Chichester and Arundel Lifestyle Nov - Dec 2020

AGreatDayOut! 

AT THE ALDINGBOURNE COUNTRY CENTRE 

For Everyone 

Support a truly unique charity 

We want people to come to the 

Aldingbourne Country Centre 

and enjoy themselves in a safe way! 

At the same time you will be supporting a truly unique and 

sustainable charity. Where else can you have so much fun, 

buy sustainable products, enjoy local food and support a 

local charity all at the same time? 

Enjoy seeing animals on our Open Farm and explore the 

Children’s Play Area within our tranquil Woodland Walk. 

Play a round of Mini Golf. Look out for our Enchanted Garden, 

Ride-on Tractors and The Maze 

T 

Pre-Booking is essential is 

visiting for the day. 

To book your Great Day Out please visit 

www.aldingbournetrust.org/greatdayout 

We are open 7 days a week. 

10am - 4pm* 

*please check our website for updates. 

FREE ENTRY FOR ADULTS if wishing to visit our Café, Plant Nursery, Gift Shop, 

Wood Recycling centre, Furniture Workshops or Conference Facilities. 

Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester PO18 0JP 

Weekdays 01243 542075 Weekend 01243 546033 

Email: acc@aldingbournetrust.org 

www.aldingbournetrust.co.uk

Contents 

A Note 

from the EDITOR 

12 

Perfect 

A Culinary recipes Journey to add through a 

Northern little festive Ireland sparkle 

Our new 

competitions page 

06 

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. 

16 

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, 

Kate O’Connell and Pippa O’Keefe. Front Cover courtesy of Waitrose 

Key Account Manager Marcus Hawke 

e marcus.hawke@minervapublications.co.uk 

d/l 01225 984505 

twitter: @ChichesterLife 

22 

Christmas gift 

ideas for the family 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton 

Trowbridge BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

w www.minervapublications.co.uk 

visit our website www.chichesterlifestyle.co.uk 

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.chichesterlifestyle.co.uk | 3

EVENTS GUIDE 

The days are getting longer and Christmas is coming! 

Here are some ideas of events and shows happening in the area 

Arundel Castle 

Maltravers Street, Arundel BN18 9AB 

01903 882173 

www.arundelcastle.org 

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, until 

further notice all events at the castle are 

cancelled. 

However, there are virtual events which you 

can enjoy them from the comfort of your 

home. Please see the website for details. 

Assembly Hall 

Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing BN11 1HQ 

01903 206206 

www.worthingtheatres.co.uk 

Saturday 7 November 

Katie Pritchard - 

Hysterical Histories 

With songs about how much King Henry 

VIII loves his wives, and Joan of Arc’s 

obsession of cheese, Katie will bring 

history to life LIVE before your very eyes. 

Armed with my many (incredibly beautiful) 

handmade costumes that often look 

nothing like the historical figure they’re 

representing, and high-energy songs, this 

show packs a punch, with laughs for kids 

and adults alike. Fun for ages 5-10! 

Friday 20 November 

Russell Kane Live 

Multi-award winning comedian, presenter, 

actor, author and scriptwriter Russell 

Kane is best known for the BBC Sounds 

podcast, Evil Genius which has become a 

flagship show and was the best performing 

original podcast on the platform. 

Tuesday 8 December 

Hello Again: 

A Tribute to Neil Diamond 

A breathtaking musical production, 

celebrating the life and music of Neil 

Diamond. 

Thursday 10 December 

Josh Widdecombe - Bit Much 

A show that will change your life and how 

you perceive your place in the world. Bit 

much? Fine, it’ll be a very funny night of 

grumbles and jokes in which Josh will 

finally tackle the hot comedy topics of 

advent calendars, pesto and the closing 

time of his local park. 

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL 

THEATRE 

Oaklands Park, Chichester PO19 6AP 

01243 781312 

www.cft.org.uk 

Facing The Music: 

Patricia Routledge 

11 November, 2.30pm 

Three distinguished and much-loved 

performers join writer and broadcaster 

Edward Seckerson to discuss their lives 

in musical theatre, illustrated by treasured 

recordings. 

4 | www.chichesterlifestyle.co.uk 

For the first in the series, Patricia Routledge 

is back to the Festival Theatre stage. 

She has acted in many productions at 

Chichester Festival Theatre over five 

decades. 


Sheila Hancock 


The second of Edward’s guests is Sheila 

Hancock, whose most recent Chichester 

appearance was in This Is My Family (2019); 

her many West End credits include Sister 

Act, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd and Annie. 


Michael Ball 


Edward’s third guest is Michael Ball, who 

returns to Chichester where he starred in 

Sweeney Todd (2011, Olivier Award for Best 

Actor in a Musical) and Mack and Mabel 

(2015). His extensive musical credits also 

include Hairspray (Olivier Award) and Chess. 

Shift 

26-28 November, 2.30pm 

Barely Methodical Troupe are at the 

forefront of a new kind of highly entertaining 

physical performance. Their sold-out 

production Bromance at the Spiegeltent last 

year drew gasps, thrills and rave reviews 

from audiences of all ages; don’t miss this 

new chance to catch this remarkable and 

ground-breaking company. 

A Merry Little Christmas 

Celebration 

30 November - 3 December 

Prepare to unwrap Christmas with a 

delightfully festive evening of seasonal 

words and music. 

West End singers Rebecca Trehearn and 

Rebecca Caine, matched with five fine 

musicians, will join Artistic Director Daniel 

Evans and a special guest to sing a range of 

traditional carols, and share some favourite 

yuletide poems and prose with some 

surprises. 

A Merry Little Christmas Celebration will be 

a joyous and warming start to the season, 

with a free glass of mulled wine or fruit 

punch for every member of the audience. 

Pinocchio 

11 December 2020 - 2 January 2021 

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present a 

brand new version of this classic tale. 

Geppetto the boatmaker tosses aside a 

piece of wood; it’s only good for the fire. To 

his amazement, a voice answers him back. 

Geppetto picks up the wood and begins to 

carve - and a small wooden boy is revealed. 

A puppet, which he names Pinocchio. 

And that’s when the mayhem begins. 

Pinocchio can’t stop getting into trouble, 

despite the best efforts of the Blue Fairy 

and the Cricket to keep him on track. His 

intentions may be good - he truly wants to 

go to school like real boys and girls - but 

the temptation to discover the wonders of 

the world and make his fortune keep getting 

in the way. 

Connaught Theatre 

Union Place, Worthing BN11 1LG 

01903 206206 

www.worthingtheatres.co.uk 

Saturday 21 November 

The Russian National Ballet: 

The Nutcracker 

This eternal seasonal favourite will be an 

unforgettable journey in the run-up to 

Christmas and an ideal introduction to 

audiences of any age to the magic that 

is classical ballet. A wonderful treat full of 

glitter for the whole family! 

Wednesday 25 November 

ROH: Macbeth 

Verdi’s opera inspired by Shakespeare’s 

tragedy is conducted by Antonio Pappano, 

with a magnificent cast. This is a cinema 

event. Recorded at the Royal Opera 

House in 2018. Sung in Italian with English 

subtitles. Includes one intermission. 

Weald & Downland 

Living Museum 

Singleton, Chichester PO18 0EU 

01243 811363 

www.wealddown.co.uk 

Tree Dressing 

Sunday 6 December, 10.30am-4.30pm 

Tree Dressing is a magical occasion for all 

the family, celebrating the importance of 

trees in our lives. 

Make a greenery headdress and turn a jam 

jar into a lantern then join the procession 

illuminated by hundreds of lanterns. 

Join in with traditional songs and dances 

around the trees 

The day’s finale takes place as darkness 

falls, with a spiral dance around the aspen 

trees, which are dressed with hundreds 

of lanterns. Winter warmers on offer will 

include mulled apple juice and spiced 

biscuits, for which donations are requested. 

We take great care in compiling the 

listings, however, we recommend that 

you contact the venue in advance as 

events and activities may be subject to 

change particularly in light of COVID-19. 

continued

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. 

OPEN 

Tues - Sun 

9am - 4pm 

FOOD | TEAS | COFFEES | CAKES 

Wellies Tea Rooms is a beautiful barn conversion in 

rural Sussex countryside, a friendly informal tea room 

where you can catch up with friends or family. 

Pop in for breakfast, lunch or classic afternoon tea. 

Wellies Tea Rooms, Oldwick Farm, West Stoke Road 

Chichester, West Sussex PO18 9AA 

www.welliestearooms.co.uk 

01243 819007 


COMPETITION 

Win a 

VAX carpet 

washer worth 

£249! 

Time 

To enter any (or all!) of our competitions, head to 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions. 

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 

Platinum Power Max (including free steamer), £249, 

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 

be won! 

With homeworking now the ‘new 

normal’ having an aquarium that 

combines a unique look and highspec 

equipment is essential for 

anyone wishing to create a tranquil 

and relaxing home workspace. 

The AquaCurve complete, easy-set-up, 

aquarium kit from leading UK indoor 

aquatics brand, Interpet, based in 

Taunton, Somerset, is fitted with an ultrabright 

LED light to give healthy looking 

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- 

Competition keyword INTERPET 

Kit your home out with the 

must-have interior item - the 

amazing mudcloth cushion. 

A favourite of interior designers 

across the world, mudcloth 

is an amazing fabric-making 

process orginating in Mali, 

where fermented mud 

is used to create highly 

patterned pieces. 

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 

other amazing home accessories. 

Closes 12/12/2020- Competition 

keyword HAUS 

Over 

£100 

worth of cushions 

to be won! 

£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 

6 | www.chichesterlifestyle.co.uk

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Sixth form 

Making the right choice 

So your child is going to do A levels. For 

most, this will mean staying on at their 

current school, either because they want 

to, you want them to, or it just feels the 

safest option. But some youngsters opt 

for, or have no alternative but to make, a 

fresh start with new people in a new place. 

If your child fits into this second group, it’s 

essential to take time out to consider the 

options and make the right choice. 

The Good Schools Guide knows from 

visiting hundreds of schools and colleges 

ever year that some students wind 

up compromising on subject choices. 

Sixth-forms vary, with many guaranteeing 

literally any subject mix and others 

restricting certain combinations because 

of insoluble timetable clashes. Your child 

may not know exactly which subjects 

they want to study but its worth making 

sure that they are broadly on the same 

page as any prospective sixth form. The 

full breakdown of past exam results (not 

just the simple summary!) and previous 

students’ university destinations should 

tell you if the place is aligned with your 

child’s own aspirations. Find out how 

many A levels a pupil is expected to take. 

And can you drop one if it all gets too 

much? 

Sixth form, for many, is when thoughts 

turn to higher education, some schools 

and colleges offer mock interview 

practice, guaranteed work experience, 

special Oxbridge classes and meticulous 

help with personal statements, among 

other things. But university isn’t the be-all 

and end-all. 

We’re always impressed when schools 

embrace alternative routes, such as 

degree apprenticeships. How does the 

school or college get students thinking 

about different careers and industries, for 

example through careers fairs, outside 

speakers and getting students out into the 

business world? 

Track down a current pupil to find out 

what the teaching and class sizes are like. 

The search for small teaching groups is 

often a key pull for parents and students 

at sixth form. The culture matters too. Are 

pupils trusted to manage their own time 

and is there proper support for when the 

stress levels start to creep up. It would 

be easy to bypass pastoral care for these 

nearly-adults but, with all the exams and 

life-planning, this is a time when support 

can be critical. Many schools now employ 

on-site counsellors or see that teachers 

receive appropriate training to help pupils 

with well-being issues. 

Read inspection reports. Everywhere will 

have one, but check the date and don’t 

treat it as gospel if more than a year or 

two old. The Good Schools Guide reviews 

many good sixth forms so see what we 

have to say too. But what should really 

swing it for you, once you’ve worked your 

way through the suggestions here, is your 

child’s gut feeling. 

Take advantage 

of open days, 

soak up the 

atmosphere, 

continue to 

visit and ask 

questions of 

local colleges 

and schools 

and ultimately make 

sure your child feels happy with their 

choice. 

The Good Schools Guide 22nd 

hardback edition 

Over 1,200 in-depth reviews of leading 

private and state schools, for children 

aged 3-18, in the UK. These cover 

everything you want, and need, to know 

about a school and you won’t find this 

level of independent, honest detail 

anywhere else. Reviews are written by 

parents, for parents, to help you find the 

best school for your child. 

The Good Schools Guide’s unique take 

on:- 

Academic and money matters 

Head teacher profiles 

Pastoral care, well-being and atmosphere 

Extra-curricular activities, games, the arts 

Entrance and exit information 

www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk 


ADVERTISING FEATURE 

great ballard join the grow club 

It’s been 15 years since Jamie Oliver’s campaign to 

revolutionise school meals but he must have been proud about 

the MBE awarded to Marcus Rashford this month. TV chefs, 

franchise restaurants and Turkey Twizzlers may come and go 

but school food remains high on the national agenda. 

This is hardly surprising. Research 

consistently backs what parents know, 

that healthy food choices are linked to 

better self-esteem, increased resilience 

and enhanced emotional well-being. It’s 

common sense that nutrition should lie 

at the heart of the curriculum. Darren 

Castleman, chef at Great Ballard recently 

joined the team and is excited by the 

school’s pupil centred mission. “We are 

reviewing our offering to meet the 4H 

approach and consider every individual. 

If there are worries we can meet each 

child to discuss how to help. We can 

use cookery lessons to introduce new 

foods or even encourage them to grow 

the very things they think they hate. We 

want to reduce anxiety and change the 

relationships children have with food by 

focussing not just on “what” they eat but 

“why” they eat it” 

Jamie’s plans included teaching children 

to cook and, while it is fantastic to 

see food technology on the primary 

curriculum, it remains under-resourced 

and undervalued in this age of SATs and 

testing. Most children learn little about 

nutrition and gain almost no practical 

cooking experience in secondary schools. 

At the age when they need to understand 

their bodies and diets the most, the 

teaching of cookery shrinks back to being 

a hobby rather than a key life skill. 

The picture is even grimmer when 

it comes to growing food. There is 

compelling evidence that experience 

cultivating what they later eat helps 

children learn independence, improves 

their health and well-being and teaches 

skills for life. Unfortunately, it is still not a 

part of the national curriculum. 

Thankfully there are schools ready to 

put food and gardening at the top of 

their agenda. At Great Ballard the Grow 

Club are cultivating winter salads and 

vegetables and even wheatgrass, which 

will all be served up for lunch. Children 

in Pre Prep forage and cook in Forest 

schools and Years 3-8 have timetabled 

“It shouldn’t matter what options children 

take at GCSE or what careers they aspire 

to, learning to feed yourself and to live a 

healthy, sustainable life is as important as 

anything else they learn in school.” 

cookery. With the school taking pupils into 

Year 9 in September 2021, Great Ballard 

are keen that young people continue to 

join the dots between what they eat and 

what they themselves can grow and cook. 

Headmaster Mr Matt King explains: “It 

shouldn’t matter what options children 

take at GCSE or what careers they aspire 

to, learning to feed yourself and to live a 

healthy, sustainable life is as important 

as anything else they learn in school. We 

want to make sure our children from 2 

to 16 are taught this and recognise the 

impact it can have on their well-being. 

We recognise this subject’s value, not just 

for its creativity, but for its contribution to 

health and fitness alongside PE and Sport 

which all our children do every week.” 

Jamie Oliver’s dream to achieve 

“sustainable change” may yet be alive. 

The next generation will inherit a world 

of problems related to the poor food 

related choices we have made. From 

rising obesity to malnutrition and from 

unsustainable farming practices to climate 

change it is clear a new direction is 

required. As so often, the answer lies with 

education and Great Ballard is teaching 

children how to sow the seeds for a 

healthier future. 

Discover more at www.greatballard.co.uk 

Facebook, Twitter and 

Instagram: @greatballard 

E: office@greatballard.co.uk 

T: 01243 814236 


CHRISTMAS 

Who knows what form Christmas will take this year? 

With that in mind, we’ve left the main event ideas in 

your court (depending on how many you’re feeding) 

and are serving up some delicious accompaniments 

that can be scaled to any party size... 

Sparkle 

ORGANIC HONEY- 

ROASTED 

VEGETABLES 

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking 

time: 50 minutes 

Serves: 4-6 

INGREDIENTS 

300g small organic potatoes, halved 

300g organic butternut squash, cut into 

1cm slices 

4 organic red onions, halved 

1 organic garlic bulb, halved horizontally 

2 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil 

2 tbsp Rowse Organic Honey 

¼ organic lemon, trimmed and sliced thinly 

250g organic cooked beetroot, drained and 

cut into wedges 

2 tbsp organic half fat crème fraîche 

½ tsp organic cider vinegar 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Toss 

the potatoes, squash, red onions and garlic 

in a bowl with 1½ tbsp oil and 1 tbsp honey; 

season. Spread over a large parchment-lined 

roasting tray and roast for 20 minutes. Toss 

the vegetables, adding the sliced lemon, and 

roast for another 20 minutes. 

Toss the beetroot wedges with the 

remaining ½ tbsp oil and add to the 

roasting tray. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp 

honey over the vegetables and roast for a 

final 10 minutes. 

Remove the tray from the oven and take out 

the garlic. Squeeze the cloves into a bowl 

and mash with the back of a fork. Stir in the 

crème fraîche, vinegar and 1-2 tsp water to 

make a loose dressing; season. Arrange the 

roasted vegetables on a platter and serve 

with the garlic crème fraîche. 

COOK’S TIP 

Add a bag of Duchy Organic Baby Leaf & 

Rocket Salad to the roasted vegetables to 

create a lovely, substantial side salad that 

can be served with Christmas cold cuts or 

Boxing Day ham. 

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 British Blacktail Free Range 

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 

Recipes and images courtesy of 

waitrose.com, where you can find 

1,000’s more delicious recipes 


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 a frothy 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 or tea strainer to dust with the remaining ½ tsp 

nutmeg. 

COOK’S TIP 

Making the cake ahead of time? You can keep the cake in an airtight 

container for a couple of days. When ready to serve, make and add 

the topping as per step 4 of the method (above). 

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. 


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Colin the Caterpillar has 

turned 30! And he’s looking 

great for it with a range 

of new goodies like these 

white chocolate mini faces, 

£2, M&S 

Christmas Hare Platter, 

£24.95, 

annabeljames.co.uk 

A beautiful medium-blend 

all-day coffee, Café York 

Blend Coffee in Caddy, £10, 

cartwrightandbutler.co.uk 

Great for 

gifting 

A TASTE 

of Christmas 

Grand Cru Swiss 

chocolate at its 

finest, Langues 

de Chat, £7.30, 

bettys.co.uk 

As the festive season approaches, we begin 

to fill the larder with delicious goodies 

A delicious assortment 

of cocoa dusted 

truffles, Monty 

Bojangles Taste 

Adventures Cocoa 

Dusted Truffles, £8 

Amazon.co.uk 

Luxury Lobster Christmas 

Crackers, £36, nancyandbetty.com 

The perfect accompaniments for all your 

Christmas meats and cheeses, Rubies in the 

Rubble Classic Chutneys Relish Trio, £13, 

Amazon.co.uk 

Traidcraft Organic Fairtrade 

Chocolate, from £2.65 per bar, 

traidcraftshop.co.uk 

Make your matcha latte at 

home, PureChimp Matcha 

Green Tea Powder, £9.95, 

Amazon.co.uk 

Partridge In A Pear Tree Tray, from 

£30, sophieallport.com 

Awardwinning 

English 

sparkling 

wine 

The multi-award-winning sparkling wine created 

from 100% Chardonnay grapes. Blanc de Blancs 

has classic Chardonnay aromas of green apple 

and citrus, combined with mineral notes and 

white stone fruits on the palate. Gusbourne Blanc 

de Blancs 2015, £59, gusbourne.com 


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 


Niamh Plaited Cushion 

Cover, £42 and Elowen 

Woven Throw, £65, 

hauslife.co.uk 

the wardrobe with 

out-of-season 

clothes. If you do 

use the room for 

storage, do try to 

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 

French-style bedrooms 

with classical 

elements never go out 

of style and always 

make spaces feel 

elegant and inviting 

frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 

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 

Here blogger Monica from theelginavenue.com 

has created a functional office space which can be 

transformed into a bedroom using a sofa bed 


The amazing sofa in a box company Snug Sofa have come up trumps 

with a revelatory sofa bed - one that’s as comfy to sit on as to sleep on! 

Genius! £1495, snugsofa.com 

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 mid-century 

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 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. 

Top to Bottom: Rattan Table, £179, 

ellajames.co.uk; Detroit Side Table, £169.99, 

oakfurnitureland.co.uk; Stucco Table Lamp, £120 

and shade £58, pooky.com; Cressida Tassel 

Pillow, £39, hauslife.co.uk; Simone Table Lamp, 

£105, sweetpeaandwillow.com; Masako LED 

Wall Lamp, £45, made.com; Texas Butterfly 

Chair, £200, homebodydecor.co.uk 


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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 

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to more classically designed, traditional 

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Crucially, 95 percent of Contura stoves are 

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All Contura stoves offer style combined 

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For more information, visit 

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Hair accessories 

and no-kink hair 

ties, from £4, 

lottie-loves.com 

This kitchen timer plays 

Mozart’s soothing “Rondo Alla 

Turca” when the countdown 

is complete. £16.99, 

ackermanmusic.co.uk 

HER 

Colour and create 

shimmery drawings using 

the metallic Pixelo dot pen! 

£25.24 Amazon.co.uk 

Hestia Gold Plated 

Multi-Strand 

Necklace, £24 


Emoji Action, £12, 

hacche.co.uk 

Perfect for 

gym bunnies or 

those who love 

beautifully made 

loungewear 

KIDS 

Whether she’s a fitness fanatic or 

loves luxe loungewear, Ryderwear is 

a great choice. These NKD leggings 

are lululemon dupes and half the 

price! £49.99, uk.ryderwear.com 

Extra Large Wood Ibed 

Lap Desk, £23, Amazon 

CHRISTMAS 

Gift Guide 

3D Wooden 

Puzzle Cat, 

£6.93, Amazon 

Four bags of 

premium organic 

ground coffee, all 

snugly packed in a 

sustainably 

sourced rustic 

wooden presentation 

case. £25, 

traidcraftshop.co.uk 

Perfect for ethical 

coffee lovers 

Pampas, feather 

and eucalyptus filled 

glass baubles, from 

£6, hauslife.co.uk, 

available from Mid- 

November 

One of the best shows 

on TV made into a board 

game! £22, Smyths 

HIM 

Make iPads easier 

to use! 

Highly-scented, 

hand-poured 

aromatherapy 

candles in a 

range of uplifting 

fragrances, £34, 


Create amazing 

rainbow style 

letter art! £22.70, 

from Smyths 

Ultra-soft, organic 

cotton ‘Parsnip’ 

dungarees, £24, 

welovefrugi.com 

SuperGraph Drawing 

Station has an amazing 

patented optical viewer 

which allows you to copy 

any picture inserted in 

the picture easel, £16.99, 

from Argos 

HOME 

Branch lighting, 

baubles and candles, 

all from a collection at 

lights4fun.co.uk 

Excellent burn and longlasting 

fragrance 

Three puzzles in one! Carnovsky 

Jigsaw, £15, hacche.co.uk/ginger-fox 


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I’m dreaming of a green Christmas… 

Angela Cave gives us some ideas in how to 

bring Christmas in all its glory into the house. 

Angela originally trained as a horticulturist 

and spent a year living, working and learning 

at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey. 

She retains a love of plants, trees and 

anything that grows and her own garden, she 

readily admits, is completely full, but she still 

manages to fit in something new! 

“When I was little, we had a family Christmas 

tradition of spending one afternoon out in 

the country-side picking twigs and leaves 

and berries and whatever we could garner to 

make our own Christmas decorations. The 

usual result was very muddy tired children 

and rather chilly grown-ups, but it is a stand 

out memory and one which I treasure - and I 

seem to also recall the smell of mulled wine 

warming to revive said grown-ups! 

This year many of us will have spent a lot of 

time in our gardens and in doing that have 

seen just how beautiful each individual plant 

can be - and when it is silhouetted in frost 

just how magical our winter gardens are too. 

Even one bare branch silhouetted against the 

sky can be magical. There are lots of ways 

to use winter foliage and berries, and even 

feathers - and clever ways to ensure they 

last - just google and the various methods 

will be revealed. Here are just a few ideas to 

make your Christmas decor that bit special 

and personal. 

Twig trees. The family Christmas tree is 

very special, but it is also good to have a 

few twig sprays around the house. Sprayed 

white, silver or gold they are the ideal vehicle 

for the kids to make their own individual 

decorations and paper, wool, leaves, feathers 

and berries can all be hung to make a really 

individual display. I can never resist overseas 

decorations when on hols, so I have a twig 

cluster festooned with my well- travelled 

decorations, from Santa on a surf board to a 

merry Christmas sloth (yes, really) it is great 

fun and very colourful! 

This Christmas we may not be able to be 

with all of our family members so how about 

having a real ‘family tree’ and hanging family 

photos, nativity days past, daft fashion faux 

pas, holiday snaps - fun family memories to 

enjoy and share. 

Your front door can be a delight to everyone 

who passes as well as those who come in 

and so a wreath of leaves and berries, even 

a simple raffia and twig circle is a lovely way 

to mark the festive season and again you 

can gather what you need on a walk. If you 

have a staircase, ivy garlands intertwined with 

lights is a very simple but effective way to 

decorate it. 

Holly, ivy and mistletoe are all an essential and 

traditional part of Christmas, and your local 

florist will have some other beautiful additions 

to suggest and who can resist a poinsettia! 

Whatever you chose to do and however you 

chose to spend it, I hope your Christmas is 

special.” 

Some great plants to use in your 

decorations: bay, box, crab apples, holly, 

ivy, euonymus ‘silver queen’, sarcococca, 

pittosporum and aucuba, pine-cones and 

acorn cups. 

Angela Cave 


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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.” 


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

Walberton Place Care Home 

In these difficult times the elderly population is particularly vulnerable 

at home. If you’re concerned about how your relative will cope and would 

like them to have more support, Walberton Place provides family-led care 

delivered by highly trained staff. As a brand new home, we offer residents 

a safe, clean and secure environment and follow thorough practices to 

ensure the health and well-being of all those in our care. 

• Warm inclusive family atmosphere 

• Person centred dementia care 

• Meaningful activities 

• Spacious en-suite bedrooms 

• Café, pub, cinema & hair salon 

• Daily fine dining 

01243 551 549 

Yapton Lane, Walberton, Arundel, 

West Sussex, BN18 0AS 

www.countrycourtcare.com

your chance TO WIN 

A collectable print from independent 

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‘LucyLovesThis is a small design studio, set up by book cover 

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Over seven years Lucy has grown a loyal fan base, excited to 

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THE COMPETITION 

The team at LucyLovesThis have an amazing competition for 

us - offering the winner a framed A4 print of their choice worth 

£55! Plus, 5 runners up will receive an A4 unframed print of their 

choice too, each worth £21! These personal prints filled with 

the best care 

for our residents 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Describing Woodlands House and it’s facilities almost 

sounds as if one was describing a hotel... 

For example the beautiful individual rooms, designer bathrooms, 

Wi-Fi, HD TV, telephones, spacious gardens, etc. Today’s 

concerns though are probably a little different... 

With Covid19 we are especially under pressure, to provide not 

only the best care for our residents, but also supporting families 

trusting us with their loved ones. At Woodlands our absolute top 

priority is the correct use of PPE, and staff restricting their own 

private lives to protect our residents. 

We realise that the responsibility of making such a life changing 

choice on behalf of a loved one is the hardest decision we 

may ever have to make. Finding the type of care available is 

daunting in itself. Do you want a new large modern home with 

all the “facilities” like Wi-Fi and a garden maze or do you want 

the home that offers the nearest possible “feel” to a home? 

Do you want familiar caring staff, many who have been at 

Woodlands for years and years with the maximum experience 

and ongoing training and a Manager who is in daily contact 

with both residents and staff? 

Do you want to see every certificate for every course and pictures 

of member of staff because there are so many, or do you want 

to be greeted by the same team week in week out when 

you CAN visit? If so you may not be able to visit just now, 

but a friendly chat or video call with me may enable you to 

feel the homely atmosphere for yourself and give you the 

confidence and support you need. Visit woodlandshouse.org 

or www.carehome.co.uk or telephone Oonagh Cacioppo on 

01903725458 Mob 07815762623. 

care LAUGHTER you can AND trust 

LIGHT THROUGH THE 

I could tell you all about Woodlands House and its facilities as if I 

was describing a hotel, for example the beautiful individual rooms, 

the designer bathrooms, wi-fi, HD TV, telephones, spacious 

gardens, etc all of which Woodlands has!!!! However when I was 

searching 

LOCKDOWN 

for a room for my own Mother all those years ago I do not 

remember any of these concerns being uppermost in my mind. What 

I do remember is the fear of making the wrong decision, whether I 

was Woodlands “doing the right House thing...” remembering Care Home “Don’t ever took put me extra in an 

old peoples home”; but knowing in my heart and head that this was 

the safety very best steps decision ahead I could make. of What COVID-19 was so heartbreaking and the was 

the team role reversal are of looking taking and accepting forward the responsibility to welcoming of making 

such a life changing choice on behalf of a loved one, and it was the 

hardest families decision and I had visitors ever had make. again soon! 

Finding the type of care available within the many different homes 

is Woodlands daunting in took itself. the Do precaution I want a new of locking large modern down home a couple with of all 

the weeks “facilities” before bright the general walls, all public. new staff.. This was or do done I want with the complete home 

that cooperation offers the from nearest families possible and staff. likeness The team to a home? had PPE With all in 

familiar place ready staff, for many use who and protection have been procedures at the same in home place. for This years 

local and protected nods years make with their the amazing residents maximum and experience staff. Activities and became ongoing even training 

gifts within more treasured important, that same pieces both home one with to a one Manager and on who the entertainment 

is daily contact 

for with side! your every (the home. Karaoke residents To be was in and a staff? particular hit!). 

with a chance of winning, 

simply Do Woodlands I want head to to see is www. a every small, certificate specialist for care every home, course with and staff pictures who of 

minervamagazines.co.uk/ 

member have been of staff highly because trained there and are so qualified, many, or to do care I want for people to be 

competitions greeted with Alzheimer’s by the and same enter disease team and/or week Dementia. in week out? Many These have same been 

on staff caring that knowing page for its - using residence my loved the for one ten not years only or during more. the This day advantage but also at 

keyword night, means when ‘LUCYLOVES’. 

that continuity they are alone and experience, and feeling are lost? highly Knowing valued - without 

Competition referring qualities, to that closes records have certainly - that it’s been Horlicks put to and the not test chocolate in the last that few 

10/12/2020 she weeks. will appreciate and winners at 2am? 

will be notified by email 

If you are thinking along these lines come and visit Woodlands 

to If choose you would their like print. further No information, please email or call 

House for a chat and feel the homely atmosphere for yourself. 

cash Woodlands alternative House available, and the team will be pleased to assist you 

T&Cs 5* when GOOD apply. life AT is a EVERY little more LEVEL normal. {CQC Inspection} 

Reviews on www.carehome.co.uk 

WOODLANDS 

HOUSE 

CARE HOME 

We specialise in caring for those suffering from memory 

loss, Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of confusion, 

in a luxury home in Sussex. 

We operate an alternative Care Philosophy whereby 

residents are encouraged to live their lives 

without the pressures of social expectations 

or unnecessary sedation. 

www.woodlandshouse.org 

www.carehome.co.uk 

Room available NOW 

CQC 

Inspection: 

“GOOD” for 

every level!!! 

For further information contact 

Oonagh Cacioppoon 01903 725458 

or email house.woodlands@gmail.com 

4 St Winefride’s Road, Littlehampton, Sussex BN17 5NL 


Inter-County Nursing 

& Care Services Ltd 

Inter-County prides itself in providing high quality, professional care in the local community. 

Whether you need help with shopping once a week, or daily support with personal care, 

we can accommodate your needs and provide you with the support you need to 

stay at home and live life your way. 

• Home Visits 

• Respite Care 

• Medication 

• Domestic Support 

Rated by the Care Quality Commission 

as a ‘GOOD’ homecare service 

• Night Duties 

• Live-In Care 

• Meal Preparation 

• Companionship 

01243 528777 

www.inter-county.co.uk 


DEMENTIA AND CORONAVIRUS 

Alzheimer’s Support offers sound advice during these difficult times 

This is a difficult and uncertain time for 

people living with dementia and their 

families. At Alzheimer’s Support everything 

is done to build social connections and 

stimulation through company and contact 

- so the restrictions we are all living under 

now are harder to bear. 

However, there is support out there and a 

growing amount of good advice, ideas and 

resources. 

At home with dementia or caring 

for someone with dementia 

Keep to a routine as far as possible. 

Try to find diverting activities and stay 

entertained. 

Avoid too much rolling news if it is 

upsetting. Perhaps limit the amount of 

news you are seeing on the TV, radio or 

phone and tune in or look for Government 

updates at set times of the day. 

Set up different areas in your home for 

different activities. Watch favourite films 

in the living room. Do jigsaw puzzles or 

craft activities at the table. Build some 

‘time out’ for you both into the day if this is 

possible in the space you are in. 

If you can, take walks around the garden, 

do a spot of gardening or just sit out 

in the fresh air. If you are close to open 

countryside, or in a quiet town or village, 

you may be able to get outside for a short 

walk each day if you are well enough and 

subject to Government advice. Fresh air 

and green space is stimulating and will 

give you new things to talk about. 

Ask friends to bring you puzzles, films, 

games that you think you would enjoy 

together or alone. Ask them to leave them 

outside the front door or in the porch. 


Activity and resource ideas 

Explaining the situation 

Obviously what you say will depend on 

the person and how well they can process 

the information. Bear in mind that this 

is outside most people’s experience so 

people will not have a rationale to fall 

back on. 

You may need to explain the current 

situation to the person with dementia 

using simple and short sentences that you 

can repeat on a frequent basis, rather than 

trying to explain things in detail. And give 

lots of reassurance. 

For example, you could say that there is a 

flu outbreak and people are being advised 

to stay at home. You could write this on a 

note on the front door where it will be seen 

before leaving the house. However, if the 

person with dementia insists on leaving 

the house, assess the level of distress it 

would cause if you were to try to persuade 

them otherwise. 

If putting up signs works for you or the 

person you care for, reminders (including 

pictures reminders) to wash hands is a 

good idea in the bathroom or elsewhere in 

your home. 

Supporting from a distance 

Finding ways to keep in touch will be the 

most important thing everyone can do to 

help people coping at home. 

If you support or care for someone with 

dementia but do not live with them it is a 

particularly hard time. You can still help 

by dropping off, or arranging, deliveries 

of groceries, games or films, personal 

notes, treats and items that you know will 

have meaning for the person or couple. 

Leave them outside or in the porch of 

course. It may not feel like much but it 

will be appreciated and show that you are 

thinking of them. 

Phone often and rediscover the joy of 

letter-writing. It won’t suit everyone - and 

of course it is best to use a platform 

people are already familiar with - but you 

may be able to set them up on Skype or 

use WhatApp video or Facetime to check 

in every day. Calling at the same time each 

day gives reassurance and something to 

look forward to. 

If your relative is in full-time care the issues 

will be different. While you may not feel 

so responsible for day-to-day welfare and 

health, not being able to visit inevitably 

brings its own pressures and worries. 

Again, phone often and see if the staff can 

set up Skype or Facetime call so you can 

continue to connect. 

An appeal from Alzheimer’s Support 

There are many unknowns with this virus 

but one thing we do know is that people 

with dementia still need our support, now 

and into the future. 

Every day that this crisis lasts our charity 

is losing income. 

Please support us by making a donation 

if you can. 

£18 will pay for a skilled dementia 

professional to give advice and support 

by telephone to a family they know well. 

£60 will cover a day’s rent on one of our 

day centres. 

Thank you in advance for any amount 

you can give.

“Our guiding principle 

is to deliver care to a 

standard that we would 

expect for our own 

parents and loved ones.” 

Passionate about Care 

For the last 40 years, Nyton House has been 

providing outstanding care in a beautiful 

rural setting on the outskirts of Chichester, 

West Sussex. Nyton remains a family run 

Residential Care Home shaped by our guiding 

principle to deliver care of standard we would 

expect for our own parents and loved ones. 

Our aim is to enable residents to live a happy 

& fulfilling life, we empower residents to 

make their own choices and treat everyone 

with dignity & respect. Nyton is a ‘Home 

from Home’ where residents are part of a 

community and feel genuinely cared for by 

passionate and committed staff. 

We tailor care to meet the individual 

needs of each resident offering: 

www.nytonhouse.co.uk 

email: manager@nytonhouse.co.uk 

01243 543228 

Nyton House Residential Care Home, 

Nyton Road, Westergate, Chichester, PO20 3UL 

• Companionship in a supporting 

environment 

• Personal Centred Care Plans and 

continually reviewed Goals for Care 

• Dementia Care that focuses on 

re-enablement and dignity 

• End of Life Care with staff trained in the Six 

Steps to End of Life Care 

• Respite Care and Day Care

Senior School & Sixth Form 

Be inspired 

Be brilliant 

Be you 

13–18 years, co-educational boarding and day school 

Lancing College offers pupils a journey of discovery. Stretching horizons, building on strengths 

and ensuring every child achieves to their full potential. We inspire pupils to explore new 

opportunities, so that they leave as confident young people with strong values, ready to take 

their place in the world. 

Registered Charity Number 1076483

Chichester and Arundel Lifestyle Nov - Dec 2020

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