Stratford-upon-Avon Living May - Jun 2021

This is where 

we’ll put down roots 

Coming soon to the peaceful 

village of Luddington, a 

stunning collection of two, 

three and five-bedroom homes. 

Surrounded by lush green space close to the 

banks of the River Avon, Bridle Meadows is set 

within attractive rural surroundings. Sympathetically 

designed to take advantage of its beautiful, natural 

setting, homes at Bridle Meadows offer idyllic views 

over the countryside, as well as ample space to live, 

work and entertain in comfort. 

bridlemeadows@cameronhomes.co.uk 

camerongalliers.co.uk 

Bridle Meadows 165x240 advert 0421.indd 1 14/04/2021 12:41

Contents 

A Note 

from the EDITOR 

09 

Back 

A Culinary Journey through 

to Basics - perfect egg recipes 

Northern Ireland 

The competition 

page returns 

04 

At last, as I write, we are hopefully 

nearing the end of the restriction 

tunnel. We should proceed 

with caution, but the tantalising 

glimpses of life returning to normal 

are just great to savour. 

The past year has been fraught with 

challenges, but hasn’t it been filled 

with learning too? Of our resilience, 

our adaptability and of course, a big 

old beacon shining on the things 

that really matter. It’s hard to think 

it’s been over a year since we went 

into the first lockdown - I naively 

thought it would be a month or 

two. Here we are, more than 365 

days on - a little battle weary, but all 

the wiser. But, it’s shaped us - and 

shaped the way we make our little 

magazine too! 

First up, we’ve got some tasty egg 

recipes which will take you right 

back to nailing those basics, plus 

some ideas on how to take them to 

the next level. 

How can your 

garden grow? 

15 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre-Press Manager Kate O’Connell 

Contributors Rebecca Rose, Peter Thomson, Sue Cooke, Matthew Biggs 

Angela Cave and Pete Lawrence. Front cover courtesy of Dobbies Garden Centres 

Key Account Manager Marion Cassidy 

e marion@minervapublications.co.uk 

d/l 01225 984502 

twitter: @LivingStratford 

Building in 

20 

conservation areas 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ 

Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton 

Trowbridge BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

visit our website www.minervamagazines.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. 

Then we are focusing on the 

garden - the hub of our social 

lives over the last few months! It’s 

also a necessary extension of our 

living space, so with that in mind 

we’ve gathered together lots of 

inspiration to help you perfect your 

space. 

Finally, we are bringing back our 

very popular competition page 

- this issue it has nearly £1,500 

worth of prizes! You can enter 

all the ones listed on the page, 

plus some web-exclusives at 

minervamagazines.co.uk - you 

can also opt into being the first to 

hear about new giveaways when 

they are launched. 

All that’s left for me to say is, enjoy 

this edition and keep on truckin’ - 

the end really is in sight. So, a big 

social-distanced-virtual-Zoom hug 

from us all at Minerva, and see you 

again in July. 

Katie 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITION 

Time 

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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. 

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Skincare and 

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two runners up will each receive 

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There are plenty of dates to 

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keyword ‘VAX SMARTWASH’ 

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Quality Wine 

ON YOUR DOORSTEP! 

How much are we all looking forward to summer 

2021? Overseas holidays may be questionable for 

some, but in their place are countless gems on our 

own doorstep just waiting to be discovered, along 

with delicious regional food and drink to enjoy... 

One shining example is the home wine industry and the many 

award-winning wines now produced, attracting high praise from 

pundits here and across the globe. 

England’s vineyards are looking forward to throwing open their 

doors and welcoming visitors back again. Happily, the full lifting 

of restrictions falls during English Wine Week (Saturday 19 – 

Sunday 27 June). During this week, the growers and producers 

in England are inviting everyone to celebrate with some English 

wine – look out for events and promotions. 

English and Welsh wines are gaining popularity and are easy 

to discover, buy and enjoy – many are now readily-available in 

supermarkets, independent retailers and restaurant lists. Last 

year retail giants Waitrose, Majestic and Sainsburys all reported 

a boom in sales of English wines. And course you can buy direct 

from the vineyards themselves, either online or from the cellar 

door. Of the 700 or so vineyards in England and Wales, over 200 

vineyards are open to visitors and summer is the perfect time to 

visit them. 

Vineyards now offer a range of experiences from tours through 

a vineyard, to visiting the cellar door for a tasting. Some have 

a shop, restaurant, and a variety of accommodation options. 

Visitors will take away some great memories and new discoveries 

– and hopefully a bottle or two to enjoy at home and with friends. 

Some vineyards have got together to promote their region 

and enhance other local attractions: Kent, Surrey, Sussex and 

Hampshire all have such trails, and launching just ahead of 

English Wine Week is the first Yorkshire wine trail. There are also 

an array of wine tour companies offering vineyard visit packages 

in the UK. 

So let’s enjoy a summer of English wine and celebrate one of our 

home grown successes – cheers! 

English Wine Week runs 

Saturday 19 – Sunday 27 May 

Image courtesy of Ashling Park Wine 

Estate/WineGB 

Events, activities and promotions will be taking place – visit 

www.wingb.co.uk for more information or follow WineGB on 

@winegb on Instagram/Facebook or 

@Wine_GB on Twitter. 

Dining at The Arden Hotel 

Terrace now open, hotel and No.44 Brasserie opening from 17th May! 

The terrace is an ideal place to relax by the waterside with a refreshing drink 

while overlooking the River Avon and Royal Shakespeare Theatre in the sunshine. 

Enjoy dishes from our mouth-watering menu or indulge in a scrumptious 

afternoon tea with a variety of sandwiches, cakes, scones, fancies and fine teas. 

After a bite to eat, take a walk along the River Avon or through one of 

Stratford-upon-Avon’s beautiful parks. 

Our terrace is open daily from 10.00am – 8.00pm. 

To book please call us on 01789 298682 

We can’t wait to welcome you back! 

HOTEL OPENING 17 TH MAY! 

THEARDENHOTELSTRATFORD.COM | 01789 298682 

PROUD TO BE PART OF EDEN HOTEL COLLECTION 


Life 

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Find views that will blow 

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Redwings Horse Sanctuary 

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Follow the brown 

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A fun, 

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day out! 

Dog 

friendly! 

Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys nose to nose at 

Redwings Oxhill, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV35 0RP 

Please visit our website for opening times and information 

www.redwings.org.uk | 0870 040 0033 

The Perfect Cover for your Outdoor Celebration! 

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BACK TO Basics 

Perfect egg recipes for every 

chef’s repertoire - all from the 

egg-sperts...Clarence Court 

Now, first things first - you need to 

nail the basics - that is, perfect runny 

poached eggs and dippy boiled eggs. 

Always start with the freshest possible 

eggs, then... 

PERFECTLY POACHED 

Two must do tips before you start - add 

at least 1 tsp light coloured vinegar to 

your water. The second is to sieve your 

egg. When you crack an egg you’ll notice 

that there’s a firmer white and a more 

liquidy white. Well, that liquidy white is 

what creates all those white wispy bits. 

So add the egg to a fine mesh sieve/ 

strainer and the thinner, more liquid white 

is removed, leaving only the firmer white 

which will envelop the yolk. 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then 

reduce to low (or turn off the heat). Crack 

the egg in a fine mesh sieve (over a small 

bowl) and remove the liquidy whites. For 

a firm white and runny yolk you’ll want to 

poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes. 

DELIGHTFULLY DIPPY 

The timing here is based on using room 

temperature eggs. For a set white with a 

runny yolk, you want to boil for four-five 

minutes. Poke a hole in the top of the 

eggs with a needle or egg-puncher before 

you start. 

THOMAS FRAKE’S 

PORK HOLSTEIN 

Holstein usually uses white veal, but you 

can use pork, chicken or turkey. This 

recipe uses tenderised pork loin, breaded 

and fried in butter until golden, and then 

finished with chopped anchovies and 

capers in butter. A Braddock White egg 

is essential to finishing the dish as it 

provides a rich golden yolk that becomes 

the luxurious sauce. 

Preparation time: 30 minutes 

Cooking time: 12 minutes 

Serves: 2 

INGREDIENTS 

2 pork loin steaks 

100g flour 

1 Clarence Court egg 

100g Panko breadcrumbs 

25g parmesan, grated 

50g salted butter 

25ml rapeseed oil 

4 Clarence Court Braddock White Duck 

eggs 

4 anchovies, finely chopped 

20g capers 

Ingredients for the pickled cabbage: 

¼ white cabbage 

½ Bramley apple 

90ml white wine vinegar 

30g sugar 

10g fennel seeds 

METHOD 

Bring the vinegar, sugar and fennel seeds 

to the boil and remove from the heat. 

Finely shred the cabbage and apple and 

submerge into the vinegar. Leave to cool, 

then refrigerate. 

Flatten the pork with a rolling pin until 

5mm thick. Grate parmesan into the 

breadcrumbs. Dredge the pork in flour, 

then egg, then breadcrumbs, and repeat. 

In a deep frying pan, heat the butter and 

rapeseed oil on a mid-low heat until 

foaming. Fry the pork for 3 minutes a side, 

or until golden and crisp, being careful 

not to burn. Remove from the frying pan 

to a tray, spoon over some of the hot 

butter,and keep warm in a low oven. 

Fry the eggs in a little oil until the white is 

cooked but the yolk is still liquid. 

Add the pork Holstein to the plate, spoon 

over the capers and very finely chopped 

anchovies. Add the fried egg on top and 

the pickled cabbage alongside. 

FRESH EGG PASTA 

DOUGH 

You can either eat it straightaway or air dry 

a batch and then store it in an airtight jar 

for another day. To make a truly rich and 

bright pasta dough, use only egg yolks 

(not the whites) in the dough, at a ratio of 2 

egg yolks to 100g Tipo 00 pasta flour. 

INGREDIENTS 

4 Large Burford Brown eggs 

400g Tipo 00 pasta flour 

METHOD 

If using a food processor, crack in the 

eggs and tip in the pasta flour. Pulse a 

few times until it comes together like thick 

breadcrumbs. If it’s looking quite dry add 

a tiny splash of water or olive oil and pulse 

a couple more times. Tip the dough out on 

a clean work surface and knead well for a 

few minutes until it feels springy and quite 

firm. Shape the dough into a disc and 

wrap in cling film, and then place in the 

fridge to rest for around an hour. 

If you’re making the dough by hand, 

make a mound of flour on a clean work 

surface and then make a well in the 

flour. Crack the eggs into the middle 

and use a dinner knife to incorporate 

the flour gently into the centre and 

whisk it into the eggs. Continue mixing 

in the flour and then use your hands to 

combine everything together and form 

a rough dough. If it’s feeling a little dry 

just sprinkle over a little water or olive 

oil and start kneading. Knead well for a 

few minutes until the dough feels springy 

and quite firm. Shape into a disc as 

before. The dough is now ready for you 

to roll and shape as you prefer. 


ADVERTISING FEATURE 

INDULGE IN LUXURY 

Kate O’Connell takes some time out to 

relax and unwind at The Belfry Hotel 

& Resort... 

With all the madness this past year, we 

are no doubt all guilty of having not been 

terribly kind to ourselves. Lockdown 

has a funny way of magnifying all of 

our emotions, to a point where feelings 

of stress, anxiety and sadness can be 

incredibly overwhelming. 

So perhaps it is now more than ever 

where we need to give ourselves a little 

‘me time’. Me and my fiancé were lucky 

enough to take a quick trip up the M5 

to The Belfry Hotel and Resort for some 

much needed pampering! 

We checked into our gorgeous Brabazon 

Lodge, which was complete with its own 

separate living area and a divine bathtub 

(which I made sure to make the most of!). 

Once refreshed and glammed up, we 

headed to the bar for a quick drink before 

our dinner reservations. Exuding class 

and style, we couldn’t miss the Brabazon 

Bar! The Belfry have made sure that 

safety is a priority given the times, and 

so it was table service only (which I don’t 

know about you, but I could easily get 

used to!). After a nice glass of fizz for me 

and a tall frosty beer for my partner, we 

headed off to dinner at The Ryder Grill. 

To start, I opted for a for the antipasti 

selection. I am a sucker for cured meats, 

and so this was an easy choice, and I 

wasn’t disappointed. With a lovely full 

bodied glass of cabernet sauvignon, I 

was in heaven. I decided to continue my 

carnivorous streak and opted for the 7oz 

Fillet Steak. Accompanied by a roquette 

salad and fries, it was everything and 

more! 

We topped off our stay with a trip to the 

Spa. I won’t lie, I was a little nervous as to 

how The Belfry would be able to prioritise 

safety within the spa facilities, but it was 

clear we were in good hands as soon 

as we checked in. Our temperatures 

were taken, and numbers have been 

heavily reduced in areas such as the 

pool and saunas. Extra precautions 

were taken at every turn, leaving me to 

relax and thoroughly enjoy my bespoke 

facial knowing we were in the best care 

possible. 

There has never been a better, or more 

important time to look after ourselves. 

While self-care comes in many forms 

for everyone, if luxurious bedrooms, 

indulgent food and soothing massages 

are your thing, then do not hesitate and 

book your stay today. 

The Belfry Hotel’s Spa and Leisure Club 

will reopen from 12th April. 

Book your stay with confidence now at: 

www.thebelfry.com 


DIGITAL CONCERT 

COLLECTIONS 

WATCH FROM YOUR HOME UNTIL 30 JUNE 

Pour your favourite drink, dim the lights and turn up the music! 

Book online: cbso.co.uk/digital-concerts 

Living-Magazine-153x110-02-A.indd 1 06/04/2021 22:31 


BMW M440i 

XDrive 

Motoring Journalist Sue Cooke 

test drives the new powerful and 

exhilarating BMW M4401... 

I drove to a business meeting this week 

which took around an hour and I wish it 

had taken longer. The journey meant a 

little motorway cruising, a few twisting 

country lanes and inevitably at rush hour 

time, a few stationary traffic queues. It 

was the perfect opportunity to experience 

the new BMW 4 series coupe which I was 

road testing and which caused quite a 

stir of interest on arrival at my meeting, 

observing social distancing of course. In 

fact, this coupe has caused quite a stir 

all week. 

Mainly, because it looks so stunning, 

with its lower, wider, new exterior. There 

are short overhangs, slender pillars and 

long two doors with frameless windows. 

The aggressively styled LED adaptive 

headlights which had BMW laser light 

provided fantastic vision during the predawn 

part of my drive. Non dazzling high 

beam assistant is an option. The M sport 

model adds a striking rear apron and 

large outer air intakes at the front. The 4 

series is also available as a convertible. 

Judging from the interest shown by 

business colleagues, the 4 series coupe 

will be a popular fleet car. Its seductive 

looks, engaging drive and beautiful cabin, 

makes it a car that drivers will be happy 

to get into and reluctant to get out of. 

As soon as I slid behind the wheel, I felt 

I was in a very special place. Sculptured 

leather seats have shapely side bolsters 

which fit perfectly and give support 

during hard cornering. The heady smell 

of leather and the quality trim enhances 

that elite feeling and the technology 

surprises. A seat belt arm appeared at my 

right shoulder and handed me the seat 

belt. I pressed the stop start button, the 

engine quietly fired and all the dials and 

indicators moved and lit up. 

Engage reverse and the wing mirrors dip 

for easier views of the tarmac. 

Steering wheel controls enable the 

driver to not just change the volume 

on the DAB digital radio, but to change 

the mode. There is a very long list of 

standard specification and then you add 

the options which on my road test car 

included visibility pack, technology plus 

pack, shadowline plus and comfort plus. 

There is a new dashboard featuring digital 

instruments and a heavily upgraded 

infotainment system with BMW’s latest 

ID7 operating system. 

For practicality, there is an array of 

storage areas and the boot space has 

increased to 440 litres. Passengers told 

me that rear seating is spacious and 

comfortable. 

The 4 series has a choice of turbocharged 

petrol and diesel engines, all belonging to 

the Efficient Dynamics family. There are 

upgraded driver assistance technologies 

and even greater efficiencies from the 

introduction of mild hybrid technology 

with a 48V starter generator. The M440i 

xDrive has a powerful six cylinder in line 

petrol engine which links with an eight 

speed Steptronic transmission. Intelligent 

all wheel drive features as standard on 

the six cylinder. 

Power is instant and as the car surged 

forward, I felt as if I was gliding on a 

cushion of air with effortless steering. 

Brakes are excellent. 

The BMW M440i xDrive is priced from 

£53,875 otr., but for the sometimes 

calming and sometimes exhilarating 

feelings this coupe engenders it is well 

worth every penny. 

Facts at a Glance 

Model: BMW M440i xDrive 

Price: Starts from £53,875 

Engine: 3 litre turbocharged petrol with 

374hp and peak torque of 500Nm 

Performance: 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds 

and on to a top speed of 155 mph 

CO2 emissions: 163-155 g/km 

Combined fuel consumption: 39.8- 

41.5mpg 


THE FUTURE STARTS 

HERE. MEET THE 4. 

AVAILABLE TO TEST DRIVE*. 

For generations, BMW has evolved in technology 

and dynamics. The 4 marks a new chapter in the 

journey, nodding to the past while embracing 

innovation and heralding a bright future. With 

the impressive new vertical kidney grille, which 

features an elegant mesh design within the 

reimagined grille, the all-new BMW 4 Series 

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Fuel economy and CO2 results for the BMW 4 Series Coupé range: Mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 36.2 (7.8) to 61.4 (4.6). CO 2 

emissions: 178-121 g/km. 

M4 competition Saloon : Mpg (l/100km) (Combined) 28.0 (10.1) - 28.2 (10.0). CO2 emissions : 231 – 228g/km. Figures shown are for comparability 

purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real 

life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles 

and vehicle load. The CO2 figures shown above have been determined according to the WLTP test. WLTP has been used as the applicable CO2 figure 

from 1 April 2020 for first year vehicle tax (VED) and from 6 April 2020 for company car tax (BIK). The CO2 figures were previously based on the NEDC 

equivalent. *Test drives will be dependent on current government advice and availability.

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ADD SOFTNESS 

The modern garden should 

cry out to be sat in - it 

should cosset and relax 

- like an extension of the 

living room. To achieve 

this, it’s important to 

add soft elements. 

Remembering that on 

the whole, gardens 

are hard spaces in their 

bones - but by layering 

textiles, materials and 

different seating options, we 

can create something really 

rather special. 

As 

well as textiles, 

take care to 

look at the ways your 

hard landscaping interacts with 

your soft landscaping - that is, 

your decking, patio, walls with 

your planting and lawns. Lots 

of texture and softness can be 

added with the careful selection 

of plants and trees - you want 

movement in the wind and tactile 

elements. 

HOW CAN YOUR GARDEN 

GROW 

In these strange and unprecedented times, our gardens 

have never been more important. They have been the 

meeting place of family and friends and a real saviour in the 

face of so much difficulty. Whether you have green fingers 

or black thumbs, we have lots of inspiration for your space 

and ways to make it work harder for you! 

IDEAS FOR 

SMALL GARDENS 

Small gardens have a lot more potential than you may 

appreciate. Whether dealing with a long narrow space 

behind a period home, a cramped backyard that lacks 

privacy, or even a little courtyard, the possibilities are 

endless. So don’t write off your small outdoor area just yet... 

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GROW? 

Are you hoping to grow cut flowers, your favourite herbs, 

or a few vegetables? When space is limited, it is especially 

important to determine which of these are worth growing 

yourself, and which are better to purchase seasonally from 

your local farmer’s market or shop. Focus on growing 

flowers and produce that are usually expensive, hard to 

find, have a short shelf life, or you use regularly. 

CREATE SEATING WITHIN BORDERS 

A great idea is to add seating to the edges of raised beds 

- it makes otherwise unused space a flexible element for 

socialising. Sleepers are a great option, or patio slabs on 

small diving walls. Have a folding bistro table on hand to 

create a dining area where needed. 

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX 

What about vertical gardens? Railing planters? Hanging 

baskets for strawberries? 

Images, left to right from top: Mudcloth Cushion and Anouk Cushion, 

from £35 www.hauslife.co.uk; Chair, £279.99 from shop.sueryder. 

org; Outdoor Rug, £59.95, Cuckooland; Verano Lounger, £479 from 

Danetti; Outdoor Cushions, £25 each from Ragged Rose 

Image from Go 

Modern Furniture 


CREATE PRIVACY 

You may not have room for large 

evergreen trees and shrubs to create 

privacy. But, would a row of one of the 

many columnar varieties that provide 

height—without the width—work? If only 

seasonal screening is needed, perhaps 

narrow, columnar, deciduous trees or 

shrubs would be suitable? Or perhaps 

growing well-behaved climbers (e.g. 

jasmine or annual vines) on a vertical 

trellis would be the best solution. 

ADD A WATER FEATURE 

Water features are always a great 

addition to a garden. While a pond and 

waterfall may not be realistic, a simple 

recirculating wall fountain or bubbling 

tabletop pot may be the answer. 

MAKE EVERY SQUARE INCH 

COUNT 

Focus on high-value trees, shrubs, and 

perennials that offer multiple seasons of 

interest with attractive leaves, seasonal 

flowers, unique textures, colourful bark 

and/or great autumnal colour. 

CREATE SECTIONS 

The garden to the right has three 

sections, all with clear individual 

purposes – making the space feel bigger 

because of the multifunctional uses. The 

top level features a patio, which is bathed 

in morning sunshine. A central seating 

area made for socialising and the bottom 

deck houses a water feature. Then there’s 

the homeowner’s ‘she shed’. 

KEEP THE COLOUR PALETTE 

SIMPLE 

Two or three colours in varying shades, 

together with green, will be less visually 

cluttered than a jelly-bean-like explosion. 

CREATE A SENSE OF ORDER 

Clean lines bring an orderly feel to the 

garden. A clear rectilinear design can 

define spaces, while flowing organic 

curves can be used to soften awkward 

angles. 

USE THE DIAGONAL AXIS 

A typical new build garden is often wide 

but shallow. Looking straight across the 

back garden therefore emphasises the 

shortest dimension. Alter the perspective 

by turning the patio, planting beds, and 

sight lines 45-degrees to line up with the 

Image from Colin Poole 

diagonal axis, creating the illusion of a 

much larger space. 

LOOK FOR COMPACT PLANTS 

Choose plants that won’t overwhelm 

the ground plane, but don’t be afraid to 

include moderate sized or columnar trees 

to achieve the appropriate scale. 

Image from Moda 

Furnishings 

SOCIABLE 

SEATING 

Image from Dobbies 

Corner sofas are a great addition to the garden, 

extending the feel of living space outside. We 

love options with room to lounge, but also those 

with interchangeable tables which allow for 

dining, making the space more versatile. Opt for 

neutral colours and style with cushions so you 

can freshen up the look any time. 

To increase the usability of the space through 

the year and intothe cooler evenings, some 

element of heating is wise. We love the options 

from Moda Furnishings, which have either gas 

fireplaces within the table, or the pure theatre 

of an inset grill and corresponding ice bucket 

for drinks - you need never leave the table! 

Patio heaters have also come a long way in 

design and functionality. 


We look forward to seeing you again 

12th April 2021 

Come and see our lovely new range of clothing. Over the last 10 years we 

have increased the clothes range in the Gifts & Interiors Shop 

and are now very excited to introduce our new Spring/Summer season. 

We are alsofully stocked with lovely accessories, gifts and beautiful interior 

design ideas for the home. 

Hillers Gifts & Interiors is part of the award winning Hillers Farm Shop. It is run by fourth 

generation sisters Sally and Emma who are at the forefront of this busy, flourishing Farm 

Shop with so much more. The Farm Shop has an array of fantastic homemade products 

and many other delicious items that are carefully selected from specialist suppliers to 

bring their customers the very best in fresh, quality produce that is sourced locally 

wherever possible. Within the Farm Shop, there is a delicatessen and well stocked 

cheese counter, Ragley Estate Meats and Hillers Fish Shop and onsite there is The 

Garden Restaurant, Gifts & Interiors and Garden Shop, really something for everyone. 

Visit Hillers, a family run enterprise that is passionate about bringing g you the best in 

quality local produce and customer service that's second to none! 

So 

whether you want to browse in the award winning Farm Shop, enjoy a delicious meal 

in 

the Restaurant, walk round the beautiful Display Garden or find the perfect outfit or 

a 

gift for that special someone, visit Hillers where you'll be assured of a warm welcome 

NOW OPEN 

Hillers Farm Shop, Garden & Plant Centre with beautiful display gardens 

and The Hillers Hut for takeaway food & drink.

Image from OKA 

ADD SOFTNESS 

The modern garden should 

cry out to be sat in - it 

should cosset and relax 

- like an extension of the 

living room. To achieve 

this, it’s important to 

add soft elements. 

Remembering that on 

the whole, gardens 

are hard spaces in their 

bones - but by layering 

textiles, materials and 

different seating options, we 

can create something really 

rather special. 

As 

well as textiles, 

take care to 

look at the ways your 

hard landscaping interacts with 

your soft landscaping - that is, 

your decking, patio, walls with 

your planting and lawns. Lots 

of texture and softness can be 

added with the careful selection 

of plants and trees - you want 

movement in the wind and tactile 

elements. 

THE LIFE AQUATIC 

Adding water to the garden can be one of the best things to do for 

your mental health. Here are a few things to consider: 

CONSIDER THE MOOD YOU ARE TRYING TO CREATE 

Water can play many roles in the garden, so it is good to be clear 

about the different atmospheres you want to achieve. For instance, 

a swimming pool or natural swimming pond could create a wonderful 

social space in a family garden, while an ornamental water feature 

could make a dramatic focal point in a smaller, urban plot. 

Images, left to right from top: Mudcloth Cushion and Anouk Cushion, 

from £35 www.hauslife.co.uk; Chair, £279.99 from shop.sueryder. 

org; Outdoor Rug, £59.95, Cuckooland; Verano Lounger, £479 from 

Danetti; Outdoor Cushions, £25 each from Ragged Rose 

Image from Go 

Modern Furniture 

MAKE SURE YOUR WATER FEATURE RELATES TO THE 

STYLE OF THE HOUSE 

Design detailing and choice of materials are an essential part of 

good garden design, but they are particularly important in smaller 

gardens, where water features might need to be sited close to a 

property. Water features can look completely out of place if they 

have no relation to the character of the house or the design of the 

garden that surrounds them. Use materials to reflect the other 

elements in the garden, such as paths and walls, and match the 

colour and tone of the materials to that of the building so they 

don’t jar and make for an uncomfortable setting. 

REMEMBER THAT DIFFERENT MATERIALS CREATE 

DIFFERENT SOUNDS WHEN WATER FALLS ONTO OR 

RUNS OVER THEM 

We all see and experience the sound of water very differently. It’s 

a very personal experience and you need to explore what it is that 

appeals to you about different sounds and what you might find 

distracting. Metal for example, can create quite a harsh sound if 

water falls onto it directly, but it will sound completely different if 

water falls down it vertically. 


BUILDING IN A 

CONSERVATION 

AREA 

Just because your home 

is not listed, does not 

mean there might be 

restrictions in place from 

Conservation Area laws. 

Here the HomeOwners 

Alliance tell us what 

we should be aware 

of if planning home 

improvements which may 

fall outside of permitted 

development... 

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION 

AREA? 

These are designated areas of historic 

and architectural interest in which there 

are legal restrictions on what changes 

can be made to buildings, greenery and 

street furniture in order to preserve the 

unique character of the place. The first 

conservation areas were established in 

1967 and now there are around 10,000 in 

the UK including estates, parks, stretches 

of canal, historic town centres and some 

entire villages. 

The precise restrictions on what you can 

do will vary according to the rules set 

by your local authority and the nature 

of the area they are trying to protect. 

For example in some areas the rules 

might prevent changes to railings, street 

lighting, trees, windows, right down to the 

colour of paint that residents are allowed 

to use on their front doors. 

WHAT ARE THE PLANNING RE- 

STRICTIONS FOR HOMES IN A 

CONSERVATION AREA? 

Local authorities place extra restrictions 

on properties within conservation areas 

known as ‘Article 4 Directions’. These 

limit the changes that home owners 

would otherwise be able to make to their 

properties under their normal ‘permitted 

development rights’. These rights govern 

the home improvements that property 

owners are usually allowed to make 

without requiring planning permission. 

If you live in a conservation area, these 

automatic rights are more limited. 

You should speak to your local planning 

authority and look on its website in order 

to find out what specific restrictions apply 

to the conservation area that you live in. 

However the general rules are that you 

cannot, without permission, demolish: 

• A building that is more than 115 

cubic metres 

• A gate, wall or fence that is over 1 

metre if it borders the road or higher 

than 2 metres if not. 

You would also need permission for the 

following alterations 

• A single storey extensions that 

extend more than 3 metres beyond 

the back wall of the house or 4 

metres if the house is detached 

• Extensions greater than one storey 

“Local authorities place extra restrictions on 

properties within conservation areas known as 

‘Article 4 Directions’. These limit the changes that 

home owners would otherwise be able to make to 

their properties under their normal ‘permitted 

development rights’.” 

• Side extensions 

• Roof extensions or alterations 

• Cladding in any material 

• Any new construction of sheds, 

outbuildings, swimming pools. 

• The installation of chimneys, flues 

or vents at the front of the house or 

at the side if it faces the road 

• Installing satellite dishes or 

antennae that face the road. 

• Fitting solar panels to the front 

of the roof facing the street than 

150mm from the roof slope. 

• Fitting solar panels that protrude by 

more than 150mm from the roof 

In addition your local authority may 

have imposed specific rules on the 

conservation area that you live in so it 

is vital to check these. Such rules could 

prevent you from: 

• Replacing original windows or 

doors 

• Altering the guttering or pipes 

• Felling trees or shrubs 

• Painting the facade or changing the 

colour of window frames and doors 

WHERE CAN I GET ADVICE 

ON CARRYING OUT BUILDING 

WORK WITHOUT BREAKING 

THE RULES? 

Speak to your local planning authority at 

an early stage and talk through your plans 

to find out if they are likely to require 

planning permission. If you do need to 

apply for permission, you could get your 

builder, architect or a planning consultant 

to submit an application on your behalf. 

Find out more at www.hoa.org.uk 


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The Care UK 28 day guarantee gives you the 

confidence you need. 

We know the decision to move into a care home 

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Quality care in 

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When a family is thinking about care for an 

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Fulfilling lives 

Living at Ambleside is all about quality of life. Every colleague 

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fulfilling lifestyle, tailoring their day around their interests and 

preferences. If your loved one enjoys a quiet cuppa in bed with 

Woman’s Hour, wishes to attend a virtual church service, or loves 

a beer every evening, the team will make it happen. 

The lifestyle team organises a huge variety of group and one-toone 

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This state-of-the-art care home boasts luxury facilities with its 

own café, activity room, hair and beauty salon and cinema. 

ALSTERS KELLEY 

SOLICITORS OPENS FIFTH 

OFFICE WITH ACQUISITION 

OF BONELL & CO 

Coventry and Warwickshire solicitors 

Alsters Kelley recently announced the 

acquisition of Stratford-based Bonell & Co 

Solicitors, further extending its presence 

across the region as it brings its total 

number of offices to five... 

It is an exciting development for the Legal 500 firm which already 

operates in Coventry, Nuneaton, Leamington Spa and Southam 

and represents its first acquisition for 15 years. 

Bonell & Co, which is situated in Chestnut Walk, Stratford, has 

been established for over 30 years. It currently offers services in 

conveyancing and family law. 

The deal, which was conducted throughout the height of the 

COVID-19 pandemic, will allow the firm, which will become 

known as Alsters Kelley incorporating Bonell Co, to extend its 

range of services to the region*, whilst continuing to provide 

a high level of personal service for which it has always been 

renowned. 

Cathy Wahlberg, Managing Director at Alsters Kelley, said: “The 

acquisition of Bonell & Co marks the start of an exciting new 

chapter for both firms. 

Peace of mind guaranteed 

Care UK’s 28 day guarantee gives you complete confidence and 

flexibility if you are not absolutely happy, or simply change your 

mind about the need for a care home**. 

To find out more, visit careuk.com/28-day-guarantee 

Ambleside is part of award winning provider, Care UK – one 

of the UK’s most successful care home operators. Care UK 

has over 35 years’ experience of delivering high quality care 

to older people, with more outstanding rated homes than any 

other provider** 

Ambleside care home, Dodwell, CV37 9ST 

care.uk.com/ambleside 

Email: gary.hulme@careuk.com 

Tel: 01789 867338 



“Bonell & Co boasts an impressive pedigree and has a highly 

talented and experienced workforce. It has an excellent reputation 

throughout the Stratford region and the acquisition seemed like 

the next natural step in Alsters Kelley’s own journey. It provides 

us with an excellent platform for growth and we look forward to 

developing the business in the years to come for the benefit of 

both the staff and our clients.” 

Both firms pride themselves on their friendly, approachable 

service combined with expert legal advice with Alsters Kelley 

operating on the mantra of being kind, helpful and excellent in the 

delivery of its service at all times. 

*Alsters Kelley’s range of services include Family (divorce, 

finances, children matters) , family care (adoption, care 

proceedings, abductions), private client (wills, powers of 

attorney, tax and trusts), conveyancing, personal injury, medical 

negligence, dispute resolution and criminal cases including 

motoring offences. 


Looking for a care home or a home 

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We offer a free and independent service that can help you find 

the right care home, live-in care or domiciliary care package. 

CHS Healthcare is the UK’s leading specialist in helping people to 

find the right care. We offer a dedicated advisor to help you every 

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CHS was very helpful in finding the right care for Dad. It is 

difficult to know where to start finding help, CHS was wonderful 

and took all our stress away 

0121 362 8845 

Midlandsplacements@chshealthcare.co.uk 

carehomeselection.co.uk

Your local Bupa care homes 

in Stratford-upon-Avon 

Video 

tours available 

We are welcoming 

new residents 

Whether you need to find a local care home now, 

or are just starting to look into options, we can help. 

We’re welcoming new residents to join us for as long as 

they need – a few weeks, a month or a permanent stay. 

Call us for advice today 

01789 863 914 

Lines are open 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm Saturday. 

Closed Sundays and bank holidays. Calls are charged at no more than local rate and 

count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles. We may record or monitor our calls. 

Alveston Leys Care Home 

Nursing | Palliative | 

Residential | Short stay 

9.4 


Review Score 

49 reviews † 

Canning Court Care Home 

Dementia nursing | Dementia 

residential | Short stay 

9.5 


Review Score 

32 reviews † 

We make sure our teams always have personal protective equipment available and regular testing takes place. 

We also participate in available vaccine programmes and follow strict UK infection control standards. 

All types of funding welcome No health insurance needed 

†The Review Score is based on the quality and number of independent reviews this home has received on carehome.co.uk in the last two years, at the time of going to print. 

Q121285 MAY21 CS 02174

Top tips to step back to normality 

Dr Hilary Jones provides useful tips regarding moving forward during the pandemic 

Many of us have spent the past year in the 

comfort of our own homes, establishing 

a work routine from our bedrooms or 

living rooms, adapting exercise and diet 

regimes, and finding alternative ways to 

communicate with friends and family. 

Lockdown created a welcome slow-down 

for many people, allowing us to reflect on 

our fast-paced lives and spend more time 

looking after ourselves. As restrictions 

gradually ease and more freedoms are 

granted, it may lead you to feel conflicting 

emotions, so to help during this confusing 

time, I have provided my top tips to step 

back into normality, including: 

Go at your own pace 

Take time for yourself 

Reconnect with loved ones 

Get enough sleep 

Put your health first and get regular check 

ups 

Although friends and family may be 

excited for their COVID bubbles to burst 

as measures begin to loosen, it is normal if 

you feel overwhelmed and anxious at the 

thought of slowly returning back to your 

hectic pre-COVID life. 

My top tip 

Try to take each step at a time - you don’t 

have to jump straight back into your old 

routine. If going on a walk is enough for 

one day, stick with it, but try to build on 

this every day. Perhaps meet up with 

a friend or grab a coffee from the local 

shop - stepping out of your comfort zone, 

gradually and responsibly, can help reestablish 

a routine that works for you. 

Take time for yourself 

As we adjust to yet another big change, 

it’s more important than ever to look after 

ourselves and take note of how we are 

feeling. You may think you have taken too 

much time for yourself over the last year, 

however, as life picks up its pace again, 

it is likely you will crave more me-time, 

so be conscious to allow yourself these 

moments. 

My top tip 

Think about an activity that is just for 

you – for example reading a book before 

bed, taking a bath, or watching a movie. 

Practising mindfulness by taking 5 minutes 

every day to focus on your breath is an 

exercise that can help you feel relaxed, 

ease anxiety and enable you to focus on 

the present, giving yourself the time that 

you need. 

Reconnect with loved ones 

Communicating with others can help keep 

our spirits up, lessen feelings of isolation 

and anxiety, and make new memories. 

The pandemic has made it difficult for 

the majority of us to connect with friends 

and family, with most interaction having 

taken place at a social distance or behind 

a screen, so it is an exciting feeling being 

able to reunite with those close to you once 

more. 

My top tip 

As you begin to reconnect with your loved 

ones, be attentive to any changes in their 

health - you are much more likely to notice 

any changes than they are, especially if 

you haven’t seen them for a while. Have 

you noticed your family member or friend 

having difficulty following the conversation, 

for example? Then suggest they get their 

hearing tested - Hidden Hearing’s 5-minute 

online hearing test – available at www. 

campaignforbetterhearing.co.uk can 

provide an immediate insight into how well 

they are hearing. 

Thanks to the support of The National 

Campaign for Better Hearing, you or your 

loved one could be nominated to receive a 

top of the range hearing aid. 

Get enough sleep 

You will probably find your sleeping pattern 

change as our day-to-day activities get 

busier. Going back to work, doing more 

exercise and socialising will have a bigger 

impact on our energy levels than we might 

think, so getting enough rest is key. 

My top tip 

Try to stick to a regular sleeping routine, 

going to sleep and waking up at a similar 

time each day, and aim for at least eight 

hours sleep a night. If you struggle to get 

some shut eye, reduce screen time, avoid 

caffeine before bed and exercise regularly. 

Put your health first by having 

regular check ups 

Your health may have taken a backseat 

during the pandemic, and you may not 

have had your regular health checks, such 

as going to the dentist or getting your 

eyesight and hearing tested. However, 

it is important to take the initiative and 

book these appointments so that you can 

fully enjoy life’s magical moments postlockdown. 

My top tip 

As restrictions ease and summer comes 

along, you want to be able to absorb your 

senses to feel connected to the world 

around you once more – including hearing 

the birds outside, people watching in the 

bustling streets, and ordering that long 

awaited drink at your local pub. Prioritise 

your hearing health by booking a free 

hearing test at your local Hidden Hearing 

centre - call 0800 037 2060 or visit www. 

hiddenhearing.co.uk/hidden-hearing 


£15.65m 2

Stratford-upon-Avon Living May - Jun 2021

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