Malvern Living Sep - Oct 2021

Thee Beelmont 

aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd rrrrrrrreeeeeeeeaaaaaaaallllllll 

CCoooooooommmmppaaaaaaaannnnnnnniiiiiiiioooooooonnnnnnnnsssssssshhhhiiiiiiiipp 

vvvvvaaaaaaaalllllllluuuuuuuueeeeeeeessssssss aaaaaaaarrrrrrrreeeeeeee aaaaaaaatttttttt tttttttthhhheeeeeeee 

ffaaaaaaaammmmiiiiiiiillllllllyyyy 

ooooooooff whhhhaaaaaaaatttttttt weeeeeeee ddddddddoooooooo. 

hhhheeeeeeeeaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrtttttttt 

oooooooouuuuuuuurrrrrrrr iiiiiiiinnnnnnnntttttttteeeeeeeennnnnnnnttttttttiiiiiiiioooooooonnnnnnnn ttttttttoooooooo pprrrrrrrroooooooovvvvviiiiiiiiddddddddeeeeeeee 

Itttttttt'ssssssss 

hhhhoooooooommmmeeeeeeee aaaaaaaawaaaaaaaayyyy ffrrrrrrrroooooooommmm hhhhoooooooommmmeeeeeeee 

aaaaaaaa 

aaaaaaaallllllllllllllll tttttttthhhheeeeeeee ssssssssttttttttaaaaaaaannnnnnnnddddddddaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrddddddddssssssss ooooooooff 

wiiiiiiiitttttttthhhh 

CCARRRRREEEEEEEE HOOOMMEEEEEEEE IINNN WOOORRRRRCCEEEEEEEESSTTTEEEEEEEERRRRR 

LUUXUURRRRRY 

SSEEEEEEEEPPTTTEEEEEEEEMMBBEEEEEEEERRRRR fdfe 

OOOPPEEEEEEEENNNIINNNG 

oooooooovvvvveeeeeeeerrrrrrrr tttttttthhhhrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 

Deeeeeeeessssssssiiiiiiiigggggnnnnnnnneeeeeeeedddddddd 

Thhhheeeeeeee Beeeeeeeellllllllmmmmoooooooonnnnnnnntttttttt wiiiiiiiillllllllllllllll 

fflllllllloooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrssssssss, 

aaaaaaaa CCiiiiiiiinnnnnnnneeeeeeeemmmmaaaaaaaa, SSppaaaaaaaa 

ffeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaattttttttuuuuuuuurrrrrrrreeeeeeee 

Haaaaaaaaiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrddddddddrrrrrrrreeeeeeeessssssssssssssssiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggg SSaaaaaaaalllllllloooooooonnnnnnnn, 

SSuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiitttttttteeeeeeee, 

Baaaaaaaarrrrrrrr, Exquuuuuuuuiiiiiiiissssssssiiiiiiiitttttttteeeeeeee 

CCooooooooccc'ttttttttaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiillllllll 

Liiiiiiiibrrrrrrrraaaaaaaarrrrrrrryyyy, Prrrrrrrriiiiiiiivvvvvaaaaaaaatttttttteeeeeeee 

Loooooooouuuuuuuunnnnnnnngggggeeeeeeeessssssss, 

aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddddd Biiiiiiiissssssssttttttttrrrrrrrroooooooo 

Diiiiiiiinnnnnnnniiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggg 

Reeeeeeeessssssssttttttttaaaaaaaauuuuuuuurrrrrrrraaaaaaaannnnnnnnttttttttssssssss. 

ssssssssuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiitttttttteeeeeeeessssssss lllllllleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaddddddddiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggg 

ddddddddeeeeeeeecccoooooooorrrrrrrraaaaaaaatttttttteeeeeeeedddddddd 

ttttttttoooooooo aaaaaaaa cccoooooooouuuuuuuurrrrrrrrttttttttyyyyaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrdddddddd aaaaaaaarrrrrrrreeeeeeeeaaaaaaaa. 

oooooooouuuuuuuutttttttt 

Elllllllleeeeeeeegggggaaaaaaaannnnnnnnttttttttllllllllyyyy 

Reeeeeeeemmmmiiiiiiiinnnnnnnniiiiiiiissssssssccceeeeeeeennnnnnnnccceeeeeeee: 

pprrrrrrrroooooooovvvvviiiiiiiiddddddddiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggg aaaaaaaa 

ffuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrnnnnnnnniiiiiiiisssssssshhhheeeeeeeedddddddd, 

Peeeeeeeennnnnnnntttttttthhhhoooooooouuuuuuuusssssssseeeeeeee: beeeeeeeeaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuttttttttiiiiiiiiffuuuuuuuullllllll 

Thhhheeeeeeee 

wiiiiiiiitttttttthhhh ooooooooppuuuuuuuulllllllleeeeeeeennnnnnnntttttttt 

ddddddddhcccoooooooorrrrrrrr, 

Thhhheeeeeeee ppeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrffeeeeeeeeccctttttttt 

ffuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrnnnnnnnniiiiiiiisssssssshhhhiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggggssssssss. 

ffoooooooorrrrrrrr cccoooooooouuuuuuuupplllllllleeeeeeeessssssss. 

aaaaaaaabooooooooddddddddeeeeeeee 

ffffuuuurrrrrrrrttttthhheeeeeeeerrrrrrrr iiiiiiiinnnnnnffffoooooorrrrrrrrmmmmmaaaaaaatttttiiiiiiiioooooonnnnnn rrrrrrrreeeeeeeeggaaaaaaarrrrrrrrddiiiiiiiinnnnnngg oooooouuuurrrrrrrr lllluuuuxuuuurrrrrrrry cccaaaaaaarrrrrrrreeeeeeee hhhoooooommmmmeeeeeeee oooooopeeeeeeeennnnnniiiiiiiinnnnnngg iiiiiiiinnnnnn SSeeeeeeeepttttteeeeeeeemmmmmeeeeeeeerrrrrrrr fdfe 

Foooooorrrrrrrr 

cccoooooonnnnnntttttaaaaaaacccttttt oooooouuuurrrrrrrr aaaaaaaddmmmmmiiiiiiiissssssssssiiiiiiiioooooonnnnnnsssss ttttteeeeeeeeaaaaaaammmmm tttttooooooddaaaaaaay: 

plllleeeeeeeeaaaaaaassssseeeeeeee 

TTThhheeeeeeee 

BBeeeeeeeellllmmmmmoooooonnnnnnttttt 

Luuuuxuuuurrrrrrrry 

Faaaaaaaccciiiiiiiilllliiiiiiiitttttiiiiiiiieeeeeeeesssss 

SSuuuuiiiiiiiittttteeeeeeeesssss 

Teeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaccceeeeeeeessssssss: beeeeeeeeaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuttttttttiiiiiiiiffuuuuuuuullllllllllllllllyyyy 

Thhhheeeeeeee 

Diiiiiiiiffffffffeeeeeeeerrrrrrrreeeeeeeennnnnnccceeeeeeee 

ssssssssppaaaaaaaaccciiiiiiiioooooooouuuuuuuussssssss eeeeeeeennnnnnnnvvvvviiiiiiiirrrrrrrroooooooonnnnnnnnmmmmeeeeeeeennnnnnnntttttttt. 

ddddddddaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiillllllllyyyy lllllllliiiiiiiivvvvviiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggg yyyyoooooooouuuuuuuu aaaaaaaarrrrrrrreeeeeeee uuuuuuuusssssssseeeeeeeedddddddd ttttttttoooooooo. 

0019005 677777777427777 

Joooooooohhhhnnnnnnnn CCoooooooommmmyyyynnnnnnnn Drrrrrrrriiiiiiiivvvvveeeeeeee, Woooooooorrrrrrrrccceeeeeeeesssssssstttttttteeeeeeeerrrrrrrr, WR3 7777NSS 

iiiiiiiinnnnnnnnffoooooooo@ssssssssaaaaaaaannnnnnnnddddddddeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrsssssssssssssssseeeeeeeennnnnnnniiiiiiiioooooooorrrrrrrrlllllllliiiiiiiivvvvviiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggg.cccoooooooo.uuuuuuuu'

Contents 

A Note 

from the EDITOR 

18 

A 

A Culinary Journey through 

Northern 

delicious Ireland 

sweet loaf recipe 

“There is something so special in 

the early leaves drifting from the 

trees–as if we are all to be allowed 

a chance to peel, to refresh, to 

start again.” 

– Ruth Ahmed 

There is something so special about 

this time of year - it has a grounding 

effect which forces us to consider 

the passage of time and the tangible 

changes around us. As the hues 

of the trees shape our landscape, 

we settle down into the embrace 

of those cooler, darker evenings 

- a sense of quietude before the 

inevitable Christmas rush begins. 

Garden Designer 

Adam Frost 

23 

We hope this edition makes a good 

companion to a cosy evening or 

a peaceful morning with a cuppa. 

We’ve filled it with interviews with 

some titans of their fields - firstly, west 

country expert baker (via France!) 

Richard Bertinet and Chelsea seventime 

gold medal winning garden 

designer Adam Frost. 

Our interview with 

Richard Bertinet 

16 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre-Press Manager Kate Norris 

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

Angela Cave and Pete Lawrence. Front cover courtesy of Richard Bertinet 

Key Account Manager Steve Davies 

e steve.davies@minervapublications.co.uk 

d/l 01225 984506 

ttwitter: @MalvernLiving 

29 

Dealing with a 

dementia diagnosis 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton 

Trowbridge BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

visit our website www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

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

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

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

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

These lovely chats fall alongside 

some delicious recipes and some 

inspiration for the home and garden 

- plus some advice on getting those 

finances in order for retirement - - 

plus some advice on getting the 

house in good order ahead of 

the worsening weather - there’s 

nothing like a burst pipe to make 

you wish you’d checked on things 

a little earlier. 

It wouldn’t be right to have an 

edition without one of our most 

popular pages - the competitions! 

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 November, where we 

will be unapologetically thrusting 

you into the Christmas swing. Don’t 

say I didn’t warn you! Until then, 

take care and enjoy this issue. 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITION 

Time 

WIN 

A a two-night stay 

for two people at 

Whittlebury Park 

WORTH 

£338 

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. 

Whittlebury Park, a four-star countryside hotel in 

Northamptonshire, is nestled in hundreds of acres of tranquil 

ancient parkland, making it the perfect destination to get away 

from it all. It’s surrounded by a host of local attractions, from 

lakeside walks at Stowe Gardens to designer retail therapy 

at Bicester Village and thrilling history at the Silverstone 

Experience Museum. 

Terms and conditions: The prize is for a winner plus one guest. Prize 

winner and guest must be aged 18 and over. Only one winner will be 

drawn. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, non-exchangeable 

and there are no cash alternatives. Cannot be used in conjunction with 

any other offer or promotion. The prize is available Friday – Sunday. Valid 

until 31 December 2021 excluding, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and 

Bank Holiday Mondays. Full terms and conditions available on website. 

whittlebury.com 

Closes 10/11/2021 - Competition keyword ‘WHITTLEBURY’ 

WIN We are giving one 

lucky reader the 

The Ultimate chance to win 

baby Starter the Ultimate 

Pack! Starter Pack 

from Kit & Kin, 

the eco-friendly 

brand co-founded by 

Emma Bunton. Offering an 

unbeatable bundle of ethical 

baby essentials, the beautiful 

collection of products is 

bursting with everything a 

new parent needs, night and 

day, including the brand’s Eco Nappies, Biodegradable Wipes 

and Nappy Sacks. The standout set also contains the heroes from 

Kit & Kin’s range of 100% organic cotton babywear, including the 

adorable Bunny Hat and super soft Alphabet All-in-One, as well as 

a luxuriously snuggly Knitted Blanket and Sleeping Bag, to ensure 

everyone gets the best ZZZ’s, naturally! 

kitandkin.com 

Closes 10/11/2021 - Competition keyword ‘BABYWEAR’ 

Ramekins & Wine offer 

immersive dining 

experiences where 

the wine takes 

centre-stage, the 

food is designed to 

showcase its character 

and deliver a true taste 

sensation. We are giving readers 

the chance to win a Home 

Tasting Box for two people 

which includes six specially 

selected wines and perfectly 

matched ramekins of food. 

T’s and C’s: Three lucky winners 

will enjoy a Home Tasting Box 

for two people. 

ramekinsandwine.co.uk 

Closes 10/11/2021 - Competition 

keyword ‘RAMEKINS’ 

WIN 

A Home 

Tasting Box 

for two! 

Lifestyle and homewares brand 

Haus have just launched a 

beautiful new textiles 

collection called 

Modern Vintage – 

centred around 

hand-embroidered 

and loomed fabrics 

from Thailand, India 

and Japan. 

The collection features 

some exquisite vintage fabrics, 

all with a focus on fine detail 

and a balanced, neutral palette 

– customers can mix and match 

pieces with confidence as all are 

tonally compatible. 

We have 5 x £50 vouchers to 

give away to be used on the 

website www.hauslife.co.uk. 

T&C’s and exclusions apply. 

Closes 10/11/2021 - Competition 

keyword ‘MODERN VINTAGE’ 

5x 

£50 

vouchers to 

be won! 

Leading flowers and 

gifts delivery service, 

Floward, is delighted 

to offer 8 lucky readers 

the chance to win an 

arrangement from its 

new letterbox collection. 

WIN 

A beautiful flower 

arrangement from 

Floward’s new 

collection 

Established in 2017 by CEO 

Abdulaziz B. al-Loughani, 

Floward is a full-fledged 

e-commerce solution that 

offers prime fresh-cut flowers 

sources from the best growers 

and farmers around the world 

which are arranged locally by an expert team of florists and 

designers. Following a successful launch into London at the 

start of the year, Floward is expanding its distribution across 

the country, to offer a next day delivery service which allows 

customers to place orders by 12pm and guarantees that their 

flower arrangements will arrive the next day. What’s more, as 

part of Floward’s worldwide CSR programme, 1% of all annual 

revenue generated by sales will be donated to the Mental Health 

Foundation. 

floward.com 

Closes 10/11/2021 - Competition keyword ‘FLOWARD’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Try a 3 month membership today* 

Visit davidlloyd.co.uk/enquire-now 

RACQUETS • FITNESS • FAMILY • SWIM • SPA • CLUB LOUNGE 

*Terms and conditions apply. Monthly rolling contract after a 3 month initial commitment. 

One full calendar month’s notice is required in writing. Images depicted may not be of your local club.

An enriching life like no other 

Which school should my child attend? 

Choosing the right educational 

environment for your child is one of 

the most important decisions you’ll 

ever have to make as a parent. But if 

you’re looking for a boarding school 

for your child, how do you choose 

the right one? Robin Fletcher, CEO 

of the Boarding Schools’ Association 

(BSA), explains. 

‘How do I choose the right boarding school 

for my child?’ That’s a question we’re asked 

more often than any other at BSA. And 

when you consider the UK boarding market 

is one of the largest in the world, with more 

than 450 schools of all sizes and types, in 

all sorts of different locations, there isn’t a 

straightforward answer. 

But having such a wide range of choice can 

really work to your advantage. If you know 

exactly what to look for in a prospective 

boarding school, your child will enjoy a 

first-class education and gain invaluable life 

skills, boost their confidence, become more 

independent, and have the best possible 

preparation for adult life. 

The first key piece of advice I would always 

offer when choosing a school is that it must 

be a joint decision between you and your 

child: they have to be happy with the final 

choice. 

As I’ve mentioned, one thing there isn’t a 

shortage of in the UK boarding sector is 

choice. You need to think about the best 

location for your child: will they be best 

suited to a large school attended by several 

hundred students, or a smaller school 

with fewer pupils? Would a school in the 

middle of a city be better for them, or would 

they prefer somewhere more rural? Would 

they be best suited to a single sex or coeducational 

school? Also, will full boarding 

be the best option for them? Schools can 

offer full, weekly or flexi-boarding, so you’ll 

need to decide which works best for you 

and your child. And is an academic school 

right for them, or one that focuses perhaps 

more on sport, music or more vocational 

subjects? 

Once you’ve considered all those factors 

and you’ve got a shortlist of schools you’re 

interested in, I’d always strongly encourage 

you to visit those schools in person. This 

is the best way to tell if it’s right for your 

child or not, as it will be clear very quickly 

whether they are comfortable there. 

Making that final choice of the right 

boarding school for your child can be a 

lengthy process, but taking the time to get 

your decision absolutely right is crucial. 

Boarding will not suit every child or family 

- but for the right child, in the right school, 

it can offer an enriching life experience like 

no other. 

For further information about the Boarding 

Schools’ Association, or to search for a 

boarding school, please visit www.boarding. 

org.uk. In 2020, BSA also teamed up with 

Bulldog Publishing to launch Schoolplaces. 

org, a dedicated live information resource 

for schools, parents and education agents. 

For more information, please visit www. 

schoolplaces.org. 

Image: Courtesy of Highfield and 

Brookham Schools 


Open Day 

Sept 18th 

Discovering 

the world is on our curriculum. 

With over 90 acres of beautiful grounds, Abberley Hall 

offers an unrivalled freedom to learn. Because instilling 

a sense of adventure and natural discovery is a vital 

part of an inspiring and nurturing education. 

Join us at our Open Day on September 18th 2021 

Register at www.abberleyhall.co.uk 

Co-educational boarding and day school age 2-13 

www.abberleyhall.co.uk 

Part of the Malvern College Family of Schools 

Independent education 

for boys and girls 

aged 2-18 

Pupils grow, 

thrive and flourish 

at King’s 

Autumn Open Mornings 

Senior School Saturday 25 th September 

King’s St Alban’s Saturday 2 nd October 

King’s Hawford Saturday 9 th October 

Register your visit: ksw.org.uk/meetkings 

#ShapedByKings 

New school minibus transport routes 

for September 2021. Direct from Malvern. 


Newport, 

Shropshire, 

TF10 8NB 

Top 30 

UK University 

The Times & Sunday Times 

Good University Guide 2021 

Top 10 

for student 

satisfaction 

NSS 2021 

No.1 

for Graduate 

Employment 

Graduate Outcomes 2020 

Forge your future 

with a degree that matters 

Agricultural Sciences 

Animal Sciences 

Business Management 

Environmental 

Management 

Food Supply Chain 

Management 

Food Innovation & 

Technology 

Mechanical Engineering 

Land, Property & 

Estate Management 

Zoology 

Open Day - October 9th 

harper.ac.uk/open

A beautiful 

barn, full of 

antiques 

In a wonderful rural idyll, the beautiful Jacobean 

barn at Kyre Park awaits you. Here, you can explore, 

buy, collect and treasure a wide variety of distinct, 

historical and fascinating antiques. 

Relax in our bistro, whilst enjoying hot and cold 

food and drink, using mostly local ingredients. 

www.kyreparkantiques.co.uk 

Kyre Park, off Bromyard Road, Kyre, nr Tenbury Wells, 

Worcestershire, WR15 8RW

Citroen 

New e-C4 

Motoring Journalist Sue Cooke test drives the 

economical yet sleek Citroen New e-C4... 

Following 15 months of lockdown 

and fewer cars on the road, people 

living in the Northern state of Punjab 

in India, were able to see the snowcapped 

Himalayas, 200 kms away, for 

the first time in 30 years. The reason 

being, reduced air pollution. In the 

UK concentrations of NO2, a pollutant 

commonly associated with road transport 

were estimated to have declined by 

45 per cent in the Spring of 2020. (RQ 

magazine Summer 2021) 

Unfortunately, there are already signs 

that pollution levels are returning to levels 

closer to those observed prior to the 

pandemic. So driving all electric cars will 

benefit every one of us. 

The new Citroen ë-C4 is the fifth 

model launched as part of Citroën’s 

electrification offensive and is powered 

by a 136hp electric motor and 50kWh 

battery that can charge at speeds of up 

to 100kW through CCS rapid charging. A 

single charge gives up to 217 miles. 

This compact hatchback has the 

qualities needed to shake up standards, 

particularly with the exterior design which 

I think is absolutely gorgeous. New 

V shaped LED lighting front and rear 

have distinctive front fog lamps with 

a cornering function. A black spoiler 

across the rear window didn’t hamper my 

vision and adds to the sporty look. There 

are 31 combinations of body colours and 

colour packs and tinted side windows 

with matt black detail. 

The interior is just as good looking, 

is spacious and full of gadgets. The 

large 10 inch high touchscreen central 

display controls the DAB digital radio, 

six speakers, Apple car play and android 

auto which I discovered can also be 

operated by a voice command. There 

are simple buttons to change the air 

conditioning easily and a flip lever instead 

of a handbrake. There is so much storage 

space and I like the sun visors with 

illuminated vanity mirrors. 

The integrated Smart Pad support to 

which I attached my tablet computer is 

useful when using the car as an office. 

The steering wheel controls and driver’s 

instrument cluster let me know the 

average mileage I was achieving. The 

head up display showed the mileage I 

was driving at and the mileage for the 

road ahead. 

Bumping along potholed urban roads can 

be very uncomfortable but this compact 

hatchback has enhanced suspension 

and supportive seating which provided 

me with a very smooth ride. Citroën’s 

Progressive Hydraulic Cushion® 

technology, has Progressive Hydraulic 

cushions with advanced comfort seats. 

With broad cushions and seat backs, they 

combine high-density foam at the heart 

of each seat, and a thick 15mm layer of 

extra textured foam on the surface. It is 

so relaxing for long journeys. 

The ë-C4 has a “Brake” feature to 

increase the slowing of the car without 

pressing the brake pedal. The system 

allows for the recovery of energy when 

slowing the car, and the driver can 

partially recharge the battery and increase 

the range. Several driving modes are 

available, activated by the mode selector 

on the centre console: Eco, Normal 

or Sport. The system allows the driver 

to choose between performance and 

optimal eco-driving. 

So take a deep breath and take 

advantage of the environmental benefits 

of driving Citroen’s all electric e-C4. 

New owners will find zero odour and 

zero noise, zero vibrations, zero CO2 

emissions and zero congestion charges. 

Facts at a Glance 

Model: Citroen e-C4 Shine 

Price: £32,390 otr 

Power: Lithium ion battery and electric 

motor 

Performance: 0-62mph in 9 seconds 

and on to a top speed of 93mph 

CO2 emissions: Zero 

EV Range: Up to 217 miles (WLTP) 


OPËN THE WAY 

NEW C4 

RËINVENTING 

THE HATCHBACK 

The new C4 sets itself apart with 

the elegance, fluidity and dynamism 

of a compact hatchback, plus the 

strength, character and robustness of 

an SUV thanks to large alloy wheels, 

generous and muscular shapes. New 

generation petrol and diesel engines 

are equipped with a choice of power 

ranging from 100hp to 155hp. 

NEW Ë-C4 

100% ËLECTRIC. 

0% CO2. 

The new Ë-C4 100% electric embodies modern, 

innovative design and technology, whilst offering 

exceptional comfort and versatility. The 100kW 

battery can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes with 

up to a 217 mile range with three dynamic driving 

modes. New Citroën Ë-C4 offers up to 20 driver 

assistance systems to enhance the safety, comfort and 

serenity on board. New Citroën Ë-C4 offers the best 

in connectivity including a 10” touchscreen, wireless 

charging and ConnectedCAM Citroën. 

Official Government fuel consumption figures: Combined (mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/km); Citroën C4 range: Combined 48.7 - 61.41mpg, CO2 121 - 131g/km. Citroën Ë-C4 range: Up 

to 217 mile range, CO2 0g/km. Fuel consumption figures quoted on this site are achieved under official EU test conditions. Intended as a guide for comparative. 

Images for illustration purposes only. Bristol Street Motors Citroën is a trading name of Bristol Street Fourth Investments Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial 

Conduct Authority. Company registration number 00522856. VAT Registration number 902737238. Registered office: Vertu House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Team Valley, 

Gateshead, NE11 0XA. Terms & conditions apply. Subject to stock availability. 

CITROËN WORCESTER 

Cosgrove Close, Blackpole, Worcester WR3 8UA 

CALL 0330 1783 007 | bristolstreet.co.uk

Skoda ENYAQ iV 

Motoring Journalist Sue Cooke test drives 

the total package; the Skoda Enyaq iV... 

Sporty styling is my first choice when 

buying a new car and then economy and 

how it drives. None of which are in the 

top ten of ‘search terms’ according to 

the analysis of online car supermarket, 

BuyaCar.co.uk. Car buyers are most 

interested in dimensions (1) and boot 

space (2). Trim levels (6) also feature 

in the top ten which will make the new 

Skoda Enyaq a popular choice. 

Launched in June this year, the all-electric 

SUV is one of the most significant new 

models ever introduced in the brand’s 

126-year history and it comes with an 

innovative interior and customised design 

selections. 

For buyers wishing to help save the 

planet, which also doesn’t feature in the 

top ten search terms, the upholstery is 

made from a blend of virgin wool and 

polyester from recycled PET bottles. 

Seating and trim leather is tanned without 

chemicals and uses the extract from 

olive leaves. Skoda says this ensures a 

pleasant seating climate as wool is one 

of the most absorbent natural fibres 

and has a cooling effect and also filters 

out pollutants and odours from the 

surrounding air. There are five interior 

design selections in all and two option 

packs. 

What I like about the quality cabin is 

the inner door opener which has a high 

frame so it is easy to grasp to open 

the door. There is a huge screen, a 13 

inch touchscreen display, where all the 

information is easily attainable. As soon 

as I slide into the driving seat, whichever 

radio station I had been listening starts 

to play. The indicator sounds like a 

comforting grandfather clock. I also 

like the head up display which shows 

information on speed, navigation, assist 

systems and traffic signs which appear 

directly in line of front vision but doesn’t 

get in the way of good visibility. 

If like me exterior styling is important, 

there is a striking new option of a crystal 

face grille which features more than 130 

LEDs that form 18 vertical ribs and a 

chrome or black horizontal strip that runs 

the width of the frame. The grille turns on 

when the headlights are activated and 

illuminates the road ahead along with the 

dipped beam lights. 

The Enyaq iV comes in Sport Line form 

or there is a 4x4 version – the 80x Sport 

Line - which has a dynamic exterior look 

and a unique interior package. 

Owners can use an ‘app’ to control air 

conditioning and to charge remotely from 

their mobile. 

And for those interested in a swift move 

onto roundabouts, the acceleration is 

fantastic reaching 62mph from start in 

8.4 seconds. There are two battery pack 

sizes and the powerful electric motors 

are more energy efficient than internal 

combustion engines, generating zero 

CO2 emissions. The mileage range is 256 

miles. 

Prices are from £31,995 OTR including 

the Government Plug-in Car Grant 

discount. 

The Enyaq iV marks the start of Skoda’s 

electromobility journey and it’s an all 

electric journey which each driver will 

have to take in the very near future. This 

SUV has a package of options which 

offer almost everything anyone could 

want in a car. So it’s not a dim looking 

future and as for the boot size (number 

two in the search term analysis) the 

Enyaq offers a very good 585 litres! 

Facts at a Glance 

Model: Skoda Enyaq iV 60 Nav Loft 

Price: £34,495 otr 

Power: 62kWh 179PS DSG 

Performance: 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds 

and on to a top speed of 99mph 

CO2 emissions: Zero 

EV Range: 256 miles (WLTP combined) 


THE FULLY ELECTRIC 

ŠKODA ENYAQ iV SUV 

CONTACT US TO ARRANGE 

YOUR TEST DRIVE 

DRIVEN BY SOMETHING DIFFERENT 

Startin ŠKODA 

Bowling Green Garage, Powick, Worcester WR2 4SF 

01905 830361 www.startingroup.co.uk/skoda 

Official fuel consumption WLTP for the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV full range in mpg (litres/100km): Combined 0g/km**. NEDC equivalent CO2 combined emissions for the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV full range are 0g/km**. 

MPG/Fuel Consumption is N/A**. 

**These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The ENYAQ iV is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. There is a new test for fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures (known as WLTP). The electric range shown was achieved using the new test 

procedure. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge 

of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Zero emissions while driving. Data correct at July 2021.

Quarter Jewellery (The most 

reasonable jewellers in Worcester) 

has now been open for 18 years, I 

have always endeavoured to run the 

shop as jewellers were run when I 

started in the jewellery trade 59 years 

ago. Five years ago we were lucky 

enough to acquire the lease of 28, 

Belle Vue Terrace, Great Malvern a 

beautifully fitted Victorian pharmacy, 

now reborn as Malvern Goldsmiths 

We have a large range of new, 

antique and second hand jewellery in 

both shops. 

STILL THE MOST REASONABLE JEWELLERS IN WORCESTER AND MALVERN 

Having had factories in both 

Birmingham Jewellery Quarter and 

Asia, we are able to make diamond 

rings, pendants and earrings, all of 

them priced to be able to beat “High 

Street multiples” and internet sellers. 

We value for Insurance, probate and 

sale between parties. 

Malvern Goldsmiths 

Belle Vue Terrace, 

Malvern, WR14 4PZ 

Quarter Jewellery 

The Shambles, 

Worcester, WR1 2RA 

We are always happy to offer for your 

unwanted jewellery etc, this service is 

free, If you have a jewellery problem, 

we are happy to advise without any 

obligation. 

HAVE A 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

AT SIXWAYS 

Celebrate Christmas 2021 in style at Sixways Stadium, with 

themed nights including; Kristmausfest, Feathers ‘n’ Flappers, 

Absolute 80s and A Hollywood Christmas, as well as Traditional 

Party and Private Party nights! 

TO FIND OUT MORE OR BOOK NOW 

CALL 01905 459309 OR EMAIL CHRISTMAS@SIXWAYSSTADIUM.CO.UK 

14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Half_Page_Ad_Christmas.indd 2 06/08/2021 16:23

WEEDS The beauty and use of 50 vagabond plants - by Gareth Richards 

Weeds are nature’s first responders, healing the wounds that man 

inflicts upon the earth. They valiantly bring life back into even the 

most polluted land, pushing green shoots of raw ecological power 

through tarmac and concrete on abandoned sites. 

The cheerful daisy in the pavement crack - or even, dare it be said, 

the buddleia that turns derelict buildings into butterfly havens. 

Countless plants that we dismiss as weeds have amazing powers. 

Every weed has some redeeming qualities. 

When the chips are down, weeds come to the rescue. You cut 

yourself miles from home on a country walk, there are several 

weeds you can reach for to help stop the bleeding - and they even 

have antibacterial properties too. We might have lost much of our 

countryside but a select band of plants paint the grey concrete 

green again. They are a defiant echo of the wild. 

In an age of extinctions, weeds offer hope: their very existence is 

continual proof of nature’s resilience. Yet we are so often blind to 

their beauty. “The notion that a plant is a weed is the most effective 

barrier for stopping us looking at it closely” wrote acclaimed 

naturalist Richard Mabey first published almost 50 years ago. 

Does being native matter? Our perceptions are very much a 

question of time: many of our most-loved wildflowers such as 

field poppies and cornflowers are technically just as ‘non-native’ 

as Japanese knotweed, yet because they’ve been here for many 

hundreds of years we’ve grown to appreciate and even love them. 

Pinning down the native ranges of weeds is a tricky business. Often 

they’ve been around mankind for so long that their precise origins 

are unknown. Furthermore, the ever-accelerating rate of climate 

change means that in Britain our definition of native and nonnative 

(one that seeks to freeze our flora into what it was like many 

thousands of years ago) is looking more irrelevant by the day. 

Only humans make 

weeds. Nature abhors 

a vacuum. Bare soil 

exists rarely in nature, 

yet we strive to create 

it by ploughing, 

digging our gardens 

and constructing 

buildings and roads. 

If we hadn’t created 

these ecological 

vacuums, these 

empty spaces, 

there wouldn’t be 

nearly so many 

weeds. They are 

simply trying to 

heal our scars on 

Mother Nature’s 

green skin. 

About the 

Author: 

Gareth Richards is 

Digital Features Editor at RHS 

and delivers the RHS podcast. Gareth has provided 

horticulture expertise for a leading nursery, the BBC, ITV and Bauer 

Media. 

The Royal Horticultural Society is Britain’s premier gardening charity, 

promoting horticulture and helping gardeners by providing inspiration 

through its shows, gardens and expertise. 

RHS Weeds - The Beauty and use of 50 vagabond plants is 

published by Welbeck 

Soak up the spectacular colour at Batsford this 

autumn. Browse our selection of plants and gifts 

and treat yourself to a home-baked lunch or 

afternoon tea in our café. A perfect day out for all 

the family – including the dog! 

Malvern Flea & 

Collectors Market 

Three Counties Showground, Worcs. WR13 6NW. 

The UK’s largest flea market! 

Hundreds of indoor and outdoor stalls offer 

everything from furniture through to toys. 

• Bank Holiday 

Monday 30th August 

• Sunday 19th September 

• Sunday 10th October 

Entrance: 7.30am-3.30pm - £5 

Please check www.b2bevents.info in case 

dates have changed or been cancelled. 

Tel: 01636 676531 

www.b2bevents.info 


HIS 

SUSTAINABLE 

BREAD 

HOUSING 

DEVELOPMENT IN 

GLOUCESTERSHIRE REACHES 

KEY MILESTONE 

& BUTTER 

Richard Bertinet is well-loved and well-known for being the 

UK’s baking ‘godfather’. His books about baking and his breadmaking 

courses alike have delighted audiences for many years. 

Sally Thomson talks to Richard to discuss books, baking and 

BBC Maestro, where you can catch him offering the ultimate 

online bread-making course... 

HOW ARE YOU ON THIS GLORIOUS 

DAY? 

Making croissants with this weather! It’s 

a bit hot in the kitchen but it’s nice to be 

open again so all is good. 

YOU ARE DOING WONDERFULLY 

WELL AT THE MOMENT APART 

FROM THE FACT WE HAVE ALL 

BEEN THROUGH THIS RATHER 

INTERESTING YEAR THINGS SEEM TO 

BE GOOD WITH YOU. 

We opened in April and we have just tried 

to push everything we could this year and 

last year. It’s very busy. 

SO, PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO COME TO 

YOUR CLASS NOW? 

Yes, we reopened in April. 

SO, THESE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS 

HAVEN’T CHANGED YOUR PLANS? 

No, we are Covid compliant and can still 

have the same number of people. 

In Bath 40% of the customers come 

from the rest of the World so Japan, The 

States and Australia. Obviously, they 

cannot come to Bath at the moment so 

we have a massive backlog of people 

wanting to come when they can 

travel*. 

YOU NEED TO BE CLONED SO THAT 

THERE IS ANOTHER ONE OF YOU 

AND YOU CAN KEEP UP! 

That’s true but there is only one of me 

I’m afraid. 

WHEN YOU FIRST CAME INTO BATH 

IN 2005 DID YOU EXPECT YOUR 

CAREER TO TAKE OFF AS IT DID? 

I knew the concept we had was good and 

if it worked out, we would have success. 

When I first moved to Bath a lot of local 

businesses gave us 6 months to survive 

but that made me more determined to 

make it. 


On his baking classes 

for children: “It’s good 

fun and nice to see 

them smile when they 

try something that they 

haven’t done before. I 

think it’s a shame that 

so many schools don’t 

use cooking and baking 

anymore.” 

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR 

COOKERY SCHOOL - IT’S GOING 

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH BY 

THE SOUNDS OF IT? 

Well, the school has been going since 

2005 and since then we have won a lot 

of awards, we then sold the bakery and a 

lot of things have happened in 15 years. 

The school is so busy it’s a worldwide 

attraction which means we bring a lot of 

people to Bath. We won the South West 

Tourism Award two years ago due to the 

number of people that we attract to Bath. 

We have a few guest chefs coming in as 

well, but the core classes are with me 

learning about bread making, as well as 

what I write about in my books. 

YOU HAVE SO MANY ACCOLADES 

AND EVERYBODY ENJOYS WHAT YOU 

HAVE BEEN DOING. 

We pride ourselves on the services we 

give our customers and also the way I 

teach is quite unique - I’m very hands on. 

Our school is quite small so it means that 

I can spend time with everybody. 

I SEE THAT YOU OFFER CLASSES FOR 

CHILDREN, HOW DO YOU FIND THAT? 

Teaching children was always very 

important to us and we also work with a 

lot of local schools in the area and teach 

some classes plus talk to the children. 

It’s good fun and nice to see them smile 

when they try something that they haven’t 

done before. I think it’s a shame that so 

many schools don’t use cooking and 

baking anymore. 

I SEE THAT YOU ALSO WORK WITH 

PING COOMBES. 

Yes, Ping does classes for me. She 

teaches Malaysian cooking plus stuff 

from my book. 

YOU HAVE PRODUCED 6 BOOKS SO 

FAR. HAVE YOU GOT ANYMORE IN 

THE PIPELINE OR DO YOU NOT HAVE 

ENOUGH TIME? 

I’ve got a couple of ideas but it’s getting 

the time to do it and I like to write a book 

for the right purpose not just for the sake 

of it so I need to get the time and wait 

until things get back to normal. 

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU ARE 

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL? 

Until we get all our backlog of people 

who couldn’t attend last year’s classes 

hopefully then we will be back on an 

even keel but not yet I’m afraid. We are 

open and running and there are some 

businesses that can’t do that so in a way 

we are one of the lucky ones. 

I HEAR THAT YOU WILL BE GETTING 

INVOLVED WITH BBC MAESTRO. 

Yes, it’s been amazing. We have just 

finished editing. I absolutely loved it! It’s 

a challenge to do live broadcasts, it’s 

recipe lead and different from how I teach 

in my classes, but it was well done. The 

team were amazing. 

YOU HAVE BEEN ON OTHER 

COOKERY SHOWS SO DID YOU FIND 

THAT THIS WAS A STEP UP? 

Yes, I’ve been on Saturday Kitchen and 

on James Martin’s show so it’s a different 

buzz being filmed live and you have to be 

mindful of what you do and say. 

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WILL BE 

SPECIALISING IN? 

It’s specifically about bread and things I 

like to do at home. It goes from making 

brioche, sourdough to bagels, all that 

kind of stuff and things to give people 

the confidence to bake at home and feel 

that they learn something. It’s going to be 

good. The production team was amazing, 

and I can’t wait for it to launch. 

YOU ARE FROM BRITTANY HAVE 

YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO GO BACK 

RECENTLY? 

We went to France last year, Provence. 

We have a house down there and 

managed to visit just before lockdown. 

*At the time of the interview there was 

uncertainty regarding travel to the city 

of Bath. 

BBC Maestro with Richard Bertinet 

is available now at bbcmaestro.com. 

The course costs £80 for 23 episodes 

including written class notes for 

each one. An additional bonus festive 

episode is expected to launch later in 

the year exclusively to subscribers. 

thebertinetkitchen.com 


CHOCOLATE, ORANGE 

& PISTACHIO LOAF 

INGREDIENTS 

150g good quality dark chocolate chips 

75g roughly chopped pistachios 

Zest of 2 oranges 

50g mixed peel 

1 tablespoon Cointreau (optional) 

125g unsalted butter straight from the 

fridge 

125g full fat milk 

3 medium eggs 

500g strong white bread flour (plus extra 

for dusting) 

15g fresh yeast 

45g caster sugar 

10g fine sea salt 

FOR THE GLAZE 

2 eggs 

Pinch fine sea salt 

METHOD 

Mix the chocolate chips, nuts zest 

and mixed peel in a bowl and stir in 

the Cointreau if you are using it. Place 

the cold butter between 2 sheets of 

greaseproof and bash it with a rolling pin 

to soften it and break it up into smaller 

pieces (without warming it up). 

Put the milk and eggs into the bowl of a 

food mixer and then add the flour. Break 

up the yeast and add to one side of the 

bowl. Add the sugar and salt on the 

other side of the bowl. 

Mix on a slow speed for 4 minutes. 

Increase the speed to medium for another 

2 minutes then add the butter piece by 

piece until it is all incorporated. Continue 

mixing on medium speed for 10-12 

minutes until the dough comes away from 

the sides of the bowl. 

Stop the mixer. Add the chocolate and 

pistachio mixture to the bowl and mix 

for no longer than 30-40 seconds on 

the slowest speed – you don’t want the 

chocolate and nuts to become mushy. 

Lightly flour your worksurface and turn 

the dough out onto the work surface. 

Form the dough into a ball and then place 

into a lightly floured bowl. Cover and 

rest for about 45 minutes until just under 

double in size. 

Lightly flour the surface again, turn out 

the dough and divide into 10 equal pieces 

of about 110g each. Form each piece 

into a ball and then press gently into 

cake or loaf tins until they are full. In the 

picture I have used tiny tins that only take 

one ball but if you use a larger one you 

will have a finished loaf or two that will be 

perfect to tear and share. Whether you 

have one or two will depend on the size 

of your tins. Cover and leave to prove 

for about 1 hour until just under double 

in size. 

While the dough is proving, pre-heat the 

oven to 190°C and beat the eggs and 

pinch of salt for the glaze. Brush the top 

of each loaf with the egg glaze and use a 

pair of scissors to snip into the dough for 

decoration. 

Place the tins on a baking tray and 

put into the pre-heated oven. Turn the 

temperature down to 180°C and bake for 

15-20 minutes until golden. 


Get Ready to Burn 

this autumn 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

When the nights draw in, there’s nothing like 

cosying up in front of a woodburner but knowing 

what fuel to burn is key to creating this ambience 

as well as ensuring the fire burns safely and 

efficiently without smoking, reducing the risk of 

releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere... 

New government legislation means that when we’re ready to 

light our fires this year, we need to use wood that’s certified and 

labelled as Ready to Burn. Ready to Burn woodfuel gives a better 

burn because it’s proven to have a lower moisture content of up 

to 20%, so it burns with less smoke than wetter wood, which in 

turn also helps reduce pollution from burning. 

Alternatively, if you use Manufactured Solid Fuel (MSF) - a fuel 

manufactured from coal, wood, plant-derived materials, waxes or 

petroleum products with other ingredients – these must also be 

certified and labelled as Ready to Burn, proving that they meet 

specified limits for smoke emissions and sulphur content. 

The Ready to Burn certified fuel scheme is backed by Defra 

which appointed the non-profit industry organisation HETAS 

to certify Manufactured Solid Fuels (MSF) and its subsidiary 

business, Woodsure, to certify woodfuel. 

Helen Bentley Fox, Director at Woodsure, said: “Using fuel that’s 

Ready to Burn will reduce particulate emissions and improve air 

quality, these fuels will also burn more efficiently and are better 

for your appliance and chimney, helping to reduce maintenance 

and fuel costs.” 

How to fuel a safe, efficient and 

environmentally-responsible burn this autumn: 

1. If you’re buying fuel for immediate use, look for the 

Ready to Burn label. To find a trusted retailer visit 

www.readytoburn.org or www.hetas.co.uk 

2. If you buy a large amount of wood in bulk, suppliers selling 

wood in over 2m3 must provide customers with advice on 

how to store and season the fuel so that is it dry to burn 

3. If you buy woodfuel from a small volume supplier (those 

selling less than 600m3 in a year) they have until 30 April 

2022 to comply with the new rules, so you’ll need to make 

sure the wood is properly seasoned before you use it. 

Advice on how to dry wet wood and measure moisture 

content can be found on www.readytoburn.org 

4. Around 40% of chimney fires take place between January 

and March, reduce the risk by making sure your appliance 

is regularly serviced and chimney is swept. 

Find your local HETAS Registered professional at 

www.hetas.co.uk 

Whether your fire is for warmth or a feature, 

traditional looking, modern or bespoke 

The Fireplace Gallery has a fire to suit 

your home. 

With over 60 displays in our large showroom, and 

an experienced sales and installation team we can 

supply and create exactly what you are looking for. 

• Gas Fires 

• Electric Fires 

• Woodburning & Multifuel Stoves 

• Mantle Pieces, Surrounds & Beams 

• Outdoor Fires & Firepits 

• Own Installation Team 

• Fire Servicing 

• Media Walls 

V 01242 680076 

Unit 18-19 Knightsbridge Business Centre, Cheltenham GL51 9TA 

Email: fireplacegallery@hotmail.com 

WWW.FIREPLACEGALLERYFIRES.CO.UK 


D A Campbell 

CURTAINS • BLINDS • SHUTTERS • AWNINGS 

Offering a complete, 

personal interior design 

service to suit you 

Photographs courtesy of Jane Churchill 

D A Campbell offers a complete service from 

measuring to fing, ensuring the highest 

standard from start to finish. 

All curtains, blinds and so furnishings are 

handmade by experts in our Herefordshire 

workroom. We employ tradional techniques 

and me honoured crasmanship to 

achieve a superb finish. 

Phone to make an appointment 

for a home visit or visit the showroom. 

37 The Tything Worcester WR1 1JL 

Call 01905 24313 

dacampbell.co.uk

IT’S A 

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING 

DEVELOPMENT IN 

GLOUCESTERSHIRE REACHES 

KEY MILESTONE 

GARDENERS’ 

WORLD 

Adam Frost is an 

award-winning British 

garden designer, 

television presenter and 

motivational speaker. 

Best known for his 

successes at RHS Chelsea 

Flower Show, he is 

passionate about inspiring 

adults and children 

alike to create their 

own gardens and watch 

hedgerows spring to life. 

Sally Thomson caught up 

with him to discuss all 

things green... 

WE WERE TALKING ABOUT GEOFF 

HAMILTON? 

It was originally in North Devon Parks 

department that I did my apprenticeship 

and then I went to work for Geoff when I 

was 21 years old and spent an amazing 

mind blowing, not that I think you realise 

it in your early 20s working 6-7 years with 

Geoff until he passed away in 96. 

AN INSPIRATIONAL MAN I SHOULD 

IMAGINE? 

Yes, looking back I don’t think you 

realised what he was talking about, peat 

free gardening, Organic gardening, stop 

ripping up limestone pavements and 

destroying the countryside all the things 

that were way before their time really. We 

are now 30 years on and we’ve only just 

decided to ban peat. I think in reality he 

set my gardening moral compass. 

HIS SON HAS GONE INTO THE SAME 

LINE OF WORK ALSO? 

He had 3 sons but Nick the middle son 

was left the garden and nursery, so he’s 

got Barnsdale plants and gardens. 

TELL ME HOW THE GARDENER’S 

WORLD EVENT WENT AT BEAULIEU? 

I had a lovely weekend! I’d be lying if I 

didn’t say I was a bit nervous. I had just 

had my 2nd injection It was the first time 

I had done anything in a public arena for 

about 18 months! You realise that all the 

shows are now your general catch up. 

WITH THE PANDEMIC DID YOU FIND 

IT STRANGE NOT BEING OUT & 

ABOUT WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC? 

Definitely, We run a school as well so 

we had to close that. I did some stuff on 

zoom like most people but that’s a very 

strange experience. I’ve never spent 

so much time at home or in the garden 

through the summer months with my wife 

and kids which was a mixed blessing and 

gave me time to stop which I don’t think 

I’ve done since I was 16. 

I BET YOU MISSED THE VIBE OF 

BEING AT CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW? 

I was due to go back and do a garden 

in 2020 so that went but it looks we will 

be able to go back in September and 


do some filming but I’m not building 

anything now. 

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT BUILDING A 

GARDEN FOR CHELSEA? 

It can be 12 months to 2 years planning 

but at one point I was doing them back to 

back finishing one then moving straight 

onto the next one. But it’s fascinating, it’s 

how I built my career. 

HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR 

FIRST CHELSEA GOLD? 

If I’m honest, I think I was slightly 

oblivious to what they actually meant. My 

dad was a landscaper and he built early 

John Brooks gardens in the early 70s. 

Recently I met Professor David Stevens, 

garden designer, who also worked for 

John Brooks. We were talking about 

Chelsea and he said that my dad would 

have been a few gardens along from 

where we were. David also taught me a 

lot about design in that sense. 

WHEN YOU START A DESIGN IS IT 

FROM A THOUGHT OR ARE YOU 

PLANNING IT IN ADVANCE? 

It depends on whether its for a client. 

I think ultimately gardens are about 4 

things; people, space, plants and place. 

It’s normally one of those that I tap into 

first and it might be a bit of landscape 

it might be an individual picture I’ve 

seen it might be the shape of something 

whatever it is that gives me an insight 

into a person or if it’s a show garden what 

particular design will drive it that’s how I 

start and then create from there. 

DO YOU THINK BEAULIEU WILL BE A 

REGULAR EVENT NOW? 

I think so, I walked in and thought 

what a glorious piece of landscape 

and the moment I walked in the gate it 

had a good feel. People really enjoyed 

themselves and as a setting it had quite a 

lovely intimate feel to it, even the stages 

had an open canopy, and everybody 

was sensible and had plenty of space. 

The standard of the displays was really 

good and Hilliers had gone there and 

built a garden, so it was great that you 

had something there of Hilliers quality. I 

think a positive out of the last 15 months 

is that people have slowed down have 

connected or reconnected with what’s 

outside their back door or in the area. 

I’ve seen a report saying we now have 

3 million new gardeners. Everybody 

you talk to in the industry says that 

the hunger from last year is still there 

which is great. I just hope in a way that 

stays. I think even the people that knew 

gardening was good for you physically 

and mentally, even for me I don’t think I 

realised how important it was to my life. 

I FIND IT VERY THERAPEUTIC AND 

GOOD FOR THE SOUL 

It’s interesting that we are seeing 

statistics people moving out of cities 

and into the countryside and are wanting 

bigger gardens it wasn’t that long-ago 

people were downsizing and didn’t want 

a big outdoor space and this time has 

now changed that. 

I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE AN 

RHS AMBASSADOR? WHAT DOES 

THAT ENTAIL? 

Yes, I’ve done that for quite a few years 

now. Basically, I help them with stuff 

looking at helping youngsters to engage 

more through events and I did a lot 

of work a while back with Homebase 

creating apprenticeships so that’s how it 

started. I also do a lot of community stuff 

with RHS and I’m just about to start a 

new project which I can’t say too much 

about which will be good. I have travelled 

all over to schools, events for them. I 

was brought up just outside London and 

wasn’t the best behaved, I’m dyslexic 

and obviously I’ve done OK and I think 

that’s why they wanted me to help. 

YOU ARE AT THE NEC IN THE 

SUMMER WHAT WILL THAT INVOLVE? 

I normally go from stage to stage and 

talk all things gardening and there’s 

different themes on different stages from 

talking about ‘Grow your Own’, ‘Unusual 

edibles’, soil and compost so all sorts 

really. What I love about that show is you 

have the gardens and displays but it also 

interlinks with food and because its at the 

NEC if we do have poor weather people 

can get inside. Because it’s such a large 

venue everything will feel alright. 

DO YOU DO ANY JUDGING IN YOUR 

ROLE? 

I’ve been asked, and I’ve done bits and 

pieces, but I don’t really like to just turn 

up and judge other people’s work. 

SO, AT CHELSEA FOR EXAMPLE ARE 

YOU THERE WHEN THE JUDGES 

COME AROUND? 

You have a 2 minute conversation the day 

before to explain if anything has changed 

or there have been any adjustments 

to the design. They then arrive at your 

garden anytime between 7:30am and 

9:30am on the day and you must be away 

from your garden. Then you have another 

24 hours until you find out the result. 

WHEN DID YOU REALISE THAT 

YOU HAD AN APTITUDE FOR 

PRESENTING? 

I don’t think I did really, I love what I do I 

think it just happened. I was talking to a 

Robert Hillier at Chelsea and I said “Can 

you remember the conversation we had 

in 2015 where you said the BBC want me 

to do some presenting as they think I’m 

half decent”. He said “Are you sure that’s 

what you want to do?”. And I said “I don’t 

know but I’ll give it a go!”. And here we 

are now. 

WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE OUR 

READERS TO DO TO THEIR GARDENS 

BEFORE AUTUMN? 

Don’t disengage with the garden, I think 

we get to September the kids go back to 

school and people pack up their gardens. 

I think our environment has changed so 

much that you can’t month to month 

garden anymore, you have to react to the 

month you are in. September, October 

and even going into November we can 

still have some cracking days and only 

have our first frosts going into December 

so I would say to anybody there is so 

much glorious flower colour foliage 

colour stem colour to be had and the light 

is different so the atmosphere is different 

you can still wrap up and enjoy it just 

don’t disengage. Don’t chase perfection 

just enjoy the moments. 

Adam Frost, along with other gardening 

celebrities, will be appearing at the NEC 

in Birmingham from Thursday August 26 

to Sunday August 29. 

For ticket information, please visit 

www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com 


THE HOME 

hit list 

JOBS TO TACKLE THIS AUTUMN 

SEASONAL 

REFRESH 

PROPERTY MOT 

Home maintenance is a year-round 

endeavour, but these are the top jobs 

to get sorted before the worst of the 

winter weather sets in: 

CHECK ALL DOOR/WINDOW 

SEALS FOR DRAUGHTS 

Check that existing seals are still 

intact and repair any cracks or holes 

that have formed. For a quick and 

easy solution, fit doors with draught 

excluders to keep rooms warm and to 

prevent energy wastage. 

CHECK YOUR BOILER 

Have a boiler service and check the 

system is running efficiently. Many 

people put off replacing older boilers, 

but you will save money in energy with 

more efficient models. If you have one, 

make sure your external condenser 

pipe is well insulated. 

CLEAR GUTTERS 

Clear gutters and drainpipes of leaf 

debris to reduce the chance of leaks. 

Also be sure to check drains for 

blockages - prevention is better than 

fixing it on a cold night! 

CHECK THE OUTSIDE 

Look over all external masonry, 

checking for cracks, gaps around 

windows or issues with roof. Make 

sure your front door closes snugly (and 

make sure your property is secure 

whilst you’re at it). 

INSULATION 

Insulate your pipes (burst pipes cause 

huge damage). Make sure your loft 

insulation is adequate and look into 

cavity wall insulation, which can 

save hundreds ££ on energy bills. 

If you can, look into upgrading the 

efficiency of your windows with triple 

or secondary glazing. 

Why is it that we save all the 

property redecoration for when we 

are getting ready to move? How 

about giving your rooms some 

TLC with a fresh lick of paint and 

swapping in some new accessories 

to update the palette. 

Try switching out cooler grey tones 

for warmer neutrals and introducing 

more natural materials like linen, 

leather and wood - this means you 

can use your base furniture pieces, 

and just give them a lift with new 

decorative items. 

DIY panelling is another huge 

trend which is helping people give 

rooms a completely new look for 

less - why not try adding a wall to a 

bedroom in a strong contrast colour 

for maximum impact? 

PRACTICAL 

HOME-WORKING 

It looks as though working from home, 

or at least a hybrid, flexible model is 

here to stay. With that in mind, many 

of us are choosing to carve out proper 

working spaces instead of balancing on 

the end of the kitchen table. 

Investing in a proper desk and chair 

are fundamental - it’s well known that 

sitting for long periods on chairs not 

specifically designed for desk work can 

cause long-lasting pain. 

For desks, there are lots of options for 

built-in models into wall space or even 

stand up desks. If you don’t have the 

space for a full office room, you can 

still find inventive ways to incorporate a 

desk into wardrobe areas or even into 

cupboards, meaning the workspace 

can be neatly tucked away at the end 

of the day and the space can resume 

its original purpose. Storage is another 

essential element to stop work admin 

spilling out into home life. 

Finally, take some time to make your 

work space look homely - it stops it 

from feeling transitory. Hang some 

prints, invest in some greenery or buy 

some soft furnishings like cushions 

or blankets to make it feel like an 

extension of your home. 

Boston Fern from £9.99, hortology.co.uk; 

Hathai Cushion, £34, hauslife.co.uk 


ENTERPRISE 

RETIREMENT 

LIVING 

MOUNT 

BATTENHALL 

MOUNT BATTENHALL 

Reimagine your 

retirement 

Mount Battenhall offers luxurious, 

independent retirement living in a 

unique setting, featuring an exquisite 

Italianate mansion surrounded by 

beautifully landscaped gardens, all just 

minutes from the centre of Worcester. 

Comprising an excellent choice of both 

new-build and converted apartments and 

houses, the properties feature elegant 

interiors with contemporary specification, 

within easy reach of Mount Battenhall’s 

superb communal amenities. 

BUY NOW TO SAVE UP TO £15,000 

There couldn’t be a better time to 

take the first step to the retirement 

you’ve always dreamed of. 

Buy a luxurious new property 

at Mount Battenhall and, for 

completions before 30th September 

2021, we will pay the equivalent of 

your Stamp Duty, up to the value 

of £15,000.* 

CALL TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO 

BOOK A VIEWING 

*Paid as cashback on completion. 

Call 01905 630490 or visit mountbattenhall.co.uk 

The Marketing Suite, Mount Battenhall, Battenhall Avenue, Worcester WR5 2JH 

Viewings by appointment only. Interior photography shows the communal areas at Mount Battenhall.

Trusted to care 

Award winning care homes 

Our dementia specialists take a gentle yet proactive 

approach to care, supporting each resident to be as 

independent as possible. We champion innovation 

through our partnership with the Association for 

Dementia Studies at the University of Worcester. 

We’re here to help you and your family at every step 

of the journey. 

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, 

call 01905 886154 or email 

james.wright@careuk.com 

Rated 

9.9 

out of 10 on 

carehome.co.uk 

Perry Manor care home 

Worcester, Worcestershire 

careuk.com/perry-manor

after a diagnosis of dementia 

What are the next steps? 

A diagnosis of dementia can be a big shock 

- for the person with the condition, and their 

family. It can be difficult to know what to 

do, what decisions need to be made, who 

to tell, what support is available and what 

happens next. 

There can either be a lot of information 

given to you at the time of diagnosis, or not 

very much at all. Either way, whatever is 

said to you at the time of diagnosis can be 

forgotten in this emotional and challenging 

time. 

Dementia UK provides specialist dementia 

support for families through the Admiral 

Nurse service. Admiral Nurses give families 

the compassionate one-to-one support, 

expert guidance and practical solutions 

they need to face dementia with more 

confidence. 

The families they work with want a simple 

checklist of what to ask, what to do and 

who to approach - so the important next 

steps are clearly outlined in one place, 

with links to more detailed information to 

consider later, when it’s needed. 

The Dementia UK next steps checklist:- 

This checklist has been written by dementia 

specialist Admiral Nurses, to help in the 

early days after you or your family member 

has received a diagnosis of dementia. 

For each item on the checklist, there is a 

further link to additional information, as 

and when you need it. If you don’t have 

access to the internet, you can contact the 

Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline for more 

information and support 

Ask whether there will be a follow up 

appointment after the diagnosis. 

If yes, who will you see? How often? Who 

makes this appointment? 

Who will be your main point of contact? 

Who will be responsible for coordinating 

subsequent care and support? 

Please record these details and your notes 

in the Dementia UK Practical guide to 

get the best out of GP and other health 

appointments. 

Arrange a Lasting Power of Attorney for:- 

Health and welfare. 

Property and financial affairs. 

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a 

legal document, nominating a person to 

make decisions on behalf of a person with 

dementia, if and when the time comes 

that they no longer have the capacity to 

make these decisions themselves. It is 

very important to fill in and register an LPA 

for both health and welfare, and property 

and financial affairs, while the person with 

dementia still has the capacity to do so. 

Discuss plans and wishes for the future 

with your family, including:- 

Your wishes regarding your future care. 

Your wishes regarding your future medical 

treatment. 

Your hopes about your involvement with 

activities. 

An Advance Care Plan is a document that 

outlines a person’s future wishes for their 

care and medical treatment. 

Apply for a Carers’ Assessment 

Anyone with caring responsibilities for a 

person with dementia is entitled to a Carers’ 

Assessment, to be carried out by their 

Local Authority. The Assessment will look 

at the impact that caring for a person with 

dementia is having, and will then identify 

the type and level of support that is needed. 

This could include some care for the person 

with dementia, some training or some help 

coming in to the home. You will need to 

request the Assessment from your Local 

Authority. 

Apply for all of the relevant financial 

support you are entitled to:- 

People with dementia and their family 

carers are entitled to various benefits, 

tax discounts or financial support. It is 

important to make sure you are receiving all 

of the financial help you are entitled to. 

Organise your home so it helps you live 

safely and independently 

There are lots of simple, practical steps 

that can be taken to help a person with 

dementia to be safe and comfortable in 

their home. 

Inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing 

Agency (DVLA) and your vehicle 

insurance company your diagnosis 

People with a diagnosis of dementia do not 

automatically have to give up their driving 

licence – but you do need to take certain 

steps to make sure you are insured and 

abiding by the law. 

Inform your employer about the 

diagnosis 

If you are diagnosed with dementia and still 

working, it is very important that you tell 

your employer, so that steps can be taken 

to support you in your job, if possible. 

Similarly, if you are caring for someone with 

dementia, telling your employer about your 

changing responsibilities will help you plan 

together, so that you can continue working 

and caring as effectively as possible. 

For more information call 0800 888 6678 or 

visit www.dementiauk.org. 


Every Tuesday and Wednesday 

10am to 3pm 

St Matthias Church, 

Church Road, Malvern, WR14 1LX 

Tel: 01684 252003 

malverndementia.org 

Albion Lodge 

Retirement Home 

We are a family run establishment and the care we provide is very much based on 

the ethos that we look after people as if they are part of our own family. Offering 

individualised care, we aim to maintain independence whilst providing support. 

What we offer 

• 24 hour care • Period property • Village setting 

• Two acres of lawns • Special baths 

• Disabled access vehicle • Three lifts 

• Respite rooms pre-bookable 

NEW ROOMS AVAILABLE 

Albion Lodge Retirement Home, Hanley Swan, Worcestershire, WR8 0DN 

Tel: 01684 310626 • Email: info@albionlodge.co.uk • www.albionlodge.co.uk 


Two Years 

Annual Fees 

Paid* 

EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE OVER 60s 

SHOWHOME NOW OPEN 

At Siddington Park we’re building a collection 

of 1, 2 and 3 bed spacious homes in a 

lifestyle village that is set among beautifully 

landscaped gardens, on the outskirts of the 

thriving Roman market town of Cirencester, 

the capital of the Cotswolds. 

In this dynamic community you’ll have 

everything you could need with our wellbeing 

spa, pool, bistro, activities and concierge, 

all as part of our mission to create beautiful 

places for people to live long, healthy and 

satisfying lives. 

SPACIOUS APARTMENTS AVAILABLE FROM £299,950 † TO £899,950 † 

BOOK YOUR SPACE TODAY! 

Call: 01285 580 924 | www.rangefordvillages.co.uk 

Siddington Park, Cirencester, GL7 6ET 

ALSO FIND US IN: CORSHAM, WILTSHIRE | CHERTSEY, SURREY | PICKERING, NORTH YORKSHIRE 

*Ask about our fantastic village and plot specific offers, subject to terms and conditions. 

†Prices correct at the time of print. Other charges apply. Please ask our sales advisors for details.

Malvern Living Sep - Oct 2021

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?