Banbury Living Dec 2022 - Jan 2023

C 

COTSWOLDS 

WINTER SALE 

C 

15 % COTSWOLDS 

OF CLIFTONOFF 

ALL TIMBER WINDOWS 

AND DOORS IN 

DECEMBER & JANUARY 

Pantone 

5497C 

Black 

Improve the comfort and appearance of your home with natural timber windows and doors from sustainable sources. Constructed from 

engineered timber slow grown in cold climates, their strength, stability and beauty are guaranteed. 

With a15% discount off all timber windows and doors in our Winter Sale, visit our showrooms across Gloucestershire and 

Oxfordshire to view our lovely range of products. You’ll receive expert advice and see how beautiful timber windows and doors really can 

enhance the value and beauty of your home. 

Timber Windows of Cheltenham 

15 Suffolk Parade, 

Montpellier, Cheltenham, 

Gloucestershire, 

GL50 2AE 

Timber Windows of Cirencester 

18 Global Business Park, 

Off Wilkinson Road, 

Love Lane Ind Est, Cirencester, 

GL7 1YZ 

Timber Windows of Moreton-in-Marsh 

Old Market Way, 

Moreton-in-Marsh, 

Gloucestershire, 

GL56 0AJ 

Timber Windows of Oxford 

255 Marston Road, 

Marston, 

Oxfordshire, 

OX3 0EN 

Timber Windows of Henley-on-Thames 

6A Hart Street, 

Henley-on-Thames, 

Oxfordshire, 

RG9 2AU 

Telephone: 01285 653999 

info@timberwindows-cotswolds.com 

www.timberwindows.com

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

12 

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. 

Before I launch into what is 

coming up - I want to apologise 

for a recipe mistake in the 

last edition - we misprinted 

a recipe for a spicy dahl - the 

correct method is available 

on www.minervamagazines. 

co.uk should you wish to 

make the dish. 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

Right...this issue - 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! 

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! 

2023 INTERIORS 

22 

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 Steve Davies 

e steve.davies@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984506 

Cover image courtesy of Waitrose 

HOMEMOVING GUIDE 

20 

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 February! 

Katie 

www.banburyliving.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 

SPEND 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.banburyliving.co.uk

An exhibition of 

vintage Star Wars 

toys and original 

cinema posters 

'A must see for fans 

of Star Wars and the 

silver screen…' 

19th Nov 2022- 

19th March 2023 

www.banburymuseum.org

Brilliant travel 

Let Catherine Blackburn, your personal travel 

specialist, plan your next travel adventure... 

It’s fair to say that travel is in 

my blood. I’ve spent the last 24 

years exploring practically every 

continent on the planet. Now, 

I’m bringing my travel planning 

expertise directly to you. 

Book with your personal travel agent. 

The assistance I offer is personal, 

flexible, and tailor-made to your 

exact requirements, including 

your budget. 

So, whether you’re looking for a family friendly, bucket and spade 

beach holiday from Jet2Holidays, want to whisk a loved one 

away for a romantic weekend break either in the UK or overseas 

or you’re planning a once-in-a-life-time adventure. I have the 

contacts and the expertise to ensure every box on your wish list 

is ticked. 

A holiday is a big investment of both time and money. You 

wouldn’t invest your money without talking to an expert and a 

holiday is no different. In this case your holiday ‘investment’ is to 

create long-lasting memories, discover new cultures and places 

and escape from the everyday routine. 

My service is free, totally independent and I offer exceptionally 

competitive prices. You are also secure in the knowledge that 

your travel arrangements and your money are fully protected. 

www.catherineblackburntravel.co.uk 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Book with confidence in uncertain times • Book with financial protection 

Inspired destination ideas help to create the perfect trip 

Planning an adventure? 

I can help you plan it and create special memories. 

Less hassle with flexible appointment times. 

Winter Sun, Beach Holidays, City Breaks. Worldwide tailor made 

bespoke itineraries including Australia and New Zealand, Santa 

in Lapland, Northern Lights, Iceland, Canada, Family holidays, 

Adult escapes and everything in between. 

Begin your holiday hunt and get in touch today. 

Call 01295 231525 07539 410580 

Email Catherine.Blackburn@brillianttravel.co.uk 

www.catherineblackburntravel.co.uk 

www.facebook.com/catherinebrillianttravel 

Catherine.brillianttravel 

Holidays 

from 2 to 10 days 

Day Tours 

Theatres 

LOCAL COACH 

TOUR OPERATOR 

Departure points in 

Moreton in Marsh, 

Shipston On Stour*, 

Chipping Norton, 

Bloxham, 

Banbury, 

Middleton Cheney, 

Brackley, 

Bicester* 

*Holiday Tours Only 

New 2023 Holiday 

Broucher out now! 

Telephone 

(Monday - Friday 

9:30-17:00) 

01295 238222 

01608 692111 

www.goldstartours 

.co.uk 

CATERING CATERING FOR FOR YOUR SPECIAL PRIVATE FUNCTION 

is Every Every menu menu is is personalised to your requirements and and 

we 

we carry 

carry 

out 

out the as much care as you would 

yourself for the 

a special preparation 

occasion. with 

We are as much 

fully HACCP care as 

aware you would 

and 

yourself for 

have a special 

food hygiene occasion. 

certificates We are 

in fully 

abundance. 

HACCP aware and 

have food hygiene certificates in abundance. 

www.wrightons.co.uk 

f 

t. t. 01869 345229 • f. f. 01869 345522 • e. e. gbwrighton@aol.com 

t. 01869 345229 • f. 01869 345522 • e. gbwrighton@aol.com 



HOW THE UK OFFERS THE 

BEST IN WORLD BOARDING 

FOR STUDENTS 

There are boarding schools on every continent 

on the planet (apart from the one with lots of 

snow and penguins!). Yet for all the sector’s 

global spread, the oldest, most diverse and 

choice-rich land of boarding is the UK. 

Incredibly, the world’s oldest boarding 

school began accepting boarding 

students in the year 597, less than 200 

years after the fall of Rome and more 

than 1100 years before the American 

Declaration of Independence. 

More than 1400 years on, the UK is still a 

place where boarding continues to evolve 

with two brand new, government-funded 

boarding schools opening within the last 

decade and one independent school 

in the heart of London recently adding 

boarding for the first time. 

The diversity of UK boarding is not just a 

marketing strapline. Geographically, UK 

boarding can be found as far north as 

the Shetland Islands, just 50 miles from 

Norway and as far south as the Isles of 

Scilly, 28 miles south of Cornwall. 

Parents are spoilt for choice with 

boarding schools that are independent, 

state run, single sex, co-educational, 

academic, all-round, faith, arts, 

drama and music focused – or myriad 

combinations in between. 

Size-wise, the smallest UK boarding 

school has just one student while the 

largest has more than 1300. The average 

UK boarding school has around 150 

boarders, although there are many that 

have fewer with around 30 that have 

more than 500. 

There are around 70,000 boarding 

students at UK schools including more 

than 25,000 from dozens of countries 

across the world – a reflection of the 

continuing very high demand from 

parents to access the UK’s widely 

regarded education system. 

Some of this demand is about ensuring 

strong academic results for the chance to 

access the UK’s leading higher education 

institutions with four universities currently 

in the world’s top 10 (Cambridge alone 

has gained more than 120 Nobel prizes, 

nearly 50 more than the whole of 

France!). 

Aside from excellent academic teaching 

and learning, the popularity of boarding at 

schools in the UK is driven by the unique 

opportunities it offers young people from 

8-18. 

Boarding school is all about learning to 

live with others, experiencing a shared 

space, working together, having extra 

time to try new things (by avoiding school 

runs twice a day) and learning to stand 

on your own two feet. 

All UK boarding schools monitor closely 

the feedback they receive from parents 

and the most regular comments are 

about how their children have become 

more independent and confident thanks 

to their boarding experience. 

Much of this independence and 

confidence comes from being with other 

young people – but it is also the highly 

trained, caring and professional boarding 

staff who help them to prosper and thrive 

on solid foundations. 

For parents searching for boarding 

school options for their child, they can 

be reassured that the UK offers the 

cream of the crop with the best boarding 

opportunities in the world. 

Robin Fletcher, CEO, Boarding Schools’ 

Association (BSA) and BSA Group

An Independent Day and Boarding School 

for Girls aged 3-18. Day School for boys aged 3-11 

Sixth Form 

study in Oxford 

16+ Scholarship applications welcome 

Be Ambitious. Be Curious. Be Yourself. 

Register to visit now at 

enquiries@ryestantony.co.uk 

‘Academic success is not incompatible 

with happiness... Rye seems to have cracked it.’ 

Good Schools Guide 

Get inspired by the “finest 

landscape model in the country” * 

Many exquisite miniature buildings 

Highly realistic model railways 

Drop-In Children’s Modelling on Wednesdays 

during half-term and summer holidays 

Indoors, with shop and tea room 

tel: 01865 407365 web: pendonmuseum.com 

Open at weekends and most Bank Holidays. Also some Wednesdays. See our website or call our information line for details. 

Pendon Museum, Long Wittenham, Nr. Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 4QD. * Jane Insley, Curator, The Science Museum, London. 


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 


Situated just outside Shipston on Stour, The Kitchen at Feldon Valley is open for 

dinner and Sunday Lunch every week. Inspired by the fresh, seasonal ingredients 

from our local four counties growers and producers, Victoria Hamilton delivers 

a menu to impress and a restaurant that stands out in the area. Help support a 

growing local business and book your table today – everyone is welcome. 

Dinner is served from 18:00 to 20:30 – Bar open until late. 

Sunday Lunch is served from 12:00 to 16:00 

Feldon Valley is a Cotswold destination that offers not only great food in a 

stunning setting, but also modern accommodation, an 18 hole golf course, a 

fitness suite and the best balcony views of any bar in the area. 

Contact us for more information. 

THE KITCHEN AT FELDON VALLEY 

Feldon Valley - Sutton Lane - Lower Brailes - OX155BB 

01608 685 633 - thekitchen@feldonvalley.co.uk 

www.feldonvalley.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, 

14 | www.banburyliving.co.uk 

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.

VEGAN CHOCOLATE & 

COCONUT CARAMEL POTS 

Preparation time: 30 minutes + chilling 


Makes: 4 

INGREDIENTS 

200ml pouch coconut milk 

2 pitted medjool dates, roughly chopped 

1 tsp vanilla bean paste 

100g vegan dark chocolate (such as Raw 

Halo Dark 85%), finely chopped 

250ml pack Oatly Whippable Creamy Oat 

1 tbsp maple syrup 

Raw vegan cacao powder, for dusting 

METHOD 

Put the coconut milk, dates and vanilla 

in a blender and whizz until smooth. Tip 

into a small pan and bring to the boil. 

Simmer vigorously, stirring regularly for 

10 minutes until thick and reduced by 

half. Divide between 4 small glasses and 

set aside to cool, then cover and chill for 

at least 1 hour. 

When the coconut caramel has chilled, 

put the chocolate in a medium mixing 

bowl. In a small pan, heat 100ml 

whippable creamy oat and the maple 

syrup to just before boiling. Take off the 

heat and pour over the chocolate in the 

bowl. Leave to melt for 1 minute, then stir 

until smooth. 

Put the remaining 150ml whippable 

creamy oat in another mixing bowl and 

use electric beaters to whisk to soft 

peaks. Set aside 2 tbsp to garnish, then 

fold the rest into the melted chocolate. 

Spoon into the glasses on top of the 

coconut caramel. Serve with a dollop 

of the whipped creamy oat and a 

dusting of cacao. These are best served 

immediately, but can be covered and 

chilled for up to 30 minutes. 

COOK’S TIP 

Make a double batch of the 

caramel, then cover and store 

in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

It’s particularly delicious 

spooned over baked apples. 


IRISH 

CREAM 

FUDGE 

Preparation time: 20 minutes + 

cooling + chilling 


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. 


THE 

VERY MERRY 

GIFT 

GUIDE 

PERFECT PRESENTS 

FOR EVERYONE ON 

YOUR LIST 

Easy to use, handheld appliances are 

a game changer, and they don’t come 

better than KitchenAid, 6-Speed Hand 

Mixer with Flex Edge Beaters, £119, 

kitchenaid.co.uk 

Upgrade 

tatty old slippers 

for these stylish 

moccasins, 

Fielding 

3 Suede 

Slippers, £49, 

moshulu.co.uk 

Support his fitness 

goals in 2023 - get 

better results from any 

workout routine with 

the thin, lightweight 

fitness smartwatch 

that includes a 

6-month Premium 

membership, Fitbit 

Versa 4, £199.99, fitbit. 

com 

gifts for 

HIM 

Beautiful pieces for your festive table - we love the 

platters and mugs in this simple, glorious collection. 

Sophie Conran Mistletoe Round 

Platter, £41 and Set of 2 Mugs, 

£31.50, portmeirion.co.uk 

Let the pub come to you with our Pub 

in a Box, full of Devon cider and 

snacks, Pub In A Box, £20.99, 

sandfordorchards.co.uk 

Slip into cosy luxury with 

cashmere socks 

- with the option 

to monogram, 

Tabitha, Ribbed 

Cashmere 

Socks, £34.50, 

pantherella.com 

gifts for 

HER 

Beautiful puzzles - featuring shaped puzzle 

pieces, called whimsies, designed to match 

the theme of the image for an entertaining 

experience, ‘The Jumper’ Wooden Puzzle, 250 

pieces from £32, wentworthpuzzles.com 

The whole family can match in luxury organic 

cotton PJs, from £28 polarnopyret.co.uk 

Help her soothe her skin and 

soul with this collection - a 

candle, bath and body oil and 

a decadent overnight hydration 

therapy, ESPA Soothing 

Collection, £45 (worth £53), 

espaskincare.com 

Look chic anywhere with 

Silhouette’s signature, flattering 

sunglasses, Fuschl, £265, 

silhouette.com 

Stylish, comfortable bikes 

to hop around town, 

Brownie 7 Dutch Bike, 

£549, bobbinbikes.com 

Luxuriously soft cashmere with subtle 

detailing, Lofty Cashmere Batwing Sweater 

in Birch, £199, loopcashmere.co.uk 


For the Harry Potter fans, these 

velour Hedwig PJs are a cosy 

treat, Hedwig Pyjamas, £20, 

marksandspencer.com 

The perfect snuggle suit for 

Christmas lounging, made 

in super soft organic cotton, 

Big Character Snuggle Suit, 

£44, welovefrugi.com 

gifts for 

KIDS 

A children’s 

favourite made 

easy to listen to through 

the ingenious Tonies 

box, Tonies Snail and 

the Whale, £14.99, 

tonies.com 

Challenge them with a 1500 

piece puzzle, Ravensburger 

Pokémon 1500pcs puzzle, £18.99, 

ravensburger.co.uk 

The cutest Christmas 

jumpers, Jolly 

Knitted Jumper, £38, 

welovefrugi.com 

An amazing 60 hole automatic 

bubble launcher. Charge it up, dip 

it into the bubble solution provided, 

aim, pull the trigger and watch 

thousands of bubbles emerge, 

Bubble Gun Extreme, £39.99 

thumbsup.com 

gifts for 

FOODIES 

(& DRINKERS!) 

Take the guesswork out of cooking 

meat with the Meater - it connects 

to your phone for accurate cooking 

every time. MEATER Plus With 

Bluetooth® Repeater, £119, 

store-uk.meater.com 

The ultimate gift for a truffle 

lover! This signature box includes 

delicious 200ml White Truffle Oil, 

190g Ultimate Truffle Mayo, 22g 

Royal Truffle Ketchup, 100ml 

Seriously Addictive White Truffle 

Hot Sauce, 90g Gourmet Truffle 

Honey & 65g Signature Truffle Dust. 

Truffle Guys Signature Selection 

Box, £89.95, truffleguysuk.com 

Inspired by the Norfolk 

coastline, Coastal gin has 

a delicate, salty influence 

complemented by bright 

citrus flavours. We also love 

their eco-friendly refill packs. 

Bullards Coastal Gin, £40, 

bullardsspirits.co.uk 

Baking kits with a festive flair, Christmas 

Macaron Kit, £18, honeywellbakes.com 

No Christmas Day feast is complete without these merry condiments, including 

Christmas Spice Chutney, which contains a host of festive spices, and our 

Cranberry, Port & Orange Sauce, which cuts through rich meats like 

turkey and goose with its tingling tartness. The Festive Four Gift Pack, 

£14.15, tracklements.co.uk 


Know someone who started a business in lockdown 

and could use some kit to elevate their work? 

Thermal printers don’t use any ink and can print onto 

different shaped labels. Zebra are market leaders 

and their products are great quality with lots of label 

size options, to help with everything from pricing to 

branding, Zebra 2-inch, £99 or 4-inch £189, ZSB 

Thermal Printer, amazon.co.uk 

gifts for 

THAT PERSON 

WITH 

EVERYTHING 

Cleverly created to 

diffuse our 100% natural 

Essential Oil Blends at the 

touch of a button, the Neom 

Wellbeing Pod not only scents 

any space within minutes, but it also 

works to boost your wellbeing too - 

check our Neom’s scent packages 

featuring the highest quality essential 

oil blends to promote good mood, 

sleep, relaxation and more, Real 

Luxury Pod Starter Pack, £115, 

neomorganics.com 

Greenery is always a 

welcome gift - especially 

to lift the spirits in the 

gloomier winter months. 

We love Bunches’ flower 

subscriptions too 

Large Monstera, £48.30, 

bunches.co.uk 

Never lose a wallet again with 

this handy device - Apple 

Find My network locates your 

missing item Chipolo CARD 

Spot, £30, chipolo.net/en 

Get purrfect shots of your 

cat with this clip on - attach 

to any smartphone and use 

the fluffy pompom to help 

you to capture your cat’s 

attention at selfie time. 

Kikkerland Kitty Phone Clip, 

£12, urbanoutfitters.com 

Say goodbye to chaotic poop bags 

and squished treats in your pockets... 

and say hello to Westley - a brand 

of thoughtfully designed harnesses 

and accessories, Dog 

Walking Bum Bag, 

£30, and Harness £32, 

wearewestley.com 

gifts for 

PETS 

(and pet lovers) 

These two black cats 

and their sparkly collar 

look exquisite and will 

draw all the attention 

to you whenever they 

dangle off your ears. 

Lucky Paws Black 

Cat Earrings, £18, 

vendulalondon.com 

Named after its deep, cosy sides and deep-filled luxury 

mattress which give the bed a den-like feel, the Deeply Dishy 

Bed is perfect for hunkering down in, from £145, charleychau.com 


THE HOME MOVING 

Guide 

WE WENT TO THE EXPERTS AT THE HOME 

OWNERS ALLIANCE TO FIND OUT ABOUT 

THE HOT TOPICS IN THE HOUSING MARKET 

WHY AVOID THE 

BUSIEST DAY TO 

MOVE? 

While it may seem sensible to move on 

a Friday, moving at the same time as 

large swathes of other people can put 

pressure on the professionals helping 

you move, which can mean a greater 

risk of delays. 

Of course delays can occur at any time, 

but on the last Friday of the month, it is 

also peak time for conveyancing fraud 

and you will need to pay more for a 

removal company. If there are delays in 

transferring funds at completion, you may 

have to spend the weekend in a hotel or 

on a friend’s sofa. 

For those reasons, moving on the busiest 

day of the year isn’t for the faint-hearted, 

especially with the August bank holiday 

also happening that week, pushing more 

moves onto the remaining four days. 

Tips on avoiding moving day delays 

Suggest a mid-week move to all in your 

chain pointing out the potential downfall 

of choosing to move on a busy day like 

Friday. Savings are possible, for example, 

removals firms may offer mid-week 

deals on prices. See our guide to house 

removals costs at hoa.org.uk/advice 

Book the removals firm. Make sure 

everyone in the chain knows you’re 

working towards that date and book 

your removals firm well in advance, so 

you only need to confirm as soon as you 

exchange. It’s best to ask them to come 

to your house to assess the volume of 

your belongings. This ensures you have 

the right sized van and number of team 

members on the day of your move. 

Choose a removals firm you trust and 

have rapport with. 

Talk through what would happen if a 

delay occurred. For example, do they 

have emergency storage if needed? 

HOW TO ADD VALUE 

TO YOUR HOME 

Significant home improvements are 

expensive, so it’s important to consider 

how your plans will add value to 

your home. More and more of us are 

choosing to improve rather than move. 

So, here are 10 ways to make your 

property better to live in, in a way that 

can also add value to your home. 

If you have lots of plans for home 

improvements, it makes sense to focus 

on projects that will also add value. That 

way what you spend now will be reflected 

in the price of your property when you 

sell. But what adds value to a house? 

We asked over 300 members of the 

Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and 

estate agent members of the Guild of 

Property Professionals which projects 

will add value to your house. Here’s what 

they said. 

1. Knock down a wall for open plan or 

broken plan living 

Our research found that removing an 

internal wall to create an open plan 

kitchen and diner was the best way to 

add value to your home. 

Not only will this add value to your home, 

it should also make it more pleasant to 

live in, with more and more of us opting 

for open-plan living. Knocking down walls 

means more communal spaces where 

families can enjoy quality time together, 

whether that’s chatting while dinner is 

cooked or keeping an eye on kids while 

they do their homework. 

Best of all, this is a relatively simple 

project that most builders can complete 

in under a week. 

2. Build a garden room 

Another option is to add another living 

space outside. With so many more of 

us working from home, it is great to 

delineate living and working space and 

claw back that guest bedroom but having 

a dedicated office. Or it could be used 

as a gym! 

3. Spruce up your kitchen 

A new kitchen isn’t just a treat for you, 

it can also significantly boost the value 

of your home. Putting in a new worktop, 

cabinet doors or floor doesn’t have to 

break the bank – it costs around £4,000 

on average. But, it could add £17,000 

to the value of a London property, or 

the FMB and The Guild of Property 

Professionals found it could add 

around £15,000 to the average home in 

Cambridgeshire. 

4. Create a downstairs loo 

A downstairs toilet is a big attraction 

to a variety of different buyers. Adding 

one will make your home attractive to 

young families with children, those that 

like entertaining and don’t want guests 

wandering upstairs, to older buyers who 

might be looking to future proof their 

homes. 

So, turning wasted space, such as an 

understairs cupboard into a loo can add 

value to your home. This is a great project 

if you have a limited budget because for 


only a relatively small outlay of around 

£1,500-£2,500 you could add around 

£26,000 to your home’s value, according 

to our research. 

5. Make way for an en suite 

Another way to add extra bathroom 

space is to carve some space out of your 

master bedroom to create an ensuite. The 

job should take around 11 days but could 

add £14,525 to the value of the average 

London home. 

6. Create a parking space 

We love green front gardens but if parking 

is at a premium in your neighbourhood, 

then paving over part of your front garden 

to create space for off road parking could 

significantly boost your home’s value. A 

parking space can add as much as 13% 

to the value of your home according to 

Direct Line. 

You’ll need to check with your local 

council to see if you need planning 

permission to do this. Usually, if your 

home isn’t on an A or B road you won’t 

need permission, but you will have 

to comply with your local authority’s 

regulations on dropping the kerb. 

7. Spruce up your back garden 

Gardens are often overlooked when 

property projects are concerned but 

ploughing some money into your green 

space can be rewarding. Our analysis 

found that adding decking and lighting 

to your back garden can really boost the 

asking price when a property goes on the 

market. 

8. Decorate 

If you are planning to put your property 

on the market make sure you give it a 

fresh lick of paint first. Don’t understand 

the importance of kerb appeal by 

updating the exterior of your home. 

Getting professionals in could set you 

back around £1,000, but it could add 

£5,000 to your home’s value, according 

to property expert Phil Spencer. 

9. Convert your loft 

Homeowners looking to add floor space 

could significantly add value to their 

home. 

10. Get planning permission 

If you are preparing to sell your home 

and can’t afford a big project to boost the 

value, you could consider just getting the 

planning permission. Buyers are prepared 

to pay quite a premium to avoid the 

paperwork involved in an extension and 

to know red tape won’t stand in the way 

of their plans and allowing them to start 

works the minute they pick up the keys. 

Submitting a basic planning application 

costs up to £400 but could add as much 

as 10% to the value of your home, 

according to insurance firm Hamilton 

Fraser. 

Get help submitting an application from a 

local planning consultant. 

And finally, before you start, ask the 

experts 

Improving your home to make it more 

enjoyable is a benefit for you and your 

family today. Opting for a project that 

will also give you a big financial boost 

when you sell only adds to the benefits. 

However, if your primary aim is to add 

value to your home then you should 

consult an expert first to make sure you’ll 

get a return on your investment. 

Invite a few estate agents to value your 

property and ask them what they think 

will add the most value. The best local 

agents will be able to tell you what 

refurbishment projects other homes on 

your road have benefited from and how 

much value those projects added. 

www.hoa.org.uk 


2 

1 

4 

OCEAN HUES 

Echoing the reassuring and relaxing colour of the sea, 

aqua is set to be one of the hottest shades of the season. 

Opt in with larger pieces of furniture wrapped in 

oceanic hues, or make it easier to incorporate into an 

existing scheme with smaller accessory items. 

INTERIORS 2023 

It’s that time of year where we look at our spaces anew 

– here are our forecasts for some upcoming interior 

trends if you want to refresh your home. 

3 

ARCHES 

Arched doors are big news in extensions 

and renovations, and the gentle curves are 

softening the hardened edges that have 

proliferated for so long. Use as a motif if 

you’re decorating, or as a shape for windows 

and doors if you’re renovating. 

SOOTHING PASTELS 

While we might see a rise of deep and bold colors in 2023, 

certain spaces still call for a level of zen—and this is where 

pastels come back in. Think eucalyptus, mid-level blues, 

soft pink and putty taupes. 

5 

GET THE LOOK 

1. Diamond Aqua Blanket, 

£55, weavergreen.com; 2. Blue 

Arches Ceramic Pot Cover, 

£24.99, giselagraham.co.uk; 3. 

Cliff & Ocean Art Print, £41.95, 

abstracthouse.com; 4. image 

© Studio McGee; 5. Eucalyptus 

No.92, victorycolours.co.uk; 6. 

Squishmeister Corner sofa £2845, 

loaf.com 

6

HAPPY SEWING! 

Keeping your sewing machines in tip 

top condition or ‘Tickety Boo’ is the 

goal of Jenny Feeney from Country 

Clover Company... 

Based at her workshop in Banbury, she 

is now offering servicing and repairs of 

sewing machines covering the local area. 

Jenny has been professionally teaching 

quilting since 2017 and with over 30 

years of experience quilting and sewing, 

she understands how important it is to 

keep your machine in good working 

order. 

As well as services and repairs, Jenny also offers machine 

maintenance courses to help you and your machine work at your best 

and helps you understanding more about your machine. Complete 

with a must-have tool kit for regular cleaning and a handy reference 

book included, the course is held at The Fat Quarter fabric shop which 

is also the machine drop-off location. 

So, if your sewing machine is not running at its best or due 

for its yearly servicing, pop along to the shop or for more 

information on machine services and upcoming courses, 

visit www.countryclovercompany.com or email Jenny on 

countryclovercompany@gmail.com 

Happy Sewing! 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

MACHINE 

DROP-OFF POINT 

The Fat Quarter, 

Cherwell Business Village, 

Banbury OX16 2SP 

01295 981057 

www.thefatquarter.co.uk 

JENNY FEENEY 

Banbury 07706 731002 countryclovercompany@gmail.com 

www.countryclovercompany.com 

Maybe it’s time for a 

kitchen 

that makes you 

Smile? 


Bring the outside in 

As summer draws to a close, and you’ll 

spend less time outside. Now is the time to 

bring the outside in. Here are a few ways 

to style biophilic elements alongside your 

timeless Heritage furniture and ceramics. 

Getting Green 

Perhaps the most important element of 

‘bringing the outside in’ - plants! Whether 

you are a planting pro or a fake foliage 

fanatic, greenery is a wonderful way to 

brighten up your bathroom. Choose 

bathroom furniture which offers lots of 

space for succulents and sprawling ferns. 

Heritage’s Dorchester range, for instance, 

offers recessed basins which feature ample 

worktop space for all your planting needs. 

Reap the benefits of fragrant plants. Do 

you have a bouquet that is about to wilt? 

Sprinkle the flowers into a Wenlock double 

ended bath for a therapeutic bathe. Or 

for a more energising effect, hang some 

eucalyptus from your Hemsby shower and 

breathe in the invigorating oils. 

Make it rain 

Plants love a good shower almost as much 

as we do! Heritage’s unforgettable designer 

shower combinations, with the ability to mix 

and match valves, single or dual controls 

and the kit itself, allows you to create your 

perfect shower. With options like the sleek 

Hemsby shower, the classic Dawlish shower, 

or the luxurious Avenbury shower, your wash 

space will become a tranquil retreat. 

Weave in some Wicker 

Wicker is a welcome addition to any 

bathroom trying to bring the outside in. 

This sustainable material is extremely 

complimentary and versatile. Pair it 

with any colour or shade and it will look 

both intentionally boho whilst also being 

exceptionally functional. Keep an eye out 

for wicker plant pots, laundry baskets and 

cupboard organisers, you’ll be sure to see 

them everywhere! 

Natural tones and Sandy Hues 

Perhaps the easiest way to add warmth 

to the bathroom is to opt for natural 

materials, like wood, slate and stone. You 

can easily welcome these elements in with 

simple additions like rustic wood shelving, 

botanical prints and bamboo accessories. 

Our fitted furniture worktops come in a 

variety of natural finishes such as oak, 

marble effect white laminate and neutral 

acrylics. These natural finishes will bring the 

outside in and create a calm, comforting 

atmosphere. Alternatively, if texture isn’t 

for you, experiment with colour. An earthy 

palette with shades such as camel, taupe 

and mixed neutrals will make the space feel 

both effortlessly fresh and invitingly warm. 

Alternatively, green is an increasingly popular 

shade in bathrooms from emerald tiles to 

deep dark forest walls this colour makes a 

bold statement. 

Keep it Natural 

It’s all well and good embracing nature with 

design elements but you should also be 

making interior design choices that keep 

the environment in mind. Small eco-friendly 

choices can have such a large impact. For 

instance, opt for LED lighting instead of 

incandescent bulbs, they’re a much greener 

option and can save up to 90% less power, 

saving both money and energy. Additionally, 

LEDs can be hidden conveniently within 

bathroom furniture such as around mirrors 

and beneath vanities. Commonly LEDs 

have additional features such as dimming 

options and sometimes the ability to change 

colour. Elements like these will elevate your 

bathroom design, with the flick of a switch 

you could swap from bright white beauty 

lighting to dim yellow hues for relaxation. 

Pair warm calming hues with a deep slipper 

bath such as the Lynford and prepare for the 

ultimate sensory soak. 

However you bring the outside in, 

Heritage has something for you. 

Download our brochure now to start 

planning your dream bathroom and visit 

www.heritagebathrooms.com for more 

style inspo!

TREES MATTER 

In this edition, our regular contributor 

Matt Biggs gives us advice on where to start 

if you want to plant a tree... 

For thousands of years, we have appreciated 

trees, we have planted trees, we have written 

about trees, we have even worshipped trees. 

Even before we knew just how important they 

are to our environment, something within us 

recognized that trees matter. 

Now that we know so much more about what they contribute to 

our world and its wellbeing, there is no better time to plant a tree. 

There are so many options that the first task must be to decide 

what you want your tree for. Is it for structure within your garden, 

for shade, for visual impact? Might it be for fruit, to attract birds 

or just because it is your favourite tree! 

There are some great books on the subject, your local nursery or 

garden centre can give advice and radio and TV programmes are 

full of inspiration too, so do some research and choose your tree. 

Basic stuff but do look at the eventual height and spread of your 

tree – you might not see it when it is fully grown but you don’t 

want to cause problems for others and it is such a shame to have 

to remove a tree because it was in the wrong spot. 

Winter is a good time to plant, as long as the ground is frost 

free and not waterlogged; it is really important not to stint on 

the groundwork. Water the tree roots really well, even stand it in 

a bucket for an hour and make sure the hole is big enough – it 

needs to be three times as wide as the pot and the same depth. 

Fork the soil in the hole so that the roots can make their way 

easily as they develop, tease out the roots from the rootball and 

plant in a square hole. Use mychorrizal fungi to help the roots 

grow, and make sure when you place it in the hole the various 

aspects of it are where you want them – branches showing their 

‘best side’. When you refill the soil into the hole don’t leave any 

pockets of air, firm and water well and stake the tree if need be – 

all of this info is readily available to ensure that your tree has the 

best possible start in life. Do not plant trees too deeply, the soil 

level should be the same as it was in the pot. 

You can, of course also get the kids in on the act, acorns, 

conkers and tree seeds are so easily collected, pop them in a 

pot, labelling them so you know what is what, water and wait! It 

is so exciting to see that first green shoot and the tree and the 

child can grow together, how lovely! 

Whatever you plant and wherever you plant it, planting a tree is 

one of the most positive things you can do, for yourself and for 

future generations. 

To find out more about Matt visit his website 

matthewbiggs.com 

THE BEST 

TIME TO 

PLANT A 

TREE WAS 

20 YEARS 

AGO. THE 

SECOND- 

B E S T 

TIME IS 

N O W.” 

CHINESE 

PROVERB 


Quality doors. 

Great Service. Free Fitting. 

Example shown: 

• 3.6m wide opening 

• 77” Anthracite grey slats 

Only £1,990 

Price on this door style can range 

from £1,440 - £2,740 depending 

on the width of door opening. 

It’s time to upgrade your garage door to 

a Garolla electric door. Not only are they 

strong and secure, they are also thermally 

insulated. So if you’re transforming the 

garage into a home gym, office or even a 

garden bar, Garolla is perfect for you. 

Give us a call today and we’ll come 

and measure up FREE of charge. 

TWO REMOTE CONTROLS 

ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION 

FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR 

AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS 

CALL US TODAY FREE ON: 

01926 270 031 

MOBILE: 

07537 149 128 

www.garolla.co.uk 


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 


MAKE LIFE EASIER 

• Large range of Mobility Aids • PPE 

• Hire services • Wheelchairs • Stairlifts 

FREE HEARING HEALTH CHECK 

THE MOBILITY STORE 

SWINDON 

7 Clive Parade 

Cricklade Road, 

Swindon SN2 1AJ 

01793 701313 

swindon@thehearingand 

mobilitystore.co.uk 


MARLBOROUGH 

56 George Lane, 

Marlborough SN8 4BY 

01672 511550 

wiltshiremobility@mail.com 

Rise and recline furniture 

Adjustable beds 

Mobility scooters 

Mobility scooter repairs 

FREE LEVEL ACCESS PARKING AT ALL STORES 

www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk 

Shoes and slipper 

Footcare appointments 


WROUGHTON 

6 Devizes Road 

Wroughton SN4 0RZ 

01793 815083 

wroughtonmobility@mail.com 


BOURTON ON THE WATER 

Lansdowne 

Bourton on the Water GL54 2AR 

01451 810088 

bourtonmobility@mail.com 


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. 


Will 

£ 

£ 

£ £ 

LPA 

Living 

Will 

£ 

Banbury Wills & Probate 

Part of Bicester Wills Ltd 

 

Standard Single Will - £225 

 

Standard Mirror Wills - £325 

 

Bloodline Wills - £625 

 

Lasting Power of Attorney 

Property & Financial Affairs - £325 

 

Lasting Power of Attorney 

Health & Welfare - £325 

 

Both Lasting Powers of Attorney - £500 

Paul and the Team 

offer a friendly 

estate planning 

service 

Phone us on 

01295 237400 

Home visits 

no extra 

charge!! 

 

Probate Assistance from - £1,500 

www.banburywillsandprobate.co.uk 

Telephone: 01295 237400 

paul@banburywillsandprobate.co.uk 

Serving your family 

Complete Traditional, Contemporary, 

Preplanned Funeral Service and 

Monumental Masons. 

We offer help, guidance and support when 

you have lost a loved one, making sure you 

say goodbye the way they would want. 

Humphris Funerals has been proudly 

serving the people of Banbury, Oxfordshire 

and surrounding areas as funeral directors 

since 1880. 

• 24-hour service 

• Bereavement 

advice 

• Transparent 

pricing 

• Private chapel of 

rest 

• Floral tributes 

• Memorial 

masonry 

• Home visits 

• Repatriation 

Services 

01295 265 424 

32 Albert Street, Banbury, OX16 5DG 

www.humphrisfunerals.co.uk

Banbury Living Dec 2022 - Jan 2023

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?