Newmarket and Ely Living Jun - Jul 2021

Contents 

A Note 

from the EDITOR 

17 

A 

A Culinary Journey through 

Northern 

spectacular Ireland 

garden transformation 

Excuse me for a moment, whilst I just 

finish wringing out my clothes and 

removing my flippers after the wettest 

May I can remember! I’m a May baby 

and I usually bank on good weather, 

but it’s been a mixed bag hasn’t it! 

The garden is looking pretty happy 

though... 

...and speaking of, we are a nation of 

garden fanatics - never more-so than 

when our patches of earth became 

our social spaces, home gym or just 

general respite from our four walls. 

Our competition 

page returns 

04 

With that in mind, we’ve got a 

wonderful garden feature to help 

inspire you - and to show that no 

space is beyond help! This plot really 

was an eyesore and a challenge given 

its slope and poor access, but the 

owners have made something rather 

special and given us some tips into 

how they did it. 

If you are planning on extending or 

renovating, you might find your plans 

slightly scuppered if you live in one of 

thousands of Conservation Areas. The 

HomeOwners Alliance have given us 

their expert insights into some of the 

considerations you may have to bear 

in mind. 

10 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk 

Slow cooker recipes to 

make you smile 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre-press Manager Kate O’Connell 

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

Front Cover courtesy of Kiera Williams Photography www.kierawilliamsphoto.co.uk 

Key Account Manager Claire Harris 

e claire.harris@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984 494 

twitter @elyliving 

24 

Building in a 

Conservation Area 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ 

Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton, Trowbridge 

BA14 6JB t 01225 984 550 

w www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

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. 

On the foodie front we have some 

amazing recipes from a book all 

about the humble slow cooker. Once 

consigned as a product of a 70s 

housewife, the slow cooker has had 

an image reinvention in recent years 

- especially because its low-cost and 

minimal fuss cooking appeals to the 

modern, time-strapped family cook. 

They’re as beautiful as they are tasty, 

so we hope you enjoy digging in. 

Finally, we are bringing back our very 

popular competition page - this issue 

it has nearly £2,000 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. 

We are looking forward to seeing you 

again in August - hopefully after a 

long hot summer! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITION 

Time 

If you’re looking for the full package when grilling, 

the Professional PRO is the one to go for. It is 

the grill of superlatives because it is extra hot, 

extra convenient and extra versatile. The innovative 

TRU-Infrared cooking technology guarantees that your 

barbecue food remains juicy and tender on the inside. 

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. 

Char-Broil gas 

burner BBQ 

worth 

£719 

The high-performance sear burner positioned to the 

side perfects that really crispy crust - complete with 

professional grill strips on the outside. The grill is started by 

way of electronic SureFire ignition, at the touch of a button 

and without any open flame. Three low-consumption, upward facing highperformance 

stainless steel burners produce maximum, evenly distributed heat 

with low gas consumption. Find out more at www.charbroil.co.uk 

Closes 30/05/2021 - Competition keyword ‘CHAR’ 

Skincare and 

relaxtion goodies 

worth over 

£280 

Made By Copers is modern 

apothecary crafting natural and 

organic products for your skin and 

soul. We focus on the whole body, 

with an emphasis on emotional 

wellbeing. We believe in creating 

natural, clean products that leave 

your skin radiant, nourished and 

your mind and body restored to 

perfect harmony. 

The winner will receive a special 

hamper containing the sleepy 

head collection, a Relaxing 

Body Oil and the Superfood 

Face Serum (worth £147) and 

two runners up will each receive 

the Bath Salt Collection (worth 

£67.50) 

At home or in the Cotswolds, 

win two fabulous Macrame 

kits with everything else 

needed to create your 

stunning boho style 5 feather 

Macrame wall hanging from 

the comfort of home. 

Then visit Larkswold in the 

Cotswolds and experience 

their amazing scented candle 

making workshop for you 

to enjoy and treat a friend. 

There are plenty of dates to 

choose from. 

Why not check out: 

www.larkswold.com for a full 

list of courses. 

£220 

worth of 

crafting 

workshops 

Closes 30/05/2021 - Competition 

keyword ‘COOPERS’ 


keyword ‘LARKSWOLD’ 

Baby mat and 

block play set 

worth 

£220 

Give your child the best possible start 

with the play gym that gives you a whole 

year of play. New to the UK, baby brand 

Lovevery did all the research to bring 

your child the best stage-based play 

gym for their developing brain. 

The Parents’ Choice awardwinning 

play gym includes 

everything your child needs in 

an activity gym and play mat— 

from batting to teething to learning 

to focus—for playtime and tummy time with 

purpose. Designed by child development 

experts and crafted with safe, healthy and 

durable materials for babies ages 0+. 

Winners will receive a mat worth £140 plus The Block 

Set (worth £80), perfect for honing 

those 

spatial, language, and problemsolving 

skills. See the full 

collection at uk.lovevery.com 

Closes 30/05/2021 - 

Competition 

keyword 

‘LOVEVERY’ 

Wage war on dirt, bacteria and odours in the 

home with the new Vax Platinum SmartWash. 

Scoring 99/100 in Good Housekeeping 

Institute’s carpet washing tests, it also 

outperforms the UK’s leading rental and 

leaves carpets dry in as little as one hour. 

There is no trigger to press and hold down whilst 

cleaning, instead the motion sense technology 

automatically dispenses the correct mix of clean water 

and VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution when you 

push forward to wash and dries when you pull back. 

Its FlexForce brush bars agitate the carpet to remove 

tough stains, dirt and spills, delivering a deep clean 

seven times more effective than vacuuming alone. 

Also included is a stretch hose, Spinscrub hand 

tool and 2-in-1 antimicrobial wash tool to deep 

clean and tackle above the floor stains on stairs, 

upholstery, in pet beds and in the car. 

We’ve got one to win worth £299.99 including a 

free steam cleaner worth £59.99 - 

www.vax.co.uk 


keyword ‘VAX SMARTWASH’ 

VAX SmartWash 

and steam cleaner 

worth 

£359 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

NURSERIES 

Supporting children and families through the pandemic 

In the first national lockdown nurseries 

could only stay open for critical childcare – 

providing care for vulnerable children and 

those of critical workers. Once they could 

open for all children again it was clear that 

lockdowns had created a very challenging 

period for children and families. 

According to the Department for 

Education’s figures only half of the usual 

number of children are back at nursery 

or other early years settings. Attendance 

dipped as low as 30% at the height of the 

third wave. 

As a result of lockdowns children have 

been going into nursery having spent either 

all their lives away from other children and 

extended family or having not seen them for 

weeks or months at a time, which is a long 

time in a baby or toddler’s life. 

Early years education and care is crucial in a 

young child’s development as these are the 

most important years that help determine 

their futures. For many children early 

years settings have been the only place 

of “normality” and a place where they can 

interact in a safe environment. Children can 

play with others the same age, challenge 

themselves with risky play and become 

used to socialising again. They can also 

learn or re-learn behaviours important for 

being in a large group like exploring, helping 

others, sharing, communication skills and 

learning together. 

With time out of nursery or other early 

education settings, children’s basic 

communication skills have suffered, so their 

skilled professionals are now focussing 

on their needs. However, these dedicated 

staff need more time and government 

investment in training so they can better 

support children. Practitioners are facing 

lots of challenging behaviours from children 

and any problems children are experiencing 

at home have only been exacerbated by the 

events of the past year. 

Many nurseries have gone above and 

beyond, for families too. Many have helped 

to support children who were unable to 

come in – possibly due to shielding or 

concerns over Covid-19. This has included 

innovative ways of assisting them and 

their families remotely such as story time, 

suggested activities and hints and tips to 

parents. 

Nurseries have done so much for children 

and families throughout the pandemic. 

Now the attention is shifting to educational 

recovery we must not forget children’s 

early years. This is when they lay down 

foundations for lifelong learning. As a 

country we must invest in our children and 

the vital early education settings they need 

to ensure our little ones have the best start 

in life. 

CEO Purnima Tanuku OBE 

01484 40 70 70 

www.ndna.org.uk 


Energy | Courage | Integrity 

“Who were you at Nursery today?!” 

Adventure at its best. 

King’s Ely Acremont Nursery offers a lot more than just childcare. 

Discover more by booking your personal visit today! 

www.kingsely.org 

Independent School 

Girls and Boys, ages 2-18 

Day and Boarding

VW ID.3 

All Electric 

Motoring Journalist Sue Cooke test 

drives the new electrifying VW ID.3... 

At last, a fully electric car with a decent 

mileage range hits dealership forecourts. 

Range anxiety does exist. I have 

experienced it. But not this week. I am 

road testing the new VW ID.3, a family 

hatchback which after a full charge will 

take you 260 miles. 

And the ID.3 has just won a tenth award, 

gaining best small hatch title at the UK 

Car of the Year awards 2021. Design, 

space and practicality is Volkswagen’s 

goal to bring e-mobility to the man in the 

street who wants a car that is easy to use 

and affordable. 

The high roof makes the cabin easily 

accessible and very comfortable. A 

splash of colour across the front dash 

and door trim are a welcoming touch. 

The large screen central dash is simple 

to use at a touch. Details of the speed 

you are achieving are in large white 

letters on the screen behind the steering 

wheel. If you have driven a VW, then the 

instruments and displays will be very 

familiar. 

I admit to being slightly envious when I 

see some of the fantastic technology on 

new cars and wish I could afford one. 

Buyers of the new ID.3 have the luxury 

of having the same software level as new 

cars throughout the entire life cycle of 

the car. Every three months the ID.3 will 

receive over the air updates which VW 

says will optimise software performance 

and may also include new functions and 

customisation options. There is already 

a long list of technical specifications and 

safety features. 

As there is so much window space, 

including just in front of the A frame, 

visibility all round is fantastic. I was 

surprised at how much power and 

torque is available as 62mph from flat is 

achieved in 7.3 seconds. There is a one 

speed gearbox. 

Charging to 80% capacity using a 100kW 

charger takes just 35 minutes, plenty 

of time for a quick shop and it means 

I can easily make the 60 miles trip to 

my favourite designer outlet without 

worrying if I will get there and back. The 

huge benefit of driving an all electric car, 

once I get to the always very busy car 

park is that I can go straight to the area 

nearest to the shops where there are lots 

of free charging spaces, usually empty! 

Or you can charge from a home wall box 

overnight. A 100% charge at home will 

cost about £9. 

Further additions to the ID.3 family will 

arrive during 2021, with additional battery 

and specification variants, bolstering 

one of the model’s key strengths and the 

reasons for its success. These include 

the smallest Pure model with a 45 kWh 

battery. 

The latest figures from the Society of 

Motor Manufacturers and Traders show 

that the demand for battery electric 

vehicles (BEVs) grew by 185.9% to 

108,205 units in 2020. That’s against 

the figures for the Covid year when 

the UK new car market fell by almost a 

third (-29.4%), with annual registrations 

dropping to 1,631,064 units. 

Manufacturers are bringing record 

numbers of electrified vehicles to 

market over the coming months and 

Volkswagen is leading the way with the 

ID.3 hatchback. If you prefer an SUV; 

Volkswagen’s first fully-electric SUV, 

the ID.4 is available to order by UK 

customers in First Edition trim now, with 

deliveries to customers commencing 

imminently. 

The future of driving in the UK is definitely 

electrifying! 

Facts at a Glance 

Model: VW ID.3 fully electric 

Price: From £29,990 

Power and torque: 204hp 

Range: 260 miles 

Performance: 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds 

and on to a top speed of 99mph 


ADVERTISING FEATURE 

IS CAR LEASING FOR YOU? 

Leaseline The Vehicle Leasing Specialists 

We are a car and commercial vehicle leasing 

broker specialising in bringing you the Cheapest 

and Best leasing offers on the market... 

www.leaseline-newmarket.co.uk 

What is vehicle leasing? 

Leasing a vehicle is a great way to drive 

a brand-new car without having to spend 

thousands of pounds in one go, it is 

also a good option if you are looking 

to avoid the headache of selling and 

the depreciation of the vehicle. Vehicle 

leasing means you rent a brand-new 

vehicle with fixed monthly rentals over a 

set time period at an agreed mileage and 

when your contract ends you hand the 

vehicle back. 

Leasing Vs Purchase? 

Leasing a vehicle is a very popular choice 

for both the personal and business 

customer, as it is a cost-effective way of 

driving a new vehicle every few years. 

Providing an affordable alternative to 

purchasing on finance or buying, as you 

are only paying for the depreciation in 

the lease. 

We have relationships with numerous 

lease providers and dealer groups, so will 

be able to find you the best offers from 

those providers, not only saving time but 

also money. 

You simply tell us the type of vehicle you 

need, the length of time you want it for 

and mileage and we will then find you a 

range of options for you to choose from. 

Alternatively, if you have a specific vehicle 

in mind, we will search the market for the 

best current offers. 

Leaseline is a family run and owned, 

whole of market broker with over 30 

years’ experience in the industry. 

LEASELINE 

Call: 01638 597219 

Email: newmarket@leaseline.co.uk 

Monday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00pm 

Why use Leaseline? 

In the UK there are so many car leasing 

providers and wading through them all to 

find the best deal could easily become a 

full time job. At Leaseline it is our fulltime 

job. 


SLOW & 

The slow cooker is having a bit of a 

revival, not least because it takes the time 

pressures of home-cooked meals off of 

family life and offers hands-free dishes 

which warm the heart and soul. 

Katrina Meynink is such an advocate of 

the process that she’s created a beautiful 

booked, filled with inspiration for each 

cooking mood. Here we have some tasters 

from her new book, Slow Victories. 

EGGPLANT CHREIME 

Steady 

This is a bit of a slow cooker riff on the 

traditional Tunisian braised fish dish of 

the same name. But instead, here I’ve 

cooked down eggplant in a harissaspiced 

ragu and added the umami 

heat of urfa biber (Turkish red pepper 

flakes; available from specialist grocers), 

served on top of hummus and finished 

with some cooling coconut yoghurt and 

herbs. This one gets better with age, so 

embrace the leftovers. Serves: 4 

INGREDIENTS 

1 tablespoon olive oil 

2 garlic cloves, finely sliced 

2 medium eggplants (aubergines), 

trimmed, quartered lengthways 

2 teaspoons cumin seeds, 

roughly crushed 

1 teaspoon coriander seeds, 

roughly crushed 

bunch of coriander (cilantro), roots 

trimmed, cleaned and chopped 

2 ox-heart tomatoes, chopped 

2 tablespoons tomato paste 

(concentrated purée) 

1 × 400 g (14 oz) tin chopped tomatoes 

1 tablespoon rose harissa 

1 heaped teaspoon urfa biber 

(Turkish red pepper flakes) 

1 tablespoon brown sugar 

To serve 

10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

150 g (51/2 oz) hummus 

125 g (41/2 oz/½ cup) coconut yoghurt 

fronds from 2 dill sprigs 

chilli flakes, to taste 

METHOD 

Preheat the slow cooker for 15 minutes 

on high. Set the cooker to the sauté 

function and add the oil, garlic, eggplant, 

cumin and coriander seeds. Sauté until 

fragrant and the eggplant starts taking 

on some colour. Add the remaining 

ingredients, give it a gentle stir, then close 

the lid and cook on low for 8 hours. 

To serve, smear the hummus onto the base 

of serving plates. Gently scoop out the 

eggplant and place on top, then finish with 

the coconut yoghurt, dill and chilli flakes. 

Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

FREEKEH WITH KALE, 

CHILLI, YEAST & 

PEPITA SALAD 

I’m just going to say this up front: 

the nutritional yeast in this salad is 

a revelation. It truly adds the most 

phenomenal umami flavour, as well as 

being a superb seasoning mechanism. 

This salad has excellent holding power, 

so it’s always a good one for work 

lunches or those irksome bring-a-plate 

scenarios. Serves: 4 (as a side) 

INGREDIENTS 

200 g (7 oz/1 cup) whole freekeh, rinsed 

500 ml (17 fl oz/2 cups) vegetable stock 

50 g (13/4 oz/1 cup) nutritional yeast 

150 g (51/2 oz/1 cup) salted pepitas 

(pumpkin seeds), roughly chopped 

(see Note) 

125–185 ml (4–6 fl oz/½–3/4 cup) olive oil 

150 g (51/2 oz/2 cups) cavolo nero, 

finely sliced 

1 green chilli, finely sliced 

baby cavolo nero leaves, to garnish 

METHOD 

Heat your slow cooker on the low setting 

for at least 20 minutes. Add the freekeh 

and vegetable stock, give it a good stir, 

then cover and cook on low for 1 hour. 

Check it at the 45-minute mark and 

if there still seems to be quite a lot of 

stock, leave the lid off for the last 15–20 

minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork. (It 

should be cooked through, but al dente.) 

Turn out into a bowl and season 

generously with salt and pepper, then 

allow to cool. 

For the salad, add the nutritional yeast, 

pepitas and 125 ml (4 fl oz) of the oil to 

another bowl and stir to combine. If the 

mixture looks too dry, add more oil until 

it reaches a lose pestolike consistency. 

Add the cavolo nero and chilli and toss 

with your hands. Add the freekeh, season 

again with salt and pepper, and garnish 

with baby cavolo nero leaves, if using, 

then serve. If you need to revive this for 

another day, simply slice some more 

cavolo nero and toss it through. 

COOK’S NOTE 

Use unsalted pepitas if you prefer. You 

can even add these to a mortar and

pestle and give them a rough grind; it 

works wonders. 

LAMB SHAWARMA 

I suggest doing this with a small leg 

of lamb as you get the best results 

by being able to lay the meat as flat 

as you can in the base of the slow 

cooker. This allows the braising 

liquid to come up the sides so that 

the glorious spicy crust can be 

maintained. Obviously, slow cooking 

a lamb leg is a far cry from roasting it 

on a rotisserie, but the spice-addled 

preparation is the same and the end 

result is freaking delicious. I love 

serving this as part of a spread with 

flatbreads, pomegranate, bundles of 

mint and tahini.This works best if you 

can prepare it ahead. The day before 

you want to serve it, rub the spices 

into the scored meat and rest it in 

the fridge overnight. You will need a 

large, shallow-base slow cooker for 

this recipe. Serves: 4-6 

INGREDIENTS 

2 teaspoons black peppercorns 

6 cloves 

1 star anise 

1 teaspoon cardamom seeds 

½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds 

1½ teaspoons fennel seeds 

1 tablespoon cumin seeds 

1 tablespoon coriander seeds 

½ tablespoon ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoon nutmeg 

1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika 

½ tablespoon sumac 

4 garlic cloves, crushed 

zest of 1 lemon 

1–1.2 kg (2 lb 3 oz–2 lb 10 oz) lamb 

leg, bone in 

1 litre (34 fl oz/4 cups) chicken or 

vegetable stock, or enough to come 

three-quarters of the way up the side 

of the lamb 

To serve 

tahini 

pomegranate arils 

finely sliced red onion (optional) 

flatbreads 

mint and coriander (cilantro) leaves 

METHOD 

Add the peppercorns, cloves, star 

anise and all the seeds to a frying 

pan and briefly dry-roast over a 

medium–high heat until the spices 

pop and become fragrant. 

You can also do this in your slow 

cooker if you have it nice and hot. 

Grind them in a spice grinder or using 

a mortar and pestle. Add to a bowl 

with all the remaining ingredients, 

except the lamb and stock, and stir 

to combine. 

Score the lamb leg in several spots. 

Rub the spices into the skin and top 

of the leg, then set aside to marinate 

for a minimum of 2 hours, but 

preferably overnight. 

Set your slow cooker to low. Add 

the lamb, then gently pour the stock 

into the bowl, being careful not to 

pour it over the top of the lamb; you 

want to keep as much of the spice 

mixture on the meat as possible to 

form a crust. Cover and cook for 10 

hours. Remove the lid for the last 30 

minutes of cooking. 

Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes 

before serving with tahini, 

pomegranate arils, red onion, if using, 

flatbreads and herbs. 

SPARKLING ROSÉ 

POACHED PEACHES 

The sweetness of white peaches at 

their peak and the pure pink fizz of 

this 

dessert really encapsulate late 

summer eating at its best. The 

peaches are 

delightful on their own or with a 

dollop of crème fraîche. Serves: 6 

INGREDIENTS 

500 ml (2 cups) sparkling rosé 

115 g (1 cup) caster sugar 

1 tablespoon rosewater 

1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste 

6 white peaches 

To serve 

organic rose petals 

3 tablespoons roughly crushed 

freezedried raspberries or 

strawberries 

METHOD 

Combine the rosé, sugar, rosewater 

and vanilla in the bowl of your slow 

cooker. Set to the sauté function 

and cook for 10 minutes, stirring to 

dissolve the sugar. Turn the heat to 

low, add the peaches and close the 

lid. Cook for 2½ hours. 

Allow to cool completely in the syrup. 

Gently remove the peaches and 

place in a large serving dish. Pour 

over the syrup, then scatter over 

the rose petals and the freeze-dried 

berries to serve. 

You can, of course, cut the peaches 

in half and remove the stones, but 

I like throwing the whole lot in for a 

more low-maintenance approach. 

The stones are so easily removed 

once the peaches have slow-cooked, 

and it stops the fruit from losing its 

shape as it cooks. 

Slow Victories by Katrina Meynink 

(Hardie Grant, £16.99) Photography 

©Kait Barker, Katrina Meynink 


Social icon 

Circle 

Only use blue and/or white. 

For more details check out our 

Brand Guidelines. 

Friendly, Approachable, 

Local Accountants 

Management Accounting 

Company, Partnership & Sole Trader Accounts 

Self Assessment Tax 

General Tax Advice 

Bookkeeping 

VAT returns 

Payroll/Auto Enrolment 

Get in touch for a free consultation and quote 

Unit 14, E-Space North, 181 Wisbech Road 

Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 1RA 

01353 865368 

info@redshoesaccounting.co.uk 

www.redshoesaccounting.co.uk 

This summer be entertained 

© National Trust 2021. Registered Charity no. 205846. 

Photography © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra 

at Ickworth 

Enjoy the very best in al fresco entertainment 

this summer as Ickworth plays host to open air 

theatres within its historic grounds. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/Ickworth 


safety tips for dogs 

The Kennel Club gives some excellent advice on looking after your pooches 

Spring is an exciting time for our fourlegged 

friends to get out and about. As we 

spend more time outside, it is important 

that dog owners keep an eye on their dog 

to ensure they are enjoying the season 

safely, and are ready to face the world 

post-lockdown. 

The Kennel Club, the UK’s largest 

organisation dedicated to dog health, welfare 

and training, has rounded up top tips to keep 

your dog safe: 

Out and about 

As nature wakes up, there are several plants 

and creatures you should look out for to 

prevent any health concerns for your fourlegged 

friend. 

The bulbs and other parts of several spring 

flowering plants can be poisonous to 

dogs, including daffodils, tulips and spring 

crocuses. Keep an eye on your dog in the 

garden and always keep bulbs out of their 

reach. If you think your dog might have eaten 

a poisonous plant, don’t try to make them 

sick, contact your vet. 


Spring is also a time when some creatures 

become more active, including slugs, snails 

and toads, all of which can be a source of 

a dangerous lungworm infection. When 

your dog is exploring during spring, check 

on them regularly and if they show signs of 

coughing or breathing problems, speak to 

your vet. 

Adders also wake up at this time of year 

and during the early spring months, the 

likelihood of your dog being bitten is the 

highest. Adder bites can cause swelling, 

bleeding and pain, and if you suspect your 

dog has been bitten by an adder, make sure 

not to touch the wound and take your dog 

to the vet immediately. 

Lastly, make sure you check your dog 

for ticks regularly, especially after walks, 

and always remove any ticks quickly and 

carefully. Speak to your vet if you are 

unsure how to do this. 

Coming out of lockdown 

As Covid-19 restrictions gradually lift, there 

are lots of changes for our us and dogs. 

Many owners could be concerned about 

their dog’s socialisation, behavioural issues 

and separation anxiety as we come out of 

lockdown. 

It’s crucial that owners teach their dogs 

social skills which enable them to be 

confident, happy and safe in a range of 

environments, including having household 

visitors, meeting children, staying calm while 

left alone and encountering other dogs. 

To tackle separation anxiety, make sure your 

dog has a quiet space that makes them feel 

secure, such as a crate, and use positive 

reinforcement - like toys and treats - to 

make them comfortable in this spot. Start 

getting them used to be alone now - move 

around the room or house whilst the dog 

stays in their safe place, and slowly build up 

the time you leave your dog on their own. 

Never leave a dog alone for more than four 

hours, much less if they’re a puppy. 

Many dogs have lost vital socialisation and 

training opportunities due to lockdown 

restrictions. Training ensures your dog or 

puppy is well-trained, confident and happy, 

and qualified dog trainers, such as a Kennel 

Club Accredited Instructor, can help improve 

your dog’s behaviour and ensure they enter 

the post-lockdown world safely and with 

confidence. 

Restrictions lifting also means access to 

new dog walking routes further afield. New 

environments can be very exciting for dogs 

and it’s important to keep your dog, as well 

as other animals and humans safe whilst 

exploring new territories. 

When discovering a new route, always 

familiarise yourself with local or seasonal 

restrictions, such as dogs being banned 

from beaches during certain months 

or keeping your dog on a lead around 

livestock. 

The Kennel Club website has a useful hub 

with advice and information to ensure you 

and your four-legged friend can confidently 

enjoy the season and new freedoms, whilst 

staying healthy, happy and safe. 

For more information visit: 

www.thekennelclub.org.uk

How to protect your pets 

this summer 

We believe in preventative care and encouraging owner 

awareness. Our range of Health Plans not only make 

essential routine treatments more affordable, but also 

help avoid health problems. Spotting symptoms before 

they become serious allows treatment to have the 

greatest chance of success... 


Vaccinating our pets is the single most important thing we can 

do to prevent them from developing serious and sometimes 

fatal diseases. This is not just limited to our cats and dogs, but 

also rabbits who are also at risk of the serious fatal diseases 

Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). Each 

year, thousands die unnecessarily from these highly infectious 

viral diseases, which spread rapidly through direct contact with 

other rabbits (including wild), via biting insects such as fleas 

and mosquitoes, and by contamination of materials such as 

equipment, bedding or clothing. Even indoor rabbits are at risk. 

Vaccination provides the best protection and peace of mind for 

your family. 

The increasing day length can also play havoc with cat 

hormones, resulting in an explosion of kittens! Both males and 

females can become fertile as early as 5-6 months of age and 

living with a cat in season can be an unpleasant experience. 

The rapidity by which the feral cat population can grow is one 

reason why it is so important that we neuter both males and 

females. Reduce the number of unwanted litters and preventing 

disease spread (yes cats get STDs too!) are others. We would 

advise if you have not had your cat neutered yet, it’s definitely 

time to think about getting it booked in. This will often create 

a better-behaved cat by preventing urine spraying from males 

and extreme vocalisation in females. More importantly though, 

neutering has other health benefits too such as lowering the risk 

of mammary cancers and preventing severe uterine infection, 

known as pyometra. Remember, if you have a household with 

related cats, they will still mate if they are not neutered. 

As spring turns into summer, fleas, ticks and other parasites 

really make their presence felt, with their population increasing 

dramatically in the warmer weather. This can lead to discomfort 

in our pets, as well as a huge environmental burden in your home 

if left untreated. More harmful diseases such as Lyme disease or 

Tapeworm/roundworm infestation can also be detrimental and 

are transmitted via these parasites. Preventative effective health 

care is key. 

For more advice on how to protect your pets through each 

season, our services and information, please visit: 

www.vets4pets.com/practices/vets4pets-newmarket 

Vets4Pets Newmarket 

Owned and run by local resident, Iain Cope 

Comprehensive medical and 

surgical facilities for your cats, 

dogs, rabbits and exotic pets. 

Open 7 days a week! 

Ask us about our 

Exotic Pet Loyalty Club 

Vets4Pets Newmarket 

Call us: 01638 676340 or visit: vets4pets.com/newmarket 



Personal Injury; 

The Cost of Care 

Neil John, Partner, 

Head of Civil Litigation 

After suffering a serious injury, you will 

very likely need support and care while you 

are on the road to recovery, but who will 

care for you and how it will be paid for? 

Immediate care should be your priority, 

and we would always recommend going 

to hospital, your GP or a walk-in centre 

as soon after the injury as possible. But 

what happens once you are discharged 

from medical care? After medical 

treatment, you will likely be discharged 

to your home, but you may still need 

someone to look after you, this will 

usually be family members or close 

friends. This is the point from which 

you can claim for any care you need 

(unless that care is provided on a private 

fee-paying basis). This is the phase, 

after the immediate care provision has 

passed, during which the majority of your 

recovery will happen. 

Depending on the type and severity of 

the injury sustained, different levels of 

care will be needed. Care can include; 

help getting up and down stairs, 

assistance with personal hygiene and 

dressing, help getting to appointments, 

food preparation, shopping, gardening 

and any number of other tasks that we 

normally take for granted. Most people 

would not think twice about putting on a 

pair of socks, but someone suffering with 

injuries to their arms, legs, chest or back 

could find it impossible. 

The majority of these tasks will not be 

long or complex, with many only taking 

a minute or less, but the total time spent 

will add up. A person with a broken leg 

will need assistance for several hours a 

day while in plaster and afterwards as 

they regain their strength, and this can 

take some time. 

These care needs are usually met by the 

injured person’s nearest and dearest, but 

in a personal injury claim, how is this care 

compensated? There are no receipts or 

professional charges to settle so private 

nursing rates cannot be claimed. When 

making a claim, we calculate the number 

of hours that have been provided and 

apply an hourly rate of £10. 

Insurers always seek to reduce the hourly 

rate because the carer is closely related/ 

associated to the injured person and the 

natural love and affection means that 

the carer would want to care for their 

loved one. This usually brings the hourly 

rate down to £5-7 per hour and the 

insurers are also likely to try to negotiate 

a reduction in the hours claimed. These 

types of claim are negotiable as there is 

no financial loss. 

Any compensation awarded for care 

is due to the carer but is paid to the 

Claimant. The carer cannot make a care 

claim themselves as any compensation 

must be part of the personal injury claim. 

Other expenses that the carer can be 

compensated for include travel expenses, 

medical equipment and clothes for the 

injured person. 

If you have suffered an injury and 

would like to discuss a potential claim, 

Fraser Dawbarns provide a caring, 

compassionate and client-focused 

approach to support you throughout 

your claim. We offer a free of charge 

consultation for personal injury claims 

and we will not pressure you to proceed 

with a claim if you do not feel ready. 

For more information, contact Fraser 

Dawbarns today. 

This article aims to supply general 

information, but it is not intended to 

constitute advice. Every effort is made 

to ensure that the law referred to is 

correct at the date of publication and 

to avoid any statement which may 

mislead. However, no duty of care is 

assumed to any person and no liability is 

accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. 

Always seek advice specific to your own 

circumstances. Fraser Dawbarns LLP are 

always happy to provide such advice. 

Please contact Fraser Dawbarns on 

01353 383483 or at 

info@fraserdawbarns.com for advice 

regarding your specific circumstances. 


AL FRESCO 

living 

Brits are a nation of garden lovers, this much is undeniable, but this 

last year and all its challenges have deepened our appreciation for 

our outdoor spaces. 

This issue we catch up with a remarkable transformation - the 

change in this edition was that of a derelict, unused and overgrown 

space on a steep slope, into a smart, tiered city garden. 

WORDS Katie Thomson 

PHOTOGRAPHY Kiera Williams Photography 


o you have grand transformation plans 

for your garden but don’t know where to 

Dstart? We caught up with the owners of this 

amazing redesign, couple Daniel and Katherine, and 

found out their motivations for the change and how 

they went about the transformation on a budget. 

FIRSTLY, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE 

GARDEN BEFORE AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO 

TAKE ON THE PROJECT? 

Like many people, we were desperate for some 

outside space - our flat had a small courtyard but 

we wanted somewhere we could entertain and 

somewhere for the dogs to enjoy. 

The details surrounding actually buying the land 

were a bit unusual - it was a plot backing on to the 

communal garden of our building and came up 

for sale from a previous owner. Despite the state it 

was in, we snapped it up, knowing we could make 

something special. 

THE BEFORE PHOTOS SHOW THE LEVEL 

OF WORK NEEDED - WHERE DID YOU EVEN 

START? 

We realised early on that we would need 

professionals in - not only was the site overgrown, 

it was steeply sloping and had a strange slab of 

hard-standing in the middle. We enlisted the help 

of a garden landscaper and together devised a 

plan to make a sociable space with lots of room for 

plants but also a big deck. The layout was in part 

influenced by formal Georgian planting - the garden 

backs onto a Regency-era building, so it felt right to 

nod to that heritage. 

First there was a lot of clearance work - an old 

stump had to come out and then years of brambles. 

Then it was on to a mix of excavating and filling the 

various layers. 

BEFORE 

The site also had literally tonnes of stones in it, so it 

made sense for us to use gabions, the metal cages, 

as our retaining walls. We had planned to buy more 

stones for facing them, but in the end we didn’t 

need to. 

We wanted the space to be pretty low 

maintenance, so the bottom section is a material 

called hoggin, which is a self-binding gravel (it’s 

mixed with cement). It creates an even, solid 

surface but it is also free draining, which was 

important as this was the lower section. It’s really 

good value for money too. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR PLANTING SCHEME? 

We were aware that we wanted this to be a good 

space for city creatures and insects - the planting 

included lots of pollinator-friendly plants to try and 

encourage them - in turn we have lots of birds which 

is lovely. We filled the raised bed, which was created 

with sleepers, with top soil and got to work planting 

a mix of plants - we have geraniums, cornflowers, 

sedums, geums, sweetpeas, alliums, violas, salvias, 

foxgloves, thistles and some Ravenswing cow 


LANTERNS (ON TABLE, DECK AND 

FENCING) ALL LIGHTS4FUN.CO.UK 

parsley - there is also some interest for early spring with 

lots of daffodils, hellebores, muscari and tulips. 

Either side of the lawn, a more formal, framing effect is 

achieved using boxus - it’s literally instant impact and 

really helps enforce those tidy lines. 

Alongside the borders, we really wanted a tree in the 

mix too - so we ordered a lovely small silver birch from 

primrose.co.uk - it moves in the breeze so beautifully. 

We can pot it on as it grows and eventually plant it in 

the garden of a future home. 

THE DECK LOOKS AMAZING - IS IT A SUN TRAP? 

Absolutely! We were adamant that we wanted 

something low maintenance so we went for composite 

decking from a company called NeoTimber - in essence 

it has the natural look of wood to without the associated 

problems of cracking, splitting, warping and excessive 

maintenance requirements. It also had a 25 year 

residential warranty which was perfect for us as we can 

make the best of it now, but when we move it also gives 

the new owner peace of mind. 

We went for the Essential range which is hollow in the 

centre - it makes it really lightweight and by extension 

really easy to fit. It’s also crazily cost effective at 

£6.25 per linear metre! It has given the space such an 

elevated look. 

THAT FURNITURE IS AMAZING! 

We really lucked out with these! Good garden furniture 

is a little hard to come by at the moment, but as soon 

as we saw the Salone range from Moda Furnishings, 

we knew it was the right one. Its modern lines look 

perfect against the tumbled Bath stone walls and the 

configuration of this set was the perfect size for our 

space. 

Continuing on the low maintenance scheme, it was 

essential this was furniture that could stand up to the 

elements, not lease because we don’t have room inside 


SALONE GARDEN SOFA FROM 

MODAFURNISHINGS.CO.UK 

for the cushions. The frame is powered coated 

aluminium and comes with a 7 year guarantee 

and the cushions are what is called ‘hydrophobic’ 

meaning they repel water - they’re UV resistant 

too. We can leave it out all year - thought we have 

bought a cover to protect it for when it isn’t in use. 

The access for the site is also dreadful! But the 

delivery team made it look effortless and even did 

it with a smile - we were so impressed. 

HOW IS IT LIT? 

We don’t have a direct power source up there so 

lots of installed lights were an issue - so we opted 

for a mixture of options from lights4fun.co.uk - 

mostly their amazing solar-powered lights, which 

have a great output given their diminutive size! We 

also have some festoon lights from there - these 

come in connectable 5m lengths so it’s great to 

have options to make the right size for your space. 

WHAT’S NEXT? 

The craze for fire pits continues and we’d like to 

get our hands on one - we always intended it for 

the hoggin area in the bottom section with some 

more seating around it. That spot also tends to get 

the last of the afternoon rays. 

IMAGES: 

Cushions and throw: All from hauslife.co.uk 

Furniture: Salone Range from Moda Furnishings, 

modafurnishings.co.uk 

Decking: Essential Decking from NeoTimber, 

neotimber.com 

Lights: All from lights4fun.co.uk 

Plants: Primrose.co.uk 


Get 10% off 

+ FREE fuel starter pack 

Quote NEWMARKET 

Enjoy beautiful 

moments outside! 

with RB73 

The story of RB73 is a story of 

passion for fire, but also of beautiful 

and timeless products. 

Handmade by professionals with love for the 

product. Enjoy beautiful moments, enjoy 

staying outside! Perfect for those warm 

summer evenings, and also those beautiful 

days when an outdoor fireplace can be used 

to add extra warmth and atmosphere. 

These market leading outdoor fires have 

options of 1, 2, 3 or 4 sided glass. They have 

an air wash system, much like an indoor fire, 

which helps to keep optimum viewing of the 

fire, no smoke or ash and keeps clothes from 

smelling like a fire pit would. 

Piquia + 4 legs 

From £730 

Quaruba L 

From £1,025 

Bijuga + wheels 

From £1,375 

Quaruba L mobile 

From £1,200 

Cambridge Stove Installations are Cambridgeshire’s 

exclusive RB73 stockist 

www.cambridgefireplaces.co.uk | www.rb73.nl 

01223 828 688 | Jamiecfp@outlook.com 

Free delivery to your door

NOTES FROM THE GARDEN 

Brighter, lighter days ahead 

Matt Biggs, the gardening expert, gives us some excellent tips 

on how to brighten up our gardens this summer... 

www.matthewbiggs.com 

Lockdown is finally easing and whilst we have all been dealing 

with so many changes in our lives, Nature has just carried on doing 

what she does with very little intervention from us! One effect of 

lockdown has been people sharing various goods and plants with 

their neighbours. 

On my walks I have seen lots of items put at garden gates for 

passers by to take and use. A friend of mine saw a wrought iron 

bedstead put out, carted it home and it now supports a Clematis, 

hanging pots and fairy lights in her garden - creative recycling 

indeed! 

With that thought in mind there are so many ways we can reuse 

what we have, plastic and polystyrene trays for seed sowing, old 

dustbins for potato growing, a little imagination and you can save 

money and be kind to the planet too. 

Colour is certainly something I want in my garden this year and so I 

will be searching out some unusual plants to provide it. Of course, 

I will have Pelargoniums (pictured), Petunias and all the usual 

suspects but will add some plants that I think will provide just that 

extra zing too. 

Cannas are beautiful plants, vibrant and with a real Wow factor and 

I will overwinter them in the greenhouse so they will survive and 

flourish for next year. I will try Caladium or Elephant’s Ears too and 

enjoy visiting local nurseries and garden centres to seek out that 

certain something. 

Gardening is wonderful for so many reasons, not the least is the 

challenge to try different things, discover new varieties and perhaps 

create our own version of the holiday destination we would like to 

be in without the necessity to remove our belts or shoes! 

haus 

HOME | LIFESTYLE 

ARTISANAL SOFT 

FURNISHINGS 

FOR THE MODERN 

HOME 

USE CODE 

LIVE15 FOR 

15% OFF 

YOUR FIRST 

ORDER 

NEW COLLECTIONS OF MUDCLOTH AND KILIM 

PILLOWS AND LEATHER POUFFES COMING SOON - 

AVAILABLE TO PRE ORDER NOW 

We are Complete 

Service Company 

(UK) Ltd - A 

fully qualified 

and highly 

skilled property 

maintenance 

company based in 

Cambridgeshire. 

Decorating Services 

Internal Building Works 

Maintenance Services 

External Building Works 

PAT Testing and Fire Extinguisher Servicing 

We are located in Cambridgeshire, and cover the 

surrounding areas. 

FREE UK P&P ON ALL ORDERS 

www.hauslife.co.uk 

MOBILE 07710551137 | PHONE 01353610749 

EMAIL cscuk_ltd@outlook.com 


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 



LIFE IN THE 

SLO LA 

LUCY SAUNDERS EXPLORES 

THE DELIGHTS OF LIFE IN 

SLO - SAN LUIS OBISPO IN 

CALIFORNIA 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY SAUNDERS 


NE 

‘LIFE 

IS TOO BEAUTIFUL TO RUSH’ 

, SAN LUIS OBISPO REALLY DOES 

LIVE UP TO THIS MANTRA. SLO IS 

LOCATED HALF WAY BETWEEN LOS 

ANGELES AND SAN FRANSISCO AND 

HOLDS THE TITLE OF, ‘THE HAPPIEST 

CITY IN NORTH AMERICA’. 

This relaxed laid back vibe shines 

through the city with hipster coffee 

shops, small independent interior 

shops and local food vendors. 

Continuing through the county the 

serene landscape becomes more 

apparent with vineyards stretching 

through agricultural land and within a 

short drive out of town I find myself 

immersed in the sound of the sea 

and surfing culture. San Luis Obispo 

is the ideal location to rejuvenate 

whether that is alone, as a couple, 

or as a family. There is something for 

everyone. 

It is here that pleasure dictates pace 

and despite having a full itinerary for 

a four day trip, the way of living felt 

blissfully slow. All whilst filling the 

time sitting in vineyards wine tasting, 

setting up fire pits on the beach, 

meandering the fields of a light 

exhibition at night, sea kayaking with 

sea otters, and enjoying the farm-totable 

philosophy over lunch. 

Our first stop was for two nights. 

Hotel Cerro is a dream modern 

vacation with an intuitive flow. Just 

from walking through the front door 

Hotel Cerro has sophistication and 

contemporary aesthetic in its soul. 

This luxurious touch is partnered 

with environmentally conscious 

calls, with refillable water bottles in 

rooms, an edible garden visible from 

my balcony and organic bathroom 

amenities. Hotel Cerro thought of 

every approach. 

From the rooftop pool terrace the true 

size of the city was visible and the 

surrounded hills towered above it. On 

arrival a platter of delicious cheese 

and meats, carefully paired with wines 

awaited in Hotel Cerro’s all-day dining 

restaurant brasserie. A very welcome 

sight after a long day time flight. That 

night I melted into the silky soft covers 

awaiting the sun to rise and pour 

through the balcony shutters. 

Waking to the bright sunshine I could 

feel the warmth. A clichéd blue sky 

ready to sit above me all day as I 

ventured out, sat patiently. It was 

today that I decided to take a walk 

downtown, marvel at the unusual 

attraction of Bubblegum Alley just off 

of Higuera Street before driving over 

to the famous Madonna Inn. 

As an international landmark 

destination, Madonna Inn is a 

whimsical resort with enchanting 

decor. It feels like you are stepping 

out into a movie set as you drink from 

goblets and eat Pink Champagne 

cake in the Copper Cafe. Overindulged 

and full of delicious food, 

I decided to drive a short distance 

to SLO Brew Rock, a 30-barrel 

brewhouse and tasting room, with a 

rustic interior and casual seating area 

it was an ideal place to sit back with 

friends, play a board game and enjoy 

a tasting session of some the finest 

whiskies. 

Taking the afternoon to relax and 

unwind I continued with the chilled 

out atmosphere at Tolosa. Tasting 

the incredible line up of wines on 

offer, whilst over looking the Edna 

Valley winery was a pinch-me 

momemt - my tastebuds were 

tantalisingly in their happy place. 

After an afternoon of tastings I 

wound up the day’s light at Grover 

Beach, that sits on the Southern 

coastline of San Luis Obispo. With 

the sea crashing in and the evenings 

warmth still lingering I set up a fire 

pit with deckchairs and blankets. Sat 

around the fire sharing stories and 

laughing, me and my companions 

filled our bellies with the awardwinning 

clam chowder served in 

“IT IS HERE THAT 

PLEASURE DICTATES 

PACE AND DESPITE 

HAVING A FULL 

ITINERARY FOR A 

FOUR DAY TRIP, THE 

WAY OF LIVING FELT 

BLISSFULLY SLOW.” 


warm bread bowls from Splash Cafe. 

On our third day we started the morning 

at Morro Bay. Sitting around the breakfast 

table in Dorn’s, we had a fantastic view of 

the harbour and Morro rock. Tucking into 

one of their specialties, Pecan Pancakes 

drenched in maple syrup, gave me all the 

energy I needed for kayaking at Morro 

Bay Paddlesports, located just along and 

below the cafe. Equipped and floating on 

the water I made my way up to Morro Bay, 

and over the Grassy Bar Oyster Ranch. 

Sea otters swam between the kayaks and 

sea-lions were playing amongst them, 

often going down the sea bed and then 

resurfacing, swirling in the water. These 

waters were well populated with wildlife, 

and with over 200 species of sea and 

shore birds in the harbour this was a 

great location to be at one with nature. An 

ecological paradise. One where human 

interaction can work in harmony with 

wildlife. An oyster catcher bobs along the 

“THESE WATERS WERE 

WELL POPULATED WITH 

WILDLIFE, AND WITH 

OVER 200 SPECIES 

OF SEA AND SHORE 

BIRDS IN THE HARBOUR 

THIS WAS A GREAT 

LOCATION TO BE AT 

ONE WITH NATURE. AN 

ECOLOGICAL PARADISE.” 

shoreline and I wished I had my binoculars 

in the kayak with me! 

After the dip into the wonderful nature 

San Luis Obispo has to offer, I departed 

for Firestone Walker brewing company 

for a mezzo style lunch, where I got to 

experience a host of wonderful cuisine 

available on their menu, before a tour 

of their impressive facilities was well 

underway. It is here that I really felt that 

sense of traditional craft linked with the 

innovative spirit of California. San Luis 

Obispo as a county in a sentence. 

Departing the brewery I moved onward 

to Eberle Winery. It was here where 

I kicked back and enjoyed a glass 

of wine overlooking the sunset from 

the scenic deck. The 2019 Cotes-durobles 

rose was my favourite with its 

subtle pink hue and aroma of tropical 

fruits and pink grapefruit it was a light 

taste on the pallet. Perfect for the hot 

weather. After a refreshing lunch and 

tasting sessions I departed for Sensorio 

where the Field of Light was held. As 

an artist and writer this was in my head 

the highlight of the trip. This 380- 

acre, immersive experience was like 

nothing I had ever encountered before. 

A collective of lights adorned the 

hillsides, with a weaving path through 

the centre created by the world-renown 

artist, Bruce Munro. It was exquisite. 

The evenings in the hills were cold in 

comparison to the days drenched in 

Californian sun, so after the exhibition 

I headed over to Tin City for dinner 


“SURFERS RODE 

THE WAVES WHILST 

LONG-BILLED 

CURLEWS ON THE 

SHORE MOVED UP 

AND DOWN THE 

SHORE FEEDING 

FROM THE WET 

SAND.” 

before going back to my new overnight 

stay at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort. 

A quirky traditional seaside property 

with spectacular views of the Pacific 

Ocean from my balcony Cavalier 

Oceanfront Resort is a cosy contrast 

to the contemporary Hotel Cerro. The 

log burner in the corner of the room 

was welcomed juxtaposing the chill of 

the sea breeze. The sound of the sea 

and roaring fire sending me to sleep 

with ease. As it was dark I could only 

hear the sea, however on waking in the 

morning how close the sea was to my 

balcony was a stunning surprise. It was 

only a short walk away - perfect for a 

pre-breakfast stroll. I ate breakfast at the 

resort which, like the decor of the guest 

room, had a traditional American feel. 

Fuelled with berry waffles I booked myself 

onto a Yoga and Meditation experience set 

in Cambria’s pine forest with yoga teacher 

Terri Harrington. The dappled light in the 

pine forest was mesmerising, closing my 

eyes and embracing the sounds I could 

here connected me to the land as the 

sunlight touching my face felt magical. 

From yoga to freshening up back out the 

hotel, I stopped briefly at The Truck in 

Hearst Winery. It was here I had my first 

‘proper’ American burger and I am still 

thinking about the lunch as I write this in 

the UK. It was everything I wanted it to be. 

Departing Hearst Winery I made my way 

to Hearst Castle, stopping briefly at Piers 

Blancas Rookery, to see the incredible 

Elephant Seals and their families along 

the coastline. Close-up these magnificent 

mammals were larger than I had first 

imagined, almost rock-like in the flesh, 

you could easily mistake them from further 

afield. Meandering up to Hearst Castle, its 

presence became apparent as it stood tall 

and grand, overlooking the land. Hearst 

Castle’s architectural brilliance flowed 

from the exterior all the way into the 

interior walls. It was breath taking - and 

made me realise how such a piece of 

architecture had now become an iconic 

visit of California. 

That evening me and my company had 

our last evening dinner of the trip, saving 

the best dinner location to last. Robin’s 

Restaurant! Handcrafted comfort cuisine 

in the small historic village of Cambria felt 

like the perfect time to take a breather and 

reflect on my time in San Luis Obispo. 

Hours past, delicious dishes flowed, our 

own wine served and everyone was united 

over what an incredible trip this has been. 

Dessert was served, a rich chocolate tart 

and small espresso left my belly full once 

more and I went to bed feeling content. 

Cambria Cafe was my last morning stop 

in California, based on the main street in 

Cambria. Fusing American and Mexican 

food staples together this breakfast felt 

more like a brunch in comparison to 

traditional American fayre. A short stop 

away on my journey to the airport was 

Cayucos, a nostalgic California beach 

town full of charming antique shops, 

boutiques and local eateries. I stopped 

briefly at the Brown Butter Cookie 

Company and tried some of their famous 

sweet treats, a salty yet sweet fuse of 

shortbread textured cookies. They were 

too good to not fill the remainder room of 

my suitcase and one packet whilst walking 

along the pier and sea front. Surfers rode 

the waves whilst long-billed curlews on 

the shore moved up and down the shore 

feeding from the wet sand. 

Waiting for my flight home, I could 

only think about what an extraordinary 

opportunity to experience such an 

incredible place is. I only wish I could live 

there. I really do feel like San Luis Obispo 

has consolidated a life that is too beautiful 

to rush. 

Find out more at www.slocal.com 

Hotel Cerro - rooms from £340 per night 

www.hotelcerro.com 

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort - rooms 

from £150 per night 

www.cavalierresort.com 

TRAVELLING AMIDST 

COVID RESTRICTIONS 

At the time of writing, leisure travel is 

not permitted from the UK. However, 

when these restrictions are eased, 

it is vital that you are aware of the 

conditions of travel both to and from 

the country. It is likely a negative, 

laboratory-approved PCR test certificate 

will be required for travel. Airlines may 

also insist upon a negative test result for 

return travel. 

Finally, prior to arriving back in the UK, 

you will need to book tests for Day 2 

and Day 8 after you land - these are 

through government-approved suppliers, 

a list of which can be found here. 

www.gov.uk/guidance/providers-of-day-2-and-day-8-coronavirus-testing-for-international-arrivals. 

Then you 

must isolate for 10 days at home. 

If you are not travelling from a ‘red 

list’ country, you may be able to use 

the ‘Test to Release’ service, which, 

provided you have a negative test on 

Day 2, allows an additional test on Day 

5, which if also negative will allow you 

to end your home quarantine early. 

We recommend Eurofins for both the 

Test to Fly and Test to Release service 

- they are reliable and competitively 

priced. They have postal kits available 

from £44.90, and special VIP concierge 

services for £150 where a test will be 

couriered to you, collected and tested 

on the same day to ensure quick results. 

Find out more at www.eurofins. 

co.uk/pcr-testing-kits 


ADAPT YOUR HOME FOR SOMEONE WITH 

DEMENTIA The Key Changes to Make a Safer Space 

Maintaining independence is 

important for someone living with 

dementia, as is having a familiar 

living space. Whilst some people 

may move out of their home into 

residential care, some families are 

helping their loved ones remain at 

home. 

With small adaptations to their living 

space, it’s possible for someone with 

dementia to stay in their own home 

both safely and comfortably. Many local 

authorities have funding available to make 

minor adaptations to the home, and for 

those with more acute needs, there are 

also grants available to support with larger 

adjustments. 

Here are some of the key adaptations to 

consider for the home to ensure it’s a safe 

space for someone living with dementia. 

Kitchen 

If your loved one is in the mid to later 

stages dementia, they may need 

additional assistance and may even have 

a carer living with them. If this is the case, 

it’s unlikely they’ll be left unsupervised in 

the kitchen. However, in order to ensure 

the highest safety levels, it’s advisable to 

consider: 


• Fitting cookers and any gas-supplied 

equipment with an automatic cut off 

• Ensuring all smoke detectors and 

carbon monoxide alarms are working 

• Removing any obstacles, such as rugs 

and mats, to avoid trips or falls 

• Clearing out the fridge regularly to 

remove out-of-date food 

• Storing cleaning products, irons, 

knives and sharp equipment in a locked 

cupboard or drawer 

Bathroom 

The bathroom can sometimes present 

challenges for those with limited mobility 

or cognitive challenges. Whilst your loved 

one may have a carer present to help with 

personal hygiene, it’s best to ensure the 

bathroom is a safe and easily navigable 

space: 

• Clearly marking the taps for hot and cold 

• Installing grab rails around the shower 

and toilet 

• Adding textured pads on surfaces which 

may get slippery 

• Removing the lock from the bathroom door 

• Locking away any medication, cleaning 

products, and sharp items 

Bedroom 

In order to ensure the bedroom is a 

calming space where your loved one can 

sleep safely, the following should be of use: 

• Avoiding electric blankets 

• Installing a night light in the bedroom, 

hallway, and bathroom to provide easy 

vision if they get up in the night 

• Making sure the room is a good 

temperature 

• Putting a clock next to the bed that 

indicates whether it is day or night to 

avoid confusion 

Living Room 

This is often where you spend most of 

your time relaxing, so to ensure the space 

is comfortable, familiar, yet safe, try: 

• Removing obstructions which can cause 

trips or falls 

• Ensuring the room is well lit 

• Having a clear path in and out of the 

room - especially if your loved one needs 

mobility aids 

Hallway and Stairs 

• Consider installing handrails up the stairs 

• Making sure the front and back doors 

are locked and car keys are locked away 

- particularly if your loved one is prone to 

wandering, 

• Removing any obstructions such as 

hallway tables or cables from phones 

If you require further information the 

Alzheimer’s Society have a support line 

0333 150 3456

Waterbeach Lodge 

First Class Residential Care for Senior Citizens... 

Scimitar Care Hotels is dedicated to providing a superior 

lifestyle of comfort, happiness and independence that 

redefines the perception of residential care for the 

elderly. Our quality and standard of service really do 

make a difference to our residents’ lives. 

• En-Suite Facilities 

• Private Telephone & Television 

• Nurse Call Facilities 

• 24 Hour Care 

• Fully Licensed Bar 

• Passenger Lifts 

• All Meals Freshly Prepared 

• Short or Long Term or Day Care 

• Single Occupancy Rooms 

• Personal Laundry Service 

Scimitar Care 

Hotels provides long 

and short-term care 

and day care so that 

carers can take a 

break. 

SCIMITAR CARE HOTELS PLC 

Waterbeach Lodge | Ely Road 

Waterbeach | CB25 9NW | 01223 862 576 

WaterbeachLodge@ScimitarCare.co.uk

Newmarket and Ely Living Jun - Jul 2021

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?