br />

WHY CHOOSE COMPOSITE<br />

DECKING?<br />

Composite was a no-brainer for<br />

us - it’s long-lasting and very low<br />

maintenance compared with its<br />

timber equivalent. It’s easy to clean<br />

with a jet washer and there’s no<br />

sanding and re-oiling involved.<br />

This is the Explorer range from<br />

Envirobuild*, which is made from<br />

recycled plastic. The company<br />

also donates 10% of profits to<br />

sustainability charities - it’s nice<br />

to see a company with social<br />

responsibility.<br />

Origin Bifold Doors<br />

The dining set is from the<br />

same company - we wanted<br />

something that would ‘pop’<br />

against the dark decking,<br />

and this six-seater Barton set<br />

works beautifully to create a<br />

contemporary dining area.<br />

ARE THE PORCELAIN<br />

TILES SLIPPERY?<br />

This was something we were<br />

concerned about and in turn we<br />

researched a lot and made sure<br />

our choices were anti-slip - this<br />

Kensington SE 04 from Origin<br />

BEFORE<br />

Earth Anthracite Porcelain, RF Paving<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 25


Earth Anthracite Porcelain, RF Paving<br />

26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


“MAKE SURE YOU KNOW<br />

YOUR GARDEN BEFORE<br />

YOU START WORK - LOOK<br />

AT WHERE GETS SUN - IT<br />

WILL DICTATE NOT ONLY<br />

WHERE YOU SIT BUT YOUR<br />

PLANTING SCHEMES TOO.”<br />

selection is Earth Porcelain Paving* in the colour Anthracite and<br />

it just looks superb. The large format tiles make sure the space<br />

looks contemporary and the colour hides a multitude of sins! We<br />

used it on both the patio and the new steps, so its functionality<br />

was as important as the aesthetics.<br />

The porcelain is also a practical choice, it’s immensely strong and<br />

durable, scratch and stain resistant. Important when we wanted<br />

this area to house our fire pit.<br />

IS THAT THE FRONT DOOR?<br />

Sort of! The parking in this house is at the back, so we wanted<br />

there to still be a sense of arrival when coming home. This is<br />

made possible by the beautiful Origin Aluminium Door with the full<br />

height casement windows either side for added impact. The wide<br />

steps leading down to the door are paved with the same porcelain<br />

as the other patio.<br />

Envirobuild Explorer Decking and<br />

Barton Rattan Set<br />

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE PLANTING?<br />

We were really inspired by Prairie-style planting, so lots of drifts of<br />

ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials - most of the ones<br />

in this style are really great for pollinators too, which was perfect<br />

for us. For the grasses, we chose the ornamental grass experts<br />

at Knoll Gardens - their selection is completely unmatched! Then<br />

for lots of the perennials, we selected from a mixture of a local<br />

plant nursery and then some stars from the Piet Oudolf curation<br />

at Farmer Gracy. Oudolf is an authority on this style of planting, so<br />

this curation was hugely helpful in terms of planning.<br />

Lots of the plants came from local nurseries. The best deals can<br />

usually be found at nurseries and the teams there always have lots<br />

of advice to offer.<br />

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED DURING THE<br />

PROJECT?<br />

That a budget only applies until you discover what’s lying<br />

underneath! The digging out and muck away of the retaining wall<br />

was a longer and more costly job than we could have anticipated.<br />

But ultimately, we’ve doubled the usable space in that area and<br />

it’s fabulous to use. We’d definitely stress the importance of<br />

having a contingency fund though.<br />

The other lesson was to make sure you know your garden before<br />

you start work - look at where gets sun - it will dictate not only<br />

where you sit but your planting schemes too.<br />

STOCKIST INFORMATION<br />

• Earth Anthracite Porcelain, Per m2 from £26.40 inc VAT,<br />

rflandscapeproducts.co.uk<br />

• Explorer Decking, £29.69 per length (inc. VAT), envirobuild.com<br />

• Baret Rattan Corner Dining Set, £2,799.99 - currently on sale for<br />

£1,119.99, envirobuild.com<br />

• Doors from Origin, origin-global.com<br />

• Planting; farmergracy.co.uk and knollgardens.co.uk<br />

1<br />

Research conducted by AXA. * PR discounted products<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27


Garden<br />

I N T H E<br />

MAINTENANCE MADE EASY<br />

Stihl is a titan in the garden tool industry, and their new<br />

range of garden tools are a fantastic addition to the<br />

collection. They share interchangable AK batteries,<br />

meaning you can swap your spares between the<br />

tools. We’ve found that the RMA 248 Mower and<br />

FSA 60 trimmer are perfect for a medium garden<br />

- being lightweight and easy to manouever but not<br />

lacking in battery length to complete the work.<br />

The team at Stihl have given us some top tips for lawn care this summer: “It is<br />

good practise to start by trimming the edges with a gardening tool such as the<br />

STIHL FSA 30. The first grass trimmer in STIHL’s AS System of interchangeable<br />

battery-powered tools, the FSA 30 is extremely lightweight and easy to<br />

manoeuvre. Be careful to avoid potential hazards such as patio windows, and<br />

consider the direction you mow in, so the grass falls onto the lawn and can be<br />

collected by a lawn mower, rather than onto the path or flowerbed.<br />

EFFORTLESS<br />

WATERING<br />

Equipped with a 30m hose and<br />

an additional 5m feeder hose,<br />

this Auto Reel mobile ensures<br />

extended reach for all your<br />

watering needs. Experience<br />

unparalleled ease with its<br />

automatic rewind feature,<br />

complete with a reliable brake<br />

system for controlled retraction.<br />

No more tangles or kinks,<br />

thanks to the anti-kink hose<br />

design, allowing for smooth<br />

operation every time.<br />

Designed for practicality,<br />

the foldable front kickstand<br />

provides stability during use,<br />

while the large wheels enable<br />

effortless mobility around your<br />

garden. Never misplace your<br />

hose or accessories again, with<br />

designated hose and connector<br />

park points,<br />

along with a rear<br />

accessory storage<br />

basket for added<br />

convenience.<br />

Hozelock Auto Reel Mobile<br />

– RRP from £219.99<br />

“Begin mowing your lawn at the side, in the corner that best suits you, being<br />

careful not to walk too fast so as to optimise the cut and collection efficiency of<br />

your lawn mower. The new STIHL 2 and 4 series lawn mowers are available in<br />

a variety of cutting widths to best suit the lawn areas, as well as different drive<br />

options including variable speed drive which ranges from 2 to 4.5km and single<br />

speed drive of 3.5km hour; a comfortable walk.<br />

STIHL RMA 248 battery-powered lawn mower with AK battery and charger – RRP from £489 and STIHL<br />

FSA 60 R battery-powered grass trimmer – RRP from £169 (tool only)<br />

GARDEN IN COMFORT<br />

Garden with complete ease and in comfort with<br />

these slip-on and off clogs. Fleece-lined<br />

for maxiumum comfort, these padded<br />

garden clogs are waterproof and easy<br />

to use for those occasions when you<br />

need to nip out into the garden.<br />

Fleecy Cloggies® Teal, £12.99, townandco.com<br />

SUSTAINABLE HOME<br />

Making your own compost fro food waste is a great way to both<br />

reduce your gardening costs and utilise a polluting waste product.<br />

Creating your own compost produces carbon dioxide as part of the<br />

natural carbon cycle, whereas throwing food away for landfill produces<br />

both carbon dioxide and methane, a hugely harmful greenhouse gas.<br />

This compost bin from Hozelock has a handle for spinning, meaning<br />

you don’t need to turn your compost - it also produces it faster, giving<br />

you compost in as little as 6-8 weeks. As an added bonus, it creates<br />

nutrient-rich liquid plant feed, in a handy, ready-to-spray bottle.<br />

Hozelock EasyMix 2-in-1 Composter – RRP from £189.99<br />

28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29


Frost<br />

A TOUCH OF<br />

Gardening is in Adam Frost’s<br />

blood. The popular BBC<br />

Gardeners’ World presenter<br />

spent much of his Essex<br />

childhood learning how to grow<br />

plants at his grandparents’<br />

gardens and allotments. No<br />

surprise then that a career in<br />

horticulture beckoned. Lisa<br />

Rockliffe caught up with him after<br />

his summer show season...<br />

I understand your introduction to<br />

gardening was from early childhood?<br />

“Yeah I had a really difficult childhood<br />

so I spent a lot of time with my<br />

grandparents. I talk about my ‘Tidy<br />

Nan’ and my ‘Scruffy Nan’. ‘Tidy Nan’<br />

had an allotment and that taught<br />

me about growing your own food.<br />

‘Scruffy Nan’ had this wilderness<br />

outside her back door I could explore.<br />

There was the care and being looked<br />

after and guided by ‘Tidy Nan’ and<br />

whilst ‘Scruffy Nan’ looked after me<br />

too I had a lot of freedom. That is<br />

how it all started for me.”<br />

You seem keen, when you are<br />

presenting, to want to demystify<br />

gardening, “I was sold gardening on<br />

the basis that I could be a gardener,<br />

a chef or I could join the army. They<br />

were my options. Once you get<br />

involved you wonder why it was sold<br />

to you as the option for someone<br />

who wasn’t such a bright spark,<br />

which unfortunately it was back<br />

then, so when I’m stood in front of<br />

a camera I just want people to have<br />

a go. If I can keep it simple and<br />

explain things in four words not 10,<br />

I’ll use four.”<br />

Many people are put off because<br />

they think it’s too hard, and there’s<br />

too much Latin! “Exactly. We’re told<br />

if we don’t prune something on the<br />

third Wednesday in March the whole<br />

world’s going to come to an end and<br />

in reality it doesn’t. You don’t need<br />

to know the Latin names or how to<br />

pronounce them, as long as you can<br />

make yourself understood it really<br />

doesn’t matter. The plant just wants<br />

you to look after it, it’s not worried<br />

about how you pronounce its name.”<br />

Does he have any tried and tested<br />

combinations that he returns to in<br />

each garden that he does. “No but I<br />

do have certain plants that I call ‘Get<br />

out of Jail’ plants. For instance if I<br />

look at small garden trees I look at<br />

things like amelanchier and cornus<br />

mas, they work really hard. If I look<br />

at shrubs I love species roses, I<br />

love cotinus because of the foliage<br />

and the backdrop and the colours<br />

you can get it in. When it comes to<br />

herbaceous plants hardy geraniums<br />

are always great, astrantias are<br />

always good because they’re so<br />

long flowering”<br />

I imagine your love for gardening is a<br />

constantly evolving process? “Yeah<br />

it’s never finished. I have a continuing<br />

fascination with the natural world<br />

and as we look forward we are facing<br />

environmental challenges that we<br />

haven’t faced really before, and we<br />

are considering how gardens affect<br />

us emotionally and physically in a<br />

way that we haven’t really thought<br />

about much before. All that side of<br />

it is fascinating to understand and<br />

be part of – the human connection<br />

to gardening.” Has his view on that<br />

changed since Covid? “No not really,<br />

Covid gave me more time to be with<br />

my family and in my garden so I had<br />

that, but I always knew that gardens<br />

can fix us and can be major parts of<br />

our lives. Covid just gave me time to<br />

realise that it was more important to<br />

me than perhaps I thought it was.”<br />

Was it nice to see everyone else<br />

notice it too? “Oh that was incredible.<br />

If there was one positive to come out<br />

of the madness that was Covid it was<br />

the 2 to 3 million new gardeners. I<br />

covered a few Gardeners’ Worlds that<br />

Monty couldn’t do and my daughter<br />

and I did a weekly thing on Instagram<br />

and it was great, I felt like we were<br />

having conversations with gardeners,<br />

so many of them new, and it was an<br />

uplifting thing. If you love something<br />

and other people want to come to the<br />

party things don’t get much better<br />

than that do they.”<br />

What really excites you in the<br />

garden? “I always talk about my veg<br />

garden being my hobby, which is<br />

a bit sad given how I make a living<br />

but it is. I love growing and cooking<br />

so I’ll spend my time in my front<br />

garden with my veggies.” Is he more<br />

a veg man than a flower man then?<br />

“I’m both really, I make my living<br />

designing gardens for people and I<br />

love putting combinations together<br />

and planting things and designing<br />

spaces but actually just on a<br />

personal level at the weekend, I love<br />

going out and planting a few veg,<br />

playing with it, cooking for the family.<br />

And that is more a hobby level really<br />

– the ornamentals are the day job.<br />

It’s also quite good if you say that<br />

on telly because when you make<br />

mistakes it doesn’t really matter!”<br />

30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Road Test Review<br />

GENESIS ELECTRIFIED GV70<br />

Are you in need of an electric vehicle that meets the demands of family life and 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 and Tuscon models. They’ve<br />

taken these successes and 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 handles 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 and noise-cancelling<br />

technology - it effectively minimises<br />

wind noise with its standard acoustic<br />

windscreen and laminated side windows.<br />

RANGE<br />

The official range of the Genesis<br />

Electrified GV70 stands 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 and 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, and Volvo C40.<br />

INTERIOR<br />

The standard 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 and<br />

luxurious, with soft coatings on all the<br />

areas you regularly touch. The many<br />

options for seat and steering wheel<br />

adjustments amplify the comfort -<br />

adjustable lumbar support is standard, or<br />

opting for the Comfort Seat pack adds a<br />

massaging driver’s seat.<br />

Front and rear parking sensors, along<br />

with a reversing camera, are included<br />

as standard 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 and<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 />

hand, 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, and 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, and 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 and<br />

help you build and 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 />

stands 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 and has an elegant presence. It’s<br />

equally comfortable in the city and 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 />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 31


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 />

|<br />

Expert advice on<br />

paying for care<br />

Long-term care in your own home<br />

or in a residential care home is<br />

expensive, but with expert advice<br />

from independent financial<br />

specialists, Carewise can help you to<br />

make informed decisions on choosing<br />

and paying for the right care.<br />

The Carewise care fees specialists<br />

are regulated by the Financial<br />

Conduct Authority and members of<br />

the Society of Later Life Advisers, so<br />

you can have peace of mind when<br />

discussing your finances.<br />

carewiseadvice.com carewise@westsussex.gov.uk 0330 222 7000<br />

32 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


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MIND & BODY WELLBEING<br />

New Age UK research uncovers deeply troubling levels of<br />

mental ill-health among people in their fifties and over<br />

in later life<br />

A new report from the charity Age<br />

UK, ‘I just feel like no one cares’,<br />

paints a really worrying picture<br />

of the mental health challenges<br />

facing many members of our older<br />

population (people aged 50 plus).<br />

For the first time in this series of<br />

regular reports, Age UK’s data<br />

collection included people aged over<br />

50, rather than focusing solely on<br />

those aged 60 plus. The report helps<br />

to identify a wide range of factors<br />

that are impacting the wellbeing of<br />

older people and highlights how<br />

mental health challenges for specific<br />

sub-groups such as women, people<br />

with long term health conditions,<br />

carers and those living in deprived<br />

areas, are a lot more pronounced<br />

than for others.<br />

Another report published last week<br />

by the Centre for Mental Health -<br />

commissioned by Age UK – showed<br />

how older people are being left<br />

behind by inadequate mental health<br />

services, ageism and the absence<br />

of any national strategic approach<br />

for supporting them. This new Age<br />

UK report, ‘I Just Feel Like No One<br />

Cares’, reinforces the urgent need<br />

to take this issue seriously as our<br />

population ages and, as the report<br />

highlights, due to the significant,<br />

often disregarded needs of those in<br />

their fifties who are still very much of<br />

working age but approaching their<br />

later lives. Nationally representative<br />

polling[i] carried out for Age UK in<br />

September 2023 found:<br />

The entire 50 plus population:<br />

• Almost a third (31%) said that<br />

their physical health had got<br />

worse over the previous 12<br />

months, with (16%) finding it<br />

harder to look after themselves.<br />

• More than two in five (45%) said<br />

they had less energy; more than<br />

one in three (35%) said they<br />

couldn’t walk so far; and almost<br />

one in three (32%) said they<br />

were in more physical pain.<br />

• Almost two in five (39%) people<br />

aged 50 and over reported not<br />

sleeping well, and more than a<br />

third (34% - 8.7 million) told us<br />

that they felt less motivated to<br />

do things that they enjoy.<br />

• Almost half (48%) of unpaid<br />

carers aged 50 and over had<br />

felt anxious, more than a third<br />

(34%) had felt overwhelmed,<br />

and more than a fifth (21%) had<br />

felt lonely because of the care<br />

or support they provide.<br />

• One in eight (13%) people<br />

aged 50 and over were rarely<br />

or never having social contact<br />

with others in person, over the<br />

phone, or online.<br />

Find more resources and support<br />

at ageuk.org.uk<br />

HOW TO HELP<br />

The report from Age UK makes<br />

stark reading - but there are lots<br />

of ways to support feelings of<br />

wellbeing - we have just a few<br />

suggestions:<br />

EXERCISE It’s well<br />

understood that activity, particularly<br />

resistance training, can be hugely<br />

beneficial for retaining muscle<br />

mass, helping us age better. You<br />

could start at a gym under the<br />

instruction of a PT, or even start at<br />

home, using household items like<br />

water bottles or cans as weights.<br />

If nothing else, aim for 5 minutes<br />

- more than likely you’ll feel like<br />

doing more once you start.<br />

SOCIAL We are social<br />

creatures by nature, but as we<br />

age, those circles can get smaller.<br />

Forming new, regular connections<br />

is essential. Age UK’s website has<br />

a directory for social activities -<br />

also check local bulletin boards.<br />

Workshops or short courses in a<br />

hobby you enjoy is also a great<br />

way to meet people.<br />

MINDSET It’s hard<br />

to heal the body without the<br />

mind - mindfulness helps<br />

hugely. Yoga classes provide a<br />

helpful framework - and a group<br />

environment is helpful.<br />

[i] Age UK Polling: Kantar Research Express conducted an online self completion survey between 7th September and 21st September 2023<br />

amongst 2,621 adults in the UK aged 50+.<br />

34 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Chichester Care<br />

Home finalist in two<br />

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ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />

Nyton House Residential Care<br />

Home has been shortlisted for two<br />

prestigious awards...<br />

The newly opened Nyton Gables wing is a finalist in the <strong>Sussex</strong><br />

Heritage Awards for outstanding design and the Dementia Care<br />

Awards for using Technology to enhance the lives of service<br />

users.<br />

Inspired by innovative dementia design in Europe, the ten-bed<br />

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The use of Lidar fall sensors, a next-generation nurse call system<br />

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As a registered Care Provider, Inter-County can offer a<br />

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INTER-COUNTY<br />

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Contact your local office for more information on our services<br />

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01243 528777<br />

Rustington<br />

01903 782555<br />

If you are interested in<br />

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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 35


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