Marlborough Living Sep - Oct 2021

Contents
A Note
from the EDITOR
20
Delicious
A Culinary Journey through
Northern Ireland
comfort food recipes
“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
42
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
12
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 Waitrose
Key Account Manager Angela Cave
e angela.cave@minervapublications.co.uk
d/l 01225 984498
twitter: @MarlboroughLive
63
Planning for a
happy retirement
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ
Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton
Trowbridge BA14 6JB
t 01225 984 550
visit our website www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by failure of an
advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions and
misprints. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the
publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers.
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 -
it’s never too early to start thinking
about it, nor to late to make an
assessment of where you are.
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
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
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Closes 10/11/2021 - Competition keyword ‘BABYWEAR’
Ramekins & Wine offer
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experiences where
the wine takes
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food is designed to
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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
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The collection features
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and a balanced, neutral palette
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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’
4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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
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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’

TAILORED HOME
INSURANCE RIGHT DOWN
TO THE FINEST DETAIL
For high-value properties and contents, including
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NFU Mutual Bespoke home insurance.
To discuss your high-value home insurance,
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John H Hardman is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).
Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
INTERVIEW:
NOVa fine arts...
We had a chat to Oliver Deeley, co-founder of
Nova Fine Art about art in general – and their
exciting new gallery in Marlborough.
You have existing galleries in Royal Leamington Spa and
Marlow, so what brings you to Marlborough?
We adore the area and of course, the exciting new additions to
Marlborough high street - just like us fearlessly independent.
Art is such a personal thing; some people may be
nervous about how to choose a work of art to live with –
what advice would you give to a first-time buyer?
Don’t be told what to buy just because it’s in fashion… just
like when you buy fine fragrance, buy emotivity and from
the heart.
You know all of your artists; this must give you a
unique prospective on their work and inspiration…
Absolutely!
And finally, what are you most looking forward to in
your new venture?
Continuing to disrupt the art market, it’s time for the little
guys to have their time.
Find out more at novafineart.com
Nova Fine Art is fast becoming the latest gallery network to rival the
large corporations on the high street. We combine experience of
buying, selling and creating artwork so our approach is a holistic one
and we are committed to integrity, fairness & professionalism in all
our dealings with our clients, creators & colleagues alike.
Very much a family run and passion lead business, Marlborough is the
third addition to our bricks and mortar offering, along with our superb
website. Just as our name suggests, we are continually looking at ways
to keep our gallery walls fresh, cutting edge and exciting.
Join the team at any of our locations, Royal Leamington Spa, Marlow & Marlborough
to discover it for yourself or get in touch contact@novafinart.com
Please contact us for more information:
110 Warwick Street, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4QP • 01926 298 110
79 Hight Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1AB • 01628 563 801
137 High Street Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1HN • 01672 555810
Instagram @novafineartofficial • www.novafineart.com
6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

200623 - Cheverell Ad A5-aw.indd 1 23/06/2020 10:01

ADVERTISING FEATURE
Introducing Eversfield
Organic to Marlborough
Eversfield Organic are busy with renovations as they
prepare the upcoming organic Farm Shop, Deli and Café
ready for opening this summer...
Eversfield Organic’s roots stem from
their homegrown farm on the edge of
Dartmoor National Park where they
work to pick, pack and dispatch organic
produce for nationwide grocery box
delivery. From a core of grass-fed,
organic meat to an ever-expanding range
of organic food and drink, the family-run
business is incredibly proud to be an
example of hard work paying off.
Back in 2002, founder Mark Bury and
family worked around the clock to get a
previously intensively farmed earth back
to full health. After planting 30,000 trees,
giving a little encouragement to miles
of hedgerows and just a few aches and
pains, the farm was finally granted Soil
Association organic certification in 2004.
Their growing presence as a major
player in online organic groceries has
allowed Eversfield Organic to expand in
other directions. As well as a Butchers
Counter in Selfridges Foodhall, London
and opening Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale,
they’re continuing to build a handful
of organic Farm Shops. Following the
roaring success of their first Shop in
Tavistock, Devon, a second was opened
in Totnes last year with an accompanying
organic café, too. The excitement of
Tavistock and Totnes gave Founder Mark
a taste of high street retail at a time when
most were going the opposite way. The
somewhat brave plunge into brick and
mortar continues with the launch of the
Eversfield Organic Marlborough Farm
Shop.
The Farm Shop, Deli and Café is set
to be the most impressive yet. Keen to
showcase their award-winning, organic
meat, the ethical butchers counter will
hold a range of cuts including native
Aberdeen Angus heritage beef straight
from the farm. Marlborough will also
have a fresh fishmonger, organic deli
counter featuring a range of British
Charcuterie also made on the farm, and
fridges full of organic cheese and dairy.
The Eversfield Organic farm’s Market
Garden also supplies the best organic
fruit and vegetables, plus the shop will
have shelves stacked with organic larder
essentials and an exciting wine cave.
The new hot food counter will also offer
delicious, organic baked goods perfect
for on the go.
The versatile eatery above the Farm Shop
will be a café, wine and cocktail bar all
in one, effortlessly taking daytime coffee
breaks into evening tipples. Serving a
variety of delicious small plates, including
charcuterie from the farm, alongside the
finest hot and cold organic beverages.
Eversfield Organic cannot wait to
welcome fellow foodies to their newest
organic Farm Shop in Marlborough,
opening September 17th 2021.
The Eversfield Organic farm has arrived
in Wiltshire!
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

10 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

British Food Fortnight
What is it and how can you get involved?
Food Festivals are back and with the end
of UK lockdown we can’t wait to see the
return of the best Britain has to offer. Taste
of London may have already passed us by
but we are in the most prosperous period
for British Food, with strawberries, beetroot
and various other veggies in their prime.
So what better way to celebrate the UK’s
produce than through a fortnight of foodie
fun?
British Food Fortnight, which takes place
on the 18th September to the 3rd of
October 2021, celebrates the best of British
cuisine across the public sector in schools,
hospitals, care homes and universities.
This year marks our 20th anniversary of
the national celebration and it is set to
be the biggest and most popular to-date
with communities and organisations such
as Silverstone, NHS trusts, Houses of
Parliament and many more across the
county taking part.
There are a host of ways that you
(consumers) can get involved, the easiest is
to ensure you are buying British food from
supermarkets and choosing British food
on menus when you eat out. In Waitrose’s
Food and Drink report 2021 they highlight
that 74% of British people want to see more
food businesses in the UK express their
ongoing support for local British producers.
British Food Fortnight seeks to remedy this
by encouraging your local pubs and shops
to buy British Food through consumers
recommendations.
opportunities for harvest celebrations, such
as attending a traditional Harvest Festival
service in your community.
Finally, why not enter the British Food
Fortnight competition which is open to
everyone. Or perhaps you have someone
you want to nominate who has made a
huge contribution to the promotion of local
food in your area.
British Food Fortnight will not be one to
miss this year. The UK is home to some of
the most fertile soils and varied agricultural
output, what is not to celebrate about that?
See: www.lovebritishfood.co.uk for further
information. And follow the campaign @
LoveBritishFood for the latest news.
In previous years hundreds of schools have
taken part and encouraging your child’s
school to join British Food Fortnight is a
great way to show your support. Love
British Food has a Teacher Zone where
there’s swathes of resources on how to
include food into the curriculum.
In addition, now lockdown is over numerous
local festivals are happening across the
country and you can check out what is
happening near you. Even if nothing is
going on then why not organize your own
foodie event?
British Food Fortnight encompasses the
three Sundays of the Harvest Festival
calendar. Celebrations for this traditional
Pagan festival often include singing hymns
and decorating Churches with baskets
of fruit and food and there are lots of
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 11

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.
12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Please book for our wonderful alfesco terrace & garden.
Our new Potting Shed table seats up to 6 people.
i

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
14 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

A FAMILY BUSINESS EST. IN 2017
WHITEHALL VINEYARD
A TASTE OF WONDERFUL WILTSHIRE IN EVERY GLASS
Discover a brilliant new collection of award winning English wines, delicately
hand crafted in the heart of the British countryside by the Self family.
SHOP ONLINE AT WHITEHALLVINEYARD.CO.UK
“This brand new 2019 Pinot Noir is a
triumph. If this wine is anything to go by,
the future for this estate is very bright indeed.
The nose is spot on with a smattering of
French oak and I don’t doubt that the colour
is helped by a cunning 15% Rondo addition,
but with only 11.5% alcohol on board it is
shaped like a forward-drinking Beaujolais
and I can assure you that you can crack on
now, even though this wine is only a year old.
Thank you Charlotte, for alerting me
to this magical Pinot”. - Matthew Dukes,
Vineyard Magazine 2020
“I’m so pleased with the result
of this rosé, its delicate and light
with soft tannings and a delicious
summer berry taste” - Charlotte Self

WILTSHIRE BEER & SPIRITS
HANDCRAFTED
FROM GRAIN TO GLASS
ON THE RAMSBURY ESTATE
VISIT US
-SHOP-
-BEER GARDEN-
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Discover the finest produce from the Ramsbury estate,
including craft ales, single estate spirits, cold-pressed Black Gold rapeseed
oil and much more.
www.ramsburyestates.co.uk | shop@ramsbury.com | 01672 541407
Ramsbury Brewing & Distilling Co. Ltd, Stockclose Farm, Aldbourne, SN8 2NN

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.
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 17

COMFORT
When the darker nights set in, you
just want some go-to comfort food
recipes - and here, Waitrose has
delivered! Find more recipes at
www.waitrose.com
Calling
CHICKEN SHAWARMA
FLATBREADS WITH
YOGURT
Prep time: 20 minutes + marinating
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
8 British chicken thigh fillets
3 tbsp Cooks’ Ingredients Shawarma
Paste
½ red onion, finely sliced
2 lemons, juice of 1, 1 cut into wedges
1½ tsp Cooks’ Ingredients Sumac
½ large cucumber
250g Yeo Valley Organic Greek Style
Natural Yogurt
1 small clove garlic, finely grated
15 mint leaves, finely shredded, plus extra
to garnish
4 Waitrose & Partners Hand-Stretched
Flatbreads
50g pomegranate seeds
1-2 handfuls wild rocket
METHOD
Slash each chicken thigh a few times,
concentrating on the thicker parts of the
fillet. Season, then rub all over with the
shawarma paste. Cover and chill for 20
minutes (up to 2 hours). Meanwhile, mix
the onion, lemon juice and sumac with a
good pinch of salt. Set aside until ready
to serve.
To make the sauce, coarsely grate the
cucumber and put in a sieve. Toss with a
pinch of salt and leave over a bowl for 10
minutes to drain, then gently press with a
wooden spoon to extract as much liquid
as possible. Tip into a bowl and stir in the
yogurt, garlic and mint.
Heat a griddle pan over a high heat. Cook
the chicken for 5-8 minutes on each side
(depending on the fillets’ size) until the
juices run clear and there is no pink meat,
then set aside for 2 minutes. Clean the
pan then use it to griddle the flatbreads
for 30 seconds on each side. Arrange
them on plates and top with the chicken,
pickled onion, pomegranate, rocket and
the cucumber and yogurt sauce, finishing
with the extra mint leaves and lemon
wedges for squeezing over.
COOK’S TIP
This recipe also works well with lamb or
pork steaks instead of chicken (adjust
cooking times accordingly).
COTTAGE PIE WITH
SWEET POTATO
Prep time: 20 minutes plus standing
Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp olive oil
500g British beef mince
1 onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 Oxo Beef stock cube
1 tbsp tomato purée
1½ tbsp plain flour
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3 thyme sprigs
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
1 tbsp unsalted butter
METHOD
Heat ½ tbsp oil in a large sauté pan or
casserole dish over a high heat. Add
the beef and fry, breaking it up, for 4-5
minutes, until browned. Remove from the
pan, add the remaining 1⁄2 tbsp oil, lower
the heat to medium and fry the onion,
celery and carrot with a pinch of salt for
10 minutes, until softened. Meanwhile,
dissolve the beef stock cube in 500ml
just-boiled water.
Return the beef to the pan, add the
tomato purée and cook for 1 minute, then
stir in the flour and fry for 1 minute more.
Add the stock, Worcestershire sauce and
2 thyme sprigs and simmer for 25-30
minutes, until the beef is coated in a thick
gravy. Meanwhile, slice the potatoes
as thinly as you can and put in a bowl.
Cover with just-boiled water from the
kettle; set aside for 10 minutes. Drain and
use kitchen paper to pat dry thoroughly,
then lay out on more kitchen paper to
finish drying.
Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6.
Melt the butter. Tip the beef and gravy
into a medium ovenproof dish. Toss the
20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

potatoes with the butter and leaves from
the remaining thyme sprig. Season and
arrange in circles over the beef. Bake for
30 minutes until bubbling hot and the
potatoes are cooked through. Stand for
10 minutes before serving.
COOK’S TIP
Scatter grated cheddar over the potatoes
halfway through baking to give the pie a
nice cheesy crust.
CHEWY BROWN SUGAR
COOKIES
Prep time: 15 minutes plus chilling
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 12 - 14
INGREDIENTS
200g unsalted butter, roughly chopped
300g Billington’s Dark Brown Soft Natural
Unrefined Cane Sugar
300g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp fine salt
1 large British Blacktail Free Range Egg
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
METHOD
Put the butter and sugar in a large
saucepan and set over a medium heat.
Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until
the butter has melted and the sugar has
dissolved. Set aside off the heat for 5
minutes to cool. Meanwhile, mix the flour,
baking powder, bicarbonate of soda,
cinnamon and salt in a bowl.
With a wooden spoon, beat the egg
and vanilla into the butter-sugar mix,
then beat in the dry ingredients until
completely combined. Transfer to a bowl,
cover with a plate and chill for at least 2
hours (up to 24 hours).
Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4;
line 2 large baking trays with parchment.
Leave the cookie dough out of the fridge
for 15 minutes to warm up a little. Roll
into 12-14 balls (about 65-70g each)
and space out well on the baking trays
(the cookies spread quite a lot during
cooking, so bake in more than 2 batches
if needed). Bake for about 15 minutes,
turning the trays halfway if needed, until
deep golden and cracked on top. Cool
for 5 minutes on the trays, then transfer
to a wire rack to cool completely.
COOK’S TIP
Ovens can vary in temperature, so after
about 12 minutes, keep an eye on your
cookies. Once they look set and golden
at the edges and start to crack on top,
they’re ready.
CHERRY & ALMOND
BRIOCHE FRENCH
TOAST
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
425g can black cherries in light syrup
3 tsp Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Cane Icing
Sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 medium British Blacktail Free Range
Egg
250ml whole milk
½ tsp almond extract
8 slices sliced brioche loaf
2 tbsp unsalted butter
150g pot vanilla yogurt
1 tbsp toasted flaked almonds
METHOD
Put a sieve over a small saucepan and
drain the cherries. Set the cherries aside
and simmer the juices for 5 minutes until
reduced. Add 1 tsp icing sugar and the
drained cherries to the saucepan and
simmer for another 5 minutes, until the
cherries are coated in a glossy syrup.
Meanwhile, set your largest frying pan
over a medium-highheat. In a large,
shallow dish, whisk the egg, milk,
almondextract and remaining 2 tsp
icing sugar. Add 4 brioche slices to the
mixture, soaking on each side for about
45 seconds until they’ve absorbed plenty
of the mixture but aren’t too soggy. Add
1 tbsp butter to the frying pan and, when
foaming, fry the brioche for 4 minutes
on each side until golden and puffed up.
Arrange on plates while you prepare the
remaining slices in the same way, frying in
the remaining 1 tbsp butter.
Serve 2 slices of brioche per person. Top
with a spoonful of vanilla yogurt and the
warm cherries and syrup (reheat briefly
if necessary). Scatter with the toasted
almonds and dust with a little icing sugar
to serve.
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21

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Images courtesy Rachel Oates
No dog left behind
Tips from the Kennel Club as how to enjoy a UK getaway with your dog this Autumn
As life has been returning to normal,
challenges might arise for those with a fourlegged
friend. Dogs became lifeline for so
many during lockdown and some owners
are now thinking about how they can
continue spending time with their furry pals
whilst re-discovering a bit of freedom.
Recent research from The Kennel Club*
shows that more than one in three (36 per
cent) of dog owners are worried about what
their pet will do if they can’t go with them
to the places where they usually socialise
and work following the easing of Covid-19
restrictions in the UK, and almost a quarter
(23 per cent) expressed fears about being
able to provide a suitable home for their dog
after lockdown.
The research also showed that many Brits
want to share more spaces, including pubs
and offices, with our four-legged friends.
Almost three in five (58 per cent) said they’d
like to see more places open for dogs,
and almost a half (47 per cent) agree there
currently aren’t enough dog-friendly places.
Owners and non-owners alike recognise
that establishments, many of which have
struggled during the pandemic, can benefit
24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
from being dog friendly, with 65 per cent
agreeing that more people will visit if their
dog can come too and that dogs make the
atmosphere friendlier (61 per cent).
To help tackle the potential welfare crisis
for a generation of dogs and support
businesses and workplaces that want to
welcome man’s best friend, The Kennel
Club has launched its Open for Dogs
campaign, and has rounded up top tips
for owners who want to enjoy autumn
adventures time with their four-legged
friends:
Furry punters
- Always check the dog-friendly status of
places you are planning to visit
- Consider if your dog is ready and trained
to visit new places, and prepared to be
surrounded by other people and dogs.
If you are only introducing your dog to
situations like these, start with a short visit
and increase the length over time
- Make sure that your dog is well-behaved
and can happily sit and stay
- Feed and exercise your dog before visiting
a pub or other establishment so they can
settle
- Make sure you bring treats and toys for
your dog in case you need to distract them,
and don’t forget poo bags too
- Keep an eye on your dog to make sure
they are relaxed, safe and comfortable, and
make sure they are not giving other guests
unwanted attention
Travel companion
- Check the rules about travelling with a dog
on your chosen mode of transport
- Travel during quieter periods, avoiding
rush hour, and always travel during cooler
times to prevent hot weather dangers
- Make sure your dog has time to go the
toilet and enough exercise so they will settle
for the journey
- Bring a dog lead, collar and ID tag as well
as treats, toys, poo bags, and water with
a bowl
- Always keep your dog on a short lead
close to you
Keeping safe
- Make sure to keep an eye on your dog
whilst on a walk - several autumn plants
and seeds including acorns and conkers
are poisonous to dogs
- Autumn is also time where dogs can come
across larger numbers of fungi and some
can be extremely dangerous for dogs.
- Common signs of poisoning in dogs
include being sick, dribbling, and diarrhoea.
If you think your dog is poisoned, contact a
vet immediately and never try to make your
dog sick
- Ticks are also active during autumn
months, so make sure you check your dog
for ticks thoroughly after walking in the
countryside. Ticks must be removed slowly
and carefully - if you are not sure how to
remove them correctly, consult your vet
To find out more about The Kennel Club’s
Open for Dogs campaign and for more tips
how to enjoy free time with your four-legged
friend this autumn visit thekennelclub.org.
uk/openfordogs
* Figures based on survey of 2,001 general
consumer and dog owner respondents, carried
out for The Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs
campaign by Censuswide, in June 2021.

hot weather tips
HELPING YOUR DOG
ADJUST This summer TO from Maqueen THE NEW
Veterinary Centre...
NORMAL
Heatstroke: Dogs can only cool
Over themselves the by past panting, few which months is much many households
have
less efficient
taken
than
on
sweating,
new pets
so are
and
very
are enjoying the
susceptible to becoming overheated
benefits in hot weather, that especially they bring... if they
Established
cannot find a
pets
shady
have
cool
also
place
enjoyed
to lie.
continuous company and
extra
Panting,
attention
which
and
cools
exercise.
by evaporation,
However, as children return to
school
is less effective
and many
in
of
humid
us return
weather,
to work,
in
life is going to be different
for
a confined
our companions.
space, or
All
for
dogs
short
appreciate
nosed
an established routine
and
breeds
sudden
like pugs
changes
and
may
Bulldogs.
result in anxiety or undesirable
behaviour.
Pets with thick coats, short noses,
extra poundage or a drive to charge
Tips
about
to
whatever
help
the temperature, are
1)
particularly
Ensure that
at risk.
your dog has a safe
comfortable haven where he feels safe.
2)
Keeping
Use an
cool:
ADAPTIL
provide
Calm
cool
Diffuser
indoor refuges, with fans, and
plug
cooling
in, in
mats
the
or
area
wet
your
towels,
dog
and
spends
for water loving dogs, a cool
most
shady
time
paddling
to provide
pool.
comforting
Spray with
and
cooling water and consider
reassuring
buying a cooling
pheromones.
jacket. Take water, and a collapsible bowl with
3)
you
Build
when
their
travelling
confidence
or on
whilst
walks,
you
and
are
Doggy
still home
Ice Cream
by leaving
is always
the
house
welcome!
for short
*If your
periods
dog becomes
or working
overheated
in a separate
- contact
room.
your vet,
4)
cool
Give
him
them
down
something
with a cool
interesting
tepid shower
and rewarding
or wet towels,
to do
keep
when
him
alone
calm and
such
give
as long
him plenty
lasting
of
food
cool
puzzles,
not cold
or
water
Kongs
to
filled
drink”
with
frozen chicken stock.
5)
Senior
Give
pets:
them
take
plenty
special
of tiring
care
and
of
interesting
older companions,
exercise
making
every day
sure
-
different
that they
walks,
stay cool
retrieving
and drink
toys.
plenty
We have
of water.
wonderful
They often
country
love
walks
to
in
sunbathe
the local
but
area
may
... have
snooze
some
longer
fun
than
exploring!
they should leading to
6)
heatstroke,
Play slow
circulatory
music - preferably
problems,
reggae
or sunburn.
or classical.
Sunbathing
If you
pets
normally
with white
have
ear
the
tips
radio
and noses
on when
need
you
SPF
are
50
home,
cream
leave
to prevent
it on.
7)
skin
When
cancer
you
and
leave,
sunburn.
just do
Hypoallergenic
it quietly and calmly,
products
and
suitable
the same
for
on
young
your
children
return. Only
may be
fuss
used,
your
but
dog
products
when they
designed
are calm
for
and
pets
have
are
all
probably
4 feet on
safest,
the floor.
as some ingredients may be toxic if licked off.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Constructive trusts,
Bare Your Trusts Wealth,
deconstructed
Bare trusts are true to their name
and just deal with “bare”
Your Decision
essentials! The trustees hold the
Having grown up in and around
trust property on behalf of the
beneficiary, Victoria Marlborough, itIremonger, really is that Thomas simple. a paralegal Britten at knew that
The beneficiary owns the
Wansbroughs when the time Solicitors came, he in wanted Devizes to considers
beneficial interest in the property
return
and the they
to English are entitled
local Court’s to the income
area to commitment settle down to and upholding pursue
it generates (if any) but they will
not
testamentary
a career own the propertyfreedom...
in law. outright 5 years until after qualifying,
they reach the age of 18 years of
Testamentary
Tom is now
freedom
an
is
associate
the concept that
solicitor
you can, within
in the
your
age.
Will, leave your wealth to whomever you wish - whether by
outright
Bare
Private
trusts
provision
are
Client
often
or
used
by team placing
by
at assets Wansbroughs into a trust. and
grandparents to gift money to their
grandchildren has ever who are growing below the age base of 18of years both old and local therefore
The recent case of Cowan v Foreman reaffirmed the English
unable to receive such funds outright. In many instances,
Court’s clients commitment and those to upholding from testamentary further afield. freedom
grandparents may open interest-bearing bank accounts in their
grandchild/grandchildren’s
wherever possible, by rejecting
names
Mrs
and
Cowan’s
then transfer
application
money
to
into that
Tom account receive enjoys her – either advising inheritance larger clients one-off, in the form all less aspects frequent of outright of private sums legacies or client more instead law, frequent of
from through sums, making i.e. the monthly trusts a Will sums. and set up preparing The by Mr grandparents Cowan’s Lasting Powers Will. can rest of Attorney assured in to this
instance administering that they a complex retain control estate. of the funds as signatories of the
account Under the while terms their of grandchildren Mr Cowan’s Will, are minors. he made TheMrs funds Cowan can be a
One used beneficiary
area for things where
of two their Tom
trusts. grandchild has found
Since may clients
Mr Cowan’s require, sometimes i.e. death, school encounter
the fees, trustees or
difficulties school have been trips. is
supporting
when The only a relationship stipulation his widow
breaks iswith that large they down must monthly
and benefit an agreement
payments. the It
needs
grandchild is however
to be
because reported
reached
although
regarding
that Mrs grandparents Cowan
the future
was
of
uncomfortable will
the
remain
family home.
in control with
The
the of
courts
arrangements, the funds,
do not
they
have
actually feeling
the same
that belong she
wide
towas the
powers
“at grandchild. the
to
mercy
distribute
of the
a cohabiting
trustees”
couple’s
who Whencould theproperty grandchild cut her
that
adrift attains they
with
have the no age to
access
distribute of 18, to they money
a married can at request all’.
couple’s that the
trustees
or civil partners’
transfer
property.
control of
Instead,
the trust
the
property
courts
and
have
the
to rely
income.
on the
Bare
trustees
concept
Mrs Cowan must
of constructive
therefore bear in mind applied
trusts.
thatto if they High consider Court 18to years vary old the to be
too distribution young for of their her late grandchildren husband’s toestate. inherit Ruling large sums against of money her, the
then
A
judge a
constructive
stated bare trust that may
trust
‘there not
is imposed
is be absolutely suitable.
by the court
nothing
when
in the
it would
evidence
be
to
unfair
It suggest is not
to
just
allow
that for the
a
grandchildren
person
trustees
A to
would
deny
thatblatantly that
bare
person
trusts defy can
B has
the bedeceased’s
an
created.
interest
Bare
in
their
wishes’ trusts can
property.
and be‘it created
When
must
deciding
be in Wills possible or when
whether
for the trustees
to impose
testator of a to pension
constructive
provide scheme for his
transfer
trust,
widow
the
by a lump
court
a generous sum death
will try to
trust benefit,
give
arrangement to name
effect to the cohabitees’
such just as a couple this,
intention
without of
as
the
examples.
to
fear
ownership
that it They will
of
be do
the
interfered not have to
former family
with contain
home.
at huge cash
This
expense and can,
will be easier
in for proceedings example,
contain
if the
cohabitees
under the shares 1975 or
have
Act.’ property. There can be more than one beneficiary
of a bare trust (i.e. recorded your grandchildren their intention asin a class). a Declaration All in all, of they Trust; can
a bedocument that confirms the proportions which two or more
individuals
As
very
highlighted
flexible
own
in
in
a property.
the
terms
Cowan
of what
case,
they
as
contain,
long as
who
trustees
the trustees
act in
are
a
and
reasonable
who the beneficiaries
manner and
are.
in accordance
They can be
with
set up
your
by
wishes,
anyone, not
just family members for the benefit of other family members.
there is little reason to overturn a trust arrangement. It should
For In the absence of a Declaration of Trust, the court will infer
however both capital be noted gains that tax Mrs andCowan inheritance has indicated tax purposes, her intention the
the beneficiary cohabitees’ intention from other circumstances; such as
to appeal the
is treated
judgment
as the
so while,
beneficial
for now,
owner
the
of any
Courts
property
appear
which
to
contributions is held in the bare to the trust, former notfamily the trustees. home, both The transfer financial by (e.g. the
be upholding this concept, it remains to be seen whether Mrs
mortgage individual, repayments) whoever thatand maynon-
financial tax purposes (e.g. housekeeping). but no inheritance As tax a charge will arise immediately
be, into the trust is a gift for inheritance
Cowan will persuade them to alter the means of her inheritance.
and last resort, if the individual the court gifting can impose into the trust survives for seven year from
the
To find out more about making a Will and other estate planning,
constructive date of the trust giftbased then no on inheritance what it tax will be payable at all.
please get in touch with your usual contact at Wansbroughs or
considers Capital gains to be taxfair.
might arise on a transfer into the trust if the asset
is contact not cash. us on Therefore 01380 733 a gift399 intoor a via bank email account at in cash would not
wealth@wansbroughs.com.
Recording trigger a charge the ownership to capitalof gains the tax.
family Once funds home are in a inDeclaration
the bare trust, capital gains tax, if payable, is
payable
By Victoria Iremonger
of Trust could by theavoid beneficiary expensive but they are entitled to their individual
annual and uncertain exemption litigation of £11,100 in Paralegal the and- similarly, Private Client income tax will be
unfortunate payable by the event beneficiary. of relationship Wansbroughs Solicitors
breakdown. Bare trusts have If you many would other like potential help uses which you can discuss
preparing with us should a Declaration you thinkof Devizes: this Trust, might01380 be of interest 733300to you.
please If you would get in touch like towith consider Melksham: us at any of01225 this in896100
more detail please
wealth@wansbroughs.com contact Wansbroughs wealth@wansbroughs.com
in Devizes or on on 01380 733300, email
Tom Britten
wealth@wansbroughs.com 01380 733300. www.wansbroughs.com
or your usual contact.
Devizes Office
Northgate House, Northgate
Street, Devizes SN10 1JX
Tel: 01380 733300
Email: mail@wansbroughs.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
www.wansbroughs.com
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 25

TONIQ On Demand
ADVERTISING FEATURE
We caught up with personal trainer Arron Collins-Thomas to find out about his new
online fitness offering, expanded from his very successful gym TONIQ...
Your gym, with its fully-rounded approach to health and
lifestyle, has made national news for its incredible client
results – what will the app offer?
At TONIQ we recognise that good health is more than just
regular workouts, it encompasses taking care of every aspect
of your body. We have created a solution where everything from
nutrition, mindfulness, amazing workouts, yoga and more is
available with guidance from fantastic trainers and experts in
one place.
Not only this, but as part of TOD you have access to your own
coach, ensuring that you have someone you can speak to, to
keep you on track and accountable as well as supporting you
throughout.
We have had some incredible results over the past few years at
TONIQ and we want to be able to bring those results to more
people. With the app we aim to give anyone, anywhere in the
world, a taste of the TONIQ-life.
As a TONIQ On Demand member you get to join the incredible
community online, have access to our on demand workouts as
well as live workouts, Q&As and educational talks. We have an
incredible coaching team with a huge array of skills to bring to
you including yoga, qigong, nutrition and mindfulness.
The main workouts are written based on what we are up to at
TONIQ in any given training block and a new phase of workouts
launches every 6 weeks on the app as well as regular bonus
content to keep the training varied and inspiring.
Can you get a good experience with online coaching?
Are you accountable and is it personalised?
With TOD you have a designated TONIQ coach who you speak
to on a one to one basis. When you first sign up with us you
will have a call to help you set up your accountability sheets,
help you curate your workout schedule and set you on the
right nutrition plan for you. Then every month you get another
call with your coach to help keep you on track and answer any
questions you may have. Accountability is key if you really want
to get results and that is one of the reasons why TONIQ has
been so successful.
Are the classes accessible no matter your fitness level?
Some of us are self-conscious about going to the gym or
nervous in COVID times.
No matter what your levels of fitness we can help you. Our
expert coach will advise what level to start at for you and
how hard to push yourself in the first consultation you have
with them. It will be based around your fitness and any health
concerns, so you can feel secure in the fact that you won’t be
over training or causing yourself any harm by taking part in our
programs.
For people who aren’t ready for the gym again yet or who are
self conscious TONIQ On Demand is the perfect choice. You get
personal trainer support and expert written workouts, all from
the comfort of your own home.
You also get to join a great online community who share their
experiences and help support each other to get the results they
desire.
TONIQ ON DEMAND
MORE THAN A WORKOUT
Join our community from anywhere, at anytime with
TONIQ on Demand, our app gives you access to:
Personalised plans developed with expert coaches.
Nutrition plans based on your needs and goals.
Monthly 121 check in calls with an expert coach.
Extensive library of classes including SWEAT, STRONGER,
BURN and CHILL.
Visit TONIQLIFE.COM to find out more

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Pop in and see us for your staycation treats
For expert advice and the perfect products visit Megan and
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28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Beauty Full Time

Changing the narrative
around mental health
(emotive but essential)
Since the ease of lockdown, it has been a busy
and rewarding experience supporting parents
and teachers through the Youth Mental Health
Aware, Champion and Youth Mental Health
First Aid courses...
ADVERTISING FEATURE
These create awareness of how to spot signs, reduce stigma,
improve mental health literacy and help to provide teachers and
parents with the confidence to start conversations so young
people feel heard and supported.
In turn this can lead to reducing mental illness and have a
positive knock-on effect to overall wellbeing, confidence,
motivation, and achievement.
In my experience, one of the biggest surprises for parents and
teachers, can be the realisation there are no quick fixes. Mental
health is not the same as mental illness and is part of our overall
health. It can be complex and less obvious than someone
experiencing a physical illness and therefore recovery can take
time. Changing the narrative around this is important.
The latest statistics show that 13% of young people meet the
criteria for a mental health condition, and 75% of lifetime mental
health issues have developed by the age of 24. The good news is
that 85% of young people with mental ill health say the support
of their family and friends is helpful when dealing with their
mental health.
One of the greatest early interventions is to
create an environment where our young people
feel heard, through non-judgmental listening
which helps to promote recovery.
Here are a few helpful tips to starting this conversation:
1. Choose a setting: keep the chat positive and supportive,
exploring the issues and how you can help
2. Useful questions to ask: How are you feeling now; How
long have you felt like this? Is there anything I can do to
help?
3. How to listen: Accept them as they are and allow silence
as this can be very supportive.
The courses help to raise our awareness, and create an
opportunity for hope and recovery for young people aged 8-18.
They are inclusive, non-judgmental, on-line and face to face,
dedicated for parents, teachers, and carers.
There are discounted courses in September and October ready
for the new term. Visit: mywhitedogyouth.com/what-we-do for
more information.
Education for a
changing world
Stonar has a history of exceptional pupil
achievements enabled by a remarkable,
supportive educational environment that
engenders hard work and the desire to get
involved. Pupils feel free to be themselves,
flourishing academically and as individuals.
PHONE: 01225 701744
STONARSCHOOL.COM
CO-EDUCATIONAL NURSERY - SIXTH FORM
SIXTH FORM TASTER DAY
8TH OCTOBER 2021
Or contact us to arrange an individual visit
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29

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
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

CROCHETING
FOR CHARITY
Over the past year and throughout lockdowns,
Year 12 girls doing their Silver and Gold DofE
volunteering at St Mary’s Calne have been working
very hard to make beautiful crochet blankets to raise
money for The Harbour Project in Swindon.
The Harbour Project helps and supports those who
have risked their lives, families and homes fleeing war
and persecution, giving friendship and hope for the
future since the Kosovo crisis. The Head Girl’s Team
at St Mary’s had selected The Harbour Project as the
charity to support during the academic year 2020-21.
The girls have previously raised money for the charity
by designing and selling tracksuit bottoms and,
at Christmas, the staff had donated money to the
charity and signed a giant Christmas card for them.
The girls also crocheted poppy brooches to raise money
for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2020.
www.stmaryscalne.org
OPEN DAYS: 9 th October and 6 th November 2021
A Leading Independent Boarding & Day School for Girls Aged 11-18
Contact: admissions@stmaryscalne.org % 01249 857200 stmaryscalne.org

ADVERTISING FEATURE
MEET THE HEAD
We chat to Head of Pinewood
School, Neal Bailey...
We often hear it said that children are much more adaptable
than adults – how have the children impressed you in this
regard over the past few months?
Playing outdoors for children is crucial for many reasons: the
importance of physical exercise, having unstructured time to
amuse themselves, taking risks, socialising with other children,
and appreciating their surroundings. At Pinewood the children
spend hours in the beautiful grounds, collaborating with their
peers to promote child-initiated imagination and creativity.
It is during these precious times when ideas are planned
and nurtured through discussion, negotiation and dialogue.
Disagreement, conflict and finding resolution strategies between
the children are all part of the learning process when taking risks
and working towards creating something as a team.
There are many well publicised disadvantages of living with
Covid 19 in our midst, among the negatives are there any
positives?
Absolutely, there are many! To name a few – morning drop-off
has never been slicker and Lesson 1 always starts on time.
Online parents’ meetings have led to much higher turnouts.
Headmaster Assemblies in smaller bubbles has meant the
theme for the week can be tailored to the age of the audience.
And we have all dramatically upskilled ourselves in the world of
technology.
2021 is bringing us many things – what is on your own wish
list?
As a new Head this year, at the top of my wish list is the chance
to experience a year that resembles normality. One of my biggest
frustrations has been the inability to get to know the parent
community – something that is necessary to complete the
triangular relationship between the child, the school and home.
What would you like your pupils to remember about their
days with you, when they are your age?
The fundamental importance of kindness. An ethos of kindness
should permeate every member of the community. Under the
umbrella of kindness comes everything that matters: compassion
for others, the sense of charity, understanding, empathy and
treating others with decency and consideration. Teaching
children to be kind is not an instruction to be given, but an
example to be shared and it will remain central to the culture that
is so tangible at Pinewood School.
Contact: office@pinewoodschool.co.uk
T: 01793 782205
Pinewood, Bourton, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8HZ
www.pinewoodschool.co.uk
32 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
Paul Rogers BSc(Hons)Lond MAExeter PgCC MTA
QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED LOCAL
TEACHER & PRIVATE TUTOR
SPECIALISMS: MATHS, SCIENCE, BIOLOGY,
CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS
‘I enjoyed teaching Maths & Science
at St John’s Academy, Marlborough
for many years and now tutor online
from my home in Marlborough. I am
well known in the local community
for my professional, friendly and
effective teaching and I look forward to
discussing your tutoring requirements’
Paul Rogers
Phone or text:
0788 4337657
Email: progerstutor@btinternet.com
Member of
‘Mr Rogers tutored two of our teenagers in the run up to GCE A and GCSE O
Levels. He managed to combine a friendly disposition with a focused approach to
tutor sessions which for both girls delivered effective work flows. Feedback from
‘I enjoyed teaching Maths & Science at
online from my home in Marlborough
friendly and effective teaching and I loo
our girls and their tutor session colleagues is very positive – money well spent.
Greg Shakeshaft, Managing Director, AquaDam Europe Ltd
‘Mr Rogers tutored my son in Science and Maths. Over this time Paul has
developed subject knowledge, skills and importantly self confidence in my son as a
student. Thank you.’ Mr Bob Buckley, Head Teacher, Abbey Meads School
'Mr Rogers tutored two of our teenagers in the run up to G
tutor sessions which for both girls delivered effective wor
spent. Greg Shakeshaft, Managing Director, AquaDam Euro
'Mr Rogers tutored my son in Science and Maths. Over this
student. Thank you.' Mr Bob Buckley, Head Teacher, Abbey

Open Morning – Thursday 7th October 2021
For further information or to register please email
emilymiller@pinewoodschool.co.uk
www.pinewoodschool.co.uk
Pinewood Bourton Shrivenham Wiltshire SN6 8HZ
01793 782205 office@pinewoodschool.co.uk
Co-educational day & boarding school for 3-13 year olds

ADVERTISING FEATURE
Breadth v Depth:
What's the Best Way
to Learn?
By Alex Hopkins, Head of Prep
and Deputy Head Academic at
St Margaret’s Prep, Calne
One of the ongoing debates in
education revolves around the question
of breadth versus depth when it comes
to curriculum design. Is it better to
foster a deeper understanding in
subjects (depth) or expose our pupils to
a wide variety of concepts (breadth)?
Needless to say, a consensus between
educationalists has not been reached
but, over the past decade or so, a shift
towards the concept of deeper learning
or ‘mastery’ has been in favour. Any
successful curriculum should certainly
be meticulously designed and planned
to foster higher order thinking and a
deep level of understanding. However,
an exposure to a breadth of topics,
particularly in the Early Years when
children’s brains are still developing, is
also vital in building those foundations
and piecing together the building
blocks to allow our pupils to become
lifelong learners and achieve maximum
impact from their education. The links
which we can organically foster in a
well-designed, broad and balanced
curriculum help children to solidify
their learning as well as provide them
with an opportunity to learn topic areas
in a more open-ended, exploratory
fashion rather than simply relying on
teacher-led instructional direction.
In this model, the process and the
journey are just as important as the
end result.
Here at St Margaret’s, we endeavour
to find that ‘sweet spot’ between
depth and breadth. Our minds work
through making connections; the more
we know about the details of one
area of study, the easier it is to grasp
other areas of study. An example we
might see in the classroom could be
within science. To pass an exam, it is
true that children can learn and retain
answers to a variety of questions in
depth, but a true understanding of
science can only be revealed by setting
up your own experiments, making your
own predictions and observations by
drawing on your breadth of knowledge,
interpreting your results to decide
what it all means and then applying
that knowledge in other contexts to
make connections. Processes such as
this allow pupils to demonstrate their
curiosity and perseverance alongside
independence of mind and a total
confidence in their own observations.
By memorising data and facts, anyone
can pass a science exam, but that
alone does not make a scientist.
“Here at St Margaret’s, we endeavour
to find that ‘sweet spot’ between depth
and breadth.”
Chris Quigley, a leading specialist in the
primary curriculum writes:
“A successful curriculum means
providing children with increased
cognitive challenge, allowing them to
apply the skills which they have learnt
independently in a range of contexts
rather than moving them onto the next
skill needlessly, when they have not truly
mastered it.”
This ideology is one which we adopt at St
Margaret’s and our pupils are incredibly
fortunate to be taught by Specialist
Subject Teachers in art, modern foreign
languages, music, sport and computing.
These are areas of the curriculum our
specialists are passionate about and
in which they are highly qualified and
experienced. This specialist teaching
helps our pupils to develop deeper and
broader subject knowledge and make
connections. This, coupled with top-class
facilities, means that we can provide
a curriculum which meets that ‘sweet
spot’ between depth and breadth and
which promotes a state of ‘Flow’ where
pupils unconsciously achieve an optimal
state of learning and cognitive challenge.
Combine this with the quality-first teaching
from our Class Teachers in core areas of
the curriculum and we are privileged to
find ourselves in a position where we are
enabling our young people to acquire and
develop the knowledge, skills and values
that they will need to prepare themselves
for lives in an often unpredictable and
challenging global context.
34 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE
Helena Harris, Head of Art & Design comments:
“Art develops focus, discipline, problem-solving and perseverance.
These are all valuable life skills that help children prepare for their
future and beyond. Specialist art teaching does not simply mean
showing children how to draw and paint; it means sharing your
passion for the subject and helping each individual child to explore
and experiment so that they discover what interests them and learn
to trust in their own creative choices.”
Hilary Gibbin, Head of Performing Arts, adds:
“Music and the performing arts are powerful tools in enabling
children to express themselves creatively throughout their lives and
to develop their personal confidence. Aural awareness, analysis and
performance skills are all transferable and carefully nurtured through
a set of activities which, as a specialist, I am constantly evolving.
My own training and experience provide me with a strong basis of
knowledge and skill to share with every pupil, according to individual
need, and extend the talented by challenging them appropriately.”
Much of my work since joining St Margaret’s has been to work with
our teachers to review our curriculum to ensure it is not only engaging
and exciting for our children, but to also ensure it inspires excellence
and motivates our pupils to be the best they can be whilst maintaining
this careful balance between depth and breadth. For example,
our redesign of the Pre-Prep curriculum means we have had the
opportunity to work collectively to design and plan many opportunities
for essential knowledge, skills and understanding to be gained in
every subject for depth and across subjects for breadth. Evidence to
date is showing that, since the children are being given opportunities
to revisit and build upon their previous learning and apply them across
a range of contexts, they are developing a deeper understanding of
the skills and processes within each subject and those connections
are happening. As we work to increase the breadth of children’s
knowledge, by default, we also increase their depth.
Our Headmaster, Luke Bromwich, places positive psychology
and pupil well-being at the forefront of our agenda and it is now
more important than ever. There has been a shift from traditional
psychology, which prioritises what can go wrong, to focusing
instead on what can go right. Children’s physical and mental wellbeing
are high priority at St Margaret’s and we understand that they
will not be successful learners unless they are emotionally secure.
A broad and balanced curriculum which allows the children to
succeed can only serve to promote this ideology. It provides us with
the opportunity to challenge our children to become independent,
well-rounded individuals who take ownership of their learning and
become deep thinkers who are also able to apply this thinking
across a broad range of topics through exploration, collaboration
and self-reflection. This approach allows our pupils to strike that
balance between both ends of these spectrums in order to fulfil their
potential, achieve maximum impact from the curriculum and help
them lead happy, successful lives.
St Margaret’s is holding an Open Morning on 14th October at
9.30am. To register please visit www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk
barnes coaches
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 35

THE VIEW FROM THE BOUNDARY
We catch up with local estate agents to find out a little more
about the most tumultuous year any of us can remember...
The last 18 months have caused
many of us to re assess how we live
and perhaps more pertinently to this
feature, where we live. Quality of
life, surroundings, the need to work
from home and perhaps the desire to
spend at least some of the week still
doing so, all of these factors have
changed the housing market, locally
and nationally. We thought that our
key local estate agents would have a
view on this – and we were right...
JONATHAN RICH,
BREARLEY & RICH
The residential property market in the
Marlborough area remains robust despite
the Chancellors stamp duty suspension
coming to an end on 30th September.
Within the Marlborough area we think we
have seen a rise in prices of some 7-8%
in the last 12 months.
Property sales this year have been
strong across all price ranges and indeed
the main problem now is sourcing more
stock to offer ready and willing buyers.
Even before the stamp duty suspension,
the market was building a head of
steam, with pent-up demand from
buyers that appear for very good
reason to have been procrastinating
for years. The 2007 banking crisis, 3
general elections in 6 years and Brexit
had really put the brakes on the market.
Once Brexit was decided, we finally
began to see the market start to gather
confidence.
Our view is that there seems to be no
reason to think that the market will not
continue in the same vein for the short
term. The appetite from buyers is strong
going into August and therefore there
is reason to feel that a busy Autumn
market will follow.
EDWARD TAYLOR, FINE &
COUNTRY, MARLBOROUGH
AND DEVIZES
It’s certainly been a frenzied property
market of late. Unprecedented
levels of demand continue to outstrip
availability, and the resultant upwards
pressure on pricing has left some
vendors rubbing their hands with glee,
only to find they are faced with the
issue of now buying their new property
in the same hugely competitive market.
Zoopla reported that in the first half
of 2021 available homes for sale was
down 24%, whilst demand rose 26%.
They also report the average time to
sell (SSTC) of just 22 days, nearly half
the 42 days it took in May 2019. The
Nationwide House Price Index reported
a 13.4% annual increase in prices in
June 2021, due at least in part to the
stamp duty holiday up to £500,000.
For those of us fortunate to live in
Wiltshire, we all know the many
reasons buyers will be attracted to
move here from elsewhere in the UK.
More flexible working patterns have
meant that many can now relocate
from London and the South East,
putting further strain on housing
supply.
The next 6 months? It’s impossible to
say precisely, but if demand remains so
strong and supply of new properties to
the market continues to be constricted,
then it is almost inevitable that prices
will continue to rise well into 2022 and
beyond.
To book an up to date market appraisal
of your property call Fine & Country
Marlborough and Devizes on 01672
511 211 or email edward.taylor@
fineandcountry.com
LYNN ATWELL,
ATWELL MARTIN
Oh, my goodness, what a year! Never
in our wildest dreams did we think
the property market would continue
trading during the pandemic. It has
been the most challenging, but most
rewarding time with a record numbers
of homes sold. The pandemic has
given people the catalyst they needed
to make life changes that they
probably were contemplating, but just
not getting on with.
This situation continues, as more and
more people are working from home
and wanting home/office space and
larger gardens. Our list of proceedable
purchasers now outstrips our stock
and so our focus is firmly on gaining
further instructions. Any property listed
is generally sold within days, with
some going to final bids.
The stamp duty holiday certainly
caused a stir and made the early
summer a very stressful time for
agents and solicitors as we all strived
to achieve completions before the
30th June cut-off date. We did think
that this would cause the market to
slow, however there still appears to be
a good market out there.
First-time buyers are the first step in
the chain of moving up the property
ladder and are now rising to the top
of the market again as mortgages are
becoming easier to obtain.
Atwell Martin are an independent estate
agency with 30 years’ experience in
North Wiltshire and we are always
happy to help and advise on any
aspect of buying and selling your
home, whatever the market is doing.
36 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Looking to sell your property
and want to achieve the very
best price?
Speak to our local expert, Edward Taylor at Fine & Country
Marlborough and Devizes today on 01672 511 211 or
edward.taylor@fineandcountry.com
With over 13 years’ of experience of high-end property sales and a resident of Marlborough, Ed
is in an excellent position to advise on your next luxury property move.
Fine & Country are achieving great results for many clients in the local area
already and we’d be delighted to design you a bespoke strategy for success.
With our network of over 225 offices in the UK and over 300 worldwide we
can expose your property to the biggest audience of potential buyers, and
we guarantee you a personal, first-class service.
Scan the QR code to book a complimentary
marketing consultation of your property now!
www.fineandcountry.com

MARK CHICK,
MANNINGFORD CROFT
It’s been a record-breaking year, and
the beautiful rolling countryside of the
Marlborough Downs and Pewsey Vale
continue to tempt a London-based market
to a better, simpler existence, with
fresh air, green fields and big skies.
Our excellent schools, wonderful walking
and riding and a friendly, welcoming
culture sets Wiltshire apart, yet still within
an hour of London, Bath, Salisbury and
Oxford. There have been some lovely
houses of all shapes and sizes come to
the market in recent months, all finding
delighted buyers and tenants, ready for a
calmer world in 2021/22.
Whilst the Olympics seems set to be an
altogether quieter affair this year, Qatar
2022 looks like being hotter than ever
before. We expect the property market
continue to go from strength to strength,
and maybe surpass some of the records
set in 2021.
PAUL GREGORY,
McFARLANE PROPERTY.COM
McFarlane Property.com is thrilled now
that lockdown is over to have been able
to open the door to our new office in
Marlborough’s historic High Street. We
have waited over fourteen months due
to the pandemic to greet Marlborough’s
community! McFarlane Property is an
independent Sales and Lettings business
with offices in Cricklade, Swindon’s
Old Town, Redhouse Village and now
Marlborough. Our area of expertise
covers South Gloucestershire, North
Wilts, and Hampshire.
McFarlane Property purchased SLCA
Marlborough, a long established
residential letting agency, over five years
ago. At our new ground floor offices
at 106, High Street we have enhanced
our specialist and bespoke lettings and
management service, and now every
landlord has a dedicated tenancy
manager. Our new Residential Sales
department also provides an equally
specialist service with expert advice from
a highly knowledgeable, professional,
and friendly team. Properties currently
on offer include cottages in Ramsbury
and Marlborough, and houses in Great
Bedwyn, Aldbourne and Pewsey.
By registering with us you will receive
updates as soon as both sale and rental
properties matching your criteria become
available and you will never need to worry
about missing out on your new home.
At McFarlane Property we take on new
properties daily, so register with us and
let us assist you in finding your dream
home. Join us for coffee or afternoon tea
and meet the team, Jacqueline Marchant-
Currie, Paul Gregory and Janice
Cartwright or telephone us on 016725
514380 to discuss your requirements.
MANNINGFORD CROFT MACLAINE
‘A FIRST CLASS SERVICE’
FOR PROPERTY IN THE VALE OF PEWSEY
1 HIGH STREET PEWSEY
WILTSHIRE SN95AF
T: 01672 564555
www.manningfordcroft.com
38 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

www.brearleyandrich.co.uk
Residential property specialists in
Marlborough
and the surrounding villages
Tel: 01672 514820
Email: sales@brearleyandrich.co.uk
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 39

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
APT Group Services Ltd
Bee iinspiireed
www.aptgroupservicesltd.co.uk
01380 711781
40 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

St Peters, Devizes
A on of 25 magnificent highly specified homes with stunning views of the
Kennet & Avon Canal. Over 60% now sold - show home open.
01225 791155 ashford-homes.co.uk
Thinking of selling now or in the future?
Looking for a professional service from an experienced team?
Call our Calne office for a free,
no obligation market appraisal on 01249 813813.
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 41

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
42 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

MY BLUE SKY DREAM
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info@myblueskydream.co.uk
flii
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 43

DeFroscia Close, Calne
Beautiful 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes
We don’t just build houses, we build homes.
The Kington
The Edington
The Grafton
For more information contact Atwell Martin
01249 813813 • res.calne@atwellmartin.co.uk

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.
“I think ultimately
gardens are about
4 things; People,
Space, Plants and
Place.”
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 I
recently 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
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 45

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 & 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 7:30 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 he 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 and he said are you sure
that’s what you want to do and you said
I don’t know but I’ll give it a go and here
we are now.
“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.”
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 cant 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
46 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

KEEP THE EVENING GOING THIS AUTUMN WITH
OUR LUXURY RANGE OF FIRE PIT SETS
Stay warm and enjoy the company of friends & family
Chatsworth Fire Pit Set
Was £4,053 | Now £3,199
SHOP ONLINE AT WHITEHALLGARDENCENTRE.CO.UK

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Flooring - 01672 513492
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Online - www.dandrfurnishers.co.uk

DeFroscia Close is proving
popular with buyers
This new development is being constructed by
Hills Homes, an award-winning local developer
building quality homes across Wiltshire and
neighbouring counties...
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Homes at DeFroscia Close in Calne are capturing buyers
imagination and selling fast with several properties reserved
within the first few weeks of availability. There are some plots still
available for reservation now.
DeFroscia Close is a select development with three different
house styles, The Grafton, Kington and Edington, providing a
range of attractive two, three and four bedroom homes.
Whether you are looking to buy your first home, need more space
for a family or a home office, or are even looking to downsize,
Hills Homes’ latest development in Calne may be the perfect
place to end your search.
Each property has its own rear garden for relaxing outdoors and
the development benefits from having its own children’s play
area, as well as green spaces and amenities nearby.
Calne is located on the edge of the North Wessex Downs,
an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a great example
of Wiltshire’s timeless charm. Nearby is the UNESCO World
Heritage site of Avebury and, a little further afield, iconic
Stonehenge.
Calne provides a weekly market and various sport and leisure
facilities, including nature trails, cycle routes, riverside walks
and nearby Penn Wood nature reserve. Hills supported the
development of Penn Wood with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust by
planting more than 10,000 trees on the reserve with the help of
100 volunteers. The town has a selection of independent shops
and cafes, the Heritage Centre, Castlefields Canal and River
Park, and the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum.
Hills Homes builds houses to a very high standard using quality
materials and finishes, providing economical, sustainable
and efficient modern living for its home owners. Thoughtfully
designed, each home includes a range of interior and exterior
features at no extra cost and will ensure a warm, safe, low
energy, sustainable space to live in.
Interested? To find out more visit hills-homes.co.uk and contact
our selling agent Atwell Martin on 01249 813813 or email:
res.calne@atwellmartin.co.uk
Show homes can be viewed less than one mile away at Hills’
High Penn Park development. As per current Coronavirus
guidance show home viewings and visits to the sales office are
by appointment only.
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 49

Trends for Autumn...
Is it really time to think of Autumn?
Well it takes time to plan a new scheme for
your home, so perhaps its a good idea to start
now before the nights draw in...
This year we will be seeing lots of warm colours and textures,
ochres and greens, dusky pinks and bluey greys, glorious printed
velvets for throws and upholstery, with sleek styles for furniture,
influences are from nature, trees and foliage, birds and butterflies.
Its a beautiful season for colour and natural textures, like bark
and stone. Fabrics are being created from wood and stone
textures, its an amazing concept.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
So whether you are looking for a single blind, or your home needs
a complete make over, Perfect Rooms can help.
Pop into their showroom, enjoy a coffee or speciality tea and
cake in their coffee shop and take a look around their stunning
space, you’ll be sure to go home with plenty of ideas and armfulls
of books!
Come and see us in our new shop for more great ideas.
NEW SHOP NOW OPEN IN MELKSHAM:
@Home with Perfect Rooms is at
26 Bath Road, Melksham, SN126LP
Tel. 01225 899200.
Welcome to our showroom! Plenty of free parking outside.
Silver Street Showroom, Silver Street,
Gastard, Wiltshire SN13 9PY
Tel: 01249 716445 | interiors@perfectrooms.co.uk
www.perfectrooms.co.uk
Perfect Rooms & Interiors
When it comes to interiors, Perfect Rooms is
a one stop shop! Whatever your budget, big or
small, we can help you. We can provide a full
decoration and furnishing service. If you’ve been
wary of using an interior design service before,
don’t be! Sue Coleman and her team can save you
time, effort and money; they offer a free initial
consultation, with no obligation.
NEW SHOP
@HOME
in Melksham
At long last, we are very excited to be welcoming you to our
new shop, @HOME in Melksham – which opened recently,
with fabulous new home accessories for all of your needs,
as well as many cushions and a fabric remnants room.
We are specialising in Paints and wallpapers, with lots of
amazing homewares to decorate your home. So why not
come and see it for yourself! and don’t forget to pop in to
the Gastard showroom! #perfectroomsinteriors
01249 716 445
interiors@perfectrooms.co.uk
SILVER STREET SHOWROOM
Silver Street, Gastard, Wiltshire SN13 9PY
www.perfectrooms.co.uk
flii
50 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

and neck dishwasher or back to problems? the utility room, Perhaps there your will TV also is be mounted a hand too washing high,
basin your and desk automatic isn’t ergonomic, soap dispenser or you need into a new the boot mattress. room Sort where the
everyone stuff that including niggles visitors you and will it will enter have from a dramatic now on instead impact on of day the
to day life.
sign up to their newsletters so you don’t miss out on the invites.
Contact the studio today to arrange a free initial online
Contact consultation the studio with a today member to arrange of the design a free team. initial online consultation
with Find a Studio member JQ of on the all design social media team @thestudiojq
2nd Floor, 23-24 High Street,
Marlborough, SN8 1LW
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Thatcham: Unit 9, Wyvale Garden
Centre, Bath Road, Thatcham,
RG18 3AN • Tel : 01635 897665
Devizes: l & 2 Windsor Drive, Devizes,
SNlO 2TH • Tel: 01380 887943
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 51

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
52 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Love our Autumn Gold Offers
Enjoy the Auntumn Sun
MADE TO MEASURE CREATIONS FOR THE PERFECT HOME
CURTAINS | ROMANS | SHUTTERS | VENETIANS
VERTICALS | ROLLERS
Our fabulous awnings and
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shield UV rays during the hot
summer months. We install
from the simplest manual
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motorisation. Why not add
shutters to keep really cool.
For a FREE survey by our
local team. Call us on
NEW RANGE OF QUALITY AWNINGS
01249 814423 or visit
www.goldmansinteriors.com
and request a FREE survey
Contact our local team for a FREE survey at
goldmansinteriors.com or call us on 01249 814423
Up to
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OFF
T&Cs apply
46 Curzon Street, Calne SN11 0DG

Get Ready to Burn
this autumn
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
ADVERTISING FEATURE
THEALE FIREPLACES (RDG) LTD
OVER 55 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE & EXCELLENCE
Theale Fireplaces specialises in the design and manufacture of highquality
fireplaces and surrounds and is the largest fireplace showroom
in the South. Visit our showroom to see our range of products. We are
Gas Safe and HETAS registered installers. We can help you every step
of the way, from visiting the site through to the design and installation
of your fireplace or stove. If convenience is important, many stoves
and fires can be supplied in gas fired versions fitted by our own Gas
Safe approved staff. We serve customers in Newbury, Marlow, Ascot,
Windsor, the Cotswolds, Oxford and, in fact, the entire country.
CONTACT
US FOR A NO
OBLIGATION
QUOTE
• We have over 55 years of experience in the fireplace industry
• Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will listen to your requirements and help
you choose a product that best meets your needs
• We stock a range of quality products from leading brands
• We can supply and install a range of made-to-measure fireplaces, fires, stoves
and chimney systems just for you!
• We provide a professional and reliable delivery and fitting service
• We are chimney specialists
• Full HETAS and Gas Safe registration
Theale Fireplaces Reading Ltd | Mile House Farm, Bath Road,
Theale, Reading RG7 5HJ | 0118 930 2232
mail@theale-fireplaces.co.uk | www.theale-fireplaces.co.uk
54 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Supplying Heating Oil, Premium Heating Oil, Gasoil and Diesel to
Devizes, The Pewsey Vale, Marlborough, Tidworth, Netheravon and
Surrounding Villages.
Enhance your new or existing fire with one of
our modern or traditional fireplaces. Available
in a variety of materials including stone, marble,
and wood, we ensure your fireplace perfectly
complements the interior of your home.
Visit our showroom
in Swindon to see our
display of state-of-theart
fires. A member
of our team will be on
hand to advise you
on which of our array
of fires is the most
suitable for your home.
Call Now for Advice or Visit Our Showroom
V 01793 432100 M bjsheatingandfires@outlook.com
Unit 12 Aspen Close, Kembrey Trade Centre,
Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 8AJ
BUSINESS HOURS
Monday -
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 55

The future is
electric
Electric cars are the future, that much is certain.
How to charge them may, currently, be less so.
1st Green Electrical Ltd can solve that problem
by installing a charging point in your home or
work place and we spoke to Jason Lampard of the
Devizes-based EV Installations Company about
what this entails...
I suppose the first question must be where
can they be installed, garage, outside wall,
free standing? Tell us more.
Wall pods can be installed on any permanent
structure like your house or garage wall, garden
walls and some durable high quality sheds
with slight modifications. If you have non of the
above a Bollard type unit is available which is
fully freestanding, we install mechanical protection if the location
of the unit could be struck by your local Amazon delivery driver,
in reverse!
For the average domestic user, how long does a charge take
and are there potential financial advantages to charging
overnight?
Most UK homes are capable of running a 32 amp single Phase
unit. Houses with large electric boilers, electric showers,
induction hobs, electric heating, hot tubs and heat pumps may
need a load monitoring device to run along side the unit, to limit
the car charging, during high load times.
Charging times very much depend on the on-board vehicle
charger and the battery range, however on average, around 30
miles per hour, with a 32 amp or 7.2kw charger can be expected.
If you have an off peak tariff, smart charging is available, enabling
you to choose what time you want it to start and stop, from your
phone or tablet. A strong 4G reception around your location is
required. Boosters can be installed to help.
How long does it take to install one?
With every installation being slightly different, it is very difficult
to say how long an installation takes. Most will take a few hours
with some of the trickier ones taking 6/8 hours. Power disruption
is always kept to a minimum, normally no longer than 30 minutes
down time per unit.
Are there restrictions for certain properties, such as listed
properties or conservation areas?
There are restrictions for listed properties. It is always best to
consult your local planning department first and you will probably
need to fill out an application for Listed Building consent and
provide a few accompanying photographs or drawings.
Get in touch today: info@1stgreenelectrical.co.uk
www.1stgreenelectrical.co.uk
Facebook: 1stGreenElectricalLTD
ADVERTISING FEATURE
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGE-POINT INSTALLERS
Workplace/Home-charge
Government Approved for installations and grants
Office for Zero Emission Vehicles
www.gov.uk/authorisedinstallers
56 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE
RANGE COMING SOON
Bike Treads Motorcycle Centre.
Wiltshire’s leading independant
tyre, MOT, service and repair centre.
Along with our concept store, Royal
Enfield Swindon.
With a full showroom covering the
Royal Enfield, Benelli, Lambretta,
Royal Alloy, Sym, Keeway, Italjet and
F B Mondial brand ranges, we have
something for everyone including
parts, accessories and clothing.
Bike Treads Motorcycle Centre
Kennedy Drive, Eldene, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 3SB
Tel: 01793 615995 www.biketreads.co.uk
f
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 57

The Pearl
from Eden Retirement Living
Summer
2021
PEARL HOUSE IS OPEN,
AND WE WELCOME YOU TO VISIT
Our exciting new development right in the heart of Newbury, close to the station
and just minutes from the High St has opened its doors for you to view.
What to expect
Pearl House brings luxury, style and independent later living for those looking for a lifestyle that
makes you feel safe and secure. We recommend you come and take a look at the array of exclusive,
spacious one and two bed apartments and penthouses – most come with spacious terraces or patios.
When you visit us, you will find out just what
luxury retirement living is all about at Pearl
House, from the ‘hotel-style’ services with
24-hour concierge to the beautiful communal
areas, just a step away from your own home.
The community spirit for homeowners at
Pearl House is founded on luxuriously
appointed social spaces that include a
library, lounge, and bar area. Our Baroque
restaurant offers the perfect place for family
and friends to socialise, serving breakfast,
lunch, and light evening meals. Private dining
facilities are also available.
Residents can enjoy the private landscaped
gardens and first floor terrace, that provide
restful areas to relax, the terrace outside the
restaurant also offers alfresco dining in the
summer months.
Marlborough living - 4pp - 171x246mm-v1.2.indd 1 10/08/2021 14:09

The Pearl
from Eden Retirement Living
OUR APARTMENTS
We keep things light and bright with large
windows in the living areas and bedrooms,
(custom made Voiles come with your apartment),
glazed doors provide access to the generous
terrace, balconies, or patio areas maximising your
living space to enjoy the outdoors. Bedrooms
are also fitted with high quality wardrobes and
carpet.
Open plan kitchens equipped with Siemens
appliances extend into a dining area and lounge.
Stained European Oak engineered flooring is laid
in the hall, living, dining and kitchen areas with
underfloor heating throughout.
The luxurious en-suite wet rooms are carefully
designed with everything on one level and are
furnished with sanitary ware by Villeroy and Boch
and Hansgrohe fittings.
THE FACILITIES
Pearl House benefits from 24-hour staff cover,
with an on-site manager and day and night
concierge to help you with day-to-day needs.
Undercroft parking and private storage areas are
on the ground floor. There is also a guest suite
located here and this is available to book at a
nominal fee for family and friends.
One hour’s housekeeping per week is included
in the management charges. Domiciliary care
as a supplementary service is available by
arrangement with our Care partner, a local
reputable CQC registered care agency.
A smart living solution is provided for your safety
and security, it is easy to operate with touch free
functions and fobs its multiple utilities includes
the ability to view visitors before door entry and
contact the Concierge Service from the privacy of
your own home.
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Where to find us
Located within the Newbury Town Centre
conservation area, amongst striking 18th and
19th century architecture Pearl House is set
in a superb central location, with town centre
shopping, theatre, restaurants, and train station
just a few minutes’ walk away. For visiting
friends and family, or for getting out and about
the development is less than an hour to
London, and in close proximity to M4 and M3.
DOWNSIZING
The personal emergency alarm provides
assurance when and where you need it for you
and your family, and a voice activated system is
available too.
The high specification detail also includes a
heat transfer system installed in each apartment,
this is a great benefit from a health perspective,
providing excellent quality air, but also because
this form of ventilation cuts out almost all of the
ventilation heat losses, which can make up to
30% of the heating demand on your apartment
at Pearl House, creating a significant impact on
energy and emission savings.
(Above) Newbury Right on your doorstep: Newbury
High Street shopping, the Corn Exchange for theater
and entertainment and the Kennet and Avon Canal for
leisurely walks.
If you have been thinking about downsizing there
isn’t a better time to make that move - Property
Agents, are keen to source properties for their
buyers who are seeking homes that offer more
space. With limited available stock, it makes for
a strong seller’s market with competitive bidding
and price growth.
We are here to help you look at the process
of downsizing and will assist with professional
support from the Senior Move Partners, a
specialist consultancy who are experts in the
field.
Its not just the financial benefits that will make
a difference, this could be the start of a new
you, Low maintenance living brings a stress-free
lifestyle, giving you the time to do things you had
always planned to. With an active social life and
the benefits of the restaurant we can guarantee
you will feel like a different person.
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COME AND TAKE A LOOK
Sign up and we will tell you when one of our many
talks, charity activities or events are taking place.
If you would just like an informal visit, then you are
very welcome to join us at one of our weekly ‘Open
Thursdays’ which will run throughout the summer
into early autumn. Join us for Coffee or Afternoon
Tea and a tour of the beautiful Pearl House show
apartments and complex.
These run from 11am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 3.30pm from August to October
Make your appointment by calling us on 01635 551 229
or contact us at sales@edenrl.com
Opening Hours:
the Marketing Suite is open from Monday – Saturday from 10am – 4.00pm
When making an appointment at Pearl House we
are still maintaining our Covid policy and would
like to assure you that we will maintain a level
of respect in terms of social distancing, be it a
personal appointment or as part of a small group.
Our marketing suite is spacious, but we will limit
numbers so people are not uncomfortable in
company.
Apartment prices start at £275,000 PLEASE
NOTE other charges apply. This property is
serviced and managed by Eden (Pearl House)
Limited, part of Eden Retirement Living Limited, a
monthly management charge is payable (annually
indexed), and a deferred management fee (an
event fee) is applied to all properties.
No ground rent is payable.
For further information please visit our website www.pearlhousenewbury.co.uk
Pearl House Newbury Marketing Suite 11-15
Bartholomew St, Newbury Berkshire, RG14 5LL
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RETIREMENT
PLANNING:
A GUIDE
Katie Thomson shares tips
for getting your financial
ducks in a row for a happy
retirement...
Retirement planning is a multi-faceted
process which evolves over time - to
have a comfortable and secure future,
you have to have the means to fund
it. Fewer people have access to the
guaranteed income that comes with a
final salary pension, and with longer to
wait until eligibility for the state pension,
it’s pertinent to start planning as early as
possible for the retirement you want. The
better prepared you are now, the better
your retirement will be.
There are many strands to retirement
planning, and much of it depends on
your stage of life. It’s important to seek
advice from a registered financial planner
who can help you make the most of your
unique circumstances.
There are some handy way points to help
you get a grasp on where you are and
what you will need - here’s a checklist of
things to consider:
Understand what your retirement
income is likely to be:
You will be adding to your pension fund
during your working life, but it’s important
you get a handle on your various pension
pots to forecast the actual figure you will
have access to.
Check your state pension:
The rising state pension age can have a
real knock-on effect to your retirement
planning - a state pension forecast will
help you to gauge how much you’re on
course to get from the government.
Get an understanding of your
expenditure:
Having an idea of your expenditure will
help you plan longer-term. Your living
costs are likely to be a lot lower than
in other phases of life - you might be
mortgage-free and you don’t have the
same costs for commuting, recreation or
childcare for example.
You may wish to improve your home
or go on some amazing trips, so it’s
important you know you have the
financial reserves to do this.
When should you start drawing a
pension?
You don’t have to stop working to draw
down your pension - as long as you
are over the age of 55 - but be aware,
the sooner you start dipping into it, the
sooner the pot will deplete.
How much will retirement cost?
This is the golden question, and really
depends on the level of comfort or luxury
you are looking for in your autumn years.
A recent Which? study found that the
average retired household (those living
alone or as couples) spent an around
£2,170 per month - this is covering all
the basic areas of expenditure and some
luxuries like European holidays. Those
looking for a more luxurious lifestyle
including longer-haul trips and new cars
every five years would need to allow
for approximately £3,400 per month, or
£41,000 per year.
Once you have a framework for the
amount you’ll need, and what you are
on track for saving, you also need to
consider how you will access your
pension pots - these might be state
pension, a final salary pension and a
money purchase/defined contribution
pension.
With your defined contribution pot,
such as the one you might get in the
government employee scheme, you can
draw the entire pension pot in one go,
but this will mean it’s entirely down to
you to make the money last and you’ll
invariably pay a substantial tax bill. Most
people with these pensions will opt for
income drawdown or an annuity, or a
combination of both when it comes
taking money out of their pension.
With careful planning and accurate
forecasting, your retirement can be
something to really look forward to, but
it is essential to make an assessment of
your position as early as possible and
use the advice of experts to make your
money work harder for you.
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Local Favourite,
The Greenhouse Restaurant,
Re-Opens with a New Chef
and Menu
Neighbourhood favourite, The Greenhouse
Restaurant in Corsham, has re-opened again
following a break over the various lockdowns.
It is set to become more popular than ever
with a new chef, Adrian Warren, in charge
and a brand-new menu.
Adrian has revamped the menu to champion locally sourced
produce that is grown onsite at the award winning Wadswick
Green retirement village. Set among 25 acres of landscaped
grounds, restaurant visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll among the
beautiful grounds with mature trees and wildlife ponds.
Prior to joining The Greenhouse, Adrian gained his experience
at Marco Pierre White’s Rudloe Park Hotel in Corsham and the
National Trust. Commenting on his new appointment, Adrian
says: “I always believe in cooking as fresh and local as possible,
and I am excited that this will be a keystone for The Greenhouse.
I am very much looking forward to taking the food and dining
experience at the restaurant to the next level and I’m excited
about the opportunity.”
Menus will take visitors from breakfast through to dinner and
everything in between including afternoon tea as well as Sunday
roasts. The Greenhouse Coffee Shop is open daily with a range
of delicious sandwiches and paninis, homemade soup, cakes
and pastries on offer. While the stylish yet relaxed Greenhouse
Restaurant is open Wednesday through to Sunday for lunch and
dinner.
The contemporary styled restaurant benefits from picturesque
surroundings, perfectly viewable from the floor to ceiling widows,
or from the outdoor terrace, not forgetting the focal bar which
perfectly displays the extensive drink selections on offer. Visitors
will benefit from hearty meal selections such as slow roast
tomatoes, with black pudding, potato beignets, pan-fried smoked
bacon and a caramelized onion puree to start, grilled pork chop
with braised red cabbage, roast carrots, dauphinoise potatoes,
apple puree and red wine jus, and vegetarians might like the
walnut steamed pudding, with creamy spring green cabbage,
truffle and roasted squash puree.
Taste buds tingling yet? To book your table, visit
www.rangefordvillages.co.uk/thegreenhouse
or call 01225 85880.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Could you be a Care Hero?
If you are looking for a change of direction, a new challenge and a
rewarding position Innovations would like to hear from you.
We are a small local family run business, specialising in supporting
people in their own homes with person centered care tailored to
individual needs. We pride ourselves on offering a personalised
service that meets our clients needs, promoting independence
and respect for people who need our services to choose the type
of care that best suits them. We offer support with personal care,
washing, dressing, catheter care, meal preparation, management
of medication, assistance with domestic tasks, washing, bed
changing, cleaning, shopping. We can accompany our clients to
appointments and on outings and we can support them whilst
their full-time carer takes a break.
We are looking for people to join our local team, to share our
pride in what we do and to enjoy the challenges and fulfilment
that every day brings.
All staff are fully trained, and DBS checked, they are all dementia
friends and our managers are dementia champions who are able
to run sessions for anyone who would like to become a dementia
friend, sessions can be arranged for organised groups,
businesses or you and your friends and sessions are free.
01672 514339 for more information
64 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

MAKE LIFE EASIER
• Large range of Mobility Aids • PPE
• Hire services • Wheelchairs • Stairlifts
Our stores always welcome visits for consultations regarding advice
on choosing the right mobility equipment or service.
FREE HEARING
HEALTH CHECK
Shoes and slipper
Footcare appointments
The Mobility Store
7 Clive Parade
Cricklade Road,
Swindon SN2 1AJ
01793 701313
swindon@thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk
THE MARLBOROUGH
MOBILITY STORE
56 George Lane,
Marlborough SN8 4BY
01672 511550
wiltshiremobility@mail.com
THE WROUGHTON
MOBILITY STORE
Unit 1, The Forge
4-6 Devizes Road
Wroughton SN4 0RZ
01793 815083
wroughtonmobility@mail.com
NEW
ADDRESS
Rise and recline furniture
Adjustable beds
Mobility scooters
Mobility scooter repairs
FREE LEVEL ACCESS PARKING AT ALL STORES
www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk
THE BOURTON ON THE
WATER MOBILITY STORE
Lansdowne
Bourton on the Water GL54 2AR
01451 810088
bourtonmobility@mail.com
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 67