Solihull Living Nov - Dec 2020

Contents 

A Note 

from the EDITOR 

17 

Perfect 

A Culinary recipes Journey to add through a 

Northern little festive Ireland sparkle 

Our new 

competitions page 

13 

I was hoping to introduce this issue 

into a settled environment - but it 

seems both the world and the weather 

don’t know what they’re doing. I got 

caught out this week - my carefullycurated 

wardrobe of earthy neutrals, 

including cream coloured jeans, took 

an unceremonious splashing after an 

encounter with an articulated lorry and 

a rather large puddle. 

Preparing a Christmas issue is usually 

a little more straightforward than this 

edition has been, and all the doom and 

gloom this year is enough to make you 

cry ‘humbug, Christmas is cancelled!’ 

Whilst the festive season might not 

take its usual shape, there’s still a lot 

to be thankful for, and that’s what we 

hoped to highlight in this edition. 

The good news is, in our field, we talk 

to lots of independent businesses from 

the vast spectrum of the lifestyle world, 

and overall, the outlook is an optimistic 

one. We may have missed out on 

a summer of attractions and events, 

but as a nation we’ve shifted focus to 

home, considering more closely where 

and how we spend our money and 

honing -in on projects that matter to 

us - in our homes, our personal lives 

and our workplace. Maybe we’ve got a 

different, but special festive season on 

the horizon - one where family ties are 

strengthened and our shopping habits 

support our neighbourhoods. 

21 

Creating a restful and 

inviting guest bedroom 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre-Press Manager Kate O’Connell 

Contributors Peter Thomson, Sue Cooke, Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Front Cover courtesy of Lights4Fun.co.uk 

Key Account Manager Marion Cassidy 

e marion@minervapublications.co.uk 

d/l 01225 984502 

twitter: @LivingSolihull 

Education in 

COVID-times 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton 

Trowbridge BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

visit our website www.solihullliving.co.uk 

08 

Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by failure of an 

advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions and 

misprints. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the 

publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers 

So, assuming we will be able to 

entertain guests come the Christmas 

season, we are looking at ways to 

make a guest bedroom a special place 

to stay - even if it has been your office 

for the last few months. 

We’ve also got a look at some tasty 

Christmas treats that you can start 

hoarding like a little festive squirrel - 

though the stash does become rather 

tempting on a cold November evening 

too. This, plus some wonderful recipes 

from Waitrose designed to sprinkle 

some sparkle into proceedings! 

Next time we see you it will be... 2021 

- a whole new year - and hopefully 

a better and brighter one than the 

craziness we’ve just endured! All that’s 

left is to wish a very Merry Christmas 

and a peaceful and prosperous New 

Year to you and yours! 

Katie 

www.solihullliving.co.uk | 3

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Small Classes: central 

to pupil success 

At Arnold Lodge, our school ethos – which focuses on the happiness 

and confidence of pupils – underpins all that we do... 

For us, the recipe is pretty straight 

forward; only when a child is happy, 

safe and confident can they set out 

to challenge themselves (and to be 

challenged, in turn). For us, school should 

be filled with lots of learning and laughter 

and be a place where pupils are excited 

to come whether they are starting out 

their learning in Reception or pursuing 

their passions at A Level. 

From the foundation of happy learners, 

our pupils’ academic and personal 

successes rest on three pillars; small 

class sizes, high quality teaching and 

our exceptional school values. Staff at 

ALS are highly qualified, committed and 

driven to ensure that our pupils receive 

the very best throughout their school day. 

Our shared school values – hard work, 

honesty and kindness – are expected 

from the whole school community and 

drive our expectations of pupils to show 

dedication, outstanding behaviour and 

personal responsibility. 

We do not expect pupils to arrive at ALS 

as exceptional writers, mathematicians or 

musicians. We do not expect our pupils 

to arrive at ALS knowing the path they 

wish to take for the future. However, we 

do expect pupils to make exceptional 

choices for the things in their power; the 

choice to be hard working, to be honest 

and to be kind. We expect each pupil to 

demonstrate the very highest standard 

in the choices they make and their 

commitment to be their best; from there, 

it’s for their school to do the rest. 

Our ethos, culture and quality of our 

teachers goes a long way, of course, but 

it’s our class sizes that helps our pupils 

make the most outstanding personal 

and academic progress. Claims of 

“small classes” are ubiquitous in the 

independent sector but, for ALS, we 

mean it. 

We have small classes, not ‘smaller’ 

classes. Our EYFS class has just 16 

pupils with a teacher and a teaching 

assistant (giving a ratio of 1:8) and this 

number holds through to Year 2. At Key 

Stage 2, our maximum class size is just 

18. Then, in our Senior School, we have 

a year group size of 42 made up of three 

classes of just 14. 

Your child deserves the care and 

attention they need to fulfil their potential. 

With small classes, teachers can give 

each child the time and attention 

they deserve to reach the next goal. 

Academically, this provides an even 

higher quality of teaching as children 

can receive the type of 1-1 contact time 

that helps all children flourish. Whether a 

child needs a little extra confidence or to 

have an advanced concept explained to 

develop and challenge them even further, 

teachers have the capacity, time and 

resource to give each the very best. 

Year on year, our GCSE and A level 

results are outstanding and demonstrate 

the impact small classes have on 

children’s grades. On average, our 

children make more than 11 grades 

additional progress from Year 7 to Year 

11 than they would be expected* to 

make elsewhere. At A Level, our pupils, 

on average, score 2.3 grades higher 

than expected* - that’s a pupil targeted 

BBB achieving AAB. From our data we 

know small classes support all children 

to achieve higher – at ALS, our highest 

achievers often have a value added score 

that is just as high, reflecting the impact 

small classes can have on turning grade 

8s in to 9s and A to A*. 

Whilst small classes are central to 

academic success, they also have 

significant impact on the wellbeing of the 

children in school. Our mentor groups 

reflect our class size, with each child 

having a mentor who is dedicated to 

supporting their wellbeing and personal 

development. In Junior School, the class 

teacher has plenty of time to support 

each child’s development and to liaise 

with parents on a frequent basis. In 

Senior School, mentor groups of just 14 

continue this same ethos and help to 

make sure that each child has the time 

and attention they deserve to be their 

best. 

*Our targets are set externally by GL 

Assessment using Cognitive Ability 

Testing. At A Level, we use ALPs based 

on pupils’ GCSE grades. 

For more information on Arnold Lodge 

School, visit www.arnoldlodge.com 


A reflection on the experience of 

Coronavirus in independent school seTTings 

The period from early March to the 

present day has undoubtedly been one 

full of experiences which we would all 

have wished we had not endured. The 

thousands of people who have lost their 

lives to the Coronavirus are individuals who 

deserve to be remembered and the loss 

for the families connected to them must be 

enormous. Many thousands more have, 

to a greater or lesser extent, fallen ill with 

Covid-19 and to all this we can add the 

huge negative impact of lockdown on the 

country’s economy and general well-being. 

The closure of schools has disrupted the 

education of millions of children. It is difficult 

to claim there is anything which is positive 

from this experience and arguably it’s too 

soon to be speculating along these lines. 

In full recognition of all the bad things that 

have happened so far in 2020 I am going to 

attempt to lift the spirits in an educational 

context and identify some areas where 

there may be a lasting gain for schools and 

the educational experience of children. 

Online teaching and learning in IAPS school, 

both prep and junior, has been far more 

positive than anyone could reasonably have 

anticipated. Yes, during the first couple of 

weeks of school closure, the schools were 

feeling their way and there were grounds 

for genuine concern that what was on offer 

was a long way short of the normal service. 

However, as no end of heads commented, 

they travelled further with online learning 

in two weeks than they had in the previous 

two years. In fact, towards the end of 

the summer term as schools started to 

welcome their pupils back, there was much 

debate about whether the older pupils in 

Year 6 should be invited back when the 

online learning had been so successful. 

Success online come in unexpected ways 

too as parents were able to look through 

a window on school assemblies which 

normally they did not have the opportunity 

to do unless it was a special event. 

The insight into assemblies was not 

the only way the relationship between 

the school and the parents was 

recalibrated. The premium placed on clear 

communication was never more evident 

and the schools who got the tone right 

from the start, even if they were passing 

on somewhat unpalatable news, saw 

the benefits of their efforts. Heads and 

governors were having to take decisions 

rapidly and to get them right first time 

and, as they did, the confidence within the 

school and parental body grew. 

Many schools reduced the fees and 

appealed to the parental body to honour 

their obligation to pay them with many 

predicting a poor response. Again, where 

the communication was open and clear 

- and parents felt they knew what was 

happening and why - the vast majority of 

parents paid the fees due. 

Not every parent has been happy but 

survey upon survey in IAPS schools has 

shown a very high degree of satisfaction 

with the decisions and actions of the 

school. If anything confidence has grown 

about sending a child to a private school. 

Virtual Open Days and tours have proven 

hugely successful and will no doubt 

feature even when we do get back closer 

to what we understood as normal. 

by Christopher King, IAPS CEO 

So yes, there has been great challenge 

and the sector will be more fragile for some 

time to come but the resilience of the 

independent sector has been never more 

evident and the quality in IAPS member 

schools has shone through. 

About IAPS 

IAPS is a professional association for 

heads with over 675 members in prep, 

junior and pre-prep schools in the UK 

and overseas. Founded in 1892, it is 

the largest heads’ association within 

the Independent Schools Council (ISC). 

Schools must reach a very high standard 

to be eligible for membership, with strict 

criteria on teaching a broad curriculum, 

maintaining excellent standards of 

pastoral care and keeping staff members’ 

professional development training up 

to date. 

Christopher King is chief executive, and 

supported by the senior managment 

team, based at their headquarters in 

Leamington Spa. Their priorities are 

determined by the IAPS Council, made 

up of members, elected by members. 

The IAPS school directory can be found 

by visiting iaps.uk 

8 | www.solihullliving.co.uk

The essence of 

learning… 

Excellent teachers 

Robert Yates, Headmaster at Eversfield 

Prep, reflects on the changing environment 

of teaching and what really counts when it 

comes to meeting the challenges of children’s 

emotional and educational needs... 

During my time in teaching I have seen many advances in 

the approach to learning in the classroom. I began my career 

mastering the dust of chalk on blackboards, progressing to 

whiteboards and marker pens. One year I came across a 

revelation at the Education Show, an electronic board that used 

pixels of ink instead of the real thing; the dawn of interactive 

whiteboards had emerged. Soon this technology filled every 

classroom. The lure of computer technology and interactive 

media possibilities enhanced classroom practice. We have 

since moved on from interactive whiteboards to video boards, 

iPads, virtual reality headsets and virtual classrooms. In addition, 

schools had been tinkering with portals and learning platforms 

for several years. 

Then, COVID-19 lockdown thrust a crisis upon schools. Like 

all war efforts, problems cause opportunities and educational 

establishments went in search of the best way to present 

teaching remotely. No access to school buildings and 

teachers, but virtual lessons, teacher set and accessible at 

home. Teachers rapidly learnt new skills, turned into computer 

geeks, presentation gurus and video personalities, being 

accessible 24/7! 


Many schools combined this with keeping open for children of 

key workers regardless of their own health and welfare. Teaching 

technology took great leaps, as did the confidence of teachers 

in adapting and using new technology. However, the essence of 

learning became more transparent for pupils and parents. 

Children need to be at school. They thrive at school and their 

interaction with a teacher is worth so much more than that with 

a computerised learning platform. Teachers are not technicians, 

they are professionals who get to know and understand the 

needs of their pupils. They see them as individuals, approach 

each in a unique way that will motivate and inspire them, 

support and enrich them and nurture their best qualities. Pupils 

need teachers, as well as their friends, at school in order for 

them to get the best learning possible. No matter how good the 

development of virtual learning can be, there will always be a 

need for excellent, caring and dedicated teachers in schools full 

of opportunities, experiences and friendship.


We work, we play, 

we care, we pray 

St Patrick’s C.E. Primary Academy 

is a thriving school where children, 

parents, staff, governors and trustees are 

committed to the work we do together to 

enrich our school... 

There is a genuine sense of belonging 

to a community at St Patrick’s with the 

Christian ethos at the heart of our school 

and our values permeating all that we do. 

We are proud to develop a lifelong love 

of learning amongst our children and, 

in return, the children are proud of their 

school and their achievements. We have 

extremely high expectations of ourselves 

and, together, we strive to ensure that all 

children realise their full potential. 

Hopes and dreams are eagerly shared 

and children are encouraged to rise 

to challenges, take risks and try new 

things. Mistakes are celebrated here 

and the feelings of awe and wonder are 

encouraged! Classrooms are hives of 

activity with pupils and staff working 

together to master new skills and to take 

those exciting new steps in learning. 

Behaviour at our school is exemplary. 

We pride ourselves on good manners 

and respect of ourselves and others. St 

Patrick’s C.E Primary Academy is a one 

form primary school (230 pupils aged 

3-11), with extended services, located 

within a beautiful rural area of Solihull. 

In our most recent Ofsted Inspection 

(2018), we were graded as a good 

school. In our most recent Anglican 

Inspection (2018), we received an overall 

outstanding grade. 

We warmly welcome you to visit us via 

our Virtual Tour which can be found on 

the website and experience the love of 

learning at St Patrick’s for yourselves. 

Mrs Caroline Glennon 

Headteacher 


Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow 

At St Patrick’s C.E. Primary Academy, academic and personal 

development shine through, with pupils’ well-being at the heart of school 

life. Pupils thoroughly enjoy their learning, are happy, feel safe and behave 

exceptionally well, thriving on the broad and balanced curriculum. 

There is a genuine sense of belonging to a community with the Christian 

ethos at the very core of the school. 

Nursery and Reception 

Places 2021 available 

We offer nursery places for children 

the term after their third birthday. 

Also offering 30 hours and 

wraparound childcare 

Set in a beautiful, rural 

location with new, modern 

facilities - viewing is highly 

recommended 

Please contact the school office via: 

Tel: 01564 702278 

Email: office@st-patrick-ce.solihull.sch.uk 

Please visit our school website where you will find more 

information, as well as a virtual tour: 

www.st-patricks-ce.solihull.sch.uk

COMPETITION 

Win a 

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washer worth 

£249! 

Time 

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Find the competition and enter on that post, 

using the appropriate keyword. 

T&C’s apply and no cash alternatives available. Winners chosen at 

random - entries made after closing date will not be accepted. 

The VAX Platinum Power MAX carpet washer is a Christmas 

and New Year must-have to tackle accidental spills and 

upholstery stains, or a full carpet clean once your guests 

depart. Proven to clean better than the leading rental carpet 

cleaner, 1 it removes 93% of bacteria. 2 

And we’ve got one to give away to one lucky winner! VAX 

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www.vax.co.uk 

Closes 12/12/2020 - Competition keyword VAX 

Refs: 

1 Cleaning effectiveness on carpet, tested in deep clean mode 

according to IEC 62885-3:2014 part 5.2.1 

2 Independent laboratory research conducted by the University of 

Worcester’s Institute of Science and the Environment (Dec 2017) 

£250 

curved fish 

tank to 

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With homeworking now the ‘new 

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anyone wishing to create a tranquil 

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The AquaCurve complete, easy-set-up, 

aquarium kit from leading UK indoor 

aquatics brand, Interpet, based in 

Taunton, Somerset, is fitted with an ultrabright 

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plants and vivid tropical fish colours. The 

Easy-Care Filter keeps water healthy and 

clear with its four-stage filtration process. 

Find our more at interpet.co.uk. 

Now you have the chance to win one 

of these amazing curved tanks - just follow the 

steps above! Interpet reserves the right to alter the 

prize depending on available stock. Closes 12/12/2020- 

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Kit your home out with the 

must-have interior item - the 

amazing mudcloth cushion. 

A favourite of interior designers 

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is an amazing fabric-making 

process orginating in Mali, 

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Haus is giving two lucky readers 

the chance to win a mudcloth of 

their choice - worth up to £55 - 

just follow the steps above! Head 

to hauslife.co.uk to see the full 

mudcloth collection, plus a host of 

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Closes 12/12/2020- Competition 

keyword HAUS 

Over 

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£100 

to spend on 

prints of your 

www.inkanddrop.com are offering one lucky 

choice! reader a £100 gift voucher to spend on art 

prints for their home. So if you’ve been planning 

a seriously cool gallery wall this is the perfect 

competition for you! 

Ink & Drop is a small family business, born from a passion for 

all things interior, and in particular, unique cool art prints with a 

belief that every home should have great artwork, regardless of 

budget, style or theme. A collection of artwork unlike anything 

else on the internet, Ink & Drop prints can transform your room 

and freshen up your walls regardless of interior style and for a 

very small budget. 

Closes 12/12/2020 - - Competition keyword INK 

Win a Myth 18L backpack from 

STM Goods. With plenty of space 

for both personal and comfortable 

gear, the Myth provides the ultimate 

in tech protection. The dedicated 

laptop pocket suspends your laptop 

off the floor of the bag and away from 

the sides – so if the bag gets dropped 

your laptop is away protected from 

impact. 

The neat CableRouting system means 

you can charge on the go and keep the 

bag interior cable tangle free thanks to 

the ports between sections and cable clips 

routed throughout the bag. The inventive 

AirPod pocket and earbud keeper will keep 

your earbuds safe and secure with easy 

access for when you need them the most. 

Win a 

tech-friendly 

backpack worth 

£99.95 

The PassPort luggage pass through means you can easily 

connect the pack to other baggage items, and the specially 

designed back panel will ensure a comfy carry all day, no matter 

what you have packed. £99.95. Available in 3 colours from 

Amazon.co.uk. 

Closes 12/12/2020 - Competition keyword STM Goods 


Foundation Course to Full Diploma in 

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Are you looking to kickstart your career in Make-Up and gain an 

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demonstrations and hands on practical workshops. 

Our industry recognised qualifications are issued by the awarding body IMA. 

You will be assessed by an external IMA examiner in your practical exams and 

on completion of your ‘working portfolio’. There will be several assessment 

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into the industry. 

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Paxton & Whitfield 

All Your Christmas Cheese Needs In One Place 

Paxton & Whitfield, the UK’s oldest cheesemonger, has a 

delicious range of artisan cheeses, fine foods, cheese hampers, 

homewares and experiences for Christmas this year. 

The company sources, matures and sells the finest artisan 

cheese from the UK and across the European continent. Its team 

works closely with cheesemakers to define the flavour profiles 

and ensure the optimal maturity of each cheese. With a superb 

range available from its website, you can select all the cheeses 

for your festive cheeseboard in one place. 

Its exquisite gift hampers feature delicious cheese; expertly 

paired with crackers, accompaniments and some with wines, to 

create luxuriously festive feasts. With prices starting from £20 

for a Cheddar Cheese Lovers gift box right up to The Mayfair 

Hamper at £500, there’s a wide selection to choose from. 

Paxton & Whitfield also has a superb range of homewares for 

cooking and serving delicious artisan cheese at home. From 

cheese knives, cheeseboards and raclette sets, through to a 

six-person fondue set, at a variety of price points, they make 

excellent Christmas gifts for cheese lovers. 

New for Christmas this year is a range of exceptional cheese 

experiences to explore and enjoy with family and friends. 

Customers can join in the artisan cheese experience from home 

with the ‘Strictly Cheese Night’, the stunning tiered ‘Christmas 

Cheese Cake’ and themed cheeseboard selections; expertly 

designed to be paired with Champagne or Port. 

So just visit www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk for some impressive 

Christmas cheer and have everything delivered to the comfort of 

your own home! 

COMPETITION TIME 

Paxton & Whitfield is giving readers the opportunity to win a 

festive cheese gift before Christmas. The top prize is a Windsor 

Hamper (RRP £100) and two runner up prizes of a Cheddar 

& Ale Hamper (RRP £30). 

To be in with a chance of 

winning, simply head to www. 

minervamagazines.co.uk/ 

competitions and enter on 

that page - using the keyword 

‘Paxton’. The competition closes 

13/12/2020 and the winner will be 

notified by email to arrange delivery. 

No cash alternative available, open 

to over 18’s only, T&Cs apply. 


CHRISTMAS 

Who knows what form Christmas will take this year? With that 

in mind, we’ve left the main event ideas in your court and are 

serving up some delicious accompaniments that can be scaled 

to any party size... 

Sparkle 

CHRISTMAS SMOKED 

SALMON & CRÈME 

FRAÎ CHE BLINIS 

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking 

time: 10 minutes 

Makes: 20 

INGREDIENTS 

125g self-raising wholemeal flour 

Pinch salt 

1 medium egg, separated 

150ml semi-skimmed milk 

200ml pot full fat crème fraîche 

1-2 tsp vegetable oil, for frying 

1 ruby grapefruit 

1 tsp hot horseradish sauce 

½ x 20g pack fresh dill, chopped 

1 pack Waitrose & Partners Christmas 

Citrus Smoked Scottish Salmon, cut into 

20 strips 

METHOD 

Put the flour and a good pinch of salt in a 

large bowl. Make a well, then drop in the 

egg yolk. Follow with the milk and 1 tbsp 

of the crème fraîche, then whisk to a thick 

batter. Using a clean whisk, whip the egg 

white to medium peaks, then fold carefully 

into the batter using a metal spoon. 

Put ½ tsp oil in a non-stick frying pan over a 

medium heat. Drop 1 tbsp of the batter into 

the pan, giving it room to spread to about 

5cm across. Repeat until the pan is full. 

Cook for 1 minute, then fl ip with a fish slice 

and cook for 1 minute more, until puffed up 

and golden on both sides. Lift onto a plate 

lined with kitchen paper. Repeat to make 

20 blinis. 

Segment the grapefruit, allowing the juice 

to drop into a separate bowl, and roughly 

chop the flesh. Stir the horseradish and 

most of the dill into the remaining crème 

fraîche, season, then fold in the grapefruit. 

Serve on top of the cooled blinis, with a 

twist of salmon, a sprinkle more dill and a 

grinding of black pepper. 

ROSE GIMLET 

A fruity and floral cocktail, with gin, lime and 

the delicate flavour of rose cordial. Add the 

final flourish with a sprinkle of rose petals 

Makes: 1 

INGREDIENTS 

50ml pink gin (or regular gin) 

30ml lime juice 

30ml Frobisher’s Pomegranate and Rose 

Cordial 

Rose petals for garnish 

METHOD 

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the gin, 

cordial and lime juice then shake vigorously 

for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass 

and garnish with rose petals. 

FESTIVE SPICED 

LATTE CAKE 

Preparation time: 25 minutes | Cooking 

time: 50 minutes 

Serves: 10-12 

INGREDIENTS 

250g unsalted butter, melted 

300g self-raising white flour 

1 tsp baking powder 

250g Billington’s Light Brown Soft Sugar 

½ tsp ground nutmeg, plus a pinch more 

¼ tsp salt 

1 tbsp instant coffee powder, plus 1 tsp 

75ml whole milk 

275g low-fat fresh vanilla custard 

3 medium eggs, beaten 

4 tbsp Billington’s Golden Caster Sugar 

2 tbsp dark rum 

200ml whipping cream 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 180˚C, gas mark 4. 

Use a little of the butter to grease a 23cm 

springform tin, then line the base. Sift the 

flour and baking powder into a large bowl. 

Add the light brown soft sugar, a pinch of 

nutmeg and the salt. Mix well with your 

hands to smooth any lumps in the sugar, 

then make a well in the middle. 

In a cup, mix 1 tbsp coffee with 1 tbsp hot 

water. Stir into the melted butter with the 

milk, 175g custard and the eggs; whisk 

into the dry ingredients until smooth. Pour 

into the tin and bake for 50 minutes, until 

risen, golden and a skewer inserted into 

the centre comes out clean. While the cake 

bakes, mix 1 tsp coffee with 2 tbsp caster 

sugar, 1 tbsp water and 1 tbsp rum to make 

a syrup; set aside. 

Place the cake, in its tin, on a wire rack to 

cool. After 30 minutes, poke lots of holes 

into the top using a cocktail stick and 

brush with the coffee syrup. Once cooled 

completely, remove from the tin and put on 

a plate. 

Make the topping by whipping the cream 

with the remaining 2 tbsp caster sugar and 

1 tbsp rum until very thick, then fold into 

the remaining 100g custard. Spoon and 

spread the topping onto the cake, then use 

a fine sieve to dust with the remaining ½ 

tsp nutmeg. 


Branch lighting, 

baubles and candles, 

all from a collection at 

lights4fun.co.uk 

Partridge In 

A Pear Tree 

Tray, from £30, 

sophieallport. 

com 

CHRISTMAS 

Home Delights 

Perfect decorations 

for a Scandi style 

Christmas 

Pampas, feather and 

eucalyptus filled glass baubles, 

from £6, hauslife.co.uk, 

available from Mid-November 

Add some 

fun to the 

Christmas 

table with this 

collection 

Christmas Hare Platter, 

£24.95, 

annabeljames.co.uk 

“WONDERFUL EXHIBITIONS, 

SUCH A RANGE OF 

REAL QUALITY. 

BEAUTIFULLY CURATED.” 

“STUNNING SPACES.” 

PLAN YOUR VISIT 

Highly-scented, hand-poured 

aromatherapy candles in a range of 

uplifting fragrances, £36, hauslife.co.uk 

Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ 

comptonverney.org.uk 

T. 01926 645500 


Real Christmas Trees 

Delivered to you, next day 

We are a family run Christmas tree farm & have been 

growing Christmas trees for over 40 years 

Pre order your tree & delivery date from 

1 st November 

UK Grown 

All our trees are grown here in the UK 

Harvested to order. 

We offer a nationwide next day delivery 

service direct from the grower. 

All our trees 

are cut to order, 

packaged & shipped 

direct from the Farm 

We are experiencing a large volume of 

enquires & we are expecting a very busy 

year so please pre order where possible to 

avoid disappointment. 

We also have a large 

selection of Christmas tree 

stands & lights in our 

online store 

www.realfreshchristmastrees.co.uk 

office@realfreshchristmastrees.co.uk 

Call the farm office on: 01455 299911

MAKING A GUEST ROOM 

W 

feel like home 

hilst it can feel like another job to 

add to the list, preparing the guest 

bedroom to receive guests for 

Christmas can actually be quite relaxing - 

making a space comfortable and inviting 

really does something good for the soul. 

When you start to plan your guest room, 

think about what you’d expect to find in 

a lovely hotel and try to make your room 

measure up to that standard. Your budget 

may not be enough to create a getaway 

oasis, but you can clear the decks, lay out 

all the necessities, and provide a quiet place 

to relax. 

PROVIDE A 

COMFORTABLE BED 

Don’t give your guests the oldest, saggiest 

mattress you have. Try sleeping in the room 

yourself and assess the quality of your sleep 

on that mattress - it may be time to invest 

in a new one. If you can’t afford a new bed, 

think about getting a quality air mattress. 

adding luxurious bed linens and comfort 

items supplied by fine B&Bs: a featherbed or 

wool mattress topper, a choice of pillows, a 

cosy down quilt or thick throw, extra blankets 

and freshly ironed pillowcases. We like to 

provide a decorative basket in the room filled 

with extra blankets. 

MAKE ROOM FOR 

A SUITCASE 

Clear a space to put a luggage rack or 

provide a small table or bench to set down 

a suitcase. No one likes to have to stoop 

over to the floor to pull out a clean pair of 

socks. Even a chair is better than nothing. 

SUPPLY EXTRA LINENS 

Always have an extra set of bed and bath 

linens available for your guests. Accidents 

do happen! Or you may have one of those 

wonderful guests who insists on changing 

the sheets when they leave. Let them do it, 

and thank them profusely. 

UPGRADE YOUR 

BEDDING 

Beyond clean, crisp bedding, think about 

CLEAR THE DECKS 

Resist the temptation to cover the top of the 

dresser with your prized collectables or fill 

Earthy materials and handmade items make spaces feel cosy. Left to right: Clio 

Basket, £25, habitat.co.uk; White Arrow Mudcloth, £56, hauslife.co.uk; Arizona 

Natural Woven Chair, £385, Cielshopinteriors.com 


clear a descent amount of space. In a guest 

room, less is more – more space, more 

comfortable, and more welcoming. Get rid 

of anything you would not find in a hotel 

room. Keep only the most useful items in the 

room, like a clock, a make up mirror and a 

waste-paper bin. 

MAKE SURE THERE’S A 

COMFY PLACE TO SIT 

Remember that your guests might like a little 

relaxation time away from the rest of the 

house, so make sure they have somewhere 

nice to sit in the room. Some people do 

not feel comfortable sitting on a bed and 

your guests shouldn’t have to. Place an 

upholstered armchair or side chair in the 

room with a table and lamp close by. 

BRIGHTEN THINGS UP 

One of the biggest hotel decor missteps is 

when an otherwise nice room has no light to 

read by - make sure your room doesn’t fall 

prey to the same issue. It’s always helpful 

to have a light control near 

the bed so your guest won’t 

have to stumble around in 

the dark just to turn a light 

on. If nothing else, provide 

a good reading light near 

a chair or over the bed. 

Another fixture or lamp 

near a 

desk would be great. A small night light is 

helpful, and a lit magnifying makeup mirror 

is a real luxury. 

CLEAN THE WARDROBE 

If your guest room shares space with a 

home office, clear at least a foot of pole 

space in the cupboard. Or purchase an 

inexpensive over-the-door hook that can 

accommodate some hanging clothes. It’s 

likely that guests will have items they’d 

like to hang. Don’t forget a supply of six 

to eight hangers. A simple hook on the 

wall or behind a wardrobe door can hold a 

robe, coat, or a handbag. 

ADD SOME PERSONALITY 

Guest rooms can suffer from being 

personality vacuums - try to let some 

of your personal style infuse the space, 

or try out some decorative ideas that 

inspire you. We love spaces that mix midcentury 

modern furniture with boho soft 

furnishings, or fabulous colour on a single 

wall with dramatic wallpaper. Maybe dare 

to go dark with dark navy on the walls and 

gold detailing. Have you got artwork that 

evokes some feeling on the walls? Or a 

grand full length mirror? Even table lamps 

can inject some personality. You can afford 

to have a bit of fun and creative license 

with the styling of these kinds of spaces. 

MAKE SOME 

DRAWER SPACE 

If you have an extra chest of drawers, 

that’s ideal, but if not, clearing out at 

least one or two drawers 

for small items is 

sufficient. Both you and 

Left to right: Stucco 

Table Lamp, £120 and 

shade £58, pooky.com; 

Cressida Tassel Pillow, 

£39, hauslife.co.uk; 

Rattan Table, £179, 

ellajames.co.uk; Detroit 

Side Table, £169.99, 

oakfurnitureland.co.uk; 

your guest will feel better with odds and 

ends out of sight. 

DON’T FORGET 

SIMPLE BASICS 

A lit clock next to the bed is a great 

amenity, and an alarm clock or clock/radio 

is even better. Provide paper and pens, 

scissors, tape, tissue, and a hairdryer to 

have all the bases covered. If you can, 

provide somewhere to sit in front of a mirror 

so guests can do make up or style their 

hair. If you don’t have an extra iron and 

ironing board to offer, be sure to tell your 

guest where they can find yours. 

PROVIDE PRIVACY 

You might know that the big willow tree just 

outside the window camouflages everything 

going on, but your guests won’t. Choose 

window coverings that add to the character 

of the room and also provide privacy and 

light control. If you need to keep it simple, 

blinds work great. You can always add a 

beautiful valance or side panels later. 

NO BED, NO PROBLEM 

Over the last few months, many of us 

have had to use guest bedrooms as home 

offices. Rather than spending 360 days of 

the year edging around the periphery of 

a large and mostly unused bed, consider 

swapping it for a smart sofa bed. This gives 

you more usable space in the room, and 

somewhere to take a quick coffee break 

away from your desk. Just make sure the 

bed element is comfortable and supportive. 

FINISHING TOUCHES 

Add some lovely finishing touches to the 

room - a reed diffuser to fill it with delicious 

fragrance and pop some throw pillows on 

the bed or chair. If you like them, add some 

cut flowers to a dresser or move some of 

your existing houseplants into the space 

for some greenery. If you don’t use your 

room much during the year, be sure to open 

the windows for a few hours before guests 

arrive to help air it out. 


SAVE ON ENERGY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE 

OF THE GOVERNMENT GRANTS GREEN 

HOMES GRANT SCHEME AND THE 

RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE 

If you currently use oil or LPG to heat your home, then the 

savings by switching to a heat source pump will make you feel 

all warm and cuddly! 

Even if you are currently using natural gas to heat your home, 

then the grant and the renewable heat incentive will slash your 

heating bills this winter! 

We are an accredited installer for Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan air source heat pumps. 

The heat pumps are an extremely efficient heat exchange system, they use the same 

technology as your fridge. In the case of a heat pump this technology runs in reverse, they 

use the air outside your home to heat water and heat your home. 

Doric House, 8 Church Street 

Studley, Warwickshire B80 7LG 

www.fenlanddireck.uk 

01527 857750

Keeping cosy this winter New i8 from Contura for the warmest of welcomes 

This is a dynamic new insert stove that 

displays fire from two or three different 

angles. 

Europe’s leading wood burning stove 

manufacturer, Contura, launches the new i8 

fireplace cassette, broadening its range of 

built-in stoves. 

The striking Contura i8 insert is an upgrade 

of the Contura i7, featuring three different 

sidelight options to create a unique look, 

maximise fire visibility, and fit seamlessly into 

any space. 

The stove can be integrated into almost any 

interior setting to create the heart of a home 

-whether that’s fitted into an existing fireplace 

or incorporated into a custom-designed 

recess in a ‘dream house’ build project for 

The new i8 from Contra comes in various designs 

the ultimate of stylish statement pieces. The 

i8 door comes with a cast iron frame (i8) for a 

robust and subtle look, or a glass frame (i8G) 

that emphasises the generous glass door and 

sidelights. 

With a glorious 7kW heat output and views 

of the flames from all directions, the i8 will 

become the natural centrepiece of any room. 

The i8 produces an even heat and burns 

with outstanding efficiency thanks to its 

Clean Burning system. Activated by sliding 

the control on the front to the left, this is an 

extra duct system in the rear of the stove that 

spreads preheated combustion air, ensuring 

the stove burns efficiently and for long 

periods and resulting in a combustion with 

very low particle concentrations. 

The Contura i8 has many interesting features. 

Visit the website to find out more. The 

Contura i8 is available from £1,895. 

Stylish yet ever practical, Contura’s wood 

burning stoves range from contemporary 

freestanding and statement fireplaces, 

to more classically designed, traditional 

insert stoves - ideal for slotting into existing 

fireplaces. 

Crucially, 95 percent of Contura stoves are 

Defra Clean Air Act exempt, which means 

they are approved for use in Smoke Control 

Areas, and all are Ecodesign Ready; reducing 

emissions by up to 90 percent compared to a 

traditional open fire. 

All Contura stoves offer style combined 

with outstanding performance, maximum 

efficiency, practicality and ease of use. With 

80% heating efficiency compared to only 

20% of traditional fireplaces, and thanks to a 

3-9kW heat output, Contura stoves can heat 

spaces of up to 150m² with ease. Further 

benefits include powerful convection and 

clean burning systems, ensuring less wood is 

used, which works to save the environment 

as well as customers’ money. 

If you’re not sure which stove is right for you, 

try Contura’s augmented reality smartphone 

app to discover how its stoves look in your 

home, visit www.contura.eu/en-gb/guidesand-facts/view-our-stoves-in-your-home 

For more information, visit 

www.contura.eu 

After what has been a challenging year for everyone 

we would like to THANK all of our amazing 

CAREGivers and staff. They have worked tirelessly 

to keep our clients safe, well and happy in their own 

homes. We are so proud to work with such amazing 

people, you are simply the best! 

And a BIG THANK YOU to the key workers and 

our friends and partners in the NHS, Solihull County 

Council and other Local Authorities, Alzheimer’s 

Society, Parkinson’s Society and Age UK to name 

just a few, your bravery and dedication is truly 

amazing. 

Merry Christmas & a happy new year from all 

of us at Home Instead Senior Care Solihull 

Home Instead Senior Care Solihull 

01564 330 395 | 01212 704 615 | www.homeinstead.co.uk/solihull 

Each Home Instead Senior Care© franchise office is independently owned and operated. Copyright © Home Instead 2017. 


VISITS TO CARE HOMES 

We have an overview as to 

how the Covid19 pandemic 

has changed visits to care 

homes. Here Professor June 

Andrews gives us some 

advice. 

Everyone understands that with the 

current risks from the Covid19 pandemic, 

government rules about visiting in 

hospitals and care homes must be tight. 

Care homes are disappointed that they 

can’t welcome visitors in any time, day or 

night, when normally visitors and relatives 

have free range, even having sleepovers 

with their loved one in a spare room, or 

special guest wing. 

Care homes know that it is important for 

families and friends of residents to be 

connected as much as possible. They 

have been trying to make this happen 

while the local rules have changed, 

sometimes week on week. hey aim to 

reunite residents with everyone else, but 

they have to keep people safe from the 

virus. One manager told me, “It’s about 

balancing risk. The local inspectors are 

really worried about the Covid19 risk. 

I worry just as much about the risk of 

depression and anxiety from people being 

isolated. We love our residents and try to 

be like family, but we never really are.” 

28 | www.solihullliving.co.uk 

Staff must have regular coronavirus 

testing and there are risk assessments 

from local public health officials. And if 

the test comes back positive, the staff 

member has to go off, and staffing 

problems are caused because you don’t 

want just anyone to step in and fill their 

shoes. 

With imagination and flair new visiting 

ideas have come up. Sweet little beach 

huts decorated with bunting, with soft 

furnishings and comfy chairs have sprung 

up in the gardens of care homes. With 

two entrances, and a discrete Perspex 

screen down the middle, the visitor and 

the resident can feel as if they really are 

together and can talk freely. In some 

places it started with basic pop up tents, 

and garden chairs, but even now, spare 

rooms on the ground floor are being 

converted as the weather turns colder. 

Still no cuddles though. 

Care homes have Wi-Fi and access to 

tablets so that residents can communicate 

with family and see them with face time 

calls and skype. It is not ideal, because 

many older residents are not accustomed 

to this or have lost recent skills due to 

dementia, but in many cases it is good 

fun, and a comfort to the families to see 

their relative. 

Most people would prefer not to go to a 

care home, but a good home is a place of 

peace 

and comfort at the end of life. 

They are working hard to make things 

right in this extraordinary time, and with 

practice, and increasing flexibility about 

the rules, things are getting better, and will 

continue to do so. 

Professor June Andrews OBE FRCN FCGI 

is an expert in care of older frail people 

and people with dementia. She has 

worked in the NHS and government, as 

well as academia and is currently working 

across all sectors of health and social 

care, independent and statutory. 

Professor Andrews has written many 

books including Care Homes: When, Why 

and How to choose a Care Home. 

Home care or a care home (if, or when, 

it is needed) can be a joy and a respite, 

exactly as you would want it to be, 

and a welcome solace when living 

independently has become too hard or 

lonely. 

To find out more visit 

www.juneandrews.net

therine dy Katherine Lady Housing Katherine Housing & Care Lady Housing & Care Katherine & CareHousin 

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w.leveson.org.uk 

www.leveson.org.uk 

www.leveson.org.uk www.leveson.org. 

y No. 7890553 Company No. 7890553 Registered Charity Company Registered 1146710 No. 7890553 Charity 1146710 Registered Charity 1146710

Heartlands Care & Nursing Home 

Nursing, Residential and Dementia Care 

We understand how difficult things are 

for the elderly population right now. If 

you’re concerned about how your relative 

is coping and would like them to have 

more support, Heartlands provides 

family-led care in a luxurious and homely 

environment. Our highly trained staff 

follow thorough practices to ensure the 

health and well-being of all those in our 

care, allowing them to live safely and as 

they wish. 

01217 861 212 

www.countrycourtcare.com 

50 Broadstone Road, Birmingham, B26 2BN 


Key 

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Apply 

Now 

We’re saying 

Thank You to 

Key Workers 

with £2,000 towards your new home. 

Discover Radley Mews in Leamington Spa 

A desirable collection of two and three-bedroom homes and apartments set in 

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and eligible for our Key Workers’ Scheme. 

Book your appointment to view or find out more today... 

orbithomes.org.uk

Solihull Living Nov - Dec 2020

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