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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 />
ensure the safety of the young person living in their home, but<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 />
TJAN<br />
TIMBER PRODUCTS<br />
MANUFACTURERS OF<br />
GARDEN SHEDS &<br />
SECTIONAL BUILDINGS<br />
WE ALSO MANUFACTURE:<br />
PLAY HOUSES. STORAGE CHESTS.<br />
GARDEN TIDYS. SUMMERHOUSES.<br />
LOG STORES. POULTRY HOUSING.<br />
KENNELS & OTHER PET HOUSING.<br />
CONCRETE BASES OFFERED<br />
RE-FELTS<br />
BAKERS FARM, SELSEY RD, SIDLESHAM,<br />
CHICHESTER, WEST SUSSEX. PO20 7NE.<br />
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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into<br />
Summer<br />
WITH AN ABOVE<br />
GROUND POOL<br />
FROM BLUE<br />
RIBAND POOLS<br />
Wide variety of Above Ground<br />
Pools including:<br />
Inflatable Top Pools, Metal Frame<br />
Pools, and Wooden Pools<br />
Visit our showroom at Blue Riband<br />
Pools, Drayton Waterside Retail<br />
and Leisure.<br />
A259 Bognor Road, Chichester<br />
<strong>West</strong> <strong>Sussex</strong>. PO20 1EG<br />
V<br />
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M<br />
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enquiries@blueribandpools.co.uk<br />
Suppliers of -<br />
- Porcelain Paving<br />
- Natural Stone Paving<br />
- Tiles<br />
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- Matching Accessories<br />
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www.rflandscapeproducts.co.uk - E: info@rflandscapeproducts.co.uk - P: 01977 782 240<br />
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 />
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 35
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