Winchester Lifestyle Jun - Jul 2022

YOUR FREE COPY JUNE/JULY 2022 

Winchester 

lifestyle 

featuring romsey, 

stockbridge & alresford 

WIN 

A LUXURY BBQ 

& WINE WORTH 

OVER £700, VAX 

VACUUM CLEANER, 

BAKING BUNDLES 

AND MORE! 

Skip into 

SUMMER 

SUMMER FUN FOR THE WHOLE 

FAMILY INCLUDING BEAUTIFUL 

EXBURY GARDENS 

AL FRESCO 

LIVING 

Transforming the garden 

space for perfect outdoor 

living this summer 

RAYMOND 

BLANC 

We catch up with the 

chef, plus some recipes 

from his latest book 

FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • INTERVIEWS • TRAVEL

www.county-windows.com

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

26 

RAYMOND’S RECIPES 

I sit writing this in the most 

bucolic of settings - we are 

lucky in that our offices are 

within farmlands (we are 

actually housed in a former 

chicken shed - we say that’s 

why our ideas sometimes get 

scrambled!). 

The first signs of summer 

are surely here because the 

swallows have arrived - putting 

on the most wonderful of 

shows - and only occasionally 

knocking into the windows 

during their frenzied activity! 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

We are really looking forward 

to the warmer months, and this 

issue is certainly a celebration 

of that. We caught up with 

French chef Raymond Blanc 

and were lucky to have a really 

insightful chat with him about 

the British food scene and 

his love of teaching - we also 

managed to nab some recipes 

from his latest book. 

We’ve also got some fabulous 

editorial aimed at getting 

the house up together for 

the summer months - with a 

range of projects both large 

and small to create that home 

you’ve always coveted. 

22 

RAYMOND BLANC 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Contributors 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Laura Rodney 

e laura@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984501 

Cover image courtesy of Exbury Gardens 

HOME & GARDEN 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, 

Hilperton BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

34 

Printed on sustainably sourced paper. Please 

recycle this copy or pass it along when you are 

finished for someone else to enjoy. 

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. 

Finally, I would like to mark 

this historic Platinum Jubilee 

by saying a heartfelt thank 

you to HRH The Queen for 

her years of tireless service - 

she is truly iconic and such a 

stalwart pillar of our society. I 

hope we can all come together 

to celebrate her glorious reign. 

We hope you enjoy this edition 

- look out for the next one 

in August when we will be 

hoping for an Indian Summer, 

and shining our shoes for a 

new school year. Until then, 

school’s out! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITION 

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. 

WIN 

A SUMMER 

BBQ PACKAGE 

WORTH OVER 

£500! 

Barbecue expert, Char-Broil, has teamed up 

with Beefsteak Club wines to provide one 

winner a summer BBQ package to start your 

Jubilee garden party with a cheer, pairing 

wines with your barbecued food! The Char- 

Broil Performance Pro 2-Burner compact 

gas barbecue (RRP: £449.99) features 

TRU-infrared technology guaranteeing even 

heat distribution, no messy flare ups and 50% 

juicier results. Also enjoy 3 cases of Beefsteak 

Club wines, all priced at under £10 and perfect for 

a delicious BBQ. Beefsteak Club Malbec is a smooth, unoaked 

red wine that complements meaty kebabs, prime cuts of steak 

and burgers with blue cheese sauce. Beefsteak Club Sauvignon 

Blanc pairs with barbecued scallops or herby chicken thighs, and 

Beefsteak Club Malbec Rosé marries well with grilled seafood, as 

well as vegetable skewers and grilled halloumi cheese. One lucky 

winner will get their hands on this whole bundle! 

beefsteakclubwines.com | charbroil.co.uk 

Closes 24/06/2022 - Competition keyword ‘BBQ’ 

WIN 

THE NEW 

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WORTH 

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The new VAX ONEPWR Edge 

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vacuum, just without the 

cord. With up to 100 minutes 

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to clean with ease, for longer 

and with fewer interruptions. 

Additional tools for above the 

floor cleaning make it easy 

to reach awkward areas such 

as stairs, ceiling corners and 

car boots, making the VAX 

ONEPWR Edge perfect for 

owners of busy homes with 

pets and cars. 

We have one to give away worth £399.99, including an 

additional accessory kit worth £50. 

www.vax.co.uk 

Closes 24/06/2022 - Competition keyword ‘CORDLESS’ 

WIN 

THE ULTIMATE 

GAMES 

BUNDLE WITH 

ASMODEE! 

Asmodee, the leading distributor of table-top games and 

accessories in the UK are giving you the chance to win a 

games bundle for the ultimate family night in. 

One lucky winner will receive a selection of games for a range 

of age groups, sure to keep the whole family happy. The 

prize bundle includes Dobble, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, 

Bananagrams, Ticket to Ride Europe, CATAN, Dixit, Azul, 

Cobra Paw and HINT. 

www.asmodee.co.uk 

Closes 24/06/2022 - Competition keyword ‘ASMODEE’ 

As the sun starts shining and 

we head into summer, it’s time 

to get your apron on and start 

baking ready for picnics and 

BBQs. British baking brand 

Tala has put together the 

perfect bundle of essential 

baking products for any keen 

baker including one of these 

glorious pastel mixing bowls. 

From cake tin sets, traybake 

tins to icing gear and nozzles galore, you’ll 

be cooking up a storm in no time! One lucky 

winner will get their hands on the whole 

baking bundle, details of which are available 

online. 

WIN 

£200 worth of 

Tala Baking 

Must-Haves! 

Black Chalk Wine – one of WIN 

England’s most exciting A PAIR OF 

producers – is offering SPARKLING 

two lucky readers the WINES WITH 

chance to win a pair of 

BLACK CHALK 

its sparkling wines from 

the recently released 2018 

WINE! 

vintage: Black Chalk Classic 

2018 and Wild Rose 2018. Both 

wines, which have an RRP of £35 and £40 

respectively, are available to purchase at its 

recently opened on-site Tasting Room located 

in the heart of Hampshire’s Test Valley. 

Further information on events and booking Tours & Tastings can 

be found here: www.blackchalkwine.com 

www.talacooking.com 

Closes 24/06/2022 - Competition keyword ‘BAKING’ 

www.blackchalkwine.com 

Closes 24/06/2022 - Competition keyword ‘SPARKLING’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Exbury offers the 

perfect day out 

There is so much to see at Exbury Gardens 

and Steam Railway. In Summer our 200 acres 

transform into a shady sanctuary of tranquility. 

Don’t miss the Iris, Herbaceous, Sundial and 

Centenary Gardens, all in bloom with a heady 

mix of perennials and exotic flowers. 

www.exbury.co.uk 

Exbury Gardens, New Forest, Hampshire, SO45 1AZ 

Exbury Gardens is a registered charity: 801349 

Discover 1,000 years of history at one of 

the finest medieval Cathedrals in Europe. 

Purchase a General Admission Ticket, 

and visit as often as you like for 12 months. 

Services, tours, exhibitions, art installations, 

concerts and more. 

Plan your visit at winchester-cathedral.org.uk 


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RAISE A GLASS OF 

ENGLISH SPARKLING 

WINE 

for the Jubilee 

This year of all years let’s toast to what makes Britain 

Great. And with a Platinum Jubilee to celebrate – let’s 

raise a glass of bubbly produced right here on our 

doorstep. Julia Trustram Eve of WineGB tells us why we 

should be celebrating British Sparkling Wine... 

Sparkling wines from Britain have been taking the wine world 

by storm in the last couple of decades. Our sparkling wines are 

driving excitement and earning plaudits around the globe. Today, 

some two-thirds of all wines produced in Britain are sparkling. 

The vast majority of these are ‘Classic Method’ wines – produced 

by the same lengthy and complex process as in Champagne, 

and a large majority also use the same grapes. The combination 

of expert winemaking, the right soil and now better climate 

has contributed to the production of show-stopping wines that 

continue to win many awards both here and overseas. 

The arrival of Champagne houses to produce their own classic 

method English Sparkling Wine - Taittinger in Kent and Vranken 

Pommery in Hampshire - have also added to the UK’s quality 

reputation. Other overseas investors are looking on with interest. 

But what makes a great sparkling wine? It needs to be fresh, crisp, 

delicate but complex enough to marry with the exquisite bubbles 

in the glass; Britain’s cool climate produces wines with a lively 

acidity and delicate fruit that lend themselves well to the sparkling 

wine process and give great ageing capability. 

English and Welsh sparkling wines are readily available on the high 

street and online through most retailers. You can also head straight 

to the producers themselves, who have their own online sites or 

you can visit them and taste on site for a memorable experience. 

Being a young wine region, brimming with innovation, there are 

other sparkling wines now produced by different methods whose 

entry level price will introduce you to a delightfully fruity, light style 

and hopefully open up the pleasures of what is produced here on 

our doorsteps. 

So let’s toast to a Great British success story! 

For more information – visit www.wingb.co.uk 

or follow WineGB on @winegb on Instagram/ 

Facebook or @Wine_GB on Twitter. 

Tours fit for a Queen 

Buckingham Palace and Clarence House 

departing Sunday 14th August 

2 day tour - price £189 

Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace 

departing Saturday 3rd September 


Norfolk Broads, Sandringham and Seals 

departing Sunday 3rd July or Friday 26th August 


Symphonic Queen at the Royal Albert Hall 

departing Wednesday 2nd November 


Windsor Castle, Lights and Gin 

departing Friday 16th December 


Please call for further details and to obtain your free brochure 


WIN 4 GOLD TICKETS 

WORTH OVER £100! 

BUY TICKETS NOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 

UPGRADED GOLD TICKETS FOR A FAMILY OF 4 

EVERY FAMILY TICKET BOUGHT BEFORE THE 

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4 DRINKS TOKENS 

(from the Beer Tent) 

4 FOOD TOKENS 

(from the food vendors) 

4 HELTER SKELTER RIDES 

SATURDAY 13th 

SUNDAY 14th 

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Participation and supervision ratios apply — please see our website.

Jubilee Macarons, £22 for 5, 

emmadodicakes.com 

Paper Bunting, £6.99, 

gingerray.co.uk 

Plant a Tree for the Jubilee Kit, 

£24.50, thedenkitco.com 

Vintage Union Jack 

Cushion, £32.99 

auburnfox.co.uk and Lion 

And Unicorn Cushion, £139, 

janconstantine.com 

JUBILATIONS 

Are you ready for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? 

Whether you’re hosting a street party or just looking for 

something to mark the occasion, this curated collection 

will have everything you need to commemorate the 

monarch’s historic milestone. 

Jubilee Dress-Up, £6.50, 

talkingtables.co.uk 

Champagne Bucket 

with Jubilee Strap, 

£85.50, heatingand-plumbing.com 

Jubilee Mug, £13.50, 

sophieallport.com 

Pure wool waterproof picnic 

blanket with Jubilee Strap, £135, 

heating-and-plumbing.com 

Jubilee Paper 

Bunting, 3m, £10, 

talkingtables.co.uk 

Jubilee Celebration Rose, 

£16.99, dobbies.com 


Ada Shop Local Skirt, 

£89, palava.co 

ALTBASH 

With the pandemic taking away large 

events and parties, it is no surprise 

that since restrictions have lifted that 

everyone is finding any excuse for a 

party with friends and family. Altbashes is 

a new trend that Millennials, Gen X and 

Boomers have embraced to celebrate 

basically anything they can, from new 

jobs to bad break-ups! 

Tissue Paper Disc Party 

Backdrop, £19.99, 


Paisley Fabric Bunting, 3m, 

£25, talkingtables.co.uk 

Party Bucket, £63, 

iamfy.co 

Party Balloon Mosaic Stand and 

Bright Balloon Arch, both £39.99, 


African Shopping 

Basket - Sayana, £65, 

lolaandmawu.com 

Trendsetters 

OUR FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE TRENDS 

Cat Door Mat, £24.50, 

redcandy.co.uk 

Art Print By Thirteen 

Prints, £20, iamfy.co 

SUMMER 

INFUSIONS 

Dive into spring/ summer 2022 with an 

array of fruity accessories and bright 

pops of colour. From juicy pinks to 

sunshine yellow, summer infusions is the 

perfect trend to get stuck into for the 

brighter seasons. 

Morgan Pom Pom Cushion, 

£35, hauslife.co.uk 

Bright Candle Holders, 

£20, nineangels.co.uk 

Shade In St Clements 

Egg And Spoon, £62, 

pooky.com 

Larsen Corner Sofa, £2940, 

sofa.com 


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The Casa Hotel, Yateley 

A wedding at The Casa Hotel combines award winning cuisine and 

excellent, personal service to ensure your day goes without a hitch. 

A wedding at The Casa Hotel combines award winning cuisine and 

excellent, personal service to ensure your day goes without a hitch. 

We offer end-to-end services, keeping 

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Whether it be a circuit class outdoors or an Indoor 

beginners Pilates class, the aim is to get fit and healthy, 

strong and supple but also enjoy doing it! 

We believe that exercise is a social occasion, but that hard 

work goes hand in hand with it! 

Contact Andy at Macks Fitness 

Mobile: 07920 282502 

Email: info@macksfitness.co.uk 

Winchester Park Yoga 

Park Yoga is a charity that provides free 

outdoor yoga sessions around the UK 

throughout the summer from May to 

September. 

Winchester City Council have partnered 

with the charity once again to ensure local 

residents have the opportunity to access 

regular sport and physical activity. 

Sessions take place every Sunday morning at the 

Garrison Ground, Bar End Road, SO23 9NR (the field 

right next to the Winchester Sport & Leisure Park) 

from 9:30am - 10:30am until Sunday 11 September. 

They are provided free of charge and led by a local, 

qualified instructor. The best part is... Everyone 

is invited including children, and all abilities are 

welcome. Just bring your mat, towel or blanket, and 

be part of something great. 

: 

For more information 

please visit: 

www.parkyoga.co/winchester 

V 

or call: 07980732158 

f X I 


Which nursery is right for you? 

You have your lovely baby and plan to go back to work shortly. You want 

them to go to a nursery to have a wide range of friends and quality learning 

and development experiences. But how do you go about choosing the right 

place for you and your precious bundle? 

KEEP LOCAL 

Initially look for a nursery close to where 

you live or work, depending on your 

circumstances. 

Check out your local authority’s website 

which will list nurseries in your area. 

Ask your family, friends and neighbours 

about their recommendations and where 

their children went. Do some research 

using your local social media groups. 

Visit a few nurseries before making such 

an important decision. Your child could 

be there for four years or more and you 

want them to be happy and develop 

well. 

PREPARATION 

It is important to know what questions to 

ask, what you should be looking for and 

the legal requirements a nursery should 

follow. If they have a website, brochure 

or prospectus, this can help you prepare 

questions and give you an insight into 

their offering. Check out their social 

media channels – are they posting about 

a wide range of learning opportunities? 

Check the nursery’s latest Ofsted report 

to see what the regulatory body has 

graded the nursery during their most 

recent inspection. There should be a 

link to the report on the website; if not 

you can find any report using the Ofsted 

‘Find an inspection report’ website, 

all you need is the nursery address to 

locate the relevant report. 

ON THE DAY OF THE VISIT 

First impressions really do count. Some 

things to consider include: 

• Is there a car park or somewhere 

you can pull in easily to take your 

child out safely? 

• What is the nursery entry system? 

Were they welcoming and polite? 

• Is the nursery clean and friendly 

and does it feel safe? 

• Are the children playing happily 

and are they engaged in activities? 

• Are staff supporting children’s 

emotional and care needs? 

• Do the staff appear to be confident 

and caring? 

• What percentage of their staff have 

early years qualifications? 

• How do they work with parents 

to keep you informed about your 

child’s development? 

High quality nurseries will expect you to 

ask questions. Try to spend time with 

staff and see how they interact with your 

child. Do they offer settling in sessions? 

GOING OVER AND ABOVE 

Look out for professional standards 

or awards which show a setting’s 

commitment to quality improvement. 

Millie’s Mark, the gold standard in 

paediatric first aid, requires all staff 

within the setting to be trained and 

confident in carrying out first aid. 

NDNA’s Champions programmes show 

dedication to Maths, Literacy or SEND. 

Nurseries who have achieved NDNA’s 

Quality Counts and e-Quality Counts 

show an ongoing commitment to high 

quality education and care where staff 

reflect and continually improve their 

practice. Find out more about these 

programmes at www.ndna.org.uk 

Check if they are members of any 

professional organisations such as 

NDNA, which supports nurseries to keep 

up to date with current issues and access 

high quality training for their staff. 

KEEP HEALTHY 

Look out for local authority healthy eating 

awards – some also give out awards for 

teaching children about growing and 

preparing their own food. Check their Food 

Standard Agency rating, which will show 

the cleanliness of food preparation areas. 

Do they offer special dietary requirements 

and can they cater for allergies? 

Are you interested in forest school 

provision? Do they have a good outside 

space in which children can explore and 

stretch their imaginations? 

Do they go into the local community for 

example, to visit old people’s homes or 

see how their local farm works? 

Ask about their SENCO (special 

educational needs) support and what 

other professionals they work with. 

HOW SHOULD I MAKE MY FINAL 

DECISION? 

Visit more than one nursery to gain an 

understanding of what each offers. Make 

notes after each visit and refer to these later 

to help you make an informed decision. Go 

for a second visit and spend some time in 

the room your child will be in. It depends 

what is most important to you. Your gut 

instinct will also help you to decide. 

If you have any reservations about any 

of the nurseries you have visited, look 

elsewhere. If you leave the nursery and 

have further questions, any good nursery 

will be happy to answer them over the 

phone, or welcome you for another visit. 

Rosey James 

PR & Policy Manager 

National Day Nurseries Association 

T: 01484 40 70 66 

www.ndna.org.uk 


Now taking registrations 

Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the 

care and education opportunities for each and every child 

are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them. 

FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS 

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM 

www.childbasepartnership.com 

T: 01962 870977 

E: maples.nursery@childbase.com 

Maples Day Nursery and Preschool, 

39 Hatherley Rd, Winchester, 

Hampshire, SO22 6RT 

T: 01962 827393 

E: west.downs@childbase.com 

West Downs Day Nursery and Preschool, 

West Downs Student Village, Romsey Rd, 

Winchester, SO22 5HT 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

A foundation 

for their 

future 

OPEN DAYS 

Sunday 12th June 10am to 12pm 

Sunday 3rd July 1pm to 3pm 

No need to register - simply come take a look around 

September 2022 places available 

Situated in Nether Wallop, with amazing outdoor space. 

Providing a flourishing opportunity for learning 

Free flowing setting from inside to outside 

The Wallops Pre School 

www.thewallopspreschool.co.uk 

01264 782051 SO20 8EH 

Forest school qualified staff 

2 - 5 Years old - Term Time only 

Registered Charity: 1027625 


Making the move to 

a private school – 

is it seamless? 


Education is the biggest decision and 

investment, in more than just a financial 

sense, that a parent will make. 

If a boy falls behind, it may be very hard to catch up. And if your 

son was doing well but could do even better, shouldn’t we stretch 

the brightest by finding the sweet spot where challenge and 

confidence peak? 

When is the best time to move at primary age (4 to 11)? 

Reception (aged 4/5) and Year 3 (aged 7/8) are the best times to 

transition, but moving at other times is often possible, if a place 

is available. Transition is easy and full of common sense: at 

Pilgrims’ we connect our new boys with a future friend before his 

first day and quickly absorb him into the community. The culture 

of the school really helps as we’re friendly and welcoming. 

What can Pilgrims’ offer that other schools perhaps can’t? 

We can offer smaller class sizes, a host of sporting activities, 

musical and other creative opportunities, and real academic 

drive. Boys play traditional and some less traditional sports, such 

as fencing, water polo and judo, and our musical excellence is 

well known with many ensembles and choral opportunities. On 

average, over a third of our boys gain a scholarship or other 

award to a top senior school, including Winchester College. 

We maximise the progress of every boy across our broad 

curriculum, co-curriculum, and extra-curriculum and can keep 

them fully engaged from 7.30am until 6pm, with after school 

activities that include computer coding, fishing, chess and 

knitting. We’re also boys only, meaning we don’t need to worry 

about gender stereotypes and boys get the support they need to 

learn and mature in their own time, without social pressure. 

How easy is it to fit in as a late starter? 

Give it a week! Maybe a day? Socially, it’s easy. Academically, if 

there’s any work to be done, we work with the boy and his family, 

but that is an exciting time as the boy surges forward. Everyone 

was new at Pilgrims’ once! 

Does a prep school education pay huge dividends for 

learning and development, even if you don’t intend to 

continue into senior school private education? 

Definitely. The best preparation for being a teenager, that’s our 

aim! Pilgrims’ will give a boy momentum that will benefit him at 

senior school, wherever that may be. 

www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk 

Our focus is on vocational courses for adults, with a strong 

emphasis on practical skills and work-based learning. 

Courses at AHED are designed to fit around existing 

work, family and life commitments. 

Our degree tuition fees are considerably lower than those 

of a traditional university. 

We offer leisure & language courses in subjects from A-Z, 

available to study daytime, evenings and weekends! 

78% of our degree students achieve a 1st or 2:1 Honours 

Degree. - 2020-2021 

We pride ourselves on small class sizes and exceptional 

teaching from industry recognised professionals. 


Thinking about 

your future? 

Think AHED 

Access to HE 

Beauty Therapy 

Childcare & Primary Education 

Complementary Therapies 

Counselling 

Degrees 

GCSE 

Hairdressing & Barbering 

Leisure 

Modern Foreign Languages 

Sport Therapy 

Find out more at ahed.psc.ac.uk 

Open Events 

8th June & 

4th July 

4.30-7pm 

Peter Symonds College 

Adult & Higher Education 

Stoney Lane, SO22 6DR 

OPEN DAY 

Saturday 1 October 

10am - 12pm 

Register on our website or call us 

TO BE NURTURED 

TO BE A PILGRIM 

An outstanding day and boarding school 

for boys aged 4-13 years 

Creating curious and confident learners, who can be whoever 

they want to be, in a safe and nurturing environment. 

“A stunning, distinctive and very caring school.” 

- The Good Schools Guide 

The Pilgrims’ School, Winchester 

www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk I 01962 854189 


National 

Microchipping Month 

KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE 

June marks National Microchipping Month, which aims to 

educate pet owners about the benefits of microchipping 

and the importance of keeping contact details up-to-date... 

WHY IS MICROCHIPPING 

IMPORTANT? 

Petlog, run by The Kennel Club, is one 

of the UK’s largest Defra-compliant 

microchip databases which helps 

to reunite lost and found pets. The 

organisation explains: “Microchipping 

your pet and registering them on a 

database like Petlog is such a simple step 

to take but can genuinely be a life-saver. 

This National Microchipping Month, we 

want to get more pets microchipped and 

more owners checking their details are 

up-to-date, for the sake of the nation’s 

furry family members.” 

HOW IT WORKS 

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice 

and it takes seconds to insert under the 

skin at the back of your pet’s neck. It 

identifies your pet and connects them 

with your contact details, which are held 

on a database like Petlog, enabling vets, 

local authorities and animal charities to 

reunite lost and found pets if the worst 

happens. 

Hopefully you’ll never need to use 

Petlog’s services – which include a 24/7 

lost and found phone service and lost pet 

alerts – but it’s reassuring to know your 

pet is microchipped if they do go missing. 

One quick scan of the microchip and 

a phone call later, and your pet is back 

where they belong. 

A microchip can prove invaluable in 

reuniting a lost pet with its owner, but 

only if your contact details are kept upto-date, 

so why not take the opportunity 

this National Microchipping Month to 

check the contact details associated with 

your pet’s chip are correct? Or contact 

Petlog: petlog.org.uk, or your vet, to 

find out more about having your pet 

microchipped. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

• Microchipping can only work 

effectively if your contact details 

are up-to-date with your provider. 

Go online or contact them today to 

check and keep your pet safe. 

• If you’ve mislaid your pet’s 

microchip number, you can ask 

your vet to scan your pet. 

• A microchip is not a GPS tracker, 

it has a unique code which, when 

scanned with a special reader, can 

be matched to the owner’s details 

on a central database. 

• Rescue centres, animal wardens 

and vets are all able to scan for a 

microchip to identify a dog and their 

owner. 

• A microchip is a permanent form of 

identification. As long as the details 

are kept up to date, you can always 

be contacted if your dog goes 

missing. 

• Many pets can be microchipped 

– and it’s a legal requirement 

for dogs to be microchipped in 

England, Northern Ireland, Wales 

and Scotland. It’s illegal for 

breeders to sell puppies that are not 

microchipped and registered on a 

database. 

• There’s currently no legal 

requirement to microchip other 

pets, but experts at Petlog strongly 

advise it. The UK Government 

has also recently announced that 

microchipping is set to become 

compulsory for cats in England. 

Francesca and Bella reunited: 

Microchipping in action 

Francesca Sharp’s Cocker Spaniel, Bella, 

vanished from her family home in Essex 

in 2015. 

Then, three years later, Bella was 

identified by her Petlog microchip after 

being rescued along with four other 

dogs that had been dumped on the 

side of a road in Kent. Bella’s microchip 

was scanned and she was reunited 

with Francesca and her family the next 

morning. 

“I am eternally grateful that Bella was 

microchipped and that I kept our 

contact details up to date with Petlog,” 

commented Francesca. “We might have 

never seen her again if things had been 

different. I’m so relieved to have my best 

friend back.” 

“Francesca and Bella’s story underlines 

how important microchipping is,” 

adds Petlog. “No one ever expects it 

to happen, but we urge all owners to 

microchip their pets and keep their 

details completely up-to-date so that they 

have the very best chance of finding their 

pets if they are ever lost or stolen.” 

For further expert advice about keeping 

your pet safe this National Microchipping 

Month, or for information about 

microchipping and how to register with 

Petlog, visit petlog.org.uk 


Specialists in Pet Nutrition and Healthcare 

OH NO! ITS TICK SEASON! 

Warmer, sunnier days are coming which can only mean 

one thing… flea and tick season is upon us! 

Many owners use conventional flea and tick treatments 

on their pets but what most owners are unaware of 

is that it is common for dogs to have reactions to 

the chemicals in these treatments. Some common 

reactions to look out for include:- skin irritation, such 

as a rash, diarrhoea, vomiting, excessive drooling and 

loss of appetite. 

The great news is that we offer plenty of safe, effective 

and natural flea and tick preventions as well as flea and 

tick cures for your pet and household treatments too. 

Our preventative options including shampoos, sprays 

and herbal mixes and even treats that repel these 

pesky critters. Successful prevention of fleas and ticks 

comes from the correct use of these natural products 

combined with a good diet. 

The cures and treatments are designed to rid your 

house and dog of fleas, mites and ticks should they 

suffer with them. 

All our team are knowledgeable on the above 

products so pop in and we can talk you through a 

chemical-free flea and tick treatment for your pooch! 

www.grovelypetsupplies.co.uk 

88a Olivers Battery Road South, Winchester SO22 4EZ 

Tel: 01962 877544 / 03300 948738 (Opt 3)

aymond blanc 

Bon appetit 

Editor Katie Thomson caught up with acclaimed 

French chef Raymond Blanc ahead of his appearance 

at this year’s Blenheim Palace Food Festival – we 

talked all things sustainability, the British food scene 

and his love of teaching… 

Food and produce are at the centre of 

your life – you exude such a passion for 

it – where did this passion begin? 

It began in my childhood, in Franche- 

Comté. My mother was the greatest 

inspiration of my life. Through her I learnt 

about the importance of seasonality and 

the purity of ingredients. I was very much 

her kitchen helper and it wasn’t until 

the age of 14 that I made my first dish – 

crêpes Suzette, thin pancakes in a sweet 

sauce of caramel and Grand Marnier. 

I made about 30 pancakes, as light as 

feathers, and I was an extremely proud 

teenager. I folded them and arranged them 

on a big Pyrex dish. Then I made a light 

brown caramel, adding the juice of orange 

and lemon, and then the Grand Marnier. I 

poured the sauce over the pancakes and 

then decided to reheat the whole thing on 

a gas ring. Perfect! Or so I thought. At that 

moment catastrophe struck. The Pyrex 

dish exploded into millions of tiny pieces. 

Of course it was a blow to my ego but, as 

you know, I am delighted to say it didn’t 

put me off cooking. 

How important is the garden at Le 

Manoir aux Quat’Saisons? 

There is not just one garden in the 

grounds – there are many, from the 

potager to the orchards and herb 

gardens, and the valley of mushrooms 

and the Japanese garden with its little 

tea-house. For me, it is a daily ritual 

to wander through these enchanting 

gardens with their unusual herbs and 

the sweet, exotic scents of near and 

faraway places. Every little part of Le 

Manoir helps to make it a place with 

soul, a big heart and an appetite for 

humanity. My childhood in postwar 

France might seem ancient and 

simplistic, and we may have lacked 

today’s science or high-tech values, 

but we had one great asset: common 

sense. Information was passed on 

from one generation to another. We 

understood and appreciated that 

food connected with everything – the 

table, the family, environment, society, 

health. We respected what came from 

the soil. 

You’ve always been passionate about 

putting vegetables in the spotlight – do 

you think we are reconnecting with 

our understanding of produce and 

how it links to both our health and the 

environment? 

It begins with the young. We have to 

teach our children about the value of 

a meal, and instil in them that sense 

of place, of region. We need to show 

our children what flourishes near their 

homes and how to grow our own 

vegetables in the garden. If that’s not 

possible we can use window boxes and 

teach our children the miracle of the little 

seeds that contain the life force. If you 

grow and cook your own vegetables, 

life will feel better and you and your 

family will feel better. You will be part of 

gastronomy, too! 


à

Have you seen the British restaurant 

industry change since the 1970s? 

Beyond belief. When I crossed the 

Channel in the seventies the nation 

was in economic turmoil and the 

quality of the food supply chain was 

not questioned; it had become an 

irrelevance. We had embraced intensive 

farming, and we held it as a triumph. 

This was reflected in the restaurant 

industry which, yes, has changed 

dramatically, so that today London is 

considered one of the great gastromic 

cities of the world. Remember, food 

connects with every single part of 

our lives, a truth that was ignored for 

decades. Oh, how times have changed. 


Do you think our appreciation of food 

in Britain has had a similar overhaul? 

Yes, and also think of ‘the positives’ 

of the pandemic. Lockdowns 

encouraged many people to head for 

the kitchen and discover the great 

pleasures of cooking. It made me 

think about how it would impact on our 

lifestyles and the food we eat. We will 

seriously tackle food waste, and we 

will be closer to our farmers, butchers, 

fishmongers, cheesemakers and our 

other food producers. We do need to 

reconnect more with seasonality and the 

provenance and authenticity of produce. 

Sustainability must be the driving force 

in the years to come. We’ll rediscover 

our skills, grow more and import less. 

That’s good for the farmers and the 

economy. I have long felt that by digging 

into the past, we shall find our future. 

Maybe I am just an old romantic, but I 

do believe truly that this will happen. 

You are appearing at the Blenheim 

Palace Food Festival this summer – 

what are the highlights in this special 

Jubilee year? 

The Blenheim Food Festival is a 

wonderful event with the focus firmly on 

eating well. It is buzzy, happy and fun, 

with lots of artisan producers with stalls, 

and cookery demonstrations. I’ll be 

hosting a question-and-answer session, 

and talking about my life, as well as my 

latest book, Simply Raymond, which is a 

little treasure chest of easy recipes. 

Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge 

– both on stage and to your brigade at 

Le Manoir? 

Without question, teaching is one of the 

greatest pleasures of my life. Over the 

years thousands have come to learn 

at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School 

at Le Manoir. And to think of the many 

young chefs who have come to work 

at Le Manoir ... and gone on to win 

Michelin stars! 

What has been your proudest 

achievement as a chef? 

Ultimately, it is sharing knowledge and 

watching others become masters of the 

incredible crafts of cooking and looking 

after our guests. I must tell you also of a 

special highlight… Many years ago the 

Queen Mother came to Le Manoir. With 

her entourage she enjoyed a particularly 

fabulous and long lunch, and then she 

stood and led her guests in a rendition 

of Le Marseillaise. Then she insisted that 

I gather together about 80 members of 

staff so that she could personally thank 

them for the wonderful experience. I am 

French Republican but I must tell you 

that on that day when the Queen Mum 

visited I came very close to becoming a 

royalist. 

Fantastic Food Festivals is hosting 

three festivals this summer, kickstarting 

the season with Blenheim Palace 

Food Festival in Oxfordshire during 

the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend 

on Thursday 2nd June – Sunday 5th 

June. 

The iconic Royal Victoria Park situated 

in the historical city of Bath will host the 

next food festival on Friday 29th July to 

Sunday 31st July with the final festival 

at Upton Country Park in picturesque 

Poole during the Bank Holiday on 

Saturday 27th August – Monday 29th 

August 2022. 

For more information and tickets visit 

www.fantasticfoodfestivals.co.uk 

‘Simply Raymond: Recipes from 

home’ by Raymond Blanc (£25, 

Headline) is out now

Book your table today 

01264 736044 | bookings@crownupton.co.uk | www.crownupton.co.uk 

The Crown Inn, Upton, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 0JS 


Raymond Blanc 

PEAR 

ALMONDINE 

It’s rare to find a dessert that is both 

simple and extraordinarily delicious. Pear 

Almondine is one of my favourites. You can 

find some excellent preserved Williams 

pears in jars or tins, ideal for this recipe. 

This dessert is a template to accommodate 

many other fruits and flavours. For baking 

like this, I like to use a baking stone. 

However, if you don’t have this, it will still 

be a winner. 

INGREDIENTS 

6 pear halves, tinned or jarred 

100g unsalted butter, at room temperature, 

plus extra for brushing the tin 

100g caster sugar 

100g ground almonds 

1 teaspoon cornflour 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 medium egg (preferably organic or freerange) 

To serve 

a handful of flaked almonds (for extra 

flavour, first toast them in a dry pan) 

icing sugar, for dusting 

SERVES 

6 

PREP 

10 

COOK 

20 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 160°C/140°C fan/ 

gas 3. 

Butter (or oil) a tart ring, about 18cm x 2cm. 

Cut a long strip of greaseproof paper to 

stick to the inside. Place the lined tart ring 

on a lined baking tray or baking stone. 

Drain the pears and slice them in half 

again if they are large. In a large bowl, mix 

the softened butter and sugar. Then add 

ground almonds, cornflour, vanilla and egg, 

and mix well. Spoon the mixture into the 

cake tin, spreading it evenly. 

Arrange the pear halves evenly around the 

outside of the tart, resting them on top 

of the almond sponge mixture, and with 

the tip of each half meeting in the middle. 

According to size of the pears, you may 

require the base of half a pear to fill a space 

in the centre. Scatter with almonds. 

Bake the tart on the middle shelf of the 

oven, on the preheated baking stone or 

baking tray, for 16–20 minutes, or until 

golden. 

Leave the cake to cool for a few 

minutes before removing it from the 

ring. 

Before serving, dust with icing sugar. 

VARIATION 

In a saucepan, reduce the syrup from 

the jar, let it cool and add a dash of 

Poire William, the pear liqueur. After 

baking, puncture the pears with a 

fork and pour over the syrup. It adds 

colour and flavour. 

Simply Raymond: Recipes from 

Home by Raymond Blanc (£25, 

Headline) is out now 

Photo credit: Chris Terry 


CELEBRATE ENGLISH 

WINE WEEK AT A 

VINEYARD 

Julia Trustram Eve of WineGB tells us why we should be 

celebrating English Wine Week from 18-26 th June... 

One thing that has come out of the last two very strange years is 

a growing appreciation of the rich variety of offerings right here 

on our doorstep. 

Domestic holidays experienced a boom as a result. The 

‘staycation’ has certainly led to discovering what gems are easily 

accessible with no airport of ferry hassle, fewer queues, and, if 

some years are anything to go by, days and weeks of sunshine. 

One exciting development is the growth of wine tourism across 

England and Wales. Just as sales of English and Welsh wines 

have been increasing year on year so is the opportunity to 

discover more about them from ‘source’ and have a great 

experience to boot. 

… and when better to start exploring than during English Wine 

Week, which takes place 18-26 June. This marks the start of the 

vineyard ‘season’ when the vines are starting to come in to flower 

in preparation for the glorious fruit that will ultimately become a 

vintage wine. 

Over 200 vineyards across England and Wales throw open 

their doors to welcome visitors offering a range of experiences 

including tours, tastings and ‘cellar door’ shop. Guided tours are 

conducted by people who are knowledgeable and entertaining 

and in some smaller vineyards you may even get the owner or 

winemaker. Visitors will take away a great memory and new 

experience. 

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to visit a vineyard … 

there are so many other delights awaiting. You can even stay at 

some vineyard. Many of the larger vineyards boast sophisticated 

visitor centres with fine dining, winemaker events and other 

activities, particularly over the summer. Many parts of the British 

countryside boast a great food and drink culture which you 

can feast on by visiting the producer or just enjoying what local 

hotels, pubs and farm shops have to offer. 

If you don’t have a vineyard nearby – never fear – most vineyards 

now have excellent online cellar doors, and of course you can fine 

some great selections in retailers across the 

country, so you can still pop a cork and toast 

English Wine Week! 

To find out more about visiting a vineyard, 

go to winegb.co.uk and winecellardoor.co.uk 

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Buy online at: www.hampshirewineschool.com 



THE STAG HOTEL, 

Lyndhurst 

Changing the stigma of 

pub grub. The Stag Hotel 

Lyndhurst is delivering fresh 

to plate great British classics 

and taste experiences to The 

New Forest... 

When the Harris family took on this beautiful public house, they 

knew they had to change its unappealing pub spec menu which 

promised nothing more than sub-standard British classics. 

A year on The Stag Hotel, Lyndhurst have left the over the 

processed, stone aged menu behind and now boasts an exciting 

array of dishes with hearty pub classics, a specials menu 

delivering a high-end taste experience and the garden menu 

which has been carefully created with sunnier days in the mind. 

Dining at The Stag hotel doesn’t mean crowded dining rooms, 

not only does it boast a large restaurant but a newly renovated 

dog friendly, pub garden, which features chickens, a bird aviary, 

heated courtyard with outdoor TV and a convenient outdoor bar 

perfect to make the most of the great British summer. 

The team at The Stag Hotel are proud to deliver fresh to plate 

cuisine made using locally sourced produce, meaning the menu 

is ever changing to suit demand and produce availability. The 

most popular option on the main menu is the renowned Stag 

burger, featuring mouth-watering 100% homemade beef patty, 

delicately fried chicken, crispy bacon, perfectly melted cheese, 

onion rings and a toasted brioche bun, this mammoth burger is 

a taste sensation like no other. If a classic home-cooked dish is 

more your thing, why not opt for the sumptuous roasted pork 

belly served with dauphinois potatoes and a delicious apple and 

cider jus. During the coming summer months, you’ll expect to 

find exquisite ploughman boards featuring local cheeses and 

chutneys and crisp pear & pomegranate salads perfectly paired 

with the stag hotels selection of hand-picked wines. 

Pub events have been given a new meaning thanks to the 

events planning at The Stag Hotel. The sleepy village of 

Lyndhurst has seen the glamour of Las Vegas casinos and the 

romance of burlesque, and this summer is no different, with a 

whole jubilee weekend of entertainment planned, Caribbean 

parties, family fun days and a Christmas entertainment line up 

like no other, there is something for everyone at the Stag. 

The Stag Hotel have been praised on the experiences guests 

receive when dining with them and have recently received the 

trip advisor traveller’s choice award 2022. A relaxed atmosphere, 

with friendly faces, delicious food, and a whole lot of fun. This 

Bar, Restaurant and Hotel is fast becoming a firm favourite and a 

home away from home, where you can’t help but go back again 

and again. 

02380 282 999 

reservation@thestaghotel.co.uk | www.thestaghotel.co.uk 

69 High St, Lyndhurst SO43 7BE 


BUCKET LIST 

SPENT A FEW YEARS THINKING 

ABOUT THE TRIPS YOU WISH YOU 

COULD HAVE TAKEN? HERE’S 

A LIST OF TOP DESTINATIONS 

FROM QATAR AIRWAYS 

Holidays 

Maldives 

After more than two years facing 

disruption of international travel, it is the 

perfect time to consider taking that special 

trip you have been dreaming of. We asked 

world-leading airline Qatar Airways to give 

us their top 10 destinations booked by UK 

passengers for trips in summer 2022 to 

help inspire you. 

1. BALI/DENPASAR 

The rich and diverse culture of Bali 

plays out at all levels of life, from the 

exquisite flower-petal offerings placed 

everywhere, to the processions of 

joyfully garbed locals shutting down 

major roads as they march to one of 

the myriad temple ceremonies, to the 

otherworldly traditional music and dance 

performed island-wide. The middle of Bali 

is dominated by the dramatic volcanoes 

of the central mountains and hillside 

temples such as Pura Luhur Batukau (one 

of the island’s estimated 10,000 temples), 

while the tallest peak, Gunung Agung, is 

the island’s spiritual centre. 

2. BANGKOK 

With so much of its daily life conducted 

on the street, there are few cities in 

the world that reward exploration as 

handsomely as Bangkok does. Cap off 

an extended boat trip with a visit to a 

hidden market. A stroll off Banglamphu’s 

beaten track can lead to a conversation 

with a monk. Get lost in the tiny lanes of 

Chinatown and stumble upon a Chinese 

opera performance. Or after dark, let the 

BTS (Skytrain) escort you to Sukhumvit, 

where the local nightlife scene reveals a 

cosmopolitan and dynamic city. 

3. MALDIVES 

Unrivalled luxury, stunning white-sand 

beaches and an amazing underwater 

world make Maldives an obvious 

choice for a true holiday of a lifetime. 

Unbelievable Beaches Maldives is home 

to perhaps the best beaches in the 

world; they’re on almost every one of the 

country’s nearly 1200 islands. 

30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

4. KILIMANJARO 

Whether you come to climb it or simply 

to gaze in awe at this remarkable, 

snowcapped equatorial mountain, 

drawing near to Mt Kilimanjaro is one of 

the great experiences of African travel. 

5. DHAKA 

The city, bursting with nearly 17 million 

people, is a gloriously noisy and chaotic 

place, bubbling with energy. It’s a city that 

can sometimes threaten to overwhelm 

the casual visitor, but once you climb into 

the back of one of its myriad colourful 

cycle-rickshaws, Dhaka’s charm starts to 

slowly reveal itself. 

6. KUALA LUMPUR 

Malaysia’s sultry capital is a feast for 

all the senses. Here you’ll find historic 

monuments, steel-clad skyscrapers, 

lush parks, megasized shopping malls, 

bustling street markets and lively 

nightspots. 

7. SYDNEY 

Sydney, spectacularly draped around its 

glorious harbour and beaches, has visual 

wow factor like few other cities. Scratch 

the surface and it only gets better. 

8. MANILA 

Manila has outstanding sightseeing it’s 

true, but visitors who put in the effort will 

discover its creative soul – from edgy 

galleries to a lively indie music scene. 

9. ZANZIBAR 

Zanzibar Island is a jewel in the ocean, 

surrounded by beaches that rate among 

the finest in the world. Here you can 

swim, snorkel or just lounge the hours 

away, while shoals of luminous fish graze 

over nearby coral gardens and pods of 

dolphins frolic offshore. 

10. COLOMBO 

Endless beaches, timeless ruins, 

welcoming people, oodles of elephants, 

rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, 

famous tea and flavorful food make Sri 

Lanka irresistible. The Undiscovered 

Country You might say Sri Lanka has 

been hiding in plain sight. 

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar 

Airways was announced as the ‘Airline 

of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline 

Awards, managed by the international air 

transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It 

was also named ‘World’s Best Business 

Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class 

Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business 

Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best 

Business Class Onboard Catering’ and 

‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. The 

airline continues to stand alone at the top 

of the industry having now won the main 

prize for an unprecedented sixth time 

(2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and now 

2021). The airline’s hub, HIA, was recently 

recognised as the ‘Best Airport in the 

World 2021’, by the Skytrax World Airport 

Awards 2021. 

Words from Lonely Planet - head to 

lonelyplanet.com for full descriptions 

of each destination. 

Bali

DISCOVER CHÂTEAU LOU CASTEOU 

Set in the beautiful French Cote d’Azur countryside, minutes from the sea. These Luxurious Retreats provides the perfect balance of gourmet 

meals, pampered luxury, energetic fitness classes, Latin dance sessions and outdoor activities including coastal treks, tennis, boxercise, 

aqua-gym, circuit training, yoga, sea kayaking and beach workouts, to help guests improve their fitness level or kick start a regime. 

Retreats include 5 days of luxury accommodation in the chateau in en-suite bedrooms with sea or mountain views. 

Meals are fabulous, nutritious and elegant 3 course dinners, quality open bar and evening parties and entertainment. 

Please contact Morag@Loucasteou.com with questions and for reservations. www.loucasteou.com 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 31 

MMBaxterWT235.indd 1 17/11/2021 09:30

Telephone: 023 8076 4389 

Fax: 023 8091 4413 

Email: info@southcoasturology.co.uk 

South Coast Urology (SCU) 

are a team of seven consultant 

urological surgeons providing 

a comprehensive service in all 

aspects of urology... 

Each consultant holds a teaching hospital appointment at 

University Hospital Southampton and has the extensive 

expertise in a specific area of urology. 

You may choose to see any of our experts for a consultation 

and diagnosis, our philosophy is that through subspecialisation 

and team-working we are able to guarantee 

that should they require an operation, it will be performed 

by a high volume surgeon – something that has been shown 

time and again to improve outcomes for patients. 

Our services include: 

• 2 week wait (e.g. raised PSA, 

abnormal DRE, haematuria, 

testis and renal masses). 

• Prostate cancer diagnostics 

using multi parametric MRI, 

specialist and targeting 

biopsy techniques (template, 

fusion, smart), robotic surgery, 

salvage treatments. 

• Benign prostate disorders 

such as benign enlargement, 

infections, inflammation. 

Treatment options include 

TURP, HoLEP (laser surgery), 

Urolift, PAE (Prostate Artery 

Embolisation). 

• Urinary tract stone disease 

with shockwave lithotripsy, 

ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, 

micro/mini/standard PCNL 

and chemical pathology 

support to prevent further 

stones. 

• Bladder conditions such 

as over-active bladder 

(OAB), infections, stones, 

incontinence, supported by 

a high quality urodynamics 

service. 

• Men’s health conditions 

including erectile dysfunctions 

(ED), andropause, 

contraception (vasectomy). 

• Complex robotic, 

laparoscopic and open cancer 

options for those with bladder, 

renal, testis and neighbouring 

organ tumours. 

South Coast Urology work 

closely with a wider network 

of specialists including 

radiologists, oncologists, nurses 

and chemical pathologists. 

Appointments are available 5 

days a week at 3 leading private 

hospitals in Southampton, 

Bournemouth and Chandler’s 

Ford. 

Our efficient administration 

team will be happy to help 

direct your patient to the most 

appropriate consultant for their 

condition at a time that suits. 

www.southcoasturology.co.uk

THE MEANING OF 

MUTUALITY 

When we opened our doors in 1856, our 

mission was to help people save money 

and own their own homes. Since then, 

technological advancements, economic 

changes, and evolving consumer 

expectations have transformed the 

landscape in which we operate. One 

thing, however, has remained unchanged: 

a commitment to our local community. 

Why? It’s simple – mutuality is in our DNA. 

Our status as a mutual means that we’re 

owned by our members and are committed 

to delivering long-term value for them in 

everything we do. Members have a voice in 

the decisions we make and can vote on how 

we operate – it’s one of the things that makes 

us different from a bank. 

It also means we’re dedicated to supporting 

members and employees who live and work 

throughout our branch network. After a 

tumultuous couple of years and with a cost 

of living crisis looming, we believe offering 

this support is more important than ever. 

How do we give back? 

Whilst we acknowledge the difference 

substantial financial support can make; we 

also believe in the value of donating time and 

energy. We support good causes in a number 

of ways, from fundraising to volunteering, 

corporate sponsorship to education 

initiatives, and of course, financial donations. 

You may even have heard of or been involved 

in some of our projects before, like our 

Community Support Scheme, Charity Branch 

Partnership, Junior Newbury Building Society 

(JNBS), Charity Savings Account, and now, 

our new 165 Days of Volunteering project. 

Can we help YOU? 

Every Newbury Building Society employee 

is given an allowance of two paid days to 

volunteer in the local community. To mark 

our 165th year, we’re aiming to donate 

165 of those days to local charities and 

groups throughout 2022. 

So, if you’re part of a charity or community 

project and you’d like some help, here’s how 

you can register your interest: 

• Fill in the expression of interest form on 

the 165 Days of Volunteering page on 

our website www.newbury.co.uk 

• If you prefer an offline approach, pop 

into your local branch and ask our 

friendly branch employees for more 

information. 

No matter the size of the organisation or 

whether the project is big or small, we’d 

love to try and help make our communities 

happier and healthier. 

Winchester branch: 

143 High Street, Winchester, SO23 9AY 

Call: 01962 852716 

Email: winchester@newbury.co.uk 

Cliff Osborne, 

Winchester Senior Branch Manager 

Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the 

Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies and we will communicate with you in 

English. We are participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints procedure which we will provide on request. Most 

complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 8769 

Newbury 

Building Society

A calm and beautiful 

nursery using paired 

warm neutral shades and 

simple mdf panelling 

renew 

Refresh & 

RENOVATE 

Pampas and Milk No 

Sugar, coatpaints.com 

No. 101 Wick White, 

coxandcox.co.uk 

Refresh 

Sage Advice, 

dowsingandreynolds.com 

Dulux’s new heritage 

range has beautiful, 

richly-pigmented colours 

in hues that won’t date 

A lick of paint really does transform a space. This season, interiors have been 

comforting spaces - with colours designed to evoke feelings of nostalgia. We love 

the creamy whites now available - they give a hit of school-house warmth. For a 

calming bedroom or gender neutral nursery as above, try layering warm neutrals 

on details like panelling. Thanks to regency drama Bridgerton, greens are still 

hugely popular - the hues are endless depending on whether you want to create 

a rich and inviting space or somewhere dark and dramatic. 

Dulux Heritage in Waxed Khaki, 

duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk 

Using Crittall style doors 

floor to ceiling creates 

great impact here 

(Image credit: Paul Raeside) 

RENOVATE 

Lots of us have decided to stay put and improve our 

existing properties - nothing does this quite like new 

glazing. New doors and windows breathe fresh life into 

spaces, especially if glazing can open up an existing wall. 

If you want to look into increasing openings, check with a 

structural engineer to see what you need to account for. 

Bi-fold doors remain the most popular option - allowing 

for an expansive opening of the space. We also love 

Crittall-style French doors for industrial chic. 

The use of glass from expressbifolds.co.uk 

creates an amazing feeling of space 


RESTYLE 

YOUR BEDROOM 

Contact us for a free 

home design visit today 

FITTED BEDROOMS 

SLIDING WARDROBES 

WALK IN WARDROBES 

10% OFF 

Contact EVERYTHING us for a free 

home design in November visit today 

Swan 

Furnit 

Contact us today for a design quote 

013290800 843636 2044905 

| swansystems.co.uk 

www.swansystems.co.uk 

Over 30 Years experience. Finance Available. 

South Coast Specialists 

30 Years experien 

Showroom address: Units 6/6a 

0800 2044905 

www.swansystems.co.uk 

South Coast Specialists with 

over 30 years experience. 

Showroom address: Units 6/6a The Tanneries, Titchfield PO14 4AR 

Titchfield, PO14 4 

Bathroom design, heating 

and plumbing supplies 

Bring this 

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you for a trade 

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From taps to toilets and baths to basins, we can help you 

create your perfect bathroom. 

• Trading for over 30 years 

• Large showroom 

• Approved supplier of a number of recognised bathroom brands 

• Friendly and knowledgeable team 

• Technical expertise 

• Heating systems including radiators, boilers, underfloor and 

renewable heating 

• Free local delivery to Winchester and the surrounding area 

www.woodstockplumbing.co.uk 

Find us located just off the A303: Units 1&2, Beresford Gate, 

South Way, Walworth Industrial Estate, Andover, SP10 5BN 

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enew 

With electricity prices soaring, it 

makes good sense to upgrade 

your appliances where you can 

- and making them smart-home 

compatible will help to futureproof 

your property. 

Free up space 

on the worktop 

with boiling 

water at the 

push of a button 

with the GROHE 

Red tap 

Haier’s I-Pro Series 3 Washing Machine is 

A rated - saving 33% on a D-rated product. 

We love the steam refresh programmes 

to remove the bacteria from clothes and 

the intelligent steam functionality, making 

ironing almost unnecessary. I-Pro Series 3, 

haier-europe.com 

EcoPower technology saves 

water and energy with a cleverly 

designed water supply that reduces 

consumption, plus, this product 

won’t disrupt your peace, as it’s 

Quiet Mark certified. Miele G 7100 

SC Dishwasher, £999, quietmark.com 

(Image credit: Susanna Hawkins) 

AI in the kitchen is taken 

to a new level with Haier’s 

Chef@Home system - the 

touch screen detects user 

presence and the sensors can 

detect the type of food in the 

oven, timing the cooking to 

perfection. Chef@Home Series 

3, haier-europe.com 

Dark kitchens continue to be 

popular - with bottle green 

shades joining classic navy 

and charcoal 

Mix open shelves with 

closed cupboards for 

a feeling of space. The 

drawer dishwasher here 

from Fisher & Paykel is a 

great solution for a busy 

family. fisherpaykel.com/uk 

Larder cupboards keep all those 

essentials at hand. Clever lighting and 

the continuation of the worktop inside 

helps to make this feel like part of the 

kitchen when the doors are open - but 

crucially can be closed to make it all 

tidy instantly. oliveandbarr.com 

RENOVATE 

When selecting a kitchen, it’s not about trends - but 

it is always worth looking at innovative solutions. 

One such design that works for large and small 

kitchens alike is the larger cupboard - featuring 

a workspace inside to house appliances like the 

toaster and coffee machine, these cupboards banish 

the clutter and make kitchens look clean and crisp. 


... say hello 

www.designbyfive.co.uk 

helen@designbyfive.co.uk 


Refresh 

The perfect option for a quick and easy update, or 

for renters, peel and stick tiles are a great option 

to breathe new life into walls and floors - without 

expense or long term commitment 

Self adhesive splashback 

in toughened glass. Laura 

Ashley Mr Jones Splashback, 

£249, splashback.co.uk 

Washable, wipe-able, heat 

resistant, fireproof, and 

removable, these wallpaper 

rolls are ideal for updating your 

kitchen easily (60cm x 300cm 

roll), £190, limelace.co.uk 

renew 

Rather than replacing whole pieces of furniture, you can 

breathe new life into items and rooms by upgrading the 

hardware. From new handles to lights or sockets, it 

can be a surprisingly dramatic change without 

too much upheaval. 

Kilburn Knob, £10.80, 

corston.com 

där Lukas Light, 

£289, 

darlighting.co.uk 

3G Two Way Dimmer Switch - 

Bronze, £115.20, corston.com 

Cushion, £39, 

cultfurniture.com 

Tap, £189.99, dowsingandreynolds.com 

Decorative tray, £23, 

sassandbelle.co.uk 

Bridgman Sunbury Sofa and 

Cushions,bridgman.co.uk 

Refresh 

Elowen Throw, 

£69, and Charu 

Cover, £34, both 

hauslife.co.uk 

Surely the quickest renovation win of all is a 

switch up of soft-furnishings and decorative 

objects. No mess and instant impact! If you like 

to change these items seasonally, try to shop 

with companies using sustainable materials and 

paying workers fairly for their craft. 


OKA 

Al Fresco 

IN THE GARDEN 

With long summer nights ahead, we look at how to turn 

your garden into a beautiful extension of your living space 

Cox & Cox 

LIGHT THE LIGHTS 

As with setting the scene for dining, 

don’t forget to light other areas of the 

garden to provide drama and depth. 

We love these solar-powered spots to 

light up trees from below in areas where 

you don’t have mains electric access. 

4 x 1W LED Premium Solar Spotlight 

Kit, £99.99, and Moroccan Stake Light, 

£16.99, both lights4fun.co.uk 

DINING AREA 

Creating a beautiful, exciting outdoor dining space 

is easier than you might think - the key is multi-level 

lighting. Festoon lights work beautifully for a romantic 

feel, then pepper in candles or LED candles for a soft 

glow on the table. Just because you are outside, don’t 

forget the linens and place settings - runners, chargers, 

proper napkins and nice glassware help to set the scene. 

Lights from lights4fun.co.uk. 

lights4fun.co.uk 

FIRED UP 

Firepits and heaters aren’t just 

lovely focal points - they help 

the party carry on even when the 

evening gets cooler. Before buying 

consider your usage - some come 

with cooking attachments, saving 

space on needing a separate 

BBQ. Standing Iron Brazier, £350, 

coxandcox.co.uk 

Maira, 

Roma and 

Boho Floor 

cushion, 

from £29, 

hauslife. 

co.uk 

TEXTURES & 

TONES 

Style a garden as you would your 

living room - layer blankets, rugs, 

pouffes, cushions - just bring them 

in at the end of the evening - there’s 

no need to buy special outdoor 

cushions. Play with textures you 

might not have in the house, like 

ruffles, fringing and jute. 

Linen Napkins, 

£10, ooh-noo. 

com, Brisa plate 

and serving 

bowl, from £16, 

hauslife.co.uk 




JUST GO... 

potty! 

In this edition, our regular contributor Matt Biggs explains 

how there is much joy to be gained from potted plants... 

Sometimes you see a plant and really, 

really want one – but you know that 

your soil is the polar opposite of what 

that coveted plant wants to put its roots 

down into. Some plants just don’t like the 

restrictions of a pot, but others, despite all 

odds, thrive. 

There are many joys for the pot gardener 

– one of the most obvious being that they 

are mobile so once that fabulous burst 

of Spring bulbs is over, or the heady 

fragrance of your favourite witch hazel has 

passed, you can pop it to the back of your 

space for a rest and bring forward the 

next to star centre stage! 

You can grow veggies in pots, you can 

grow herbs in pots – and place them 

handily by the back door to avoid soggy 

slippers when you just need that sprig of 

rosemary for the roast lamb – pots are 

just great. Children can have ownership 

of their own pot to try different things and 

if you raise height then gardeners with 

mobility problems can access them too. 

Just moved in and not ready to commit 

to a planting plan, or maybe there is an 

unattractive aspect that just needs hiding, 

enter the pot, large, small or in clusters a 

pot display is the ideal way to add a little 

pizzazz and to hide that which is best not 

seen! 

You don’t have to go down the posh pot 

route either – there are some absolutely 

fabulous ones in garden centres and 

nurseries, but you can also utilise things 

you already have for a bit of quirky 

recycling. Leaky buckets, old sinks, cut 

down plastic containers can all host 

something lovely and if you are artistic, 

you can paint them, the options are 

endless. 

Whatever your pot personality is – go for it 

and see what you can do. Just remember 

to collect that rainwater so you can water 

them too! 

Image: Sarah Clarke’s wonderful pot 

grown Wisteria 

- professional specialising in - 

LANDSCAPING - FENCING 

PATHS - PATIOS 

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GARDEN DESIGN 

EMAIL ian@alexandergardenservices.co.uk 

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01962 717735 07971 529217 

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Home Callout No Jargon 

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(See more great feedback on Checkatrade.com) 

Call Will on: 

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www.hchelp.co.uk 

We’re on 

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As a small bespoke care 

agency with over 22 years 

experience of live-in care, 

we pride ourselves on 

delivering excellent service 

across the south of England. 

Our mission is to enable our 

clients to stay living happily 

and independently in their 

own homes by providing 

quality personalised care. 

If you want to talk to 

someone about the options 

available, please call us for a 

personal appraisal on: 

Care & Services 

• Companion care 

• Dementia care 

• Convalescent care 

• Respite care 

• Palliative care 

• Long term care 

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01980 846690 

www.oxleycare.co.uk 

Timber Windows of 

Winchester 

81 High Street, 

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Hampshire, SO23 

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Whether your home is a country cottage, a Victorian semi, a 

modern townhouse or a converted barn, we have a range of 

traditional and contemporary timber windows and doors that 

will complement it perfectly. 

Please visit us to explore our range of beautifully crafted 

timber doors and windows, and expert advice on enhancing 

the value and beauty of your home. 

www.timberwindows-southern.co.uk 

Timber Windows of 

Horndean 

69 London Road, 

Horndean, 

Waterlooville, PO8 

0BW 

Tel: 02392 570 340 


WHAT MAKES A CARER? 

Professor June Andrews discusses what makes a carer, and how her 

new book ‘Carers and Caring’ can give some much needed advice to 

those who find themselves looking after a friend or loved one... 

Caring can be a joy and a privilege. It’s 

part of human life to care for others 

and can be source of great happiness. 

Being close to the person you care for, 

expressing love in practical ways and 

helping them to be comfortable and 

happy can be a wonderful experience. 

Especially in old age and towards the 

end of life it is a chance to give back to 

people who have helped others. However, 

it is not like that for everyone. 

Who counts as a carer? To those people 

who have a relative or friend they care for, 

it might seem odd to ask this question. 

Family and friends who do caring work 

often say that they are not ‘carers’. Yet 

they provide care as an act of love, 

loyalty, duty, kindness – or even by 

accident – looking after an ill, older, or 

disabled family member, friend, partner, 

or someone in their community. It is 

important to realise that if you are doing 

this, being recognised as a carer with 

the GP and social services can open the 

door to a lot of help and support that is 

otherwise missing. 

I am frequently asked for advice about 

dementia and care homes, but recently I 

have been asked more and more about 

caring in general. There is such a demand 

for information that I have written a book 

that can save time and reduce the cost of 

caring by advising on common problems 

and ways round the system, and sources 

of help. 

Carers are crying out for practical 

advice that is easy to read and based 

on experience and evidence. Some 

official processes are complicated and 

look like they were devised and written 

by a person who has never actually had 

to care. It can take time to search for 

answers, being referred from pillar to 

post, when dealing with health and social 

care. 

If you are having a wonderful experience, 

some of the problems described in my 

book will seem unnecessary. This is 

because the book is about helping, and 

the focus is on where things can go 

wrong, are difficult, or could be made 

better. This is not to suggest that caring 

is always tough. The ‘Joy of Caring’ is 

maybe the next book for me to write. 

Highlighting and offering solutions to 

the tough stuff is intended to make the 

reader’s caring experience less difficult 

now, allowing more space for the joyful 

stuff. 

The research shows that more than half 

of us will become carers at some stage, 

and whether this is about caring for your 

own parents, or helping plan for your own 

later life, I hope this will be useful. 

There is more at juneandrews.net 

www.juneandrews.net/carers-andcaring-the-onestop-guide 


EXTRA CARE 

HOUSING 

IN WINCHESTER 

VULNERABLE RELATIVE 

OR FRIEND? 

TURN A PHONE INTO A LIFELINE WITH 

THE PRESS OF A BUTTON 

Extra Care facilities are for people 

over 55 who meet the criteria 

assessed by Hampshire County 

Council Adult Social Care. Residents 

can benefit from self-contained 

apartments as well as on-site 24/7 

care should they need it. Applicants 

must live in the Winchester City 

Council district or have family living 

here, need help with personal care 

and be in housing that is no longer 

suitable for their needs. 

24 hours a day, 365 

days a year service 

Friendly operators with 

access to named contacts 

and emergency services 

Neck pendants 

available 

Less than 50p a day 

For more details contact Winchester Lifeline 

Lifeline@winchester.gov.uk l Tel: 01962 855 335 

For more information contact 

shelteredhousing@winchester.gov.uk l Tel: 01962 855 335 

wessex HEALtHCARE 

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* enquiries@wessexhealthcare.co.uk | www.wessexhealthcare.co.uk 

: 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 43 


www.wessexhealthcare.co.uk

3 weeks 

for 2* 

9.6 

Our average care home 

review score 

carehome.co.uk 

Who cares if Alice likes 

spending time in the 

garden? We do. 

Mayower Court luxury care home 

62-70 Westwood Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1DP 

Call 02380 984 476 | Visit www.MayowerCourt.org.uk 

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**carehome.co.uk scores are based on independent reviews with a maximum score of 10. 

Rating correct as at 10/05/2022.

3 weeks 

for 2* 

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Rated Jan 2022 

Our average care home 

review score 

carehome.co.uk 

Who cares if Phillip and Mary 

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*T&C’s apply. Please see website for details. 

**carehome.co.uk scores are based on independent reviews with a maximum score of 10. 

Rating correct as at 10/05/2022.

Winchester Motor Group 

Winchester lifestyle meets... 

the Managing Director 

of Winchester Motor 

Company ŠKODA. 

Where did it all begin for your 

company? 

Winchester Motor Company was 

founded by my father, Robert Mills- 

Goodlet who was an ex-Fleet Airarm 

Pilot and WW2 veteran along with 

my mother, Pam in 1965 under the 

name of Central Volkswagen Ltd. 

Dad saw active service both in 

Europe and in the Pacific and gave 

air cover during the D-day landings. 

The company was one of the first 

Volkswagen dealerships in the 

country and the one car in the range 

was the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. 

As more Volkswagen dealerships 

appeared around the country, the 

business had to change its name 

to Winchester Motor Company as 

it was claimed the name ‘Central 

Volkswagen’ gave us an unfair 

advantage over our competitors. The 

business has remained in Winchester 

for nearly 50 years formerly located 

in Bar End Road and since 1976, 

in St Cross Road. The workshop 

located in St Cross Road has also 

got links to WW2, where the 

company services for both ŠKODA 

and Volkswagens were used as a 

facility for assembling wings for the 

Spitfires during the war. 

I took on the management of the 

business in 1999 after having 

worked my way through every 

department including Parts, Service 

and Sales. The first big decision was 

to take on the ŠKODA brand after 

Volkswagen terminated its sales 

franchise due to lack of investment 

by the previous management team. 

In the early 2000’s I decided to 

invest heavily in the business, 

implementing new systems that 

would make us more accessible to 

our customers. 

How has your business evolved 

over the years? 

Having taken on ŠKODA in 2002, 

Winchester Motor Company bought 

out Garland Motors in Aldershot 

in 2005, a company that had been 

representing ŠKODA for some 50 

years. Due to the success of the 

takeover we had to relocate the 

business to Blackwater Way in 

Aldershot resulting in a 48% growth 

in business the following year - 

proving that location is everything! 

The original Garland Motors 

showroom is now a used car centre 

specializing in the Volkswagen 

marque. 

The last decade has seen Winchester 

Motor Company grow from three 

sites to five with the acquisition of 

Solent Used Cars in Leigh Park, 

Havant and Petersfield Used Cars on 

the A272 in Stoud. This growth has 

seen Winchester Motor Company’s 

turnover increase from £5M in 1999 

to nearly £40M which has resulted in 

the group being listed in the Motor 

Trade top 200 dealer groups and 

also nominated as one of London 

Stock Exchange’s 1000 companies 

to inspire Britain for three years 

running. 

If there was one particular thing you 

are proud of over your many years 

trading, what would that be? 

The business was previously run 

with my sister Lynne until last year 

when unfortunately she lost her 

six-year battle with breast cancer. 

Despite now being the only member 

of the family directly involved 

with the day to day running of the 

business, I am still keen to promote 

family values and these values are 

the reason for the business’ excellent 

reputation. In 2008 Winchester 

Motor Company won the ŠKODA 

Retailer of the Year with Garlands 

finishing second. Both locations 

excel at customer service & 

satisfaction which has resulted in a 

number of top ten finishes since. 

I am extremely proud of what we 

have achieved as a family business 

and our success is exemplified 

by our longevity, being the oldest 

Volkswagen and ŠKODA retailer 

in Hampshire. Our territory 

spreads from Eastleigh, Andover 

, Basingstoke across to Aldershot 

and down to Petersfield making 

us the largest ŠKODA retailer in 

Hampshire. 

What does the future hold for 

Winchester Motor Group? 

Winchester Motor Group has 

recently invested heavily in 

an Electric Vehicle charging 

infrastructure to ensure we are ready 

for the influx of electric vehicles. 

We are also talking to a large motor 

manufacturer about introducing an 

all-electric range of cars with an 

entry level of £25,000, so keep your 

eyes peeled for more information 

about this in the very near future. 

One thing is most certainly for 

sure, Winchester Motor Group 

will continue to serve the local 

community within Hampshire for 

all the driving needs for many years 

to come. 

For any ŠKODA or Volkswagen requirements please visit www.winchestermotorgroup.co.uk

Winchester Motor Group 

Taking the strain out of finding the 

Perfect ŠKODA 

Winchester Motor Company was founded in 1965 by ex-Fleet Air arm pilot 

Robert Mills-Goodlet and his wife Pam. Remaining a family-owned business 

ever since and now run by Mark Mills-Goodlet. ŠKODA ticks all the boxes with 

reliability, comfort, style and value for money, but the brand would be nothing 

without the care and attention we dedicate to making 

your purchase enjoyable experience. 

since 1965 

Delivering great customer 

service for over 50 years 

• New and used cars 

• Servicing • MOT 

• Parts 

• Rental 

Winchester Volkswagen 

• Volkswagen Accident Repair 

• All in from Volkswagen 

• Fixed Price Servicing 

• And so much more! 

WINCHESTER 

MOTOR GROUP 

Winchester ŠKODA 

43 St Cross Road, Winchester SO23 9PU 

01962 674822 

winchestermotorgroup.co.uk 

Winchester Volkswagen 

43 St Cross Road, Winchester SO23 9PU 

01962 672380

Winchester Lifestyle Jun - Jul 2022

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