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Winchester Lifestyle Aug - Sep 2021

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OPEN EVENING<br />

1st October <strong>2021</strong><br />

6.00 - 8.30pm<br />

registrar@kes.hants.sch.uk<br />

www.kes.hants.sch.uk


Contents<br />

A Note<br />

from the EDITOR<br />

07<br />

Delicious<br />

A Culinary Journey through<br />

Northern Ireland<br />

dishes for afternoon tea<br />

Our competition<br />

page returns<br />

04<br />

Isn’t it funny how quickly we can go<br />

from loving the hot weather to doing<br />

a rain dance - is there anything more<br />

British? Day one sees us calling<br />

every available neighbour into the<br />

garden for a BBQ, making sangria<br />

and filling up the paddling pool...but<br />

by day three we are complaining<br />

about not sleeping in the heat,<br />

getting sunburnt and worrying about<br />

the grass dying under said pool. At<br />

least the garden is looking pretty<br />

happy though...<br />

Happy gardens are a theme as this<br />

edition we were very happy to chat<br />

to Chelsea seven-time gold medal<br />

winner Adam Frost about getting the<br />

garden ready for autumn. Then we<br />

are beginning to turn our attention<br />

to the indoors and this edition that<br />

means bringing together some easy<br />

ideas to give your home that little lift<br />

- you only need to make some small<br />

changes to give a space a refresh.<br />

On the foodie side, we are talking to<br />

chef Mitch Tonks - he’s a passionate<br />

advocate of British seafood and has<br />

lots of exciting plans afoot. We are<br />

also feeling a little indulgent with<br />

some delicious recipes for another<br />

British classic - the afternoon tea.<br />

32<br />

Editor Katie Thomson<br />

e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk<br />

Easy interior updates<br />

for a quick refresh<br />

Publisher Sally Thomson<br />

Pre-press Manager Kate Norris<br />

Contributors Peter Thomson, Sue Cooke, Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,<br />

Front cover courtesy of Clarence Court Eggs<br />

Key Account Manager Laura Rodney<br />

e laura@minervapublications.co.uk<br />

t 01225 984501<br />

twitter: @<strong>Winchester</strong>Lifes<br />

38<br />

Planning for<br />

Retirement<br />

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ<br />

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton,<br />

Trowbridge BA14 6JB t 01225 984 550<br />

w www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />

visit our website www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />

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

advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions and<br />

misprints. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the<br />

publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers.<br />

On the later life side, we are taking<br />

stock, and showing that retirement<br />

planning is important no matter<br />

your age. We go through the major<br />

pointers to help you get your<br />

financial ducks in a row.<br />

Finally, we have the amazing<br />

competitions - last edition we had<br />

an unfortunate misprint on the<br />

closing date, so we’ve extended the<br />

previous edition by another month,<br />

alongside bringing you a host of<br />

amazing new goodies to be won this<br />

time around!<br />

All that’s left is to wish you a fabulous<br />

summer of fun and to say we’ll be<br />

back in October - brace yourself, we<br />

may just be mentioning...Christm...<br />

no I can’t, not yet. But be prepared,<br />

it’s coming! See you then!<br />

Katie<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3


COMPETITION<br />

Time<br />

WIN<br />

A cashmere<br />

lounge wear<br />

set worth<br />

£500!<br />

To enter any (or all!) of our competitions, head to<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions.<br />

Find the competition and enter on that post,<br />

using the appropriate keyword.<br />

T&C’s apply and no cash alternatives available. Winners chosen at<br />

random - entries made after closing date will not be accepted.<br />

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It will not only keep you cosy but will last you a lifetime as<br />

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Closes 05/09/<strong>2021</strong> - Competition keyword ‘LOOP’<br />

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The range boasts an Original<br />

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which are perfect for<br />

summer.<br />

They’re offering three lucky<br />

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the range with a fantastic gin<br />

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One lucky winner can<br />

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Closes 05/09/<strong>2021</strong> -<br />

Competition keyword<br />

‘LIPP’<br />

WIN<br />

Dr. Lipp<br />

bundle<br />

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£250!<br />

FIYAH is a<br />

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WIN<br />

2 x £125<br />

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jewellery online<br />

with FIYAH!<br />

The forms<br />

of their beautiful<br />

sterling silver and<br />

gold jewellery takes<br />

influence from the<br />

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people – knowing how significant<br />

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wearer. They minimise their impact<br />

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manufacturing practices and recycled<br />

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Two lucky winners will have the chance to win a £125<br />

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Closes 05/09/<strong>2021</strong> - Competition keyword ‘FIYAH’<br />

Zoflora, the UK’s number one Concentrated Multipurpose<br />

Disinfectant, has been keeping homes hygienically clean<br />

and beautifully fragrant for almost 100 years. To help bring a<br />

little magic into your cleaning routine, we’re giving four lucky<br />

readers the chance to win a year’s supply of Zoflora!<br />

With over 30 fruity, floral and fresh perfumer<br />

developed fragrances to choose from, there’s a<br />

scent to suit every room and mood, whether<br />

you spray it, soak it, wipe it or mop it!<br />

T’c and C’s: The prize is a year’s supply of<br />

Zoflora, for 4 winners. zoflora.co.uk<br />

Closes 05/09/<strong>2021</strong> - Competition keyword ‘ZOFLORA’<br />

WIN<br />

A year’s<br />

supply of<br />

Zoflora!<br />

Win a pair of<br />

unisex, vintage<br />

Christian Dior<br />

sunglasses worth<br />

£99<br />

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 5


Christmas / Twixmas / New Year breaks<br />

21st Austria 8 day £909<br />

23rd Eastbourne at leisure 5 day £589<br />

23rd Warners Bembridge at leisure 5 day £709<br />

23rd Torquay 5 day £639<br />

23rd Jersey by Air 5 day £599<br />

23rd Oxford 5 day £649<br />

23rd Derbyshire 5 day £569<br />

23rd Bournemouth at leisure 5 day £609<br />

23rd Cardiff 5 day £619<br />

23rd Lake District 5 day £509<br />

23rd Plymouth 5 day £719<br />

23rd Newquay 5 day £509<br />

23rd Swindon 5 day £699<br />

23rd Worcester 5 day £609<br />

27th Eastbourne at leisure 4 day £209<br />

28th Telford 3 day £209<br />

29th Valkenburg 5 day £429<br />

30th Warners Bembridge at leisure 4 day £609<br />

30th Jersey by Air 4 day £449<br />

30th Torquay 4 day £429<br />

30th Exeter 4 day £335<br />

30th Newquay 4 day £379<br />

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Country<br />

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Sunday 12 <strong>Sep</strong>tember <strong>2021</strong><br />

on<br />

Sunday 13 <strong>Sep</strong>tember 2020<br />

Looking to get married in 2022?<br />

<strong>Winchester</strong> Cathedral still have key dates available.<br />

<strong>Winchester</strong> Cathedral is the stunning<br />

jewel in the crown of one of the most<br />

beautiful cities in England. We offer a<br />

choice of venues set within the Cathedral<br />

grounds where you can celebrate your<br />

marriage in spectacular surroundings.<br />

Bereleigh Estate, East Meon GU32 1ES<br />

Bereleigh Estate, East Meon GU32 1ES<br />

Gates open: 9.30am<br />

Tickets are limited, please pre-purchase at<br />

www.hampshirecountrysportsday.co.uk<br />

Contact: 07974 141 933, sararutherford@outlook.com<br />

Adults: £13, children under 16 free<br />

Contact: 6 07974 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />

141 933, sara-rutherford@countryside-alliance.org<br />

Gates open: 9.30am<br />

Tickets are limited, please pre-purchase at<br />

For more information, please e-mail us<br />

mywedding@winchestercathedral.events or call 01962 857258<br />

www.winchestercathedral.events


TIME FOR<br />

tea<br />

CLASSIC TEATIME SCONES<br />

You can’t go wrong with a freshly baked<br />

scone. Simple to master and can be<br />

whipped up in a matter of minutes!<br />

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES<br />

COOK TIME: 12-15 MINUTES<br />

MAKE 18-22 SCONES<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

450g self-raising flour plus extra for dusting<br />

1 teaspoon baking powder<br />

100g cold butter, cut into cubes<br />

50g caster sugar<br />

2 medium Clarence Court Hens Eggs plus<br />

1 beaten<br />

Milk<br />

METHOD<br />

Pre-heat the oven to 200˚C/400˚F/ gas mark<br />

6. Line two baking trays with greaseproof<br />

paper.<br />

Put the flour and baking powder into a large<br />

mixing bowl, add the butter and rub it into<br />

to the flour with your fingers until you create<br />

a fine breadcrumb texture. Stir in the sugar.<br />

Crack the eggs into a measuring jug and<br />

top up with enough milk to get to 270ml.<br />

Make a well in the centre of the flour mix<br />

and pour in the eggs and milk. Stir using a<br />

dinner knife to start then use your hands to<br />

form a rough dough. Tip out on to a lightly<br />

floured work surface and roll to a rough<br />

oblong about 2cm thick.<br />

Use a 5cm cutter to cut out as many scones<br />

as possible then arrange over the 2 trays<br />

making sure they aren’t too close to each<br />

other. Roll out the remaining dough and cut<br />

out more scones. When all the scones have<br />

been cut out, brush the tops with beaten<br />

egg and place the trays in the oven to bake<br />

for 12 - 15 minutes or until pale gold in<br />

colour and nicely risen.<br />

With Afternoon Tea Week<br />

taking place from 9-15<br />

<strong>Aug</strong>ust, plus the MacMillan<br />

Coffee Morning on the 24<br />

<strong>Sep</strong>tember, there’s never<br />

been a better time to gather<br />

your nearest and dearest,<br />

don your apron and get<br />

baking! We’ve gathered<br />

together the best recipes<br />

from Clarence Court Eggs<br />

Allow to cool a little on a wire rack and<br />

serve warm with clotted cream and your<br />

favourite jam.<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7


SESAME BRAIDED EGG BUNS<br />

A mix between a brioche and a pretzel, Nicola<br />

Millbank’s sesame braided eggs buns are best<br />

served warm fresh from the oven, slathered in<br />

salted butter.<br />

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES PLUS 90 MINUTES<br />

TO RISE AND 30 MINUTES TO REST<br />

COOK TIME: 25-30 MINUTES<br />

SERVES 12<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

175ml warm milk<br />

2¼ teaspoon fast action dried yeast<br />

50g caster sugar<br />

2 Clarence Court Burford Brown eggs, plus 1<br />

yolk<br />

60ml vegetable oil<br />

440g plain flour<br />

½ teaspoon salt<br />

1 egg yolk<br />

1 tablespoon of milk<br />

1 tablespoon of sesame seeds<br />

A pinch of flaked sea salt<br />

METHOD<br />

The following can be done in either a stand<br />

mixer with the dough hook attachment or in a<br />

large bowl with a fork.<br />

Into the bowl, add the warm milk, yeast, castor<br />

sugar, eggs and egg yolk, vegetable oil, plain<br />

flour and salt. Turn the machine onto low and<br />

mix until the ingredients have come together<br />

and a sticky dough is formed, completely<br />

coming away from the bowl.<br />

Turn out onto a floured surface, kneed for a<br />

couple of minutes until smooth and form into<br />

a ball. Place the dough into an oiled bowl<br />

and cover in clingfilm for 90 minutes until it’s<br />

doubled in size.<br />

After 90 minutes, turn the dough out onto a<br />

floured surface. Cut the dough into quarters<br />

then each quarter into three. Working on one<br />

piece at a time, cut the piece of dough in half,<br />

and roll both halves out into two sausages,<br />

around 20cm long. Place one down horizontally,<br />

and the other, over the top vertically creating<br />

a cross. Then picking up the ends of the<br />

horizontal sausage, cross them over each other<br />

and place them back down. Repeat this with the<br />

vertical sausage, criss-crossing the pieces of<br />

dough to form a plait.<br />

Tuck the ends under the bun and place the<br />

braid onto a baking sheet lined with greaseproof<br />

paper. Repeat with the rest of the dough.<br />

Cover the braided buns in cling film and allow<br />

to rest for another 30 minutes and preheat the<br />

oven to 170˚C/ 150˚C fan. Uncover the buns.<br />

Mix together the egg yolk and milk and brush<br />

evenly over the buns. Scatter with sesame<br />

seeds and a sprinkle of seat salt.<br />

Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a<br />

deep golden brown. Allow to cool a little before<br />

removing them from the baking sheet; but these<br />

are best served warm with salted butter..<br />

8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 9


QUAIL SCOTCH EGGS<br />

Libby Silbermann, has shared with us her<br />

perfect picnic addition. These Quail Scotch<br />

Eggs are a delicious bite size treat, served<br />

with tarragon mayo, dip and enjoy!<br />

PREP TIME: 45 MINUTES<br />

COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES<br />

SERVES 4<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

12 Clarence Court quail eggs<br />

250g good quality British sausages,<br />

removed from skins<br />

Fresh thyme<br />

1 egg beaten<br />

100g panko breadcrumbs<br />

100g plain flour<br />

Vegetable oil for frying<br />

Tarragon Mayo:<br />

2x egg yolks<br />

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, plus extra for<br />

seasoning<br />

1 teaspoon tarragon vinegar (or white<br />

wine vinegar)<br />

250ml olive oil (or rapeseed)<br />

Juice of ½ lemon<br />

Handful of fresh tarragon leaves, picked<br />

and chopped<br />

METHOD<br />

Boil the quail eggs in a pan of boiling<br />

water for 2 minutes. Then plunge into<br />

an ice bath - this will stop them cooking<br />

further and ensure you have a runny yolk<br />

at the end.<br />

While they are cooling, make your Mayo.<br />

Place 2 egg yolks in a large bowl. Add<br />

the mustard and vinegar and whisk them<br />

well until they are paler. Slowly drizzle<br />

in the oil in a steady stream, whisking<br />

continuously - this will emulsify the egg<br />

yolk and it will thicken and become<br />

glossy. Keep slowly adding until you<br />

have added half of the oil.<br />

At this stage squeeze in juice of ½ a<br />

lemon. Then drizzle in remaining oil,<br />

whisking continuously until all is added.<br />

Season the mayonnaise with the chopped<br />

tarragon, salt and some more lemon or<br />

mustard to taste. Set aside.<br />

Peel the quail eggs carefully as they<br />

are delicate. It is quite therapeutic and<br />

satisfying!<br />

Time to assemble. Add fresh chopped<br />

thyme to your sausage meat. Season<br />

the plain flour well with salt and pepper.<br />

Place a small amount in the palm of your<br />

hand and press to flatten, place a quail<br />

egg in the middle and cup your hand to<br />

enclose the egg in the meat. Gently press<br />

the sausage meat around the egg so it is<br />

completely covered and there are no air<br />

pockets.<br />

Next place the egg into the flour and<br />

coat, then dust off the excess. Do the<br />

same in the egg, and then followed by<br />

the panko. Repeat with all the quail eggs.<br />

Heat vegetable oil in a high sided pan so<br />

it comes up 2 inches high. Heat until it<br />

reaches 180˚C.<br />

Fry the scotch eggs in batches for 2<br />

minutes until golden brown on all sides<br />

and crisp. Remove carefully with a slotted<br />

spoon and drain on kitchen paper to<br />

remove excess oil. Serve alongside the<br />

tarragon mayo!<br />

BERRY AND LEMON<br />

SEMIFREDDO<br />

A version of the classic Italian dessert<br />

(meaning semi-frozen), whipped egg<br />

whites and cream stop the ice cream from<br />

setting hard which makes it easy to cut.<br />

PREP TIME: 50 MINUTES<br />

COOK TIME: 4 HOURS<br />

SERVES 6-8<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

300g fresh or frozen summer berries<br />

150g good quality lemon curd<br />

1 tbsp limoncello (optional)<br />

50g caster sugar<br />

3 Large Clarence Court Burford Brown<br />

10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Zest of 2 unwaxed lemons<br />

400ml double cream<br />

50g shelled unsalted, pistachios<br />

(blanched if you can find them)<br />

50g good quality shortbread biscuit<br />

METHOD<br />

Line a 2lb loaf tin with a long strip of<br />

greaseproof paper that lines the base<br />

and goes up the shorter sides of the tin to<br />

leave overhang, this makes it a lot easier<br />

to remove or you can fully line the tin with<br />

cling film. Then place the tin in the freezer<br />

to chill.<br />

Place 150g of the berries into a small<br />

saucepan. Simmer on a low heat for<br />

around 20 minutes until the fruit has<br />

broken down, strain through a sieve into<br />

a bowl and allow to cool.<br />

Mix the lemon curd with the limoncello (if<br />

using) and place to one side. Meanwhile<br />

place the egg yolks and sugar in a large<br />

mixing bowl and whisk until pale then<br />

stir in the lemon zest. In a separate bowl<br />

whisk the cream to soft peaks. Then in<br />

another bowl whisk the egg whites to stiff<br />

peaks. Carefully fold with cream and egg<br />

whites into the egg yolk mixture using a<br />

large metal spoon.<br />

Remove the tin from the freezer. Spoon<br />

half of the semifreddo mixture into the<br />

lined tin ripple in half of the blitzed berry<br />

mixture and scatter in some whole berries<br />

then spoon over the lemon curd mixture.<br />

Spoon over the remaining semifreddo<br />

mixture and ripple in the remaining berry<br />

mixture. Reserve the remaining whole<br />

berries for serving. Place the semifreddo<br />

in the freezer uncovered for 4 hours, then<br />

cover and freeze for at least another 4<br />

hours or over-night.<br />

When you’re nearly ready to serve,<br />

remove the semifreddo from the freezer<br />

and place in the fridge for 20 minutes.<br />

In a food processor blitz the shortbread<br />

and pistachios together to make a crumb.<br />

Turn the semifreddo out onto a serving<br />

plate or board and scatter over crumb.<br />

Slice and serve with the remaining fruit.<br />

BLUEBERRY AND<br />

PEACH CAKE<br />

An impressive-looking but easy to make<br />

cake, topped with cream cheese frosting<br />

and lots of fresh fruit with the added floral<br />

flavours of a little fresh rosemary! Duck<br />

eggs help keep the sponge light and<br />

fluffy.<br />

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES<br />

COOK TIME: 40-50 MINUTES<br />

SERVES 6-8<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

150g baking spread or softened unsalted<br />

butter (plus 50g softened unsalted butter<br />

for frosting and for greasing)<br />

100g caster sugar<br />

4 tablespoons thick peach puree or<br />

blitzed tinned or fresh peeled peach (or<br />

just use 50g extra caster sugar)<br />

2 Clarence Court Braddock Whites<br />

150g self-raising flour, sieved<br />

Pinch salt<br />

50g ground almonds<br />

1 sprig of rosemary, finely chopped plus<br />

extra sprigs for serving<br />

1 teaspoon baking powder<br />

1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />

4 tablespoons natural or peach yoghurt<br />

2 x 120g punnets blueberries<br />

250g icing sugar sifted plus extra for<br />

dusting<br />

250g full-fat cream cheese<br />

1 whole peach<br />

METHOD<br />

Pre-heat the oven to 160˚C/ 320˚F/ gas<br />

mark 3. Grease and line the base and<br />

sides of a 20cm, deep round cake tin.<br />

Place the spread or butter in a large<br />

mixing bowl and add the sugar. Cream<br />

together well in a mixer or with a wooden<br />

spoon until soft and fluffy. Crack the<br />

eggs into a jug and whisk with the<br />

peach puree. Stir in a little at a time until<br />

incorporated. Mix the flour, salt, ground<br />

almonds, chopped rosemary and baking<br />

powder in a mixing bowl then fold into<br />

the butter and egg mix then stir in the<br />

vanilla extract and yoghurt. Scatter in<br />

half of one punnet of blueberries into the<br />

prepared tin, followed by half the sponge<br />

mixture. Top with the remaining ½ punnet<br />

blueberries and finish with the rest of the<br />

cake mix.<br />

Place the cake in the oven and bake<br />

for 45-50 minutes until golden and risen<br />

or if a skewer is poked in the middle it<br />

comes out clean. Remove the cake from<br />

the oven and place on a cooling rack for<br />

about 40 minutes. Carefully release the<br />

cake from the tin and allow it rest on the<br />

cooling rack until totally cool.<br />

Place the icing sugar and 50g of softened<br />

butter in a mixing bowl and mix well until<br />

soft and fluffy. Mix in the cream cheese<br />

until you have a whipped, stable frosting.<br />

Transfer to a small bowl and pop in the<br />

fridge to chill whilst the cake cools.<br />

When ready to assemble place the<br />

sponge on a serving plate or board.<br />

Destone and slice the whole peach<br />

into thin slices. Spread the frosting<br />

over the top, scatter over the remaining<br />

blueberries and peach slices. Sprinkle<br />

over a few rosemary leaves and dust over<br />

a little icing sugar. Serve with a cup of tea<br />

or a fresh, crisp sparkling wine.<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 11


Man of the sea<br />

Mitch Tonks<br />

The Rockfish Boat<br />

Mitch Tonks, image courtesy Steve Haywood<br />

Sally Thomson was<br />

delighted to catch up with<br />

chef and entrepreneur -<br />

Mitch Tonks who she has<br />

known for over 25 years....<br />

SALLY: HOW ARE YOU DOING?<br />

Mitch: We are doing great! We are looking<br />

forward to finally getting the restaurant<br />

open. I think we are going to have a nice<br />

bounce back, but what a strange time.<br />

I’m one of the people that has benefited<br />

and enjoyed it to be honest. Getting to my<br />

age and not really taking any time off, I’ve<br />

had lots of time to spend with the kids and<br />

rethink things to make things better.<br />

I’D LIKE TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT YOUR<br />

BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE DISHES LOOK<br />

MOUTH-WATERING. MY FIRST QUESTION<br />

HOWEVER, IS HOW<br />

HAVE YOU ADAPTED TO THE LOCKDOWN?<br />

I must say that the first 2 weeks were<br />

scary; I didn’t really know what was going<br />

to happen, I knew how much money was<br />

in the bank and how long that would last.<br />

I had some truly beautiful and humbling<br />

experiences where my children took care<br />

of me, cooked for me and said: “Dad, you<br />

just concentrate on work and we are going<br />

to look after you and cook for you.” My son<br />

Ben is a chef and works in The Seahorse<br />

and so does my daughter along with Ben’s<br />

partner who is now the general manager.<br />

FANTASTIC, WHAT A LOVELY FAMILY AFFAIR!<br />

It is, and it was lovely being at home with<br />

them. When we started to think about<br />

survival, “I thought this is it we are going to<br />

survive this” We had 274 staff and I thought<br />

we are going to get through this and I’m<br />

going to take care of every single one of<br />

you and come out the other side.<br />

There was a lot to think about and we really<br />

took care of people. During the time we<br />

thought about, “How can we make this<br />

business<br />

better” and we started<br />

pulling apart everything that was wrong<br />

and thought how can we make it better?<br />

These are things that we couldn’t do when<br />

we were open, so we did a whole lot of<br />

things like shortened inventory, better<br />

shift patterns, closed the restaurant for an<br />

hour in the afternoon, went down to a 4<br />

day week in the winter, all the kind of stuff<br />

that we didn’t have the foresight to do<br />

previously.<br />

WHEN SOMEONE IS SO ENGROSSED IN<br />

MANAGING A BUSINESS IT’S SOMETIMES<br />

HARD, THIS MUST HAVE GIVEN YOU THE<br />

OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A NEW VISION?<br />

I think it was a bit of that, but I’m always<br />

very outward looking with my business<br />

any way but I think one of the challenges<br />

was trying to get people to go along with<br />

it as they would be like we’re too busy or<br />

that’s not the way we do it. Everybody was<br />

great, and I think I realised that we were<br />

a lot more capable as I thought we were<br />

which was great and hugely uplifting, so I<br />

thought right I’m going to write a book. We<br />

wrote the book in November after a really<br />

good summer obviously we didn’t know<br />

that we were going to be in lockdown the<br />

first quarter. We were also working hard<br />

on getting the planning permission for our<br />

Salcombe restaurant which should be<br />

ready next year. Then we started sending<br />

12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


out boxes to people like a seafood meal for 2<br />

and we suddenly built up to several hundred<br />

boxes a week which was quite a considerable<br />

amount.<br />

What we did was open a fishmongers in<br />

Brixham just before lockdown, so we ran it<br />

from there sending out all these boxes. I then<br />

started to reflect on my own behaviour at<br />

home, how it had changed and how I was<br />

buying my toilet roll, my chemicals, my meat<br />

and things stuff that I had never bought on<br />

mail order before and subscriptions and I<br />

was really enjoying it. I started to think about<br />

how much people had loved our boxes and<br />

how Sainsbury’s had closed their fish counter<br />

and I thought why can’t we set up a seafood<br />

at home business so we completed buying<br />

our fish supplier, we buy off the fish market<br />

everyday we have our own boat out there<br />

fishing so we bought that company and then<br />

we bought another company that makes<br />

sauces and things for us but also makes<br />

things for Fortman & Mason and the big fancy<br />

retailers. So, we are launching in July a really<br />

innovated seafood at home business where<br />

you will be able to buy amazingly fresh fish<br />

packaged brilliantly, nice and easy recipes<br />

available nationwide. Hopefully the reputation<br />

will be great, and people will trust us, they<br />

can see our fishing boats our restaurants and<br />

they will want to buy fish from us.<br />

KNOW YOU ARE EXTREMELY BUSY BUT WHAT<br />

DO YOU DO TO RELAX?<br />

I’m a sailor, a big reader so I love to read,<br />

and I love to cook and entertain at my house<br />

with the children. I’m a sailor so I love to plan<br />

voyages I can’t wait to get on the water, and<br />

we are sailing our boat up to the West Coast<br />

of Scotland. I’m leaving in 3 weeks and we<br />

are going to try and live a little bit up there<br />

and a little bit down here and just take some<br />

valuable time.<br />

LETS TALK ABOUT YOUR BOOK WHICH<br />

LOOKS WONDERFUL. WHEN YOU DO YOUR<br />

RECIPES WHAT INSPIRES YOU? DO YOU<br />

DRAW ON YOUR EXPERIENCE OR DO YOU<br />

LIKE TO CREATE NEW DISHES?<br />

I think in this book I draw on my love of<br />

seafood which is really nice and my own<br />

experiences in the rock fish book there’s quite<br />

a lot of new dishes things that I mainly cook<br />

at home. What I really enjoyed about this<br />

book is there’s no boundaries. This is food<br />

that I love like Asian food Singapore Chilli<br />

Crab (pictured top right) and Crispy fried Chilli<br />

cuttlefish. It’s really great!<br />

excel in education so when I<br />

got a doctorate from Plymouth<br />

University, I was very proud.<br />

I had to stand up and do a<br />

speech in front of the students<br />

and I never imagined that<br />

I would get to university<br />

and receive an honorary<br />

doctorate and it was my most<br />

personal proudest moment of<br />

recognition.<br />

Singapore Chilli Crab<br />

I’VE NEVER WORKED WITH FRESH CRAB SO<br />

MAYBE WHEN I NEXT COME DOWN YOU CAN<br />

SHOW ME WHAT TO DO WITH IT.<br />

I can definitely do that, and you know when<br />

you eat a wonderful fresh crab it’s a mindblowing<br />

experience.<br />

YOU HAVE SOME FABULOUS ACCOLADES BOTH<br />

ON YOUR WEBSITE AND IN THE LATEST BOOK<br />

To be honest it’s not one of the things I ever<br />

think about but they are very humbling. I think<br />

the thing I was most proud of was the fact I<br />

was a council house boy and didn’t really<br />

THE ROCKFISH COOKBOOK BY<br />

MITCH TONKS<br />

PUBLISHED BY JON CROFT<br />

EDITIONS<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS TERRY<br />

£18<br />

AVAILABLE AT ROCKFISH<br />

RESTAURANTS AND ONLINE AT<br />

THEROCKFISH.CO.UK<br />

Rockfish Cookbook<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 13


Canned<br />

sardines<br />

on toast<br />

with capers & red onion<br />

By Mitch Tonks<br />

I love canned seafood. It becomes something<br />

different in the canning process. Oily fish like<br />

tuna, mackerel and sardines are particularly<br />

delicious. I have always wanted to can seafood<br />

caught in the UK. Canning seems to be<br />

something we don’t do much in this country yet<br />

in ports across Brittany and northern Spain it<br />

is quite a craft, and the canned anchovies and<br />

tuna from those areas are revered the world<br />

over. They’re even more expensive than the fresh<br />

catch.<br />

There is a healthy sardine fishery in Cornwall.<br />

We bought a tonne of the new season’s catch<br />

in 2019 and worked with a Spanish seafood<br />

cannery to have the fish popped into cans.<br />

We tasted them alongside the very best of the<br />

Portuguese and Spanish rivals and arrived at the<br />

conclusion that the Cornish sardines set the bar,<br />

being fat, oily and delicious.<br />

I’m often asked what you can do with canned<br />

sardines. This is how I prepare them at home,<br />

just a simple combination of ingredients. But the<br />

sardine mayonnaise we make at the restaurants<br />

is what transforms the dish.<br />

SERVES 2<br />

1 x 140g can sardines<br />

(I recommend Rockfish brand or Ortiz)<br />

Sardine mayonnaise (see page 130)<br />

½ red onion, finely sliced<br />

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained<br />

1 tablespoon finely chopped curly parsley<br />

1 dill pickle, finely sliced<br />

2 slices of sourdough bread<br />

salt and white pepper<br />

METHOD<br />

Drain the oil from the can of sardines and use it<br />

to make the mayonnaise.<br />

Put the sardines in a bowl with the onion, capers,<br />

parsley and pickle. Gently break up the fish but<br />

leave nice chunks. Season. Toast the bread, then<br />

heap the sardine mixture on top.<br />

Serve the mayo on the side.<br />

THEROCKFISH.CO.UK<br />

14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Sea bream<br />

baked in<br />

paper<br />

with garlic, olive oil,<br />

chilli & rosemary<br />

By Mitch Tonks<br />

Cooking a fish ‘en papillote’, or in a bag, is an<br />

excellent way to prepare it. The fish retains its<br />

moistness and the other flavours that you add<br />

really get a chance to develop with the flavours<br />

of the fish to create something quite magical.<br />

The combination of roasted garlic, chilli and<br />

rosemary is a good one, as is thyme, lemon and<br />

cumin. But you will find your own preferences.<br />

Look for wild gilt head or black bream, or use<br />

farmed gilt head bream, which are delicious and<br />

perfectly acceptable. Ask your fishmonger to<br />

scale and gut the fish and remove the head.<br />

SERVES 2<br />

8 garlic cloves<br />

100ml olive oil<br />

2 whole sea bream, weighing about 450g each,<br />

head removed<br />

1 small fresh bird’s eye chilli, finely sliced<br />

4 sprigs of rosemary<br />

50ml white wine<br />

finely chopped parsley<br />

salt<br />

METHOD<br />

Preheat the oven to 160°C Fan/180°C/Gas<br />

Mark 4.<br />

Place your garlic cloves, with the skin on, on<br />

a small roasting tray, drizzle with a little of the<br />

olive oil and sprinkle with some salt. Roast for<br />

10 minutes or until soft – you should be able to<br />

squeeze the garlic from the skin. If not then just<br />

cook a little longer. Set aside to cool slightly.<br />

Turn up the oven to its maximum heat.<br />

Cut out 2 pieces of baking parchment large<br />

enough to enclose a fish. Lay the parchment on<br />

the worktop and place the fish on it. Sprinkle the<br />

chilli over the fish and place the peeled garlic<br />

around it. Tuck some rosemary into the belly.<br />

Sprinkle with salt and pour over the rest of the<br />

olive oil. Fold the paper up and over the fish, and<br />

just before you seal it up completely, pour the<br />

wine into the corner, then finish sealing.<br />

Place the parchment bags on a baking tray<br />

and cook for 15 minutes. Cut the paper open,<br />

sprinkle the fish with chopped parley and serve<br />

straight from the bag.<br />

THEROCKFISH.CO.UK<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 15


Learning through play<br />

Katie Paynter - discusses<br />

the value of play in the<br />

development of children<br />

Nothing is as natural as a child at play. It is a<br />

cherished part of childhood. It is important<br />

to recognise that it is difficult to give a single<br />

definition of play. It can be defined as ‘what<br />

children and young people do when they<br />

follow their own ideas and interests, in their<br />

own way, and for their own reasons.’ Play<br />

has also frequently been described as ‘what<br />

children and young people do when they are<br />

not being told what to do by adults’.<br />

Regardless of definition, the importance<br />

of play cannot be underestimated. It is<br />

undeniably instrumental in children’s learning<br />

and development and is particularly integral<br />

in a child’s early years, given it indubitably<br />

supports their foundational social, emotional<br />

and cognitive growth.<br />

Anyone spending any time with young<br />

children will understand that providing them<br />

with opportunities for play provides so much<br />

more than a few minutes or hours of ‘fun’.<br />

Many instrumental skills are developed. It<br />

develops communication and language skills<br />

and vocabulary, an understanding of emotion<br />

and empathy, social skills and creativity. It<br />

also supports and strengthens co-operation,<br />

collaboration, sharing and problem solving.<br />

Children will observe those around them<br />

and mimic language and behaviour. It<br />

teaches self-expression, nurtures a sense of<br />

imagination and simultaneously gives children<br />

a feeling of adventure.<br />

Dramatic play is absolutely essential to a<br />

child’s social and emotional development and<br />

can enhance their physical development too.<br />

It is also very closely connected to intellectual<br />

development. This is when children make<br />

sense of the world in which they live by<br />

acting out situations before they experience<br />

them and by mimicking what they witness<br />

around them. Most children are innately<br />

imaginative and will happily chat away to<br />

someone on their toy telephone or pretend<br />

to travel to hospital in an ambulance made<br />

from a cardboard box! This creativity must be<br />

actively fostered!<br />

Encouraging young children to embrace<br />

physically active play is extremely beneficial<br />

and necessary for their development. It<br />

helps them to learn about the ever-changing<br />

environment and gives them the opportunity<br />

to use their whole body and develop their<br />

gross motor skills. It can meet their multisensory<br />

needs and will promote significant<br />

health and well-being benefits. Whether it<br />

is messy play, creative or role play, it is an<br />

essential part of learning.<br />

Play provides a platform through which<br />

children are not only able to learn about the<br />

world around them through interacting with it,<br />

but it also gives them the opportunity to learn<br />

about themselves. As play is fun, children’s<br />

focus tends to be over a sustained period. In<br />

turn, this helps children to develop the ability<br />

to concentrate. It is important as parents not<br />

to push your child too hard. Children develop<br />

in their own ways and in their own time and,<br />

rest assured, their levels of focus will steadily<br />

augment.<br />

It is imperative that children are given the<br />

time ‘to be children’ and being able to play<br />

is essential, if the aforementioned physical,<br />

social, emotional and cognitive skills are to be<br />

securely embedded.<br />

Katie Paynter, head of pre-prep and EYFS at<br />

Lochinver House School and IAPS pre-prep<br />

and EY adviser<br />

16 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


Stroud School, Romsey<br />

Forever<br />

King Edward<br />

Undaunted<br />

VI Preparatory School<br />

A traditional prep school with a<br />

creative<br />

www.stroud-kes.org.uk<br />

heart


The importance of preparing<br />

students for the workplace<br />

Dr Joseph Spence, head of Dulwich College, discusses the value<br />

careers-based workshops can bring to independent schools and<br />

their state school partners...<br />

Careers education is an important<br />

element of a school’s provision, and<br />

a service one cannot introduce to<br />

pupils too early. Prospective parents,<br />

even of 11‐year‐olds, are asking far<br />

more questions than they used to<br />

about how we are preparing children<br />

for the workplace of the future. This is<br />

inevitable given all of the rhetoric about<br />

the percentage of jobs not yet created<br />

into which our pupils will move, and the<br />

fact that they will likely have multiple<br />

careers, possibly across many countries<br />

or continents, over the course of long<br />

working lives.<br />

Networking events focused on particular<br />

professions or industries have proven<br />

immensely popular. These bring together<br />

former pupils and current and past<br />

parents, alongside pupils from both<br />

independent and state schools.<br />

However, it is also useful to look for<br />

ways older pupils can deliver light‐touch<br />

advice to their younger peers at partner<br />

schools. As co‐director of the Southwark<br />

Schools Learning Partnership, I have<br />

been delighted in recent years to be able<br />

to encourage a hub of careers advisers<br />

from a good number of our 16 schools<br />

(12 state schools and four independent<br />

schools) to share best practice between<br />

schools and across the sectors. Latterly,<br />

we have had our own students help focus<br />

the minds of younger pupils at a partner<br />

school on potential university applications<br />

and the world of careers.<br />

Last June, a group of Year 10 students<br />

from City Heights E‐ACT Academy<br />

in South East London had a careers<br />

workshop with our careers adviser<br />

at Dulwich College, and a group of<br />

the College’s Year 12 students. The<br />

workshop introduced the UCAS process<br />

with a short ‘true or false’ activity, with<br />

students from both schools working in<br />

teams to decide on the veracity of various<br />

statements. The statements included<br />

the number of applicants to university<br />

through UCAS, World University<br />

Rankings, average graduate salaries and<br />

deciding what degree courses some<br />

famous people had taken. This was an<br />

effective ice-breaking exercise, which<br />

ensured that no one could feel he or she<br />

was an expert when it came to university<br />

admissions.<br />

The Year 10 City Heights students were<br />

then given a brief overview of the UCAS<br />

applications process and the Year 12<br />

students explained what A‐levels they<br />

were doing and the different courses<br />

and universities they were planning to<br />

apply to. The City Heights pupils were<br />

introduced to course and career options<br />

they had not previously considered, while<br />

the Dulwich College pupils said it really<br />

helped them to clarify their own plans<br />

by having to articulate them for younger<br />

pupils.<br />

The next activity consisted of a wideranging<br />

discussion of the likely nature<br />

of jobs in the future that haven’t been<br />

created yet. Students were also advised<br />

about courses and careers on to which<br />

one could move later, e.g. becoming a<br />

solicitor or barrister via a post‐graduate<br />

law conversion course.<br />

The final part of the workshop consisted<br />

of a question and answer session, much<br />

of which focused on what subjects were<br />

needed for certain careers. This also gave<br />

the Dulwich students and their careers<br />

adviser the opportunity to talk about the<br />

importance of engaging in co‐curricular<br />

activities that might support a career<br />

aspiration, such as volunteering in a<br />

hospital or care home for healthcare<br />

related careers. The feedback from the<br />

session was universally positive and<br />

this workshop has provided a template<br />

Dulwich College will consider repeating<br />

at City Heights and taking to other 11‐16<br />

partner schools.<br />

There was a time when the only careers<br />

advice the head of an independent<br />

school needed to offer sixth formers was<br />

on how to write a personal statement.<br />

Those days are long gone. Whether<br />

explicitly or implicitly, the new order is<br />

that everything we do with our students<br />

has some bearing on preparing them for<br />

the fast-changing workplace. The jobs<br />

they will go into may be newly minted<br />

or newly branded, but the skills and<br />

aptitudes they will require to succeed<br />

in them are, in fact, those which have<br />

always been needed in the world of work:<br />

the ability to lead on a project, to work in<br />

a team, to communicate clearly and the<br />

ability to think outside the box.<br />

All this they learn in their representation<br />

of the school on its sport field, in<br />

the joining of musical and theatrical<br />

ensembles, in their community projects<br />

and charitable fundraising and in their<br />

adventurous activities. We are all careers<br />

educators now – but explicit, nuanced<br />

careers advice delivered by those<br />

who work hard to keep up to speed<br />

with changes in the major (and new)<br />

professions, is still absolutely essential.<br />

18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


TO BE CURIOUS<br />

TO BE A PILGRIM<br />

PRE-PREP OPEN MORNING<br />

FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER <strong>2021</strong><br />

Contact Admissions to make an appointment<br />

admissions@pilgrims-school.co.uk<br />

01962 854189<br />

www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk<br />

Thinking about<br />

learning a new skill?<br />

Think AHED<br />

Beauty therapy, cake decorating, ceramics,<br />

creative arts, drawing & painting, fabrics<br />

& textiles, floristry, hairdressing, health &<br />

fitness, holistic therapy, jewellery, languages.<br />

Find out more about our<br />

courses at ahed.psc.ac.uk<br />

Peter Symonds College<br />

Adult & Higher Education<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 19


Early Years at St Swithun’s<br />

Limited places in preschool for girls and boys for <strong>Sep</strong>tember <strong>2021</strong><br />

Contact us now<br />

Autumn term events programme<br />

Bear Hunt activity afternoon | For 2-4 year olds | Friday 1 October 1.45pm<br />

Foundations for Success | Saturday 9 October 9.30am<br />

How to access a cutting-edge primary education for your child<br />

Contact us to enquire about a place or to register for an event.<br />

prepadmissions@stswithuns.com<br />

www.stswithuns.com


A leading independent<br />

school for girls aged 11-18<br />

with day and boarding<br />

options.<br />

Senior School Open Day<br />

Join us on Friday 17 <strong>Sep</strong>tember<br />

Please contact us to book your visit: www.stswithuns.com | 01962 835700<br />

It’s who we are.


Now taking registrations<br />

FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS<br />

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM<br />

Fun is an essential ingredient<br />

in all our nurseries where<br />

the care and education<br />

opportunities for each and<br />

every child are as extraordinary<br />

as our colleagues who<br />

provide them.<br />

T: 01962 870977<br />

E: maples.nursery@childbase.com<br />

Maples Day Nursery and Preschool,<br />

39 Hatherley Rd, <strong>Winchester</strong>,<br />

Hampshire, SO22 6RT<br />

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU<br />

T: 01962 827393<br />

E: west.downs@childbase.com<br />

West Downs Day Nursery and Preschool,<br />

West Downs Student Village, Romsey Rd,<br />

<strong>Winchester</strong>, Hampshire, SO22 5HT<br />

www.childbasepartnership.com<br />

GIVE A GIFT<br />

that means a little more<br />

sustainable, wellness-based<br />

gift boxes - customisable and<br />

beautiful, from £10<br />

available from hauslife.co.uk<br />

Boarding and day school<br />

for girls and boys aged 2-13 years<br />

Rushmore Park, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5QD<br />

01725 530 124 • admissions@sandroyd.com • www.sandroyd.org<br />

22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


The Gregg School<br />

Independent day school for boys and girls aged 11-16yrs<br />

<strong>2021</strong> Open Events:<br />

Open Evening<br />

7th October - 5pm to 8pm<br />

Open Morning<br />

16th November - 9.30am to 12.30pm<br />

Yr 7 Entrance Assessment Day<br />

Saturday 29th January 2022<br />

If you would like to attend any of the above or<br />

book a private tour of the school, please email<br />

registrar@thegreggschools.org<br />

www.thegreggschool.org<br />

The Gregg School Tel 02380 472133<br />

The Gregg Preparatory School Tel 02380 557352


ADVERTISING FEATURE<br />

Why Choose<br />

Sherfield School?<br />

Choosing a school for your child at the moment is harder<br />

than ever. At Sherfield they are aiming to make this process<br />

as easy for you as possible.<br />

They are offering open events and private<br />

tours for you and your family to come<br />

and see the school in action and meet<br />

their staff as well as online and phone<br />

meetings.<br />

Based in Hook, Hampshire, they offer<br />

a whole education for boys and girls<br />

from all over the world, whether they be<br />

3 months or 18 years. Having a diverse<br />

demographic of pupils is a fantastic<br />

opportunity for collaboration through<br />

peer-to-peer learning and is one of<br />

the reasons why their pupils enter into<br />

adulthood well-rounded and prepared.<br />

The school has an inclusive family feel to<br />

it and most parents will tell you how much<br />

their children have grown in confidence<br />

and progressed because of this.<br />

They have an extraordinary enrichment<br />

programme which promotes the life-skills<br />

needed for everyday life, develop “soft<br />

skills” that employers and universities<br />

look for, while also giving pupils the<br />

opportunity to find out more about their<br />

interests and passions.<br />

“We have two children in the school with<br />

very different academic abilities and<br />

have been pleased with how the school<br />

has approached both their learning<br />

requirements.<br />

The enrichment program has been very<br />

well received and our children look<br />

forward to Friday afternoons when they<br />

can go ‘off curriculum’, learning a new<br />

skill, developing friendships and gaining a<br />

wider sense of the world around them - it<br />

really is a great addition to the week.”<br />

Year 6 and Year 8 Parent<br />

In their Reception Class they are able to<br />

offer three times more qualified teacher<br />

time, than most state schools, which<br />

enables them to teach two adult led<br />

Maths and Literacy sessions per week<br />

compared to the bi-weekly adult led<br />

sessions in these schools.<br />

They have specialist teachers in Art,<br />

DT, Languages, PE, Swimming, Music,<br />

Dance, Drama and Forest School in their<br />

Junior Prep.<br />

They also have a huge amount of parent<br />

support with active parent liaisons in<br />

each year group, a fantastic parents’<br />

association with plenty of all-year-round<br />

events, a parents’ café and parent’s<br />

social media groups.<br />

“The level of support given by my<br />

teachers has been fantastic especially as I<br />

know that others at different schools and<br />

colleges have not been so lucky.”<br />

Year 12 Student<br />

They have two Open Events in the<br />

Autumn Term. Their Year 7 Open Morning<br />

is on Friday 24 <strong>Sep</strong>tember and is for<br />

those looking at joining in Year 7. Please<br />

note that they now have less than 20<br />

spaces available for Year 7 2022.<br />

Their Junior Prep Open Morning is on<br />

Friday 1 October and is for those looking<br />

at joining in Reception, Year 1, Year 2,<br />

Year 3 and Year 4.<br />

If you can’t make these open events<br />

or you are looking at other year groups<br />

please book a private tour.<br />

For more details please visit<br />

www.sherfieldschool.co.uk, email<br />

admissions@sherfieldschool.co.uk<br />

or call 01256 884 800.<br />

24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


are you ready<br />

are you ready<br />

for an adventure?<br />

for an adventure?<br />

You can start your Sherfield journey at any age<br />

You can start your Sherfield journey at any age<br />

from 3 months to 18 years!<br />

from 3 months to 18 years!<br />

Based in Hook, Hampshire,<br />

Based in Hook, Hampshire,<br />

we are a co-educational independent<br />

we are a co-educational independent<br />

nursery, school and sixth form form<br />

with with an an outstanding enrichment programme,<br />

ensuring your child leaves with more than just just A A levels levels<br />

Transport available from <strong>Winchester</strong><br />

Book Book a private a private tour tour or or on on our Autumn Open Days Days<br />

to discover<br />

to discover<br />

what<br />

what<br />

makes<br />

makes Sherfield special<br />

www.sherfieldschool.co.uk 01256 884 800<br />

www.sherfieldschool.co.uk 01256 884 800<br />

Nursery Junior Prep Senior Prep Seniors Sixth Form<br />

Nursery Junior Prep Senior Prep Seniors Sixth Form


school summer camps Why send your child to one?<br />

I think that we would all agree that children have had a very<br />

disruptive year and more likely one that has been somewhat<br />

unsettling.<br />

So to encourage children to enjoy themselves and catch up with<br />

lost time a visit to a summer camp could be an ideal solution.<br />

With a summer holiday abroad on hold for many, summer holiday<br />

clubs are the perfect solution to ensure your child enjoys a time<br />

away to remember!<br />

You can choose a club as your child’s summer staycation. There<br />

are many camps across the country which offer an exciting range<br />

of activities.<br />

The main purpose of many camps is educational, athletic, and<br />

cultural development. A summer camp environment will allow<br />

children to learn new skills in a safe and nurturing environment.<br />

Summer camp experience can have a lasting psychological and<br />

beneficial impact on the development of a child.<br />

It’s also a great chance to make new friends and discover<br />

their potential, which has been put on hold with the number of<br />

shutdowns they have experienced.<br />

We would recommend that you have a chat with the type of<br />

activities they would like take part find one that would suit their<br />

interests will offer your child the adventures they would enjoy. It<br />

could be horse -riding, crafting, camping and much more....<br />

26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


23 children in our region<br />

have an uncertain future<br />

Sadly they didn’t get the start in life they deserved.<br />

Could you adopt and change their lives forever?<br />

For most people, being part of a family<br />

is something they can rely on from birth.<br />

Unfortunately, there are children across<br />

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and<br />

Southampton, who are unable to live with<br />

their birth parents, and who are instead cared<br />

for by kind and compassionate foster carers.<br />

Lilly is just three and loves playing with her<br />

dolls. Siblings Oliver, aged five years and Theo<br />

who is nearly three, enjoy going to the local<br />

park, or like to play with their toy cars endlessly.<br />

They are just some of the children waiting for<br />

a permanent family life.<br />

Today, there are all types of wonderful families<br />

from different backgrounds and circumstances<br />

who support one or more children to feel<br />

included, safe and loved forever. Some families<br />

have single parents, while others are couples<br />

who are heterosexual, same sex or gender<br />

fluid. Ethnicity, religion, or culture, these<br />

differences don’t matter – what matters is that<br />

a child is loved and supported to feel safe and<br />

respected.<br />

child thrive in a forever home. Kirsty adopted<br />

an older child, and says it’s the best thing she’s<br />

ever done.<br />

I’m so pleased about adoption<br />

I actually encourage other<br />

friends... you need to go and<br />

do that. Do it. For me it’s<br />

been wonderful.”<br />

Mike and Natalie both felt very strongly that<br />

they could offer a family life to a brother and<br />

sister who might otherwise stay in the care<br />

system for a long time. “Young siblings have a<br />

strong bond together but need to be wrapped<br />

in the cushion of being loved and cherished by<br />

one or more parent. We knew that separating<br />

siblings from one another can have long term<br />

effects on children.”<br />

Adopt South is seeking more mums and dads<br />

who can give children a shared life together.<br />

School teacher Kirsty knew about the high<br />

numbers of black children who were waiting<br />

in foster care and felt that with a bit of learning<br />

and support she could be a mum and help a<br />

Families who adopt two children or more,<br />

or adopt a child with additional needs, may<br />

also get additional financial support through<br />

Adopt South.<br />

*Children with Placement Orders as of 5th July <strong>2021</strong><br />

If you’ve been thinking about adoption<br />

and the children waiting, contact us today<br />

0300 3000 011 • adoptsouth.org.uk<br />

The Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Authorities


Summertime...<br />

The Kennel Club advises us on how take care of your<br />

friends during this time of year<br />

Warm summer and autumn months are<br />

great for spending time out with your<br />

four-legged friend, catching up on the<br />

adventures we all missed during the<br />

pandemic, exploring new ‘walkies’ routes<br />

or enjoying ‘staycations’ and trips.<br />

These newly found freedoms and<br />

socialisation opportunities can be very<br />

exciting for dogs, and it is important that<br />

owners know how to make sure their canine<br />

companion is safe and comfortable wherever<br />

they go.<br />

The Kennel Club, the UK’s largest<br />

organisation dedicated to dog health, welfare<br />

and training, has rounded up top tips on how<br />

to make sure you and your dog are enjoying<br />

the end of the summer safely:<br />

Seaside adventures and BBQs<br />

If you are planning to enjoy the last weeks<br />

of the English summer by the seaside or<br />

throwing a garden party, keep an eye on your<br />

four-legged friend too.<br />

Many dogs enjoy water and swimming in the<br />

sea, rivers or ponds, especially on a warm<br />

day. To make sure your dog is enjoying the<br />

water safely, always start off in a shallow<br />

water to help them adjust before testing<br />

deeper water. Never let your dog swim in a<br />

rough sea, ensure they don’t swim too far<br />

out, and make sure they come back if you<br />

call them.<br />

28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk<br />

When taking your dog swimming, be aware<br />

of blue-green algae, which can be found in<br />

water bodies and is toxic for dogs. Algae is<br />

especially common after heat waves and<br />

can cause a range of serious reactions. If<br />

your dog becomes unwell, contact your vet<br />

immediately.<br />

Whether you are planning your own<br />

celebration or walking around popular BBQ<br />

spots on the beach, make sure to look out<br />

for any leftovers and watch your dog closely.<br />

Skewers, cooked bones and even corn on<br />

the cob can be dangerous for dogs.<br />

Travel and staycations<br />

If you are planning to enjoy a well-deserved<br />

holiday soon, it’s important you also keep<br />

your canine travel companion safe and<br />

happy.<br />

Whether you are off on a day trip or a<br />

longer staycation, make sure to check the<br />

dog-friendly status of all sights and places<br />

you intend to visit and stay at to avoid<br />

disappointment. The dog-friendly status of<br />

some places might have changed during<br />

lockdown or have seasonal restrictions in<br />

place too. Whilst visiting attractions or pubs<br />

and restaurants, keep an eye on your dog<br />

to make sure they aren’t overwhelmed and<br />

if it’s sunny or warm, make sure they have a<br />

shady area to rest in. Wherever you go, be<br />

sure to bring water for your dog.<br />

It is also important to keep your dog safe<br />

on the road - making sure they have a<br />

comfortable and cool spot in the car and<br />

taking regular breaks so they can go to the<br />

toilet or have a drink. Most importantly, never<br />

leave your dog alone in a car, even for a short<br />

while and especially during warmer days<br />

Wildlife and countryside walks.<br />

If you are planning a long dog walk in the<br />

countryside, make sure you’re aware of local<br />

dog walking rules, many of which change<br />

during the year, so you and your dog can<br />

enjoy time in nature responsibly.<br />

Whilst out with your four-legged friend, follow<br />

pathways and pay attention to signage about<br />

dogs being on leads or not allowed. Make<br />

sure you prevent your dog from approaching<br />

and chasing any wildlife or livestock and use<br />

a lead if necessary or required by signage.<br />

The Kennel Club’s Paw by Paw Guide is<br />

a useful hub with information and advice<br />

including seasonal dog walking and<br />

travelling tips, helping owners and their<br />

four-legged friends enjoy the summer whilst<br />

staying healthy, happy and safe. For more<br />

information visit: thekennelclub.org.uk/<br />

pawbypaw


Its been a strange and trying year for all of us, but many of you have found comfort in a new furbaby for<br />

the family. Dog and Cat ownership this year has grown, and we recognise it is a minefield knowing what<br />

to feed, how to train and what to buy for your new arrival. Grovely Pets has created a hub of specialists<br />

who can help you through the learning and enjoyment of your new family member.<br />

As specialists in Pet Nutrition and Healthcare, all of our team are trained Nutritional Specialists and can<br />

offer advice with getting the right start for a long and healthy life, to addressing quite serious health<br />

issues such as allergies and sensitivities to foods and treats.<br />

Our ethos is a natural approach to Pet Health and Wellbeing, stocking the largest range of healthy foods<br />

for all dogs and cats, whether that be raw, wet or high quality dry food for dogs and cats to overcome<br />

common health conditions which are caused by poor diet.<br />

We also work with like minded businesses such as Trainers, Groomers and Doggy Care Services, so you<br />

can be assured that you are getting the right qualified advice and services.<br />

All of our accessories, where possible, are made in the UK and we love working with small family owned<br />

businesses who love creating beautiful things.<br />

Check out our Facebook page Grovely Pets <strong>Winchester</strong>, or all products can be seen on our full<br />

e-commerce website www.grovelypetsupplies.co.uk where we also offer a Click and Collect service.<br />

Free local deliveries to the area are offered on a Thursday.<br />

88a Olivers Battery Road South, <strong>Winchester</strong> SO22 4EZ<br />

Tel: 01962 877544 / 03300 948738 (Opt 3)


Kitchens.<br />

Joinery.<br />

Hardware.<br />

Flooring.<br />

Appliances.<br />

AUTUMN SALE COMING SOON!!<br />

SAVINGS ON ALL KITCHENS DELIVERED BY 23rd OCTOBER


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Image from Fireclay<br />

Tiles x Jessica Davis<br />

Tiles can really reflect your personality, so you<br />

don’t need to go with trends, but they can<br />

be inspiring. This season sees a lean toward<br />

inviting, earthy tones and using floor tiles up to<br />

half height on the walls. Geometric tiles are still<br />

hugely popular, and lots of ranges are bringing<br />

out ceramic versions of en-caustic tiles for<br />

easier upkeep.<br />

Fascination kitchen by<br />

Mowlem & Co<br />

MIXING<br />

materials<br />

1<br />

4<br />

TILE<br />

style<br />

2<br />

3<br />

1 Kyoto Green Wall Tiles, £1.36 per tile<br />

(304x76mm), www.londontile.co.uk; 2 Kromatika<br />

Green Tile, £39.95 per sqm,<br />

www.tilemountain.co.uk; 3 Bella Craquele,<br />

£35.99, www.tilemountain.co.uk; 4 Priory<br />

Cross Encaustic Effect, £1.06<br />

per tile, www.londontile.<br />

co.uk<br />

Image from @studiomcgee<br />

1<br />

Image from @houselust<br />

MODERN<br />

rustic<br />

3<br />

2<br />

1<br />

INTERIOR<br />

refresh<br />

Trends not to be missed...<br />

1 Zuiver Dendron<br />

Side Table, £89,<br />

www.cuckooland.<br />

com; 2 Cushions from Modern<br />

Vintage Collection, www.hauslife.co.uk;<br />

3 Leather Foostool, £1839.50, www.<br />

darlingsofchelsea.co.uk;<br />

4 1950s Brass and<br />

Leather Magazine<br />

Holder Model 4019 by<br />

Carl Auböck, Austria,<br />

£1290.24, www.<br />

thekairoscollective.com<br />

This trend combines<br />

a focus on integrity<br />

of items (think antiques)<br />

alongside comfort. It’s a lived-in<br />

look that envelops - large convivial<br />

pieces of furniture, paired with lots of<br />

texture. Hardwood floors are key to<br />

this style, as is a strong architectural<br />

framework to the room.<br />

The colour palette for this look tends<br />

to be very neutral, focusing on a mix<br />

of taupes, whites, creams and beiges,<br />

intermixed with framing black and<br />

other earth tones, like terracotta and<br />

wood. Finally, small pops of colour can<br />

be added in soft furnishings.<br />

4<br />

Inventive mixes of different finishes<br />

have been really evident in lots of<br />

kitchens this year - choosing surfaces<br />

which age with a nice patina can also<br />

add to the depth of the space - think<br />

about brass and wood, or concrete<br />

with stainless steel. Natural textures<br />

should really shine through.<br />

3<br />

4<br />

2<br />

1 Sione Pendant, £45,<br />

www.cultfurniture.com;<br />

2 Raegan Dining Table, £1176,<br />

www.sweetpeaandwillow.com<br />

3 Whole Birch Kitchen Door,<br />

www.thelifeofply.co.uk;<br />

4 Cement Taupe Concrete<br />

Effect Tile, £18.95,<br />

www.wallsandfloors.co.uk<br />

Image from @amberinteriors<br />

32 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 33


IT’S A<br />

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING<br />

DEVELOPMENT IN<br />

GLOUCESTERSHIRE REACHES<br />

KEY MILESTONE<br />

GARDENERS’<br />

WORLD<br />

Adam Frost is an<br />

award-winning British<br />

garden designer,<br />

television presenter and<br />

motivational speaker.<br />

Best known for his<br />

successes at RHS Chelsea<br />

Flower Show, he is<br />

passionate about inspiring<br />

adults and children<br />

alike to create their<br />

own gardens and watch<br />

hedgerows spring to life.<br />

Sally Thomson caught up<br />

with him to discuss all<br />

things green...<br />

WE WERE TALKING ABOUT GEOFF<br />

BARNWELL?<br />

It was originally in North Devon Parks<br />

depart that I did my apprenticeship and<br />

then I went to work for Geoff when I was<br />

21 years old and then spent an amazing<br />

mind blowing, not that I think you realise<br />

it in your early 20s working 6-7 years with<br />

Geoff until he passed away in 96.<br />

AN INSPIRATIONAL MAN I SHOULD<br />

IMAGINE?<br />

Yes, looking back I don’t think you<br />

realised what he was talking about, Peat<br />

free gardening, Organic gardening, stop<br />

ripping up limestone pavements and<br />

destroying the countryside all the things<br />

that were way before their time really. We<br />

are now 30 years on and we’ve only just<br />

decided to ban peat. I think in reality he<br />

set my gardening moral compass.<br />

HIS SON HAS GONE INTO THE SAME<br />

LINE OF WORK ALSO?<br />

He had 3 sons but Nick the middle son<br />

was left the garden & nursery, so he’s got<br />

Barnwell plants and gardens.<br />

TELL ME HOW THE GARDENER’S<br />

WORLD EVENT WENT AT BEAULIEU?<br />

I had a lovely weekend! I’d be lying if I<br />

didn’t say I was a bit nervous. I had just<br />

had my 2nd injection It was the first time<br />

I had done anything in a public arena for<br />

about 18 months! You realise that all the<br />

shows are now your general catch up.<br />

WITH THE PANDEMIC DID YOU FIND<br />

IT STRANGE NOT BEING OUT &<br />

ABOUT WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC?<br />

Definitely, We run a school as well so<br />

we had to close that. I did some stuff on<br />

zoom like most people but that’s a very<br />

strange experience. I’ve never spent<br />

so much time at home or in the garden<br />

through the summer months with my wife<br />

& kids which was a mixed blessing and<br />

gave me time to stop which I don’t think<br />

I’ve done since I was 16.<br />

I BET YOU MISSED THE VIBE OF<br />

BEING AT CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW?<br />

I was due to go back and do a garden<br />

in 2020 so that went but it looks we will<br />

be able to go back in <strong>Sep</strong>tember and<br />

34 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


do some filming but I’m not building<br />

anything now.<br />

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT BUILDING A<br />

GARDEN FOR CHELSEA?<br />

It can be 12 months to 2 years planning<br />

but at one point I was doing them back to<br />

back finishing one then moving straight<br />

onto the next one. But it’s fascinating, it’s<br />

how I built my career.<br />

“I think ultimately<br />

gardens are about<br />

4 things; People,<br />

Space, Plants and<br />

Place.”<br />

HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR<br />

FIRST CHELSEA GOLD?<br />

If I’m honest, I think I was slightly<br />

oblivious to what they actually meant. My<br />

dad was a landscaper and he built early<br />

John Brooks gardens in the early 70s I<br />

recently met Professor David Stevens<br />

Garden designer who also worked for<br />

John Brooks. We were talking about<br />

Chelsea and he said that my dad would<br />

have been a few gardens along from<br />

where we were. David also taught me a<br />

lot about design in that sense.<br />

WHEN YOU START A DESIGN IS IT<br />

FROM A THOUGHT OR ARE YOU<br />

PLANNING IT IN ADVANCE?<br />

It depends on whether its for a client.<br />

I think ultimately gardens are about 4<br />

things; People, Space, Plants and Place.<br />

It’s normally one of those that I tap into<br />

first and it might be a bit of landscape<br />

it might be an individual picture I’ve<br />

seen it might be the shape of something<br />

whatever it is that gives me an insight<br />

into a person or if it’s a show garden what<br />

particular design will drive it that’s how I<br />

start and then create from there.<br />

DO YOU THINK BEAULIEU WILL BE A<br />

REGULAR EVENT NOW?<br />

I think so, I walked in and thought<br />

what a glorious piece of landscape<br />

and the moment I walked in the gate it<br />

had a good feel. People really enjoyed<br />

themselves and as a setting it had quite a<br />

lovely intimate feel to it, even the stages<br />

had an open canopy, and everybody<br />

was sensible and had plenty of space.<br />

The standard of the displays was really<br />

good and Hilliers had gone there and<br />

built a garden, so it was great that you<br />

had something there of Hilliers quality. I<br />

think a positive out of the last 15 months<br />

is that people have slowed down have<br />

connected or reconnected with what’s<br />

outside their back door or in the area.<br />

I’ve seen a report saying we now have<br />

3 million new gardeners. Everybody<br />

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 35


you talk to in the industry says that<br />

the hunger from last year is still there<br />

which is great. I just hope in a way that<br />

stays. I think even the people that knew<br />

gardening was good for you physically<br />

and mentally, even for me I don’t think I<br />

realised how important it was to my life.<br />

I FIND IT VERY THERAPEUTIC AND<br />

GOOD FOR THE SOUL<br />

It’s interesting that we are seeing<br />

statistics people moving out of cities<br />

and into the countryside and are wanting<br />

bigger gardens it wasn’t that long-ago<br />

people were downsizing and didn’t want<br />

a big outdoor space and this time has<br />

now changed that.<br />

I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE AN<br />

RHS AMBASSADOR? WHAT DOES<br />

THAT ENTAIL?<br />

Yes, I’ve done that for quite a few years<br />

now. Basically, I help them with stuff<br />

looking at helping youngsters to engage<br />

more through events and I did a lot<br />

of work a while back with Homebase<br />

creating apprenticeships so that’s how it<br />

started. I also do a lot of community stuff<br />

with RHS and I’m just about to start a<br />

new project which I can’t say too much<br />

about which will be good. I have travelled<br />

all over to schools, events for them. I<br />

was brought up just outside London and<br />

wasn’t the best behaved, I’m dyslexic<br />

and obviously I’ve done OK and I think<br />

that’s why they wanted me to help.<br />

YOU ARE AT THE NEC IN THE<br />

SUMMER WHAT WILL THAT INVOLVE?<br />

I normally go from stage to stage and talk<br />

all things gardening and there’s different<br />

themes on different stages from talking<br />

about Grow your Own, Unusual edibles,<br />

soil & compost so all sorts really. What<br />

I love about that show is you have the<br />

gardens and displays but it also interlinks<br />

with food and because its at the NEC if<br />

we do have poor weather people can get<br />

inside. Because it’s such a large venue<br />

everything will feel alright.<br />

DO YOU DO ANY JUDGING IN YOUR<br />

ROLE?<br />

I’ve been asked, and I’ve done bits and<br />

pieces, but I don’t really like to just turn<br />

up and judge other people’s work.<br />

SO, AT CHELSEA FOR EXAMPLE ARE<br />

YOU THERE WHEN THE JUDGES<br />

COME AROUND?<br />

You have a 2 minute conversation the day<br />

before to explain if anything has changed<br />

or there have been any adjustments<br />

to the design. They then arrive at your<br />

garden anytime between 7:30 and<br />

9:30am on the day and you must be away<br />

from your garden. Then you have another<br />

24 hours until you find out the result.<br />

WHEN DID YOU REALISE THAT<br />

YOU HAD AN APTITUDE FOR<br />

PRESENTING?<br />

I don’t think I did really, I love what I do I<br />

think it just happened. I was talking to a<br />

Robert Hillier at Chelsea and he said can<br />

you remember the conversation we had<br />

in 2015 where you said the BBC want<br />

me to do some presenting as they think<br />

I’m half decent and he said are you sure<br />

that’s what you want to do and you said<br />

I don’t know but I’ll give it a go and here<br />

we are now.<br />

“I would say to<br />

anybody there is<br />

so much glorious<br />

flower colour foliage<br />

colour stem colour<br />

to be had and the<br />

light is different so<br />

the atmosphere is<br />

different you can<br />

still wrap up and<br />

enjoy it just don’t<br />

disengage. Don’t<br />

chase perfection just<br />

enjoy the moments.”<br />

WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE OUR<br />

READERS TO DO TO THEIR GARDENS<br />

BEFORE AUTUMN?<br />

Don’t disengage with the garden, I think<br />

we get to <strong>Sep</strong>tember the kids go back to<br />

school and people pack up their gardens.<br />

I think our environment has changed<br />

so much that you cant month to month<br />

garden anymore you have to react to the<br />

month you are in <strong>Sep</strong>tember, October<br />

and even going into November we can<br />

still have some cracking days and only<br />

have our first frosts going into December<br />

so I would say to anybody there is so<br />

much glorious flower colour foliage<br />

colour stem colour to be had and the light<br />

is different so the atmosphere is different<br />

you can still wrap up and enjoy it just<br />

don’t disengage. Don’t chase perfection<br />

just enjoy the moments.<br />

Adam Frost, along with other gardening<br />

celebrities, will be appearing at the NEC<br />

in Birmingham from Thursday <strong>Aug</strong>ust 26<br />

to Sunday <strong>Aug</strong>ust 29.<br />

For ticket information, please visit<br />

www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com<br />

36 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


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RETIREMENT<br />

PLANNING:<br />

A GUIDE<br />

Getting your financial<br />

ducks in a row for a happy<br />

retirement...<br />

Retirement planning is a multi-faceted<br />

process which evolves over time - to<br />

have a comfortable and secure future,<br />

you have to have the means to fund<br />

it. Fewer people have access to the<br />

guaranteed income that comes with a<br />

final salary pension, and with longer to<br />

wait until eligibility for the state pension,<br />

it’s pertinent to start planning as early as<br />

possible for the retirement you want. The<br />

better prepared you are now, the better<br />

your retirement will be.<br />

There are many strands to retirement<br />

planning, and much of it depends on<br />

your stage of life. It’s important to seek<br />

advice from a registered financial planner<br />

who can help you make the most of your<br />

unique circumstances.<br />

There are some handy way points to help<br />

you get a grasp on where you are and<br />

what you will need - here’s a checklist of<br />

things to consider:<br />

Understand what your retirement<br />

income is likely to be:<br />

You will be adding to your pension fund<br />

during your working life, but it’s important<br />

you get a handle on your various pension<br />

pots to forecast the actual figure you will<br />

have access to.<br />

Check your state pension:<br />

The rising state pension age can have a<br />

real knock-on effect to your retirement<br />

planning - a state pension forecast will<br />

help you to gauge how much you’re on<br />

course to get from the government.<br />

Get an understanding of your<br />

expenditure:<br />

Having an idea of your expenditure will<br />

help you plan longer-term. Your living<br />

costs are likely to be a lot lower than<br />

in other phases of life - you might be<br />

mortgage-free and you don’t have the<br />

same costs for commuting, recreation or<br />

childcare for example.<br />

You may wish to improve your home<br />

or go on some amazing trips, so it’s<br />

important you know you have the<br />

financial reserves to do this.<br />

When should you start drawing a<br />

pension?<br />

You don’t have to stop working to draw<br />

down your pension - as long as you<br />

are over the age of 55 - but be aware,<br />

the sooner you start dipping into it, the<br />

sooner the pot will deplete.<br />

How much will retirement cost?<br />

This is the golden question, and really<br />

depends on the level of comfort or luxury<br />

you are looking for in your autumn years.<br />

A recent Which? study found that the<br />

average retired household (those living<br />

alone or as couples) spent an around<br />

£2,170 per month - this is covering all<br />

the basic areas of expenditure and some<br />

luxuries like European holidays. Those<br />

looking for a more luxurious lifestyle<br />

including longer-haul trips and new cars<br />

every five years would need to allow<br />

for approximately £3,400 per month, or<br />

£41,000 per year.<br />

Once you have a framework for the<br />

amount you’ll need, and what you are<br />

on track for saving, you also need to<br />

consider how you will access your<br />

pension pots - these might be state<br />

pension, a final salary pension and a<br />

money purchase/defined contribution<br />

pension.<br />

With your defined contribution pot,<br />

such as the one you might get in the<br />

government employee scheme, you can<br />

draw the entire pension pot in one go,<br />

but this will mean it’s entirely down to<br />

you to make the money last and you’ll<br />

invariably pay a substantial tax bill. Most<br />

people with these pensions will opt for<br />

income drawdown or an annuity, or a<br />

combination of both when it comes<br />

taking money out of their pension.<br />

With careful planning and accurate<br />

forecasting, your retirement can be<br />

something to really look forward to, but<br />

it is essential to make an assessment of<br />

your position as early as possible and<br />

use the advice of experts to make your<br />

money work harder for you.<br />

38 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


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Our valued and professional CareGivers are a trusted,<br />

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Did you know, we also offer full time live-in care?<br />

With our live-in care service, one of our fully-trained and<br />

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How can we support you?<br />

• Companionship<br />

• Transportation & errands<br />

• Meal preparation<br />

• Light housekeeping<br />

• Hospital to home services<br />

• Personal care<br />

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All you need to know<br />

about Retirement<br />

Interest-Only (RIO)<br />

mortgages<br />

It’s been over a decade since the financial crash wiped<br />

billions off the value of the UK’s biggest companies.<br />

As a result, borrowing became more difficult for those<br />

heading into their later years with many lenders lowering<br />

their maximum lending age limit and reducing the provision<br />

of interest-only mortgages.<br />

However, since the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)<br />

recently improved access to mortgage borrowing for those<br />

in retirement, the door finally reopened for everyone seeking<br />

finance; no matter their age.<br />

What is a RIO mortgage?<br />

RIO mortgages – short for Retirement Interest-Only – allow<br />

borrowers to pay a monthly interest payment with no set<br />

end date as it will run until a ‘significant life event’, such<br />

as the homeowner moving into long-term care or dying.<br />

It is at this point the mortgage is repaid by the sale of the<br />

mortgaged property.<br />

Who eligible for a Newbury Building Society RIO<br />

mortgage?<br />

Our RIO mortgage is designed to support borrowers in later<br />

life who either want to move or do not want to downsize their<br />

current property and wish to remain in their home. We lend<br />

to those aged 60 and above who are retired and in receipt of<br />

their pension or other ongoing income.<br />

Why might a person want to borrower in<br />

later life?<br />

There are many reasons why older borrowers might<br />

want to take out a mortgage:<br />

• To purchase a retirement property which better<br />

suits their needs as they get older<br />

• To fund home improvements or extend their property<br />

• To release cash to top up their pension income<br />

• To gift funds to a loved one looking to step onto the<br />

property ladder<br />

Always speak to an independent financial adviser who<br />

will explore your options with you and determine which<br />

route suits your circumstances.<br />

Is a RIO mortgage different to that of a standard<br />

residential mortgage?<br />

A RIO mortgage is very similar to that of a standard<br />

residential mortgage, with two key differences:<br />

1. The loan is usually repaid when the borrower either sells<br />

the house, moves into long-term care or dies<br />

2. The borrower only has to prove they can afford the<br />

monthly interest repayments because the method of<br />

repayment the loan is already agreed<br />

Essentially, the ‘retirement’ element of the mortgage means<br />

there is no defined end date the capital has to be repaid by.<br />

Our mortgage appointments can be undertaken in branch,<br />

by telephone or by video link. If you would like to talk to a<br />

qualified mortgage adviser about RIO mortgages, contact<br />

us to book an appointment.<br />

<strong>Winchester</strong> branch:<br />

143 High Street, <strong>Winchester</strong> SO23 9AY.<br />

Call: 01962 852716<br />

Email: winchester@newbury.co.uk.<br />

Cliff Osborne,<br />

<strong>Winchester</strong> Senior Branch<br />

Manager<br />

YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY<br />

BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME<br />

MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON<br />

YOUR MORTGAGE.<br />

Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential<br />

Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies and we will communicate with you in English. We are<br />

participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints procedure which we will provide on request. Most complaints that we<br />

cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 8418<br />

Newbury<br />

Building Society


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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 41


THE BEST EXERCISES<br />

FOR OLDER PEOPLE<br />

Whatever your age, exercise is good for you. Older adults<br />

should do some physical activity every day, and the<br />

more you do the better!<br />

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"Moderate<br />

activity will raise<br />

your heart rate,<br />

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The best news is that any type of<br />

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advises that all adults aged 65 and<br />

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every day, even if it's just light activity.<br />

Try to do activities that improve strength,<br />

balance and flexibility at least 2 days a<br />

week, whilst overall you should aim to do<br />

at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity<br />

activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous<br />

LIGHT<br />

ACTIVITIES<br />

• making a cup of tea<br />

• moving around your<br />

home<br />

• slow walking<br />

• cleaning and dusting<br />

• vacuuming<br />

• making the bed<br />

• standing up<br />

MODERATE<br />

ACTIVITIES<br />

• brisk walking<br />

• water aerobics<br />

• riding a bike<br />

• dancing<br />

• doubles tennis<br />

• pushing a lawn<br />

mower/weeding<br />

• hiking<br />

Strength exercises are especially<br />

important as we get older<br />

intensity. If you aren't active already try<br />

to work up to this level and overall try to<br />

reduce the amount of time you spend<br />

sitting or lying down and break up long<br />

periods of not moving with some activity.<br />

Light activity is moving rather than sitting<br />

or lying down. Moderate activity will raise<br />

your heart rate, and make you breathe<br />

faster and feel warmer. Vigorous intensity<br />

activity makes you breathe hard and fast.<br />

VIGOROUS<br />

ACTIVITIES<br />

• jogging or running<br />

• aerobics<br />

• swimming fast<br />

• riding fast or on hills<br />

• singles tennis<br />

• football<br />

• energetic dancing<br />

• martial arts<br />

STRENGTH EXERCISES<br />

Strength-training done regularly helps<br />

to build muscle strength and muscle<br />

mass and preserve bone density<br />

(which otherwise decreases as we age),<br />

independence and vitality. To get the<br />

benefits from strength exercises, you<br />

should do them to the point where you<br />

need a short rest before repeating the<br />

activity.<br />

There are many ways you can strengthen<br />

your muscles, whether you're at home or<br />

in a gym. If you've fallen or are worried<br />

about falling, doing exercises to improve<br />

your strength, balance and flexibility will<br />

help make you stronger and feel more<br />

confident on your feet. Speak to your GP if<br />

you have any concerns about exercising.<br />

Examples of muscle-strengthening<br />

activities include: yoga, pilates, tai chi,<br />

lifting weights, working with resistance<br />

bands and doing body weight exercises<br />

such as push-ups and sit-ups. Heavy<br />

gardening including digging will also<br />

help strengthen your muscles.<br />

You can find a number of fitness videos<br />

on the NHS Fitness Studio website, as well<br />

as aerobics it offers yoga, pilates, strength<br />

building and much more.<br />

• nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio<br />

42 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


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