Leamington and Warwick Living Nov - Dec 2022

CELEBRATE
Christmas
C
Christmas in
C
What’s On
1
« Christmas Lights Switch-On: 6 th Nov
« Christmas Market: Sundays from 20 th Nov
« Leamington Lantern Parade: 4 th Dec
These guides are produced by
BID Leamington with funding from
the businesses featured within.
All with an abundance of fabulous
Christmas shopping, unique stores and
award-winning restaurants.
For further information
about the town, please visit:
www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk
All information correct at time of print.
Map by Silvermaze Ltd.
© BID Leamington Ltd 2022
www.bidleamington.com
www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk
BID LEAMINGTON
Supporting Royal Leamington Spa
J000472 BID RLS 165x240mm Xmas A4 v2.indd 1 26/09/2022 15:18

C O N T E N T S
A NOTE
from the editor
17
FESTIVE DESSERTS TO INSPIRE
I do hope you’re ready for
some festive fun - because
this edition is coming in
with (sleigh) bells on! After
so many years of disrupted
celebrations, it’s great to be
able to look forward to some
normality and really get into
the spirit.
First up we’ve got some
delicious recipes - if you aren’t
a fan of Christmas pudding
(I’m in your camp) we’ve got
lots of alternatives to keep
everyone happy!
04
COMPETITIONS
If you are hosting Christmas
guests this year, we’ve got all
the tips and tricks you need to
make the experience stressless
for you and comfortable
for your visitors - it will be so
lovely, they may even want a
repeat stay! Heaven forbid!
The competition section in
this edition is a real bonanza
- we’ve got an adult and child
bike duo, a smart washing
machine, 2 x £150 vouchers
for cashmere clothes and
accessories, a deluxe hamper
and family fun at the Sea Life
centre all to be won!
30
GUEST BEDROOM
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 Marion Cassidy
e marion@minervapublications.co.uk
t 01225 984502
Cover image courtesy of Waitrose
36
READY FOR WINTER?
MINERVA PUBLICATIONS
Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,
Hilperton BA14 6JB
t 01225 984 550
www.minervamagazines.co.uk
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.
This is all alongside our usual
dose of school, home, garden
and later life advice.
I hope you enjoy this issue
and have some time in the
coming months to take pause
and reflect on the year - the
passing of a much loved
monarch, but a host of new
beginnings - we will have the
first King’s Christmas speech
this year to punctuate our
own celebrations. However
you spend the festive season,
I, and the rest of the team
here, wish you a very happy
Christmas and a peaceful
New Year - see you in 2023!
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 Bobbin, the
A SET OF PARENT London based
AND CHILD independent
bike retailer
MATCHING offers a
VINTAGE STYLE selection
BIKES FROM of vintage
style bikes in
BOBBIN
pastels and
BIKES! beautiful bright
shades, suitable
from age two with
balance bikes, all the way up to
adults.
They also offer a range of
complimentary accessories
including wicker baskets, pannier bags,
helmets and bike decorations.
We are offering one lucky reader an
adult Brownie 7 Dutch Bike worth £549,
Bobbin’s signature Dutch bicycle and a
matching child’s Gingersnap bike (12”-
26”) start from £189
All handmade in small batches the
Bobbin bikes offer high quality and
comfortable, not to mention stylish,
leisure bikes for the whole family.
www.bobbinbikes.com
Closes 19/12/2022 -
Competition keyword: ‘BOBBIN’
Did you know that a Candy RapidO washing machine is so
smart that you can show it a photo of your laundry and it will
tell you the perfect cycle to wash it at? Candy’s Snap&Wash
smart feature allows users to communicate with their washing
machine via an app. This feature offers technology that provides
efficiency from the comfort of your phone.
If you like to keep things simple but not compromise on quality,
then Candy is the perfect option for you. And we have a smart
Candy RapidO washing machine to offer one lucky reader!
www.candy-home.com
Closes 19/12/2022 - Competition keywords: ‘CANDY RAPIDO’
Loop Cashmere is the home
of feel good cashmere. Each
garment is crafted with love,
following sustainable practises
from goat to finished garment.
Our Winter 22 collection is out
now, offering gorgeous lofty knits,
irresistible textures and a rainbow of
colour. The collection is designed in the
softest cashmere to effortlessly see you
through the winter months in complete
luxury.
We’re offering you the chance to win one of
two £150 gift vouchers and treat yourself or
a loved one, to a little sustainable luxury.
www.loopcashmere.co.uk.
Closes 19/12/2022 - Competition keyword
‘LOOP’
WIN
2 X £150
VOUCHERS
TO ONLINE
WITH LOOP
CASHMERE!
WIN
A CANDY SMART
WASHING
MACHINE
WORTH OVER
£400!
Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas?
Delight your friends and family with a selection box of delicious
treats. One lucky reader will win a ‘Decadent Christmas in a
Box’ containing the following:
6kg Free Range Whole Turkey | 4.5kg Unsmoked Ham | 1kg
Side of Smoked Salmon | 1kg Organic Cheddar | 1kg Cropwell
Bishop Stilton | Christmas Pudding | Harrow & Hope Brut
Reserve (750ml bottle) | Classic Cranberry Sauce | Granny’s
Apple Chutney | Artisan Coronation Sauce | British Goose
Fat | Luxury Bread Sauce | Traditional Roast Gravy | Sage &
Onion Stuffing | Pigs In Blankets | 200g Smoked Chicken 200g
Smoked Duck.
www.copasturkeys.co.uk
Closes 09/12/2022 - Competition keyword ‘COPAS’
Discover the amazing
underwater world of the
SEA LIFE Aquariums
at one of the 11
locations throughout
WIN
4 X TICKETS
TO ANY SEA
LIFE CENTRE!
WIN
CHRISTMAS IN
A BOX WORTH
OVER £400
WITH COPAS
TURKEYS!
the UK and Ireland.
Are you a Shark lover, a
Humboldt Penguin fan, or
a clownfish fanatic? At SEA
LIFE you can see them all - from
the curious and the rescued to the rare and the enigmatic. Every
SEA LIFE is unique, and so are its creatures – a visit here will get
you closer to the oceans than ever before.
There are 11 SEA LIFE centres where the prize can be redeemed;
London, Birmingham, Great Yarmouth, Loch Lomond,
Blackpool, Brighton, Manchester, Scarborough, Hunstanton,
Weymouth and Bray. Three lucky readers will win 4x tickets.
www.merlinannualpass.co.uk
Closes 19/12/2022 - Competition keywords: ‘SEA LIFE’
4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

23 Nov – 7 Jan From £15*
8 – 24 Dec From £12*
24 – 28 Jan From £15* 7 – 11 Feb From £15*
13 – 18 Feb From £15* 22 – 23 Feb From £32*
BOOK NOW www.belgrade.co.uk
*Ticket price includes a £1.50 booking fee.

FESTIVE DAYS OUT
All admissions and entrance charges included
plus 40 local boarding points available!
Fri 4 Nov
Wed 9 Nov
Sat 12 Nov
Wed 16 Nov
Sat 19 Nov
Sun 20 Nov
Wed 23 Nov
Thu 24 Nov
Fri 25 Nov
Sun 27 Nov
Mon 28 Nov
Tue 29 Nov
Wed 30 Nov
Fri 2 Dec
Sat 3 Dec
Sun 4 Dec
Mon 5 Dec
Tue 6 Dec
Wed 7 Dec
Thu 8 Dec
Thu 8 Dec
Sat 10 Dec
Sun 11 Dec
Sun 11 Dec
Tue 13 Dec
Tue 13 Dec
Wed 14 Dec
Fri 16 Dec
Sat 17 Dec
Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar
Bodleian Libraries
Chatsworth House
Windsor Festive Cruise
Oxford Shopping & Lights
Gloucester Quays Xmas Market
King Richard III & Leicester
Chester Christmas Market
Stonor House & Xmas Fayre
Bath Christmas Market
Castle Howard & Afternoon Tea
Blue Funnel Festive Lunch Cruise
Winchester Cathedral Xmas Market
RHS Wisley Gardens Illuminations
Chatsworth House & Bakewell
Worcester Victorian Xmas Fayre
York St Nicholas Fair
Belvoir Castle & Afternoon Tea
Blenheim Palace Xmas Light Trail
London Lights & Sights Tour
Windsor Castle Dressed for Xmas
Hever Castle & Festive Lunch
Blists Hill Victorian Xmas
Harrods Xmas Shopping
NMA & Festive Lunch
Temple Newsam & Light Trail
Salisbury Xmas Market
Shrewsbury Prison & Lunch
Hampton Court Palace Lights
£93.50
£49.50
£65.50
£85.50
£36.50
£39.50
£69.50
£43.50
£64.50
£44.50
£81.50
£76.50
£52.50
£72.50
£65.50
£39.50
£47.50
£69.50
£94.50
£75.50
£67.50
£89.50
£56.50
£69.50
£69.50
£93.50
£67.50
£87.50
£89.50
NEW SUMMER DOOR-TO-DOOR
HOLIDAY BROCHURE OUT NOW!
Plus, 2023 Great Breaks,
Winter-Spring 2022-23
Express Excursions &
Showtimes Theatre Trips!
Request your FREE
brochure today!
www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk
01564 510 133
✩✩✩✩✩ THE TIMES
✩✩✩✩✩ THE INDEPENDENT
✩✩✩✩✩ BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE
“PURE PLEASURE” ✩✩✩✩ THE GUARDIAN
J.S BACH – CHRISTMAS ORATORIO BWV 248, PARTS 1, 3, 5, 6
30th November 7.30pm – Malvern Theatres
6th December 7.30pm – Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
A collection of cantatas composed for the festive season which celebrates Bach’s
genius in writing intensely beautiful melody and counterpoint, alongside his
flamboyant orchestral compositional style. Written for chorus & orchestra with fanfarelike
trumpets and drums, it is impossible not to feel uplifted by this fabulous work.
Armonico Consort & Baroque Orchestra | Director – Christopher Monks
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
19th December 7.30pm - Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
What better way to enjoy the warmth and joy of the Christmas season than in the
sublime candlelit setting of the Collegiate Church of St Mary Warwick for a feast of
carols, combining traditional favourites and newly discovered works.
Armonico Consort | Director - Christopher Monks
ARMONICO CONSORT: THE PRESIDENT’S CAROLS AT WARWICK
20th December 7.30pm – Warwick Castle
Join a select group of Armonico Consort’s finest singers for this brand new and
exclusive event as they welcome Christmas in the magnificent setting of the Great Hall
at Warwick Castle. Arrive through the beautifully lit courtyard, past glittering trees, to
the Great Hall where you can begin your Christmas celebrations in exquisite style.
Armonico Consort | Director - Christopher Monks
BIG BYRD!
28th January 7.30pm - Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
4th February 7.30pm – Malvern Theatres
Featuring The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble
Armonico Consort will be joined by the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble to mark
the 400th anniversary of the death of one of Britain’s greatest composers, William Byrd.
Armonico Consort | Director – Christopher Monks
Tickets: www.armonico.org.uk
Registered charity no. 1103159
6 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

INSPIRES
With a dash of magic and a sprinkle of snow,
Touchwood has Christmas covered.
Find that perfect gift in over 70 stores, and enjoy
some festive fun in our array of bars and eateries.
Plus, don’t forget to visit our brand new Grotto
and wintery Snow Play.
TOUCHWOODSOLIHULL.CO.UK

What’s on? Christmas is coming...
and here are a few ideas to entertain you during the festive season
BELGRADE THEATRE
Belgrade Square, Coventry CV1 1GS
024 7655 3055
www.belgrade.co.uk
Wednesday 23 November - Saturday 7
January 2023
Jack and the beanstalk
Visit the village of Prickly Bottom where
the evil giant Blunderbore is causing
havoc! What the village needs is a hero
brave enough to climb up to the giant’s
castle and send him packing. Will Jack
and his mysterious beanstalk prove to be
the heroes we are looking for?
Thursday 18 December - Saturday 24
December
Santa’s Christmas Rescue
Join Santa, Rudolph, Ellie the elf and her
best friend Izzy in this Christmas cracker
of a show.
13 December
Christmas Music
by Candlelight in Coventry Cathedral
Ex Cathedra, “One of Britain’s very best
choirs” (New York Times), returns to
Coventry Cathedral with this popular
Christmas concert.
BIRMINGHAM
BALLET
7 Thorp St, Birmingham B5 4AU
0121 245 3500
www.brb.org.uk
Saturday 19 November - Saturday 10
December
the nutcracker
At midnight on Christmas Eve, Clara
creeps downstairs - and is instantly
swept away into an enchanting winter
wonderland of dancing snowflakes,
magical Christmas trees and a Sugar
Plum Fairy…
THE CORE THEATRE
Homer Rd, Touchwood, Solihull B91 3RG
0121 704 6962
www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Tuesday 1 November - Saturday 5
November
ELF The musical
Buddy, a young orphan, crawls into
Santa’s bag of gifts and is accidentally
transported to the North Pole. The wouldbe
elf is raised unaware that he is actually
a human, until his enormous size and
poor toy-making abilities cause him to
face the truth. With Santa’s permission,
Buddy embarks on a journey to New York
City to find his birth father and discover
his true identity.
Friday 9 December - Monday 2 January
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
In the pretty French village of Mont Sue-
Relle, bookish Belle is ready to start a
new chapter and find some adventure.
However Belle, her friend Jacques and
his mum, Betty the local bell ringer, get
much more than they bargained for when
they find themselves trapped inside the
enchanted castle of a mysterious beast.
Will true love conquer all? Will the curse
of the Enchantress ever be broken?
SEVERN VALLEY
RAILWAY
Kidderminster DY10 1QR
01562 757900
www.svr.co.uk
Every weekend between 26 November - 18
December, plus 23 & 24 December
santa trains
The most wonderful time of the year is
here again and the Severn Valley Railway
has an incredible line-up of Christmas
events to delight all ages. Enjoy
family-friendly fun on Santa Trains,
Enchanted Express and Steam in Lights,
musical adventures on Carol Trains
and tasty dining services with festive
afternoon tea, Christmas luncheons and
Murder Mystery experiences.
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE
COMPANY
Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire CV37 6BBR
01789 331111
www.svr.co.uk
Friday 18 November - Friday 23
December
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The smash hit of Christmas past returns
by popular demand. A festive tale of
redemption and compassion - for all the
family.
PALACE THEATRE
Alcester Street, Redditch B98 8AE
01527 65203
www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk
Tuesday 15 November -Friday 18
November
SHREK - THE MUSICAL
Join Shrek, the green and unlikely hero,
and his wisecracking friend Donkey
as they set off to rescue the beautiful
Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded
tower. Meet villainous Lord Farquaad,
a bunch of fairy tale misfits, and a
gingerbread man with attitude, in this
fabulous comedy adventure.
Saturday 10 December - Saturday 31
December
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST -
Panto
This panto is a stunning and enchanting
production packed with magic!
Spellbinding adventure awaits when the
beautiful Belle is imprisoned in an in a
castle with a hideous beast. Can Belle
see beyond the monster and fall in love
with her jailer before the last petal falls
from the enchanted rose? Or will the
Beast’s arrogance and selfishness cost
him the world he once knew and the hand
of the girl who has stolen his heart?
HATTON COUNTRY
WORLD
Hatton, Warwick CV35 7LD
01926 843411
www.hattonworld.com
Every weekend from 26 November and
everyday 17 December to 24 December
ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS
KINGDOM
Enchanted Christmas Kingdom is a festive
fun packed day for the whole family. Be
guided by some cheeky Christmas Elves
through the Enchanted Forest to find Father
Christmas in his grotto who will then give
you the location of his Secret Toy Shop to
choose your very own toy. Or upgrade your
visit and visit Father Christmas’ very own
Create a Bear workshop.
That’s not all…Mr Holly has a hilarious
Festive Friends and Yuletide Trickery Show
for you. The Falconry Centre has a very
special indoor performance and you can
have some fun at the festive fair and make
your own reindeer food.
PLEASE NOTE
All information was correct at time
of going to press, however it is
recommended that you check with the
venue as on occasion the programme
may change.
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

SANTA TRAINS
Every child gets a
FREE
ticket for 2023*
BOOK NOW AT
SVR.CO.UK | 01562 757 900
*Every child who visits Santa Trains in 2022 will receive a free voucher to exchange for a child’s Freedom-of-the-Line day ticket in 2023. T&Cs apply.
Box Office: 0333 666 3366
| stratlitfest.co.uk
WINTER
WEEKEND
11 th to 13 th November
Hugh Bonneville
Jeremy Bowen
Pam Ayres
Jeremy Hunt MP
Henry Marsh
Ronnie Archer Morgan
Dame Steve Shirley
Sarah Churchwell
Alan Johnson
Sam Fowles
Scan me to book
Plus Writing Workshops
AND MUCH MORE...
Events for Families: Cressida Cowell, Rob Biddulph,
The Velveteen Rabbit Show and Christmas craft!
Box Office: 0333 666 3366 | www.stratlitfest.co.uk
In association with
27/9/22 Stratford Living Magazine - 153 mm wide x 110 mm high £20.00.indd 1 www.minervamagazines.co.uk 28/09/2022 09:30 | 9

Rory Mackay as Drosselmeyer.
© Manvir Rai / Richard Payne
Director Carlos Acosta
HHHHH
“No other version
comes close”
The Sunday Times
Sir Peter Wright’s
The Nutcracker
19 November – 10 December
birminghamhippodrome.com

Momoko Hirata as Odette.
© Manvir Rai / Richard Payne
Director Carlos Acosta
Sir Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s
Swan Lake
15 – 25 February
“one of the
world’s finest”
The Observer
birminghamhippodrome.com

LUCK BE A LADY
TONIGHT!
ADVERTISING FEATURE
This year’s Belgrade panto is Jack and the
Beanstalk. We speak to Coventry’s favourite
dame, writer and star Iain Lauchlan...
Tell us more about what audiences can expect
Jack and the Beanstalk is one of the all-time favourites as it
offers all the usual elements of song, dance, comedy routines,
spectacular sets and costumes and, of course, good versus
evil. It offers all this plus a magical beanstalk that does a bit of
performing itself, a lovable cow called Daisy and an evil giant
who is making life a misery for all the inhabitants of the village.
How many Belgrade pantos have you been part of?
This is a difficult one. It was the Belgrade Theatre that brought
me south from Scotland as a young actor. My first role was John
Shand in What Every Woman Knows, which opened the 1980
season. I then stayed on for the panto, which was Jack and the
Beanstalk, and played a member of the chorus, the back of the
cow and half the three-legged Giant. I then did one more panto
as an actor and played the king in Cinderella.
In 1988, I was asked to write, direct and play in two pantos for
the Belgrade by the then Artistic Director Bob Hamlin. He told me
that there would only be two pantos as everyone gets the chance
to do two. Thirty years later I am still writing, directing and playing
dame.
What makes the Belgrade panto special compared to other
pantos across the Midlands?
The Belgrade panto has real heart and integrity. The story
and characters are put right at the centre of production. The
traditional values of the Belgrade panto are key and the audience
are so valued.
We use traditional comic routines to try to keep them alive,
a mix of covers and new songs so that the story continues
through them, we employ the best designers who aim to give the
audience a visual feast and talented actors who are right for the
roles and can bring the writing alive.
It is a process that takes almost a year to put together but it
is important not to accept second best as the loyal Coventry
audience expect and deserve the best.
How long does it take to transform into the dame?
To be honest, it takes about 20 minutes once I get into the swing
of it. Just as well as I am usually running around at the last
minute trying to get ready!
Book your tickets online:
www.belgrade.co.uk/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk/
haus
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Image courtesy of cityfarmhouse.com
12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Our Autumn / Winter clothes look fantastic. Come and see our new collection in store.
NOA NOA is back and looking great and we are very excited to introduce a new range called
Louche. Also available in store Pomodoro, One Hundred Stars, Chalk, Capri and Thought.
Dunnington Heath Farm Alcester B49 5PD
Tel: 01789 490991 Email: info@hillers.co.uk www.hillers.co.uk

NEW
FESTIVE
MENU
…’tis the reason to be jolly
BOOK NOW ON
gigglingsquid.com
£34.95 for three delicious courses per person
or
£39.95 including a glass of prosecco
Find us at Royal Priors Shopping Centre, 7 Satchwell Ct,
Leamington Spa CV32 4QE
leamington@gigglingsquid.com / 01926 883 299
Available from 21 st November to 31 st December
@gigglingsquid
www.gigglingsquid.com

FESTIVE
Not a fan of traditional Christmas pudding or
Fancies
feel like shaking it up this year? Here are some
amazing desserts that are every bit as festive...
STICKY DATE PUDDINGS
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS
175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra
for greasing
80g light brown muscovado sugar
6 Waitrose Medjool Dates, pitted and
finely chopped
3 British Blacktail Free Range Medium
Eggs
2 tbsp treacle
175g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 heaped tsp mixed spice
½ tsp fine sea salt
2 tbsp whole milk
STICKY DATE SAUCE
40g unsalted butter
3 Waitrose Medjool Dates, pitted and
finely chopped
125g light brown muscovado sugar
250ml double cream, plus extra to serve
METHOD
For the puddings, preheat the oven
to 180ºC, gas mark 4. Lightly grease
8 mini pudding moulds (each about
175ml in volume), put a small circle
of baking parchment in the base of
each, then sit them in a large, deep-sided
roasting tin.
Boil the kettle. In a large bowl, using
electric beaters, cream the butter, sugar
and dates for 2-3 minutes until light
and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and then the
treacle. Lightly beat in the flour, baking
powder, mixed spice and salt, then
loosen the mixture with the milk. Divide
the mixture evenly between the moulds;
it should fill them about halfway.
Pour a kettle of just-boiled water into
the roasting tin so the water sits about
halfway up the outside of the moulds.
Cover the top
of the
tin with 3 layers of large pleated sheets
of tin foil, ensuring the foil is tightly
sealed around the edges (you don’t want
steam to escape as the puddings won’t
rise). Bake for 30 minutes until risen and
springy.
To make the sauce, put the butter, dates
and sugar in a saucepan and set over
a low heat. Add a pinch of salt and
stir occasionally until the sugar has
dissolved. Stir in the double cream until
combined; keep warm.
Remove the foil and carefully release the
side of the puddings from the moulds
using a small, sharp knife. Invert onto
plates and pour over the sticky date
sauce, adding a little extra whipped
cream, if liked.
All recipes and images courtesy of
Waitrose. You can find thousands more
recipes at www.waitrose.com/recipes
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 17

IRISH
CREAM
FUDGE
Preparation time: 20 minutes +
cooling + chilling
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Makes: Makes about 30 pieces
MAKES A
LOVELY
GIFT
INGREDIENTS
397g can condensed milk
150ml whole milk
425g light brown soft sugar
115g unsalted butter
100ml Baileys The Original Irish
Cream
Large pinch of salt
100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa
solids), chopped
METHOD
Line a 20cm x 20cm baking tin
with parchment. Put the milks,
sugar and butter in a large,
nonstick saucepan and warm
over a medium heat, stirring
occasionally, until the sugar
has dissolved. Put a sugar
thermometer in the pan and turn
up the heat a little, bringing the
mixture to a moderate bubble.
Stir continuously until the
thermometer reaches 113-115ºC
or ‘soft-ball stage’ (this should
take about 15 minutes). Take the
pan off the heat and set aside for
5 minutes.
Stir the Irish cream and salt into
the mixture. Using electric beaters
set to a medium speed, beat for
about 10 minutes until you have
a thick mixture that’s starting to
come away from the sides of the
pan. (You can also do this with a
wooden spoon, beating for about
15 minutes.) Tip the mixture into
the lined tin, spreading it out
evenly. Cool to room temperature,
then cover and chill for 1 hour.
Melt the chocolate in a bowl set
over a pan of gently simmering
water, stirring until smooth.
Meanwhile, put a large sheet of
baking parchment on the work
surface. Turn out the fudge and
trim the edges to neaten, then cut
into squares about 3cm x 3cm.
Dip ½ of each square of fudge in
the chocolate. Leave to set on the
parchment, chilling again briefly
if needed.
18 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Here at Smowkhaus the produce is key, we believe great food shouldn’t be
fussed with too much. Keep it simple, Keep it Honest, Keep it tasty!!
We source the best dry aged grass fed beef from the UK, prepare and rub in
our signature spice blends and smoke over British Oak.
PARTIES | CHRISTMAS EVENTS | OUTSIDE CATERING
01926 831697 | info@smowkhaus.com
106 Warwick St, Leamington Spa CV32 4QP

Festive Dining at Mallory Court...
One of the main things we love about Christmas is the food, and food has
always been at the heart of our hotel. Sample a selection of gastronomic
delights with our Tastes of the Season Menu expertly put together by our
Head Chef using a wealth of local produce.
Our full afternoon teas are beautifully presented with a selection of festive
fancies, mince pies, sandwiches, cakes and scones. We don’t think there is
anything better, or more ‘of the season’ than curling up in a deep armchair in
front of a roaring fire, surrounded by decorations and the hum of Christmas
conversation as you wait for someone to bring you something delicious to eat!
CONTACT OUR TEAM TO BOOK TODAY ON 01926 330214
MALLORY.CO.UK | 01926 330214 | INFO@MALLORY.CO.UK
23_09_2022 - 110x153.indd 1 21/09/2022 15:42
The Harvester
An outstanding & relaxed countryside pub
A PLEASING-EVEN-THE-PICKY-ONES
CHRISTMAS
•Traditional Turkey with all the trimmings
•Pork & Cranberry Pâté
• Bourbon-glazed short rib of beef
•Banoffee Profiteroles & Baileys sundae
• Kids menu • Book Today!
Church Road, Long Itchington,
Southam CV47 9PE
Tel: 01926 812698 l @liharvester
www.theharvesterinn.co.uk
20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

CHOCOLATE &
HAZELNUT
SNOWFLAKE
Preparation
time: 25
minutes +
chilling
Cooking time: 35
minutes
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS
2 x 320g packs Jus-Rol Puff Pastry
Sheet
100g hazelnut chocolate spread
50g chopped roasted hazelnuts
1 British Blacktail Free Range Medium
Egg, lightly beaten
Icing sugar, for dusting
METHOD
Unroll both of the pastry sheets and
cut a 20-22cm circle from each (save
the offcuts to make tarts, cheese twists
or palmiers). Put one pastry circle on a
sheet of baking parchment and cover
one side evenly with hazelnut chocolate
spread. Sprinkle over ½ the hazelnuts,
leaving a 1cm border around the edge.
Put the second pastry circle on top,
pressing
lightly around
the border to seal.
Put the lid of a small jar (about
4-5cm in diameter) in the centre of
the pastry (so you don’t cut through it),
then use a sharp knife to cut the pastry
into quarters (excluding the central
circle). Cut down the centre of each
quarter and then repeat. You should have
16 equal strips of pastry attached to the
centre.
Take 2 strips next to each other and twist
them away from each other 3 times.
Press the ends together in a point, to
seal. Repeat all the way around the
circle – you should now have 8 snowflake
‘arms’. Slide the snowflake, on its
parchment,
onto a baking
sheet; chill for
30 minutes. 4
Preheat the oven
to 200ºC, gas
mark 6.
Lightly brush the
egg all over the top of
the snowflake. Bake for 30-35
minutes until golden and puffed up. Allow
to cool, then dust with icing sugar and
sprinkle over the remaining hazelnuts to
serve.
COOK’S TIP
If at any point while making the
snowflake the pastry becomes
soft or difficult to work with, put
it in the fridge for 15 minutes to
cool and firm up.
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21

Woods Farm Christmas Trees
Freshly cut and dug from our 300 acres of trees daily
Potted, rooted or cut - from table top to 40ft
BIG
TREES
DELIVERED
& INSTALLED
ALSO AVAILABLE
Door wreaths and traditional holly wreaths,
mistletoe and holly.
Big decoration shop on site open.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
9am-5pm November
9am-7pm December
Woods Farm, Bills Lane, Shirley, Solihull B90 2PP
Tel: Mr G Gilbert 0121 733 2633 Email: info@woodsfarm.co.uk
www.woodsfarm.co.uk

JOYEUX
FESTIVE PARTY MENU
3 COURSES
ONLY
25.95
NOËL
CHRISTMAS DAY MENU
5 COURSES
AND MINCE PIES
69.95
Book your
Christmas now
28 Park Street, Royal Leamington Spa CV32 4QN
01926 426 261
bistrotpierre.co.uk
Festive party menu available Thursday 24th November to Friday 30th December 2022.
04740 LBP Christmas Ad 171x246.indd 1 04/10/2022 12:00

Putting Girls First
GSA Schools Create Happy, Well-Rounded, Confident Women
The facts are that girls’ schools are
crucial to achieving gender equality;
they level the playing field for girls and
consistently campaign for the benefit of
girls and women, and always have.
Looking At Women’s Lives Now
In 2022 we are still five generations
away from achieving gender parity
at current rates of change. Whether
deliberate or not gender bias still
affects women’s life opportunities and
ambitions. This has nothing to do with
the innate talents and skills of girls
and women of course; The Peterson
Institute’s largest ever international
survey of 92 countries found that
companies with 30% more women
at the top (at C-suite level) saw a 15
percent increase in profitability in
business.
The Power of Girls’ Schools
A modern girls-only education is vital
to help girls achieve their full potential.
Our schools put their ambitions firmly
the centre. It’s at the heart of all we do.
The Facts About Girls in Girls’ Schools
In all girls’ environments:
• Girls in classrooms are more likely
to pursue ambitious educational
goals
• Girls excel athletically and have
greater chances for leadership roles
• Girls achieve a disproportionately
large share of the top exam grades
in the UK
• Internationally educating girls is
life changing, lifting people out of
poverty, growing economies and
saving lives
Whereas:
• Girls working alongside high
achieving boys set their education
goals lower, lack confidence in their
abilities, and do less well in science
and maths in contrast to girls in
girls’ schools.
• Girls get less teaching time in co-ed
schools because generally teachers
interact with boys more often in the
classroom by a margin of 10 to 30
percent
Donna Stevens, GSA CEO: “Our mission
at GSA is help our pupils create the world
as it should be - a place where every
girl can achieve and lead. An all- girls
education gifts every girl with the skills
and appetite to recognise her full talents
and realise a brilliant life.”
“The world should be a place where every girl can
learn and lead. To achieve this we must ensure our
economies, societies and education systems work for
girls, not against them.”
Malala Yousafazi
GSA Alumna, Edgbaston High School
24 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

#ALSLetsMe
www.arnoldlodge.com
4-18 yrs Co-educational Independent Day School
ALS lets ME
BELIEVE
What will your child be?
Lovingly crafted by Interactive Schools
To book your personal tour visit www.arnoldlodge.com
01926 778050 admissions@arnoldlodge.com
15-17 Kenilworth Rd, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5TW

Join us
Small classes, dedicated Nursery,
inspirational teachers and
wonderful outdoor forest space.
Bablake Junior School
contact us to arrange a visit
admissions@bkhs.org.uk
26 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Come and see our small classes and
nurturing environment in action!
INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 3 - 18 AND BOYS 3 - 11 IN ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA
WWW.THEKINGSLEYSCHOOL.CO.UK/ADMISSIONS

TIPS FOR CHOOSING
EARLY YEARS TOYS
Toys should be ‘openended’
in the sense that
your child can play many
different games with them
(for example, wooden
blocks can be used to make
a castle, a tower, or a crib
for the baby). Open-ended
toys benefit your child’s
imagination and help them
develop problem-solving
and logical thinking skills.
Toys that encourage fine
motor skills are excellent -
whether that’s playing with
shapes, balancing objects
or rolling and catching balls.
Role play toys help to
develop both conversational
abilities and a child’s
understanding of the world
around them.
Mechanical toys like pop-up
toys and ‘busy’ boxes with
knobs, buttons, and levers
encourage fine motor skills
and problem solving, and
teach cause-and-effect.
For ages 3-6, this Janod Buffalo
balancing game helps to hone those
fine motor skills as bamboo birds are
balanced on the wobbling back of
the buffalo. £26.50, kidly.co.uk
With 14 pieces, little ones
are able to mix and
match the dinosaur
pieces to create
their own unique
beasts, or they can
create dinos we know
like T.Rex.
My First
Dinosaurs, £20,
smarttoysandgames.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
learning
Featuring 10 wooden
instruments – a
syringe, reflex hammer,
disinfectant, stethoscope,
otoscope, thermometer,
tongue depressor plus a
prescription notebook,
pencil and bandage roll,
Janod Doctor’s Suitcase
has got everything kids
need to play doctors.
£26, kidly.co.uk
This versatile play tent is the perfect creative space
for little ones to add their own accessories to create
a magical kingdom for the princes and princesses,
or cave of wonders for active explorers. £99.95,
thelittlegreensheep.co.uk
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

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YOU IN 2023
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COURSES STARTING IN 2023 INCLUDE:
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• Art, Design & Crafts
• Blacksmithing
• Business
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• Effective Public
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• Electrical
• Engineering
• Floristry
• Furniture
• Health & Wellbeing
• Hospitality & Catering
• IT & Computing
• Languages & ESOL
• Machining &
Manufacturing
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• Multimedia
& Video
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Massage
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Sheet Metal
• Plus much
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Enrol now at:
wcg.ac.uk/adultlearning
or call 0300 456 0049
Powered by

BE OUR
‘Tis (nearly) the season for hosting visitors - we’ve got top
Guest
tips on creating a sumptuous guest bedroom, plus tips to
improve all areas of the home
Left: Caitlin Marie Design,
caitlinmariedesign.com
Above: Annabel Grimshaw
Interior Design (image from Chris
Snook), annabelgrimshaw.com
THE BEDROOM
DON’T: WORRY IF YOU
HAVEN’T GOT LOTS OF
SPACE
Ultimately you have to work with what
you’ve got - in the last 2 years, many of
us have seen our guest rooms overhauled
to become home offices. If you’ve
ditched the bed don’t worry - how about
adding an attractive sofa bed that you
can actually use the rest of the time as a
break out area from your desk.
DO: PROVIDE BASIC
AMENITIES
The more things you can put in the room
to make their stay easier, without having
to ask you for everything, the more
relaxed everyone will feel. A mirror is
important, as are fresh towels, tissues,
and perhaps even a hair dryer. A bedside
carafe and some glasses means they can
help themselves to water too.
DO: INVEST IN GOOD
WINDOW TREATMENTS
As you might have never slept in this
space, you might not know how light
behaves or how effective the current
window treatments are for blocking out
light. For a really luxurious look, pair
blackout blinds or shutters with thick,
decorative drapery. Shutters give a lovely
secure feel to a space and really finish
the room.
DON’T: SETTLE FOR A
LUMPY MATTRESS
The same goes for the mattress as the
window treatments - spend a night in the
room and see if the bed is up to scratch.
DO: PROVIDE GOOD
LIGHTING
Multi-level lighting is key for making a
space feel cosy - make sure there are
two bedside lamps and then another
light source in the space, such as a
standing lamp in the corner or a lamp on
a dressing table
DON’T: SKIMP ON THE
BED LINENS
Good bed linen really is worth the money
- and it tends to wash better too. Provide
a good quality duvet and pillows, linens
and some additional blankets if your
guests feel the cold.
DO: CREATE
SOMEWHERE THEY CAN
UNPACK
We all know it’s a bit stressful trying to
live out of a suitcase - allowing for some
hanging space and a few drawers to
unpack into, can really help guests keep
on top of things whilst they’re with you.
DO: MAKE IT SMELL
LOVELY
Kit the room out with either fresh flowers,
a reed diffuser, or room sprays. Neom
candles have range of wonderful relaxing
scents, which can fragrance the room
even when they are not lit (Complete
Bliss Scented Candle, 3 Wick, £48).
Pillow spray to help deep sleep is also a
lovely touch to make the
space feel
homely.
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Stone
Stone
and
and
porcelain
porcelain
tiles
tiles
from
from
£15.65
£15.65
M2
M2
(Excluding VAT & Delivery)
(Excluding VAT Delivery)
www.terzettostone.co.uk 01926 427470 sales@terzettostone.co.uk
www.terzettostone.co.uk 01926 427470 sales@terzettostone.co.uk
Summertown
Oxfordshire
Coming 01865 Soon 362524
Wetherby
Wetherby Yorkshire
Yorkshire
01423 358855
Leamington Spa
Leamington 116 Regent Street Spa
Royal
116
Leamington
Regent Street
Spa
Warwickshire
Royal Leamington Spa
01926
Warwickshire
427470
Knutsford
Cheshire Knutsford
Cheshire
St Albans
Hertfordshire St Albans
Hertfordshire
01565 755884 01727 857760

Skimmia japonica
DON’T: BE A
PERFECTIONIST
If your guests were hoping for hotel
standards, then that’s where they should
have stayed. Just aim to make sure
the space is clean, comfortable and
functional, then relax - there’s enough to
be worrying about in the festive season
without adding high expectations on top
of that.
THE REST OF
THE HOUSE
DO: ASSESS YOUR KERB
APPEAL
We can all become a little immune to the
scenes we see every day, so taking a bit
of time to objectively assess how things
look can be really helpful. Give the area a
sweep and a clear out, check wall lights
are working, that your doormat is in good
condition, and that any glass has had a
good clean. Clean the door itself too - it
really does help things look more up and
together. If your door is on its last legs,
now is the time to get a new one ordered
- as a bonus it could save you money on
heating your home too.
Then, really set off your door with a
classic wreath - you could make your
own to really make it tie in with the
setting, or to your personal tastes - go
ultra-traditional with orange slices
and berries or something a bit more
contemporary with feathers or dried
grasses.
DON’T: FORGET TO
REPAIR DAMAGE
Last summer was exceptionally hot and
dry, resulting in lots of hairline cracks
from the humidity in the air. These are
easy to fine fill, sand and repaint - it’s a
quick job but makes such a difference.
DO: REFRESH YOUR
PLANTERS
There are lots of great options for you to
add some winter colour to pots at the
front of your home. The little bobbing
heads of cyclamen are gorgeous, as
is the structure from winter heather.
Skimmia japonica is a super winter
shrub - glossy leaved and just the right
size for pots, when winter is over and the
container display has come to an end,
you could plant them out in the garden
to grow on. They come in a variety of
shades - covered in clusters of longlasting
buds during autumn and winter
which eventually open to delicate flowers
in spring.
DO: RESTOCK
CUPBOARDS
Make sure your guests know where
tea and coffee are kept and that they
can help themselves - this is especially
important if your morning routine is
different to theirs. Some mince pies or
other freshly baked goods are a lovely
treat, especially if your guests have
travelled far to see you.
DO: KEEP SPARES
It’s a nice gesture to make sure there
are spares for those commonly-used,
and often forgotten, items - toothpaste
and other travel-sized toiletries and a
phone charger. It makes people feel more
comfortable if they can be self sufficient,
without having to constantly ask to
borrow things.
DON’T: FORGET TO
PROVIDE SEATING
Think about where you are likely to
congregate together and make sure
there is enough seating to accommodate
everyone at once. This might be at the
kitchen table or the living room. Pouffes
and ottomans make great occasional
seating which can be tucked out the way
when not in use. We love classic leather
Moroccan designs, or storage ottomans
which can be used for blanket storage.
DON’T: FORGET TO
RELAX
For most of us, Christmas affords some
rare time to relax in the company of those
we hold dearest. Don’t
forget to enjoy the
company of those
you are hosting
- and don’t
sweat the
small details
- your guests
are just happy
to see you!
A festive wreath creates
a warm welcome
Moroccan Leather Pouffe, £99, hauslife.co.uk
Macedon Storage Ottoman
£92.99, wayfair.co.uk
32 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Visit our
showsite
www.henleygardenbuildings.co.uk

Garden Trading Dining Longworth
Chair, £220, Longcot Dining Table,
£1,200, Holwell Crockery From £12,
www.gardentrading.co.uk
WHERE TO BUY
Christmas Snowflake Table Runner, £30,
iamfy.co 2 Natural tree top star, £9.99,
giselagraham.co.uk 3 White Paper Star,
45cm £8.50, 60cm £11 and Layered Paper
Snowflake (4), 50cm, £38, all hauslife.co.uk
5 Ceramic Christmas Tree Tray 18.5cm,
£4, hobbycraft.co.uk 6 Wooden Bench,
120cm, £159, hausife.co.uk 7 Christmas Eve
Cushion, £135, janconstantine.com 8 Dried
Grass Filled Baubles, from £6, hauslife.co.uk
9 Burnished Brass House Tea Light Lantern,
£55, coxandcox.co.uk
Brass Six Candle Candleabra, £109,
www.hauslife.co.uk
1
Simply Scandi
CHRISTMAS
2
A timeless, pared back style for a
beautiful festive season
3
4
www.lights4fun.co.uk
5
6
8
7
9
34 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Stunning Contemporary Garden Rooms
Over 20 years’ experience in designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke garden buildings
throughout the UK, you can trust that Cabin Master will deliver the perfect space for your garden.
Garden Bar • Home Gym • Office Space • Family Room • Arctic Cabin • Cinema Room
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Minerva Publications_Advert_2022.indd 1 20/06/2022 14:00:42

PREPARE YOUR
HOME FOR WINTER
Taking on some basic maintenance can help
prepare your home for winter as the changing
weather conditions can cause costly damage. With
a few easy steps you can be winter ready for the
long, cold months ahead...
1. SERVICE YOUR BOILER
Your boiler should be serviced annually
to make sure that it’s still safe to use and
works efficiently. Ideally this should be
done before the heating season. This
will give you some time to make sure
everything is still working before the days
get too cold!
There are other ways to ensure your
central heating is efficient. Bleeding
radiators, to release trapped air, is a DIY
task. While power flushing, a job best left
to the plumbers and heating engineers,
can ensure a build up of sludge is
removed from radiators.
2. INSULATE YOUR LOFT SPACE
If you haven’t already insulated this
space, or you have poorly performing
insulation that has slumped over time,
tackling this project will quickly pay
dividends over the colder months.
3. CHECK YOUR GUTTERING
An essential task when preparing your
home for winter — look for leaves, moss
and other debris and clear gutters and
downpipes to prevent blockages in heavy
rain and snow.
Cracked, missing or damaged rainwater
goods or brackets should ideally be
replaced, too. Leaky rainwater goods,
can, over a period of time lead to damp,
so it’s important to make these cheap
fixes now — rather than making costly
remedial work at a later date.
4. GET YOUR CHIMNEY SWEPT
The winter weather can cause damage to
your chimney, so the pre-winter months
are a great time to get your chimney
professionally swept. Sweeping will
improve the efficiency of your chimney by
ensuring any potential blockages, such
as nests or a build up soot, are removed
before you start using your open fire or
log burning stove.
5. INSULATE YOUR PIPES
Insulating (or lagging) your pipes can
reduce the loss of heating and also
prevent them freezing and bursting. This
is particularly important when plumbing
is located in cold areas such as in
uninsulated loft spaces and garages.
Keep the heating at a low level (above
4°C) even when you’re away from the
property, as this will help maintain a
consistent temperature around the pipes.
Just in case of emergencies, know where
your stopcock is to enable you to turn
the cold water system off and limit further
damage. The stopcock is usually located
under your kitchen sink and normally
looks like a tap/lever.
6. MAKE SURE YOUR OIL TANK IS
TOPPED UP
If your property has an oil tank, make
sure it’s topped up for winter. Doing so
will help you avoid peak winter prices
and make sure you don’t run out of oil
through the colder months.
7. GET YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE
READY
Making sure your garden is clear, clean
and ready for winter is a good idea.
Secure anything that could be swept
away by the wind such as greenhouses,
plant pots and wheelie bins.
8. GET YOUR ROOF CHECKED
Roof slates/tiles can become loose
throughout the year and this could lead
to leaks through the winter. It may be a
good idea to get your roof inspected by
a professional to make sure there are no
areas that need fixing before the colder
months.
9. DRAUGHT PROOF WINDOWS,
DOORS AND FLOORS
With current energy prices rises,
undertaking draught proofing measures
can be a relatively simple and costeffective
way of improving your home’s
thermal performance.
Measures include insulating loft hatches,
adding draught proofing strips to doors,
and blocking up unused chimneys.
Some tasks can take minutes — others,
such as insulating beneath timber
suspended ground floors, are more
invasive and will require considerably
more work.
10. MAKE SURE YOUR PROPERTY IS
INSURED
One of the most important things to
consider when heading into winter is
whether you have home insurance. The
winter months bring darker nights which
lead to higher crime rates, plus the UK
weather obviously starts declining in the
winter. Not only will most home insurers
provide cover for things like theft, but
also fire and flood too.
36 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

BEFORE
AFTER
From
£895
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for a fully
fitted electric
garage door.
Garolla garage doors are expertly
made to measure in our own UK
factories, they’re strong and solidly
built. The electric Garolla door rolls
up vertically, taking up only 8 inches
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valuable space. Our expert local
installers will fit your new door and
they’ll take away the old one too,
so there’s no mess.
Give us a call today and we’ll come
and measure up FREE of charge.
CALL US TODAY ON:
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MOBILE:
07537 149 128
*Off er valid for openings up to 2.4m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.
38 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Up to 5 million Pounds public liability insurance cover •
GIVING COUNT
With Christmas around the corner, our
regular contributor Matt Biggs gives us some
tips on what to buy the gardener in your life...
Giving gifts at Christmas is always both a pleasure and a puzzlewe
want the recipients to enjoy what we give and, perhaps this
year more than most, we want the gifts to be both valued and
valuable. Thoughtful gardening gifts can fulfil both of these
criteria, so here are a few suggestions:
A subscription to a gardening magazine is a terrific gift for
either a keen gardener or a new gardener – it lasts all year, has
seasonal tips and ideas and is something to look forward to each
month, what’s not to like!
Membership of a local gardening club, or a gardening course
or day is a really good idea too – there are lots of options from
learning how to prune to a whole bee keeping course, just ensure
you know the particular interest of the person concerned and the
choice is yours.
For people who may be house bound or less mobile, how about
giving them a card with a little message in to the effect of –‘ This
card entitles you to a day out at a garden centre, perhaps with
coffee or lunch added to be taken during the next 6 months, and
sign it – that way it can be taken in better weather or when the
person is feeling up to going out and gives something to look
forward to.
Trees – fruit trees, ornamental trees, big trees, little trees – we
know how important they are, and we know we need them so
either a gardening gift voucher or indeed a tree in a pot to grow
on, just ensure the trees eventual size is suitable for the space
and give a gift that really will last.
Thinking slightly outside of the box but for someone who maybe
is having trouble keeping up with the basic garden tasks, how
about buying them a few hours of a professional gardener in
their area. That way the big tasks such as the autumn clear up,
planting up of pots, grass maintenance etc can be done for them,
allowing them to do the things that they can do and enjoy.
There are magazines, there are books, there are tools, there are
trugs and mugs and gloves – the list is endless so enjoy choosing
and giving a gardening gift this year.
To find out more about Matt visit his website
matthewbiggs.com
Why not invest in a new driveway or
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add value to your property?
For more information or a free quote,
please contact us on:
Solihull 0121 702 1456/0121 371 0105
Warwickshire 01926 702 386
Trinity Park, Concorde House, Solihull B37 7UQ
75 Station Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1JD
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www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 39

the joys of
RETIREMENT
From keeping fit and healthy to making the mental
adjustment, we’ve got all the tips you need to make the most
of your new-found free time.
DEVELOP A ROUTINE
You may find it feels more normal to
continue getting up, eating and going to
bed at roughly the same time every day.
Plan in regular activities such as voluntary
work, exercise and hobbies. This will
keep things interesting and give you a
purpose.
WIND DOWN GENTLY
Ensure a smoother transition by retiring in
stages. By easing off your workload over
several years, you’ll be able to get used
to the idea of not working and fill your
time in other ways. Ask your employer if
you can cut back your working hours.
EXERCISE YOUR MIND
Government studies have shown that
learning in later years can help people
stay independent, so use your free
time to continue to challenge yourself
mentally, whether it’s learning an
instrument or a language or getting a
qualification.
KEEP PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
We should all aim to do at least 150
minutes of moderate-intensity physical
activity a week, so build up to this if you
haven’t made exercise a normal part of
your life previously. Why not sign up for
a charity event to give you a goal to work
towards?
SEEK SOCIAL SUPPORT
For many people, work can form a big
part of their social life and it’s common
to feel at a bit of a loose end once you
retire. Fill the gaps by joining clubs and
groups.
PAMPER YOURSELF
After decades of hard work, you are due
some ‘me time’. Whether your idea of
indulgence is a city break, a day trip to a
spa or a small pleasure like dining out or
going to the cinema, schedule some time
for a well-deserved treat.
GET A NEW PET
Could you house a rescue cat or dog
in need of a new home? Research
has shown that our furry friends have
a positive effect on our health and
wellbeing.
According to pet researcher Allen R.
McConnell, a professor of psychology at
Miami University, people with pets are
generally happier, more trusting, and less
lonely than those who don’t have pets.
They also visit the doctor less often for
minor problems.
To find out more about rehoming a pet,
visit your local animal rescue centre,
the RSPCA or Dogs Trust. If you might
be interested in volunteering to walk or
foster an elderly person’s dog, contact
The Cinnamon Trust.
PUSH YOUR BOUNDARIES
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, both healthwise
and in general, and doing something
different can be a refreshing change.
Some people have found that simple
changes, such as trying a tasty new
recipe, finding a different hairdresser or
joining an exercise class they haven’t done
before gives them a new zest for life.
GIVE BACK TO THE
COMMUNITY
Ever thought of volunteering? Perhaps
you’d enjoy getting involved with your
local youth club, animal rescue centre,
environmental organisation or elderly
support group.
TRAVEL MORE
Always dreamt of going on an aroundthe-world
cruise, a wine-tasting trip
through Italy, or a simple camping
expedition in the Welsh valleys? Now you
can finally make those long-held plans
a reality, depending on your health and
budget limitations.
If longer trips aren’t practical, mini breaks
may be a good alternative – or even days
out to places you’ve never visited before.
Edited from an article published for the
British Heart Foundation - find more
help and advice at www.bhf.org.uk
40 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

JOIN US AT
OUR CHRISTMAS FAIR
THURSDAY 1ST DECEMBER
3PM - 6PM
OWN YOUR
RETIREMENT
AUDLEY BINSWOOD
Owning a home at Audley Binswood gives you
an independent lifestyle in a stunning location.
Set within beautiful landscaped grounds just
minutes from the centre of Royal Leamington Spa,
this is a luxury retirement village to call home.
At Audley, we believe your passions and interests
do not retire when you do. Why would they?
That is why all our luxury retirement villages are
built to help you continue to live the life you are
accustomed to and more.
Scan to find
out more
Call us to book your place at our Christmas Fair
or request an information pack.
01926 258 080
www.audleyvillages.co.uk/visitbinswood
Audley Binswood, Binswood Avenue, Royal Leamington Spa CV32 5SE

Quality care in
Leamington Spa you
can trust
When a family is thinking about care for
a loved one, they want the best - they want
to know that the care home they choose will
put their loved one’s safety, happiness and
wellbeing first...
Care UK’s Priors House care home in Leamington Spa provides
residential, dementia and nursing care, giving families peace of
mind that their loved ones can stay living at the home should
their needs change.
Living at Priors House is all about quality of life. Every colleague
in the home is passionate about enabling residents to enjoy
a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and
preferences. The lifestyle team organises a huge variety of group
and one-to-one activities, with plenty going on each day.
The team at Priors House are proud to have achieved some great
results in the recent relative survey, in fact 94% of families feel
the staff know and treat their loved ones as individuals^. One
relative said “The care staff are approachable, and nothing is too
much for them. The nursing staff go above and beyond in my
eyes. Even reception is good and to visit them is a pleasure, its
home from home.” (Relative of a resident – April 2022)
Once their relative has settled into Priors House they are able
to focus on spending quality time with them again just enjoying
each other’s company.
With the extra support that Priors House offers, new residents are
often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able
to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even
discovering new hobbies with our daily activities.
Priors House is part of award-winning provider, Care UK –
one of the UK’s most successful care home operators* with
over 40 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to
older people.
Priors House care home
Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa CV32 6RN
01926 671802 maria.cridge@careuk.com
Careuk.com/priors-house
ADVERTISING FEATURE
*As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care
Inspectorate in Scotland.
^ Care UK relative survey August 2021/March 2022. Study operated by QRS
Market Research, an independent survey agency.
Want to make a difference?
Start your career in care now
Every day well lived
Registered charity number
1012788
We’re recruiting carers in our
Warwickshire care homes.
Benefits include: • a free DBS check • company sick pay
• free workwear • discounts on days out & shopping
• free health & wellbeing support • free training • fixed rotas
Apply
now
www.wcs-care.co.uk/opportunities
or call our recruitment hotline
on 07719 074 810
for more information.
42 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

ALL INCLUSIVE FEES
Herald Lodge Luxury Care Home
Residential and dementia care
Passing by? Pop in for a cuppa, a piece of cake and meet our friendly team.
Feel part of a community ...
With exceptional standards of residential and dementia care and an all inclusive fee,
Herald Lodge will make a real difference to the lives of our residents, assisting them to
remain independent and ensuring they enjoy an active lifestyle.
Expect more...
ü Purpose built home with spacious,
en-suite bedrooms and plenty of
social areas
ü All inclusive fee for complete
peace of mind
ü Full and varied daily programme
of activities
ü Nutritious food, daily laundry and
housekeeping
We are here to help.
02476 713 655
100 Canley Road, Canley, CV5 6AR
idealcarehomes.co.uk

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO
BEREAVEMENT
The emotional aspect of dealing with a
bereavement – even one that was expected
– can be devastating, but when you start
thinking about the practicalities of what to
do next it can become even more stressful
and overwhelming. It can be very easy
to over complicate the process and get
lost on your journey - the experts at
the Bereavement Advice Centre have
compiled this extensive guide...
The steps below outline the main areas
you’ll need to cover from the day your
loved one passes away to the day the
estate administration is completed.
STEP 1 – WHERE DO I START?
During the first few hours after a loved
one has died, it can be very difficult
knowing what to do with yourself.
Knowing where to begin and taking that
first step can be the hardest bit. While
you’re waiting to collect the official
paperwork from the doctor or the hospital
to register the death, there are a few
things you can be getting on with if you
want to.
One of these is finding any paperwork
which might detail, for example, whether
there are specific funeral wishes or
requests for organ/body donation, as
these need to be identified very soon
after the death. If you feel up to it you can
also begin to call family and friends to let
them know what’s happened.
STEP 2 – REGISTERING THE DEATH
With the exception of when the Coroner
is involved you’ll usually be contacted
by either the hospital or the deceased’s
doctor to arrange collection of the
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
(MCCD for short). You can then make
an appointment with the Registrar to
complete the official registration, it’s
worth bearing in mind the death needs
to be registered in the county where the
person died, not where they lived.
STEP 3 – MAKING THE FUNERAL
ARRANGEMENTS
It’s important to remember when you
hand over the “Green Form” you are
personally entering into the contract for
payment with the Funeral Director.
If you’ve found a Will or even a Letter
of Wishes this might give you an idea
about what your loved one wants for their
funeral. This can be a relief for some as it
takes some of the decisions out of their
hands, but it can be a concern for others
especially if there isn’t enough money or
the requests are unrealistic. It’s important
to understand that funeral wishes in a Will
aren’t legally binding and don’t have to
be followed if they’re not possible.
STEP 4 – BUILDING A PICTURE OF
THE ESTATE
If you had Power of Attorney or managed
the deceased’s finances you will probably
have a clear picture of how the estate is
put together. Alternatively the deceased
may have been very organised, leaving
you with a folder or filing cabinet
containing all the information you’ll need
to look after the estate.
If you aren’t in this position don’t panic,
it may take a bit more investigating but
you will get there. Take some time to
check through any paperwork for details
of who they dealt with for banking and
other matters. You’re only looking for
a name – it doesn’t matter at this point
whether accounts are open or closed. A
starting point could be a debit or credit
card in their purse or wallet, a bank
statement, a utility bill or even a memory
of a conversation about going to a certain
bank or building society. It all helps.
STEP 5 – LETTING EVERYONE KNOW
There will probably be more people to tell
about the death than you expect, and it
can be hard to think of everyone.
It can be helpful to make two lists, one
for personal e.g. family/friends/work
colleagues and another for professional
e.g. financial organisations/insurance
companies/family solicitor/accountant/
financial advisor. You can then use the
lists to make additional notes, which will
help you keep track of what you have
done and what is left.
STEP 6 – WORKING OUT IF YOU
NEED PROBATE
It’s worth remembering that Probate is
only needed in certain circumstances,
not just because a Will hasn’t been
made or because the total value of the
whole estate seems high. There are
different factors which make Probate
a requirement, but in simple terms it is
decided by the value of individual sole
assets within a person’s estate. There are
exceptions to this rule so call us and we
can check for you.
STEP 7 – THE FINAL STEP
Once you’ve obtained Probate (if required)
then you can arrange for any sole assets
to be sold or transferred. Before you hand
over anything to the beneficiaries you’ll
need to make sure any debts are settled
and Inheritance Tax has been paid.
When you’re comfortable that all debts
have been paid you can either:
Follow the instructions in the Will to pay
any Legatees/Beneficiaries OR Distribute
the estate to the deceased’s relatives in
line with inheritance laws called the Rules
of Intestacy
It’s really important that you keep clear
records that show what money is coming
in and out of the estate as this will give
you a clear paper trail showing how the
estate has been administered. You can
then put these together with the Death
Certificate, the Will (if there was one) and
the Grant of Probate (if this was required)
to form your estate accounts.
Edited from an article published for
the Bereavement Advice Centre, you
can find more information and advice
at bereavementadvice.org or call 0800
634 9494.
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 45

Be who you’ve always been...
a star baker
At Priors House care home being a star baker doesn’t stop when you make the
journey into care. Our dementia specialists support each resident to live life as
independently as possible. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.
Award winning, person centred care for over 40 years.
If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one call 01926 953899.
Trusted to care.
Priors House care home
Leamington Spa
careuk.com/priors-house

Advertisement Feature
Fulfilling lifestyles, designed around you
At Care UK’s Priors House care home in Leamington Spa, your loved one
can expect the very best of dementia care, whilst being supported to
enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.
Our dedicated and caring teams
learn all they can about your
loved one, tailoring their care and
lifestyle plan to suit their unique
needs as well as their hobbies
and interests. We’re trained in the
latest dementia care approaches,
thanks to our partnership with
the Association for Dementia
Studies at Worcester University,
whilst a Dementia Coach in each
home supports all colleagues to
deliver high quality care and a
fulfilling lifestyle.
Enjoy each day, your way
Our Lifestyle team is passionate
about enhancing your loved one’s
quality of life and there’s always
plenty of activities to get involved
in. Reminiscence-themed activities
such as music therapy and baking
help to spark happy memories,
whilst gentle exercise classes
and yoga help your loved one to
stay fit and active. For those who
prefer one-to-one interaction,
residents are welcome to take part
in the home’s Sunflower Scheme.
Residents are given a sunflower
badge to display outside their
room when wanting one-to-one
interaction, and acts as a reminder
to all staff to spend a few minutes
to chat when passing their room.
Food forms the basis of many
activities at Priors House. Themed
menus, cheese and wine evenings
and afternoon tea are a regular
occurrence, and our ‘Dining with
Dignity’ approach means residents
can feel confident knowing discreet
help and support is always on-hand.
Pet Therapy sessions are proven
help to prevent feelings of
loneliness and can often improve
self-esteem and confidence in
people living with dementia. We
are often visited by local animal
sanctuaries, and recently residents
have enjoyed cuddles with puppies,
ponies and even snakes!
Everything under one roof
Priors House has everything your
loved one will need under one
roof and is designed to the latest
dementia standards with its own
café, hair salon, cinema and bar.
Signage, colour schemes, soft
furnishings and floor coverings are
all designed to create a calming
and accessible setting, whilst
accessible courtyard gardens
with wheelchair-friendly pathways
and raised flower beds provide
a relaxing haven for residents.
If you’re thinking about care for
an older loved one living with
dementia, why not speak to our
friendly and helpful team?
To find out more about the awardwinning
dementia care at Priors
House, please call 01926 671802
or email maria.cridge@careuk.com
Priors House care home
Old Milverton Lane,
Leamington Spa CV32 6RW
careuk.com/priors-house