Malvern Living Mar - Apr 2023

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C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

14 

PERFECT EASTER RECIPES 

Do you find you’re a different 

person as spring unfurls? 

I certainly am - it’s like a 

shed a coat (physically and 

metaphorically) and have 

more of a spring in my step. 

Tasks feel more achievable, 

new projects more exciting 

and just a little stroll in the 

sunshine feels like the best 

kind of battery recharge - 

like I’m solar powered and 

I’m topping up my energy 

stores! 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

This edition is a celebration 

of the early spring, with 

some wonderful recipes to 

enjoy over the Easter period, 

plus lots of home and 

garden content to inspire. 

Our resident gardening 

guru Matt Biggs gives us 

insights into making our 

front gardens both beautiful 

and wildlife-friendly, plus we 

have a guide to flooring if 

you are considering all your 

options during a renovation. 

FLOORING GUIDE 

19 

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 Sophie Allport 

HELP FOR CARERS 

26 

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. 

The competition guide this 

issue is a bumper one - you 

can win a delightful forest 

stay in a Grand Designs 

style tiny home, plus an 

energy efficient dryer worth 

£700. This, plus a lot more 

makes it well worth a look 

and an enter! 

We will be back again in 

May - I’ll be fully rebooted 

and recharged into summer 

mode. We will have a 

Coronation to look forward 

to and lots more great 

summer content. In the 

meantime, grab an Easter 

egg and tuck into this issue! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITION 

To enter any (or all!) of our competitions, head to 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions. 

Find the competition and enter on that post, 

using the appropriate keyword. 

T&C’s apply and no cash alternatives available. Winners chosen at 

random - entries made after closing date will not be accepted. 

WIN! 

A WEEKEND BREAK 

WITH NEW FOREST 

ESCAPES AND 

RECONNECT WITH 

NATURE! 

Win the ultimate mix of a coast 

and country break with New 

Forest Escapes and enjoy a 

weekend staying at the ultra 

cool, architect designed The 

Boat Shed, Lymington. 

Just one of New Forest 

Escapes’ handpicked holiday 

homes, The Boat Shed is a mini 

‘Grand Designs’ home for up to three 

people with playful minimalist style. 

Dog companion welcome! 

Wake up to the sound of sea birds and 

the tinkling of boat masts. Take a short 

stroll to Lymington’s pretty cobbled 

quay and bustling cafes, pubs and 

shops. Or wonder to the coastal path 

for wilder walks, bigger skies and long 

beaches. 

New Forest Escapes is extremely 

proud to be a locally owned holiday 

home company with a ‘Greener and 

Greater’ ethos in everything they 

do. With a selection of truly unique 

homes, from bijou and beachy, to pure 

escapism, or grand and fabulous, and 

heaps of dog-friendly options, check 

out our website. 

www.newforestescapes.com 

01590 462005 

Closes 24/04/2023 - Competition 

keyword: ‘ESCAPES’ 

Saving time and money on 

drying your laundry just got 

a whole lot easier, thanks to 

this tumble dryer from leading 

home appliance brand, Haier. 

The I PRO Series 7 Plus dryer 

uses heat pump technology 

that works to cleverly conserve 

the heat inside your dryer’s 

drum. This not only lowers 

energy consumption by up to 

50%, but also ensures that 

your laundry is taken much 

better care of compared to 

a regular tumble dryer. The 

lower energy consumption 

WIN 

AN A+++ 

DRYER WORTH 

£700 FROM 

HAIER! 

also means 

that you’re 

able to use more 

than one of your appliances 

simultaneously, saving you 

even more time! It also comes 

with an energy rating of A+++. 

One lucky reader will get the 

chance to win this amazing 

appliance worth £700. 

www.haier-europe.com 

Closes 24/04/2023 - 

Competition keywords: 

‘HAIER DRYER’ 

We’ve teamed up with the 

Holiday Inn Cambridge to 

offer our readers the exclusive 

chance to win a staycation 

break. The lucky winner and 

their guest will enjoy a night’s 

stay with dinner and breakfast 

at the hotel. 

The Holiday Inn Cambridge has 

unveiled a major refurbishment 

to transform its public spaces 

and showcase a brand new 

Open Lobby concept on the 

ground floor. Set by a lake in 

Impington, it offers a relaxing 

WIN 

A STAYCATION 

FOR TWO 

AT THE 

HOLIDAY INN 

CAMBRIDGE! 

stay in the rolling 

countryside just 4 miles north 

of the city centre. 

One winner will receive an 

overnight stay at the Holiday 

Inn Cambridge hotel. The 

winner and their guest will 

share a double or twin room 

including breakfast and dinner 

at the hotel. 

www.lghhm.com 



‘HOLIDAY INN’ 

WIN 

TICKETS TO THE 

BABY SHOW 

AND TOMMEE 

TIPPEE BABY 

BUNDLE! The Baby 

Show with Lidl 

GB is back for 

its 21st year. Taking 

place at ExCeL London from 

3rd to 5th March, Manchester 

Central 14th – 16th April and 

NEC Birmingham 12th – 14th 

May, it is the UK’s largest 

and best-loved pregnancy 

and parenting event, giving 

new and expectant parents 

the opportunity to shop for 

everything they could ever 

need for their new arrival. 

Win tickets to the show and 

a fantastic Tommee Tippee 

bundle full of your new-born 

essentials worth £150! And a 

pair of tickets to Manchester 

OR Birmingham for three lucky 

runners up! 

www.thebabyshow.co.uk 



‘BABY SHOW’ 

The new VAX SpotWash Home 

Pet-Design spot cleaner kills 

over 99%[1] of potentially 

harmful bacteria and removes 

spills, stains and pet mess 

from carpets, rugs, hard floors, 

upholstery and car interiors. 

Use the Extra Wide 2-in-1 

Wash Tool for quick clean ups 

and everyday stain removal, 

keeping the Messy Clean Up 

Tool separate to clean away 

unhygienic messes left by 

your pets. Lift away dirt and 

stubborn stains effortlessly 

with new SpinScrub Hand Tool, 

and tackle tougher, odorous 

pet mess with the Pet Stain & 

Odour Neutralising Solution. 

[1] When used with VAX 

Spot Washer 

Antibacterial 

Solution. 

WIN 

A VAX 

SPOTWASH 

HOME PET- 

DESIGN 

Buy direct 

from www.vax. 

co.uk priced £179.99 

including free solutions and 

delivery. 

www.vax.co.uk 


Competition keyword: 

‘SPOTWASH’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Hedda: a re-examining 

of Henrik Ibsen's 

Hedda Gabler 

A VERSION OF HENRIK IBSEN’S 

HEDDA GABLER BY ANDREW WHITTLE 

Ludlow’s ‘Here To There Productions’ 

are thrilled to premier this unique 

version of one of theatre’s most 

sacred of theatrical pieces in 

Malvern next month... 

“I don’t even know always what sets it off, but when it happens I’m not 

responsible for what I say or what I do.” 

Arriving home after a long honeymoon Hedda struggles to come to 

terms with her marriage, having married for assumed financial security 

not love, and moving into a new home she and her new husband 

cannot afford. 

Brought up in a sheltered environment by a single parent, Hedda had 

yearned for years to grasp life by the throat and enjoy herself. Instead 

she feels trapped. Buried alive with years of tedious, intolerable life 

ahead of her. 

She plots to break that tedium by the manipulation of those closest to 

her, with consequences that even she had not foreseen... 

Tickets are available online www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 

For more information visit 

www.HereToThereProductions.co.uk 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

27 MARCH - 1 APRIL 7.30PM, SAT MATINÉE AT 2.30PM 

COACH HOUSE THEATRE, MALVERN WR14 3HA 

BOOK NOW: Tel: 01684 892277 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 

www.HereToThereProductions.co.uk 

Blossom trail 

gets set to mark 

40th anniversary 

In 1983, in a small office in Pershore 

High Street, an idea was born to 

capitalise on the natural beauty and 

horticultural fame of the Vale of Evesham. 

That idea became the Vale of Evesham Blossom Trial – an 8-mile 

route around the Lenches where people could enjoy the beautiful 

kaleidoscope of colour offered up by the Vale’s array of fruit trees. 

Over the years, the trail has grown in popularity and has been 

extended to a route that now covers more than 50 miles and 

takes in two thirds of the district. 

The trail will mark its 40th anniversary this year. Angela Taylor, 

who was also one of the creative minds behind the trail, excitedly 

explains the history. 

“We never expected when we came up with the idea it would still 

be going 40 years later,” she said. 

“We’re world famous for our horticulture and our produce so it 

was a natural step to take that and build on it. You try things and 

you put something out there and you hope, but to see it grow and 

develop the way it has – it gives me a lot of pride.” 

The trail is signposted between mid-March and May and can 

be enjoyed by car, coach, bike or on foot. It takes in some of 

the most beautiful villages across the district, with visitors able 

to enjoy the delicate white blossom of the pear and plum to the 

variable degrees of pink of the cherry and apple. 

It is one of just five major blossom events on Earth, with people 

having to travel to America or Japan to see a similar sight. 

“We don’t quite have the same visual impact as Japan but it is 

still very special,” Angela added. 

To commemorate the milestone anniversary, businesses are 

planning new creations including a blossom trail cider, a special 

cream tea and there is the potential to plant new orchards as 

well, to continue to support and sustain the trail in the future. 

For all the information on the Blossom Trail, visit 

www.valeandspa.co.uk/blossom 



A440 

M5 

J7 

A44 

A4538 

Spetchley 

Spetchley 

Croome 

Court 

M5 

Stoulton 

M50 

B4084 

Besford 

A4104 

Defford 

Strensham 

J8 

A422 

Upton 

Snodsbury 

Peopleton 

Drakes Broughton 

B4084 

Eckington 

B4080 

A44 

B4082 

Birlingham 

Bredons 

Norton 

B4082 

Pensham 

Pinvin 

B4083 

Wick 

Wyre 

Piddle 

Flyford Flave l 

Great 

Comberton 

Li tle 

Bishampton 

Throckmorton 

Fladbury 

Elmley 

Castle 

Radford 

Kersoe 

Rous 

Lench 

Abbots 

Lench 

Wood 

Norton 

Norton 

Chadbury 

Lenchwick 

Cropthorne 

B4084 

She rifs 

Lench 

Charlton 

Church 

Lench 

A44 

Ashton 

under Hi l 

Hinton on 

the Gr en 

A46 

Atch Lench 

B4624 

A4184 

B4078 

Rushford 

Hinton 

Cro s 

B40 8 

Sedgebe row 

B40 8 

Twyford 

Abbot’s 

Salford 

Harvington 

Offenham 

A46 

B4510 

Salford 

Priors 

A46 

B4035 

A44 

Aston 

Somervile 

B4085 

Cl eve 

Prior 

Middle 

Li tleton 

South 

Li tleton 

Blackminster 

Badsey 

Wickhamford 

B4085 

Childswickham 

B4632 

Bidford-on-Avon 

Bretforton 

Snowshil 

Manor and 

Gardens 

Pebworth 

Honeybourne 

B4035 

Wi lersey 

B4632 

Saintbury 

Broadway 

Tower 

A44 

SEE BLOSSOM IN WORCESTERSHIRE’S VALE & SPA THIS SPRING 

Cycle it 

Walk it 

Drive it 

EXPERIENCE AN ENCHANTING AA-SIGNED 50 MILE ROUTE 

Taking you through some of the most outstanding villages in the region, the captivating 

blossom and sensational countryside is best enjoyed between mid-March and mid-May. 

Park Gardens 

B4084 B439 

PERSHORE 

River Avon 

Comberton Haselor 

River Avon 

EVESHAM 

Download the Blossom Trail leaflet featuring 

the route from our website 

Bredon Hill 

BROADWAY 

For more information and to download your leaflet: 

www.valeandspa.co.uk/blossom 

01386 565373 info@valeandspa.co.uk @Vale_and_Spa @ValeandSpa

Take a stroll through the blossom-filled arboretum, 

browse our garden centre and gift shop and enjoy 

delicious food in the café. A perfect day out for all 

The 

the family - including the dog! 

Stitchery 

A TRADITIONAL HABERDASHERY 

IN WORCESTERSHIRE! 

Stocking a wide range of fabulous 

fabrics, wonderful wools in every 

colour and all the haberdashery 

you need in the heart of 

Worcestershire. 

18 High Street, Upton-upon-Severn 

Worcestershire WR8 0HB 

Tel: 07989 407748 

shirley@upton-stitchery.co.uk 

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 

A GREAT HUNTING GROUND 

FOR PRE-LOVED GOODS 

Don’t miss the only outing this year for the 

Malvern Antiques, Vintage & Collectors fair 

on Sunday 5th March 2023 at the Three 

Counties Showground, Malvern... 

With up to 150 exhibitors in one hall offering 

good antiques, Art Deco, Retro genres 

covering ceramics, glass, metalware, small 

furniture, decorative items, jewellery and 

much more. 

“It’s a great hunting ground for pre-loved 

goods, the variety and quality is fantastic”, 

said Helen Yourston, Director of B2B Events, 

the organisers. 

Early entry from 8.30am at £5 per person. General entry from 

10am – 3.30pm at £4 per person. 

B2B Events also run the Malvern Flea & Collectors Fair at the 

Three Counties. The next fair is on Easter Monday 10th April. A 

bumper event with between 500-600 exhibitors both inside and 

out. Entry 7.30 – 3pm at £5 per person. 

“Sustainability is the keynote going forward. The whole of this 

industry is based on recycling and has been for more than a 

hundred years” said Helen Yourston. “Come and join us and find 

items you can re-purpose.” 

The Flea Fair runs throughout the year visit www.b2bevents.info 

for further information. 


Malvern Antiques & 

Collectors Fair 

The Severn Hall, Three Countries 

Showground, Worcs. WR13 6NW 

Sunday 5th March 2023 

Antiques, Art Deco, collectables & much more 

Entrance: 10am - 4pm - £4 

Early: 8.30am - 10am - £5 

NO 

OUTSIDE 

PITCHES 

Malvern Flea & 

Collectors Fair 

Three Counties Showground, 

Worcestershire, WR13 6NW 

Sunday 10th April 2023 

7.30am - 3.30pm - £5 

Tel: 01636 676531 • www.b2bevents.info 


A lifelong 

Love of Learning 

By Christopher King, CEO, Independent 

Association of Prep Schools... 

There is, of course, a great deal of 

difference between the concept of having 

a love for learning and the idea that 

a child should enjoy going to school. 

However, the child who does enjoy 

school is likely to be a child who thrives 

on many fronts in the classroom and 

co-curricular areas and, in turn, is likely 

to advance their learning experience at a 

rapid rate. 

You probably already know the almost 

certainly true story of the child who, 

when asked by his mother how his very 

first day at school had gone, got the 

reply: “It was ok, but I don’t think I need 

to bother going again.” Hardly a ringing 

endorsement of the school experience 

and its ability to capture the imagination 

of the child! 

However, I’d venture to suggest that the 

experience of the underwhelmed child 

is a great deal less likely to be replicated 

today. IAPS schools work very hard from 

day one to start children off on the right 

footing as they move forward into a life 

of learning. A child’s happiness is crucial 

to effective learning and, whilst structure 

and planning provide the framework, it is 

the effort which goes into understanding 

the child and their needs which counts. 

Small class sizes help, a high pupil 

to adult ratio counts as well, but a 

commitment from the Head, and senior 

management engaging with staff at all 

levels, leads to creating the environment 

where a child can thrive. 

Homework is a much-debated issue, 

with some parents seeing it as a weight 

which hangs over them every evening or 

weekend. Again, the more enlightened 

school only sets work which encourages 

and draws out the interests of the child 

in areas where they show enthusiasm 

already. The routine of finding room for 

homework becomes a habit which again 

helps to build an ethic which will stand 

a child in good stead for the future. 

Reading is simply the key to learning at 

all levels and developing confidence with 

language is a high priority for all IAPs 

teachers. Practice and small but regular 

incremental steps see the vocabulary and 

speed of reading hasten and, in doing so, 

the ability to work independently grows 

too. 

Independent learning is, indeed, the 

goal and IAPS schools will talk about 

the different ways in which this target 

skill is developed. In many cases the 

school will talk about child-centred 

learning, which sometimes concerns 

rightly optimistic and ambitious parents 

as it can be painted by some as a way to 

accept underachievement a slow rates 

of progress. However, child-centred 

learning does not mean the child cannot 

be challenged and encouraged in equal 

measure. 

Children like to please and, in a positive 

environment where their peers are also 

happy learners, the atmosphere created 

carries the child forward. In my role 

I am privileged to visit many schools 

in IAPS membership and witness the 

building blocks for lifelong learning being 

set down in the classroom, in outdoor 

activities and on the games field. In 

such schools you can see the children 

engaged and clearly thriving in a way 

they will carry forward through all stages 

of their formal education and, indeed, 

their future lives. 


Prep Schools 

Igniting Passions 


By Andy Nuttall, Headmaster at 

The Downs Malvern... 

In contrast to the purpose for which ‘Preparatory Schools’ were 

historically founded, the raison d’etre of modern Prep Schools 

goes far beyond that original limited objective of preparing a 

child for their senior school career. Prep Schools not only have 

the privilege of shaping a child’s academic, creative and physical 

journey, but also and crucially, developing in their pupils a 

resilient mindset and positive approach to life. 

It has been said that Prep Schools ‘throw everything at the child 

and see what sticks’! It’s not quite as simple as that, of course, 

but it does suggest the myriad of opportunities available for 

children. By their very nature, Prep Schools cover a wide range 

of academic and co-curricular lessons, many of which have been 

marginalised or removed from the curriculum within maintained 

schools. 

Alongside a full programme of sporting opportunities, music 

lessons, Art, Drama, swimming, and DT lessons, all taught 

by specialist staff, there are careers talks, debates, clubs and 

hobbies to ignite the imagination, allowing children to find and 

develop their individual passions. 

The activities programme at The Downs Malvern actively 

encourages pupils to explore how ideas can be augmented to 

create something far grander than they had originally envisioned: 

exploring how concepts developed in science or DT lessons 

could be applied to the school railway hobby; taking the lessons 

learned in cookery through to the entrepreneurship activity; 

putting techniques taught in Art into practice in printmaking, 

textiles or pottery. Our pupils sample a broad and exciting 

curriculum and are encouraged to take ownership of their 

interests and develop their abilities with the support of committed 

and highly experienced staff. 

It is well recognised in educational circles that the experience 

of those children who find stimulation and fulfilment in a hobby 

or interest directly translates into improved confidence and 

performance in academic and social areas. It is this, as well 

as the enjoyment of seeing others perform and speak with 

excitement about their interests, that engenders the virtuous 

circle of inspiration, involvement, challenge and success; one 

that we are justly proud of supporting to its fullest at The Downs 

Malvern. 

Co-educational day and boarding school age 3-13 

Part of the Malvern College Family of Schools 

At The Downs Malvern, we provide an environment 

that inspires pupils to achieve their maximum 

potential, whether in the classroom, on the sports 

field, or on the stage. 

Superb facilities and outstanding teachers ensure that 

we champion the next generation of young leaders 

and educate tomorrow’s brightest scholars. It’s a 

place where opportunities are endless. 

Private tours are available 

throughout the academic year. 

To arrange a visit please contact 

registrar@thedownsmalvern.org.uk 

or visit our website for more information: 

www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk 

Our place 

to excel. 


A UNIQUE APPROACH 

TO LEARNING AT KING'S 

HAWFORD PREP SCHOOL 


King’s Hawford Prep School provides 

children with excellent foundations 

for their educational journey... 

These foundations help to shape and nurture their emerging 

characters, fire their ambition and build their confidence. At 

King’s Hawford, children start their journey of education in the 

award-winning nursery. King’s Hawford Kindergarten combines 

an enriching range of daily activities, exceptional facilities and 

dedicated childcare professionals. Kindergarten is located in the 

heart of the school and children move seamlessly from there into 

the Prep School. 

Set in 23 acres of beautiful grounds in the heart of 

Worcestershire, King’s Hawford’s rural location inspires its 

pupils every day. Beyond the extensive campus, children are 

regularly seen kayaking on the adjacent canal and exploring the 

neighbouring farm. Described by The Good Schools Guide as 

“An outdoorsy prep with a warm, fun, family feel,” King’s Hawford 

is an exceptional place in which children learn and grow. Children 

flourish at King’s Hawford, inspired not only to be creative, to 

be curious and to be caring, but most of all to be resilient and 

ambitious. 

At King’s Hawford, life is not defined by regular school hours, nor 

is it confined to classrooms. Education takes place before, during 

and after school, in and beyond the classroom. This ensures 

that no opportunity to expand pupils’ minds is lost. Children at 

King’s Hawford learn from a range of experiences. The creative 

curriculum is brought to life, offering exciting, dynamic and varied 

learning, both inside and outside the classroom. 

Discover more about King’s Hawford’s unique approach 

to learning during their Spring Discovery Week. Meet the 

Headmaster, Mr Butt, and spend time with members of the 

exceptional teaching staff. Prospective families will be able to 

tour the picturesque campus and prospective pupils will have the 

opportunity to immerse themselves fully in life at King’s Hawford 

by joining in with classes throughout the day. Each day will 

showcase everything that King’s Hawford has to offer. 

Book your place: www.ksw.org.uk/meetkingshawford 

Where resilience 

and confidence grow 

Inside and out 

Spring Open Week 

Tuesday 14 th - Thursday 16 th March 

We’re a Prep School set in 23 acres of 

beautiful Worcestershire countryside, where 

award-winning outstanding learning happens 

both in and beyond the classroom. Children 

flourish at King’s Hawford as they are inspired 

to be creative, to be curious and to be caring 

but most of all to be resilient and ambitious. 

Independent education 

for boys and girls 

aged 2-11 

Register your visit: ksw.org.uk/shapedbykings 

#ShapedByKings 


Tickets 

ON SALE 

NOW 

Nigel Harniman 

Photography. 

Sponsored by 

@Bike4LifeFest 

Bike4LifeFest 

Sunday 23rd April 2023 

Take part in the 23-mile ride out alongside thousands of fellow 

bikers, raising lifesaving funds for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity 

With support from 

Book Your Tickets Now: bike4lifefest.com

SWEET TREATS 

A luxury gift box including 

almonds en-robed in white, milk 

and dark chocolate, cinnamon 

dusted milk chocolate covered 

almonds and almond nougat. 

Luxury Chocolate Almond, 

Nougat and Truffle Selection Gift 

Box, £30, farhi.co.uk 

ON YER BIKE 

As the weather warms up, treat your mum to a 

stylish accessory pack to kit out her bike - we 

particularly love Bobbin Bike’s helmets - a real 

upgrade for a fashion-forward cycling look. 

Ding Dong Bell, £15, Metric Bike Helmet Matte 

Blueberry, £44, Button Bike Light Set, £9, all 

bobbinbikes.com 

MOMENT OF CALM 

Give mum five minutes to de-stress - this 

attractive gift cube contains 12 individuallywrapped, 

plastic-free, biodegradable pyramid 

tea bags in six assorted 

caffeine free, herbal and 

relaxing flavours. 

Moment of Calm 

Gift Cube, £10, 

birdandblendtea.com 

Mum’s 

T H E 

WORD 

It’s Mothering Sunday on 19th 

March - here are some gift ideas 

to show her how much you care 

COLOURFUL COVER UPS 

The perfect piece to pop on whilst getting ready, 

or even to take away on holiday. Available 

in a wide range of prints and patterns - 

one size to fit 8-16. 

Cotton Kimono Dressing Gown, £38.99, 

hauslife.co.uk 

PERFECT PREP 

The Easy Prep Pro food processor gives you 

all the performance of a full size processor 

but in a user friendly, compact size that’s easy 

to store or keep out on your worktop. It comes 

with just the right amount of accessories - a 

selection of blades and discs to give you a range of 

different functions but is super easy to use and clean. 

SUPER SOFT 

Cashmere is the ultimate luxury, and an 

investment to enjoy for years to come. 

We love this classic roll neck sweater. 

Cashmere Silk Roll Neck Sweater in 

Flecked Grey, £199, loopcashmere.co.uk 

Cuisinart Easy Prep Pro Food Processor, £140 


STILL THE MOST 

REASONABLE 

JEWELLERS IN 

WORCESTER 

10% OFF 

all jewellery 

Valid May & June 2022 

Terms and 

conditions apply 

Malvern Goldsmiths 

Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern, WR14 4PZ 

Five years ago we were lucky 

enough to acquire the lease 

of 28, Belle Vue Terrace, Great 

Malvern a beautifully fitted 

Victorian pharmacy, now reborn 

as Malvern Goldsmiths. We have 

a large range of new, antique 

and second hand jewellery in 

both shops. 

Having had factories in both 

Birmingham Jewellery Quarter 

and Asia, we are able to make 

diamond rings, pendants and 

earrings, all of them priced to 

be able to beat “High Street 

multiples” and internet sellers. 

We value for Insurance, probate 

and sale between parties. 

We are always happy to offer for 

your unwanted jewellery etc, 

this service is free, If you have a 

jewellery problem, we are happy 

to advise without any obligation. 

STEP BACK IN TIME TO THE GOLDEN AGE OF STEAM 

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QUAIL EGG ARANCINI 

MAKE LEFTOVER RISOTTO INTO SCRUMPTIOUS ARANCINI BALLS FOR A FABULOUS 

STARTER, LIGHT BITE OR CANAPE. 

PREP TIME: 30 minutes 

COOK TIME: 20 minutes 

SERVES: 12 

pinch of cayenne pepper on one. Have the beaten egg 

on another plate and the dried breadcrumbs on another 

plate. 

INGREDIENTS: 

400g leftover risotto, cold 

12 Clarence Court quails eggs 

50g plain flour 

Sea salt and freshly ground black 

pepper 

Cayenne pepper 

1 egg, beaten well 

100g dried breadcrumbs 

1 small bunch of sage leaves 

Vegetable oil for deep fat frying 

200g homemade or good quality rape 

seed mayonnaise 

1 teaspoon baby capers, rinsed, dried and 

chopped 

A small bunch of dill, parsley and basil, 

leaves chopped 

METHOD: 

Start by mixing the leftover risotto, if it is very dry 

add a little beaten egg if needed. 

Boil the quails eggs to soft boil, usually around 1 and a 

half to 2 minutes. Plunge into cold water and when cooled 

peel and place to one side. 

Take 3 plates, mix the flour with salt, pepper and a good 

Take a small ball of cooled risotto and flatten into a rough 

disk place an egg in the centre of the disc and pat into 

a little ball with extra risotto or needed. Roll the ball in 

the seasoned flour, dip into the beaten egg and then roll 

in the breadcrumbs. Place on another plate and repeat 

until you have 12 breadcrumbed arancini. Pop them in 

the fridge whilst you heat the vegetable oil and make the 

mayonnaise. 

Heat 5 inches of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan. 

Meanwhile make the mayo. Spoon the mayonnaise into 

a small mixing bowl and add the capers. Chop the herb 

leaves a little and add them to a pestle and mortar with 

a little pinch of sea salt, bash the leaves well until you 

make a paste and stir through the mayo. Season well the 

pepper. 

When the oil is hot enough (test with a piece of bread, 

when it turns lovely and golden the oil is ready) carefully 

fry 2 arancini at a time turning if needed until the 

breadcrumbs are golden. Lift out with a slotted spoon 

on to kitchen roll. Pick the sage leaves and add them to 

the oil, fry for a few seconds and lift out with the slotted 

spoon on to the paper. Put the arancini into a bowl and 

scatter over the fried sage leaves. 

www.clarencecourt.co.uk/recipes 

PEAR AND BLACKBERRY 

FRANGIPANE TART 

PREP TIME: 1 Hour 

COOK TIME: 1 Hour 

SERVES: 8 

INGREDIENTS: 

Plain flour 

1 x 500g pack shortcrust pastry 

160g unsalted butter, softened 

160g caster sugar 

2 Medium Clarence Court Burford 

Brown eggs 

160g ground almonds 

2 tablespoons plain flour 

1 teaspoon almond extract 

50g blackberry jam 

100g blackberries 

3 pears 

Icing sugar 

METHOD: 

Roll the pastry to 3mm thick on 

a lightly floured work surface. 

Carefully line a 22cm, round, 

fluted tart tin allowing for a little 

overhang. Prick the base all over 

and place the lined tin in the 

freezer for 1 hour. 

Meanwhile place the butter, sugar, 

egg, almonds and extract in a 

large mixing bowl. 

Whisk together until smooth and 

place to one side. Peel one of the 

pears, core and chop then place 

to one side. 

Pre-heat the oven to 180c/350f/ 

gas mark 4. Fill the chilled case 

with baking beans and blind 

bake for 15 minutes. Remove the 

baking beans and return the case 

to the oven and bake for a further 

5 minutes or until golden. 

Once baked, remove the tart case 

from the oven and spoon the 

jam into the bottom of the case. 

Scatter over the chopped pear. 

Fold half of the berries into the 

frangipane and spoon over the jam 

and chopped pear. Smooth over 

with a spatula. 

Halve, core and slice the 

remaining 2 pears. Arrange the 

slices over the frangipane and dot 

the remaining blackberries around. 

Place the tart on an oven tray and 

bake for 30 minutes or until just 

risen and set. 

Allow to cool for a few minutes 

before removing from the tin and 

allow to cool on a 

wire rack. Serve 

warm with creme 

fraiche and 

berries or allow to 

cool completely. 

Dust with icing sugar and 

serve. 

clarencecourt.co.uk/recipes 


SPRING SALAD 

TAKE HAM AND EGG A LITTLE FURTHER WITH THE ADDITION OF 

CRUNCHY BRITISH ASPARAGUS, GRIDDLED GEM LETTUCE AND A CAPER 

DRESSING. FRYING HAM MAY SOUND A LITTLE ODD BUT IT WORKS 

AND IT’S ALL TOPPED OFF WITH A GLORIOUS SOFT BOILED 

CLARENCE COURT HENS EGG. 

PREP TIME: 5 minutes 

COOK TIME: 15 minutes 

SERVES: 1 

INGREDIENTS: 

150g British asparagus spears 

1 large Clarence Court Hens egg 

1 piece good quality ham 

½ little gem lettuce 

1 teaspoon baby capers 

1 tablespoon cold pressed extra 

virgin rape seed oil 

1 teaspoon cider vinegar 

Sea salt and freshly ground black 

pepper 

Handful rocket 

METHOD: 

Place a large frying pan or griddle 

pan on a high heat. Place a small pan 

of water on to boil. Click the woody 

stem from the asparagus and griddle 

the spears for about 5 – 7 minutes 

until just soft. Boil the egg to your 

liking, cool and peel. 

When the asparagus 

is nearly cooked. 

Add the ham 

slice and fry until 

golden and crisp. 

Add the lettuce 

to the pan cut 

side down and 

cook this too 

for around 2-3 

minutes. 

To make the 

dressing mix the 

capers, vinegar and 

oil in a large bowl and 

season. Add the rocket, 

cooked asparagus and 

little gem and toss well. 

Transfer to a plate and top with 

the egg and ham, spoon over any 

remaining dressing. 

www.clarencecourt.co.uk/recipes 

NEW 

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B R OUG H T T O Y O U B Y 

I N AS S O C I ATIO N W I T H 


come and Visit 

Droitwich Spa 

The historic town of Droitwich Spa 

is the perfect place to while away an 

afternoon... 

The spa town has been the site of a settled community for over 

2000 years and owes its existence to the Brine Springs which 

run beneath the town. If history is what you are interested in, 

then the Droitwich Spa Heritage & Information Centre is a must. 

Home to the Salt Museum and Droitwich Calling (an exhibition 

dedicated to Droitwich’s BBC radio heritage). Historic Guided 

tours of the town run on the second Saturday of the month from 

April to November and leave at 11am from outside the Heritage & 

Information Centre. 

The high street, with timber framed buildings dating back to the 

Medieval period, owes its charming wonky appearance to years 

of salt extraction. It features independent shops and cafes. For 

bargain hunters there are an abundance of charity and antique 


shops. If it is local produce you are after, Droitwich Farmers 

market is on the first Saturday of each month 9am-2pm. 

Droitwich Spa features a range of festivals throughout the 

year which remain very well attended by residents and visitors 

alike. With the Food and Drink festival in June and Salt Fest in 

September to name just a few. 

If you are looking for a more active pursuit, an impressive range 

of leisure activities are available. The Droitwich canal network is 

a haven for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Droitwich Spa 

Lido boasts a 40m outdoor pool, wet play area, sun terrace and 

café. Not only a wonderful place to spend a few hours on a sunny 

day-but those brave enough can also enjoy a cold-water swim 

throughout winter. 

The town is home to two well-maintained Green Flag parks. The 

Lido Park with its large children’s play area and vast green open 

spaces makes it the ideal place to bring children all year round. 

During the summer months the band stand is brought to life 

hosting the ‘Sunday Bands in the Park,’ concert programme. 

Droitwich Spa is a friendly and charming town offering a warm 

welcome to all those who visit. 

Open Daily 

subject to seasonal variations 

FLOWERS of 

ELEGANCE 

Luxury independent florist, providing flowers and 

arrangements for all occasions 

BASED IN DROITWICH SPA, IN THE 

HEART OF WORCESTERSHIRE 

Craft Centre & 

Farmhouse Restaurant 

Set in historic 200 year old barns 

Features 

12 Craft Units 

Gift Shop & Artists Gallery 

Hot & Cold Home-Cooked Food 

Real Ale House 

Landscaped Gardens 

Seasonal Events 

Private Functions 

Jinney Ring Craft Centre 

Hanbury Road 

Bromsgrove 

Worcestershire B60 4BU 

PINK AND RED MIX 

from £50.00 

DROITWICH SPA 

from £40.00 

Delivery within 10 miles from WR9 8EL 

Free shipping on WR9 postcode deliveries 

Contact us today 

01905 798888 

1 Gurneys Ln, Droitwich WR9 8EL 

www.flowersofelegance.florist 


For baby, toddler and you 

We design, sell, 

hire, make and 

repair ladies 

and gents hats 

for all occasions 

and seasons. 

Check out our website 

For more information and our online shop. 

www.hatscbyc.co.uk 

V 

M 

01905 412162 

info@hatscbyc.co.uk 

24 St Andrew’s Street, Droitwich Spa, 

Worcestershire WR9 8DY 

Hello! We are Nelly Noo 

We are a family owned local baby and toddler outlet in 

Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire. 

We specialise in new baby items ranging from 0-5 

years. Our suppliers range from well known high street 

names Ickle Bubba, Red Kite, Tommy Tippee and MAM, 

to the new names making their way in the industry with 

award winning products Pippeta and Hallie & Harlow. 

Whether you’re looking for buggies, 

clothing or accessories for your 

child we have lots of amazing 

products in store or online. 

We also have some beautiful 

gift ideas. 

Nelly Noo offers valet services 

for buggies, car seats and full 

travel system. We can also offer 

equipment hire for visiting friends & 

family. Making life easier for everyone. 

Gift vouchers available in store 

01905 772860 

20 St Andrew’s Street, Droitwich 

Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 8DY 

T: 01905 794900 E: sales@brownandfincher.co.uk 

www.brownandfincher.co.uk 

63-65 High Street, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 8EP 

• Laundry • Refrigeration 

• Dishwashers • Cooking 

• Floorcare 

• Small Appliances 

• TV & Entertainment 

Established for over 40 years, we 

have been serving Droitwich and 

surrounding areas with all kinds of 

Home Entertainment and Kitchen 

products for a generation. As members 

of Euronics we can help you find the 

right product to suit your pocket. 


Specialist in Servicing and Repair 

without main dealer costs 

FOR: ASTON MARTIN • JAGUAR • LAND ROVER • PORSCHE 

WE OFFER: 

• Factory trained technicians / master technicians with 

75 years combined experience 

• Purpose built facility in the Chateau grounds 

• Latest equipment, and diagnostics 

• Bodywork and MOT available 

We’ll give your pride and joy the attention and expertise 

it deserves. Get in touch with Mike or Laura to book your 

Service, MOT or Repair: 

01299 251444 

info@fisherperformance.co.uk 

Fisher Performance 

No1, The Old Works, Chateau Impney Estate 

Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 0FF 

Tel: 01299 251444 | www.fisherperformance.co.uk

WOOD 

Cuban White Star 

Tile - CTD Tiles 

Engineered 

Wood 

TILE 

The natural choice for bathrooms, tiles are also becoming 

more popular for living spaces - helping to connect indoor 

and outdoor spaces with uniformity. 

Wooden flooring has traditionally been the go-to choice 

for many households due the beautiful appearance of the 

colour and grain found in many tree species. It can make 

your home feel warm and add character to rooms no matter 

their size. 

Generally speaking, you 

can choose between 

two options - hardwood 

and engineered, both 

with their own inherent 

pros and cons. 

ENGINEERED VS 

HARDWOOD 

Fendi Herringbone 

by Havwood 

Engineered flooring 

consists of layers of ply 

that have been bonded 

together with a top 

layer of solid wood. The 

advantage of engineered 

flooring rather than solid 

wood is that it has less tendency to expand and contract – 

meaning that it can be used with underfloor heating and in 

areas where moisture and temperature levels may vary, such 

as kitchens. 

The significant advantage of hardwood flooring is that it can 

be sanded and refinished numerous times throughout its 

lifespan - because the top layer of engineered flooring is a 

wood overlay, there is a limit to the number of times it can be 

refinished - this is not true of hardwood, giving it real longevity. 

TAKE TO THE 

FLOOR 

Considering upgrading your flooring? We compare the 

pros and cons of different styles and most suitable uses 

• Hypoallergenic – Tile is inhospitable to dust mites, 

mould, germs, and bacteria and often used to replace 

carpet for people with allergies or asthma. 

• Impact resistant, and difficult to abuse or scratch 

compared to other coverings, a tiled surface will last. 

Porcelain tile is made of dense clay and put through 

a firing process which renders it harder than granite! 

There is no need for cutting boards or pot holders to 

protect tile countertops from damage. Even floors in 

high-traffic areas are no match for the durability of tile 

when properly installed. Properly installed, tile can last 

a lifetime. 

• Ceramic and porcelain tile do not emit 

VOCs and are created 

with naturally occurring 

clay and minerals that 

are heated to high 

temperatures, and 

contribute to its long life 

span. 

Briar Natural Loop, 

Westex Flooring 

CARPET 

First and foremost, a carpeted floor is a safer floor. The soft 

surface and cushioned under-padding not only reduce the 

impact of a fall, but also the likelihood of it happening in 

the first place. Carpet is inherently slip-resistant, meaning 

it’s harder to slip and fall. Carpet requires a bit of extra 

maintenance compared to vinyl or tile, but there’s simply 

no substitute in terms of sound absorption, warmth and 

overall comfort. 

Black Oak Boulevard 

Solid Wood - Junckers 

• When you’re choosing a new carpet, the most 

important thing to consider what type of carpet you 

are buying is what room you are buying carpet for. 

Different carpets suit different areas, and some are 

more hard-wearing to suit better areas like stairs. 

• Always opt for a good, thick underlay. As well as 

making the carpet feel more plush underfoot, it will 

also help reduce wear and tear. 

• Consider your usage carefully; if you have a busy 

household with pets and children, a bleachable carpet 

may be a more sensible option than pure wool. 


LUXURY 

VINYL TILE 

NATURAL 

STONE 

Amtico Spacia Stones 

Create an authentic wood, marble or stone finish instantly 

in your home in an affordable way. Ideal for your bathroom, 

kitchen or hallway; luxury vinyl tiles are practical, durable and 

easy to clean, and they are easy and cost-effective to fit. 

• The design layer of LVT is topped with a transparent, 

protective coating with a built-in stain guard and 

scratch resistance. As a result, LVT flooring is extremely 

durable and hardwearing, soft to walk on and even 

waterproof, making them ideal for areas like kitchens 

and bathrooms, or anywhere with excess water. 

• Provides warmth and cushioned feel underfoot. 

• The average lifespan of LVT is 25-30 years depending 

on maintenance, traffic and location. 

• As a robust yet versatile alternative to tiled and 

hardwood, LVT’s ability to replicate their designs to 

an intricate detail is much admired. Displaying the 

character, look and grain of wood flooring or the texture 

and feel of Italian slate tiles, LVT offers an affordable 

alternative. 

Marlborough Terracotta Herringbone - Ca’Pietra 

Natural stone is held in high regard as a premier building 

material because it reflects unique character, stability, and 

grandeur. It looks wonderful in heritage properties, but 

can also give depth and visual interest to newer builds. 

Variations in natural stone’s broad range of colour, pattern, 

and texture are wonderful to look at and impossible to 

replicate. 

• Pattina is the point - there are many surfaces which 

are designed to look the same on day one as day 

100 - natural stone is not designed to be that way. 

Materials like terracotta patina over time. 

• Stone can be a wonderful way to connect indoor and 

outdoor spaces with unified flooring - it helps create a 

sense of space. 

• Stone flooring is durable. It can stand up to spills 

and high traffic, making it ideal for kitchens, hallways 

and bathrooms. Stone is naturally moisture and stain 

resistant, unlike wood flooring. Even though the initial 

investment for stone flooring may cost more than 

carpet or vinyl flooring, it will last longer. 

• Natural stone is timeless. Since they’re not affected 

by ephemeral trends, these tiles will result in an iconic 

look that’s guaranteed to add value to your property 

regardless of when you decide to sell it. 

Karndean Art Design 

Jaipur Brushed Limestone - Mandarin Stone 


Francis of Malvern is a leading 

supplier of premium flooring 

and carpets in Malvern, 

Worcestershire. We pride 

ourselves in providing personal 

and quality service. 

We are constantly seeking 

out products that provide 

outstanding quality, durability 

and choice. We have recently 

partnered with Amtico and 

have invested in an impressive 

showroom display to inspire 

you. If you are looking for a 

new look for your home we are 

sure you will find your dream 

floor amongst the 3 vast and 

inspirational collections. Our 

fitters are trained and fully 

qualified to fit Amtico to the 

highest of standards, too. 

We believe the hallmark of any 

successful business is its service. 

We provide a complete turnkey 

service from consultation and 

measuring to delivery and fitting. 

Whether you’re looking for 

modern or traditional flooring 

our experts will discuss your 

needs and find a style and 

product that suits you. We 

offer everything from LVT and 

hardwood flooring to bespoke 

carpets at competitive prices. 

FLOORING STORE 

Unit 11D Spring Lane, 

Malvern WR14 1AL 

01684 573823 

OPENING HOURS 

Monday - Friday 

8:30am - 5:00pm 

Saturdays - 

9:00am to 4:00pm

Amazing 

Glazing 

Of any investment in your property, your glazing is arguably 

the most important - from improving the energy efficiency of 

your home to creating dramatic focal points that frame a space. We’ve got 

a guide to options out there and some top elements to look out for. Before 

starting any project though, check local building regulations - especially 

if you live in a listed property or conservation area, where there may be 

restrictive covenants on the works you can undertake. 

UPVC WINDOWS 

UPVC windows have come on leaps and bounds, 

with many more colour options, plus a raft of finishes 

to imitate wood and even composite finishes for that 

extra touch of luxury. 

Replacing older double glazed units is likely to save 

you greatly on energy bills. Triple glazing adds that 

extra layer of insulation - both for heat and sound, 

ideal if you live on a busy road. 

When looking at energy ratings, you’ll also see the 

‘U-Value’. U-Value is a measure of how easily heat can 

pass through something. The lower the amount of heat 

the material lets escape, the higher the U-Value will be. 

Some windows might have a high energy rating, but 

low U-Value. This is because the energy rating looks 

at all aspects of the window, including the types of 

glass or gas, and not just how well the materials 

insulate, so they might be better overall. 

ROOFLIGHTS AND LANTERNS 

If you really want to let the light shine on in, roof lights and lanterns 

make an amazing impact. Under similar conditions, roof windows are 

shown to provide at least twice as much light as vertical windows of 

the same size. 

Struggling to decide between the two? The biggest difference 

between a roof lantern and a rooflight is their appearance and cost, 

both from an interior and exterior point of view. Flat rooflights are 

barely visible at a ground level whereas roof lanterns provide an 

impressive addition to the architecture of your property. If you’d like 

a roof glazing system that is also a focal point, then a roof lantern 

is most definitely for you. An integral part of a large section of any 

roof, such as an orangery, roof lanterns can also be installed onto 

conservatories and flat roof extensions. 

A rooflight, on the other hand, is a glazed flat unit typically installed 

onto a flat roof, perfect for stargazing at night! It is a great option for 

making your living space look much more spacious and open-plan – 

whilst maximising the amount of natural light for smaller living spaces 

without compromising the height of your roof. 

Historically roof lanterns were first used by the Victorians and therefore 

tend to be an architectural feature of older style properties, whilst 

rooflights are a more modern feature and therefore stylistically neutral 

no matter what property type you own. 

BI FOLDING DOORS 

Origin Doors - Image courtesy of Village Conservatories 

The quality of bi-folding doors can vary dramatically - online 

suppliers can rarely offer the same installation guarantees 

as traditional glazing companies, so you really need to 

understand what you’re buying. Be aware too that the everdiminishing 

sightliness on doors put additional pressure on 

the sliding mechanisms - especially if your glass panels are 

large. It’s always best to go for longevity of function over 

saving a few millimetres of frame. 

Never choose UPCV bifolds - aluminium doors are far more 

robust and do not shrink and expand. 

Origin are market-leaders offering robust build quality and are 

manufactured in the UK. They have both slimline and thickerframed 

doors for wider expanses of glass - we also love the 

industrial look of the glazing bars for that Crittall look. Find out 

more at origin-global.com 


• DOORS 

• PATIO DOORS & BI-FOLD DOORS 

• REPLACEMENT WINDOWS 

Genuine OAP discount 

Contact us for a FREE no obligation quotation 

Phone: 01905 830721 

Email: info@rhinowindowsanddoors.co.uk 

Website: www.rhinowindowsanddoors.co.uk 

Luxury Living in Warwickshire 

YOURS TO OWN 

Fully Furnished Homes 

Find Your Dream Park Home 

in the Heart of the English Countryside 

Pet-Friendly Park 

Nestled just on the edge of the Cotswolds, Marston Edge provides a 

luxurious lifestyle for the over 50’s in a private secure park amongst 

a close-knit community. 

visit www.avon-estates.co.uk/mp | call 01789 334603 

Part of Avon Estates 

Beautiful Rural Location 


A GARDEN rethink 

In this edition, our regular 

contributor Matt Biggs discusses some 

nature-friendly options on how to 

transform our front garden spaces... 

The last few years have certainly thrown some challenges up 

about the way we use, and want to use, our gardens. Scorched 

lawns, hosepipe bans, floods and lockdowns, it has been a tricky 

time so now is the moment to take a step back and take another 

look at what we want from our outdoor spaces. 

It is all too easy to give in the ‘concrete it over and use it as a 

car park’ option and indeed front gardens are increasingly being 

used as such, but what a waste of a potentially attractive and 

even productive space. Birds and insects don’t love concrete 

and it also adds to the flood problem by offering no drainage so 

heavy rains run off directly into the gutters and can cause ‘flash 

flooding’. If you really need the space for a vehicle then consider 

using a material that will drain, a honeycomb of recycled plastic 

is available which gives strength and allows parking but the 

centre of the honeycomb is earth, and once it has been in place a 

while plants and grass will establish themselves so it looks softer, 

drains and gives birds and insects a little space too. Plant flowers 

round the edges, a hedge rather than a fence, some pots or 

hanging baskets maybe a small fruit or berry bearing tree, some 

water or even a birdbath - all of these are giving back to nature 

rather than taking away. 

Our outdoor spaces are ours to use, 

but also to share and if the past few 

years have taught us anything it is 

that we share our world with so many 

other creatures and they give back so 

much to us, so let’s return the favour! 

You don’t have to do all the hard work 

yourself, local garden centres, nurseries and landscapers have so 

much expertise they can share. Radio and TV programmes, the 

internet, books and magazines are all there for inspiration – so 

tap into to what is on offer and look forward to seeing who comes 

to share your space! 

To find out more about Matt visit his website 

matthewbiggs.com 

FIREPLACE GALLERY 

FIRES & STOVES 

Whether your fire is for 

warmth or a feature, 

traditional looking, 

modern or bespoke The 

Fireplace Gallery has a 

fire to suit your home. 

With 2 large showrooms to 

visit for inspiration, and an 

experienced sales and installation 

team, we can supply and create 

exactly what you are looking for. 

• Gas Fires 

• Electric Fires 

• Woodburning Stoves 

• Multifuel Stoves 

• Mantle Pieces, 

Surrounds and Beams 

• Bespoke Media Walls 

• Own Installation Team 

• Fire Servicing 

- CHELTENHAM SHOWROOM - - GLOUCESTER SHOWROOM - 

01242 680076 01452 290155 

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

Email: sales@fireplacegalleryfires.co.uk 

WWW.FIREPLACEGALLERYFIRES.CO.UK 

7A Northbrook Road, Gloucester GL4 3DP 

Email: glos@fireplacegalleryfires.co.uk 


Help for Those who 

Care for Others 

Professor June Andrews discusses what 

makes a carer, and how her new book 

‘Carers and Caring’ can give some much 

needed advice to those who find themselves 

looking after a friend or loved one... 

Who are carers? To those who have 

a relative or friend that they care for, 

it might seem odd that this is even a 

question. It needs to be asked for two 

reasons. First, because sometimes the 

people who do it as part of their job 

are also sometimes called ‘carers’. And 

second, because family and friends who 

do caring work often say that they are not 

‘carers’. You may be a family member or 

friend who rejects the idea of being called 

a ‘carer’. 

Even if you don’t recognise that as 

yourself, you may be one those people 

who provide care as an act of love, 

loyalty, duty, kindness – or even by 

accident – looking after an ill, older, or 

disabled family member, friend, partner, 

or someone in your community. It may 

be a few hours a week or round the clock 

every day, in their own home or from a 

distance. 

My aim to help people see advantages of 

allowing others to call you ‘a carer’. What 

others say doesn’t change your personal 

relationship, and I believe you must allow 

them to use this label. This is because 

a lot of the outside help that is on offer 

is only available to anyone defined as a 

carer. And you deserve that help. 

Obvious examples are when health 

and social services talk about ‘Carer’s 

Allowance’ and ‘Carer’s rights’. This 

language used in their regulations, laws 

and administration is an imposition, 

but both you and to the person you are 

caring for could benefit hugely from this 

support. Acknowledging that you have a 

caring role opens the door. Keeping your 

identity as husband, daughter, wife, son, 

friend, neighbour or relative is important, 

but if you allow yourself to be known in 

addition as their ‘carer’, it just makes life 

easier. No one likes being labelled, but 

there is a good reason to be pragmatic 

about this definition. 

This is why I’ve written a book just for 

carers. The aim is to save you time and 

reduce the cost of caring by advising 

on common problems and ways round 

the system, and sources of help. Carers 

need practical advice that is easy to read 

and based on experience and evidence. 

Official processes are 

complicated, and it can 

take time to search for 

answers, being referred 

from pillar to post, when 

dealing with health and 

social care systems. 

My focus in “Carers and 

Caring” is on people 

caring for older, frailer 

friends and family. Many 

of the problems are similar 

for people who care for younger people, 

people with complex health needs or 

children, but there are very important 

differences. 

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

part of human life to care for others, and 

for many people the involvement is a 

source of great happiness. It is a chance 

to give back to people who have given 

of themselves all their lives. If you are 

having such a wonderful experience, you 

might wonder why the focus is on where 

things have gone wrong, are difficult, or 

could be made better. That’s because 

this book is about when things are tough. 

The ‘Joy of Caring’ is maybe the next 

book for me to write! Highlighting and 

offering solutions to the tough stuff is 

intended make your caring experience 

less difficult now, allowing more space for 

the joyful stuff. You are the expert on this 

person and how they live. But 

even an expert needs some 

fresh ideas occasionally. 

There is more on my website 

at www.juneandrews.net 

including an A to Z of caring. 

The book is here 

https://juneandrews.net/ 

books/carers-and-caringthe-one-stop-guide 


extra care 

retirement 

accommodation 

Coming soon... 

We are excited to announce that 

Albion Meadows, a new retirement 

development, will be available in the 

Autumn of 2023. 

Albion Meadows is situated in the delightful village of 

Hanley Swan, Worcestershire and comprises of one and two 

bedroomed apartments offering independence with the added 

comfort of 24hour support in a beautiful countryside setting. 

Albion Meadows has been developed by the Darwent family 

who have a strong history in care and the ethos that people 

should be cared for as we would our own family, with dignity and 

respect. This is reflected in the neighbouring care home Albion 

Lodge Retirement Home that was established in 1985 by Colin 

and Jean Darwent. 

At Albion Meadows we aim to create homes that have strong 

links with the surrounding community and a real sense of 

belonging. The development itself is nestled in Hanley Swan, a 

quintessentially English village with a duck pond, well stocked 

shop, and thriving pub. The village itself located near to the 

historic Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as 


well as the excellent Three Counties Show Ground. Nearby is 

also the delightful riverside town of Upton-Upon-Severn with the 

M5 close at hand. 

The aim of this community is to provide well-appointed homes 

rooted in the surrounding countryside with spacious balconies, a 

secret garden, and easily accessible walks in the meadows. The 

apartments themselves have practical living at their heart, with 

easy access shower rooms, a separate utility, ample storage 

space and flexible rooms. All appliances come as standard and 

are from high end brands. There will also be an owner’s lounge, 

hairdressers, restaurant and gym on site. 

To register early interest and more information, please 

contact Sarah at sales@albionlodge.co.uk who will be happy 

to help. 

Albion Lodge 

Retirement Home 

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

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

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

What we offer 

• 24 hour care • Period property • Village setting 

• Two acres of lawns • Special baths 

• Disabled access vehicle • Three lifts 

• Respite rooms pre-bookable 

LUNCH CLUB AVAILABLE 

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

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

Quality care in 

Worcester 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 Perry Manor care home in Worcester, a CQC rated 

‘Outstanding’ home, 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 Perry Manor 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 Perry Manor are proud to have achieved some great 

results in the recent relative survey, in fact 94% of families feel 

their loved ones are treated with kindness, respect and dignity^. 

Once their relative has settled into Perry Manor they are able 

to focus on spending quality time with them again just enjoying 

each other’s company. 

With the extra support that Perry Manor 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. 

Perry Manor 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. 

Perry Manor care home 

Charles Hastings Way, Worcester WR5 1ET 

careuk.com/perry-manor 

Shilpa.odedra@careuk.com 

01905 887550. 


*As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care 

Inspectorate in Scotland. 

^Care UK relative survey March 2022/August 2022. Study operated by QRS 

Market Research, an independent survey agency. 

Ledbury Nursing Home 

Market Street, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 2AQ 

Nursing Care 

Respite Care 

Disability Care 

Whether your needs are nursing or residential, we 

will provide the care you deserve by tailoring your 

daily support around you. 

Let us enable you to continue living a full and wholesome life. Whether you want to continue 

with your hobbies or try something new, develop new friendships or nurture existing ones or you 

just need to feel safe and secure in the knowledge that we will be with you 24 hours a day. 

For more information call us or visit: 

01531 637600 

www.shaw.co.uk/ledbury 

We are the UK’s largest employee-owned healthcare provider 

shawhealthcare www.shaw.co.uk @shawhealthcare 


Advertisement Feature 

Quality care in a place you can call home 

At Perry Manor, Care UK’s Outstanding*-rated care home in Worcester, we 

deliver high quality residential, dementia, nursing and short-term care. We also 

offer a specialist care suite for residents living with neurological conditions. 

As the UK’s most awarded large 

care provider, Care UK delivers 

high quality care that’s all about 

enabling you to enjoy the lifestyle 

you want. We support you to be 

who you’ve always been, or who 

you want to be, shaping your care 

and lifestyle to suit your interests, 

needs and preferences. 

More like family 

Our team receive the latest 

training in all aspects of care. Our 

partnership with the Association 

for Dementia Studies at Worcester 

University means we stay up to 

date with the latest dementia 

care approaches, and a Dementia 

Champion in each home supports 

all colleagues to deliver high 

quality care. 

Above all, our team is passionate 

about supporting you to live life 

to the full. There’s a variety of 

activities, entertainment and 

outings to enjoy every day at Perry 

Manor. So, whether you’d like to 

continue enjoying a lifelong hobby, 

discover a new interest, make new 

friends or simply look forward to 

being pampered, Perry Manor has 

everything you need. 

Relax in luxurious surroundings 

Perry Manor is a stunning, 

purpose-built home offering 

a wealth of superb facilities, 

including a hair salon, cinema, pub 

and café. And if it’s peace and 

quiet you’re after, we have plenty 

of comfy lounges and restful 

alcoves where you can relax with 

a favourite book. Each en-suite 

bedroom is beautifully furnished, 

with our ground floor rooms 

enjoying private patios. If you’re 

a gardener or simply love the 

outdoors, we have lovely gardens 

to explore too. 

Trust us to care 

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering 

high quality, person-centred care 

for over 40 years. What’s more, 

we have more ‘Outstanding’-rated 

homes than any other provider. 

That’s why over 8,000 families 

across the country trust us to care 

for their older loved one. 

To find out more about care at 

Perry Manor care home please call 

us on 01905 887550. 

Perry Manor care home 

Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, 

Worcestershire WR5 1ET 

careuk.com/perry-manor 

*As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland.

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“What could possibly be more rewarding 

than helping and supporting others?” 

Tired and lacking fulfilment from her corporate career, Bev Martin knew she needed a shift in 2021 after years of high pressure had 

From her own experience of going through a cancer diagnosis, all the treatments and therapies to survive the illness, Louise Broad 

caught knew up she with needed her. to Now focus with on a helping newly others launched through social their care dark enterprise, and lonely Bev days. offers It took care several and support years of to training older and in therapies, disabled positive people in 

Cherwell. mental health Bev has and been meditation supported techniques, by social to enterprise realize her Community ambition. Now Catalysts with her through newly formed a project ‘not funded for profit’ by organisation, Louise offers 

Oxfordshire services to County enable and Council. support vulnerable adults throughout Worcestershire. She is supported by social enterprise 

Community Catalysts through a project funded by Worcestershire County Council. 

“Wellbeing and social care had interested me for a long time, but I didn’t fully know how 

“Mental to bring health it to life and – well-being or how diverse have interested working in me care for so and many wellbeing years. I actually knew I wanted is. to do 

something; I just Luckily, didn’t know Community how to make Catalysts it real. was Thankfully, there to Community help.” Catalyst Launa was 

right there with me. I didn’t really know what to expect from the scheme but from the very first 

meeting I felt motivated, enabled and even more passionate with full focus on wanting to succeed 

Community Catalysts offers free support to individuals who wish to set up their own social 

in helping others.” 

enterprise or work on a self-employed basis to provide care and wellbeing services. 

“When someone referred me to Community Catalysts, they told 

me 

Community 

the scheme 

Catalysts 

would change 

offer free 

my 

support 

life,” said 

to individuals 

Bev, “and it 

who 

really 

wish to 

set up their own social enterprise or work on a self-employed basis to 

has.” 

provide care and wellbeing services. 

Within a matter of months Bev established My Bright Space, a 

support 

Moonstone 

service 

Support 

that provides 

Services 

wellbeing 

had been 

care, 

created 

emotional 

and had 

support 

just been 

awarded its first grant (through the National Lottery Fund), which would 

and hypnotherapy to adults in the county, as well as personal 

pay for the organisation of ‘Strictly Memories’, inter-generational music 

assistance. “People sometimes have long-held, negative selfperceptions 

or beliefs, and it’s incredibly rewarding to work 

and dance events, throughout 2023. 

together However, to create Moonstone positive was change,” destined said to offer Bev. more and this is where 

Launa’s’ input was invaluable. Louise now offers Companionship 

“It wasn’t just the practical support I received from Anita, 

and Home Assist Services, Text and Call Befriending Services and 

Oxfordshire Community Catalyst, that helped – it was the 

Independent Advocacy Services. These sit alongside activities and 

encouragement 

workshops to 

that 

encourage 

made a 

and 

difference. 

enable people 

Knowing 

to 

someone 

focus on 

had 

solutions, 

faith not in problems. me and my She enterprise incorporates was life-changing.” 

healing, meditation and resilience 

techniques into the educational programmes she runs too. All her 

Bev has also connected with a network of other caring people 

services aim to prevent isolation and loneliness and to promote social 

in the 

inclusion. 

county. Meaning she not only has access to greater peer 

support but if she’s unable to provide the right level of care to 

someone “There at have this been time, a she handful can refer of people them on that to have someone encouraged more and 

suitable. supported the Moonstone vision and Launa, the Community Catalyst 

for Worcestershire is one of those key people. She has shared her 

wealth of knowledge, connected “It’s me to exciting a network to of be other part caring 

of people such a key and community organisations 

support throughout network.” the county and the 

UK and directed me with regard 

If to you the might standard be interested of my policies and 

procedures. in setting up It’s your an own exciting time 

for community Moonstone.” enterprise 

offering care and support 

you can find out more 

If you are interested in setting up 

by contacting Anita 

your own community enterprise 

offering 

Wingad, 

care 

Oxfordshire 

and support you 

can Community find out more Catalyst by contacting 

Launa directly on Brooks, a.wingad@ Community 

Catalyst communitycatalysts. on 07741260676 

or co.uk or email text or phone launa.brooks@ 

communitycatalysts.co.uk 

07341 425 126 

care and 

Offer 

in 

support 

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Cherwell 

professional to 

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advice Free 

up as selfemployed 

or running 

help you set 

your 

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own small enteprise 

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Find out more 

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FREE 

Anita Wingad 

Oxfordshire Community Catalyst 

Find out more 

FREE 

a.wingad@communitycatalysts.co.uk 

Launa Brooks 

07341 Worcestershire 425 126 

facebook.com/CommCatsCherwell 

Community Catalyst 

by County Council 

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Oxfordshire 

by run and 

To To find find out out more about the services on offer in Worcestershire 

Oxfordshire 

visit: visit: https://www.smallgoodstuff.co.uk/oxfordshire/ 

https://www.smallgoodstuff.co.uk/worcestershire/ 

32 Cherwell Lifestyle

Malvern Living Mar - Apr 2023

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