Stratford-upon-Avon Living Mar - Apr 2020
Spring has awakened and our magazine is alive with a bountiful bouquet of features - from interviews with famous faces, delicious Easter recipes, travel to Santa Barbara, UK staycations, a bathroom and tile guide plus advice on choosing the right school.
Spring has awakened and our magazine is alive with a bountiful bouquet of features - from interviews with famous faces, delicious Easter recipes, travel to Santa Barbara, UK staycations, a bathroom and tile guide plus advice on choosing the right school.
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TEA & TREATS SPA DAY<br />
Choose either<br />
• Drift Away Relaxing Massage<br />
• The Power Breakfast Facial<br />
• The Outer glow body exfoliation<br />
• Mini Manicure or Pedicure<br />
£59 Monday – Thursday<br />
£69 Friday – Sunday<br />
Spa Afternoon Tea, Bathrobe, Towels and full use of our facilities included<br />
The Welcombe Health Club and Spa | Warwick Road <strong>Stratford</strong> Upon <strong>Avon</strong> Warwickshire CV37 0NR<br />
01789 413810<br />
welcombe.spa@hallmarkhotels.co.uk | www.hallmarkhealthclubandspas.co.uk/welcombe
Contents<br />
A Note<br />
from the editor<br />
Hello Spring – I’ve been waiting for your arrival<br />
like a lovelorn maiden, excitedly hopping out<br />
of bed to look out the window for signs of new<br />
life and sunny skies. I know that in recent years<br />
<strong>Mar</strong>ch weather has been…unpredictable, but<br />
nevertheless I’m hopeful and cheery.<br />
A Culinary is nearly Journey here, through so we celebrate<br />
Northern 27Easter with a weekend Irelandof<br />
recipes!<br />
Avid readers might remember reading about<br />
my new year’s pledge last issue – to walk, run<br />
or cycle 5km every day of <strong>2020</strong>. Not having a<br />
bike, or access to a stationary one continues<br />
to be slightly problematic, but apart from a<br />
particularly grim night during a storm (I can’t<br />
remember which given name, we’ve had so<br />
many of late), I’ve done it! I’m not sure yet if<br />
I’m fitter or slimmer, but I’ve really enjoyed<br />
carving little moments out of my usually hectic<br />
day to go for a head-clearing walk. It’s never<br />
too late to start!<br />
In this issue...<br />
Fabulous UK<br />
staycations<br />
04 What’s On<br />
As spring comes into its swing we<br />
touch on the best local events for<br />
the whole family<br />
22 Easter Gifts<br />
33<br />
Not just chocolate (though there is<br />
just a little bit...), we check out some<br />
lovely Easter present ideas<br />
25 Mitch Tonks<br />
We catch up with the renowned fish<br />
chef on where his passions lie and his<br />
love of his community<br />
30 Foodie Santa Barbara<br />
We journey to the Golden State of<br />
California to sample the famous Santa<br />
Barbara food scene<br />
36 Amazing Glazing<br />
Architectural glazing elevates<br />
any home - we explore the best<br />
investments and new technologies<br />
47 Alan Titchmarsh<br />
We interview the gardener on his new<br />
passion for poetry and his favourite<br />
gardens to visit<br />
25<br />
Chef Mitch<br />
Tonks<br />
Bathroom<br />
38<br />
& Tile Guide<br />
Editor Kate Thomson<br />
e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
Publisher Sally Thomson<br />
Pre-Press Manager Kate O’Connell<br />
Contributors Rebecca Rose, Sue Cooke, Matthew Biggs and Lucy Saunders.<br />
Key Account Manager <strong>Mar</strong>ion Cassidy<br />
e marion@minervapublications.co.uk<br />
d/l 01225 308 091<br />
twitter: @<strong>Living</strong><strong>Stratford</strong><br />
This issue we have really turned the focus<br />
on Easter, with cracking pressies and some<br />
egg-cellent recipes – hey, if you’re running five<br />
kilometres a day, you go ahead and enjoy that<br />
hot cross bun pudding! There’s also lots to<br />
look forward to in the calendar, with some of<br />
our favourite attractions opening again.<br />
Continuing the foodie note, we have an<br />
interview with top Devon chef Mitch Tonks –<br />
you’ll probably recognise him from a supremely<br />
popular show he presented with rugby star<br />
Matt Dawson a few years back – he’s a<br />
titan in the fish industry and is passionate<br />
about sustainability. We caught up with him to<br />
discuss his role in creating a community feel<br />
and growing his business.<br />
That, plus some fantastic interviews and a<br />
bumper crop of home inspiration, makes this<br />
issue a great read.<br />
We will see you back in May!<br />
Katie<br />
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ<br />
County Gate, County Way<br />
Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 7FJ<br />
t 01225 308 128<br />
w www.minervapublications.co.uk<br />
visit our website www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk<br />
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by failure of an<br />
advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions and<br />
misprints. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the<br />
publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers.<br />
www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 3
EVENTS GUIDE<br />
Finally, the days are getting longer and<br />
spring is just around the corner.<br />
Looking for the best local places to visit and<br />
things to do at this time of year?<br />
Then make the most of the season with our<br />
extensive guide...<br />
Baddesley Clinton<br />
National Trust<br />
Rising Lane, Knowle, Solihull B93 0DQ<br />
01564 783294<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/baddesley-clinton<br />
Sunday 22 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Mothering Sunday<br />
Treat mum this Mother’s Day to lunch out<br />
or a cream tea in the Barn Restaurant.<br />
Enjoy a stroll through the gardens<br />
afterwards, or collect a walks card<br />
to explore the wider Warwickshire<br />
countryside.<br />
Friday 10 - Monday 13 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts<br />
Join in with the Easter hunt, with chocolate<br />
treat and take-home crafts. You will need<br />
to pre-book a car parking space to the<br />
property to visit over the Easter weekend,<br />
(please see website for details)<br />
Belgrade Theatre<br />
Belgrade Square, Coventry CV1 1GS<br />
0247655 3055<br />
www.belgrade.co.uk<br />
Tuesday 10 - Saturday 14 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Once<br />
Once may not be enough for you to see<br />
this multi award-winning Broadway and<br />
West End hit musical.<br />
Based on the critically acclaimed and<br />
much-loved film, you will meet (and never<br />
forget) two lost souls a Dublin street<br />
busker and a Czech musician who find<br />
each other unexpectedly and fall in love.<br />
Tuesday 17 - Thursday 19 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
The Twisted Tale of Hansel and<br />
Gretel<br />
A flustered storyteller is joined by a<br />
mischievous mocking bird as he follows<br />
Hansel and Gretel deep into the forest.<br />
All is not what it seems, as the characters<br />
start to tell their own version of this peculiar<br />
adventure.<br />
Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Blood Brothers<br />
Willy Russell’s legendary musical tells<br />
the captivating and moving tale of twins<br />
separated at birth, who grow up on<br />
opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet<br />
again with tragic consequences.<br />
Saturday 11 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Seven Drunken Nights -<br />
The Story of the Dubliners<br />
Direct from the West End, the show brings<br />
to life the music of Ireland’s favorite sons -<br />
The Dubliners. Telling the story of a career<br />
spanning 50 years and evoking the spirit of<br />
Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna,<br />
4 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk<br />
Jim McCann, Ciaran Bourke and John<br />
Sheahan. This talented cast of musicians<br />
and singers bring the music of this iconic<br />
group to life.<br />
Wednesday 22 - Saturday 25 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Billionaire Boy<br />
Joe Spud is twelve years old and the<br />
richest boy in the country! He has his own<br />
sports car, two crocodiles as pets and<br />
100,000 a week pocket money! But what<br />
Joe doesn’t have is a friend.<br />
Tuesday 28 <strong>Apr</strong>il - Saturday 2 May<br />
An Inspector Calls<br />
When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly<br />
at the prosperous Birling family home, their<br />
peaceful dinner party is shattered by his<br />
investigations into the death of a young<br />
woman. His startling revelations shake the<br />
very foundations of their lives and challenge<br />
us all to examine our consciences.<br />
Birmingham Botanical<br />
Gardens<br />
Westbourne Road, Edgbaston B15 3TR<br />
0121 454 1860<br />
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk<br />
Saturday 29 February - Saturday 21<br />
<strong>Mar</strong>ch, 10.30am & 1pm<br />
DSLR Photography for Beginners<br />
A concise beginners introduction to your<br />
DSLR camera, run over four consecutive<br />
Saturdays. Starting with the absolute<br />
basics, you’ll soon be avoiding Auto,<br />
managing your menus and composing with<br />
confidence.<br />
You’ll be shown the settings you need<br />
and the settings you should avoid, how to<br />
focus on what you want to focus on, how<br />
to work with light (ambient and flash), white<br />
balance, adjusting your exposure, choosing<br />
the right file type and size and how to easily<br />
improve your composition.<br />
Sunday 22 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Mother’s Day<br />
Mothers go free all day on Mothering<br />
Sunday, with a paying child! Take mum<br />
along for a beautiful day at the Birmingham<br />
Botanical Gardens. Why not enjoy a<br />
refreshing cup of tea and slice of cake in<br />
the tea rooms - a perfect treat!<br />
Sunday 12 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Easter Sunday Fun<br />
Celebrate Easter Sunday at the Birmingham<br />
Botanical Gardens for a day packed full<br />
of fun!<br />
Start off with an Egg hunt around the<br />
grounds -find the Eggs hidden in the<br />
gardens and win a prize! Everyone who<br />
completes their form will win a yummy<br />
treat!<br />
Monday 13 - Friday 17 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Easter Activities<br />
The following children’s trails will be<br />
available from Reception throughout the<br />
Easter Holidays.<br />
There will be an additional small charge for<br />
the Face Painting and The Bouncing Castle<br />
Wednesday 15 <strong>Apr</strong>il, 11.30am - 2.30pm<br />
Peter Rabbit Story Time<br />
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens will<br />
have a very special visitor this <strong>Apr</strong>il!<br />
Hop along to see Peter Rabbit this<br />
Easter, as the mischievous rabbit appears<br />
alongside a narrator, at various times.<br />
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Daffodil Show<br />
The Daffodil Society Annual Show will be<br />
returning to the Gardens for its annual twoday<br />
event.<br />
It promises to be a must-visit for keen<br />
gardeners with a love of these spring<br />
flowering bulbs.<br />
Bridge House Theatre<br />
& Warwick Hall<br />
Warwick School, Myton Road, Warwick<br />
CV34 6PP<br />
01926 776438<br />
www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk<br />
Thursday 12 - Friday 13 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits<br />
The ancient city of Old Baghdad is in<br />
chaos. Whilst the bustling bazaar is<br />
overrun with ruthless robbers, up in the<br />
palace Sultan Pepper’s precious princess<br />
and Royal Ruby have vanished! To make<br />
matters worse, it seems the poor Sultan<br />
cannot trust his own Vizier, Mustapha<br />
Widdle, nor his michevous monkey<br />
Booboo. So when Ali Baba discovers the<br />
hidden Cave Of Wonders, secret hideout of<br />
Balthazar Bongo and his bumbling bandits,<br />
it’s down to him to save the day!<br />
Thursday 2 <strong>Apr</strong>il, 7.30pm<br />
I, Elizabeth<br />
1568 - At a vital but volatile crossroads<br />
in history a young queen steps from<br />
the shadows to reveal her thoughts on<br />
marriage, succession, religion and war. But<br />
time is against her...<br />
Elizabeth I - Queen at 25, political phoenix<br />
and famously unmarried but who was the<br />
woman beneath the crown?<br />
Saturday 18 <strong>Apr</strong>il, 8pm<br />
Very Santana<br />
A West Midlands, UK based band present<br />
a live experience spanning the entire<br />
musical Santana legacy, including the early<br />
era songs from the Abraxas album, live,<br />
latin-rock improvisational music experience.<br />
continued
Hatton Adventure<br />
World<br />
Dark Lane, Hatton CV35 8XA<br />
01926 843411<br />
www.hattonworld.com<br />
Saturday 29 February - Sunday 1 <strong>Mar</strong>ch,<br />
10am - 4pm<br />
Wedding Fayre<br />
Enjoy chatting to a whole host wedding<br />
supplies who will make your wedding day<br />
the best ever. With a plethora of exquisite<br />
stands, bridal shows, prize draw and a<br />
FREE goodie bag, what’s not to enjoy?<br />
Free Admission<br />
Saturday 28 <strong>Mar</strong>ch - Sunday 29 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Easter Craft Fayre<br />
Easter is always full of surprises and the<br />
Craft Fayre will be no exception. Bursting<br />
with curios and awash with bespoke gifts<br />
you will be spoilt for choice. Browse the<br />
quality hand-made crafts from very special<br />
host of talented, creative individuals. You<br />
won’t be able to resist!<br />
Saturday 11 <strong>Apr</strong>il - Monday 13 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Easter <strong>Mar</strong>kets<br />
Enjoy shopping at the Easter <strong>Mar</strong>kets.<br />
Find exciting traders selling crafts, cards,<br />
jewellery, clothes and a whole host of<br />
amazing gifts and goodies.<br />
Sunday 26 <strong>Apr</strong>il - Free Admission<br />
(donations to R.N.L.I. welcome)<br />
Morris Minor Owners Club<br />
<strong>Mar</strong>vel in these amazing cars of yesteryear,<br />
whilst you meander around the event to<br />
find your favourite Morris Minor. With 6<br />
different models and 8 various classes<br />
including a Modified Class, Open Class,<br />
Best in Show and even “Wreck of the<br />
Rally” you are sure to find something fun<br />
and exciting to see.<br />
Loft Theatre<br />
Victoria Terrace, Leamington Spa CV31 3AA<br />
01926 830 680<br />
www.lofttheatrecompany.com/<br />
Sunday 8 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Round the Horne<br />
With its infamous movie spoofs and<br />
hilarious regular characters such as<br />
Rambling Syd Rumpo, Charles and Fiona,<br />
J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock, and Julian and<br />
Sandy, Round the Horne was one of the<br />
biggest and best radio comedy shows of all<br />
time, and still endures today, 50 years on.<br />
So go and take a step back in time to the<br />
BBC’s Paris Studios and experience this<br />
comedy classic live.<br />
Monday 16 - Saturday 21 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
The Children<br />
Two ageing nuclear scientists live in an<br />
isolated cottage on the coast, as the world<br />
around them crumbles. Then an old friend<br />
arrives with a frightening request and the<br />
implications are shattering. These are very<br />
real people in a very real, seemingly simple,<br />
domestic situation, facing life-changing<br />
choices.<br />
Wednesday 1 - Saturday 11 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Anne Boleyn<br />
This vibrant and clever play celebrates the<br />
life and legacy of Anne Boleyn the second<br />
wife of Henry VIII who helped change the<br />
course of our nation’s history.<br />
6 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk<br />
National Exhibition<br />
Centre (NEC)<br />
<strong>Mar</strong>ston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT<br />
0121 7804141<br />
www.thenec.co.uk<br />
Thursday 5 - Sunday 8 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Crufts<br />
Crufts is the world’s greatest dog show!<br />
Organised by the Kennel Club, the show<br />
celebrates every aspect of the role that<br />
dogs play in our lives.<br />
Watch 22,000 dogs compete for the world<br />
class title of Crufts Best in Show, fantastic<br />
displays and competitions and shop at over<br />
550 trade stands with special show offers<br />
and exciting new products for you and your<br />
best friend!<br />
Redditch Palace<br />
Theatre<br />
Alcester Street, Redditch B98 8AE<br />
01527 65203<br />
www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk<br />
Friday 6 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
One Night In Dublin<br />
The multi-award-winning Irish band, The<br />
Wild Murphys, features the very best<br />
traditional Irish musicians playing a thrilling<br />
mix of traditional and contemporary tunes<br />
guaranteed to have the audience hand<br />
clapping and toe tapping all night long!<br />
Wednesday 11 - Saturday 14 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Orpheus In The Underworld<br />
Orpheus and Eurydice find themselves<br />
trapped in a dull marriage, so are both<br />
‘playing away’! Unfortunately the object of<br />
Eurydice’s affections turns out to be none<br />
other than Pluto, the ‘Devil in Disguise’,<br />
so when she gets carried off to the<br />
Underworld, Jupiter, the King of the Gods,<br />
gets jealous and wants her for himself.<br />
Thursday 19 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Giselle<br />
Join Ballet Theatre UK in one of the<br />
greatest ballets of all time, ‘Giselle’, a<br />
tragically romantic tale of a young girl who<br />
falls deeply in love.<br />
First performed in 1841, Giselle has never<br />
lost its popularity with audiences and is<br />
considered to be one of the jewels in the<br />
crown of the romantic repertoire.<br />
Friday 27 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Someone Like You -<br />
Someone Like You - The Adele Songbook<br />
is a stunning live concert performance,<br />
celebrating the music of one of our<br />
generations finest singer-songwriters.<br />
Saturday 4 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
The Bon Jovi Experience<br />
The Bon Jovi Experience is the world’s<br />
first and finest tribute to the great Bon Jovi<br />
and is the world’s only tribute to have been<br />
requested by and to have performed live on<br />
stage with Jon Bon Jovi himself.<br />
Saturday 18 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Wizard Of Oz<br />
Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the<br />
cowardly Lion as they journey on a pantofilled<br />
adventure through Oz to meet the<br />
legendary Wizard and defeat the Wicked<br />
Witch of the West.<br />
Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Guys & Dolls<br />
Considered by many to be the perfect<br />
musical comedy, Guys & Dolls ran for<br />
1,200 performances when it opened on<br />
Broadway in 1950. It received nearly<br />
unanimous positive reviews from critics<br />
and won a bevy of awards, including Tony<br />
Awards, Drama Desks and Olivier Awards.<br />
Packwood House<br />
Packwood Lane, Lapworth B94 6AT<br />
01564 782024<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/packwood-house<br />
Sunday 22 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Mothering Sunday<br />
Treat mum to lunch out or a special cream<br />
tea with prosecco - there’s no need to<br />
book just pop in.<br />
With handmade cakes, cream teas and<br />
seasonal one-pot meals Packwood’s<br />
Garden Kitchen Café is the ideal place for a<br />
special treat. Take a relaxing stroll through<br />
the gardens afterwards.<br />
Friday 10 - Monday 13 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts<br />
Join them for the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt<br />
continued
STRATFORD<br />
LITERARY FESTIVAL<br />
9 th May - 17 th May <strong>2020</strong><br />
Book now<br />
on 0333 666 3366<br />
or online stratlitfest.co.uk<br />
Lots of<br />
events<br />
for kids<br />
Hilary Mantel Rory Bremner Cressida Cowell Lemn Sissay Maggie O’Farrell Michael Morpurgo<br />
PLUS...<br />
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks<br />
Michael Frayn<br />
Hugh Pym<br />
Camilla Cavendish<br />
Miles Jupp<br />
Peter James<br />
James Shapiro<br />
Gordon Corera<br />
Salley Vickers<br />
George Alagiah<br />
Joanna Trollope<br />
Louis de Bernières<br />
Dominic Sandbrook<br />
Kit de Waal<br />
Tim Bouverie<br />
Candice Braithwaite<br />
Ade Adepitan<br />
Sophie Hannah<br />
<strong>Mar</strong>garet MacMillan<br />
Felicity Cloake<br />
Craig Brown<br />
Pete Paphides<br />
... And Many More<br />
In association with<br />
11514 - GWR <strong>Living</strong> <strong>Mar</strong>ch-<strong>Apr</strong>il 20_Layout 1 13/01/<strong>2020</strong> 12:19<br />
27/1/20<strong>Stratford</strong> <strong>Living</strong> Magazine - 153 mm wide x 110 mm high.indd 1 27/01/<strong>2020</strong> 11:21<br />
Specialist plant nursery/sales<br />
Venue/room hire available<br />
Garden Tours available on request<br />
Education events<br />
16 Unique detached gardens with<br />
delightful brick built summerhouses<br />
Opening Times <strong>2020</strong><br />
Summer<br />
<strong>Apr</strong>il 1st-Oct 31st 11:00-17:00 daily<br />
Tearoom open weekends inc Bank Hols<br />
Winter<br />
Nov 1st-<strong>Mar</strong> 31st 11:00-16:00<br />
weekdays only<br />
Entrance £4.50 Adult £1.00 Child (5-17)<br />
HCGT & RHS members Free<br />
WARWICK<br />
<strong>2020</strong> Events:<br />
Saturday 27th June<br />
6-9:30pm<br />
Music in the Gardens<br />
FB Pocket Orchestra<br />
Tickets – Adults £15<br />
Child £11.50<br />
Book early<br />
Saturday 22nd August<br />
Art in the Gardens<br />
Summer exhibition of<br />
Arts and Crafts<br />
Workshops / Children’s<br />
activities / music / Bar<br />
Normal entrance<br />
No need to book<br />
www.hillclosegardens.com Tel: 01926 493339<br />
Book tickets online at www.gwsr.com<br />
It’s a great day out for the whole family!<br />
• Enjoy a 28 mile round trip through glorious Cotswold scenery<br />
• 693 yard Greet Tunnel • 15 arch Stanway Viaduct<br />
• Tea rooms and coffee shops at Toddington,<br />
Broadway and Winchcombe stations<br />
• Special family events throughout the year<br />
• Heritage trail, shop and museum at Toddington<br />
• Travel from Toddington, Broadway, Winchcombe or<br />
Cheltenham Racecourse • Free parking at Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse<br />
• Pay and display car park near Broadway station<br />
Services resume Sat 7th <strong>Mar</strong>ch - see website for timetable<br />
Easter Eggspress - Monday 13th <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Fun for all the family with the Easter Bunny and more!<br />
Wartime in the Cotswolds - 25th & 26th <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway<br />
The Railway Station, Toddington GL54 5DT 01242 621405<br />
www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 7
the popular comic strip Little Orphan Annie,<br />
and won the Tony Award for Best Musical.<br />
The musical’s songs ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘It’s<br />
the Hard Knock Life’ are among its most<br />
popular musical numbers.<br />
Saturday 21 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Twistin’ The Night Away with<br />
Si Cranstoun<br />
The amazing Twistin’ The Night Away<br />
show is a highly charged, toe tapping<br />
journey, driven by retro dance rhythms and<br />
spearheaded by Si Cranstoun’s dynamic<br />
stage presence and a voice which echo’s<br />
that of Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke and<br />
the great black American singers of old.<br />
Monday 30 <strong>Mar</strong>ch - Saturday 4 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Barnum<br />
Phineus T Barnum is quite possibly the<br />
World’s Greatest Showman and Peterbrook<br />
Players’ <strong>2020</strong> production of this classic<br />
musical promises to be their most<br />
adventurous and spectacular to date.<br />
Come one, come all expect to be<br />
transformed, dazzled, amazed and<br />
stupefied!<br />
Wednesday 15 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
The Sooty Show<br />
Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy!<br />
Direct from their hit ITV series, Sooty,<br />
Sweep and Soo and TV’s Richard Cadell<br />
will amaze you with impossible tricks and<br />
sidesplitting jokes! Be astounded at Sooty’s<br />
flying car, Soo’s singing unicorn and<br />
Sweep’s levitating sausage!<br />
Friday 17 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
The King Elvis Presley Lives On<br />
His Elvis tribute is high-energy and full<br />
audience interaction. Gordon Elvis is also<br />
known as one of the best Elvis tribute<br />
artists in the world after winning Images of<br />
the King in Memphis Tennessee in 2012.<br />
Saturday 18 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Karl Loxley - You Raise Me Up<br />
TV’s ‘The Voice’ and International Classical<br />
Crossover Singer Karl Loxley celebrates the<br />
music of Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Il<br />
Divo and many more.<br />
Including the hit songs You Raise Me<br />
Up, To Where You Are, Nessun Dorma<br />
and Time To Say Goodbye. Featuring an<br />
incredible live band.<br />
Warwick Arts Centre<br />
University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL<br />
024 7652 4524<br />
www.warwickartscentre.co.uk<br />
Thursday 5 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami<br />
A film directed by Sophie Fiennes, takes<br />
the viewer on an intimate and electrifying<br />
journey that moves between four cinematic<br />
layers - performance, family, artist and<br />
traveller - to explore the fascinating world of<br />
this pop cultural phenomenon.<br />
Jones’ bold aesthetic echoes throughout<br />
unique musical performances that include<br />
hit songs Slave to the Rhythm and Pull Up<br />
to the Bumper. Larger than life, wild, scary<br />
and androgynous.<br />
Saturday 7 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Black Voices Aretha -<br />
The Queen Next Door<br />
Celebrating the Queen of Soul, Black<br />
Voices team up with a stellar four piece<br />
8 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk<br />
band to cover a range of Aretha Franklin<br />
classics. This trip down memory lane<br />
includes love songs about looking for love,<br />
finding love and being in love. Black Voices<br />
capture the spirit of Aretha Franklin in this<br />
collection of her songs.<br />
Tuesday 10 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Arabella Weir -<br />
Does My Mum Loom Big In This?<br />
Does My Mum Loom Big In This? is for<br />
everyone who’s had a mother or been<br />
a mother, featuring hair-raising hilarious<br />
true stories from Arabella’s dysfunctional<br />
childhood, her perilous career and her life<br />
as a single working mother.<br />
Thursday 9 - Sunday 12 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
The Tiger Who Came to Tea<br />
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful<br />
family show packed with oodles of magic,<br />
sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A<br />
stunning stage adaptation of the classic<br />
tale of teatime mayhem expect to be<br />
surprised!<br />
Warwick Racecourse<br />
Hampton Street, Warwick CV34 6HU<br />
01926 405560<br />
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/warwick<br />
Sunday 8 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Countryside Day<br />
What better way to spend a Sunday<br />
than to get out in the fresh air, enjoying<br />
great racing? The day is run in aid of the<br />
Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air<br />
Ambulance and is a lovely family event.<br />
Thursday 26 <strong>Mar</strong>ch<br />
Molly Olly’s Wishes Raceday<br />
Join them for Molly Olly’s Wishes Raceday,<br />
a special raceday for local charity that<br />
supports children with terminal or lifethreatening<br />
illnesses and their families.<br />
Tuesday 14 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Coventry City FC Raceday<br />
Hopefully by the time this raceday comes<br />
around our local English Football League<br />
one team, Coventry City will be sailing high<br />
at the top of the table. Join the current<br />
squad and stars of yesteryear for a sky blue<br />
day at Warwick Racecourse. Supporters<br />
of Wolves, Villa, Birmingham, Walsall,<br />
Leicester City and other local teams are<br />
more than welcome so wear your scarf<br />
with pride!<br />
Thursday 23 <strong>Apr</strong>il<br />
Kissing It Better Raceday<br />
They are really excited about welcoming<br />
everyone to Warwick for a great day’s<br />
racing that is being run in aid of the charity<br />
Kissing It Better.<br />
KiB is a healthcare charity and training<br />
provider, working to end the isolation of old<br />
age by bringing the generations together.<br />
Castle Bromwich Hall<br />
Gardens<br />
Chester Road, Castle Bromwich,<br />
Birmingham, B36 9BT<br />
0121 749 4100<br />
www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk<br />
Saturday <strong>Apr</strong>il 11<br />
Easter Bonnet Parade Day<br />
Details not available at time of going to<br />
press. Please visit the website later.<br />
Monday <strong>Apr</strong>il 13,12.30pm & Tuesday<br />
<strong>Apr</strong>il 14, 4.30pm<br />
Regiment of Foote Weekend<br />
Cromwell is coming! A great family event -<br />
wander around the Civil War encampment<br />
taking in the smells and sounds of the<br />
Parliamentary troops and their followers.<br />
Sunday 19 <strong>Apr</strong>il, 3pm<br />
Alice in Wonderland<br />
What does the Dodo do? Just how mad<br />
are the Hare and the Hatter? What makes<br />
the Caterpillar Grumpy and the Hedgehog<br />
Prickly? Questions are answered and<br />
answers are questioned in this deceptively<br />
simple, yet highly original re-telling of the<br />
Lewis Carroll classic. Hold tight for rolling<br />
heads, rocketing sneezes, skimming<br />
plates and darting jam Tarts. Three actors,<br />
multiple characters and one classic story<br />
that’s high in energy, humour and audience<br />
participation…and all the while the<br />
Cheshire Cat grinned from ear-to-ear.<br />
Great for 4 years and upwards.<br />
<strong>Stratford</strong> Play House<br />
Rother St, <strong>Stratford</strong>-<strong>upon</strong>-<strong>Avon</strong> CV37 6LU<br />
01789 333990<br />
www.stratfordplay.co.uk<br />
7 <strong>Mar</strong>ch, 3pm<br />
My Friend Mr Laurel<br />
Fulfilling a long held desire to pay tribute to<br />
his hero Stan Laurel, Jeffrey Holland tells<br />
this intriguing, funny and often poignant tale<br />
of friendship, love and dedication about<br />
one of Hollywood’s great film comedians.<br />
Jeffrey (Hi-de-Hi, You Rang M’Lord) stars<br />
in this one-man show about friendship,<br />
memories and a couple of remarkable<br />
lives. Set in the bedroom of a sick Oliver<br />
Hardy the show takes place during Laurel’s<br />
visit to the dying man. Recounting their<br />
past success as the comedy double act<br />
Laurel and Hardy, this is a humorous and<br />
touching look at one of the great cinematic<br />
partnerships of the last century.<br />
28 <strong>Mar</strong>ch - 2 October, various times<br />
The Winter’s Tale<br />
Set across a 16-year span from Mad Men<br />
to the moon landings, this new production<br />
of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale<br />
imagines a world where the ghosts of<br />
fascist Europe collide with horrors of The<br />
Handmaid’s Tale, before washing up on a<br />
joyful seashore.<br />
King Leontes rips his family apart with his<br />
jealousy but grief opens his heart. Will he<br />
find the child he abandoned before it is<br />
too late?<br />
We take great care in compiling the listings,<br />
however, we recommend that you contact the<br />
venue in advance as events and activities<br />
may be subject to change
The importance of preparing<br />
students for the workplace<br />
Dr Joseph Spence, head of Dulwich College, discusses the value<br />
careers-based workshops can bring to independent schools and<br />
their state school partners...<br />
Careers education is an important<br />
element of a school’s provision, and<br />
a service one cannot introduce to<br />
pupils too early. Prospective parents,<br />
even of 11‐year‐olds, are asking far<br />
more questions than they used to<br />
about how we are preparing children<br />
for the workplace of the future. This is<br />
inevitable given all of the rhetoric about<br />
the percentage of jobs not yet created<br />
into which our pupils will move, and the<br />
fact that they will likely have multiple<br />
careers, possibly across many countries<br />
or continents, over the course of long<br />
working lives.<br />
Networking events focused on particular<br />
professions or industries have proven<br />
immensely popular. These bring together<br />
former pupils and current and past<br />
parents, alongside pupils from both<br />
independent and state schools.<br />
However, it is also useful to look for<br />
ways older pupils can deliver light‐touch<br />
advice to their younger peers at partner<br />
schools. As co‐director of the Southwark<br />
Schools Learning Partnership, I have<br />
been delighted in recent years to be able<br />
to encourage a hub of careers advisers<br />
from a good number of our 16 schools<br />
(12 state schools and four independent<br />
schools) to share best practice between<br />
schools and across the sectors. Latterly,<br />
we have had our own students help focus<br />
the minds of younger pupils at a partner<br />
school on potential university applications<br />
and the world of careers.<br />
Last June, a group of Year 10 students<br />
from City Heights E‐ACT Academy<br />
in South East London had a careers<br />
workshop with our careers adviser<br />
at Dulwich College, and a group of<br />
the College’s Year 12 students. The<br />
workshop introduced the UCAS process<br />
with a short ‘true or false’ activity, with<br />
students from both schools working in<br />
teams to decide on the veracity of various<br />
statements. The statements included<br />
the number of applicants to university<br />
through UCAS, World University<br />
Rankings, average graduate salaries and<br />
deciding what degree courses some<br />
famous people had taken. This was an<br />
effective ice-breaking exercise, which<br />
ensured that no one could feel he or she<br />
was an expert when it came to university<br />
admissions.<br />
The Year 10 City Heights students were<br />
then given a brief overview of the UCAS<br />
applications process and the Year 12<br />
students explained what A‐levels they<br />
were doing and the different courses<br />
and universities they were planning to<br />
apply to. The City Heights pupils were<br />
introduced to course and career options<br />
they had not previously considered, while<br />
the Dulwich College pupils said it really<br />
helped them to clarify their own plans<br />
by having to articulate them for younger<br />
pupils.<br />
The next activity consisted of a wideranging<br />
discussion of the likely nature<br />
of jobs in the future that haven’t been<br />
created yet. Students were also advised<br />
about courses and careers on to which<br />
one could move later, e.g. becoming a<br />
solicitor or barrister via a post‐graduate<br />
law conversion course.<br />
The final part of the workshop consisted<br />
of a question and answer session, much<br />
of which focused on what subjects were<br />
needed for certain careers. This also gave<br />
the Dulwich students and their careers<br />
adviser the opportunity to talk about the<br />
importance of engaging in co‐curricular<br />
activities that might support a career<br />
aspiration, such as volunteering in a<br />
hospital or care home for healthcare<br />
related careers. The feedback from the<br />
session was universally positive and<br />
this workshop has provided a template<br />
Dulwich College will consider repeating<br />
at City Heights and taking to other 11‐16<br />
partner schools.<br />
There was a time when the only careers<br />
advice the head of an independent<br />
school needed to offer sixth formers was<br />
on how to write a personal statement.<br />
Those days are long gone. Whether<br />
explicitly or implicitly, the new order is<br />
that everything we do with our students<br />
has some bearing on preparing them for<br />
the fast-changing workplace. The jobs<br />
they will go into may be newly minted<br />
or newly branded, but the skills and<br />
aptitudes they will require to succeed<br />
in them are, in fact, those which have<br />
always been needed in the world of work:<br />
the ability to lead on a project, to work in<br />
a team, to communicate clearly and the<br />
ability to think outside the box.<br />
All this they learn in their representation<br />
of the school on its sport field, in<br />
the joining of musical and theatrical<br />
ensembles, in their community projects<br />
and charitable fundraising and in their<br />
adventurous activities. We are all careers<br />
educators now – but explicit, nuanced<br />
careers advice delivered by those<br />
who work hard to keep up to speed<br />
with changes in the major (and new)<br />
professions, is still absolutely essential.<br />
10 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk
We invite your Year 5 daughter<br />
to join us for a morning full of<br />
exciting workshops, hosted by<br />
our teachers, and to see our<br />
wonderful new school.<br />
The morning will give an insight<br />
of what life at King’s is like and<br />
the chance to meet and chat to<br />
other girls from different schools<br />
who are considering King’s as<br />
their secondary school.<br />
BOOK YOUR PLACE!<br />
Please email<br />
marketing@kingshighwarwick.co.uk<br />
or call 01926 735461<br />
Open Morning<br />
Saturday 7 <strong>Mar</strong>ch, 9:30am – 12noon<br />
Open Afternoon<br />
Thursday 7 May, 1:30pm – 3:00pm<br />
To confirm your attendance:<br />
www.warwickprep.com/eventbooking<br />
admissions@warwickprep.com<br />
01926 491545<br />
@warwickprep<br />
An Independent Day School and Nursery<br />
for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-11<br />
www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 11
LAMBING &<br />
ANIMALS WEEKEND<br />
at Moreton Morrell College<br />
Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 <strong>Mar</strong>ch <strong>2020</strong><br />
10.30am – 4pm (last entry on each day is 3pm)<br />
• Meet our new lambs – and if you’re lucky,<br />
see one being born!<br />
• Visit our Animal Centre – and see meerkats,<br />
porcupines, coatis and other exotic animals<br />
• Sit on a tractor – the perfect photo opportunity<br />
• Visit our Farmer’s <strong>Mar</strong>ket – including our<br />
Pershore Plant Centre stall, and a chance to<br />
sample our award-winning juice<br />
• Explore the Adventure Trail... and much more!<br />
Refreshments<br />
available &<br />
FREE parking<br />
onsite.<br />
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW AND SAVE:<br />
wcg.ac.uk/lambing<br />
Co-educational Preparatory School for<br />
children aged 3 - 13 set in 90 acres of<br />
wide open countryside just outside Rugby<br />
Day, flexi, weekly and full boarding<br />
Email admissions@biltongrange.co.uk or call our Registrar on 01788 818246<br />
www.biltongrange.co.uk<br />
Bilton Grange is part of the Rugby Group of Schools<br />
12 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk
Polkadot jumper<br />
£55<br />
White Stuff<br />
Monochrome<br />
Polka Dot Tie<br />
Hem Blouse<br />
£35.00<br />
Wallis<br />
Crochet Jacket<br />
£30.00<br />
Roman<br />
S/S collection at Sainsburys<br />
DOTTY<br />
CROCHET<br />
John Lewis & Partners<br />
Crochet Sling Back<br />
Sandals £79<br />
John Lewis<br />
Bonprix Pink Floral<br />
Blazer £39.99<br />
Bonprix<br />
NEW SPRING TRENDS<br />
Prints are back and bigger than ever!<br />
With classy polka dots and jungle patterns, it's<br />
all about impact! Leather also makes a spring<br />
appearance and crochet clothing forms a<br />
comeback, lending a handmade feel to an outfit.<br />
Oliver Bonas Khaki<br />
Leather Premium Tort<br />
Buckle Belt £39.50<br />
Oliver Bonas<br />
Printed Collared<br />
Dress Opulence<br />
Print £72<br />
Pure Collection<br />
JUNGLE<br />
Embroidered Leather Jacket<br />
£195.00<br />
Joe Browns<br />
LEATHER<br />
PAIRING<br />
Pair with soft finishes like<br />
silk or cashmere to make it<br />
warmer.<br />
Bonprix Leopard Print<br />
Handbag £29.99<br />
Bonprix<br />
Lipsy Wrap PU<br />
Dress £50<br />
Lipsy<br />
Cashmere<br />
Bardot Sweater<br />
£150<br />
Pure Collection<br />
S/S collection at Dorothy Perkins<br />
www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 15
Offering you the world<br />
<strong>Stratford</strong>’s finest Travel Consultancy<br />
has now opened for business<br />
Our friendly holiday designers have nearly 80 years’ experience between them<br />
in arranging holidays and travel arrangements for their clients<br />
We work with the widest selection of operators to offer you: Tailor-made<br />
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We have particular expertise and a specialist knowledge of: Africa, Indian<br />
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In order to give you our best possible attention, we would recommend<br />
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Full financial protection is included with all travel arrangements<br />
CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE APPOINTMENT<br />
01789 293737<br />
10 Guild Street, <strong>Stratford</strong>-<strong>upon</strong>-<strong>Avon</strong>, CV37 6RE Email: info@holidayinspirations.org.uk<br />
4110<br />
ABTA No. 98615<br />
Holiday Inspirations acts as a retail agent for Alfendo Ltd. trading as JTA Travel
Lifestyle Studio<br />
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Heath Lodge Clinic is conveniently located just 200 metres<br />
from Junction 5 of the M42 in Knowle, Solihull<br />
◆ Minimal Waiting Times<br />
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(Including acute back pain<br />
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tendon injections)<br />
To find out more about our services visit our new website:<br />
www.heathlodgeclinic.co.uk<br />
1357 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 9LW<br />
01564 732150 contact@heathlodgeclinic.co.uk
HEATH LODGE clinic<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
Heath Lodge is a privately owned clinic in Knowle, Solihull just<br />
off the Midlands motorway network. We are proud to offer MRI<br />
(3T & 1.5T), DEXA, Ultrasound scans and X-Rays at affordable<br />
prices, with appointments available within a few days.<br />
All services can be accessed by self-funding patients and we are<br />
also providers for the majority of major insurance companies.<br />
We have a team of Consultant Anaesthetists and Sports Medicine<br />
specialists, offering spinal, joint and tendon injections for pain<br />
management.<br />
In 2019 we installed a third MRI scanner -one of the first 3T<br />
scanners in the West Midlands. 3T scans are particularly<br />
detailed, and suited to head, joint and spine as well as specialist<br />
scans, eg: prostate cancer screening. This, combined with<br />
our 1.5T scanner means we have doubled our capacity, offer<br />
appointments within a few days and tailor our services to suit<br />
patient needs, both from a clinical perspective and comfort.<br />
Claustrophobic patients find our 1.5T scanner particularly user<br />
friendly and if appropriate, can be scanned under sedation at no<br />
extra charge.<br />
<strong>2020</strong> promises to be an exciting year with the completion of our<br />
new pain management facilities in February. We have recently<br />
launched our osteoporosis screening service, with our new DEXA<br />
bone scanner, which measures bone density. Not only does<br />
DEXA diagnose osteoporosis, but it can detect early changes<br />
before osteoporosis develops, and if detected early enough can<br />
help prevent the condition.<br />
Osteoporosis is an extremely common condition, particularly in<br />
older patients. Overall 50% of all women over 50, and 20% of<br />
men will have osteoporotic fractures. The NHS does not provide<br />
a screening service for osteoporosis, but a scan in midlife can<br />
give the option to change lifestyle or undergo treatment to avoid<br />
fractures in later life.<br />
When NHS waiting lists are increasing, and access to some<br />
procedures is becoming limited,<br />
we pride ourselves on offering rapid access to affordable, highquality<br />
diagnostics and procedures, usually at half the cost of<br />
private hospitals.<br />
Prices start from £95, but to find out more about the services<br />
we offer, please visit www.heathlodgeclinic.co.uk or call<br />
01564 732150 for pricing information.<br />
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WELLBEING<br />
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of the way whilst providing opportunities for you to regularly exercise and relax<br />
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Fiona, Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach<br />
READY FOR CHANGE<br />
BUT DON’T KNOW<br />
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Try our Ladies’ Signature Mind & Body Package<br />
THE LADIES’ SIGNATURE PACKAGE<br />
Designed specifically for women who want to become fitter, stronger and<br />
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07450 287187 or fiona@blossomplace.co.uk<br />
Blossom Place, Manor House and Orangery, Newbold Comyn,<br />
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WWW.BLOSSOMPLACE.CO.UK<br />
www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 19
AVON VIEW<br />
The Holt, <strong>Stratford</strong>-Upon-<strong>Avon</strong>, CV37 9TE<br />
NEW YEAR NEW HOME<br />
ASK US HOW YOU CAN LIVE<br />
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Maximum monthly contribution £2,000
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24 BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED HOMES WITH RIVER VIEWS<br />
<strong>Avon</strong> View’s elevated position on the northern edge of Welford enjoys a<br />
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Formerly home to Binton railway station, this local landmark is being<br />
respectfully redeveloped to include a complete renovation of the original<br />
station house.<br />
Register your interest at<br />
www.duchyhomes.co.uk
A rainbow of delicious<br />
sweets, all in biodegradable<br />
packing, from £2.95,<br />
askmummyanddaddy.com<br />
Turn your little person into a<br />
bunny with this cute cardigan,<br />
£34.99, kitandkin.com<br />
A milk chocolate egg<br />
burnished with gold and<br />
a very low added sugar,<br />
£18.50, chococo.co.uk<br />
We love the Easter carrots Low sugar chocolate -<br />
yes please<br />
4 Lemon Fondant<br />
Fancies, £9, and Hazelnut<br />
Chocolate Egg, £6.50,<br />
bettys.co.uk<br />
AN EGGCELLENT<br />
EASTER<br />
Perfect pressies for all your<br />
loved ones this Easter<br />
Small White<br />
Ceramic Hen<br />
‘Glug Jug’, £7.50,<br />
giselagraham.co.uk<br />
Give them their own<br />
bunny to cuddle with<br />
this cute cushion, £15,<br />
bizzigrowin.com<br />
Easter Lamb Bowl, £30,<br />
sweetpeaandwillow.com<br />
Bonnie The Bunny<br />
Umbrella, £8.95,<br />
rexlondon.com<br />
Great for plants or as<br />
an Easter centrepiece<br />
You can also buy materials to<br />
make floral wreaths<br />
Reduce your carbon footprint with<br />
these long-lasting, contemporary<br />
bouquets. Preserved at the height of<br />
their beauty, they guarantee a year of<br />
bloom. We love the soft feel and look<br />
of fresh foliage. From £29, shida.florist<br />
Charming Easter<br />
designs from<br />
illustrator Sophie<br />
Allport, from £8,<br />
sophieallport.com<br />
Bunny Pom Pom Bum<br />
Easter Name Place<br />
Cards, £3.99 for 6,<br />
gingerray.co.uk<br />
22 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk
y Valentina Amitrano<br />
Italian Chef To Hire<br />
Spring Exhibitions at Compton Verney<br />
14 <strong>Mar</strong>ch - 14 June <strong>2020</strong><br />
Treat yourself with an exclusive<br />
experience in the comfort of your home.<br />
Gourmet chef at<br />
your dinner table.<br />
www.italiancheftohire.co.uk<br />
info@italiancheftohire.co.uk<br />
The annual National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the<br />
NEC, Birmingham from 26-29 <strong>Mar</strong>ch <strong>2020</strong> is hosting the inaugural<br />
ceremony of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s awards on<br />
27 <strong>Mar</strong>ch to recognise the success stories within the property<br />
sector.<br />
The awards form part of Future Plc’s year-long initiative entitled<br />
the ‘Year of Self-Build’ to celebrate the publication’s 30th<br />
anniversary, and the show promises to offer an expanded<br />
portfolio of new products, services and expert advice, while also<br />
premiering a new collaboration with John Lewis & Partners.<br />
For more information about the show, please visit<br />
www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/national<br />
We are giving SOLIHULL READERS the chance to attend<br />
the event for FREE. Tickets usually cost £36 a pair. For your<br />
chance to WIN please enter the keyword RENOVATION at<br />
www.minervacomp.co.uk<br />
Registered charity no 1032478<br />
Top: Lucas Cranach the Elder, Venus and<br />
Cupid, c1525 (detail) © Compton Verney<br />
Bottom: Susie MacMurray, After Shell,<br />
2006. Commissioned by Pallant House<br />
Gallery (detail) © Susie MacMurray<br />
www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 23
WORLD CLASS MUSIC IN<br />
STUNNING SYMPHONY HALL<br />
Join us in our two-year-long Centenary celebrations, with special commissions, choral masterpieces,<br />
Friday Night Classics including music by Elton John and 100 Years of Movie Magic, fun-filled Family<br />
Concerts and more! There’s music for everyone - all played by one of the world’s greatest orchestras.<br />
Simon Halsey<br />
Singers: Sat 28 <strong>Mar</strong>ch, 1.30pm, Sun 29 <strong>Mar</strong>ch, 11.30am<br />
Audience: Sun 29 <strong>Mar</strong>ch, 7pm<br />
SINGALONG WITH THE<br />
CBSO: VERDI’S REQUIEM<br />
Alban Gerhardt<br />
Thu 2 <strong>Apr</strong>il, 7.30pm<br />
STRAVINSKY’S PULCINELLA<br />
© Kaupo Kikkas<br />
FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS<br />
Friday 3 <strong>Apr</strong>il <strong>2020</strong>, 7.30pm<br />
ELTON JOHN: 50 YEARS<br />
OF YOUR SONG<br />
Thu 16 <strong>Apr</strong>il, 7.30pm, Sat 18 <strong>Apr</strong>il, 7pm<br />
ELGAR’S THE<br />
DREAM OF GERONTIUS<br />
Call 0121 780 3333 or<br />
book online at cbso.co.uk<br />
Supported by
THE CHEF<br />
that rocks<br />
Famed for his growing group of fabulous fish restaurants,<br />
Rockfish, Mitch Tonks is a chef, author, restaurateur and a<br />
passionate, lifelong advocate for all the morsels that emerge<br />
from the deep blue sea. Sally Thomson caught up with him<br />
to discuss expansion plans, career motivations and why his<br />
heart will always belong to the kitchen...<br />
Sally: I hear you have another book<br />
on the horizon?<br />
Mitch: I do! We’re doing another<br />
Rockfish book. It will be published<br />
October. All very exciting!<br />
Fantastic! How many Rockfish<br />
Restaurants have you got<br />
now?<br />
At the moment there are<br />
seven but there will be<br />
nine by the end of the year.<br />
They will be in Poole, Lyme<br />
Regis, and Sidmouth. Poole<br />
opened in January, Lyme<br />
Regis will open in June<br />
and Sidmouth will open<br />
in October. We then have<br />
two or three sites ready<br />
for 2021 that we are just<br />
negotiating on.<br />
That is incredible,<br />
when you think about<br />
where you’ve come<br />
from.<br />
It’s kind of been an<br />
up and down journey,<br />
because we had<br />
Fishworks, which<br />
grew to thirteen,<br />
but it was a public<br />
company and the<br />
wrong environment<br />
to grow restaurants<br />
in and ultimately<br />
the project failed.<br />
But since 2009<br />
Seahorses has existed down in<br />
Dartmouth, and Rockfish is ten years<br />
old, so we’ve done well to rebuild over<br />
that period.<br />
When we last had a chat you’d<br />
opened Joe’s Bar, how’s that going?<br />
It’s going really well, and since May last<br />
year we actually moved the entrance to<br />
the restaurant through Joe’s Bar, and<br />
that’s been a real success as people<br />
enter the restaurant through Joe’s<br />
Bar, have a drink and start their dining<br />
experience off with something more<br />
special and fun.<br />
So how do you stretch yourself with<br />
everything going on?<br />
Well the business is over three hundred<br />
people, with a really good senior team,<br />
finance, marketing, and then over four<br />
hundred in the summer. So, I obviously<br />
work very closely with my senior team<br />
and I am clear about what I want to<br />
achieve in a period of time and helping<br />
other people to achieve those goals.<br />
Sometimes its challenging but when you<br />
work as a team and you are supporting<br />
each other you can make stuff happen.<br />
That’s it really!<br />
Managing those people, helping them<br />
manage others, then I spend my time in<br />
the restaurants, as well as consistently<br />
looking at the business as a whole and<br />
thinking ‘How can our business provide<br />
better solutions for jobs, how can we<br />
be better than anywhere else to work<br />
"I tend to think of the restaurants like a<br />
community now. Everybody who works for<br />
us belongs to the community. We talk a lot<br />
about family but of course family are hard to<br />
get rid of and communities are made up of<br />
people all contributing"<br />
25
"I think when Fishworks<br />
failed…well it gives you<br />
plenty of time to reflect on<br />
what’s really important to<br />
you and what’s not"<br />
So I made a phone call to my agent who<br />
was on the train on the way up. He was<br />
mortified! All I could say to everyone was<br />
that 'I’m sorry, I just don’t want to do<br />
it'. Financially it was suicide as it was a<br />
very well paid job but it was prime time<br />
television and all the things that go with<br />
it and I didn’t want to be known as a guy<br />
on telly. I wanted to build my reputation<br />
as a restaurateur and a chef which is<br />
what I actually really enjoy.<br />
I think when Fishworks failed…well it<br />
gives you plenty of time to reflect on<br />
what’s really important to you and what’s<br />
not and allowed me to make my own<br />
choices, not get swept along with ‘this is<br />
a great idea’. It was a great idea, it was<br />
magnificent. The TV show would have<br />
been great but it just wasn’t for me. So<br />
the answer is I am regularly asked to do<br />
television bits and I will 99% of the time<br />
turn them down and occasionally I might<br />
do the odd thing but I don’t wake up<br />
thinking ‘I’d like to do more television’.<br />
26<br />
for, how can we have a really amazing<br />
strategy over five years that gives people<br />
top pay, freedom, how can we create a<br />
development programme so that people<br />
can develop in the organisation.’<br />
I tend to think of the restaurants like a<br />
community now. Everybody who works for<br />
us belongs to the community. We talk a lot<br />
about family but of course family are hard<br />
to get rid of and communities are made up<br />
of people all contributing, so when people<br />
don’t contribute they move out of the<br />
community and new people move in.<br />
One thing I didn’t realise is that you<br />
made significant changes to your menu<br />
with regards to being gluten-free. That<br />
must have been a big change?<br />
Yes! About ten years ago we set about<br />
rebuilding all of cooking ranges and<br />
changing all of our practices so that offer<br />
everything gluten-free. We committed to<br />
the business being gluten-free, not just<br />
by saying ‘here’s a gluten-free menu’.<br />
Everything we do is gluten-free. If we<br />
have to swap a bun for a gluten-free bun<br />
we do, and it basically means that the<br />
whole menu is available to somebody<br />
with a gluten intolerance rather than<br />
them feeling in a minority and only being<br />
able to choose from say five things on<br />
the menu.<br />
Going back, I first met you at the<br />
beginning of the century! 2000, a<br />
long, long time ago! Since then you’ve<br />
appeared on TV, most notably with<br />
Matt Dawson, the rugby player, but<br />
do you find yourself too busy to make<br />
room to do any shows as of late?<br />
The television career took off back<br />
around 2008/09. The series Mitch and<br />
Matt’s Big Fish became very successful<br />
and Denham Productions and the BBC<br />
wanted to do series two. So there was a<br />
lot of euphoria and excitement from Matt<br />
and the team, and they were on their way<br />
to London to sign the deal.<br />
We had agreed it, gone through it all and<br />
I started to get cold feet. I was sat in the<br />
restaurant having a brandy and a coffee<br />
and I was just thinking to myself ‘I don’t<br />
actually want to be a television chef, I<br />
want to be in this restaurant cooking’.<br />
Surely your heart has to be in it if it’s<br />
what you are going to do?<br />
I think you are either on telly to drive<br />
people to your restaurants, well I’ve been<br />
there when you are in a restaurant and so<br />
many people want to talk to you because<br />
they’ve seen you on telly but never for<br />
the right reasons, and the thought that<br />
somebody comes to the restaurant just<br />
to catch a glimpse of the person they’ve<br />
seen on telly is just the wrong motivation.<br />
I want people to restaurants because<br />
they are really great places socially to<br />
go and they have importance in the<br />
community and they like your food and<br />
that it’s somewhere they want to come to<br />
celebrate birthdays and all of that stuff!<br />
Absolutely, and you’ve done so, I mean<br />
The Seahorse is just brilliant I’ve got<br />
to be honest. It’s just delightful the<br />
minute you walk in there, it’s such<br />
a lovely place to be and I absolutely<br />
love coming down there and hopefully<br />
when the weather brightens up I’ll be<br />
back. One last question; are you doing<br />
Salcombe Crab Festival this May?<br />
I’m still not sure if I’m going to do it this<br />
year. I didn’t do it last year, but I did<br />
the year before, but I am hoping to do<br />
a fish festival in Brixton, a crab festival<br />
in Dartmouth which we always do, and<br />
also Dartmouth Food Festival in October<br />
which is always great.<br />
www.mitchtonks.co.uk
EASTEr<br />
eats<br />
The next big cooking fest after the festive feast, we think cooking for<br />
Easter should be easy. So we've gathered some seasonal favourites with<br />
minimal fuss, all from the fantastic cooking app cookwithmands.com<br />
GRIDDLED<br />
ASPARAGUS<br />
with citrus hollandaise<br />
The perfect starter, light and delicious - it<br />
also lets seasonal hero asparagus shine!<br />
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins<br />
Serves: 4<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
450g asparagus<br />
1 lemon<br />
1 dash olive oil<br />
For the hollandaise:<br />
2 large egg yolks<br />
1 tbsp fresh orange juice<br />
half a lemon<br />
2 tsp lemon zest<br />
125g cold butter<br />
METHOD<br />
Juice the half lemon, grate the lemon<br />
zest from the whole lemon, then cut that<br />
lemon into slices. Dice the cold butter.<br />
To make the hollandaise, in a medium<br />
heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg<br />
yolks, orange and lemon juice, lemon<br />
zest, and some salt and freshly ground<br />
black pepper. Sit the bowl over (but not<br />
touching) a pan of gently simmering<br />
water and add 2 or 3 pieces of butter,<br />
whisking continuously until melted.<br />
Continue adding the remaining butter in<br />
this way, whisking until the sauce is thick<br />
and smooth. Remove from the heat.<br />
Heat a griddle pan until hot. Drizzle the<br />
asparagus and lemon wedges with a<br />
little olive oil and griddle for 2-3 minutes<br />
each side, until just tender. Season with<br />
salt and pepper, and arrange on a platter.<br />
Drizzle with the hollandaise to serve.<br />
CHEDDAR &<br />
ONION seeded rolls<br />
Something about Easter makes baking<br />
feel right. This is great for the main meal or<br />
as a sandwich with any leftover lamb.<br />
Prep: 65 mins | Cook: 15 mins<br />
Makes: 10<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
3 tsp black onion seeds<br />
375g seeded bread mix (from M&S)<br />
200g mature Cheddar<br />
180ml lukewarm water<br />
flour, for dusting<br />
olive oil<br />
METHOD<br />
Heat a frying pan over a medium-high<br />
heat and add the onion seeds. Move<br />
them around the pan for 1 minute, until<br />
they produce an oniony aroma. Set aside.<br />
Tip the bread mix into a large bowl. Stir in<br />
three-quarters of the cheese, two-thirds<br />
of the onion seeds and the lukewarm<br />
water. Mix to form a ball of dough.<br />
Turn out onto a floured surface and<br />
knead for about 10 minutes until soft and<br />
elastic. Shape into rolls, then put on oiled<br />
baking sheets, well apart.<br />
With a knife, slash the tops of the rolls.<br />
Loosely cover each sheet with lightly<br />
oiled cling-film and leave in a warm<br />
place for 40 minutes, until the dough has<br />
almost doubled in size. Heat the oven to<br />
220°C/425°F/gas 7 (200°C for fan ovens).<br />
Once the rolls have risen, scatter them<br />
with the reserved cheese and onion<br />
seeds. Bake for 12-15 minutes until<br />
golden and hollow-sounding when<br />
tapped underneath. Delicious served<br />
warm with butter.<br />
27
4 (160°C for fan ovens). Transfer the<br />
potatoes to a roasting tin, drizzle with the<br />
oil and sprinkle with the seasoning. Roast<br />
the potatoes for 40 minutes, turning<br />
occasionally, until tender and crisp.<br />
SLOW-ROAST<br />
LAMB<br />
The Easter centrepiece - this one is meltin-the-mouth<br />
delicious and just needs<br />
low, slow cooking.<br />
Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 4 hours 10 mins<br />
Serves: 8<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
2kg leg of lamb (bone in)<br />
400g shallots<br />
2 whole garlic bulbs<br />
150ml Madeira/<strong>Mar</strong>sala or other sweet<br />
fortified wine<br />
2 tsp plain flour<br />
2 tsp butter<br />
Seasoning paste<br />
2 lemons<br />
4 sprigs rosemary<br />
4 garlic cloves<br />
8 anchovies<br />
1 tbsp olive oil<br />
METHOD<br />
To prep: If large, peel and half the<br />
shallots. Half crossways the whole garlic<br />
bulbs. Soften the butter. Zest and half<br />
the lemons. Finely chop the leaves of the<br />
rosemary. Finely chop the garlic cloves.<br />
Chop the anchovies.<br />
Heat the oven to 160°C/140°C fan/gas 3.<br />
To make the seasoning paste, put the<br />
lemon zest, rosemary, garlic cloves,<br />
anchovies and freshly ground black<br />
pepper in a bowl. Use a fork to mash<br />
together into a chunky paste. Stir in the oil<br />
and set aside.<br />
Heat a roasting tin on the hob and brown<br />
the lamb for a couple of minutes on each<br />
side. Remove the lamb from the tin and<br />
place on a board.<br />
Cook the shallots in the roasting tin (add<br />
a little olive oil if necessary) for 5 minutes<br />
or until golden, stirring occasionally.<br />
Remove and set aside.<br />
Meanwhile, use a thin, sharp knife to<br />
make deep, angled incisions all over the<br />
lamb.<br />
Push the seasoning paste into the cuts.<br />
Return the lamb to the tin. Add the<br />
shallots, garlic and lemon halves. Pour<br />
the Madeira and 100ml water around the<br />
lamb. Cover the roasting tin tightly with<br />
foil and roast for 3 hours.<br />
Remove the foil and return to the oven<br />
for a further hour. Meanwhile, mix the<br />
flour and butter to form a paste. When<br />
the lamb is ready, transfer it to a carving<br />
board or platter, with the garlic, lemons<br />
and shallots, and loosely cover with foil.<br />
Strain the juices from the roasting tin into<br />
a small saucepan and bring to the boil.<br />
Whisk in the flour and butter paste, then<br />
simmer until the sauce is thickened and<br />
glossy. Serve with the lamb.<br />
ULTIMATE<br />
ROAST<br />
POTATOES<br />
Perfect roast potatoes with a flawless,<br />
crisp crunch.<br />
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 45 mins<br />
Serves: 6<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
1kg potatoes<br />
1 tbsp Seasoning for Roast Potatoes<br />
2 tbsp olive oil<br />
METHOD<br />
Peel and cut the potatoes in half, or into<br />
quarters if large. Boil the potatoes in<br />
salted water for 5 minutes and drain well.<br />
Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas<br />
WHOLE SALMON<br />
with roasted squash and<br />
tarragon olive mayonnaise<br />
The perfect celebratory fish dish for<br />
Good Friday.<br />
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 1 hour 5 mins<br />
Serves: 8<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
1 lemon<br />
2kg whole Lochmuir salmon, cleaned<br />
3 tbsp olive oil<br />
8 sprigs tarragon<br />
20g unsalted butter<br />
1 large butternut squash<br />
8 whole garlic clove<br />
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds<br />
200ml mayonnaise<br />
2 tbsp pitted green olives, chopped<br />
METHOD<br />
Heat the oven to 190°/170°C fan/gas 5.<br />
Halve the lemon, set one half aside and<br />
slice the other into rounds. To cook the<br />
salmon, start with two large sheets of<br />
foil, one on top of the other, in a roasting<br />
tin large enough to hold the whole fish.<br />
Brush the foil with 1 tablespoon oil and<br />
lay the salmon on top.<br />
Stuff 4 tarragon sprigs, the lemon slices<br />
and a little salt and pepper in the cavity.<br />
Dot the butter over the surface of the<br />
salmon and bring the foil around it in a<br />
loose parcel, sealing the edges tightly.<br />
Roast for 1 hour, then set aside to rest for<br />
15 minutes before opening the foil.<br />
Meanwhile, slice the squash into wedges,<br />
skin on, and toss with the remaining olive<br />
oil and the whole garlic cloves on a large<br />
baking tray.<br />
Roast for 45 minutes, until the squash<br />
is golden then scatter with the pumpkin<br />
28
seeds and return to the oven for a final 5<br />
minutes.<br />
To make the mayonnaise, strip the leaves<br />
from the remaining tarragon sprigs and<br />
finely chop.<br />
Stir into the mayonnaise with a squeeze<br />
of lemon juice from the remaining lemon<br />
half and the chopped olives.<br />
Season with black pepper only. Serve the<br />
baked salmon with the roast squash, soft<br />
garlic and tarragon-olive mayonnaise.<br />
HOT CROSS BUN<br />
PUDDING<br />
A great alternative to bread and butter<br />
pudding - and a way to use up any<br />
leftover hot cross buns and Easter eggs!<br />
Prep: 40 mins | Cook: 40 mins<br />
Serves: 6<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
2 eggs<br />
8 mini hot cross buns, or four large<br />
1 pear, peeled, cored and cubed<br />
4 tbsp hazelnut chocolate spread<br />
25g dark chocolate, chopped<br />
150ml double cream<br />
25ml whole milk<br />
25g caster sugar<br />
METHOD<br />
Cut each bun in half, then sandwich<br />
together with the chocolate spread.<br />
Arrange in an ovenproof dish and scatter<br />
over the pear cubes and chocolate.<br />
Whisk together the eggs, cream, milk and<br />
sugar. Pour the mixture over the buns<br />
and leave for at least 30 minutes to allow<br />
it to soak in.<br />
Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4<br />
(160°C for fan ovens) and bake for 35-40<br />
minutes until golden and just set. Stand<br />
for 5 minutes before serving.<br />
RHUBARB AND<br />
MASCARPONE<br />
meringue cake<br />
Another seasonal favourite - rhubarb.<br />
Meringues can be made ahead, but eat<br />
on the day you assemble with cream.<br />
Prep: 1 hour 25 mins | Cook: 2 hours<br />
Serves: 8<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
For the purée:<br />
400g rhubarb, cut into 2cm pieces<br />
2 tbsp caster sugar<br />
1 vanilla pod, deseeded<br />
4 tbsp orange juice<br />
For the meringue:<br />
225g caster sugar<br />
4 egg whites<br />
For the filling and topping:<br />
50g icing sugar<br />
350g mascarpone<br />
30g shelled pistachios, roughly chopped<br />
METHOD<br />
Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.<br />
Toss together the rhubarb, sugar, vanilla<br />
pod pieces and orange juice. Spread<br />
out the mixture in a small baking dish<br />
and roast for 15 minutes, or until tender.<br />
Remove from the oven and set aside<br />
to cool.<br />
Turn the oven down to 110°C/90°C fan/<br />
gas ¼. Reserve 10 pieces of rhubarb<br />
for decoration, and purée the rest in a<br />
blender. Only add the juices from the<br />
baking dish if the purée seems too thick.<br />
Set aside.<br />
Trace 4 x 18cm circles on baking paper<br />
as a guide for the meringue discs. Put<br />
the sugar and 90ml water into a heavybased<br />
saucepan. Carefully swirl the water<br />
around to ensure the sugar is covered.<br />
(Do not stir after swirling as this will<br />
encourage sugar crystals to form on the<br />
sides of the pan.) Put the pan over a high<br />
heat until the mixture bubbles.<br />
Reduce the heat to medium and allow<br />
the mixture to bubble away for about<br />
10 minutes. If using a thermometer the<br />
syrup is ready when it reaches 116°C.<br />
Otherwise, test the mixture by dropping<br />
a small amount into a cup of cold water,<br />
lift it out and if it can be rolled into a soft<br />
ball, it’s ready. If it’s still slippery and loose,<br />
bubble a little longer.<br />
Meanwhile, in a clean bowl, whisk the<br />
egg whites to stiff peaks using an electric<br />
whisk. When the syrup is ready, add it<br />
to the whisked egg whites, whisking<br />
continuously until the mixture is glossy<br />
and the syrup is fully incorporated.<br />
Pipe or spread the mixture onto the<br />
prepared baking sheets, filling in the<br />
circles. Bake for 2 hours, then keep the<br />
oven door ajar with a wooden spoon and<br />
bake for another hour to crisp up the<br />
surface. Turn the oven off and leave the<br />
meringues to cool in the oven for a further<br />
hour.<br />
To make the filling, beat the icing sugar<br />
into the mascarpone, adding more if you<br />
prefer a sweeter flavour. Then gently fold<br />
about two-thirds of the rhubarb purée<br />
into the mascarpone.<br />
To assemble the cake, spread a meringue<br />
disc with a third of the mascarpone and<br />
top with some of the reserved purée,<br />
gently rippling it with a table knife. Repeat<br />
these steps with the other discs and<br />
decorate the top with the reserved pieces<br />
of rhubarb and the chopped pistachios.<br />
29
a<br />
Slice<br />
of<br />
SANTA<br />
BARBARA<br />
Kate O’Connell tackles<br />
the culinary scene of<br />
Santa Barbara. One<br />
mouthful at a time...<br />
Harbor View Inn Hotel<br />
30
When it comes to traveling, shockingly enough I had yet to actually<br />
get round to visiting the USA. This also came as a surprise to my<br />
fellow journalists on this trip. Our two nations are bound together<br />
by much history, an overlap in religion, a common legal system and<br />
language, so how had I not visited at least one state at one time or<br />
another?<br />
Who knows. Our family holidays didn’t stretch that far I guess. Which<br />
may explain my eagerness when I was offered the chance to explore<br />
Santa Barbara. Quite the destination for a first time visitor to the USA!<br />
Aptly nicknamed ‘The American Riviera’, Santa Barbara is situated<br />
90 miles (a 2 hour car journey) north of Los Angeles, tucked within<br />
a south-facing pacific coastline on one side, and the rolling hills that<br />
stretch into the Santa Ynez Mountains on the other. But it is its charm<br />
and sense of style that makes this small city so tempting - indeed it is<br />
a hotspot favourite for the rich and famous, with a whole host of A-list<br />
celebrities calling Santa Barbara home.<br />
If there’s one things that strikes you, it’s that Santa Barbara doesn’t<br />
really feel like a city at all. There’s no hustle and bustle here, instead<br />
just a wonderfully laid-back, chilled vibe. Infused with the spirit<br />
of Spain, we were informed that 6.8 magnitude earthquake near<br />
enough flattened the city back in 1925. Devastating yes, but like a<br />
phoenix from the ashes, this proved the making of the city in terms of<br />
architecture, as the city planners were convinced to rebuild the city in<br />
a unified, Spanish Colonial Revival style inspired by the historic Old<br />
Mission (founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1786). Red-tiled clay top<br />
roofs and white washed walls litter every building, and in addition to<br />
the climate, give the city its Mediterranean charm.<br />
Our first stop; checking in to the newly developed North Wing of<br />
Harbor View Inn hotel. A premier beachfront hotel, Harbour View Inn is<br />
centrally located within the city, and made for a fabulous base to start<br />
our trip. My room featured a very inviting king size bed, complimented<br />
by gorgeous modern Spanish Colonial furnishings, and to top it off - a<br />
balcony view, a chance to sip on a morning coffee and watch the<br />
world go by. But not yet. First; dinner!<br />
We made a short walk around the block to Loquita Restaurant for<br />
some authentic Spanish tapas. Created as a love letter to the Spanish<br />
origins and history of Santa Barbara, Loquita’s showcases a medley<br />
of paellas, charcuterie, cheeses and seafood. We were offered a<br />
sample of a variety of dishes on the menu, with the squid ink seafood<br />
paella being a personal favourite of mine.<br />
After a restful nights sleep in my luxuriously comfy bed, I was ready<br />
for a day of exciting activities. To get us started, we required a hearty<br />
breakfast, and Goat Tree was just the place to go. A gourmet cafe<br />
with a relaxed vibe, Goat Tree offers everything from fresh pastries<br />
and baked goods cooked in-house by their resident pastry chef,<br />
through to cooked breakfasts with a Mediterranean twist. I opted<br />
for the classic Shakshuka, accompanied by homemade flat bread.<br />
Possibly the best, tastiest start to a morning ever.<br />
Feeling suitably energised, it was time for a spot of kayaking down<br />
at the harbour front, courtesy of Santa Barbara Adventure Company.<br />
Kayaking is a great way to view a side of Santa Barbara that perhaps<br />
few visitors get to see, so it felt like such a treat. Not only this, it was a<br />
perfect opportunity to spot some of the resident wildlife.<br />
Loquita Restaurant<br />
31
Kayaking around Santa<br />
Barbara harbour<br />
32<br />
It was perhaps my enthusiasm at this<br />
opportunity that had me labelled a<br />
‘Twitcher’ on this trip. On every dock<br />
we manoeuvred around brought hoards<br />
of enormous pelicans, gangly herons<br />
and rather amusing loons to name but a<br />
few. We even managed to paddle right<br />
up to a raft of sealions. So much of the<br />
wildlife on show were species that I had<br />
never seen out of captivity, it was a very<br />
special morning indeed. I can’t say I am a<br />
particularly experienced kayaker, having<br />
only dabbled on holidays in the past, but<br />
I needn’t have worried. The Adventure<br />
Company specialise in providing tours for<br />
all abilities, so I was in safe hands!<br />
A great way to experience the harbour<br />
front is to sample some of the<br />
specialities, and so with this we took a<br />
stroll over to Stearns Wharf; California’s<br />
oldest wharf named after builder John<br />
P. Stearns. There we took some seats at<br />
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, and<br />
were served an array of locally caught<br />
seafoods, all washed down with some<br />
local beer.<br />
To garner more of an overview of the city,<br />
we then took a ‘trolley tour’ via Santa<br />
Barbara Trolley Co. This 90 minute tour<br />
is lead by a highly insightful guide, who<br />
relays all sorts of interesting facts about<br />
the city, as well as a little local celeb<br />
gossip on the side!<br />
After a quick freshen up it was time for<br />
a bite to eat. Cue...Cubaneo! Californian<br />
Cuban cuisine served alongside cocktails<br />
from Shaker Mill who neighbour within<br />
the same premises. It is easy to see how<br />
you could happily waste away an evening<br />
here, and we did just that! With a cubano<br />
sandwich in one hand and a ‘Bay of<br />
Santiago’ cocktail in the other, you could<br />
have easily fooled us into thinking we<br />
were in Havana!<br />
After another restful night's sleep, I<br />
skipped breakfast in order to make room<br />
for the immense amount of food we<br />
would be sampling on the Eat This, Shoot<br />
That! Funk Zone Food & Photo tour. A<br />
three-hour expedition, this is a chance to<br />
sample some of Santa Barbara’s finest<br />
fodder, as well as learn a little more about<br />
the city’s history, all while discovering<br />
how best to maximize your photo-taking<br />
ability, achieving the most Instagramworthy<br />
images that will make you the<br />
envy of all your friends.<br />
The tour is also a great chance to get to<br />
grips with the layout of the city. Santa<br />
Barbara is made up of several districts,<br />
one of which, The Funk Zone, has seen<br />
its popularity boom in recent decades.<br />
Comprising of a series of converted<br />
warehouses, this contemporary district<br />
is very much the place to be to sample<br />
artisan foods from up-and-coming chefs,<br />
and out-of-this-world Santa Barbara<br />
Country wines. Shop fronts and walls<br />
are adorned with graffiti murals and art<br />
pieces; this district really is an everevolving<br />
artistic neighbourhood that is<br />
well worth a visit.<br />
It was then time to travel up into the<br />
foothills to our next hotel. And what an<br />
iconic hotel indeed. The Belmond El<br />
Encanto. Recently renovated in 2013,<br />
Belmond El Encanto offers stunning<br />
views of the American Riviera and a<br />
whole heap of Hollywood glamour on<br />
the side. This resort manages to feel<br />
relaxed and low-key, while at the same<br />
time feeling like the most exclusive place<br />
on earth. Sitting poolside whilst sipping<br />
a glass of ‘Belmond El Encanto Cuvee’,<br />
life truly feels timeless up here. It’s little<br />
wonder that it was a favoured getaway of<br />
the Hollywood elite.<br />
We made our way back down from the<br />
hills to State Street for an Italian feast<br />
at Due Lune Cucina. Serving fresh<br />
ingredients and hand-made pasta, I<br />
would have been mad not to order the<br />
Linguine alle Vongole. This was paired<br />
with some fabulous local wines, and the<br />
staff couldn’t have been more friendly<br />
and attentive. We topped off the night<br />
with a nightcap at Pearl Social; an<br />
intimate and beautifully furnished cocktail<br />
bar. The night felt like a very classy affair<br />
indeed.<br />
Somehow, our final day had sadly rolled<br />
around already! It was time to do a spot<br />
of botanical sight seeing. Lotusland was<br />
our destination. This 37-acre estate and<br />
botanic garden is situated in the foothills<br />
of Montecito, which is located to the<br />
East of Santa Barbara. Purchased by<br />
the rather marvellous socialite Madame<br />
Walska (Google her, honestly!), she spent<br />
43 years designing the gardens to her<br />
liking. To say they were breathtaking is<br />
an understatement. Home to all sorts of<br />
exotic, rare collections of plants, this is<br />
truly a garden like no other.<br />
After another spot of wine tasting at<br />
some of the local establishments (it<br />
would be rude not to!), we made our<br />
way to Bibi Ji for dinner. A modern take<br />
on traditional Indian cuisine, Bibi Ji are<br />
experts at pairing quality, local wines<br />
with the most brilliant of dishes. The<br />
moment came when the aptly nicknamed<br />
‘Californian Gold’ was bought out; Santa<br />
Barbara’s locally caught sea urchins.<br />
Beautifully presented, and filled with<br />
biryani rice, I couldn’t lie...I was a little<br />
hesitant to try them. After all, my only<br />
knowledge of them was to avoid standing<br />
on them when on sandy beaches abroad.<br />
I needn’t have worried. Creamy and<br />
indulgent, they were fantastic.<br />
What a dish. And what a trip.<br />
Sea Urchins at<br />
Bibi Ji Restaurant<br />
At a glance<br />
2 nights at harbor view inn<br />
hotel, 2 nights at belmond<br />
el encanto hotel, private<br />
transfers and return<br />
flights with Norwegian air.<br />
Parking and lounge access<br />
with holiday extras.<br />
No1 Lounge at Gatwick<br />
Airport (South Terminal)<br />
from £26 PP<br />
Harbor view inn - Nightly<br />
Rates vary from $268.00-<br />
$400.00<br />
belmond el encanto -<br />
nightly room rates start<br />
from $560 (inc tax),<br />
suites from $811 (inc tax)<br />
www.santabarbaraca.com
Glorious walks from the Highbullen Hotel, Devon<br />
STYLISH Staycations<br />
Whether you want the buzz of the city or a<br />
complete country retreat, here are our pick of<br />
UK staycations...<br />
the best of the city and west end at<br />
THE STRAND PALACE, LONDON<br />
Having welcomed guests since 1909, the Strand Palace is surrounded by<br />
the best London has to offer - located just minutes from Covent Garden.<br />
Having recently undergone a large-scale multi million pound renovation,<br />
myself and my partner decided to tie in a spot of winter shopping/<br />
sightseeing in with a stay in what is most definitely the heart of London.<br />
The Strand Palace creates a fabulous impression the minute you meet the<br />
doorman! The front entrance, lobby and reception are one large, bright,<br />
open spaced hub, featuring art deco influences that create a very relaxed<br />
and sophisticated atmosphere. We checked in and made our way up to<br />
our room, which was a tranquil, comforting retreat from the hussle and<br />
bustle of the street below.<br />
It is at this stage that I feel I must confess: I am a bit of a tourist when it<br />
comes to London. In the past I have found myself booking into hotels that<br />
seem to be on the other side of the city in location to all the spots I wished<br />
to visit, and although there’s the tube, it’s still nice to be situated near<br />
the action. This is what makes The Strand Palace so perfect. Its location<br />
is brilliant - right in the heart of the West End, and with Covent Garden<br />
a mere two minutes away you really have got it all on your doorstep.<br />
I couldn’t believe our luck when a trip to The National Portrait Gallery<br />
took....seven minutes on foot!<br />
We made our way back to the hotel after a spot of lunch, opting for the<br />
pre-theatre menu which is brilliant value for money if you are trying to<br />
keep costs down. Pre 7pm, you can indulge with 2 courses for £20, so<br />
we tucked into some crispy lime squid, followed by fish and chips, with a<br />
lovely light batter. All washed down with a bottle of red. Delightful!<br />
The city felt like ours for the taking! We took ourselves off for a stroll around<br />
Covent Garden, closely followed by a visit to a couple of ‘proper’ London<br />
pubs. If you are after a weekend away in the city and want to make London<br />
your own, The Strand Palace offers a truly unbeatable location.<br />
Sam Norris | strandpalacehotel.co.uk, rooms from £175 per night<br />
escape to the country at<br />
UPPER TETCHWICK<br />
HOUSE, NR AYLESBURY<br />
There is surely no better ointment for the weary<br />
soul than a weekend in pristine countryside<br />
with your closest friends. I found that sense of<br />
reatreat at the beautiful Upper Tetchwick House,<br />
booked through holidaycottages.co.uk.<br />
With a whole host of different holiday<br />
accommodation options to suit couples, families<br />
and large or small parties, holidaycottages.co.uk<br />
was the perfect site through which to book our<br />
little staycation. We settled on Upper Tetchwick<br />
House, which sleeps 12.<br />
In a rural location on the outskirts of Aylesbury,<br />
the property is a home away from home - if your<br />
home is a resplendent country pad complete<br />
with six bedrooms, a swimming pool, a billiards<br />
room and a duck pond, with far reaching views<br />
across the countryside! It’s a house that would<br />
cater in any season - with a huge garden and<br />
pool for the warmer months and a wonderful<br />
wood burning stove when the chill sets in.<br />
The whole process was easy as anything -<br />
meaning we all felt immediately on holiday - that<br />
was in part thanks to the lovely locally-sourced<br />
welcome hamper waiting on the counter.<br />
The house had the added benefit of being dog<br />
friendly too, meaning my pooches didn’t miss<br />
out on any of the holiday action.<br />
Katie Thomson | holidaycottages.co.uk,<br />
a three night stay costs £1,568 total<br />
33
take time out at<br />
DONNINGTON VALLEY<br />
HOTEL & SPA, BERKSHIRE<br />
It really does go without saying that a visit to the<br />
spa is a great way to relax, de-stress and unwind<br />
from the day-to-day. However we should never<br />
need an excuse for a little pampering. After all,<br />
many of our modern-day spas have deep roots,<br />
dating back thousands of years. Hence my<br />
lack of guilt in booking myself and Mum in for a<br />
weekend stay at Donnington Valley Hotel.<br />
A privately owned hotel, spa and golf club,<br />
Donnington Valley is located just off the M4.<br />
Arriving in the surrounding beautiful Berkshire<br />
countryside, this truly felt like a retreat.<br />
Sharing an Executive suite, we were graced with<br />
gorgeously comfy beds and a rather spacious<br />
bathroom! We quickly put on the robes provided<br />
and made our way to the spa. There we had<br />
a luxury 55 minute Sonoma Aromatherapy<br />
Massage. Melting our tensions away, my<br />
thoughts drifted to the hustle and bustle of<br />
life, and what a rarity it is to have 55 minutes<br />
to yourself to just…be. It occurred to me how<br />
important it is to take time for yourself. It’s a<br />
win-win for everyone too surely, as by feeling<br />
and looking your best, you are better able to take<br />
care of your loved ones without feeling burnt out.<br />
We took ourselves off to the capacious pool,<br />
and made use of the indulgent sauna and<br />
steam rooms, not to mention a quick lounge<br />
in the jacuzzi, before quickly freshening up for<br />
our dinner reservations. On the menu: scallops<br />
on a bed of pea purée, black pudding and<br />
smoked pancetta, followed by a juicy sirloin<br />
steak, all complimented beautifully by some<br />
well-recommended wine, and last but not least<br />
followed by a delectable espresso martini.<br />
Naughty? Yes. But perhaps we all need to take<br />
a weekend every once in a while to look after<br />
number one.<br />
Kate O’Connell | donningtonvalley.co.uk,<br />
rooms from £135 per night<br />
find sanctuary in the city at<br />
PARK PLAZA LONDON RIVERBANK<br />
As a former Londoner who now resides in the countryside, there is always a<br />
thrill when returning to the capital. The beauty of being a visitor, instead of a<br />
resident, is getting to appreciate the wealth of culture, architectural marvels<br />
and general buzz of this sprawling metropolis. And there is nowhere better<br />
located to explore it all from than the Park Plaza London Riverbank.<br />
Located on the south side of the River Thames, it sits near many of<br />
London’s most legendary tourist attractions. The Houses of Parliament, the<br />
seat of England’s political authority, are just across Westminster Bridge, and<br />
the London Eye, the city’s enormous Ferris wheel, is only a 15-minute walk<br />
away. My room had an uninterrupted view out to Big Ben and the Palace of<br />
Westminster. Being so central might feel chaotic, but the hotel really does<br />
feel like a sanctuary away from it all.<br />
I visited with my small niece and nephew in tow - travelling with children<br />
is never easy, but the London Riverbank hotel has taken a huge step<br />
toward making it a breeze - it has just launched the capital’s first hotel<br />
room designed by families, for families - featuring elements such as chalk<br />
board walls, neon lights, a bunk bed for the kids, and chic décor and iconic<br />
London view for the adults, along with bespoke services. The suite is<br />
available from just £179 per night and can be booked by visiting<br />
parkplaza.com/ultimatefamily<br />
Daniel Weston | radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-Londonriverbank<br />
Rooms from £119 per night<br />
sleep like a royal at<br />
HARTWELL HOUSE, NR AYLESBURY<br />
I would call myself an explorer, but it isn’t often that I can feel as I’m back<br />
in the 17th century and living as the royals once had. That is exactly how<br />
this weekend felt, exploring the warmth, romance and delicious cuisine that<br />
Hartwell House had to offer.<br />
The hotel makes an impression straight away - the exquisite drive to the<br />
front entrance, greetings from smiling staff and the aroma of a burning stove<br />
made us feel we were somewhere very special.<br />
As we settled in our large room, with far-reaching views across the fields we<br />
were very pleased by the little touches - the room’s decor transporting you<br />
to an era of vintage style. History oozes from every pore of this house and<br />
there is so much to be explored - even the walk to dinner took us past the<br />
characterful staircase - each spindle of the bannister is hand carved into a<br />
caricature - we delighted in spotting famous historical figures, including a<br />
grave-faced Winston Churchill.<br />
The house has both Jacobean and Georgian features with outstanding<br />
decorative ceilings and panelling, fine paintings and antique furniture. It has a<br />
remarkable history too: its most famous resident was Louis XVIII, exiled King<br />
34
soak in the views at<br />
THE HIGHBULLEN HOTEL<br />
& COUNTRY CLUB, NORTH DEVON<br />
Arriving after nightfall to a hotel destination is always a bit of a treat -<br />
there is something exciting about waking up to an undiscovered view<br />
- pulling back the curtains to reveal the surprise.<br />
This delight surely hits its peak at the Highbullen Hotel, nestled in the<br />
rolling hills of North Devon. As I ambled, sleepily, from the sumptuous<br />
seven-foot bed in our suite, I opened the curtains with a cup of tea in<br />
hand, I was greeted by the most glorious, expansive views - rolling hills,<br />
a view down the Mole Valley and out towards national parks. From the<br />
hotel’s high vantage point on a ridge between Dartmoor and Exmoor, on<br />
a clear day you can see for 18 miles across pristine British countryside -<br />
it really is something to behold.<br />
An opportunity to enjoy these views is never missed - as well as a<br />
lovely reading nook in our own room, the elegant drawing rooms and<br />
sun terraces offered chances to sit and soak it all in. The hotel’s Devon<br />
View Restaurant also offers these panoramas, alongside its 2 AA<br />
rosettes - making for a very special dining experience. With a changing<br />
daily menu featuring the best local, seasonal produce, the restaurant<br />
is a foodie destination in its own right. We dined on the house-smoked<br />
salmon with avocado, a deliciously light leek and cheddar tart and<br />
perfectly succulent lamb cutlets with a perfect umami punch. The<br />
portions are perfect, leaving just enough room for a shared dessert of<br />
treacle tart with clotted cream - simple dessert pastry at its best. This is<br />
also the restaurant where residents can enjoy breakfast -<br />
it’s a great spread with lots to choose from.<br />
If the dishes in the restaurant gets you in the indulgent<br />
foodie mood (and they will) you can also head down to<br />
the lovely Laura Ashley Tearoom on site for a classic<br />
Devon cream tea or a more indulgent offering with fizz.<br />
As well as the main hotel, guests have accommodation<br />
options in self catered cottages - meaning the facilities<br />
of the whole resort are still on their doorstep. An 18-hole<br />
USGA golf course set within richly wooded parkland,<br />
tennis courts, a multi-sport simulator, a leisure centre,<br />
fishing, shooting, snooker - the list is expansive and<br />
caters for every member of the family, making it a<br />
wonderful holiday destination. Keen walkers can also<br />
make the most of miles of local country walks, Exmoor or<br />
the nearby South West Coast path.<br />
Katie Thomson | highbullen.co.uk,<br />
B&B from £110 per night<br />
of France, for five years from 1809 - no wonder we felt like royalty.<br />
That evening we shared a decadent three course dinner. The food was<br />
wonderful and the ambiance pure romance - with a piano playing in the<br />
background. I would highly recommend a starter of scallops or smoked<br />
salmon, the cod for a main and a trio of the delicious sorbets to finish it off.<br />
The majestic tone set the night before continued at breakfast - the<br />
spread pure elegance - hand polished silverware, white table cloths and<br />
loose leaf earl grey tea. Then it was out to explore the grounds. Hartwell<br />
House is a National Trust owned property with Capability Browninspired<br />
landscapes - we pretended it was all our domain as we strolled<br />
from one spectacular vista to another.<br />
Then it was time to relax even further in the beautiful spa - with its<br />
stylistic echoes of a Roman bathing house. Our treatments were<br />
sublime - taking away all the strain of a working week.<br />
From the first sights of history, to the genuine comforts of a homely room<br />
and stunning food, I arrive back in the big city, relaxed, romanced and so<br />
full of fond memories. Hartwell House comes highly recommended and I<br />
can see why - it is the perfect weekend away, only if you wish to get lost<br />
in time and take a moment to enjoy your surroundings.<br />
Lucy Elamad | hartwell-house.com, B&B from £250 per night<br />
35
AMAZING<br />
GLAZING<br />
When we think about our homes, it’s really the windows<br />
and doors that create the wow factor. We are all so<br />
keen to flood our properties with natural light and the<br />
constantly evolving technology in the world of glazing is<br />
making some truly astonishing designs achievable, not to<br />
mention more affordable than ever.<br />
Whether you are self-building, extending or even<br />
renovating your home, apportioning budget to windows<br />
and doors is a savvy move. As well as making your home<br />
more valuable - 69% of people say that light rooms make<br />
them more inclined to buy - investing in clever glazing can<br />
make you fall in love with your space once more.<br />
BI-FOLD vs SLIDING<br />
DOORS<br />
Bi-fold:<br />
PROS - for those looking for that wonderful sense of a<br />
garden room that brings the outside in, bi-folds can help<br />
create the sense of one open-plan space as the panels<br />
fold away fully to the walls.<br />
CONS - an expensive option - poorly constructed bi-folds<br />
can also suffer from air-tightness issues around the joins<br />
so do your research and get guarantees.<br />
Sliding:<br />
PROS - generally cheaper than bi-fold doors, sliding<br />
doors also have fewer frame elements, meaning when<br />
they are closed your view is less obstructed.<br />
CONS - you won’t get the full, uninterrupted view of the<br />
garden - instead only a portion of the doors are openable.<br />
Bi-fold<br />
Sliding<br />
69% of people say that light rooms make<br />
them more inclined to buy - investing in<br />
clever glazing can make you fall in love with<br />
your space once more...<br />
36
Roof Lanterns and Skylights<br />
Compared to windows of the same surface area, skylights and<br />
roof lanterns can increase light in a room by up to five times.<br />
They are particularly good in extensions and for channelling<br />
light to darker corners of the home and adding opportunities<br />
for ventilation. These additions are no longer considered just a<br />
luxury and can be used in a wide variety of scenarios:<br />
• In a loft extension, tucked beneath sloped rooflines, the<br />
presence of skylights may spell the difference between a<br />
bright, friendly space and a murky cave.<br />
• In a home built between closely adjoining neighbouring<br />
houses where overlooking might be an issue, skylights may be<br />
the best solution for introducing good natural light into rooms.<br />
• In a single storey house build or extension, built with an open<br />
floor plan, skylight shafts can bring much needed natural light<br />
into the centre of large spaces.<br />
Many of the issues experienced in the past of rooms<br />
overheating or being hard to clean have been mediated with<br />
a tranche of new technology, including glass panels with heat<br />
regulatory and storage abilities and self-cleaning glass.<br />
SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION?<br />
In a single storey house build or extension, built with an<br />
open floor plan, skylight shafts can bring much needed<br />
natural light into the centre of large spaces.<br />
Energy Efficiency<br />
Our homes are one of the biggest energy wasters out there and<br />
traditionally windows are the biggest energy leakage point, so<br />
with any renovation, it can really pay to invest in glass tech to<br />
ensure the best temperature regulation - creating huge savings<br />
down the line. We all know that double glazing is much more<br />
efficient than single, but newer technologies like triple glazing<br />
are making windows nearly as efficient at energy retention as<br />
the walls they are installed within.<br />
As well as the glass, it is important to do you research into<br />
frames and opt for the most airtight models.<br />
With great green credentials, triple glazed units have the<br />
added benefits of better thermal comfort, noise reduction and<br />
a reduced risk of condensation between panes – so for the<br />
self-builder or home improver looking for a premium finish with<br />
added benefits, it’s a natural choice.<br />
37
2<br />
1<br />
dark ARTS<br />
3<br />
The trend for sleek black finishes<br />
continues, with lots of companies<br />
now supplying dark taps, shower<br />
enclosures, towel rails and tiles<br />
Dark tiles and fixtures look amazing - the only thing<br />
to be aware of is living in a hard water area and the<br />
effects that will have on the finish of taps over time.<br />
For a sleek look, pair large-scale dark floor tiles with<br />
white tiles on the walls, framed by black hardware.<br />
5<br />
Images: 1. Aquaglass Velar 8mm Black Crittall Corner<br />
Entry Enclosure, frontlinebathrooms.co.uk; 2. Original Style<br />
Tileworks Steel Midnight Blue, originalstyle.com; 3. Merlyn<br />
Black Showerwall With End Panel, merlynshowering.com;<br />
4. Duravit - Stonetto (Sand) Shower Tray, duravit.co.uk;<br />
5. Contour Radiator, frontlinebathrooms.co.uk; 6. Pitch<br />
Bluetooth Mirror, purebathroomcollection.co.uk; 7. Finissimo<br />
Black Bath Filler, bathroomdealsuk.co.uk; 8. Valverdi Iguazu<br />
Tile, londontile.co.uk;<br />
8<br />
4<br />
7<br />
BATHROOM<br />
TECH<br />
With homes becoming<br />
smarter in the main, it<br />
makes sense that similar<br />
technology would be<br />
extended to the bathroom.<br />
We love this bluetooth<br />
mirror which can play<br />
your favourite songs and<br />
has automatic demisting<br />
technology<br />
6<br />
38
THE BATHROOM<br />
& TILE GUIDE<br />
A roundup of the trends that can beat the bathroom blues<br />
and turn your bathroom into your own slice of heaven<br />
1 2<br />
3<br />
ensuite DREAMS<br />
According to a survey carried out by Nationwide<br />
Building Society, an ensuite can add as much as 5%<br />
to your home's market value - if you have the space,<br />
it's a great investment which is luxurious too<br />
If space permits, a roll top or freestanding<br />
bath looks wonderful in an ensuite and<br />
gives a true sense of luxury. If your space<br />
is more modest, the smaller scale is a great<br />
place to experiment with some interesting<br />
tile combinations and colours. There are<br />
some fabulous examples of encaustic tiles<br />
out there at the moment, but if you do opt<br />
for those, be aware and prepared for more<br />
maintenance than printed tiles.<br />
Images: 1. products from Original Style; 2. String<br />
lights from Lights4fun.co.uk; 3. image from<br />
carleyrowena.com; 4. Floris tile from Boniti<br />
4<br />
39
1<br />
TILE STYLE<br />
THE way to add style and personality to<br />
your bathroom - choices are limitless.<br />
Avoid following trends too closely and pick<br />
something you really love<br />
3<br />
4<br />
2<br />
When choosing<br />
tiles, functionality<br />
is key - tiny mosaics look amazing, but you<br />
don't want them in high traffic areas of a family<br />
bathroom. Try to keep floor tiles low maintenance<br />
and add decorative flourishes in smaller spaces.<br />
Ceramics aren't the only option either - vinyl tiles<br />
and laminates can work effectively.<br />
5<br />
6<br />
Images: 1. Selection from Ripples; 2. Havana Dawn Self<br />
Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles, zazous.co.uk; 3. Odyssey<br />
- 8051V Seville Tile, originalstyle.com; 4. 3D Offset<br />
Hexagon Tiles, bakedtiles.co.uk; 5. Original Style <strong>Living</strong><br />
Spirit Tile, originalstyle.com; 6. Windmill Geometric<br />
Tile, tonsoftiles.co.uk; 7. Odyssey - Persian Floor Tile,<br />
originalstyle.com<br />
7<br />
green SPACES<br />
Houseplants are taking over - and<br />
we love it! If you have natural light<br />
in the bathroom, lots of plants can<br />
thrive in the space!<br />
The best plants for bathrooms are<br />
moisture lovers - these are our<br />
favourites: -<br />
Zamioculcas zamifolia (the eternity<br />
plant - so named because it is hard<br />
to kill!), the spider plant, most ferns,<br />
snake plant, aloe vera, cast iron plant<br />
and orchids.<br />
Image, left, from Dobbies - plants and<br />
plant pots available.<br />
NO WINDOW?<br />
No problem! LED growing lights can be<br />
easily installed to help your plants grow,<br />
even without natural light.<br />
40
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42 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk
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Look Before You Leap<br />
While the SPAB warmly encourages people to take the<br />
plunge and make an old building their home, it’s easy<br />
to be swept away by romance. SPAB Director Matthew<br />
Slocombe offers a checklist of key considerations to<br />
help potential buyers make the right choice – both for<br />
themselves and for the building of their dreams.<br />
Think with head and heart<br />
Old buildings are more than a space in<br />
which to live. If all that really interests you<br />
is location or floor area, an old building is<br />
unlikely to be right for you. If you appreciate<br />
style and character, and are keen to<br />
embrace the quirks and idiosyncrasies of an<br />
old building, the potential rewards are great.<br />
Compromise to get what you want<br />
For the majority of buyers, historic interest<br />
is a desirable factor but not the key. If your<br />
number one aim is to live in an interesting<br />
old building, but your means are limited,<br />
compromising on other requirements can<br />
sometimes help.<br />
Authenticity can’t be re-created<br />
If you want something genuine and<br />
authentic, recreation of lost parts is unlikely<br />
to act as a fitting or worthwhile substitute.<br />
Look for genuine survivals. It may be that<br />
fireplaces have been boarded up and plaster<br />
overlaid with modern materials, but if the<br />
originals survive behind this offers a much<br />
better starting point than a gutted interior.<br />
Choose something that will fit your<br />
longer term needs<br />
Look a few years ahead and try to consider<br />
whether the building is likely to fit your plans.<br />
If you think you might need more bedrooms<br />
or a bigger kitchen, consider whether the<br />
building is likely to be able to accommodate<br />
this without major change. In a modern<br />
house, adding extensions or knocking down<br />
walls may be relatively straightforward. In an<br />
historic building it may not.<br />
Consider auctions<br />
Many old buildings needing work are sold<br />
at auction. This can be a way to find an<br />
interesting project, and perhaps also a<br />
bargain. But the buyer must beware and it<br />
is especially important to do your homework<br />
seeking specialist help in advance.<br />
Purchase is not the only possibility<br />
If living in an old building is your goal, but<br />
prices are unaffordable, other options<br />
may exist. The commercial rental sector<br />
general lets buildings that have been heavily<br />
updated, but estates, farms and some<br />
private owners may offer old buildings to<br />
rent in a more rustic state.<br />
Distinguish between decorative and<br />
structural needs<br />
This is vital. Small cracks are normal in old<br />
buildings and can be easily remedied as part<br />
of the redecoration process; larger cracks<br />
may hint at structural movement.<br />
Get good advice<br />
The cost of professional advisers can<br />
seem off-putting, but sound advice is<br />
an investment. There are accreditations<br />
schemes run by the RICS, RIBA and AABC<br />
and the Society can offer suggestions<br />
via its Technical Advice Line (0207 456<br />
0916 weekday mornings). The advice of a<br />
structural engineer, conservator (see ICON’s<br />
accreditation list), quantity surveyor or<br />
historian may also be invaluable.<br />
Put together the right team<br />
If work is needed, the right team will be<br />
crucial. Consider not just price, but the<br />
expertise of team members. Listen to<br />
craftspeople - good ones know exactly<br />
what they’re doing and the expertise is often<br />
under-appreciated.<br />
Adjust your lifestyle<br />
Occupying an old building brings huge<br />
benefits to your quality of life, but don’t<br />
expect it to be the same as a perfectly level,<br />
hermetically sealed modern box. Floors<br />
may slope, windows may be draughty, and<br />
elaborate modern services may be difficult<br />
to accommodate.<br />
Research and understanding<br />
Understanding an old building includes<br />
knowing how it’s put together and what<br />
it’s made from, as well as the uses it’s had<br />
over time and the changes previous owners<br />
have made. Combine this with background<br />
research, advice from organisations like the<br />
SPAB, and knowledge from neighbouring<br />
owners and a rounded picture of the<br />
building should emerge.<br />
Don’t ignore consents and other statutory<br />
requirements<br />
Planning consents and building regulation<br />
requirements should always be adhered<br />
to. This is particularly so in the case of<br />
listed buildings. If you buy a listed building<br />
that has been altered without permission<br />
you inherit the liability and enforcement<br />
action could be taken against you. If you<br />
alter or demolish a listed building without<br />
permission you could be prosecuted.<br />
Don’t count on grants<br />
Grants for private owners were once<br />
relatively common. They are now rare and<br />
should not be counted on.<br />
Settle in before making big changes<br />
A vacant house offers an opportunity<br />
to tackle problems without upheaval to<br />
occupants, but avoid the temptation to do<br />
too much, too fast. A period of occupation<br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
often brings realisation about what’s<br />
necessary and what’s not important.<br />
Deal with the boring things first<br />
Kitchens, bathroom and decorative works<br />
may be most fun, but they should be bottom<br />
of your list. Fixing the roof and making sure<br />
the gutters, drains and electrics work will<br />
provide you with a sound basis from which<br />
to make other changes.<br />
Scratches and Witches<br />
Loving the lumps and bumps is all part of<br />
old building ownership. Appreciate them<br />
as part of the building’s character and<br />
history and avoid erasing them for the sake<br />
of tidiness. Think too about witches! Old<br />
surfaces often carry superstitious markings<br />
designed to ward off bad spirits.<br />
Repair is good<br />
Building conservation is a branch of<br />
environmental protection and sustainability:<br />
repair is better than replacement. Decay<br />
is rarely uniform and repair can allow<br />
the undamaged parts to remain. An old<br />
window with 20% new timber is better for<br />
the environment and our history than a new<br />
window with 100% fresh timber.<br />
Make sure materials are compatible<br />
New, innovative building products can<br />
be valuable, but historic buildings are not<br />
generally the place where they should be<br />
tested. The potential for side effects is great<br />
if incompatible materials are used.<br />
Get involved but know your limitations<br />
The SPAB has always encouraged a handson<br />
approach. There is no better way to get<br />
to know your building than through practical<br />
work. However, it is important to know the<br />
limitations of your own skills, to consider<br />
safety issues, and to get training if you are<br />
unsure. The SPAB and others run practical<br />
conservation courses. If in doubt, call on an<br />
experienced craftsperson.<br />
Good new design<br />
Where a strong and justifiable case exists<br />
for a change or addition, sympathetic<br />
new design offers the best approach.<br />
This requires good design advice and a<br />
thoughtful choice of materials.<br />
Enjoy it!<br />
An old building deserves to respected and<br />
cared for, but it should be enjoyed rather<br />
than revered.<br />
Call the SPAB Technical Advice Line on:<br />
020 7456 0916<br />
44 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk
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www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 45
Alan Titchmarsh...<br />
on some of his favourite things<br />
Sally Thomson recently had<br />
a chat with Alan Titchmarsh<br />
MBE, DL, HonFSE and<br />
discussed some of the many<br />
passions he enjoys - extending<br />
far beyond gardening.<br />
He has written more than forty<br />
gardening books, memoirs and<br />
his latest creation is a book on<br />
poetry which illustrates the love<br />
he has for not just plants, but<br />
all of life...<br />
You still do Saturday mornings on<br />
Classic FM. Of all the music that<br />
you enjoy, what is your favourite?<br />
It’s fairly classic, although I like a lot<br />
of stuff! Whether it’s Handel or Mozart<br />
or Tchaikovsky. It’s part of my life. I’ve<br />
always loved light opera. I love The Merry<br />
Widow and Fledermaus and things like<br />
that, as well as the heavier stuff. But I<br />
think sometimes Operetta is overlooked.<br />
It has the most glorious melodies and it<br />
tends to fall between two categories; it’s<br />
not a musical and it’s not an opera and so<br />
I feel that at the moment Operetta seems<br />
to fall in the dark.<br />
Do you endeavour to put them forward<br />
a little bit on the show?<br />
Oh, I do! I do suggest it to the producers.<br />
I’ve been listening to some snippets on<br />
your show on gardening and there are<br />
such useful tips. I mean, I don’t fancy<br />
going out there at the moment because<br />
it’s so wet. But when Easter arrives how<br />
should we start in the garden?<br />
The great thing about the winter months<br />
is that everything moves so slowly, so<br />
when Easter arrives it gives us time to<br />
catch up in the garden. We can get stuff<br />
cut back, fed, mulched.<br />
Mulching is probably one of the best<br />
things to do this time of year isn’t it?<br />
Well it is because the ground is moist and<br />
the weeds haven’t started growing yet so<br />
you can spread it now and it will keep the<br />
weeds down.<br />
Yes, obviously the bulbs are coming up<br />
now and I’m dreading a frost that will<br />
knock down my narcissus…<br />
Oh, frost won’t knock them down! They’re<br />
tough as old boots. They might bow<br />
down for a night if it gets really frosty, but<br />
they’ll pick up as the day progresses. The<br />
thing about narcissus and snowdrops<br />
is that they are not susceptible to frost.<br />
They really are hardy.<br />
That’s good to know! I’m really<br />
interested in your 50 shades of Green -<br />
the programme. Tell me all about that,<br />
how did it happen?<br />
ITV very sweetly said they wanted to<br />
mark my seventieth birthday, which was<br />
very kind, and they wanted to do it in a<br />
very engaging way, so they had me name<br />
my top 50, and they went from there.<br />
Were they difficult choices to make?<br />
Oh yes! It was like Desert Island Discs!<br />
But we covered all the main things you<br />
know, like trees, water, roses, and the last<br />
one was my garden which has not been<br />
seen on telly before.<br />
I know. A bit special! One of the<br />
elements of the show is about you<br />
visiting the National Gallery, and how<br />
the masterpieces have inspired you.<br />
Which were the paintings in particular<br />
that inspired you?<br />
Oh gosh, well for me it’s so difficult<br />
to choose, I mean there’s Mr and Mrs<br />
Andrews by Gainsborough, then you see<br />
Whistlejacket by Stubbs. Just walking<br />
past them all and the feeling of joy that<br />
it was open for us to see them all, it was<br />
like being a boy in a sweet shop! When<br />
you manage to see them without bodies<br />
all around you, and it’s one-to-one with<br />
you and the painting. It’s such a treat.<br />
continued<br />
www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 47
What about going into where the<br />
Queen’s perfumer was working?<br />
That was wonderful! I use the aftershave<br />
now! I was terrified of course, when I<br />
arrived there.<br />
Alan will be at BBC Gardeners’<br />
World Live on Saturday 20th<br />
June <strong>2020</strong><br />
You cannot hide your emotions can<br />
you?<br />
No, I’m not very good at that! It was a joy<br />
though.<br />
Of the gardens that you’ve visited, do<br />
you have a special one? Or do you find<br />
that different gardens affect different<br />
moods, a bit like music?<br />
They do. There are aspects of every<br />
garden where you think ‘Oh I like that’, or<br />
‘I wish I had that’. I love Chatsworth, I’ve<br />
always loved Chatsworth, it’s a special<br />
place. The Prince of Wales’ garden at<br />
Highgrove. Sissinghurst is another one.<br />
Gardens that reflect the soul of their<br />
makers are really special.<br />
You are attending Highgrove again<br />
aren’t you? For Talking Gardens. Are<br />
you excited about that, as you go there<br />
quite regularly don’t you?<br />
I seem to go there every year. I’m a<br />
regular! I will be discussing the way we<br />
look at our gardens and the way they can<br />
help us and we can help them. It’s not<br />
just analytical, it’s getting to grips with<br />
a garden and what a garden can offer. I<br />
get so dispirited when I see gardens laid<br />
to paving blocks. I know that cars are<br />
precious, but you don’t have to pave the<br />
whole thing. There are all kinds of things<br />
you can do to make room for nature.<br />
When we spoke last time, you talked<br />
about your poetry with Debbie<br />
Wiseman from Classic FM.<br />
Yes, the book is coming out! Well I’ve<br />
written poetry for years before that<br />
but mainly for Christmas. But Debbie<br />
suggested I write something about<br />
plants, so we did The Glorious Garden<br />
which happened to go to No.1 in the<br />
classical charts - not that I like to boast!<br />
So that’s what got me going on writing<br />
poetry other than just for Christmas.<br />
So yes, I have put all these poems plus<br />
a load of new ones into a book called<br />
<strong>Mar</strong>igolds, Myrtle and Moles.<br />
Do you think you have any more<br />
poems up your sleeve?<br />
Well I really enjoy writing them, so we’ll<br />
see how this one goes down. I might do<br />
another one!<br />
Will we be seeing any more of ‘Love<br />
Your Garden’?<br />
We’ve got four episodes that will be<br />
coming out in the Spring, and we will<br />
start filming more in <strong>Apr</strong>il. We filmed half<br />
the series last year in September and<br />
the other half will be done in Spring as<br />
they split the recordings, and they have<br />
commissioned another two series which<br />
is very nice!<br />
<strong>Mar</strong>igolds, Myrtle and Moles by Alan<br />
Titchmarsh is published by Hodder<br />
& Stoughton<br />
Below, from left: Highgrove, Chatsworth<br />
and Sissinghurst<br />
48 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk
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Children: getting them<br />
interested in gardening<br />
Here our resident gardener and radio personality, Matt Biggs<br />
aka The People’s Gardener, explains the benefits of getting<br />
children involved in the garden and how it provides them with<br />
skills to help their development.<br />
You and your children will enjoy every stage of the process. We<br />
hear a lot about children not knowing where their food comes from<br />
and, of course, if we don’t give them the info then, with all of the<br />
distractions of modern living, it is not surprising if they think a chip<br />
comes from the freezer aisle and kohlrabi is a character in the latest<br />
Star Wars film!<br />
Gardening for kids is just such a great thing - exercise, knowledge,<br />
fun and hopefully an interest that will last them a lifetime, what more<br />
do we need? Many garden centres offer kids activity days, whether<br />
that is pumpkin carving, seed sowing or making animals out of fruit<br />
and veg. there is a lot you can get them involved with and much of it<br />
is free too. Many garden centres have clubs for children, and this is<br />
a good option if you have one near to you. It is good for socialising<br />
and excellent for learning the basics and having fun.<br />
If you have a garden marking them out their own space is an easy<br />
thing to do. It gives them a sense of responsibility and you can<br />
make a bug hotel out of recycled bits and bobs, plan to grow some<br />
herbs or mini veg, write down their favourite colours and hunt<br />
through plant catalogues or online for suitable plants to match.<br />
There are lots of skills involved in all of these activities, from maths<br />
- how many plants do we need for the space, to practical skills<br />
in making things, to research and planning skills - so one small<br />
space can lead to a lot of learning! If you have a local country<br />
show or fayre there will probably be a few children’s classes in that<br />
too - making a miniature garden or a dinosaur from fruit and veg.<br />
whatever it is take advantage of it - country<br />
shows are a great day out!<br />
So, having got the kids organised it is time<br />
to do our own planning for summer, whether<br />
you have a window box, a court-yard or<br />
acres of space there is summer colour for<br />
every option. If you are fortunate enough to<br />
have a greenhouse then you can start early and bring on your own<br />
plants, you can share with neighbours or garden clubs which is a<br />
very economical way of gardening or you can visit your local nursery<br />
or garden centre to see what choices are available - and there is a<br />
lot of choice.<br />
Every year Chelsea highlights a new favourite plant or colour<br />
scheme, gardening magazines and books have so many ideas<br />
- one of the most pleasurable jobs in the year is planning your<br />
garden - and then - best bit of all, enjoying the fruits of your labour!<br />
To discover more about Matt and his books please<br />
visit www.mattbiggs.com<br />
50 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk
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www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 51
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detailing.<br />
Two beautiful showhomes, the<br />
3 bedroom Hunsley and 5 bedroom<br />
Tilhurst, will open their doors at<br />
Priors Crescent in <strong>Mar</strong>ch enabling<br />
buyers to see, at first hand, the<br />
quality of design and finish on offer.<br />
Priors Crescent is located within<br />
walking distance of local amenities;<br />
meaning buyers really do benefit<br />
from the best of both worlds. The<br />
village itself has a general store<br />
with a post office, a church, primary<br />
school and a local pub. Salford<br />
Priors Memorial Hall also holds a<br />
variety of events, such as art classes,<br />
yoga and cinema clubs.<br />
The local area offers a variety of<br />
well-regarded schools for all ages,<br />
including Salford Priors CofE Primary<br />
School, situated just across the road<br />
from Priors Crescent, Harvington<br />
CofE First & Nursery School, rated<br />
‘outstanding’ by Ofsted,<br />
Bidford-on-<strong>Avon</strong> CofE Primary<br />
School and Alcester Academy<br />
Secondary School.<br />
Salford Priors is also well-served<br />
with good transport links. The<br />
A46 is less than half a mile from<br />
the village leading to<br />
<strong>Stratford</strong>-<strong>upon</strong>-<strong>Avon</strong>, the M40<br />
and the M5. Evesham train<br />
station is six miles away with trains<br />
to Worcester in 21 minutes and<br />
Oxford in under an hour.<br />
A variety of leisure activities are<br />
available throughout the area,<br />
including several golf clubs, and<br />
there are no shortage of leisure<br />
pursuits to explore, from walking<br />
or cycling the extensive network<br />
of scenic paths and leafy lanes<br />
to boating on the River <strong>Avon</strong>.<br />
The historic Ragley Hall is also<br />
near-by, with its thousands of<br />
acres of landscaped gardens<br />
and woodlands and active<br />
programme of seasonal events.<br />
To register your interest in<br />
Priors Crescent and the<br />
stay up to date with the<br />
launch of the showhomes,<br />
please call<br />
01608 485 007<br />
or visit www.cala.co.uk<br />
Computer generated image of The Abbot<br />
FOR FURTHER<br />
INFORMATION,<br />
PLEASE VISIT<br />
CALA.CO.UK<br />
5 star customer service<br />
CALA<br />
HO ME S<br />
Internal mage shown is taken from a previous CALA showhome and features fittings, décor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not included as standard in a CALA home. Images are used to suggest<br />
Stock photography<br />
possible finishes which can be achieved in your home at an additional cost. Please ask a Sales Consultant for further details. Photography has been enhanced.
LIVE-IN CARE SERVICES<br />
...because there’s no place like home<br />
Why Live-in Care?<br />
Live-in care allows you to live independently in the<br />
comfort of your own home while being professionally<br />
looked after by a full-time live-in carer.<br />
Given the choice, 97% of people say they would prefer<br />
to continue living in their own home than move into a<br />
care home. Live-in care allows you to do this. We will<br />
endeavour to find the right live-in carer for you,<br />
someone who can provide you with the<br />
round-the-clock support and companionship that you<br />
require.<br />
Whether you need live-in care full-time or as a means<br />
of allowing a family member to take a holiday, we can<br />
meet your individual needs.<br />
Our Service Promise<br />
Deliver one-to-one personalised care, enabling you to<br />
lead the life you choose.<br />
Empowering you to continue to live independently in<br />
your own home, achieving the outcomes you want, in<br />
ways that best suit you.<br />
Supporting you to continue to be engaged in your local<br />
community.<br />
We endeavour to find the right carer that compliments<br />
your interests, lifestyle, personality and routines.<br />
Offer a flexible service, appreciating that each day can<br />
be different.<br />
Live-in care can be cost-effective when compared to<br />
the cost of Care Homes. Call our friendly team to see how<br />
we can help.<br />
Maintain regular contact with you to monitor the<br />
quality of service and support we provide.<br />
enquiries@surecarecoventry.co.uk www.surecare.co.uk 02475 092 617
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
Mockley Manor<br />
We are extraordinarily proud to celebrate and welcome you along to<br />
the opening of the new luxury development at our stunning care and<br />
nursing home, Mockley Manor on the 10th <strong>Mar</strong>ch <strong>2020</strong>...<br />
This investment is Coate Water Care`s<br />
commitment to our residents, families<br />
and staff to provide quite simply, the<br />
best.<br />
Our mission has been to create a<br />
luxurious boutique hotel with high<br />
quality care supported by cutting edge<br />
technology.<br />
Fantastic range of Amenities<br />
Mockley Manor is set in beautiful,<br />
well-maintained grounds in the heart<br />
of the Warwickshire countryside. It is<br />
a privileged location that will soon be<br />
mirrored with this premium makeover<br />
increasing our home’s capacity from<br />
46 to 63 bedrooms, including a range<br />
of spacious 20 square metre suites<br />
(compared to the industry standard 12<br />
square metres) with direct access to<br />
the home’s lovely gardens and fantastic<br />
views of the surrounding countryside.<br />
The development has at its heart a<br />
sophisticated renovation. At Mockley<br />
Manor your happiness is paramount.<br />
Why not relax in our bright and airy<br />
new reception/coffee shop, or pop in<br />
for your hair or nails to be pampered at<br />
our fully equipped hairdressing Salon.<br />
On rainy days or any day in fact you<br />
and a friend could catch a movie at the<br />
Mockley movie house Cinema. Enjoy<br />
the comfort of luxury hotel standard<br />
interiors and furnishings in your new<br />
home.<br />
Fine Dining<br />
Joining us to provide our team of chefs<br />
with guidance and inspiration is the highly<br />
acclaimed and award-winning chef Matt<br />
Cheal of Cheal’s restaurant in Henley in<br />
Arden.<br />
Cheal’s is currently listed in the Michelin<br />
food guide but this will not surprise<br />
any who have already visited. Matt is<br />
no stranger to Michelin stars thanks to<br />
his early days training and working in<br />
Michelin starred Simpsons restaurant in<br />
Birmingham, starting as a Commis Chef<br />
and working his way up to become Head<br />
Chef. Matt was also responsible for the<br />
restaurant’s Cookery School.<br />
Matt has his own style of food which he<br />
describes as “Modern British”. He loves<br />
to develop new dishes with inspiration<br />
coming from many sources, including<br />
visits by Matt and key team members<br />
to other restaurants and also from his<br />
collection of hundreds of new and old<br />
recipe books written by chefs from<br />
around the World. He then experiments<br />
and adapts recipes using different<br />
techniques and elements to create the<br />
delicate and unique flavours for which<br />
Cheal’s cooking is known.<br />
We are extremely excited to have Matt<br />
working alongside our catering team<br />
at Mockley Manor to help develop a<br />
fantastic, exciting new menu using<br />
different ingredients and techniques.<br />
High Quality Care Supported by<br />
Advanced Technology<br />
We have heavily invested in technology<br />
to strengthen the care of our residents.<br />
Ultra-modern and discreet innovations to<br />
ensure safety and the hugely important<br />
extra time devoted to providing a lifestyle<br />
of person-centred dignity and choice.<br />
Each room will be newly equipped with<br />
infrared technology that transmits a<br />
signal if a person falls over, a factor that<br />
provides real peace of mind for residents’<br />
loved ones.<br />
New software has an easy-to-use<br />
interface which allows carers to input<br />
data on residents in real time.<br />
This enables families of residents to<br />
view reports via an app to ensure their<br />
loved ones are getting adequate care<br />
provision. It also helps with providing<br />
valuable evidence for our regulators<br />
and commissioners of our regulatory<br />
compliance.<br />
The management of medication is<br />
supported by technology with the<br />
introduction of hard and software to<br />
ensure that the safe administration and<br />
recording of all medicines.<br />
If you would like to visit or have any<br />
questions, contact Rachael Crocker<br />
(Manager). Call: 01793 821200 or<br />
Email: rachael@coatewatercare.co.uk<br />
www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk | 55
Happy & healthy in your autumn years<br />
Social care seems to be in the<br />
news a lot at the moment, often,<br />
unfortunately, in conjunction with<br />
the word ‘crisis’. Given that if you<br />
need care it’s a necessity, it makes<br />
sense to understand the basics – well<br />
before that time might come.<br />
Social care is there to support you because<br />
you need some extra help with daily living<br />
or are caring for someone who requires<br />
additional help themselves. There are a<br />
wide range of social care services, including<br />
care in your home or in a care home, live-in<br />
care services, day centres, home adaptions<br />
like handrails, and technology of various<br />
kinds.<br />
The first step if you or your loved one<br />
needs some extra help and support is<br />
to ask your local authority to carry out a<br />
needs assessment. You might have to wait<br />
several weeks at least for this, because<br />
councils are strapped for cash and staff,<br />
but it’s important to have it because it’s the<br />
gateway to the wider system. Someone<br />
from the council usually visits to establish<br />
the type of support you might need. There’s<br />
no charge and the assessor will create a<br />
care plan specific to your needs.<br />
When the type of care you need is decided<br />
and agreed the next stage is to establish<br />
how it will be paid for through a financial<br />
means test - which can be complex and<br />
quite confusing. Social care isn’t a free<br />
service provided by the NHS as many<br />
people think. Most of us have to pay for<br />
all or some of our care and the amount<br />
depends on the level of need and the value<br />
of any assets we have.<br />
Your home will not be included in the means<br />
test if you’re arranging care and support<br />
at home but other capital assets, including<br />
savings will be. Currently, if you have more<br />
capital that £23,250 you will have to pay all<br />
your care fees. If you have under £23,250,<br />
you’ll get financial assistance but may have<br />
to contribute from your income.<br />
58 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk<br />
The cost of care varies by area but it is not<br />
unusual to have to pay about £20 an hour<br />
for a care worker to come to your home<br />
(domiciliary care) to help you with, say,<br />
getting up, washing and dressing, if that’s<br />
what you need. You can see how the bills<br />
add up if you need more than one visit<br />
every day.<br />
It is also possible that rather than<br />
‘personal care’ you need a different kind of<br />
support, such as companionship, because<br />
you are very alone and lonely. If so, in<br />
some places the council may refer you to<br />
a scheme run by a charity like Age UK,<br />
where you might have to pay a modest<br />
amount to take part.<br />
If your needs are such that it is best for<br />
you to move permanently into a care home<br />
your property, if you own one, will be<br />
included in the means test at its present<br />
market value, but less any mortgage<br />
or loan you may have on it. However, it<br />
will not be included if your partner still<br />
lives there or, in certain circumstances, a<br />
relative. Your home is also not included if<br />
you need a temporary or short-term stay<br />
in a care home. Two in five of all the older<br />
people living in care homes now pay for<br />
their own care.<br />
To avoid property or other assets being<br />
counted in the financial means test, some<br />
people consider giving them away to a<br />
child or grandchild. However, this could<br />
be interpreted as ‘deliberate deprivation<br />
of assets’, and your local authority may<br />
still ask you to pay the same level of care<br />
fees as if you still owned your home or<br />
the other assets you have given away. It<br />
is really important to take advice if you are<br />
thinking of doing something of this kind.<br />
If you do have to pay towards a care<br />
home place it is possible to avoid selling<br />
your property during your lifetime in order<br />
to release the money required, namely a<br />
deferred payment which endures while<br />
you are alive. The council provides a loan<br />
for your care costs secured against your<br />
property and this is repaid either when<br />
the property is sold or from your estate<br />
after you have passed away. There is an<br />
interest charge if you choose to do this<br />
but every council is supposed to offer a<br />
scheme of this kind, even though relatively<br />
few people take advantage of it, possibly<br />
because they do not know it exists.<br />
If you have care needs and you are<br />
not already claiming a benefit called<br />
Attendance Allowance it is always<br />
worth doing so. This benefit is there for<br />
older people, to help offset the costs of<br />
disability. In practice, many older people<br />
use their AA to help fund their social care.<br />
Your local Age UK can help you fill in the<br />
forms and will be pleased to help. AA<br />
is paid at two rates, £58 or £87 a week,<br />
depending on your needs.<br />
As you can see, finding social care and<br />
paying for it is not straight forward and<br />
there are lots of questions to ask, but Age<br />
UK can guide you through the process<br />
and provides independent information and<br />
advice. If you are online there’s a lot about<br />
care on our website, or there’s a free<br />
advice line if you prefer to talk to someone<br />
instead. Visiting your local Age UK is a<br />
third option.<br />
Social care has a bad reputation at the<br />
moment, largely because it is underfunded<br />
and there isn’t enough to go round. You<br />
may also have read horror stories in the<br />
press of care workers being neglectful.<br />
Please don’t be put off seeking care<br />
though - there are many wonderful care<br />
workers. It pays to get advice and go<br />
into it with your eyes open, but there are<br />
hundreds of thousands of older people<br />
whose lives are immeasurably better<br />
because of the good care they receive.<br />
Caroline Abrahams<br />
Charity Director, Age UK<br />
www.ageuk.org.uk/<br />
information-advice/care
Kineton Manor Nursing Home<br />
Kineton Manor Nursing Home provides<br />
Care, Comfort and Companionship<br />
Please visit us to experience<br />
what we have to offer<br />
Long Term Care ~ Respite Care<br />
Day Care ~ Continuing Healthcare for NHS<br />
Contact The Matron, Dr Paula du Rand - Tel: 01926 641739<br />
Rated “Outstanding” by CQC in 2016 and again in 2019, Kineton Manor is a<br />
beautiful Georgian house situated in the middle of a small Warwickshire<br />
village. Our residents lead full lives and retain control of their own daily<br />
routine and are therefore able to enjoy privacy, dignity and individuality. The<br />
home is one of five “Teaching Care Homes” in the UK and Accredited with the<br />
Gold Standard Framework for Palliative Care.<br />
Email: info@kineton-manor.co.uk<br />
Website: www.kineton-manor.co.uk<br />
Kineton Manor Nursing Home, Manor Lane, Kineton,<br />
Warwick. CV35 0JT.
DISCOVER RETIREMENT LIVING<br />
tailored to your physical and fi nancial needs<br />
Whatever your current needs, Rosalind Court provides you with the benefit of owning your own home:<br />
• Free from the worries of outside maintenance<br />
• In a safe and secure like-minded community<br />
• With a dedicated on site Scheme Manager<br />
• Offering you care options should you require them<br />
now or in the future<br />
Perfectly situated just a short stroll from the town centre<br />
and <strong>Stratford</strong>-Upon-<strong>Avon</strong> Railway Station.<br />
1 bedroom apartments from<br />
£240,075 (99% share)<br />
2 bedroom apartments from<br />
£311,845 (99% share)<br />
<strong>Mar</strong>keting Suite open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm<br />
BRUNEL WAY, OFF ALCESTER ROAD,<br />
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, CV37 0AH<br />
orbithomes.org.uk/rosalind-court<br />
01789 449189<br />
YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. Subject to eligibility, status and fi nancial<br />
assessment. Information correct at time of going to print January <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
OH16231_ROSALIND_COURT_<strong>Stratford</strong><strong>Living</strong>_240X165_30.01.20.indd 1 30/01/<strong>2020</strong> 15:27
The big investment themes<br />
on the horizon for <strong>2020</strong><br />
ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />
James Holroyd, Assistant Head of Worcester<br />
Office, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management<br />
We continue to experience one of the longest bull markets in history,<br />
despite the uncertainty and unpredictability in the investment world<br />
during 2019. So, will it last? Nothing lasts forever, but we do see it<br />
continuing in <strong>2020</strong> and maybe beyond. Here are our top four themes<br />
that we think will affect investment this year:<br />
1. Interest rates: Understanding the path of interest rates is an<br />
important exercise when managing multi-asset portfolios,<br />
although investors could be forgiven for thinking they may<br />
never go up again, as they’ve been low for so long. That said,<br />
if politics becomes more fragmented in the next year, it’s<br />
possible we could see more socialist policies, which could<br />
drive interest rates higher.<br />
2. Technology: Technology has a fundamental role in generating<br />
economic growth and capital appreciation, but our faith in<br />
technology as a force for good was shaken by the Cambridge<br />
Analytica scandal and others. However, as environmental,<br />
social and governance (ESG) investing grows in popularity,<br />
it will enable investors to enjoy better outcomes and ensure<br />
capital is directed to the right technology companies and<br />
perhaps even those helping to make the world a better place.<br />
3. Politics: The Trump vs Xi Jinping trade wrangling has made<br />
markets twitchy and the polarisation in politics will continue<br />
to have an impact on markets. In a post-Brexit UK, careful<br />
‘bottom-up’ stock picking will be the order of the day.<br />
Ultimately, investors need to pay attention to central bank<br />
policy, whose stimulus can offset much of the political risk.<br />
4. Factor investment: The factor approach has become<br />
popular, because indices constructed using factors such<br />
as ‘value’, ‘size’, ‘volatility’, ‘quality’ or ‘momentum’ have all<br />
outperformed traditional equity indices. It could be that <strong>2020</strong><br />
is a year where the ‘value’ factor leads the way, however,<br />
committing too much to one factor may be foolhardy<br />
In investment, there are opportunities on the upside and<br />
opportunities on the downside. The trick is to use all the information<br />
available to you to make an informed decision – and have the<br />
flexibility to change direction if you have made the wrong call.<br />
For more information on Canaccord Genuity Wealth<br />
Management’s <strong>2020</strong> investment themes visit: canaccordgenuity.<br />
com/wealth-management-uk/investment-themes-<strong>2020</strong>/<br />
Investment involves risk. The value of investments and the income<br />
from them can go down as well as up and you may not get back the<br />
amount originally invested.<br />
Looking for a<br />
new home?<br />
At WCS Care we believe every day should be well lived.<br />
This will mean something different to every person we care for and it’s our job to understand<br />
what this looks like for you and help you to achieve it. What’s important to you?<br />
Residential,<br />
dementia and<br />
respite care<br />
Don’t worry about these things...<br />
Personal high quality care<br />
Homely feel with a family atmosphere<br />
Activities led by our enthusiastic<br />
Lifestyle Coaches<br />
...they come as standard – we’re interested in<br />
what makes you, you and how to ensure you live<br />
a familiar life.<br />
Dedicated and friendly staff<br />
Appetising meals<br />
No hidden charges<br />
The Limes<br />
Alcester Road<br />
<strong>Stratford</strong>-<strong>upon</strong>-<strong>Avon</strong><br />
CV37 6PH<br />
01789 267076<br />
www.wcs-care.co.uk<br />
/wcscare<br />
@WCS_Care<br />
Registered charity number 1012788<br />
62 | www.stratford<strong>upon</strong>avonliving.co.uk
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