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Porsche Centre Tewkesbury<br />
Find your New or<br />
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Shannon Way, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 8ND<br />
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01684 880 117
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 Steve Davies<br />
e steve.davies@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
t 01225 984506<br />
Cover courtesy of Phil Vickery<br />
21<br />
ADAM FROST<br />
27<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 />
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lined with perforated, bre<br />
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This great style also come<br />
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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 />
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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
cotsw lds<br />
SATURDAY<br />
7 th SEPTEMBER <strong>2024</strong><br />
Letting your holiday home<br />
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01451 888 040<br />
SCAN THE QR CODE TO<br />
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BUY TICKETS ONLINE:<br />
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or call 01608 651908<br />
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Saturday 7th September <strong>2024</strong><br />
Car<br />
Parking<br />
Fun for all the family: The Shetland Pony Grand National,<br />
Premium Livestock Showing, Arena Eventing Competition,<br />
Fun in Farmtastic, Sheep Shearing Competitions, Top Show Jumping,<br />
Rural Crafts, Fabulous British Food & lots of free activities for all to enjoy!<br />
NEW Attwell Farm Park Feature!<br />
Showground Opening Hours 8.30 - 17.30<br />
01.03.<strong>2024</strong> – 31.07.<strong>2024</strong> 01.08.<strong>2024</strong> – 06.09.<strong>2024</strong> Show Day<br />
Adult £27.50 £30.00 £35.00<br />
Child (5-15) £13.75 £15.00 £17.50<br />
Family (2 adults<br />
& up to 3 children)<br />
£68.75 £75.00 £87.50<br />
FAMILY FUN THIS SUMMER, PLAN YOUR VISIT AT<br />
SVR.CO.UK<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 5
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MAINTENANCE<br />
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6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
SHERBORNE CINEMA<br />
The Sherborne Cinema is Gloucester’s<br />
friendly traditional cinema for quality<br />
evening films and family films every<br />
weekend and holiday.<br />
Highlights include:<br />
Inside Out 2<br />
Horizon: An American Saga<br />
- Chapter One<br />
Treasure<br />
A Quiet Place: Day One<br />
Despicable Me 4<br />
SUPER<br />
VALUE!<br />
Ticket prices<br />
before 5pm: £6<br />
From 5pm: £7<br />
• Fully ventilated<br />
• Generous leg room<br />
Cash or card payments, book online at<br />
www.ticketsource.co.uk/sherborne-cinema<br />
Full details at<br />
www.sherbornecinema.co.uk<br />
or phone 01452 520560<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7
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 />
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
FORTY YEARS OF IVF<br />
BABIES CELEBRATED<br />
AT BCRM<br />
An emotional response greeted the personal accounts given by two IVF<br />
mums at a party to mark 40 years since the creation of the clinic where they<br />
had their treatment, with tribute being paid to the “brave and remarkable<br />
pioneers” involved by international fertility expert Valentine Akande.<br />
The two women, who experienced fertility treatment 37 years<br />
apart, each praised the dedication of staff at the Bristol Centre<br />
for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) which now treats people with<br />
fertility issues from all over the South West and Wales.<br />
The mothers’ heartfelt accounts both stressed how lucky they<br />
felt to have ended up with their much-wanted babies, thanks<br />
to advances in reproductive medicine and the work of the clinic<br />
which started as a joint research project between the University<br />
of Bristol and Southmead Hospital and has since evolved into<br />
the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM).<br />
Emily Glennon, whose daughter was born in 2021 after 10 years<br />
of treatment, said: “When we got the invitation to come along<br />
today, and I thought about the place being full of people who<br />
had lived the IVF journey just like us, I felt really emotional.<br />
“It’s such a powerful image: that all these families only exist<br />
because of fertility treatment.”<br />
And Caroline Harvey, whose baby Clare was born in June 1985,<br />
told guests: “I don’t think anyone who hasn’t been childless can<br />
ever begin to understand what it’s like not to be able to have<br />
children.<br />
“We heard about the birth of Louise Brown and our doctors had<br />
mentioned that Bristol was starting with IVF treatments, but it<br />
never entered our heads we would have a chance.<br />
“After 11 years of infertility, we have since had more than 38<br />
years of wonderful parenthood and have loved every minute.”<br />
The 150 party guests had responded to a public invitation for<br />
parents and their ‘made in Bristol’ IVF babies and grown-up<br />
children to gather to celebrate the milestone, as well as staff and<br />
practitioners past and present.<br />
Valentine Akande, BCRM’s medical director, said: “We were<br />
overwhelmed by the amazing response, and delighted that so<br />
many of our past and present patients, their IVF offspring and<br />
the healthcare professionals involved in their care over the last<br />
40 years have been able to attend today’s celebrations.”<br />
BCRM provides fertility treatment for both private and NHS<br />
patients and has one of the best success rates with IVF and<br />
other fertility treatments in the UK.<br />
www.fertilitybristol.com<br />
BCRM, Bristol’s longest running fertility<br />
clinic, provides expert advanced fertility<br />
assessment, treatment and advice.<br />
Email: Contact@BCRM.clinic<br />
or Phone: 0117 259 1159<br />
to book a consultation appointment at our<br />
state-of-the-art centre.<br />
BCRM is located at 135 Aztec West, Bristol,<br />
BS32 4UB, has free parking and is easily<br />
accessible from the M5.<br />
Embark on your parenthood<br />
journey with us!<br />
10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
BABY AND<br />
Beyond<br />
TOTTER + TUMBLE:<br />
Totter and Tumble playmats provide<br />
a safe and secure floor for many of<br />
your child’s milestones - from their<br />
first tummy time, to sitting unaided,<br />
to taking their first steps. These<br />
mats are also great for parents too,<br />
providing a cushioned surface for<br />
the many hours spent playing on<br />
the floor. Messy play is a must for<br />
children’s sensory development and<br />
Totter + Tumble’s wipeable playmats<br />
are the ideal spots for playing on.<br />
The beauty of the playmats are that<br />
at the end of the day when the kids<br />
have gone to bed you’re still able<br />
to enjoy your home without being<br />
met with the garish colours play<br />
mats so often tend to be. Starting<br />
from £80.00 with many designs<br />
to choose from. Available from:<br />
totterandtumble.co.uk<br />
MAGNET MOUSE:<br />
With a beautiful range of prints<br />
including their signature mouse<br />
design, and gorgeous Liberty print<br />
florals, Magnet Mouse clothing is<br />
revolutionising baby<br />
wear not just in<br />
terms of style, but<br />
also ease of use!<br />
The magnetic<br />
fastenings are<br />
perfect for quick,<br />
middle of the night<br />
changes as well<br />
as on the go, so<br />
you have can<br />
have more cuddles and less<br />
struggles. Indian Block Print Alice<br />
Shirt in Fresh Blue, £48, Unisex<br />
Mouse Babygrow Set £49.95,<br />
and Blue Romper Set, £45, all<br />
magnetmouse.co.uk<br />
GLOW DREAMING:<br />
The Glow Sleep Easy, £119.95, a 5<br />
in 1 sleep aid that will help create the<br />
perfect sleep conditions, combining<br />
Red LED light therapy, with organic<br />
Pink noise, ultrasonic Humidifier<br />
with optional Aromatherapy and a<br />
Green Light to rise. The Glow Sleep<br />
Easy can be app controlled from any<br />
room in the house and gives you<br />
access to their Sleep Memberships<br />
where you can contact their team<br />
for one-on-one support. Backed by<br />
science, engineered for sleep. For<br />
more information visit<br />
glowdreaming.co.uk<br />
LITTLE<br />
HOTDOG<br />
WATSON:<br />
Cool kids hat brand Little Hotdog<br />
Watson is on a mission to make<br />
the best kids hats in the<br />
whole world. They<br />
create high-quality,<br />
responsibly-made<br />
kidswear designed to<br />
give parents peace of<br />
mind, and are made for<br />
maximum adventure.<br />
All their Summer<br />
hats provide UPF50+<br />
protection, have built in<br />
mosquito repellent and<br />
a keep cool fabric liner. Each hat is<br />
made from high quality cotton, fully<br />
machine washable and incorporates<br />
smart design technology created to<br />
keep young explorers comfortable<br />
and protected, whatever the<br />
weather. Starting from £30,<br />
littlehotdogwatson.com<br />
S P O T T Y<br />
OTTER:<br />
Spotty Otter, the<br />
renowned outdoor<br />
clothing brand trusted<br />
by parents nationwide.<br />
Putting the FUN back<br />
into Functional Kids<br />
outdoor gear! Designed<br />
to keep kids dry and<br />
comfortable during<br />
school and all their<br />
outdoor adventures.<br />
With a focus on quality,<br />
durability, and style, Spotty Otter’s<br />
range is the ultimate solution for<br />
parents seeking reliable protection<br />
against the elements. Check them<br />
out today at spottyotter.co.uk<br />
YOUR CHANCE<br />
TO WIN<br />
Win an amazing bundle featuring<br />
a product or selection from<br />
every brand on this page! Head<br />
to minervamagazines.co.uk/<br />
competitions to find details of<br />
entry. Competition keyword: ‘Mega<br />
Baby Bundle’<br />
Closes 15th <strong>Jul</strong>y <strong>2024</strong>. T&Cs apply.<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 11
An intimate venue suited to all your needs from celebrations,<br />
gatherings, coaching seminars, business meetings, crew filming,<br />
weddings and extended large families.<br />
THE YNYS ARMS
The Ynys Arms was converted<br />
from a “free public house”<br />
and has been welcoming<br />
guests since <strong>Aug</strong>ust 2022. Its<br />
the perfect property venue to<br />
entertain your guests.<br />
The Ynys still maintains it’s<br />
rustic country pub feel while<br />
adding everything you need<br />
to host your private exclusive<br />
intimate venue.<br />
A licensed Wedding Venue,<br />
you have the entire hire of the<br />
property which is enclosed<br />
within a large private garden<br />
over looking fields.<br />
Our venue offers<br />
accommodation sleeping up to<br />
26 people. Highlights includes<br />
breakout areas, dining area,<br />
lounge, kitchen, outdoor<br />
undercover patio, outdoor<br />
play area, BBQ area, bicycle<br />
storage, pet kennels, WiFi, 75”<br />
SKY Sports TV and ample free<br />
parking.<br />
THE YNYS ARMS,<br />
YNYSMEUDWY ROAD,<br />
PONTARDAWE,<br />
SWANSEA SA8 4QJ<br />
CHECK IN: 16:00<br />
(Reception open 24 hours)<br />
CHECK OUT: 10:00<br />
QUIET HOURS:<br />
Quiet hours between 23:00<br />
and 08:00<br />
02920 001480<br />
www.nickybrightholidays.com<br />
www.ukbride.co.uk/wedding-venues/the-ynys-arms<br />
www.visitwales.com/accommodation/self-catering/<br />
ynys-arms-2172309<br />
Children welcome<br />
No smoking<br />
Pets welcome<br />
Parties allowed including<br />
bachelor parties
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 />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15
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.
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 | 17
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
• Woodburning and<br />
Multifuel Stoves<br />
• Gas and Electric Fires<br />
• Bespoke Media Walls<br />
• Mantelpieces, surrounds<br />
and beams<br />
• Gas Fire Service<br />
• Stove Service and Sweep<br />
With 2 large showrooms<br />
to choose from and an<br />
experienced sales and<br />
installation team, can<br />
supply and create<br />
exactly what you are<br />
looking for.<br />
DO YOU NEED A<br />
WINDOW CLEANER<br />
OR GUTTERS<br />
CLEARING<br />
WE ALSO CLEAN PATIOS,<br />
DRIVEWAYS, GUTTER &<br />
FASCIAS, ROOFS & MORE<br />
<strong>Cheltenham</strong> Showroom<br />
01242 680076<br />
Unit 18-19 Knightsbridge Business<br />
Centre, <strong>Cheltenham</strong> GL51 9TA<br />
Gloucester Showroom<br />
01452 290155<br />
7A Northbrook Road,<br />
Gloucester GL4 3DP<br />
E: sales@fireplacegalleryfires.co.uk<br />
WWW.FIREPLACEGALLERYFIRES.CO.UK<br />
INSTANT QUOTE<br />
01386 718165<br />
www.cannins.co.uk<br />
p e r f e c t<br />
g i f t i n g<br />
1 0 % o f f<br />
u s i n g<br />
1 0 H A U S L I F E<br />
f a s h i o n &<br />
a c c e s s o r i e s<br />
hauslife.co.uk | 3 Abbeygate Street, Bath<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19
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 />
20 | 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
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 />
22 | 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 | 23
Earth Anthracite Porcelain, RF Paving<br />
24 | 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 | 25
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 />
Established in 1973, The Aquatic Habitat is an<br />
independent family run business specialising<br />
in indoor and outdoor aquatics and have been<br />
providing top quality fish, plants and equipment<br />
to fishkeepers for over 50 years!<br />
We aim to cover all aspects of the aquatic hobby with wide selections of cold water<br />
and tropical fish, pond and aquarium plants plus a great range of equipment.<br />
Our friendly expert team are on hand for excellent advice and help for<br />
beginners & enthusiasts, with well over 50 years combined experience in<br />
the aquatic trade and many more years as hobbists. Together our extensive<br />
knowledge covers all aspects of fish keeping giving you a personal and<br />
friendly service.<br />
• Great fish selection - lots to choose from.<br />
• FREE water testing - for Pond and aquariums.<br />
• Specialist in fish scrapes - In-depth diagnosis & advice on treatment.<br />
• FREE car parking.<br />
• All fish are quarantined - for a minimum of 10 days.<br />
• Easily accessible from Jct 11A, M5.<br />
Find us on<br />
social media:<br />
Call us now 01452 862791 www.the-aquatic-habitat.co.uk<br />
Shurdington Road, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL34PU.<br />
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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 />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27
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 />
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
mental and physical<br />
health in the over 50s<br />
‘Many of the challenges we face are out<br />
of our control...<br />
But one thing we always have power over is how<br />
we respond – how we think and feel.<br />
Oddly enough – thinking is not something<br />
we necessarily do well. We tend to think<br />
and react habitually, driven by beliefs,<br />
expectations, background, education etc.<br />
Fortunately, you are not broken. At any time, you can<br />
learn how to respond more flexibly, more skilfully. To think and feel in<br />
ways that support you in being the person you want to be.<br />
Which is where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness teaches you how<br />
to be an observer of your thoughts and feelings, and how to direct<br />
your attention and awareness in ways that help you rather than hinder<br />
you. Mindfulness enables you to get out of your own way.<br />
When you do this, you can:<br />
• Relieve pain<br />
• Reduce stress<br />
• Be less anxious<br />
• Sleep better<br />
• Manage depression<br />
• Increase resilience.<br />
Mindfulness combines modern neuroscience with ancient wisdom. It’s<br />
practical, intended to be used in your daily life.<br />
Anyone can learn, and everyone can benefit.<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
How to get out of<br />
your own way<br />
Join me for an adventure into your body and<br />
mind. How to respond flexibly and skilfully,<br />
whatever life brings to your door.<br />
Group and 121 training, based on modern<br />
science and ancient wisdom.<br />
Reduce pain and stress, manage anxiety and<br />
depression, sleep better, increase resilience.<br />
Alison Bale BSc, mindfulness practitioner<br />
Tel: 07946 867769 alison@mindinsight.online<br />
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29
LILIAN FAITHFULL CARE<br />
“IT’S A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC”<br />
How a hidden Hub in <strong>Cheltenham</strong> is helping combat<br />
loneliness & isolation for older people in the community<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
At the heart of the<br />
Suffolk’s in <strong>Cheltenham</strong><br />
is a project run by<br />
Gloucestershire charity<br />
Lilian Faithfull Care, which<br />
has become a real beacon<br />
of hope for older people<br />
in the area.<br />
The Secret Garden Hub<br />
has been offering adult<br />
day care for over five<br />
years and its warm happy<br />
vibe is infectious. Three guests, who visit regularly, share what<br />
keeps them coming back.<br />
Joy Ingram has been coming to the Secret Garden Hub since<br />
2022. Joy is living with a rare health condition. Before her<br />
first visit Hub manager Mark visited Joy and her husband<br />
at home. Joy explains; “He said ‘we don’t have anyone<br />
who is particularly trained for your condition but we will get<br />
somebody trained.’ So he sorted out somebody out who<br />
could help me if I‘ve needed it and nobody else had done<br />
that.”<br />
“Originally I came to give my husband some time off as he is<br />
my carer. I had lots of seizures, [but since coming here] they<br />
seemed to have stopped. I like chatting to the people here<br />
and the meals are always nice. I have actually changed as a<br />
person from being here and meeting people, I do like that.”<br />
Roger Morris lives with dementia and explains;<br />
“Dementia - it’s a horrible thing to have as you don’t trust<br />
yourself. You don’t know if you are thinking correctly. I have to<br />
write lots of notes, things like that, to lead a fairly normal life.<br />
I come to meet people because I lost all my confidence and I<br />
hardly dare go out on my own. It’s a peculiar thing really as I<br />
used to be very sociable.”<br />
Roger used to play rugby for Northampton as wing threequarter<br />
(and had a trial for England).<br />
“Well it was a completely amateur game in those games,<br />
training twice a week and once on Saturdays. We never used<br />
to get back home too early. When we played away the coach<br />
driver used say, ‘I’m leaving at midnight and if you aren’t there<br />
I’m going without you,’ and I did get left a few times!”<br />
Roger visits the Hub twice a week and he shared why,<br />
“[Coming here] it’s the<br />
camaraderie, chatting and<br />
talking to people which is the<br />
most important thing.”<br />
Mike Clayton started visiting<br />
after a serious health<br />
episode.<br />
“When I came home [from<br />
hospital] everything had<br />
changed, I couldn’t do<br />
anything. Loneliness is a<br />
terrible thing, you need to<br />
know that you are not alone. There are other people in the<br />
world in the same position as you, and that, I think is a god<br />
send.”<br />
Mike explained how coming to the Hub has aided his<br />
recovery and brought him a host of new friends.<br />
“I didn’t know this place existed. But I am glad I found it. And<br />
so my loneliness disappeared. I look forward to it. I shall go<br />
back amongst friends now and enjoy the rest of the day. It is<br />
something I look forward to.”<br />
Mike’s advice for anyone experiencing loneliness is, “Seek<br />
help, do not bottle it up look for these places where you can<br />
go, they are there, find them and then go and enjoy life.”<br />
To find out more call Hub Manager Mark Norris or one of the team<br />
on 01242 506121 or email secretgarden@lilianfaithfull.co.uk and visit<br />
www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk
ALL INCLUSIVE FEE<br />
Crofton Springs<br />
Luxury Care Home<br />
Opening October <strong>2024</strong><br />
Residential and dementia care<br />
Purpose Built Home<br />
Person-Centred Care<br />
Daily Activities<br />
All Inclusive Fee<br />
For more information contact us<br />
0113 465 4092<br />
Crofton.springs@idealcarehomes.co.uk<br />
Gloucester Road, <strong>Cheltenham</strong> GL51 8NR<br />
Nutritious Food<br />
EPC “A” Rating<br />
Can Operate As<br />
Carbon Free<br />
Ideal Carehomes<br />
Winner of<br />
Care Provider 2022
Timber<br />
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With a15% discount off all timber windows and doors in our Summer Sale, visit our showroom to view our lovely<br />
range of products. You’ll receive expert advice and see how beautiful timber windows and doors really can enhance the<br />
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Montpellier,<br />
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New showroom coming soon in Chipping Norton<br />
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